Photo of a traditional family room in DC Metro with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

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.

Esher

Anthea Turner Home

This is an example of a traditional open concept living room in London with grey walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Field Club Lot 14

Patrick Ahearn Architect

Greg Premru
Photo of a mid-sized traditional enclosed living room in Boston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Modern Urban Family Room

Meg Miller Art/Design

Large midcentury loft-style family room in Denver with orange walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Christmas at the Cavender House

The Cavender Diary

Inspiration for an eclectic living room in Dallas with a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Ranch House

Rachel Mast Design

This is an example of a country living room in Austin with a brick fireplace surround.

Lake Houses

Durrett Homes

Lake House in East Texas
Photo of a country living room in Dallas with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

VININGS PROJECT

MCM DESIGN LLC

This is an example of a contemporary living room in Atlanta with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, a brick fireplace surround and a standard fireplace.

European Cottage

Pillar Homes

Builder: Pillar Homes - Photography: Landmark Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional sunroom in Minneapolis with brick floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a standard ceiling and red floor.

Lewis Range Brick Fireplace Surround

Fireclay Tile

Less is more--art director and Instagram darling Amanda Jane Jones refreshes her classic brick fireplace in Snow.
Inspiration for a mid-sized scandinavian open concept living room in Chicago with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Island View Drive Renovation

Salt Marsh Contracting

Tyler Davidson
This is an example of a mid-sized country open concept living room in Charleston with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Old Metairie, Hotard General Contracting

Jefferson Door Company

Jefferson Door supplied: windows (krestmark), interior door (Masonite), exterior doors, crown moulding, baseboards, columns (HB&G Building Products, Inc.), stair parts and door hardware. Builder: Hotard General Contracting jeffersondoor.com

Windsor at Bay Colony, Remodel, Naples

BCB Homes, Inc.

Lori Hamilton
Photo of a large contemporary formal open concept living room in Miami with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a built-in media wall.

Living Room

Capital State Remodel

This is an example of a mid-sized tropical enclosed living room in Austin with a home bar, beige walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and no tv.

Casa Santi

Francesca Anichini Studio

This is an example of an expansive contemporary open concept living room in Florence with a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

COLLEGE PARK | PRIVATE RESIDENCE

Steele Street Studios

Shannon Lazic
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Orlando with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, white walls, a wall-mounted tv and medium hardwood floors.

Living

Veranda Designer Homes

Photo of a large country formal open concept living room in Dallas with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a concealed tv and beige floor.

Red Rock Bungalow

Laura Jones & Company, LLC

Unfortunately, the window treatments weren't installed yet when these photos were taken.
Mid-sized transitional enclosed family room in Phoenix with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Hearthroom 44 Indoor/Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace

Acucraft Fireplaces

Acucraft's Hearthroom 44 Indoor/Outdoor See-Through Wood Burning Fireplace with Patina Finish and Cylinder Handles.
Mid-sized traditional living room in Minneapolis with a two-sided fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Living Design Ideas with a Brick Fireplace Surround

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.