8 essential tips for designing a modern living room

Introduce these design elements in your living room to create a sophisticated and comfortable space with a streamlined look
8 essential tips for designing a modern living room
Choose clean and sleek furniture for a modern living room. Photo credit: Tejas Shah/ Workshop Inc

The design of a modern living room revolves around the principle of ‘less is more'. Therefore the overall decor needs to incorporate minimum and functional furniture to create a fuss-free space. Here are eight design elements that can be skilfully integrated into your living room to give it a modern look.

Consider an Open-Plan Layout

In an open plan layout, you have the freedom of using the negative space effectively. Have a complimentary design scheme to give the space a uniform look. For instance, consider a similar colour scheme for both the dining and living, so that both the spaces seem unified. The best part of an open-plan design is that it creates a sense of spaciousness.

This layout makes the room look more spacious. Photo credit: Rohan Dayal/ Studio Wood

Let Natural Light In

Natural light and fresh air are essential components of a modern living room design as they make the space look bright and airy. Bring in adequate natural light and merge the outdoors with the indoors with large glass windows, French doors, sliding glass doors and glass walls with floor-to-ceiling glazing. You can adjust the intensity of light by choosing the right blinds.

Ensure natural light through large windows and glass doors. Photo credit:Sameer Tawde/ MuseLAB

Opt for a Neutral Colour Palette in Small Spaces

For small spaces, a neutral colour palette in shades of white, beige or muted grey are recommended. This is because light hues reflect maximum light and make a space seem larger. If a soft scheme seems too monotonous, you can break it by adding pops of colour via accent walls, or with soft furnishings like cushions, rugs, artworks, etc. Make sure that all the colours complement each other and give the space a balanced look.

Neutral colours are an important aspect of modern decor. Photo credit:Subhash Patil/ Sunil Patil and Associates

Buy Sleek Furniture

Choose comfortable, sleek and minimal furniture pieces. The upholstery may include materials like leather or natural fabrics in different textures. Avoid ornate furniture if you want a modern look, and pick pieces based on the size of your living room to prevent clutter.

Opt for furniture that is comfortable and functional. Photo credit:Shamanth Patil/ Weespaces

Choose Natural Materials

Natural materials like wood, bamboo and stone add warmth to a space and are sustainable too. These can be incorporated in wall accents, flooring and furniture in your living room to make it look modern yet inviting.

Natural materials add a touch of warmth. Photo credit: KdnD Studio

Have Built-in Storage

To keep your living room clutter-free, choose furniture pieces with built-in storage. These can be used to store anything that doesn't need to be seen or is not used every day. A book shelf, a TV unit with drawers, a couch with hidden storage are some ways to ensure there isn't too much stuff lying outside.

Ample storage space can conceal things that are not used every day. Photo credit:Biju Gopal/ Limehouse Design Studio

Add Metallic Finishes

Create a high-end, modern decor with polished metallic finishes like chrome and SS (stainless steel) within the mirror frames, wall accessories, pendant lights, steel tables and so on. These finishes can also be used on the door knobs, cabinet handles and photo frames to add uniformity.

Add high-end glamour through metallic touches. Photo credit:Ravi Kanade/ Kunal and Mihir Barve

Display Minimum Accessories

Showcase a large piece of abstract modern art on a wall instead of crowding the space with smaller paintings and wall accessories. Decorate the living room with sleek accent pieces and plants which also add softness into the space.

A statement decor piece is better than multiple, smaller ones. Photo credit: Ishita Sitwala/ ZERO9

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