photo by Susan Teare
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern formal open concept living room in Burlington with concrete floors, a wood stove, yellow walls, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Greenlake Remodel

Kimberlee Marie Interiors

When our client came to us, she was stumped with how to turn her small living room into a cozy, useable family room. The living room and dining room blended together in a long and skinny open concept floor plan. It was difficult for our client to find furniture that fit the space well. It also left an awkward space between the living and dining areas that she didn’t know what to do with. She also needed help reimagining her office, which is situated right off the entry. She needed an eye-catching yet functional space to work from home. In the living room, we reimagined the fireplace surround and added built-ins so she and her family could store their large record collection, games, and books. We did a custom sofa to ensure it fits the space and maximized the seating. We added texture and pattern through accessories and balanced the sofa with two warm leather chairs. We updated the dining room furniture and added a little seating area to help connect the spaces. Now there is a permanent home for their record player and a cozy spot to curl up in when listening to music. For the office, we decided to add a pop of color, so it contrasted well with the neutral living space. The office also needed built-ins for our client’s large cookbook collection and a desk where she and her sons could rotate between work, homework, and computer games. We decided to add a bench seat to maximize space below the window and a lounge chair for additional seating. --- Project designed by interior design studio Kimberlee Marie Interiors. They serve the Seattle metro area including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Medina, Clyde Hill, and Hunts Point. For more about Kimberlee Marie Interiors, see here: https://www.kimberleemarie.com/ To learn more about this project, see here https://www.kimberleemarie.com/greenlake-remodel

Design and Decor

MARGARITA BRAVO

The first thing you notice about this property is the stunning views of the mountains, and our clients wanted to showcase this. We selected pieces that complement and highlight the scenery. Our clients were in love with their brown leather couches, so we knew we wanted to keep them from the beginning. This was the focal point for the selections in the living room, and we were able to create a cohesive, rustic, mountain-chic space. The home office was another critical part of the project as both clients work from home. We repurposed a handmade table that was made by the client’s family and used it as a double-sided desk. We painted the fireplace in a gorgeous green accent to make it pop. Finding the balance between statement pieces and statement views made this project a unique and incredibly rewarding experience. Project designed by Montecito interior designer Margarita Bravo. She serves Montecito as well as surrounding areas such as Hope Ranch, Summerland, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, Mission Canyon, Carpinteria, Goleta, Ojai, Los Olivos, and Solvang. --- For more about MARGARITA BRAVO, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/portfolio/mountain-chic-modern-rustic-home-denver/

Formal Living Room

Tollgard Design Group

This expansive living area can host a variety of functions from a few guests to a huge party. Vast, floor to ceiling, glass doors slide across to open one side into the garden.

Archway North London Renovation and Extension

MODEL Projects Ltd

This modern, cosy living room has retained the original features of a property of this era. Stunning Chais Longue, enhances the log burner mounted within the traditional Victorian fireplace.

Счастливы вместе - реализация

Дизайн-студия "Gradiz"

This is an example of a small contemporary formal open concept living room in Yekaterinburg with grey walls, vinyl floors, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor, a ribbon fireplace and decorative wall panelling.

Laurelhurst Tudor

Ore Studios

Mid-sized transitional formal enclosed living room in Seattle with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Edgemont | North Vancouver

Hasler Homes Ltd

This is an example of a large midcentury formal living room in Vancouver with white walls, no tv, concrete floors, a metal fireplace surround and a ribbon fireplace.

Everett Model - Mills Farm

Angela Arnone-Orel,

Transitional formal open concept living room in Kansas City with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a freestanding tv and brown floor.

Danville Project

Applegate Tran Interiors

This is an example of a large transitional formal open concept living room in San Francisco with grey walls, a standard fireplace, medium hardwood floors, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Modern Farmhouse

Salamander Construction Inc.

Susan Teare
Design ideas for a small country formal open concept living room in Burlington with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Great Room

Joseph Farrell Architecture

Interior Design by Pamala Deikel Design Photos by Paul Rollis
Design ideas for a large country formal open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Sheffield Terrace, Kensington, London

User

This is an example of a small contemporary formal living room in London with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and no tv.

Chelsea townhouse

Juliette Byrne

Design ideas for a transitional formal living room in London with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Edina Remodel

Revision LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian formal open concept living room in Minneapolis with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

SoHo Penthouse

SA-DA Architecture

Design ideas for a mid-sized industrial formal open concept living room in New York with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Orcas Island Cabin

Johnston Architects

Adam Michael Waldo
Mid-sized country formal open concept living room in Seattle with beige walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround and no tv.

Exposed Oak Urban Loft - Living Room

Lauzon Wood Floors

Discover Lauzon's Exposed Oak hardwood flooring from the Urban Loft Series. This magnific White Oak flooring enhance this decor with its marvelous natural shades, along with its wire brushed texture and its character look. This picture has been taken in a model condo at St-Bruno-Sur-le-Lac.

Exclusive Golf and Beach Club

Paramount Rug Company

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in Boston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Formal Living Design Ideas with a Metal Fireplace Surround

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 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 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.