Mid-Century Modern Living Room - Aliso Viejo

A Mondrian style wall treatment is infused with bright, bold colors and offset with walnut to set the stage for this mid-century modern living room. Photo by Jeri Koegel

Pugh Project // Living Room

Andrew Heiser

Inspiration for a midcentury formal open concept living room in San Diego with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a freestanding tv and beige floor.

Westchester Residence

JWT Associates

The original firebox was saved and a new tile surround was added. The new mantle is made of an original ceiling beam that was removed for the remodel. The hearth is bluestone. Tile from Heath Ceramics in LA.

Mid Century Ranch in Whittier

Steven Dewall Photography

© Steven Dewall Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury enclosed family room in Los Angeles with a home bar, light hardwood floors and multi-coloured walls.

Seattle Mid-Century Remodel/Addition

Ellen Weiss Design

Ellen Weiss Design works throughout the Seattle area and in many of the communities comprising Seattle's Eastside such as Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, Clyde Hill, Medina and Mercer Island.

Chelsea Townhouse

User

Emily Andrews
Design ideas for a midcentury formal open concept living room in New York with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors and a wall-mounted tv.

Living Room

Thayer Design Build

Midcentury living room in Other with multi-coloured walls, cork floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv, beige floor and wood.

Cedar Cove Modern

Flavin Architects

Cedar Cove Modern benefits from its integration into the landscape. The house is set back from Lake Webster to preserve an existing stand of broadleaf trees that filter the low western sun that sets over the lake. Its split-level design follows the gentle grade of the surrounding slope. The L-shape of the house forms a protected garden entryway in the area of the house facing away from the lake while a two-story stone wall marks the entry and continues through the width of the house, leading the eye to a rear terrace. This terrace has a spectacular view aided by the structure’s smart positioning in relationship to Lake Webster. The interior spaces are also organized to prioritize views of the lake. The living room looks out over the stone terrace at the rear of the house. The bisecting stone wall forms the fireplace in the living room and visually separates the two-story bedroom wing from the active spaces of the house. The screen porch, a staple of our modern house designs, flanks the terrace. Viewed from the lake, the house accentuates the contours of the land, while the clerestory window above the living room emits a soft glow through the canopy of preserved trees.

Rénovation d'un ancien logement sous combles, abandonné et squatté, en studio

charlotte DEREYMEZ

This is an example of a small midcentury living room in Other with multi-coloured walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Mid-Century Modern Vancouver Special

PlaidFox Studio

The terracotta-painted wood feature wall and the stone fireplace were both relatively cost-effective updates but they made a huge impact to the overall design look and feel. We replaced the original fireplace hearth with a long linear stone bench to add more entertaining functionality, such as seating and room for the homeowner's record collection. The original ceiling was an orange-pine so we replaced it with a white oak that spans the whole ceiling, elongating the room and making it feel more spacious.

Weston Residence

Choeff Levy Fischman, P.A.

Choeff Levy Designed a bespoke residence with indoor-outdoor concepts to achieve a resort-style living experience.
This is an example of an expansive midcentury open concept living room in Miami with multi-coloured walls, limestone floors, a built-in media wall and beige floor.

Eames Lounge Chair

US MLF

classic eames lounge chair
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury formal enclosed living room in New York with multi-coloured walls and light hardwood floors.

Lindenwood Custom

Mosier Luxury Homes

Large midcentury open concept living room in Austin with multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors, a corner fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

Un Grand salon cosy

Agence LALM

Germain SUIGNARD
Inspiration for a large midcentury family room in Paris with medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, no tv and multi-coloured walls.

Midcentury Living Room

Mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in San Francisco with multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Sennett Residence

Living Stone Design + Build

This is an example of a large midcentury enclosed family room in Other with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Westchester Residence

JWT Associates

Doors shown closed.
Mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Los Angeles with multi-coloured walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and no tv.

Highland Park Mid Century Remodel

Jennifer Garner Interiors

Photography: Michael Hunter
Mid-sized midcentury enclosed family room in Austin with medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and multi-coloured walls.

Mid-Century Modern Art Wall - Aliso Viejo

Cynthia Prizant - Prizant Design, LLC

The juxtaposition of wood grain and saturated, high gloss panels creates a dramatic statement in this fun, mid-century modern living room. Photo by Jeri Koegel

Mid Century Meets Tudor

mercer INTERIOR

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury enclosed living room in New York with multi-coloured walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Midcentury Living Design Ideas with Multi-coloured Walls

The best room for gathering with your family and friends in a cosy environment is your living room or family room. You want to hang out where the lounge furniture is the most comfortable and sofas or chairs create a sense of homeliness. Filling this important space with cheap furniture is unlikely to bring you the same long-lasting comfort as a quality chaise lounge or a couch. These choices will directly affect the quality of your evenings as you wind down from the daily grind. While planning a renovation or redesign, weigh up the priorities of seating, heating, an entertainment unit and bookcases. Identify your main activity in the room and and design around that. Many midcentury living rooms aren't complete without a fireplace, but if you can't accommodate that, invest in built-in or furniture that suits your home. Common trends include Danish furniture and other kinds of Scandinavian furniture. Plush sofas, recliner chairs and sofa beds will always be popular. Finally, when the big components are planned out, think about what colour scheme and decor will best suit you and your family. If needed, an interior designer can help here.

Should I include a fireplace in my living room or family room?

Depending on your climate, a fireplace might be a great way to add warmth and interest to your living space. Even if your location is warm year-round, you can always add a faux fireplace or nonfunctioning fireplace as part of your decor. There are many options to choose from, so be sure to check them out. A wood-burning fireplace gives an authentic experience, though a gas one still emits heat without the mess. A double-sided or corner unit strays from the ordinary, or you can go with a wood stove fireplace if you're looking for a piece of art. If you want a contemporary touch, veer away from the traditional wood or tile mantel by going with stone, concrete or metal instead.

What kind of built-ins should I add to my living room?

Although it might not seem glamorous, having enough storage is instrumental when it comes to keeping the room organised and practical. Built-in bookcases, shelves and cabinets are a great way to add hidden, functional storage for all the knickknacks you accumulate. Movie and gaming buffs will love a custom entertainment centre, with enough cabinets for movies, speakers and electronic accessories; you can even create a media room with a projector and lounge chairs! If you still have room to spare, include a booth for homework or craft projects.

How do I decorate my home interiors?

When it comes to decorating, neutrals are always the safe option because they look good and never go out of style. They also give any artwork you hang enough breathing space. If you do want to try out a bolder colour scheme, add colour with walls and midcentury accessories. That way, if you get sick of a colour, you can quickly repaint the walls and find new knickknacks, instead of having to replace your sofas every time trends change. Popular colours include blue, green and grey, but don't be afraid to try bright colours like red or yellow, even if it's just on an accent wall. Finally, make sure there is plenty of light. Recessed or track lighting are great ways to hit every corner — better yet, add more natural light by installing additional windows or a skylight.