1. Bold hues
This year's motto is the bolder, the better. Intense teal and vibrant purple are very on-trend choices.
Jewel tones and shades of green are big this year, while last year’s popular gray hues are a bit passé. Predominantly white living rooms with splashes of intense color are in, so are plants (but not succulents this year). If you would prefer to stick with earth tones, steer clear of beiges and grays. Instead, spice things up with mustard, terracotta or doeskin shades.
2. Art Deco
Designers are done with mid-century modern (called “MCM” in some circles), with its sleek, blonde and minimalist teak lines. Instead, embrace glam deco styles that incorporate the staples of maximalism. Look for this trend in lighting, fabrics and gold metallic hues.
Symmetry and metallics are two of the defining characteristics of traditional Art Deco style. Think parallelograms plating a round gold mirror, a geometric oval racetrack rug, an overstuffed taffy velour club chair or a round, glass-topped bronze drink cart. All of these exude classy but casual glitz.
3. Curves
As an homage to the seventies, voluptuous, rounded shapes in the form of circular consoles and upholstered seating that hugs the floor is what this living room design trend is all about. Considered “a feminine aesthetic that offers a reprieve from sleek, modern lines,” the lush form of sofas and chairs offer comfort and contrast to the spare aesthetic of Art Deco geometrics.
4. Bright lights
Illuminate a living room with natural and industrial lighting using LED bulbs. Bronze and/or gold standing or table lamps and living room chandeliers with flowing or modular customizable lines are big. Natural fiber shades and nature-inspired designs bring outdoor echoes inside, too. This living room decor idea works particularly well if you want a smooth visual transition to adjacent patios, decks or porches.
5. Light flooring
Open concept rooms emphasize this year’s airy ethos. Lighter floors reflect and lessen contrast with bold walls or striking geometric accessories, making the room appear more expansive. Look for pale oak, birch and off-white shades when selecting a floor. If you’d like a pop of color, one big area rug will do to tie the room together.
6. Plants
Time to sell off your succulents. 2018’s hot houseplants are out of favor now. Instead, think big, lush, swooping tree-like tropicals. If you can’t live without a touch of boho chic, try topping a shelf with a large-leaved plant in a floral motif pot.
7. Whites
Some designers say 90 percent white, 10 percent shocking brights are what to aim for in your living room this year. This makes sense since your newly bold walls are going to steal the show. It also helps to keep things simple. Incorporate white in your living room decor with washable textiles. White is the perfect color for curtains and throws.
8. Florals
Chintz is back as a nostalgic way to emphasize the relationship between people and the natural world. Gentler and less of a statement than animal prints, use chintz to add texture or color. An overstuffed, low-to-the-ground chair =injects a large shot of jewel-toned color. Consider a tone-on-tone chintz wallpaper to create the illusion of texture in your living area.
9. Living nature
Pantone chose Living Coral as its 2019 Color of the Year for its "animating and life-affirming" hue. This year, choose unique decor from the natural world, whether it be living, skeletonized, fossilized or referential. Change out floor and table lamps for ones with metal, raffia or burlap shades. Hang a modular strip of geometric patterned wallpaper in black and honey. Buy a couple of big, bold plants. Opt for a floral print or two in startling accent colors that correspond to your motif.
For a dramatic finish, embrace tassels, textured fabrics and fringe. Buy small conversation piece decor items made from sustainable materials, like bamboo, jute, rice paper or clay.
10. Compact storage
Your living room decor ideas need to accommodate the life you live.
We’ve all got stuff and need somewhere to store it, even if there isn’t much of it left after spring cleaning. If you want to splurge on an update for your living room this year, think about investing in a vintage Art Deco compact storage solution, like an antique S-shaped bookcase or folding table.