This is an example of a mid-sized beach style open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, concrete floors, a corner fireplace, grey floor and planked wall panelling.

Minimalist White Queenslander Renovation

Ethos Interiors

Lovingly called the ‘white house’, this stunning Queenslander was given a contemporary makeover with oak floors, custom joinery and modern furniture and artwork. Creative detailing and unique finish selections reference the period details of a traditional home, while bringing it into modern times.

Cremorne Residence

Jodie Carter Design

Custom cabinetry in Dulux Snowy Mountains Quarter and Eveneer Planked Oak shelves. Escea gas fireplace with sandstone tile cladding.
Inspiration for a large beach style open concept family room in Sydney with white walls, light hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and panelled walls.

Tall Timbers, WaterColor

Anthony J. Vallée

Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style open concept living room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, no tv, beige floor and planked wall panelling.

Pinecrest Residence

Anders Lasater Architects

photo by Chad Mellon
Design ideas for a large beach style open concept living room in Orange County with white walls, light hardwood floors, vaulted, wood and planked wall panelling.

Carmelina

Jubilee Interiors

Bright, airy open-concept living room with large area rug, dual chaise lounge sofa, and tiered wood coffee tables by Jubilee Interiors in Los Angeles, California

Project Maman

GLDESIGN

Mid-sized beach style formal open concept living room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Island Cove House

Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc.

Island Cove House keeps a low profile on the horizon. On the driveway side it rambles along like a cottage that grew over time, while on the water side it is more ordered. Weathering shingles and gray-brown trim help the house blend with its surroundings. Heating and cooling are delivered by a geothermal system, and much of the electricity comes from solar panels.

Sea Girt Beach House

Kathy Kuo Designs Inc

We started off with one of my all time favorite items on our site, the Cisco Brothers Seda Sofa, and we designed the rest of the room around this incredible ten-seater customizable sectional (It’s 8-way hand-tied and eco-friendly for the kids, of course!). This sectional is the perfect centerpiece for a coastal interior design with its slipcover upholstery and stylish silhouette.

South Bay Coastal Farmhouse

White Sands Coastal Development

This 5,200-square foot modern farmhouse is located on Manhattan Beach’s Fourth Street, which leads directly to the ocean. A raw stone facade and custom-built Dutch front-door greets guests, and customized millwork can be found throughout the home. The exposed beams, wooden furnishings, rustic-chic lighting, and soothing palette are inspired by Scandinavian farmhouses and breezy coastal living. The home’s understated elegance privileges comfort and vertical space. To this end, the 5-bed, 7-bath (counting halves) home has a 4-stop elevator and a basement theater with tiered seating and 13-foot ceilings. A third story porch is separated from the upstairs living area by a glass wall that disappears as desired, and its stone fireplace ensures that this panoramic ocean view can be enjoyed year-round. This house is full of gorgeous materials, including a kitchen backsplash of Calacatta marble, mined from the Apuan mountains of Italy, and countertops of polished porcelain. The curved antique French limestone fireplace in the living room is a true statement piece, and the basement includes a temperature-controlled glass room-within-a-room for an aesthetic but functional take on wine storage. The takeaway? Efficiency and beauty are two sides of the same coin.

Irvine Terrace

Photography by Leigh Ann Rowe

Beach style open concept living room in Orange County with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv, exposed beam and brick walls.

Modern Sea and Sun Living Room

Carlyle Design Studio, Inc.

Custom dark blue wall paneling accentuated with sconces flanking TV and a warm natural wood credenza.
Small beach style family room in Orange County with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and panelled walls.

Fernleaf

Cree designs

family room
Photo of a small beach style family room in Orange County with white walls, vinyl floors, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor and panelled walls.

Beach Style Living Room

Inspiration for a large beach style open concept living room in Other with green walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor and planked wall panelling.

Water's Edge

ID by Gwen

Inspiration for a beach style open concept living room in Seattle with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a built-in media wall, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Jordan Residence

Geoff Chick & Associates

Photo of a large beach style formal open concept living room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, coffered and planked wall panelling.

Hamptons - Contemporary Luxury Home

Cordony Group

Large beach style formal open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, carpet, grey floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

81st Cape Cod

Alison White Homes

Design ideas for a beach style living room in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Ptown Pied-à-terre: Living Room

Trevor Fulmer Design

Sun, sand, surf, and some homosexuality. Welcome to Ptown! Our home is inspired by summer breezes, local flair, and a passion for togetherness. We created layers using natural fibers, textual grasscloths, “knotty” artwork, and one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Brass metals, exposed ceiling planks, and unkempt linens provide beachside casualness.

Breathtaking Bainbridge Island Estate

Caleb Melvin Photography

Design ideas for a beach style living room in Seattle with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam, vaulted, wood and planked wall panelling.

All Wall Treatments Beach Style Living Design Ideas

The best room for gathering with your family and friends in a cosy environment is your living room or family room. You want to hang out where the lounge furniture is the most comfortable and sofas or chairs create a sense of homeliness. Filling this important space with cheap furniture is unlikely to bring you the same long-lasting comfort as a quality chaise lounge or a couch. These choices will directly affect the quality of your evenings as you wind down from the daily grind. While planning a renovation or redesign, weigh up the priorities of seating, heating, an entertainment unit and bookcases. Identify your main activity in the room and and design around that. Many beach style living rooms aren't complete without a fireplace, but if you can't accommodate that, invest in built-in or furniture that suits your home. Common trends include Danish furniture and other kinds of Scandinavian furniture. Plush sofas, recliner chairs and sofa beds will always be popular. Finally, when the big components are planned out, think about what colour scheme and decor will best suit you and your family. If needed, an interior designer can help here.

Should I include a fireplace in my living room or family room?

Depending on your climate, a fireplace might be a great way to add warmth and interest to your living space. Even if your location is warm year-round, you can always add a faux fireplace or nonfunctioning fireplace as part of your decor. There are many options to choose from, so be sure to check them out. A wood-burning fireplace gives an authentic experience, though a gas one still emits heat without the mess. A double-sided or corner unit strays from the ordinary, or you can go with a wood stove fireplace if you're looking for a piece of art. If you want a contemporary touch, veer away from the traditional wood or tile mantel by going with stone, concrete or metal instead.

What kind of built-ins should I add to my living room?

Although it might not seem glamorous, having enough storage is instrumental when it comes to keeping the room organised and practical. Built-in bookcases, shelves and cabinets are a great way to add hidden, functional storage for all the knickknacks you accumulate. Movie and gaming buffs will love a custom entertainment centre, with enough cabinets for movies, speakers and electronic accessories; you can even create a media room with a projector and lounge chairs! If you still have room to spare, include a booth for homework or craft projects.

How do I decorate my home interiors?

When it comes to decorating, neutrals are always the safe option because they look good and never go out of style. They also give any artwork you hang enough breathing space. If you do want to try out a bolder colour scheme, add colour with walls and beach style accessories. That way, if you get sick of a colour, you can quickly repaint the walls and find new knickknacks, instead of having to replace your sofas every time trends change. Popular colours include blue, green and grey, but don't be afraid to try bright colours like red or yellow, even if it's just on an accent wall. Finally, make sure there is plenty of light. Recessed or track lighting are great ways to hit every corner — better yet, add more natural light by installing additional windows or a skylight.