9 Living Room Styles: What’s Your Favorite?
The living room is meant for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining. It’s typically where most of us go to read a book or magazine, watch television, entertain friends, or gather with family on special occasions. Today we’re looking at 9 different living room styles and I’d love to know which one is your favorite.
Above and below are examples of a transitional living room. Transitional is a mix of traditional and contemporary décor. It can be one of the hardest styles to define because there’s more than one way to achieve it. But generally speaking, it’s the pairing of classic and contemporary with a neutral color scheme.
Farmhouse style living rooms have been all the rage for the past five to ten years and rumor has it that it’s on its way out of fashion – according to some in the design world. Today’s farmhouse style is similar to country style but uses whites or a light neutral palette while combining rustic pieces with traditional styling. Above all, farmhouse style is practical and comfortable.
Favorite farmhouse pieces include slipcovered furniture (often in white or beige), wood finishes, and vintage, chippy furniture.
Old World style is a mix of European influences such as French antiques, English fabrics, or Spanish finishes like terra cotta. The look is comfortable while showing a bit of wear and tear. Antiques and vintage treasures pair with matte or distressed walls. Of the living rooms I’m featuring today, this one is my favorite. The velvet sofa, large artwork at right, plants and florals, along with a pair of puffy ottomans all pull at my heartstrings. The natural light through the mullioned door is an added bonus.
French country style has been popular for many years and will likely remain a treasured aesthetic in interior design due to its comfortable and casual approach that’s never ostentatious. When it comes to French country, think wood, natural materials, distressed and vintage furnishings, and softly patterned fabrics in muted tones.
On the less elegant side is a rustic living space with a gorgeous stone fireplace, expansive windows, and a wood paneled vaulted ceiling. Leather furniture and a rattan coffee table add to the rough-hewn vibe. Think of rooms you’d see in the mountains or cozy cabins with a camp vibe.
Shabby chic has a more feminine, romantic style that includes lots of white and pastel colors. Choose chippy, painted vintage furniture and slipcovers and pillows with plenty of ruffles. This style surged in popularity in the 1980s thanks in large part to Rachel Ashwell.
Country style encompasses a wide range of styles that can include all of the above options. It’s always casual and comfortable with personal treasures collected over the years. Pick up a copy of Country Living or Country Home magazines and you’ll see a little bit of farmhouse, French, English, rustic, shabby chic, even industrial styling.
Not as popular as some of the other interior design styles, Mid-century modern décor was an American design movement from 1945 to 1969. You saw this style a lot of you watched the Mad Men series.
Can’t decide which style you like best? You can always opt for an eclectic room that’s essentially a collage of furnishings. Combine old with new, mix and match patterns, pair a modern coffee table with a vintage velvet sofa. The key to this style is not to over-clutter, otherwise the look can be overwhelming. Choose things you love and let your personality shine through.
Just a reminder before you go – there’s still time to enter to win a handcarved charcuterie board from Old World Market. Visit the giveaway for more information. The winner will be announced here on the blog October 1st. You can also earn 20% off any purchase of Polder’s dreamware when using the code TOWNANDCOUNTRY at checkout.
See More Living Room Styles:
Modern English Style Living Room
9 Pretty Living Rooms in a Variety of Styles
A Fireplace for a Beautiful Living Room
14 Shabby Chic Living Room Ideas
I’ve been thinking about changing my living room around and I just received some great ideas. Great timing, thanks.
Love the one with the stone fireplace..although I’d prefer it in a more quaint room…that high ceiling makes the room look cold..These are all beautiful rooms though. I’m a white room person but need some color added in. Rooms where we crash to watch tv or wait for the snow to pass needs to be cozy with some warm fall shades and lots of pillows and blankets!
It seems like I always learn something from your posts, especially about styles. I also appreciate how you point out specific things to look for that I would have not noticed myself.
Thanks for including your own personal stories and experiences. It’s these touches that make your blog so special and relatable.
I mostly like Farmhouse, Country style, Country French and even Shabby Chic. I like things mixed up a bit. I also love the British Colonial style when done well. I don’t like Mid century modern having lived through the later period of that style lol. Although I do love some of the Wood Danish modern pieces.
I love Country Style. It is more cozy and personal.