modern living room

Much like the return of flared pant legs, the modern living room has made a strong comeback in the last decade. The days of strictly defined spaces are long gone, giving way to expansive, open-plan living areas where everything—casual conversations, cooking experiments, and weekend binge-watching marathons—happens simultaneously in one interconnected environment.

But what exactly defines a modern living room today? It’s not just sleek, cold, and minimalist as one might assume. As Cochineal Design’s principal, Sarah Sargeant, explains, modern interiors can be warm, stylish, and thoughtfully curated. ELLE DECOR A-List designer Augusta Hoffman further adds that true modernity blends historic design elements with a fresh and refined aesthetic, striking a balance between elegance and practicality. This can mean anything from midcentury influences to neutral palettes, chrome finishes, or raw concrete textures, all working together harmoniously.

If you’re searching for ways to craft your own modern living room, experts suggest combining function with visual appeal. According to Hoffman, the best modern interiors embrace minimalism while incorporating rich materials to create warmth and depth. Sargeant also emphasizes the importance of layering textures, tones, and design influences from different eras to achieve a truly unique, contemporary look.

To inspire your design journey, we’ve gathered some of the most captivating modern living room ideas from ELLE DECOR’s archives. Whether it’s striking light fixtures, inventive layouts, or bold statement pieces, this curated selection will help transform your space into the ultimate modern sanctuary for 2024.

1. Laid-Back

modern living room

One of the greatest aspects of a modern living room is that it doesn’t have to feel overly formal or rigid. Instead, it can be effortlessly inviting and adaptable for everyday living. Designer Augusta Hoffman perfectly captured this relaxed yet refined aesthetic in an Upper East Side apartment by incorporating a pair of Blasco Clichy swivel chairs. These stylish yet functional seating options instantly enhance the room’s laid-back vibe, making it ideal for entertaining, casual movie nights, or simply unwinding.

“I love these chairs because they introduce an element of ease and informality, which was exactly what my client wanted as a younger person who enjoys hosting friends,” Hoffman explains. A modern living room shouldn’t feel intimidating or overly curated—it should strike a balance between comfort and sophistication, ensuring that the space remains both visually stunning and effortlessly livable.

2. Patterned Living Room

modern living room

If you admire her films, chances are you’ll be just as captivated by her modern living room. Designer Alexandra Hayden masterfully translated Academy Award–winning actress Marisa Tomei’s appreciation for exquisite design into the heart of her New York City apartment, making her living room a true showpiece.

The space embraces an eclectic yet refined aesthetic, featuring a striking maximalist sofa adorned in an intricate Kuba textile, a sculptural amorphic floor lamp, and plush floor cushions in rich Dedar velvet. Every element reflects Tomei’s love for artful, statement-making pieces, creating a modern living room that is both visually compelling and undeniably inviting.

So, would you like to sink into this one-of-a-kind seating arrangement? We certainly wouldn’t hesitate.

3. Desert Retreat

modern living room

Renowned interior designer Nicole Hollis has a keen eye for crafting the perfect modern living room, and her work in this Indian Wells, California, desert retreat is a testament to that expertise. This space embraces a refined yet inviting ambiance, featuring a curved Vladimir Kagan sofa and plush puff lounge chairs, offering both elegance and comfort.

Whether you’re seeking a serene escape for quiet reflection or hosting an energetic gathering with friends, this modern living room effortlessly adapts to every occasion. The carefully curated design elements ensure that the space remains both sophisticated and functional, proving that modern interiors can be as welcoming as they are stylish.

4. Hard-Meets-Soft Living Room

modern living room

If your modern living room leans a little too stark or industrial, the easiest way to introduce warmth and softness is through a plush area rug. A wool and silk rug—like this exquisite design by Jan Kath—adds a cozy, inviting layer to the space, making it feel more welcoming and refined.

In a modern living room curated by Raëd Abillama, this thoughtful addition transforms the ambiance, balancing the room’s sleek, contemporary aesthetic with a touch of comfort and luxury. The right rug can define the seating area, provide textural contrast, and effortlessly enhance the overall visual appeal of a modern space.

5. Maximalist Chicago Living Room

modern living room

For those who embrace a more-is-more design philosophy, this vibrant prewar apartment in Chicago offers an abundance of inspiration. Designer Summer Thornton fully embraced boldness, crafting a space bursting with character, color, and luxurious details. Rich, jewel-toned seating adds depth and drama, while a striking pair of statement pendants from Urban Electric Co. enhances the room’s sophisticated allure.

To further elevate the design, Thornton incorporated a whimsical yet elegant wallcovering by de Gournay, bringing in a layer of artistic charm and refinement. Every carefully curated element in this space exudes personality, making it a true celebration of maximalist beauty and expressive interior design.

6. Marble Living Room

modern living room

A modern living room with a clean, delicate design will always exude timeless elegance. In Andrea and John Stark’s Hamptons home, the striking Azura marble fireplace wall becomes the focal point, effortlessly elevating the space with its refined aesthetic.

Flanked by a pair of stylishly arranged sofas, this thoughtfully designed modern living room invites intimate, face-to-face conversations with loved ones. The balance of symmetry and sophistication, combined with the warmth of the fireplace, creates an ambiance that feels both luxurious and welcoming, making it the perfect setting for relaxation or entertaining guests.

7. Eclectic Flair

modern living room

This late 1970s architectural gem in Venice, California—originally designed by Frank Gehry and later reimagined by owner Florian Marquardt—boasts a modern living room that masterfully blends bold contrasts with artistic flair.

A vintage Mario Bellini sofa adds a touch of timeless sophistication, while the sculptural cocktail table by Mike Ruiz Serra introduces a playful, organic element to the space. The combination of classic design and contemporary creativity results in a modern living room that is effortlessly stylish yet inviting. One can easily imagine Gehry himself appreciating the striking harmony of textures, forms, and materials.

8. Bold & Bright

modern living room

Srila Chatterjee and Mahesh Mathai have transformed their modern living room in Mumbai into a striking visual masterpiece, where bold aesthetics meet eclectic charm.

The deep purple walls set a dramatic backdrop, perfectly complementing an array of flea-market treasures that infuse the space with personality. A majestic tiger sculpture from Kerala adds a touch of cultural artistry, while a custom-designed ottoman and statement chairs anchor the room with comfort and style. The result? A modern living room that radiates warmth, creativity, and an effortlessly curated, one-of-a-kind appeal.

9. Statement Piece

modern living room

A modern living room becomes an artistic haven when a statement piece takes center stage. Architect Lee Mindel masterfully curated Darren Starr’s New York City loft, ensuring that every design choice accentuated its contemporary charm.

A striking spheric artwork by Jose Dávila commands attention, effortlessly transforming the space into a gallery-worthy masterpiece. The artwork’s bold presence harmonizes with the modern living room’s sleek lines and sophisticated ambiance, making it an unforgettable focal point. By framing an eye-catching art piece within the living space, the entire room exudes creativity, depth, and refined elegance.

10. Candy Living Room

modern living room

This modern living room in Yucca Valley, California, is a bold celebration of color and individuality. Designed by Another Human’s Leah Ring, it defies traditional neutrals and simple patterns, instead embracing a vibrant, eclectic aesthetic that makes a striking statement.

In this daring space, color isn’t just an accent—it’s the star of the show. Unexpected hues blend seamlessly with playful textures, creating a modern living room that feels lively, expressive, and refreshingly unconventional. This design proves that stepping outside the box can transform a home into a dynamic and visually captivating retreat.

11. Retro Living Room

modern living room

Renowned interior designer Cliff Fong approached the design of this 1927 Mediterranean-style mansion in Los Angeles with the precision and artistry of a master tailor, ensuring every detail felt intentional and refined. For this striking modern living room, the design journey began with an eye-catching, vibrant artwork by Stanley Whitney—a bold, dynamic piece that immediately commands attention and sets the tone for the entire space.

With its expressive use of color and form, Whitney’s artwork became the foundation around which every furnishing, texture, and accent was carefully curated. The result is a harmonious yet visually captivating environment where art and design seamlessly intertwine, creating a living space that exudes both sophistication and individuality.

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12. Rainbow-Toned Living Room

modern living room

According to the Paris-based interior design firm Uchronia, a truly exceptional modern living room is defined by bold motifs, vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and fluid, undulating lines. This philosophy comes to life in a stunning Haussmannian apartment in the city’s eighth arrondissement, where the designers sought to craft an interior that felt as enchanting and opulent as the inside of a jewel box—without excessive ornamentation.

To achieve this striking balance, ombré walls serve as the perfect foundation, setting a dreamy yet contemporary tone. Every detail in this modern living room is carefully considered, ensuring a visually rich and effortlessly elegant space.

13. Bold Silhouettes

modern living room

A modern living room doesn’t have to be all about clean lines and rigid angles—it can embrace fluidity and movement in design. In this stunning California retreat by Noz Nozawa, asymmetry plays a key role in shaping the space’s dynamic aesthetic. The standout feature is a Casey McCafferty cocktail table, an artful centerpiece that feels almost sculptural and alive, adding depth and intrigue.

Beneath it, a curvaceous François Dumas rug introduces both tonal warmth and textural contrast, creating a visually captivating foundation. This thoughtful layering of organic shapes transforms the modern living room into a space that is both effortlessly sophisticated and invitingly relaxed, proving that contemporary design can be just as expressive as it is functional.

14. Midcentury Modern Romance

modern living room

In today’s modern home, spaces are rarely confined to a single, defined purpose. The evolving nature of interior design encourages multifunctionality, where rooms seamlessly serve more than one role. Often, homeowners must decide whether to prioritize a dedicated dining area or a cozy living space—sometimes sacrificing one for the other. However, when square footage is limited, creative solutions can transform even the most overlooked corners into stylish, functional areas.

Interior designer Augusta Hoffman masterfully demonstrated this concept in her sophisticated New York City apartment, where she skillfully utilized an unused nook to create a charming, miniature modern living area. By thoughtfully incorporating compact yet elegant furnishings, she proved that even the smallest spaces can be both inviting and practical, reinforcing the idea that intentional design can make a home feel effortlessly cohesive and beautifully balanced.

15. Bold Tones and Graphic Prints

modern living room

Just as a grayscale palette can transport you to the era of classic silent films, bold colors and striking patterns firmly ground a space in the present-day aesthetic. In this modern living room of a Manhattan townhouse, designer Danielle Colding masterfully blends contemporary vibrancy with artistic form. A royal blue biomorphic sofa serves as the show-stopping centerpiece, its fluid shape adding a sense of movement and modernity.

Complementing it, graphic-print upholstered armchairs bring an undeniable energy to the space, ensuring there’s nothing remotely outdated or conventional about this design. This modern living room is a bold declaration that contemporary interiors can be both playful and polished, effortlessly bridging the gap between sophistication and creativity.

16. Industrial Interest Living Room

modern living room

Modern design isn’t confined to a single era—it thrives in every time period through innovation and creativity. In this modern living room of a Connecticut beach house, designers Amanda Jesse and Whitney Parris-Lamb drew inspiration from the Industrial Revolution, reinterpreting its aesthetic with a contemporary edge. The strategic use of metal and concrete creates a sleek, industrial framework, while the bright, airy layout allows earthy, muted furnishings to take center stage.

A stunning custom dining table by Jacob May and handcrafted chairs by Palo Samko elevate the space, proving that modernity is as much about craftsmanship as it is about concept. This modern living room perfectly balances raw materials with warm, inviting textures, offering a masterclass in blending industrial elements with timeless elegance.

17. The Old Meets the New

modern living room

A single bold statement piece can instantly define the aesthetic of a modern living room, setting it on a path toward innovation and contemporary elegance. In this West Hollywood pied-à-terre, designer Andre Herrero of Charlap Hyman & Herrero introduced a striking steel double-height fireplace, cleverly concealing the client’s TV within a hidden compartment. The industrial-inspired material—reminiscent of spaceships and factories—cements the room’s futuristic appeal, reinforcing modernity through both form and function.

To maintain a fresh and dynamic balance, contemporary art plays a starring role, like an eyeball-shaped sculpture by Olivia Erlanger, strategically placed across from the fireplace. Interestingly, even choice antiques find their place in this modern living room, proving that when carefully juxtaposed with cutting-edge design elements, tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously.

18. Treasure-Filled

modern living room

Transforming a sleek, modern living room into a space that feels warm, inviting, and full of personality is all about incorporating the right accessories. Thoughtfully chosen decorative elements can infuse charm, character, and depth, turning an otherwise minimalistic space into a beautifully layered and welcoming retreat.

In this stunning Brooklyn townhouse, the talented team at Ishka Designs embraced this philosophy by curating an eclectic mix of intriguing ceramics, striking artwork, and carefully placed decorative accents. These curated details bring a sense of artistry and warmth, perfectly balancing sophistication with a relaxed, lived-in appeal. The result is a living room that feels effortlessly elegant yet undeniably inviting—proof that luxury and comfort can coexist in perfect harmony.

19. Shape-Shifting

modern living room

Say goodbye to boxy armchairs and rigid rectangular sofas—introducing furniture with bold, organic shapes is the perfect way to infuse a modern living room with visual intrigue and dynamic movement. The talented design duo at Ashe Leandro transformed a Park Avenue residence by incorporating a sculptural lounge chair from Move Mountains, effortlessly blending comfort with artistic flair.

To further elevate the space, they added a luxuriously plush custom sofa, upholstered in sumptuous Rose Uniacke wool, bringing in both warmth and sophistication. These carefully chosen curved elements soften the room’s aesthetic, proving that a modern living room can be both elegant and inviting while embracing fluid, unconventional silhouettes.

20. Height-Defiant Living Room

modern living room

If height and grandeur define a space, then James Williams and Jonno Burden’s modern living room is a perfect example of elevated design—literally. With a soaring 30-foot-tall ceiling, the duo masterfully emphasized verticality by installing custom clusters of light pendants, strategically drawing the eye upward.

The effect is nothing short of breathtaking, transforming the room into an airy, open sanctuary that feels both expansive and inviting. This clever use of lighting and scale showcases how a modern living room can achieve a sense of weightlessness and sophistication, proving that when it comes to great design, the only way is indeed up.

21. Mirror Marvel

modern living room

If traditional artwork feels too predictable for your modern living room, why not opt for a bold and unexpected twist? Jacques Grange transformed a Portuguese home by incorporating decorative mirrors, proving that reflective surfaces can be just as artistic as paintings.

This woven mirror arrangement doesn’t just add depth and character to the space—it also maximizes natural light, creating a bright and dynamic atmosphere. The strategic placement of multiple mirrors ensures that light bounces beautifully throughout the modern living room, making it feel larger, airier, and effortlessly stylish. It’s a masterclass in blending practicality with aesthetic appeal.

22. Textural Living Room

modern living room

Say it with us: A living room designed in neutral tones can be anything but dull. If you need proof, just take a moment to admire this effortlessly chic and inviting space by Cochineal Design. While some may associate neutral palettes with simplicity, this refined interior demonstrates how layering textures and materials can create depth, warmth, and visual intrigue.

Here, a beautifully curated combination of light wood accents, sumptuous cream bouclé upholstery, and striking high-contrast artwork breathes life into the muted color scheme. Rather than feeling flat or uninspired, the space exudes a sense of sophistication and comfort, offering a fresh and nuanced interpretation of a pared-back palette. This thoughtful design approach proves that neutral interiors can be just as dynamic, engaging, and stylish as their more colorful counterparts.

23. Plaid-Peppered Living Room

modern living room

Looking for an effortless way to breathe new life into a neutral color palette? The secret lies in introducing patterns that add depth, movement, and personality. In this impeccably designed downtown New York City residence, a carefully curated blend of browns, creams, and blacks serves as a sophisticated foundation, exuding warmth and timeless elegance. However, what truly elevates the space and prevents it from feeling too subdued is the strategic incorporation of bold, patterned elements.

A stunning set of vintage chairs upholstered in luxurious Sandra Jordan alpaca plaid brings a dynamic contrast to the otherwise muted surroundings. The subtle yet striking pattern injects energy into the room, proving that even the most neutral-toned interiors can feel fresh, engaging, and full of life with the right design choices.

24. Hip and Hanging

modern living room

Elevate the concept of sitting pretty by introducing a playful yet sophisticated swinging seat into your modern living room. The innovative minds at Workshop/APD transformed this family-friendly space with a striking hanging chair from Juniper Home, effortlessly adding a sense of movement and charm.

Paired with a low-slung, double-sided sofa, this dynamic seating arrangement fosters both comfort and versatility, creating a visually intriguing layout. The combination of floating elements and open design makes the modern living room feel brighter, more spacious, and effortlessly inviting, striking the perfect balance between whimsy and refined contemporary style.

25. Repetitive Living Room

modern living room

Why limit yourself to just one cocktail table and a single couch when you can create a layered, visually dynamic seating area? This modern living room in a chic Manhattan apartment embraces a curated mix of multiple furniture pieces, adding both function and artistic appeal.

By incorporating a variety of tables, sofas, and seating arrangements, the space achieves an upscale, gallery-like ambiance while ensuring a comfortable and versatile environment for entertaining. The thoughtful composition allows for seamless social gatherings, proving that a modern living room can be both elegantly refined and effortlessly functional at the same time.