If you’ve ever lived in a home with an open-concept floor plan, you know the joys — and the decorating challenges — that come with a great room layout. In today’s post, I’m sharing tips, inspiration, and real-life lessons I’ve learned to help you create a great room that’s both beautiful and functional.
What is a Great Room?
A great room is a large, open-concept living space that typically combines the kitchen, dining, and living room into one expansive area.
This layout is designed to foster connection, make entertaining easier, and create a sense of openness in the home.
Great rooms are especially popular in newer homes and remodels, offering beautiful sight lines and multifunctional living.
My experience with a great room floor plan
In our previous home, we had a great room layout, and there were definitely aspects of it I loved — especially when our daughters were younger.
I could prep meals in the kitchen while still keeping an eye on them as they played or watched TV in the living area. The openness made daily life feel more connected and communal.
But I’ll admit, decorating a great room wasn’t without challenges.
It was sometimes tricky to define each space (living, dining, and kitchen) while making sure the overall look remained cohesive.
I wanted the spaces to feel distinct yet harmonious, and that required a little creativity and some smart design solutions.
Challenges and Opportunities of Great Room Living
Challenges
Lack of definition
Without walls, it can be hard to establish where one area ends and another begins.
Bone Made – similar cane dining chairs
Acoustics
Noise travels more easily in an open space.
Cohesion vs. monotony
It’s easy to end up with a space that feels either too fragmented or too matchy-matchy. Using neutrals, as shown in the space below, helps an open space feel cohesive.
Furniture layout
Finding the right balance and flow can be a puzzle.
Opportunities
Natural light
Fewer walls mean more opportunity for light to bounce through the space.
Entertaining
Hosting is easier when guests can gather in one large, connected space.
Family togetherness
Everyone can be “together” even while doing separate activities.
Flexible design
You can play with layout and evolve the space over time.
Tips for Decorating a Great Room
Here are a few of my favorite strategies for styling a great room or multipurpose living room:
1. Use area rugs to define spaces
Rugs visually ground different zones — try a soft rug beneath your living area seating and another under your dining table.
Salt Design Co. – pendant lights – woven counter stools – large dining pendant
This helps break up the space without physical dividers.
2. Create flow with color and materials
Choose a cohesive color palette and repeat textures or finishes (like warm woods or brushed brass) across the entire space.
Cambridge Home Co. – The Cabinet Gallery Utah – lantern pendants
This keeps things feeling unified, even when each zone has its own personality.
Julie Howard for Timber Trails Homes
3. Vary the lighting
Use a mix of pendants, sconces, chandeliers, and floor lamps to set the tone for each area.
A statement chandelier above the dining table and layered lighting in the living space can make a huge difference.
4. Group furniture strategically
Float your sofa or use a console table to create a natural boundary.
Pure Salt Interiors – console table
Angle chairs to define conversation zones.
Pure Salt Interiors – chairs – counter stools
Don’t be afraid to pull pieces away from the walls.
5. Add architectural elements
Built-in shelving, columns, or ceiling beams can provide subtle definition and character for a multipurpose room.
Even a simple change in ceiling height or wall molding can work wonders.
6. Use functional decor
Think stylish room dividers, large planters, bookcases, or backless benches to separate zones while keeping things airy and open.
Brooke Wagner Design – Brandon Architects – Patterson Custom Homes
Inspiration: Beautiful Great Rooms by Style
Here’s a look at some stunning great rooms to spark your own creativity — divided by popular design styles.
Organic Modern Great Rooms
Neutral tones, soft textures, and natural materials define this beautiful multifunctional space.
Linen sofas, oak cabinetry, and stone fireplace surrounds are hallmarks of organic modern living rooms.
Organic modern great rooms are earthy yet refined, with clean lines and cozy layers.
For more organic modern great room ideas, see my post, What is Organic Modern Interior Design? (and how to bring this chic style to your home).
Coastal Great Rooms
Soft whites, sandy beiges, and ocean blues enhance this modern coastal multipurpose living area.
Pure Salt Interiors – coffee table – similar coffee table here – similar sectionals here and here
Slipcovered sofas, driftwood tones, light and breezy styling are elements of coastal interior design.
Coastal great rooms are perfect for beach houses or anyone who loves a relaxed, airy look.
For more modern coastal great rooms, see my post, Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home.
Transitional Great Rooms
Transitional great rooms offer a balanced mix of traditional and contemporary design.
Upholstered armchairs, clean-lined sofas, soft palettes, and statement lighting enhance this chic transitional living room.
Transitional style is great for anyone who wants a timeless yet fresh aesthetic.
See my post, Transitional Style Interior Design Ideas for a Modern Yet Timeless Aesthetic, for more transitional decorating ideas.
Modern Farmhouse Great Rooms
For a modern farmhouse living room or great room, think shiplap walls, rustic beams, and cozy textures.
Open shelves, oversized kitchen islands, and neutral tones are features you’ll often find in a farmhouse style home.
Modern farmhouse living rooms and great rooms are inviting and warm with lived-in elegance.
from Willow and Co. Home – similar armchairs here and here – similar sectional here
See my post, Modern Coastal Farmhouse Decor Ideas, for more modern farmhouse design ideas.
Whether you’re building a new home or simply working with what you’ve got, great rooms offer a world of potential for family living and entertaining.
Yes, multipurpose rooms come with a few design challenges, but with thoughtful planning and the right pieces, you can create a space that feels seamless, stylish, and uniquely yours.
From cozy nooks to stunning, wide-open layouts, there’s no one “right” way to decorate a great room — it’s all about creating a space that works beautifully for you and your family.
Let me know if you have any questions about decorating a great room, multipurpose room, or open-concept living area! xo Jane
Where to shop for great room and living room furniture and decor
Below are a few of my favorite places to shop for beautiful on-trend great room, dining room, and living room tables, rugs, lighting, rugs, decor, sofas, sectionals, chairs, and more:
Serena & Lily
Wayfair
Pottery Barn
McGee & Co.
Arhaus
The Life Styled Co.
Dear Keaton
Jenni Kayne
Lulu & Georgia
West Elm
sofas, sectionals, and chairs:
coffee tables:
rugs:
decor and pillows:
modern lighting:
dining tables and consoles:
dining chairs:
artwork:
If you’re looking for more modern great room decor ideas, you might also be interested in these related posts from Jane at Home:
2026 Living Room Trends and Decorating Ideas You Will Love
How to Decorate a Long or Narrow Living Room: Solutions for Tricky Spaces
Modern Dining Room Ideas and Trends for 2026
2026 Kitchen Trends and Design Ideas You Will Love
Stylish Entryway Decor Ideas for a Beautiful First Impression
Small Living Room Ideas and Inspiration for 2026
Cozy Living Room Ideas for a Warm and Inviting Space
The 10 Most Beautiful Home Decor Trends for 2026
2026 Colors of the Year & Top Home Color Trends
Organic Modern Decorating Ideas for Your Home
California Casual Style Decorating Ideas for Your Home
Quiet Luxury Style: How to Bring the Look to Your Home
My Favorite Nancy Meyers Interiors
What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I’m loving this trend)
Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home
Coastaluxe: the Perfect Blend of Modern Coastal and Quiet Luxury
Modern Coastal Living Room Ideas You’ll Love
How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Table for Your Living Room
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