The most beautiful, dream-worthy living rooms all have something in common: They sit perfectly at the intersection of great taste and personalized charm. Too polished, and the space can feel a bit sterile, but go too quirky and things start to feel a little kitsch.
Often, the best inspiration for a happy medium can be found in history books and glossy magazines of decades past—after all, trends may come and go, but certain details never really disappear. These classic living room features are making a stylish comeback, and they might be the update your space has been waiting for.
Built-Ins
Credit:
Cory Rodeheaver Photography for Spectrum Design Group
Built-in cabinets, bookcases, and tiny nooks were practical features from the past—a place to house a collection of hardback books (no digital readers!) or to set a clunky rotary phone. Today, they’re a unique accent that reminds us that the home has a past.
“Finding a living room that has built-in shelves allows for a fun opportunity to make it your own without taking up floor space or needing to worry about a space plan,” says Dawn Bane, interior designer at Spectrum Design Group. She says they remain just as functional today, allowing a place for books and keepsakes that make a house feel like home. Don’t have them? You can have some custom-installed.
A Wet or Dry Bar
Credit:
Courtesy of Est Est Interior Design
Throwing splashy parties and gathering friends and family for meals used to be a regular part of everyday life. As a result, full wet or dry bars were once considered a must-have in many homes, but lifestyle changes have since pushed them out of favor.
The pendulum is swinging back, though, as evidenced by the rise of dinner parties and casual hangs at home, says Blake Sutton, president of Est Est Interior Design. “Integrated bars add a hospitality element to the living room,” he adds. “Entertaining at home has become more popular in recent years, and buyers love a space that feels ‘ready-made’ for hosting.”
Millwork
Credit:
Kelly Marshall
Speaking of wall details, millwork has slowly made a comeback over the last five to 10 years. And as we see an enthusiastic rise in maximalism, this fine craftsmanship detail will likely remain a covetable living room feature for the foreseeable future.
“Custom millwork and paneling turn walls into an architectural feature, making a room feel designed and expensive,” says Jennifer Cataldo, interior designer and founder of Maison Cataldo. If your home has it, embrace it. And if it doesn’t, you can infuse some via small additions—think picture-frame molding, chair rails, or even trim wrapped around columns or a fireplace.
Skylights
Light can dramatically change the way a living room feels and looks, and natural light during the daytime hours is especially transformational. Though less common today, skylights are making a comeback, and people are embracing them.
“They are essentially windows in your roof, designed to bring natural light and fresh air into a home from above,” notes interior designer Emily Henderson. “They transform dark rooms and make interiors feel more open and expansive. And since they are on the ceiling, they still allow for a lot of wall space for art, sconces, and paneling.”
Statement Fireplaces
Credit:
Courtesy of Est Est Interior Design
Though many rely on central heating these days, a statement fireplace is a fast way to infuse some grandeur into a living room. This means making the fireplace itself a focal point versus letting it blend into the rest of the space. You can do this with a wow-worthy surround material, a well-decorated oversized mantel, or even a contrasting paint color that draws the eye straight to it.
“A fireplace serves as the visual anchor of the living room, grounding the space and lending it instant architectural presence,” Sutton says. “Home buyers are craving rooms that feel intentional and grounded, and a strong fireplace can deliver both by adding character, warmth, and a sense of permanence.”