Dan Brunn Architecture prides itself on the economy and efficiency of its designs, so the firm was eager to incorporate BONE Structure’s steel system in Bridge House. Combining classic post-and-beam structure with energy-efficient solutions, BONE Structure delivers a flexible, durable, and sustainable product. “Building construction technology is so far behind, and we haven’t really progressed,” says Brunn, “so we were excited by the prospect working with BONE Structure.”

2-story Floor to Ceiling wall Fireplace Surround.

YK Stone Center Inc.

2-story floor to ceiling Neolith Fireplace surround. Pattern matching between multiple slabs. Mitred corners to run the veins in a 'waterfall' like effect. GaleRisa Photography

modern ranch in san jose

building Lab, inc.

Living room with custom built fireplace and cabinetry and large picture windows facing the backyard. Photo by Scott Hargis.
Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, a two-sided fireplace and brown floor.

Custom Luxury Home: Brighton

First Avenue Homes

Sam Martin - 4 Walls Media
Large contemporary open concept living room in Melbourne with white walls, a built-in media wall, beige floor, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace and a concrete fireplace surround.

Paradise Living

Friedman & Shields

Expansive contemporary open concept living room in Phoenix with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Lakeside House

Corylus

This is an example of a contemporary formal open concept living room in Gloucestershire with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv, a two-sided fireplace and brown floor.

Nitschke - Simi Valley Bathroom and General remodeling

Pearl Remodeling

Modern Home Remodel
Design ideas for a large contemporary formal loft-style living room in Los Angeles with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a built-in media wall and brown floor.

Flat at 3303 Water Street

FORMA Design

The Living Room and Lounge areas are separated by a double sided custom steel fireplace, that creates two almost cube spaces on each side of it. The spaces are unified by a continuous cove ceiling finished in hand troweled white Venetian plaster. The wall is the Lounge area is a reclaimed wood sculpture by artist Peter Glassford. The Living room Pelican chairs by Finn Juhl sit atop custom "Labyrinth" wool and silk rugs by FORMA Design. The furniture in the Lounge area are by Stephen Ken, and a custom console by Tod Von Mertens sits under a Venetian Glass chandelier that is reimagined as a glass wall sculpture. Photography: Geoffrey Hodgdon

Living Room

dSPACE Studio Ltd, AIA

Tony Soluri
Photo of a large contemporary formal open concept living room in Chicago with white walls, light hardwood floors and a two-sided fireplace.

Asian Contemporary | 2017 Street of Dreams

Westlake Development Group, LLC

Justin Krug Photography
Expansive contemporary open concept living room in Portland with light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and beige floor.

Interior with terrace

mg2 architetture

Piermario Ruggeri
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept family room in Turin with dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a concrete fireplace surround.

LAH California

Saint Dizier Design

Frank Perez
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary open concept family room in San Francisco with limestone floors, a built-in media wall, beige walls, a plaster fireplace surround and a two-sided fireplace.

The Old Hall, Suffolk

Nash Baker Architects

16th Century oak-framed living room with a restored contemporary interior. Exposed oak beams and red brick double-sided fireplace, with wood flooring. Photo: Lawrence Garwood

Home Staging / Interior Design Farm Cove

Sojo Design Ltd

Stunning Lounge Setting, with magnificent outlook onto the water, streamlined flow from the indoors to the outdoors.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Auckland with grey walls, no tv, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Modern Atrium House

Klopf Architecture

The owners, inspired by mid-century modern architecture, hired Klopf Architecture to design an Eichler-inspired 21st-Century, energy efficient new home that would replace a dilapidated 1940s home. The home follows the gentle slope of the hillside while the overarching post-and-beam roof above provides an unchanging datum line. The changing moods of nature animate the house because of views through large glass walls at nearly every vantage point. Every square foot of the house remains close to the ground creating and adding to the sense of connection with nature. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Geoff Campen, Angela Todorova, and Jeff Prose Structural Engineer: Alex Rood, SE, Fulcrum Engineering (now Pivot Engineering) Landscape Designer (atrium): Yoshi Chiba, Chiba's Gardening Landscape Designer (rear lawn): Aldo Sepulveda, Sepulveda Landscaping Contractor: Augie Peccei, Coast to Coast Construction Photography ©2015 Mariko Reed Location: Belmont, CA Year completed: 2015

Vail Ski Haus

Reed Design Group

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Denver with white walls, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and grey floor.

Sundown

Anthea Turner Home

Inspiration for a contemporary living room in London with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a built-in media wall.

Luxhaus Musterhaus Frechen/Köln

Lopez-Fotodesign

Francisco Lopez-Fotodesign
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Nuremberg with white walls and a two-sided fireplace.

Winter Retreat

Larette Design

David Duncan Livingston
Design ideas for a contemporary formal living room in Jackson with beige walls, a two-sided fireplace, no tv and a wood fireplace surround.

Des Moines Contemporary Living Room

Van Nice Design

Curved sectional in a contemporary living room. The large floor lamp balances out the size of the sectional. Contemporary artwork and a mobile add personality. Cameron Sadeghpour Photography

Contemporary Living Design Ideas with a Two-sided Fireplace

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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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.