Inspiration for an expansive traditional open concept family room in Houston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and a library.

Deepwoods Living Room

Suzanna Santostefano

This is an example of a transitional living room in Austin with white walls, a brick fireplace surround, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Irvin Simmons

Endurance Custom Homes

Transitional living room in Dallas with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

French Country meets Palm Beach

JMA INTERIOR DESIGN

Brantley Photography
This is an example of a formal living room in Miami with white walls, a standard fireplace, no tv and beige floor.

Spinnaker Bay

Kennedy Cole Interior Design

Contemporary Coastal Living Room Design: Three Salt Design Co. Build: UC Custom Homes Photo: Chad Mellon
Photo of a mid-sized beach style open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, medium hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Estancia

Woodland Custom Beam Company

This is an example of an open concept family room in Phoenix with a home bar, beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and medium hardwood floors.

Spoleto Project

Houck Construction Inc.

Inspiration for a large contemporary formal enclosed living room in Los Angeles with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Beacon Hill Duplex

Eleven Interiors

Photographer: Greg Premru
This is an example of a transitional family room in Boston with light hardwood floors, a library, white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

W 26 Barsati

Shreya Krishnan Design Office

Satyansh Singh
Mid-sized asian enclosed living room in Delhi with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Modern Belle

Colby Construction

Inspiration for a country open concept living room in Milwaukee with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

Modern Family & Games Room

Inspiration for an expansive modern open concept family room in London with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, concrete floors and grey floor.

Great Room

Chaffey Building Group

Soundview Photography
Contemporary formal living room in Seattle with grey walls and a ribbon fireplace.

Chelsea Pied-à-terre

STADTArchitecture

Living Room with Acid Etched Glass Doors Closed. Photo by: David Mitchell
Small contemporary formal enclosed living room in New York with white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor and no fireplace.

Designs Featuring Andersen Windows & Doors

Builders Alliance LLC

Design ideas for a beach style open concept living room in Seattle with white walls, carpet and brown floor.

Franklin, TN Estate

Noble Johnson Architects

This sitting room + bar is the perfect place to relax and curl up with a good book. Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com

NAVEEN BOUTIQUE RESIDENCE

THE DESIGN FIRM

Asian formal living room in Bengaluru with white walls, brown floor and brick floors.

In the lap of nature

S A K Designs

Photo of a contemporary enclosed family room in Ahmedabad with white walls and beige floor.

Barcode House

Cravotta Interiors

Photo: Ryann Ford Photography
Design ideas for a midcentury formal open concept living room in Austin with concrete floors.

Long Crendon Longhouse

Cairn

Simon Maxwell
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury living room in Buckinghamshire with beige walls, a wood stove, a brick fireplace surround, a freestanding tv, brown floor and medium hardwood floors.

Vineyard Farmhouse

Michelle Thomas Design

John Bishop
Inspiration for a traditional open concept living room in Austin with dark hardwood floors.

Glass Doors 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.