20 of the Coziest Living Rooms on Houzz
Can you really have snuggle-down living room comfort without sacrificing style? See for yourself
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
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“Living room" used to connote a formal, sophisticated space full of precious textiles and accessories — a no-kids-or-pets zone used a few times a year. But today's homeowners have realized that a too-formal approach to a living room is a waste of precious space. Living rooms have become comfortable and practical spaces the whole family can enjoy daily, and they can still retain their beauty. Here are 20 of the coziest living rooms around and tips on how to get the looks yourself.
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| Borrow from the library. Built-ins house this Vermont homeowner's beloved book collection and lend library warmth to this living room. See the rest of this house |
A leather club chair is another cozy library element you can borrow for living room comfort. A pair of them is even better.
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| Provide plenty of cushy seating. Loose slipcovers, autumnal colors and nubby throw blankets create an ideal gathering spot at this lake house. |
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by Clarkson Potter
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| In another lake house, rustic beams, layered rugs, a bevy of throw pillows and, again, lots of comfortable seating create a cozy room for entertaining guests. See the rest of this house |
| Add woodsy cabin touches. Lots of knotty wood, exposed beams, patchwork pillows and a fieldstone fireplace keep this open living room cozy. This example is full-on woodsy cabin ... |
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| ... while this example is woodsy-cabin "lite." A high ceiling is warmed up by wooden planks and beams; the large wooden coffee table adds a rustic touch, and textiles add sophistication. |
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| Embrace a farmhouse aesthetic. The vibe of this weekend farmhouse is easy and restful. Long sofas call out for weekend naps; rustic finishes keep things informal. See the rest of this house |
| A big gesture like a wooden barn door adds a country touch. |
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Sectional sofas are allowed. Once a family room–only piece, sectional sofas have now moved into the living room. They are so much more comfortable than Victorian settees.
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| Let in the light. Bathed in natural light and with quilts and long sofas, this space is inviting. |
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| Throw the room some curves. Round off the sharp edges and straight lines to create a more welcoming room. For example, check out the way these chairs would wrap hugs around anyone sitting in them. |
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| Arrange a tight layout without cluttering. This can be tricky — there is a fine line between cozy and cluttered. While this room contains a lot of tight-knit furniture, the use of lots of ivory and the uniformity of the printed drapes ensure that the room is cozy and lovely. |
Put your feet up and stay awhile. One way to make things less formal in the living room is to invite people to put their feet up and nestle in. This living room is an ideal spot for enjoying the Sunday paper while toasting one's toes by the fire.
Layer in soft textiles. Contrary to popular belief, contemporary style and a cozy feel are not mutually exclusive. Warm neutrals and a range of textiles, including tribal prints and a sheepskin throw, create an intimate and cushy space.
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If it is a more contemporary cozy you're going for, be sure to edit. White walls and ceilings keeps things fresh.
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by Urrutia Design
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| Don't sacrifice your style for comfort. A living room can be cushy and have a polished look. The glass and metal coffee table, faux fur throw and even the Tom Ford tome here layer high-end touches over cushy seating. |
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| Go mad for plaid. When it comes to upping the cozy factor, you can never go wrong with plaid, especially on overstuffed chairs. |
Glean inspiration from far-flung places. If you can't visit in person, look to books like Maryam Montague's Marrakesh by Design. It features this exotic Moroccan salon, which has relaxed seating on and not far off the floor.
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| Take inspiration from history. This California beach house embraces British colonial design, which is much less formal than the prevailing stuffy styles on the isle of Great Britain at the time it was developed. |
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| Mix in antiques. Wooden firkins and a well-worn Oriental rug add a layer of history to this living room. What makes a room cozy for you? Please let us know in the Comments section. |
Ideabook updated on Jan. 17, 2013.
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I feel opposite to Taureg - this article shows an unusual number of traditional homes for Houzz. Keep it up!
Hmm, right now I do count seven on the sofa, two on the chair and one on the other chair... Jonathan Adler, John Robshaw, Hable Construction, Alexander Girard - needlepoint, printed, woven with metallic threads... I think I have a serious pillow hoarding problem.
Let's start a movement to make our houses more practical, less expensive, and more energy efficient by getting rid of outmoded rooms.
I was just debating whether or not to do a separate coziest family rooms ideabook when I read your comment! I may still do it - what do you guys think? There are plenty more cozy rooms to share classified as family rooms - please let me know if that's one you'd like to see or not.
I hate wasted square footage! Use is all and enjoy!!