How to give your living room a modern makeover

Modern interior design is cohesive and calming, with plenty of scope for adding personal flair – it's an ideal approach for your living room. However, while home trends like rustic farmhouse and dopamine décor have distinct colours to use and furniture to include, modern interiors encompass a range of looks and styles that are of the moment.

To help you make your home look current, here's a look at modern living room design ideas to bring the space right up to date – no matter how old your home is.

Keep it clean

By clean, we don't just mean dusting and vacuuming. A modern living room is fresh and sleek, and the design should be fuss-free. Anything that's on display should be there to make a statement or have a purpose.

Begin by minimising clutter. Take the time to clear out your lounge and remove anything that's not necessary. Go through each item in turn and decide what can stay and what needs to go. It could be that the ornament or book can be used in another room in the home. Alternatively, you might find that you no longer want it.

For anything you keep, ensure you have storage in place. Place small items on display on a bookcase or shelves built into an alcove. You could also introduce an extendable table to save space and stow away any blankets or throws in a chic trunk or ottoman – but make sure that the storage solutions you incorporate are up to date.

To do this, choose modern style living room furniture in a minimalist style with clean lines. This trend is further enhanced if the pieces you introduce align exactly with the walls for a seamless effect. One way to do this is by incorporating fitted furniture. This creates a smooth, polished effect in a space and instantly updates a living room.

Introduce a statement sofa

If you have the space, oversized sofas are well and truly in right now! Take the time to research the configurations that could slot seamlessly into your home.

You could opt for a dramatic U-shaped design that sits flush against the walls and invites family and friends to sit back and relax. Alternatively, a corner sofa can neatly tuck into your space and create a sleek line that draws the eye and gives the room a welcoming feel.

Also, stick to neutral colours for your seating. This keeps your living room light and bright and gives you the opportunity to use soft furnishings to pick up on darker colours or warmer neutral shades.

Limit colour

As well as keeping to neutrals for your sofa, limit strong colours throughout the living room. Modern living rooms are light and open, and light neutrals are a popular choice. White walls and soft creams are fresh and provide a versatile base for any additions you want to introduce to your lounge.

To prevent the space from feeling too clinical, add natural elements. Soft greens, warm creams and earth tones are all ideal. They're trending colour schemes too, so your home will feel very current.

If you plan to keep to a timeless aesthetic, monochrome works well and will always feel modern. It can be brightened with pops of primary colours in artwork, rugs, throws and pillows that can be easily swapped out as trends change.

Blend materials

Another way to make the room feel both clean and cosy is to experiment with different textures. Consider the palette you have chosen for your modern living room, and then introduce warmer tones in the same palette to create a soothing effect. If you've opted for off-white walls, for instance, honey-coloured throws and cream cushions can make the space feel welcoming.

Integrate modern materials like metal and plastic throughout, too. A plastic lamp, glass table, laminate wood flooring or brass door handles and light fixtures can enhance the interiors. Balance these materials with wood, stone and wool.

It's especially important to focus on materials if you've decided on a monochromatic colour scheme. Including lots of different textures will create depth and dimension.

Embrace technology

Tech is the ultimate addition to a modern living room. Popular tech ideas tend to blend into living spaces, however, rather than being bombastic additions that stand out.

Try swapping out your fire for a fake fireplace and smart thermostat, as well as introducing smart lighting that can be adjusted to create different atmospheres. Utilising Bluetooth and intuitive devices means you can programme your living room to suit everyday living.

A media unit or wall-mounted TV with voice-control speakers completes the effect and serves to keep you and your family entertained in the living room.

Create a modern living room design with fitted furniture from Hammonds

If you're looking for fitted furniture that's modern, request a free brochure from Hammonds to get inspired. When you're ready to bring your ideas to life, book a free design visit and one of our experts will offer advice on choosing the most functional fitted living to suit your home.