Modern home design trends, redefined in three Louisville-area homes
Discover the latest in contemporary residential design, from elegant open-plan layouts and wood-paneled fireplaces to bold accent walls and sophisticated home bars.
- Interior designer Jordan Laws designed three distinct living spaces to serve as central gathering areas.
- One design blended mid-century elements with modern updates in a small Indiana home.
- Another project involved a budget-friendly, modern basement remodel with durable materials for a young family.
- A third craftsman home was transformed with a light, airy, coastal-inspired theme.
According to the American Time Use Survey, Americans spend four to five hours per day on leisure, with much of it centered on screen time in the living room.
But a home’s main living space isn’t just about TV watching; it’s a gathering place to read or unwind, have casual conversations, host guests, and spend time together without a specific activity.
These three living spaces, designed by Jordan Laws of J L Interiors, each boast a different look and feel — but every one serves as a central gathering area, equipped with everything it needs to be a relaxation zone, social hub, and go-to spot for everyday life.
Mid-Century meets modern
In the living room of this small home in Indiana, Laws’ client specifically wanted to keep the paneling and the built-ins. Though this request posed a greater challenge, she felt up to the task.
“We kept the key structures … and updated things around it,” she explained.
Brand-new carpet with a herringbone pattern was installed to add subtle detail and texture to the flooring, while the back of the fireplace got a fresh coat of paint in a soft, creamy hue. Shutters of the same color were added to keep the look consistent.
Laws then brought in royal blue chairs to make the room pop and match the rest of the home’s aesthetic. Leather ottomans pull the color of the paneling into the center of the room, while the wooden media console brings a bit of the cream hue and some texture to the room’s focal point.
“The mirrors on the front of it brought more brightness to the room,” Laws added. “It’s a small room, so (we needed) as much light and brightness as (possible) to make it feel larger than it is.”
The artwork above the chairs further ties in the creamy hues, while reading lights add dimension and create functional spots at each seat.
Modern basement with transitional touches
Laws completed this full basement remodel for a couple with a young daughter who were planning to have more children.
“They wanted things that were more durable, and they were also more on a budget,” Laws recalled, “so we made sure we were pretty budget-specific.”
The carefully planned layout was designed around the TV and media consoles, and features a mostly neutral palette. Laws incorporated an accent wall in Sherwin-Williams Riverway to precisely frame the media area, creating visual focus, color contrast, and spatial definition. This color is carried throughout the bar area and in the artwork, helping tie the room together.
A large sectional offers ample seating for movie-watching, while a rustic wood table contrasts with the light colors surrounding it. Above the table, a semi-flush lighting fixture helps illuminate the space.
“When people don’t want ceiling fans in a bigger room, it’s a little harder to find a semi-flush that’s the correct size for a space like this,” Laws said, adding that the fixture she chose is larger than what one might typically select for a semi-flush — but its size and multiple bulbs make it an accent piece while giving the room more brightness.
Behind the sectional, four chairs upholstered in performance fabric are arranged around a small coffee table, creating a separate seating area from the TV space.
Lakehouse vibes with a transitional twist
The owners of this craftsman home wanted to transform their abode into something light, bright, and fun — with a touch of coastal charm.
In the living room, Laws brought in a bit of that coastal feel with a blue ceiling above the open, airy space, which features more greens and neutral tones.
“We kept the large (furniture) pieces (with) natural, wood tones,” she said. “It kind of went with their floor, (which has ) dark graining in it. … That kept with … the beach/lake house theme, and gave a little bit of contrast and warmth.”
The fresh white walls, she adds, became a clean backdrop.
“We wanted to focus on everything else, and we also wanted the space to be bright and airy — because (it used to be) dark.”
Laws pulled blue and green hues into the space with pillows, lamps, and an accent chair. She also added custom floor-to-ceiling drapes featuring an abstract pond print.
The living room’s focal point is the one-of-a-kind fireplace that sits where a large hutch media center once stood. Crafted with LVP in a herringbone pattern, the new fireplace sits between floating shelves and benches with under-seat storage.
Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at [email protected] or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at [email protected].
nuts & bolts: Mid-Century meets modern
Home: This is a single-family home in Indiana. It was built in the 1970s.
Distinctive elements: Full cosmetic refresh; original fireplace and paneling; new carpet, window treatments, painted accents, lighting, and furnishings.
Applause! Applause! Design, furnishings, and decor by J L Interiors; photography by Jacob McRoberts.
nuts & bolts: Modern basement with transitional touches
Home: This is a modern farmhouse-style home in Crestwood. It was built around 2022.
Distinctive elements: New furnishings and decor; small bar that color matches the accent wall in the living space; Sherwin Williams Riverway accent color; seating areas to accommodate as many people as possible without crowding space.
Applause! Applause! Design, furnishings, and decor by J L Interiors; contractor Dave Adams; photography by Jacob McRoberts.
nuts & bolts: Lakehouse vibes with a transitional twist
Home: This is a craftsman home in La Grange. It was built in 2012.
Distinctive elements: Open concept; electric fireplace framed in oak-toned LVP in a herringbone pattern; blue ceiling and floor-to-ceiling custom drapery in living room; new furnishings and accessories.
Applause! Applause! Design, furnishings, and decor by J L Interiors; coffee bar and bench cabinets by Cornerstone Kitchen & Bath; photography by Jacob McRoberts.
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