My new design client wanted a list of modern living room ideas.  They were ready for a makeover from top to bottom.  This was one of the more enjoyable decorating projects of the year!  I would love to walk you through the design process step-by-step using my 5 step design plan.

Let me show you a before and after photo to give you an idea of everything that changed in this room, and what modern living room ideas were at the top of the list.

Modern Living Room Ideas

When I first took a look at the living room, what stood out from the beginning was the two open spaces flanking the sides of the fireplace.  I like symmetry in my room designs, and a television on one side, and two bookshelves on the other side, really threw me off.

The pine fireplace mantel did nothing to highlight the stone.   The living room paint color made this area dark and uninviting.  And, overall they were looking for modern living room ideas, and this room design leaned towards traditional with a splash of contemporary.

Following the 5 Key Steps to Decorating a Room

There were two things that needed to be painted in this room; one was the living room walls, and the other was the fireplace mantel.  I tackled the mantel first.

I painted the mantel with chalk paint, and then added a coat of polyurethane.

Step One – Living Room Paint Colors

Choosing paint is harder than getting kids to clean their room.  I’m just saying, you’re not alone when it comes to the overwhelming task of choosing the right paint color.

What I didn’t like about the paint color in the room, was there was too much brown going on in the entire room.  You have to have a color contrast when designing a room.  Too much on one color makes a boring room.

This was the color I chose for the living room.  I love it!  I actually painted my husband’s office this color!  I have a hint of green mixed with the perfect amount of gray!

Step 2 – Furniture

Unfortunately, many times what dictates furniture placement is television placement.  I discussed with my clients having the television mounted about the fireplace would be the best option.  The husband was thrilled because it meant he needed to purchase a new and much larger t.v.  (I do what I can for the husbands)

Coming up with different living furniture layout ideas, can at first seem daunting, but there are three things to always consider:

Three Essential Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

1.  Your focal point – this is usually your fireplace or television, or in this case both.
2. Traffic pattern – how many different traffic paths will you have in your living room, are there several paths, or maybe just one or two.  Placing your furniture for easy traffic flow is essential.
3.  Seating – How many people do you want to be able to sit comfortably in your living room?  Are there plenty of tables to place drinks and food?

For this living room design, there was only one entry into the room, so we placed a couch on one wall and a love seat on the opposite wall.  Two leather occasional chairs were placed in front of the fireplace.

One of the most expensive pieces of furniture was the two large glass-encased bookshelves.  But, what a difference they made. There is no question if they ever decide to sell the house, the new homeowners will want them left behind!

Instead of a wood or glass coffee table, a tufted ottoman with a splash of color was absolutely perfect!  I threw the teal color in another design element (I’ll chat about that soon).

The two living room end tables had a more rustic feel to them, but the beautiful wood color made for a great choice.

Step 3 Window Treatments

My clients already had roman shades, in a dark brown fabric.  Roman shades are one of the most expensive window treatments to have made, due to the time-consuming construction.  When designing a room for a client, I always make a list starting with the most important items to complete down to the least.  Budgeting is key!  We opted to work with the roman shades for now, and save the money for other important decorating items.

Step 4 Wall Decor

As a decorator, choosing wall decor for another person can be difficult.  Especially, when trying to choose artwork for someone.  Choosing artwork is personal, so I will always interview my client first, about likes and dislikes.  Then I will offer several choices of artwork for them to decide upon.

One wall decor item I will use in almost any room is a mirror.  Mirrors reflect light and make a room look and feel larger.  Placing a mirror on a wall opposite a window is best.  Don’t under scale your mirror choice.  And, try to find one with character.  Whether it is a scalloped mirror like the one above or a mirror with a unique wood frame, make your mirror a piece of art.

Step 5 Accessorizing

Accessorizing is by far my favorite part of decorating!  I never know what I will find!  My favorite places to shop are HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx, and Etsy.  I really want a client’s room to be unique and special.  Most of my staple accessories are candles, greenery, things that shine!

I found a really cool glass bottle candle holder and used battery operated votives that turned on and off with a remote!  Love them!

I placed a large silver and glass round tray on the teal ottoman.  I used my rule of “decorating in 3’s” and filled the tray with pretty accessories.

I am really picky when it comes to choosing my lamps.  I want each lamp to be unique and make a statement.  The glass balls in the lamp above mimic the glass bottles and marry the two together.  The lamp really helps to pull together all the modern living room ideas.

This silver lamp had a lot of detail in the base, and again, reflected light beautifully.  I learned that from Candice Olsen!  Love her!

One of the things that I did not expect to make such a difference was the fireplace screen.  But, once I placed it against the stone, it was probably one of my favorite accessories in the entire room.  The rugged rock paired with a glamours fireplace screen was the perfect marriage.

The circle on the fireplace screen added another modern touch to the room.

 

Need help with Custom Drapes?

Click over to our post about “Virtual Fabric Consultation” help.  We can help you choose the right fabric and the right drapes for any room.

So, if you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you already know I am a house stalker.  I can’t help it!  I drive all around middle Tennessee visiting design clients.  One of the perks is the exploration of uncharted roads, and discovering beautiful homes.  What I absolutely cannot resist is passing a new subdivision, and seeing a sign that reads “Model Home Open”.

Last week, Alice and I visited a beautiful model home in Nolensville.    It was located in a subdivision called “Woods at Burberry Glen”.  These homes are built by The Jones Company.  Well, just pulling in the driveway was a delight!  The home had a beautiful front porch with black rockers just waiting for someone to sit and have a chat! 

When we entered the home, the first room caught my eye.  Large barn doors were hung in the entrance to an office.  Sigh.  I love barn doors!  Then we entered the great room which spilled into the dining room and kitchen.  The vaulted ceiling had stunning wood beams!  Large windows let the sunlight spill into the space and made you feel instantly at home.  

I love the open floor concept.  Several different activities can take place while still keeping everyone together. When so much time is spent in the kitchen, having an open floor plan helps to not make someone feel ostracized from everyone else.

Now, what really made us girls squeal, was the kitchen!  I enjoy cooking, and I can cook.  But, Alice, is a cook!  And, this kitchen was right up her alley.  Alice immediately pointed out how the kitchen was designed perfectly for a cook.  The large island had a huge prep area, which is a top priority for any cook.   The refrigerator and stove were only steps away, making it easy and convenient during all stages of the cooking process.  

Loving The Open Floor Plan

The focal point of the living room was the large fireplace.  The bottom half of the fireplace was stoned from the hearth up until it met a beautiful wood mantel.  Shiplap continued the rest of the way up the fireplace.  The television was mounted above the mantel, allowing the focal point of the room to be in one spot.  

This home had a large master bedroom, with enough room for a sitting area.  (Great for moms to escape when possible!)  The upstairs had an expansive great room.  One side of the room was set up for television viewing, and the other was set up with a game table.  

Well, Alice and I left with a lot of ideas.  It didn’t help that this home was located in such a beautiful part of Tennessee!  If you are looking to go on a Sunday drive, I highly recommend a drive to Nolensville, and the Woods at Burberry Glen.  

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