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Petit spaces that are big on style.

| By Rachael Thompson | Journal

17 Small Living Rooms to Take Design Inspiration From

Petit spaces that are big on style.

When it comes to small homes, we like to look at them as cosy, not claustrophobic. With living rooms, there's endless potential to make them a comfy little sanctuary to sit with friends or cuddle up and watch the latest binge-worthy series.

Whether it's for financial reasons or you prefer maintaining a smaller home, living in a less-than-large property can have its challenges – there are fewer places to store items and less space for the exact furniture and décor you might want!

But, even though your main living area may be lacking in real estate, there are plenty of ways you can create a welcoming and stylish space. A well-designed scheme can feel just as comfortable as a bigger space, with all the cosiness and comfort that comes with larger living.

Below, we've rounded up a selection of chic yet small living rooms that prove you don't need lots of space to create a stylish set-up.

1. White and bright

Lia Townsend's apartment features an open-plan living space that's divided into a dining and living area. The current look is minimal and deftly blends contemporary and classic décor. A white upholstered sofa keeps things classic and comfortable while contemporary artworks, including a piece by Caroline Walls, add a modern edge. Keeping the palette minimal and bright can add to making a space look larger.

Take a tour of Lia Townsend's home.

2. Pared-back style

Stylist Ed Hansen's richly layered inner-city apartment reminds us that smaller spaces can be both impeccably styled and filled with personal touches. A ClassiCon Roattino floor lamp adds a sculptural element to the living area while Fulcram candlesticks by London lighting designer Lee Broom add ambience.

Take a tour of Ed Hansen's home.

3. Desert dream

Designer Kelsey Copetti of Studio Marrant incorporated calming neutrals and organic textures inspired by the surrounding Joshua Tree landscape into this rustic and chic living room. "We wanted to honour the desert fauna that encompasses the house with palette-similar organic and natural objects inside," she shares.

Take a tour of Arro Dunes.

4. Wabi-sabi magic

A high ceiling and tall windows make this living area look significantly larger than it is. As someone who works in the interior design space, it’s unsurprising that Loui Burke has a stylish home. His Melbourne rental apartment presents a successful homage to wabi-sabi, the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in the imperfect.

Take a tour of Loui Burke's home.

5. Country charm

Modern design meets rustic charm at Surf Coast Hinterland luxury accommodation The Wensley. The bright living room boasts bucolic views and is filled with plenty of cosy elements such as a linen sofa and faux fur throw.

6. Vintage whimsy

You'd never guess this home was in Florida, nor would you guess it was a rental. Photographer and stylist Chelsae Anne has made this the space of her dreams by filling it with a grand collection of art books, sculptures and vintage and antique furniture. The space itself is small, but the high ceilings make it look much bigger than it actually is.

Take a tour of Chelsae Anne Salhman 's home.

7. Coastal cool

If you're partial to coastal style, take cues from Michelle Battersby's sunny apartment in Santa Monica. Jute rugs, natural timber, and white linen dress the space, while lush indoor plants complement the array of organic materials.

Take a tour of Michelle Battersby's home.

8. Retro revival

Eliza Gosse's funky home is peppered with retro furniture and decor items. A large abstract painting by iconic Australian artist Eric Smith takes centre stage in her colourful living room which also features a floating shelf decorated with nostalgic pieces such as a Gumby radio and Omnibot robot.

Take a tour of Eliza Gosse's home.

9. Pared-back mid-century

Artist Gemma Bamforth has injected subtle mid-century flair into her neutral-toned living space. A rattan planter, walnut coffee table and armchair add retro touches, while a subdued palette of creams, rust, and terracotta feed warmth into the space.

Take a tour of Gemma Bamforth's home.

10. Pastel heaven

Pastels rule in Writer Olivia Purvis’s charming London townhouse which gives it a perpetually refreshing and sunny look. The delicate pink living room is filled with charm thanks to gorgeous bay windows and a floral ottoman.

Take a tour of Olivia Purvis's home.

11. Warm and textured

Warm hues bring a cosy vibe to content creator Traci Sheppard's living room. Texture is introduced through a woven rug, pendant light, and rattan coffee table, all of which add visual interest to the pared-back space.

12. Neutral number

While the rest of graphic designer Jess Marak's apartment utilises a colourful palette, the living room embraces neutral tones to perfection. These hues make for a calming look that's chic and sophisticated. The stylish curved furniture and indoor plants elevate the space tenfold.

Take a tour of Jess Marak's home.

13. Colour happy

Ali Whittle is drawn to colour and this is widely reflected in her décor choices. The interior's overall look is fun and kaleidoscopic, yet perfectly sophisticated. This little nook in the living area makes for the perfect spot to sit down with a book.

Take a tour of Ali Whittle's home.

Elevate your living room

14. Vibrant paradise

Another coastal home, but one that takes a different approach to design, is ILIO NEMA co-founder Ariane Leondaridis's home. Filled with colour and eclectic finds, this space playfully showcases her vibrant style.

Take a tour of Ariane Leondaridis's home.

15. Chic hues

Jordan Ferney's main living area in her Manhattan rental is swathed in a beautiful seafoam green shade that's perfectly juxtaposed with mustard and burnt orange hues. This palette continues throughout the home creating a cohesive look and feel that's both vibrant and sophisticated. She has beautifully layered rooms with colour and a fearless amalgamation of pattern.

Take a tour of Jordan Ferney's home.

16. Floral dream

Gina Lasker's charming home conveniently sits above her workspace. It's peppered with a mix of contemporary and mid-century furniture and decor, and of course, an ever-changing array of alluring blooms. Adding a floral arrangement to your living space is an easy way to elevate its appeal.

Take a tour of Gina Lasker's home.

17. Maximalist moment

Can't decide on a colour palette for your living room? Why not have it all! Bold colours are thoughtfully strewn throughout Maxine Wylde's maximalist home via feature walls, furniture, paintings, playful décor, and curios.

Take a tour of Maxine Wylde's home.

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