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Living room designed by Carol Wheeler featuring Wesley Hall chairs, Kravet draperies, and a Loloi rug in soothing hues | Home and Design

In an Easton, Maryland, living room, designer Carol Wheeler of Jamie Merida Interiors introduced symmetry and tranquility through Wesley Hall chairs, Kravet draperies and a Loloi rug in subdued hues that pay homage to the home’s watery location. “Mixing traditional and modern coastal elements is something we love to do here on the shore,” she says. PHOTO: Stylish Productions

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Lively Living Rooms

Experts dish on the evolution of the living room

By HOME & DESIGN

Designer Carol Wheeler encourages creative use of space in the living room, blending style and functionality | Home and Design

“Once upon a time, the formal living room was just a pretty space, often left untouched and unused. I like pushing clients to think outside of the box and ask themselves, ‘What could this room be?’ Your home needs to be reflective of you, and it should have varied spaces for activities, depending on your season of life.”

—Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC

Designer Carol Wheeler creates screen-free living rooms for quiet reflection, conversation, and reading | Home and Design

“I prefer to design screen-free living rooms for my clients, to make them areas for quiet reflection, conversation and reading. This encourages human connection over digital distraction. Now more than ever, the living room should be a sanctuary, separate from the business of other rooms in the house.”

—Barbara Hawthorn, IFDA, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd.

Living room with distinct zones, combining classic furniture and modern touches for a practical, timeless design | Home and Design

“Creating distinct zones within the living room allows for a seamless transition between functions while maintaining the integrity of the design. Integrating elements that are both timeless and adaptable—like classic furniture juxtaposed with modern touches and multi-functional pieces—preserves aesthetics while ensuring the room remains practical for the needs of a family.”

—Jamie Merida, Jamie Merida Interiors

Living room designed as a multi-functional space with a game table and piano for practice and lessons | Home and Design

“We’ve seen a shift from traditional living room to multi-function space. Giving purpose to it with a game table or a piano for practice and lessons drives use into that space, instead of it being a room that is rarely seen.”

—Rebecca Penno, Penno Interiors

Contemporary great room concept combining living area and kitchen for enhanced functionality | Home and Design

“Living rooms have transformed over the years, with contemporary homes that increasingly favor a great room concept over a separate living room. This approach allows homeowners to maximize functionality, as the living area and kitchen are integrated into one big space. The unused living room can become a sitting room, study or office.”

—Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas, Interiors by Design