Design ideas for a modern formal open concept living room in Miami with white walls, light hardwood floors and brown floor.

Haus S12

be_planen Architektur GmbH

Expansive modern formal loft-style living room in Munich with white walls, linoleum floors, a two-sided fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, no tv and grey floor.

St John's Wood Family Home, Living Room

Roselind Wilson Design

Photography by Richard Waite
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in London with white walls and grey floor.

Paces Ferry 2042

Virtual Studio Innovations

Inspiration for a mediterranean sunroom in Atlanta with terra-cotta floors, a glass ceiling and brown floor.

Connecticut Project

Genie's Drapery Service

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in New York with white walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor and no tv.

Bali-Inspired Modern

Western Window Systems

Praised for its visually appealing, modern yet comfortable design, this Scottsdale residence took home the gold in the 2014 Design Awards from Professional Builder magazine. Built by Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes, the 5,877-square-foot residence features an open floor plan that includes Western Window Systems’ multi-slide pocket doors to allow for optimal inside-to-outside flow. Tropical influences such as covered patios, a pool, and reflecting ponds give the home a lush, resort-style feel.

Dobbs Ferry Classical Conservatory

Michael Lewis Architects PC

This is an example of a large traditional sunroom in New York with light hardwood floors, no fireplace, a standard ceiling and brown floor.

FAYNE REMODEL

Robert A. McGraw Architect

Family Room with Large TV, and stacking glass doors open to back patio. Photo by Jon Encarnacion
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary enclosed family room in Orange County with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor, a home bar, a ribbon fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

De Sola Terrace, Newport Beach

Jeri Koegel Photography

Jeri Koegel
This is an example of a contemporary open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Living Room

Robert Young Architects

Inspiration for a beach style living room in New York with a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Montlake Cottage

Proform Builds

This is an example of a contemporary sunroom in Seattle with a skylight and grey floor.

Vineyard Farmhouse

Michelle Thomas Design

John Bishop
Design ideas for a country sunroom in Austin with a standard ceiling, beige floor and a two-sided fireplace.

Project 26

Deluxe Photographic

Project for Karanda Interiors Photos by Chris Demas, Deluxe Photographic
Design ideas for a contemporary living room in Sydney with grey walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Eglinton Street

Benedict Design

A simple living space with an injection of light from full height rear opening and large skylight. Huw Lambert Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, light hardwood floors and a freestanding tv.

Tilbygning som orangeri

Rasmus Jensen ARKITEKT MAA

Inspiration for a mid-sized scandinavian sunroom in Aalborg with concrete floors, a glass ceiling and grey floor.

Transitional Sunroom

Photo of a transitional sunroom in New York with dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a skylight and brown floor.

1940's Bungalow Renovation

Kerr Design Build

Contemporary open concept living room in Vancouver with dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Atherton Timeless Estate

Spectrum Interior Design, Inc.

Mid-sized traditional open concept family room in San Francisco with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Moscato - Chene (Van Nuys)

Urban Floor

This wide plank, European oak flooring is wired brushed and stained with one of the most unique brownish-grey stain colors. Most of the planks are about 7’ long and each plank is a piece of art created by nature.

Traditional Living Room

Inspiration for a traditional family room in San Francisco with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Indoor/outdoor Living Grey 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 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.