With a new year on the horizon, it’s hard to resist the idea of a clean slate. And nothing evokes the feeling of a fresh start like a living room makeover. Given that the living room is the place where people congregate to watch TV together, socialize, and unwind, we can only imagine the wonders a new coat of paint, updated furniture pieces, and modern décor can do for our mindsets.
In truth, our interior-design choices can affect our productivity, and the right décor elements can spur our creativity—in addition to culminating into a soothing backdrop for whenever we’re not hard at work.
Our experts at Colder’s want to help you stay ahead of the curve by presenting our favorite living room style trends for 2022. Check them out!
Living Room Decorating Ideas
Read on to discover just a few of our favorite living room decorating ideas - perfect for any home!
1. Metal-Frame Furniture
Metal-frame furniture (especially blackened bronze versions) has become increasingly favored in recent years, especially at the height of industrial and rustic design’s popularity. Its popularity has been sustained in alternative metal applications (like gold and brass) since minimalist décor remains an unwavering tendency in millennial homes.
Speaking of minimalism, due to their exposed legs and backless construction, metal-frame furniture can usher a sense of airiness into your living room, thereby making even the most compact of spaces appear larger. So, if you’re wary of a congested living room with your furniture selections, metal-frame tables and bookcases can perpetuate openness.
For an optimally modern appearance, square legs and edges on furniture are best. For reference, blackened bronze metal is typically mixed with reclaimed wood whereas gold and brass are often incorporated with glass.
2. Mid-Century Modern Silhouettes
If you have a fondness for ’70s and ’80s interior design, you’re in for a treat. Mid-century modern design means curved edges and a retro color palette of mostly warm tones and the occasional pop of color.
Aside from appealing to a vintage aesthetic, mid-century modern design is about fostering intrigue through style-forward furniture choices. Silhouettes are everything with this living room style, so we recommend a few steadfast staples here: wood-paneled media consoles, barrel accent chairs, track-arm sofas, and angular side chairs.
Contrast is also a pillar of mid-century modern décor. You can achieve this by mixing and matching organic and synthetic materials while abiding by a retro color scheme in your furniture upholstery and furnishings like throw pillows, knickknacks, and wall art.
3. High-Contrast Palette
For a living room style that stands the test of time, a high-contrast color palette is as elegant as it is classic. Understood as either a black-and-white color scheme or as a mixing of lighter-hued furnishings with broodier accents, high-contrast design is expected to adorn homes in 2022 and beyond, thanks to a renewed interest in retro-inspired décor.
Some hallmark elements for this sleek style include gold metal, dark lacquer, glass, and marble in addition to muted upholstery colors like dusty pastels and light grays.
In our opinion, to further emphasize this contrast, a black-painted accent wall can’t hurt.
4. Lighter-Toned Wood Furniture
In line with a high-contrast color palette, lighter-hued wood furniture is projected to make a bigger splash in the upcoming year. Not only is a lighter oak shade more uplifting for our spirits, but it also complements minimalist design and reinforces a feeling of open space. Even if you’re more of a maximalist than a minimalist, lighter-toned wood furniture suits most décor styles compared to dark wood, metal, or lacquer pieces.
Darker woods create the illusion of a more enclosed area, so they do little to cultivate a relaxing environment. To foster a zen environment and create the optical illusion of a larger room, we recommend opting for neutral colors with the rest of your furnishings. Our favorites include pale blues and subtle earth tones.
5. Biophilic Décor
Speaking of zen, what’s more rejuvenating than being in the great outdoors? Biophilic décor, which is defined as an interior design style that invokes natural elements, is meant to satisfy the human tendency to seek connections with nature. Given that the global events of 2020 have kept most of us from traveling freely, we expect many people to forge that connection within their home.
Components of biophilic design include neutral colors, plenty of natural lighting, houseplants (real ones), reclaimed-wood surfaces, nature-referencing art, and woodsy accents (such as rattan, twig, and bamboo items).
A combination of natural textures is key, as elements like stone and wicker reinforce a tactile connection with the outdoors. As an added benefit, biophilic décor is said to have a positive impact on mood and productivity.
6. Brown is the New Neutral
Brown is a popular color for living room design because it is versatile and can be paired with many other colors. It is also a warm color that can create a cozy atmosphere in a living room. Brown can be used in both traditional and contemporary living room designs, and there are many different shades of brown to choose from. This makes it easy to find a brown color that will complement the existing decor in your living room.
If you are looking for living room decorating ideas that incorporate brown, there are several options to consider. One popular option is to use different shades of brown in a monochromatic color scheme. This can create a very elegant and sophisticated look in a living room. Another option is to use brown as an accent color. This can be done by adding a pop of brown to a room that is predominantly decorated in another color. This can add interest and depth to a living room design.
If you want to use brown as the primary color in your living room, there are several shades of brown to choose from. Light browns can create a warm and inviting space, while dark browns can add drama and depth. You can also experiment with different textures of brown to create interest. For example, you could use a light brown leather sofa as the focal point in a room, and then use darker browns for accent pieces.
Brown is a versatile color that can be used in many different ways in a living room. If you are looking for living room decorating ideas that incorporate brown, there are several options to consider. You can use brown in a monochromatic color scheme, or you can use it as an accent color. You can also experiment with different textures of brown to create interest. With so many different shades of brown to choose from, you should have no trouble finding a brown color that will complement the existing decor in your living room.
Bonus: Living Room Color Ideas
Living room color schemes can be warm and inviting, or cool and modern. There are endless possibilities to choose from, so it’s important to take into account the mood you want to create, the other colors in the room, and your own personal style.
To get started, think about what colors you naturally gravitate towards. Do you prefer bright and bold shades, or softer and more muted tones? Once you have a general idea, start playing around with different combinations until you find one that you love.
If you need some help getting started, here are a few of our favorite paint ideas for living rooms:
• Cool neutrals – This scheme is perfect for those who want a modern, minimalist look. Choose cool shades like gray, blue, and white, and pair them with light wood furniture for a refreshingly airy feel.
• Warm neutrals – For a more traditional feel, go with warmer shades like beige, tan, and brown. These colors will create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in your living room.
• Bright and bold – If you’re looking to inject some personality into your living room, try using vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green. Just be careful not to overdo it – too much color can be overwhelming.
• Classic black and white – A timeless classic that will never go out of style. Black and white can be used in any living room style, so it’s a great option if you’re not sure what direction you want to go in.
Once you’ve chosen your color scheme, start thinking about how you want to use each color. Do you want all of the walls to be one color, or would you prefer a two-tone effect? Would you like to paint just an accent wall, or use stripes or patterns?
And don’t forget about the trim! Painting the trim a different color can add interest and depth to your living room.
Once you have a general idea of the colors you want to use, it’s time to start shopping for paint. It’s important to get samples first so you can see how the colors will look in your living room. And when you’re ready to start painting, be sure to follow these tips for a professional-looking finish.
With a little planning and some elbow grease, you can easily give your living room a whole new look with a fresh coat of paint. So get creative and have fun!
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee.
Shop Living Room Furniture at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop living room furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: Living Room Décor 101: Beginners Guide on How to Decorate a Living Room