Mid-sized transitional living room in Detroit with dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

SHANNON LAZIC
Photo of a mid-sized transitional formal living room in Orlando with white walls, dark hardwood floors and a wall-mounted tv.

Bridgeman Downs

Highgate House

Inspiration for a transitional family room in Brisbane with medium hardwood floors and beige floor.

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Sunridge Show Home

Mulberry's Design House

Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept family room in Calgary with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, white walls and a wood fireplace surround.

Basement Remodel

Meriwether Inc

The plank tile floors are set over an infloor heating system. The tiles were laid in a herringbone pattern and dark grout was used to bring in a feeling of history to this space. Then by playing with the dividers in the built in bookcases and keeping very clean lines on the windows they style of the basement feels like a modern update on a classic style. Architecture & Design by Meriwether Felt. Photos by Susan Gilmore

Victoria, BC Luxury Craftsman

KM Interior Designs

Joshua Lawrence Studios, Inc.
Design ideas for a traditional enclosed living room in Vancouver with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Silverlake Kenilworth

DesignHAUS 24

Minimal and hip bachelor pad, this living room combines the client's taste for mid-century modern lines and and more traditional pieces, for a masculine but polished look. The space is anchored by an over-sized, 'library' bookcase, and a large rug featuring the homeowner's choice colors of blues and yellows. Tailored for a bachelor's lifestyle, the seating arrangement provides great views of the tv without disturbing the flow of circulation. Pops of metal in the cocktail table and c-table bring in a mix of materials. Photos by Holly Brobst: http://hollybrobst.com/

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Tobi Fairley Holiday

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

This is an example of a traditional living room in Little Rock with beige walls and a standard fireplace.

Solair Condo C . Living Room

Susan Manrao Design

Modern living room grounded by large area rug, and neutral colors such as gray furnishings and dark wood floors. Throw pills and clean styling add detail to the space. Large trays on coffee table add organization as well as open shelf below for coffee table books. A large wall mirror becomes the focal point for this modern living room.

Pacific Heights Penthouse

Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

A complete interior remodel of a top floor unit in a stately Pacific Heights building originally constructed in 1925. The remodel included the construction of a new elevated roof deck with a custom spiral staircase and “penthouse” connecting the unit to the outdoor space. The unit has two bedrooms, a den, two baths, a powder room, an updated living and dining area and a new open kitchen. The design highlights the dramatic views to the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge to the north, the views west to the Pacific Ocean and the City to the south. Finishes include custom stained wood paneling and doors throughout, engineered mahogany flooring with matching mahogany spiral stair treads. The roof deck is finished with a lava stone and ipe deck and paneling, frameless glass guardrails, a gas fire pit, irrigated planters, an artificial turf dog park and a solar heated cedar hot tub.

Pleasant Valley

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

Walls are Sherwin Williams Wool Skein. Sofas from Lee Industries.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept family room in Little Rock with beige walls and carpet.

Russian Hill Residence

Charlie Barnett Associates

Modern living room in San Francisco with dark hardwood floors.

Siddons Design Team

2011 Dream Room Winner On the windows we used cornice boards covered in a damask patterned fabric and attached honey-colored silk drapery panels inspired by grand European pillars. These treatments were ideal for framing the picturesque outside view. We selected a luxurious, golden-colored sofa with a large tone-on-tone damask pattern, an upholstered armchair and a fauteuil, creating a sophisticated, old world feel. A dark wooden cocktail table and side tables with cabriole legs completed the seating arrangement. We chose a variety of accessories in rich gold-tones, accented by robin’s egg blues with gray undertones and terra cotta shades, echoing the colors of many Italian scenes.

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.