If there’s one room that really defines how a house feels, it’s the living room. This is where everyday life happens. From movie nights to slow mornings. This space has been high on our priority list as we plan our new home.

I recently read “Everyone is Lying to You.” Spoiler: One of the influencers in the story had a living room & kitchen that were for show only. The actual lived in rooms were hidden from the main house. I know I should hate this idea. But it’s kind of genius.

Sadly, I only have enough American dollars for ONE living room and ONE kitchen. Here’s my actual plan…

**Sources:** **Rug**, **coffee table**, **couch**, **flameless candles**, **chairs**, **lamp**

How We Want This Room to Feel

The goal is comfortable and livable. We want the living room to feel polished without feeling formal. But it still needs to look cute. No recliners here. I am who I am. We need a space that works just as well on a random Tuesday night as it does when we’re hosting.

What We’re Keeping

Even though this is a new build, we’re not reinventing everything. There are a few things we already love about our current living room and plan to include in our new home. Our youngest child is a little apprehensive about moving. I’m hoping by carrying over our favorite parts of the house that she will feel at home faster. Here’s what we’re keeping:

Our furniture – it’s comfortable, works for our family, and still feels like us
A fireplace – the only way I survive an Iowa Winter
Natural light – big windows and a great view are non-negotiable

These elements already work really well for how we live so the goal is to design around them.

What We’re Changing

This build gives us the chance to fix the things that are no longer serving us:

No two-story living room – we’re trading vertical drama for a cozier feel
No built-ins – NO MORE CLUTTER. I feel that I have never been able to style these built-ins well. And the dusting. Gross.

We’ve learned that bigger doesn’t always mean better and sometimes simpler is the winner.

Design Direction

The living room will lean classic with a modern edge:

A neutral base layered with texture and pattern
Warm woods mixed with black accents
Comfortable, tailored seating
A mix of old and new so it doesn’t feel like a showroom

We’re not trying to fill every wall or corner on day one. The plan is to let the room evolve naturally as we live in it. If we really miss built-ins, there is space to add them!

Designed for This Season of Life

Our kids are older and we entertain more casually. This living room is being designed for our current chapter. I no longer need ALL OF THE TOY STORAGE. I do love a busy rug and dark furniture though. Because dog and children.

It’s meant to be lived in, not tiptoed around. I mean, why have a couch that you can’t lounge on?

Please, make yourself comfortable. Sorry to interrupt your slumber.

What’s Next

Next up, we’ll start narrowing in on details like layout, lighting and how the living room connects to the rest of the house. I’ll be sharing mood boards and progress as decisions get made (and probably changed).

Thanks for following along as we plan this house one room at a time.