Central to the success of this project is the seamless link between interior and exterior zones. The external zones free-flow off the interior to create a sophisticated yet secluded space to lounge, entertain and dine.

Custom design and build

Horizon Homes

First impression count as you enter this custom-built Horizon Homes property at Kellyville. The home opens into a stylish entryway, with soaring double height ceilings. It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And that’s literally true with this home. With the kitchen in the centre of the ground floor, this home provides ample formal and informal living spaces on the ground floor. At the rear of the house, a rumpus room, living room and dining room overlooking a large alfresco kitchen and dining area make this house the perfect entertainer. It’s functional, too, with a butler’s pantry, and laundry (with outdoor access) leading off the kitchen. There’s also a mudroom – with bespoke joinery – next to the garage. Upstairs is a mezzanine office area and four bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite with dressing room, ensuite and private balcony. Outdoor areas were important to the owners of this knockdown rebuild. While the house is large at almost 454m2, it fills only half the block. That means there’s a generous backyard. A central courtyard provides further outdoor space. Of course, this courtyard – as well as being a gorgeous focal point – has the added advantage of bringing light into the centre of the house.

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Geelong with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Lyons - Risdon Pl

Chapman Built

Custom gas fireplace, stone cladding, sheer curtains
Contemporary formal open concept living room in Canberra - Queanbeyan with carpet, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, white walls, a freestanding tv and beige floor.

Wellesley Residence 2

Elms Interior Design

Photography by Michael. J Lee Photography
Mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Boston with grey walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, grey floor and wallpaper.

European Farmhouse

Owen Homes LLC

Large transitional formal open concept living room in Kansas City with grey walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a concealed tv and brown floor.

Mendota Design Gallery

Mendota Hearth

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Cedar Rapids with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Heatilator Design Gallery

Perfection Supply

Photo of a mid-sized modern formal open concept living room in Houston with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

A Designer's Dream Home

RLH Studio

Steve Henke
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in Minneapolis with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and coffered.

Fair Haven

Stone Creek Builders

This is an example of a large transitional formal open concept living room in New York with light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, white walls and beige floor.

North Road

Cynthia Hayes Interior Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style formal loft-style living room in Providence with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Water's Edge

Timothy M. Giguere, AIA - TMS Architects

Architectrure by TMS Architects Rob Karosis Photography
This is an example of a beach style formal living room in Boston with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Bedroom

Royal Interior

Inspiration for an asian formal enclosed living room with white walls, painted wood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and blue floor.

Дача в Подмосковье

propertylab+art

PropertyLab+art
Inspiration for a mid-sized country formal open concept living room in Moscow with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Peaceful Spa-inspired Retreat

Peery Homes

This is an example of a large transitional formal enclosed living room in Other with brown walls, a standard fireplace, medium hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

OLD NOYAC PATH

Blue Ocean Design

Inspiration for a large beach style formal open concept living room in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace, dark hardwood floors, a tile fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

1840 Greek Revival

Twelve Chairs Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional formal enclosed living room in Boston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Fresh Elegance Full Home Remodel in Santa Clara

Memmo Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized transitional formal enclosed living room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, no tv, brown floor, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Yuzen Signature | Modin Rigid LVP Collection Customer Space | PA

Flooret

Clean and bright vinyl planks for a space where you can clear your mind and relax. Unique knots bring life and intrigue to this tranquil maple design. With the Modin Collection, we have raised the bar on luxury vinyl plank. The result is a new standard in resilient flooring. Modin offers true embossed in register texture, a low sheen level, a rigid SPC core, an industry-leading wear layer, and so much more.

Mountain Top

Harris Custom Builders, LLC

Design ideas for a large country formal enclosed living room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

All Fireplace Surrounds Formal Living Room Design Photos

A living room, often referred to as a lounge room in Australia and New Zealand, is the hub of the home. If you only have one living room in the house, it’s likely to serve multiple purposes: be it a place to watch TV, play games, spend quality time with family or hang out with friends. If you have the luxury of two living areas, one is usually a formal living room or lounge room, reserved for reading, relaxing and entertaining. A successful living room design is inviting, has enough seating for the whole clan – a comfortable couch is a must – and encourages conversation. Browse photos on Houzz for living room layouts, furniture and decor, and strike up a conversation with the interior designers or architects of your favourite picks. For even more living room ideas, check out the Stories section on Houzz.

Which living room layouts will work best for you?

Every living area will have design challenges. A long, narrow lounge room, for example, risks looking like a hallway if furniture is lined up against the walls. Instead, opt for small furniture items, like a cosy two-seater couch, and create various focal points throughout the space. In square living rooms, a symmetrical layout encourages a formal setting. Place seating on either side of the room, with a focal point in the middle to pull the room together. For a truly intimate vibe, replace your couch with some occasional chairs positioned around a coffee table or ottoman. This will make the main focus conversation. An open-plan home – one where the lines are blurred between kitchen, dining and living – may require a layout that focuses on definition. You’ll want to make sure furniture doesn’t block the flow between spaces, and instead use something like an area rug to create zones.

How can you decorate your living room?

The living room can be a place in which to show off your personality, but if you want a timeless living room scheme, stick to neutral walls, couches and ottomans. Colour can be added through accessories, and is a lot more interchangeable! Rugs, cushions and throws are great for adding colour, while mirrors, lamps and ceiling lights will set the mood. Make your living room unique by including family heirlooms and photos. For a polished look, try creating a coffee table vignette – you could use books as pedestals or group items together on a tray. Try adding a vase, a mixture of round and rectangular objects and some books.

What are some small living room ideas?

Small living room designs can be tricky to work with, but aren’t doomed to fail. Often, you just have to get creative with furniture. An open-back chaise can create a sense of spaciousness, while small side tables paired together can substitute a coffee table. Even better, an ottoman can be used as a footrest, coffee table or extra seating. Big furniture items like the couch are best kept in light colours, and if there’s room for a coffee table, a glass-top one is best. If you have two spaces in one – perhaps your living room sits in front of a single-wall kitchen – make sure they are connected by decor, colour and style. For definition, just add area rugs, or use your couch as a dividing wall. It’s worth having a few furniture pieces, whether a bookshelf, couch or entertainment unit, in the same colour as the walls, too, so they blend into the room and visually expand the space.

Is open-plan living for you?

Today’s homes often embrace open-plan living, whereby the living room runs off the kitchen and/or dining areas. Open-plan living allows greater functionality, but can risk creating a vast, soulless space if not done right. To avoid a cavernous feel in an open-plan design, define areas with furniture, rugs and lighting, or consider using a wall divider. Also be sure to keep flooring, lighting and materials consistent throughout, for cohesiveness. Noise may be an issue – someone banging pots and pans while you’re watching TV, for example – so include lots of soft furnishings, such as rugs, curtains and couches to help absorb the noise. You will also need to factor in plenty of storage, so mess is kept at bay.