17 Timeless Living Rooms Inspired By Traditional Design

Jazzy colours

“We chose a minty green (kitty approved) velvet sofa because the colour felt playful and fun, yet sophisticated with its turned legs,” says designer Tiffany Piotrowski.

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Airy and breezy

The great room’s custom-made limestone mantel feels both grand and welcoming, and is nicely softened by the airy drapes.

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Natural views

“Part of the beauty of this space is all the greenery outside. We wanted to let that shine without overpowering anything in the room," says the designer.

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Dramatic flair

“The original living room was dark beige,” says Calgary-based designer Louis Duncan-He. “The owners and I wanted to add some drama.” 

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Vintage feel

The wood-burning fireplace, an essential element for the couple who grew accustomed to this inviting feature while living in chilly northern Ontario, was given new life by painting the mantel and repairing the doors.

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Quiet luxury

“For a perfectly monochromatic palette, 75 percent of the room should be the starring colour and 25 percent should provide contrast,” says Brian. “Any more, and the space risks not being monochromatic; any less, and it risks looking boring,” says Brian.

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Traditional English meets modern

To give the room architectural distinction, Kate added a fireplace flanked by trim built-ins. The pastoral painting over the fireplace is by a favourite artist of the owner.

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Rustic lake house

Creating a furniture plan for the grand living room was tricky because it has so many points of entry,” says designer Jessica Waks.

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Traditional luxury

Designer Shirley Meisels uses a mix of design elements to update the den of a traditional Georgian-style home and bring it into the 21st century with style.

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Sophisticated city sleek

Modern heritage

The heritage aesthetic is tempered by a casual, contemporary vibe. "By carefully balancing traditional architectural detailing with natural materials and comfy furniture, I was able to restore some of the home's lost charm and create an elegant yet family-friendly living room," says Laura.

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Modern meets traditional

The living area’s fireplace was replaced with a timeless clean-lined version featuring a marble herringbone-tiled surround.

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Earth-tone accents

The bright and eclectic living room is a lesson in layering done right.

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Sea chic

In the living room of this Toronto home, white walls, cheerful motifs and a textured rug conjure the Hamptons aesthetic homeowner Margie Doyle White, with her contractor, Dariusz Kondratowicz, craved.

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Old world charm

In the living room of this historic home, sleek custom settees flank a rustic Senufo African daybed, which was repurposed into a wonderfully weathered coffee table. 

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Vintage meets modern

The living room is the perfect place to hang out, whether the family is playing board games, solving puzzles or listening to music.

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Soft tones

Our cozy living room is one of our favourite spaces,” says designer and homeowner Jillian Harris, who spared no expense with the room’s focal point. “Once I saw this fireplace, no other would do. It’s so gorgeous.” 

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