It's the nerve center for our daily functions—where we chill with a glass of wine after a long day, where our kids do their homework, where we entertain next-door neighbors and long-lost friends. It's the place where we live, of course.
Perhaps that's why we're always cherry-picking the latest living room design trends that speak to who we are, the ones that truly allow our personalities to shine.
In years past, we've filled blank living room walls with art galleries and used industrial materials to provide definition in cavernous spaces. But after a decade of the same looks over and over again, new decor and design trends are finally emerging in their place.
Read on to discover designers' predictions for how the living room will be transformed in 2018.
1. 'Jungalow'-inspired prints
Art imitates nature—quite literally, when it comes to your living room in 2018. And we're not just talking about chintzy little floral patterns. No, think big: Expect to see "jungalow" style woven into your textiles this season, with pillows and sofas and even wallpapers covered in greenery-inspired prints.
"Fiery red, watery blues, stately grays, and deep greens will be mixed in with neutrals," says Robyn Navarro, an interior designer from Glendale, CA, and the founder of Upstage Design. "Together, they create a palette of rich romance and nature that is not only pretty but also inviting."
2. Natural elements
It doesn't stop there; living rooms in 2018 won't simply imitate nature this year. Designers are bringing the outside in with bold greenery and other natural accents, like live-edge wood and unique stones and rocks.
"Natural elements are great for a residential interior, as they help to promote relaxation," says Riverside, IL, interior designer Maura Braun. "Think of how relaxing a walk in the woods can feel. Having a coffee table made out of a tree is the next best thing to create this feeling of comfort and relaxation."
3. Wild ceilings
Pinterest named statement ceilings one of its top trends of 2018, and we are here for it. Whether you wallpaper up high, slather the ceiling in vibrant paint, or get your Michelangelo on with a mural, this year is all about shoving vanilla white ceilings to the side and taking "bold" to new heights.
"We've seen some pretty interesting colors and textures on ceilings this past year," Navarro says.
From geometric inspiration to stripes to wood paneling (there designers go, bringing in those natural elements), the only thing stopping you here is your imagination.
4. Black and white
Not on board with the bold color trends that seem to be sweeping home decor right now? You don't have to be relegated to a mind-numbingly neutral decor scheme, filled with builder beige.
Instead, consider finding inspiration in graphic looks, like this room from Victoria Törnegren. This year's batch of stylish living rooms combine soft whites and vivid blacks to create stark—and striking—decor.
"Black has always been a great color to use, as it pairs well with most colors," Braun says. "When combined with white, black's powerful presence is balanced out with its polar opposite: the absence of color."
5. Statement artwork
Goodbye, gallery walls! After so much time spent carefully arranging your art collection, it's time to single out your favorite pieces and give them a solo show.
"Gallery walls will hopefully be eradicated," Navarro says.
Just make sure whichever statement piece you select isn't too small—you want guests to be wide-eyed in admiration, not squinting to make out the details.
"The size of the wall will dictate how big your artwork is," Navarro says. "I always say, choose wisely and go big."
6. Sculptural lighting
We have statement ceilings and statement artwork—but what about statement lighting? Extend your decor to your pendant lights to make sure every inch of your living room is stunning.
Look for "sculptural pieces in orb shapes," Braun says, like this artistic glass chandelier from West Elm. Hang these lights over your couch to make your Netflix binge an elegant experience.
7. Softer looks
This is the year that designers predict industrial decor will begin finally making its departure. In its stead: subdued luxury and soft elegance.
"Too many people played out the industrial look, and now are yearning for lush, soft, and beautiful," Navarro says.
Jewel tones will still make a strong showing—they provide a "happy and playful quality," Braun says. But expect to see pinks paired with warm woods and soft fabrics, like in this perfect, cozy nook.
And your chairs shouldn't just look baby-soft—choose velvet textiles (one of 2018's favorite fabrics) to create a dreamlike home that feels plucked straight from a fairy tale.
