Contemporary Living Rooms

To give this formerly stuffy cottage more personality, this homeowner went to town splashing color, pattern and texture wherever she could. From the Moroccan graphic on the formerly beige sofa, to the touchable ottoman to the mash-up of blues and reds, strong colors and textures inject a sense of fun.

White walls—and furnishings in this case—provide a crisp background for any decorating style. To make white work, layer on chic accessories to really boast its personality factor. Pink and animal print pillows and a shapely modern table lamp infuse a splash of glam into this neutral family room. If you have kids or pets or rowdy friends, opt for easy-to-clean slipcovers on furnishings and durable sisal rugs underfoot.

The homeowners built in these low-lying bookshelves in the living room, and painted a few unexpected splashes of yellow and persimmon at the backs. Painting the brick surround instantly brightened the room without compromising the cantilevered cement hearth—one of the original architect's signature designs.

A metal sunburst sculpture radiates life through the room and calls for complementing petite accessories.

French doors cast light on the black accent wall and charming fireplace enlivened by two overhanging pictures rather than a typical mantle.

Low sitting black leather couches amid patterns, airy paintings and an old-fashion bar balance one another out in a cafe espresso motif.

A natural stone fireplace with hints of yellow dominates this relaxed living room in grand scale and towers over the media center that the eye almost misses.

Earthy greens and grays hug inhabitants of this casual living room with soft textures and warm tones.

Matching woven storage bins hide unsightly electronic components and lighten up the expansive black entertainment unit.

Shades of yellow effect a sandy beach feel under sweeping windows complimented by rugged wooden beams.

The cascading fireplace, reminiscent of adobe, brings Sante Fe flare to the room.

When working with expansive uninterrupted wall space, you can turn to a piece of abstract art, which draws focus but doesn’t have the confines of creating a theme for the room.

Flecks of gold infuse the swirls of the brown area rug and play up the convex legs of the glass-topped coffee table.