Brief: Create an elegant and brightly colored living room with minimal decor. In addition, maximize seating options. Custom Archer Sectional from Interior Define became the main decor piece in the space. We carefully accented the unique Sapphire color with colorful geometric throw pillows, transparent table decor and walnut furniture. This new living room perfectly depicts this family's personalities and care for one another.

New Construction: A Residence

Cascade Lumber Company

Inspiration for a large midcentury open concept living room in Cedar Rapids with white walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and white floor.

Dwell House

User

Inspiration for a large midcentury formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Living Room

The Mine

Design ideas for a large midcentury open concept living room in Seattle with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv.

Private Residence

Dawn Dally Design, LLC.

Harvey Smith
Inspiration for a large midcentury formal open concept living room in Orlando with blue walls and carpet.

Fleetwood Distinguished Photos

Fleetwood Windows & Doors

Lucas Henning
Photo of a large midcentury open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, no fireplace and no tv.

Rosenwald House

Flavin Architects

This remodel of a mid century gem is located in the town of Lincoln, MA a hot bed of modernist homes inspired by Gropius’ own house built nearby in the 1940’s. By the time the house was built, modernism had evolved from the Gropius era, to incorporate the rural vibe of Lincoln with spectacular exposed wooden beams and deep overhangs. The design rejects the traditional New England house with its enclosing wall and inward posture. The low pitched roofs, open floor plan, and large windows openings connect the house to nature to make the most of its rural setting. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Bel Air Modern

Koffka Phakos Design

Landscape Design by Ryan Gates and Joel Lichtenwalter, www.growoutdoordesign.com
Design ideas for a large midcentury formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with concrete floors, white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, no tv and grey floor.

California Rancher and Pool House

LMB Interiors

The centerpiece of the house, into which the new entry leads, and off of which all other entertaining rooms connect, is the Mad-Men-inspired living room, with hideaway bar closet, sassy pop-of-color chairs in sumptuous tangerine velvet, plenty of seating for guests, prominent displays of modern art, and a grand piano upon which to play music of course, as well as against which to lean fabulously, resting one’s elbow, with a drink in one’s other hand. Photo by Eric Rorer

Baxter Boulevard Renovation

MGM Builders

After being vacant for years, this property needed extensive repairs and system updates to accommodate the young family who would be making it their home. The existing mid-century modern architecture drove the design, and finding ways to open up the floorplan towards the sweeping views of the boulevard was a priority. Custom white oak cabinetry was created for several spaces, and new architectural details were added throughout the interior. Now brought back to its former glory, this home is a fun, modern, sun-lit place to be. To see the "before" images, visit our website. Interior Design by Tyler Karu. Architecture by Kevin Browne. Photography by Erin Little.

Mountview

Benedict Design

Photographer: Mitchell Fong
Inspiration for a large midcentury open concept living room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a freestanding tv and brown floor.

Meadowbrook Farm - The Pembroke Model

Van Metre Homes

Photo of a large midcentury formal open concept living room in DC Metro with white walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a freestanding tv and brown floor.

Whole Home Custom Interior Remodel

RRS Design + Build, LLC

Allison Cartwright RRS Design + Build is a Austin based general contractor specializing in high end remodels and custom home builds. As a leader in contemporary, modern and mid century modern design, we are the clear choice for a superior product and experience. We would love the opportunity to serve you on your next project endeavor. Put our award winning team to work for you today!

Live Sawn - White Oak

Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring

Beautiful Living room with view of the forest. Connection with nature inside and out with the real wood sourced from PA to make the flooring. Flooring details: White Oak Live Sawn - FSC Certified. Sanded and Finished with Bona Clear

The Greenhills House

Turn Design

Living room Built Photo
Inspiration for a large midcentury living room in Portland with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv and grey floor.

Mid-Century Interior Remodel in El Segundo, CA.

Custom Design & Construction

Our homeowners approached us for design help shortly after purchasing a fixer upper. They wanted to redesign the home into an open concept plan. Their goal was something that would serve multiple functions: allow them to entertain small groups while accommodating their two small children not only now but into the future as they grow up and have social lives of their own. They wanted the kitchen opened up to the living room to create a Great Room. The living room was also in need of an update including the bulky, existing brick fireplace. They were interested in an aesthetic that would have a mid-century flair with a modern layout. We added built-in cabinetry on either side of the fireplace mimicking the wood and stain color true to the era. The adjacent Family Room, needed minor updates to carry the mid-century flavor throughout.

mid-century in marin

building Lab, inc.

Open living, dining, and kitchen. Scott Hargis Photography
Design ideas for a large midcentury open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

1 Greene Residence

GRO Architects

Design ideas for a large midcentury formal open concept living room in New York with white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace, no tv and grey floor.

Elegant Collection

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors

The ultimate choice for gracious living featuring Quartersawn White Oak flooring with a rich smooth look that is impeccably fashionable.
This is an example of a large midcentury enclosed living room in Boston with green walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and no tv.

Christensen Remodeling

Genesis Architecture, LLC.

Remodeling to 1956 John Randall MacDonald Usonian home.
Inspiration for a large midcentury living room in Milwaukee.

Large Midcentury Living Room Design Photos

A living room, often referred to as a lounge room in Australia and New Zealand, is the hub of the home. If you only have one living room in the house, it’s likely to serve multiple purposes: be it a place to watch TV, play games, spend quality time with family or hang out with friends. If you have the luxury of two living areas, one is usually a formal living room or lounge room, reserved for reading, relaxing and entertaining. A successful midcentury living room design is inviting, has enough seating for the whole clan – a comfortable couch is a must – and encourages conversation. Browse photos on Houzz for living room layouts, furniture and decor, and strike up a conversation with the interior designers or architects of your favourite picks. For even more midcentury living room ideas, check out the Stories section on Houzz.

Which midcentury living room layouts will work best for you?

Every living area will have design challenges. A long, narrow lounge room, for example, risks looking like a hallway if furniture is lined up against the walls. Instead, opt for small furniture items, like a cosy two-seater couch, and create various focal points throughout the space. In square living rooms, a symmetrical layout encourages a formal setting. Place seating on either side of the room, with a focal point in the middle to pull the room together. For a truly intimate vibe, replace your couch with some occasional chairs positioned around a coffee table or ottoman. This will make the main focus conversation. An open-plan home – one where the lines are blurred between kitchen, dining and living – may require a layout that focuses on definition. You’ll want to make sure furniture doesn’t block the flow between spaces, and instead use something like an area rug to create zones.

How can you decorate your living room?

The living room can be a place in which to show off your personality, but if you want a timeless living room scheme, stick to neutral walls, couches and ottomans. Colour can be added through accessories, and is a lot more interchangeable! Rugs, cushions and throws are great for adding colour, while mirrors, lamps and ceiling lights will set the mood. Make your midcentury living room unique by including family heirlooms and photos. For a polished look, try creating a coffee table vignette – you could use books as pedestals or group items together on a tray. Try adding a vase, a mixture of round and rectangular objects and some books.

What are some small living room ideas?

Small living room designs can be tricky to work with, but aren’t doomed to fail. Often, you just have to get creative with furniture. An open-back chaise can create a sense of spaciousness, while small side tables paired together can substitute a coffee table. Even better, an ottoman can be used as a footrest, coffee table or extra seating. Big furniture items like the couch are best kept in light colours, and if there’s room for a coffee table, a glass-top one is best. If you have two spaces in one – perhaps your midcentury living room sits in front of a single-wall kitchen – make sure they are connected by decor, colour and style. For definition, just add area rugs, or use your couch as a dividing wall. It’s worth having a few furniture pieces, whether a bookshelf, couch or entertainment unit, in the same colour as the walls, too, so they blend into the room and visually expand the space.

Is open-plan living for you?

Today’s homes often embrace open-plan living, whereby the living room runs off the kitchen and/or dining areas. Open-plan living allows greater functionality, but can risk creating a vast, soulless space if not done right. To avoid a cavernous feel in an open-plan design, define areas with furniture, rugs and lighting, or consider using a wall divider. Also be sure to keep flooring, lighting and materials consistent throughout, for cohesiveness. Noise may be an issue – someone banging pots and pans while you’re watching TV, for example – so include lots of soft midcentury furnishings, such as rugs, curtains and couches to help absorb the noise. You will also need to factor in plenty of storage, so mess is kept at bay.