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“With more people working at home, the formal living room is often repurposed as a library/home office. By adding a wall of shelving, a custom desk as a focal point and comfortable seating, a traditional living room can be transformed.” —Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors |
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“Formal living spaces depend on the client. Is the room intended for game night? Cocktails before the fireplace? Displaying art and books? I adjust structural elements—windows, fireplaces, architectural lighting, trim—then add personality through furnishings, finishes, custom cabinetry, decorative lighting and art.” —Ann Gottlieb, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, Ann Gottlieb Design PLLC |
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“The formal living room was always the forbidden space. My clients now want it to be a multi-purpose room where kids can hang or a neighbor can stop by for a glass of wine. It should be practical and functional to fit your life.” —Laura (Fox) Wolff, Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC |
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“The stately living room has gone the way of the ladies’ corset. Today, people want rooms that invite daily living—reading, work, conversation, games. When living rooms are small, I will focus on one conversational grouping and avoid a sofa. With more space, I like multiple groupings and a game table for activities.” —Josh Hildreth, Josh Hildreth Interiors |
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“The formal living room is not dead. I have clients who prefer an open-concept space, but plenty of people live a more formal life with bigger homes. Even formal should be comfortable; it should invite people in.” —Jamie Merida, Jamie Merida Interiors |
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Cathy Purple Cherry Purple Cherry Architects |
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Bonnie Ammon Bonnie Ammon Interiors |
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Laura Hildebrandt Interiors by LH, LLCPHOTO: Robert Radifera |
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Samantha Sopp-Wittwer Interior Concepts, Inc.PHOTO: Geoffrey Hodgdon Photography |
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Sarita Simpson Interior Matter |
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Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas Interiors by Design, LLC |
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Melanie Whittington Whittington Design Studio |
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Kirsten Kaplan Haus Interior Design |
