Does your living room need a refresh, but you’re not sure where to start? As well as taking inspiration from interior design styles, there are always new trends or decorating ideas emerging. And that’s exactly what we’re focusing on in this article. Cue creative living room themes to inspire you!
Before the cooler weather hits and we retreat to our living rooms, take the time to make your living room as cosy and inviting as possible.
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’70s nostalgia
A home styling theme that’s been making waves in recent years and stronger than ever in 2025 is ’70s nostalgia. We’re talking vibrant, contrasting colours in earthy tones like mustard yellow, burn orange and deep brown. Texture is a must, and so too is a statement lighting fixture with a retro vibe. Don’t shy away from mixing patterns, like geometric alongside florals, or even an animal print (see the tasteful inspo in the pic above).
This iconic styling era is also known for making a feature of your walls. While vibrant patterned wallpaper might be a bit much in modern living rooms, we love the idea of a gallery wall moment featuring a mix of artworks.
Laid-back
The laid-back theme is relatively easy to pull off and incredibly cosy. Much like the name suggests, this aesthetic is all about comfort and effortless styling. Using premium fabric sofas, soft cushions, and gentle lighting, a laid-back living room is one that exudes warmth and a homely vibe.
To achieve the look, think about calm colours and tones, such as blues, greens and browns. Mix old with new, play with patterns and display objects that make you happy.
Cottagecore
The cottagecore theme has exploded in popularity, and has extended into clothing, kitchen appliances and everything in between. This is because it encapsulates everything that is warm, cosy, and relaxing. The perfect living room style for the cooler months ahead.
How do you pull off a cottagecore living room? You’ll need big, soft couches offset with dainty furniture, like a timber sideboard with decorative legs. Accessorise the space with floral prints, vintage rugs, quirky artworks in antique frames, vases filled with foraged flowers, piles of books and plenty of collectables on display. You can also never have too many quilted blankets draped over furniture.
Patterned
Another design trend we’re seeing in living rooms is an explosion of pattern. Stripes, asymmetrical checks, wanderlust prints, and spots… use them all!
This aesthetic is a fresh take on maximalism and often has a nod to mid-century modern. It generally looks best when you go BOLD with colour and embrace richer or more vibrant hues. Also, mix up patterns so they don’t feel too put together or polished. For example, unique or vintage rugs pair well with quirky print ceramics and tufted cushions. Textured wall hangings or woven tapestries also fit this style to a T.
Art gallery
All of the living room themes we’ve shared so far are pretty OTT so if you’re more of a minimalist, the next two may be more your style. The art gallery theme is just as the name suggests — pared back, high end and a focus on art. Artworks don’t just hang behind a frame, so think beyond your walls to pull off this aesthetic. For example, you could build a plinth for beside your sofa and display a cool sculpture, glass object or ceramic vase.
Overall this style is clean and has a sharp aesthetic. Everything has been curated and intentionally placed. It’s minimalism mixed with fun pops of colour and interest through art. To avoid if from feeling sterile, you can also add a plant or two.Â
Tech-focussed
Finally, with all the advancements in home technology it’s no wonder that tech-focussed livingroom are trending. Be inspired by this as a design theme on its own or combine it with another on this list. Think smart lighting that automatically sets to your mood or time of day, voice activated home entertainment, and automated window coverings that adjust to the weather or your pre-set scenes. Of course, there are also smart TVs, smart thermostats, smart security and the list goes on!
If you want your living room to look tech, it’s hard to beat the impact of a bookshelf or in-built entertainment unit with LED strip back-lighting. Overall, this aesthetic is minimalist and favours hard materials (like glass and metal) over soft materials (textiles, wood and natural materials).
Have you found a style to embrace from our round up of living room themes? Or perhaps you’ve spied another cool living room aesthetic that should be on the list? Tell us in the comments below!
