Living room design ideas to try this year, according to AD List architects and designers

For those drawn to contemporary-modern interiors for their living room, embracing natural light and seamless spatial flow is key. Ekta Khanna’s Defence Colony Duplex exemplifies this ethos, where architecture and interiors work in harmony to create an airy, refined living space. Framed by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the living room is an exercise in balance—two distinct seating areas coexist, maintaining cohesion through a minimalist design language. Neutral tones form the base, while thoughtfully chosen accent pieces—like powder blue velvet chairs from DeMuro Das and a geometric Serge bench—inject personality without overwhelming the space. The pièce de résistance? A striking Jatin Das artwork, which anchors the room with vibrancy. To achieve this look, invest in carefully curated furniture rather than oversized statement pieces, and embrace a mix of textures and materials. Most importantly, avoid over-coordinating—layering in unique, eclectic elements ensures your space feels dynamic and lived-in, according to the designer.

European farmhouse, reimagined

For those seeking a blend of modern luxury with a touch of European farmhouse warmth, Casa Novo’s recent project at Mumbai’s Three Sixty West offers inspiration. This sophisticated yet inviting living room is designed as a relaxed sanctuary, perfect for unwinding from the city’s relentless pace. Inspired by the modern coastal farmhouse aesthetic and a deep-rooted love for Indian craftsmanship and textiles, the studio’s design philosophy prioritises timelessness. Hardwood oak floors and solid oak rafters ground the space, while a seamless oak-paneled wall, with a striking checked geometric pattern, doubles as a hidden passage to private quarters. A sculptural dining table from Baker, crafted in white oak, introduces an organic contrast to the classic flooring, and a bespoke lime concrete plaster ensures the walls remain effortlessly elegant and easy to maintain. A key takeaway? “Keep it simple yet premium—opt for fewer, high-quality elements rather than overloading the space,” says the designer. Thoughtful storage solutions, like paneled doors that conceal clutter, further elevate the design. Meanwhile, a luxurious Italian blue Lassa marble coffee bar creates an additional seating and entertaining moment, infusing quiet drama into the room. The studio’s approach seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art home automation with handcrafted textiles and linens, achieving the perfect blend of modernity and quiet timelessness.

Art and architecture in dialogue

New Delhi-based Purple Studio approaches design as a deeply personal yet universally sophisticated pursuit. Their Chhattarpur Farmhouse project—a sprawling 2.5-acre retreat—embodies the ethos. Designed for a family that loves to entertain, the home is anchored by a vast pool that acts as both a focal point and a natural divider between private and public areas. Expansive openings erase the line between indoors and out, while a contemporary neo-classical aesthetic lends timeless grandeur. Art plays a central role—sculptural furniture, curated artworks, and statement lighting enhance the spatial narrative, resulting in a living room that feels like a masterful intersection of form and function.

The best living rooms are never static. They evolve—just like the people who inhabit them. This year’s defining spaces embrace imperfection, contrast, and the beauty of layering elements over time. Whether it’s the tactility of handcrafted details, the confidence of tonal layering, or the effortless fusion of heritage and modernity, the most captivating living rooms feel lived-in and storied—rich with character.