Readers' Choice: Best Living Rooms of 2011
Get ideas for your own great gathering room from the most popular living rooms added to Houzz this year
Vanessa Brunner
December 25, 2011
Houzz Contributor
In 2011, Houzz readers wanted smart and simple tips on how to redesign their main living spaces. Great rooms were huge this year — every room in the house has become multipurpose. Living rooms also played with different seating areas, and multiple layers of lighting. Houzz users loved spaces with bold light fixtures and metallic accessories, and any room that contrasted bold and neutral color palettes.
Take a look at the 20 most popular living rooms added to the site in 2011. Which fabulous living room do you want to lounge in?
More Readers' Choice winners of 2011:
Kitchens | Bedrooms | Baths | Offices | Patios | Kids' Rooms | Laundry Rooms
Take a look at the 20 most popular living rooms added to the site in 2011. Which fabulous living room do you want to lounge in?
More Readers' Choice winners of 2011:
Kitchens | Bedrooms | Baths | Offices | Patios | Kids' Rooms | Laundry Rooms
1. This year, Houzz users loved to see collections and knickknacks displayed in living spaces. The built-in metal bookshelves in this room add such a great personal touch, and we love how the patterned textiles work with the all-white furniture. Of course, a stunning view doesn't hurt either!
2. The designer's blend of a soothing and neutral palette with glamorous and eye-catching lighting inspired users to create their own classically elegant living room.
3. Although it's subtle, the diamond pattern on the pillows is echoed on the rug in this room — a smart style decision that really ties the room together. The lighting in this room is perfect, and makes the light gray walls look almost silver.
4. This open living and dining space was a hit among users for its straightforward but statement-making design. The items in this room are all pretty affordable — a huge plus — and they're also easy to maintain. Basic couches are given a bit of spice with patterned pillows, and adorable portraits of the client's children add a great personalized touch.
5. Built-in bookshelves were another favorite design element among Houzz readers in 2011. We love how this bookshelf gets a gallery look from the painted wall behind it. And, of course, that rolling library ladder is fantastic.
6. Dark wood with a visible grain was a trend that we saw in almost every room in the house this year — particularly the living room. Houzz users gushed over the wall and ceiling paneling in this Southern California house. The brown tones of the simply designed furniture and bronze fireplace surround add an even warmer feeling to the space.
7. Although this living room is in a poolhouse, there are tons of great design elements that Houzz users bookmarked for the living rooms in their homes. The dual sitting areas and the adjoining dining room make this a great space for entertaining. The various light fixtures layer the lighting, making it perfect for dining, playing games or having an after-dinner glass of wine.
8. This floor-to-ceiling bookshelf is the perfect way to turn part of a living room into a library. Houzzers loved the rolling ladder and the clever addition of built-in display shelves to show off collections or other tchotchkes.
9. Contrasting tones of green and purple were a common theme in Houzz users' favorite living rooms this year. The layout of this purple and green room keeps all of the entertaining areas in the same space, but the green wall and couch help define the areas with color.
10. A great fireplace can often take a well-designed living room to the next level. This simple and modern fireplace surround makes a big statement in this room, without detracting from the exquisite furnishings and finishings.
11. Readers loved how this living room is in the middle of everything, but still manages to feel like its own cozy refuge. Classically designed pieces in soft neutral colors make this a comfortable and approachable but sophisticated design.
12. Houzz users fell in love with just about every detail of this soothing living room. The designer's mix of natural materials with industrial lighting and accessories creates a contemporary rustic look. The dining table with the built-in bench on one side is a stylish custom piece that creates extra seating.
13. The cozy little nook in this living room was the main reason Houzz users bookmarked this photo. An awkward corner in the space was cleverly transformed into a built-in daybed. The curtain makes it into a impromptu sleeping area, allowing for privacy in case dinner guests decide to spend the night.
14. While many of the textiles in this living room are the same color, the difference in textures and pattern gives depth and dimension to this open and airy living room.
15. The built-ins on either side of the fireplace were a big point of interest for Houzzers who bookmarked this popular photo. Users also commented on the step-up side table and the candle sconce hung next to the sofa.
16. While this living room is definitely high end, it's chock full of great design ideas for any home and any budget. Users bookmarked this photo for the soothing color scheme, mix of prints, the mirror on the ceiling and the fantastic screens that shoulder the fireplace.
17. This living room was a great example of how to make a large living room feel cozy and comfortable. A long space was broken up into different seating areas, which is great for entertaining or for when the clients are home alone. Plush upholstery and soothing gray-and-blue textiles make this space feel elegant and serene.
18. Situated just off a big open kitchen, this contemporary living room makes great use of a long great room. Users loved that this space mixed recognizable products from CB2 and Restoration Hardware, but with touches of personal style.
19. This beige living room was given touches of color with blue-and-yellow pillows. Houzz users loved the built-ins around the fireplaceand the stunning starburst-style driftwood mirror.
20. The open patio at the end of this silvery gray living room gives this contemporary space a fresh, light feel. The designer's use of purple and metallic accents provides a bit of glam without going overboard.
These 20 living room photos were added to the most ideabooks by Houzz users this year. Tell us: Which one is your favorite?
More: See the all-time most popular living room photos on Houzz
Top Living Rooms of 2010
These 20 living room photos were added to the most ideabooks by Houzz users this year. Tell us: Which one is your favorite?
More: See the all-time most popular living room photos on Houzz
Top Living Rooms of 2010
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When styling larger rooms, use of space is crucial. Strategic use of carpets, furniture and decoration can create spacious, balanced rooms that are a pleasure to spend time in. When dealing with cosier living rooms, it’s all about giving the impression of space. Select clever colour schemes for the walls, add textures with bricks or tiles, and find the right balance of furnishings to create somewhere that is relaxing but not cluttered. You can also fine-tune the mood created by the room—from exciting, vivid colours and decorations to cool, pastel tones that relax the mind. It’s up to the desires of the person styling the room.