Elegant Traditional Kitchen in Greenwich

We designed this kitchen using Plain & Fancy custom cabinetry with natural walnut and white pain finishes. The extra large island includes the sink and marble countertops. The matching marble backsplash features hidden spice shelves behind a mobile layer of solid marble. The cabinet style and molding details were selected to feel true to a traditional home in Greenwich, CT. In the adjacent living room, the built-in white cabinetry showcases matching walnut backs to tie in with the kitchen. The pantry encompasses space for a bar and small desk area. The light blue laundry room has a magnetized hanger for hang-drying clothes and a folding station. Downstairs, the bar kitchen is designed in blue Ultracraft cabinetry and creates a space for drinks and entertaining by the pool table. This was a full-house project that touched on all aspects of the ways the homeowners live in the space. Photos by Kyle Norton

Gothic Cottage - Award Finalist

Daniel Contelmo Architects

The great room walls are filled with glass doors and transom windows, providing maximum natural light and views of the pond and the meadow. Photographer: Daniel Contelmo Jr.

Tarzana

Trinity Builders & Design, Inc.

Large contemporary open concept living room in Los Angeles with a wall-mounted tv, white walls, a plaster fireplace surround, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and brown floor.

Transitional Arcadia

CJ Gershon Photography

This is an example of a country family room in Phoenix with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Midcentury Modern Custom Home Build in Eagle

Solitude Homes

Expansive transitional open concept living room in Boise with medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, brown floor, white walls, a brick fireplace surround and a freestanding tv.

College Grove Manor

Noble Johnson Architects

Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com
Photo of a large traditional formal open concept living room in Nashville with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a freestanding tv and beige floor.

25 Queens

Young Architects

Living Room looking across exterior terrace to swimming pool.
Design ideas for a large contemporary living room in Christchurch with white walls, a metal fireplace surround, a freestanding tv, beige floor, light hardwood floors and a ribbon fireplace.

Contemporary Twist on an Eclectic Del Mar Home

Hamilton-Gray Design, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional enclosed living room in San Diego with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor, a library, porcelain floors, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Landon

Frankel Design Build

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.

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.

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.

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.

32nd St. House II, Santa Monica, CA

Hamilton Architects

Inspiration for a contemporary living room in Los Angeles with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Two Belles Napa Family Compound- Farmhouse, old stone building, red barn

Polsky Perlstein Architects

photo by Michael Hospelt
Inspiration for a country family room in San Francisco with a library, white walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Luxurious Nashville Living Room

McGinn Photography

Mid-sized traditional open concept living room in Nashville with grey walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, a music area and medium hardwood floors.

The West Hampton

Tradewinds General Contracting, Inc.

Photo of a beach style open concept living room in Boise with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Hollywood Bungalow 1

GLYNNdesignbuild

To achieve the indoor/outdoor quality our client wanted, we installed multiple moment frames to carry the existing roof. It looks clean and organized in this photo but there is a lot going on in the structure. Don't be afraid to make big structural moves to achieve an open space. It is always worth it!

All Fireplace Surrounds 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.