After pondering tranquil bedrooms, it feels natural to turn to timeless living rooms that feel sanctuary-like too. While I don’t have exact paint colors for every inspiring interior in the mix, I’ll make suggestions based on a whole lotta experience choosing paint colors for my projects and for others. What makes these spaces timeless? Timeless is certainly a subjective matter and maybe in the eye of the beholder. But think: sophisticated, storied, untrendy, and un-TikTok-y. Living rooms that won’t feel dated in a decade. That don’t shout I’M FRENCH AND FARMY or I’M TOTALLY MOD AND THERE’S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT or BUTTER MY BISCUIT, I’M DAYGUM COUNTRY. Ya know? You might be able to tease out the antique from the contemporary in the space or see various eras represented, but their harmony is working.
![Modern French living room with elegant white mix of antiques - design by Jill Egan and architecture by Kirby Mears. #modernfrench #livingrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/jill-egan-living-room-3-1440x960.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Timeless Living Rooms & Paint Colors
Designer Jill Egan strikes just the right timeless chord for my ears.
Capturing a timeless look isn’t about choosing the proper paint color and buying a particular suite of furniture for the space.
![Wendell Berry poem THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS on Hello Lovely. #wendellberry #peacepoetry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PEACE-OF-WILD-THINGS-wendell-berry-poem-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Cornforth White in English living room by @100yearsinthemaking. #cornforthwhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cornforth-white-walls-English-living-room-with-fireplace-farrow-ball-@100yearsinthemaking.jpg)
It’s more a spirit of creating a balanced mood reflective of your interests, history, and delights.
![Nordic style living room with white furniture, fireplace, and vintage things - Atlanta Bartlett.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/beach-studios-fireplace-in-white-country-living-room.jpg)
Time flows ever forward, and there’s no capturing it in a bottle so why should a room be confined to the current whims that are bound to grow stagnant?
![Anne Lamott inspirational quote about being a parent on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/inspirational-quote-for-new-year-hello-lovely-studio-places-in-the-heart-love-exist-child-anne-lamott.jpg)
How Does Timeless Style Vary from Classic or Traditional Design?
An interior that feels timeless has the advantage of not feeling stuck in an era or design style or mood.
![Athena Calderone designed living room furniture for Crate & Barrel.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/athena-calderone-crate-barrel-living-room-centerpiece-bowls.jpg)
It can feel evocative, imaginative, and even otherworldly.
![Beautiful sophisticated living room by Stephen Sills in A VISION FOR DESIGN (2022). #stephensills](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/a-vision-for-design-stephen-sills-living-room-1440x1080.jpg)
Those adjectives don’t necessarily spring to mind when we’re describing a classic or strictly traditional space which can feel calming and comforting.
Yet classic lines, proportions, architecture, and sensibilities play important parts in a timeless scheme.
![Rilke quote about living everything and live the questions on Hello Lovely Studio. #rainermariarilke #rilkepoem #rilkequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/RILKE-QUOTE-about-live-the-questions-on-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Scrivano living room HGTV Fixer Upper - Joanna Gaines/Magnolia. Light grey trim and white walls with pretty original vintage woodwork. #scrivano #livingroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/006-scrivano-cottage-hgtv-fixer-upper-epidosde-4-living-room-sofa-beams-chesterfield-sofa.jpg)
Traditional elements and an understanding of tradition inform a space that has enduring appeal.
![Get the Look Scrivano Tudor Cottage Living Room. #scrivano #tudor #fixerupper #livingroom #getthelook #homedecor #furniture](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/get-the-look-scrivano-tudor-cottage-living-room-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Oh that we could GET THE LOOK of a timeless space by tapping links in a mood board. Hahahaha. It takes a little more thought than buying a collection of things online.
![Living room painted Benjamin Moore China White - Decorpad. #benjaminmoorechinawhite #paintcolors #interiordesign #livingroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whitest-white-paint-color-benjamin-moore-china-white-french-living-room-decorpad-2.jpg)
Psst. Who says you can’t plant a sofa smack dab in front of windows as the two living spaces above?
![Emily Dickinson inspirational quote about introspection. #quotes #emilydickinson](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-emily-dickinson-out-with-lanterns.jpg)
Elegance, Romance, and Luxury in Timeless Interiors
Sometimes timeless designs take time, and sometimes they demand a hefty budget.
![Gracie wallpaper in living room - Patina Farm (Brooke Giannetti) European country farmhouse in Ojai. #patinafarm #vintagemodern #modernrustic #livingrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/patina-farm-brooke-giannetti-living-room-gracie-wallpaper-jib-door-tv-ottoman-bread-boards.jpg)
For all of its sophisticated timeless simplicity, a room like the one above and below includes rare and expensive antique furnishings from Europe.
![Swedish Rococo antique cabinet in a beautiful European Country living room by Brooke Giannetti of Velvet and Linen.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/patina-farm-living-room-Swedish-rococo-antique-cabinet-French-farmhouse-decor-Giannetti-home.jpg)
There are no paint colors to divulge for those spaces above where plaster or a plaster-like finish was applied to walls, requiring no paint at all.
Timeless spaces have an elegance all their own as well. Imagine how the interior above would feel less elegant were the ceiling beams left rustic or stained dark brown.
![American style finds from designer Mark D. Sikes on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/american-style-finds-mark-d-sikes-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp.jpg)
Contemporary Accessories & Touches in Timeless Spaces
Can you still place modern lighting or trending accessories in a living space when you’re after a timeless style? Sure. If a certain texture (like fluffy sherpa right now) happens to be calling your name and happens also to be popular, have fun with it in your space.
![Benjamin Moore China White in a living room and kitchen - @saffronavenue. #bmchinawhite #benjaminmoorechinawhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/bm-china-white-paint-color-living-room-kitchen-saffronavenue.jpg)
It is when everything reads “this year” that the look falls short of timeless.
![Dramatic black wall in a living space with traditional design by Mark Sikes.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mark-sikes-traditional-living-room-black-wall.jpg)
Less Fussy Timeless Schemes I Love
So often a room is *this close* to being fabulous and simply needs subtraction rather than addition. Objects carry energy and weight, and removing the right proportion can elevate the whole vibe.
![Beautiful minimal luxe living room with modern furnishings from Jenni Kayne and marble coffee table - Page Pettit Design. #minimalluxe #livingrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/paigepettitdesign-minimal-luxe-living-room-marble-coffee-table-sherpa-chair-jennikayne.jpg)
An unfussy, less busy look is always what I’m after since I am easily overstimulated. There’s a level of luxury that can emerge too when there is less visual stimulation.
![Cozy California modern rustic style living room by Amber Lewis with knit throw on sofa. #livingrooms #modernrustic #laidbackluxe](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/amber-lewis-anthropologie-living-room-knit-throw.jpg)
Need suggestions for a warm white paint color, GO HERE.
![Elizabeth Gilbert inspirational quote. #elizabethgilbert #quotes #inspirationalquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/elizabeth-gilbert-quote-hello-lovely-studio-strange-jewels-big-magic.jpg)
Linen slipcovered furniture is an example of what I consider laid back luxury. If you’re the type who needs your upholstery without wrinkles, it’s not a look for you.
![Casual minimal modern living room with white slipcovered furnishings and round lamps on console - @phoebenicol.interiors. #whitelivingrooms #slipcoveredfurniture](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/phoebenicol.interiors-casual-minimal-modern-living-room-linen-slipcovers.jpg)
But it can be inviting and sumptuous if you’re after a space where you can actually live and not just look.
![French country living room on Fixer Upper in Episode 11 of Season 5 - The Club House. #Joanna Gaines #fixerupper #interiordesign #getthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/family-room-great-room-fixer-upper-the-club-house-002-living-room.jpg)
![Get the Look - European Country on Fixer Upper - Hello Lovely Studio. #interiordesign #getthelook #europeancountry #rusticitalian #ignacio #hotsaucehouse #fixerupper](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fixer-upper-european-country-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
When a Living Room Feels Atmospheric
There are various ways to capture a look that defies time. Think about color combinations that feel transcendent to you. Designer Michael Del Piero has always engaged my senses with her innovative, otherworldly combinations.
![Black fireplace in a moody Chicago living room by Michael Del Piero.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Michael-del-Piero-interior-design-chicago-living-room-rustic-modern.jpg)
Mixing rich textures and pieces with history that are full of character can also create such drama and soul.
![Pamela Pierce's Houston living room with arched windows, rustic shutters, and French limestone antique fireplace (Chateau Domingue). #rusticelegance #livingrooms #rusticFrenchinteriors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pamela-pierce-white-modern-french-living-room-milieu-miguel-flores-vianna-rustic-elegance.jpg)
Some designers go in with a strict plan where every detail has been pre-arranged.
![Leanne Ford designed living room with zen feel and Ever sofab in her Pittsburgh guest cottage - photo by Erin Kelly for Pittsburgh Post Gazette. #modernrustic #vintagestyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/leanne-ford-guest-cottage-living-room-erin-kelly-pittsburghpostgazette-1440x1029.jpg)
Others take a more relaxed approach and think at some point in the final days of completion: “think I’ll massage the walls in old coffee I’ve been saving” a la Leanne Ford!
![Cheerful green breakfast room designed by Tom Scheerer with sofa, oval tulip table, bamboo chairs, and walls papered in 1890s botanical prints by Joao Barbosa Rodrigues. #timelessdesign #greenwallpaper #tomscheerer](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/001-living-well-by-design-melissa-penfold-p.172.jpg)
While the space above may technically be a dining space, it just lends itself to living and living well, yes?
![Melissa Penfold Living Well By Design (Vencome, 2021) book cover](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/001-living-well-by-design-melissa-penfold-book-cover.jpg)
![Encouragement quote - if you're reading this, I hope something beautiful happens to you today - from Michele of Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #encouragement #positivevibes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/inspirational-quote-uplifting-quote-on-hello-lovely-studio-if-youre-reading-this-michele.jpg)
Living With White
Maybe because they are suggestive of living on a cloud and can wash a room with purity, white walls often work as a smart beginning for a room where you’re after a timeless mood.
![Ethereal, serene, and spare French Nordic white living room by Cathrine Aust. #frenchnordic #livingroom #scandinaviandecor #allwhitedecor #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/019-catherineaust-french-nordic-white-living-room.jpg)
White can feel modern or historical and won’t be pigeon-holed. It doesn’t care if it makes the latest list of trending paint colors for which everyone will be reaching.
Tone on tone can feel sophisticated even with a mix of ingredients that won’t break the budget.
![Serene and spare all white Scandi style living room with Mora clock - Villa Jenal. #frenchnordicstyle #nordicfrench #livingroom #swedishdecor #moraclock #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/005-villa-jenal-white-living-room-french-nordic-decor-2.jpg)
But don’t rule out dark and moody with colorful happy pops of rose and marigold!
![Farrow & Ball Railings black paint color in an English living room with fireplace - @tornandcottoninteriors. #railings #blackpaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/001-farrow-ball-railings-no.-31-living-room-tornandcottoninteriors.jpg)
Easiest way to see if a paint color will work? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.
![Cole Arthur Riley inspiring quote from THIS HERE FLESH. #contemplativequotes #humanityquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cole-arthur-riley-quote-this-here-flesh-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Time to Tweak a New Living Room
While we’re in the very messy middle of our bedroom suite DIY renovation, I’m already thinking about how I will tweak our little sitting room. In our former home, I went with rustic Belgian minimal style that worked perfectly for how we live. I never felt like I had to change it while we lived there.
![Belgian linen chaise and antique sideboard from Belgium in our European farmhouse inspired living room - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #livingroom #europeancountry #belgianlinen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/011-european-country-french-hello-lovely-studio-living-room-sideboard.jpg)
Here’s where are current living room started about a year ago when I commissioned my husband to build a wall between the sunken living room and the formal entry:
![Living room wall and arch window during Georgian renovation](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/living-room-wall-arch-window.jpg)
Without the wall, I would have been completely lost as to how to arrange furniture or use the room. In fact, I know I would never have used the room even if I threw a lot of money into decor and aesthetics. Function meant a lot of construction and labor were necessary. Here’s the wall now:
![Living room with Belgian style and Sherwin Williams Repose Gray walls - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/living-room-hello-lovely-studio-arch-windows.jpg)
Not that this console (RH, made from reclaimed wood) is necessarily staying put. I feel like I can make the space cozier and might change the wall color too. Cozy? Check out this glorious little Brooklyn apartment tour:
Also check out timeless bedroom inspiration here. Hope all of these inspiring glimpses get your wheels turning and provides any nudge you may need.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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