Inspiration for a mid-sized country open concept living room in Seattle with a library, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, brown walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Rénovation d'un T2 Parisien

Lagom architectes

This is an example of a small scandinavian living room in Paris with a library, grey walls and medium hardwood floors.

Everett Avenue

Oak Hill Architects

Built-in shelving provides space above for the clients book collection as well as storage cabinets below for kids toys.
Photo of a large traditional enclosed family room in Boston with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a library.

Joinery in a Compact Flat in Chelsea

Pia Design

Photography by Richard Chivers. Project Copyright to Ardesia Design Ltd.
Photo of a small contemporary living room in London with white walls, light hardwood floors, a library and beige floor.

Roscomare Library

Chelsea Design + Construction

Clark Dugger
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional enclosed family room in Los Angeles with a library, blue walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Living Room

Designing Solutions

Photo of a large traditional enclosed family room in DC Metro with a library, beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

THE RETREAT, BARNES. ROOF & SIDE INFILL EXTENSIONS

Paul Dean

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed living room in London with a library, grey walls, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, medium hardwood floors, a freestanding tv and brown floor.

Organic Modern Lakehouse

Sane Designs

Federica Carlet
Design ideas for a contemporary family room in New York with a library and grey walls.

Eclectic Colonial

HAVEN INTERIORS LTD.

Ryan Hainey
Inspiration for a small traditional enclosed family room in Milwaukee with a library, brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Sonoma Sunroom

Tierney Conner Architecture

David Duncan Livingston
Photo of a large contemporary open concept family room in San Francisco with a library, beige walls, medium hardwood floors and no tv.

Transitional Living Room

Design ideas for a transitional open concept living room in New York with a library, white walls, medium hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

Living Spaces

Red Ranch Studios

© Eric Kazmirek, Red Ranch Studios
Photo of a transitional living room in New York with a library, blue walls and medium hardwood floors.

Family Room

Shannon Malone

Shannon Malone © 2012 Houzz
This is an example of a traditional family room in San Francisco with a library and beige walls.

Custom Home

Gaetano Hardwood Floors, Inc.

Flooring: Solid 3/4" x 36 x 36" Custom Walnut Square in Square Parquet Pattern with a heavy hand distress, stain and finish. Photography:Darlene Halaby Photography

French Chateaux

Allan Malouf Studio

This is an example of a traditional enclosed living room in Other with a library and green walls.

Medfield, Ma.

color theory Boston

photo: Michael J Lee
Photo of a mid-sized traditional enclosed family room in Boston with a library, green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Rocksyde

Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc.

This year-round house sits on a rocky shoulder of a New England cove. The house is oriented East to West, allowing a procession of rooms to gradually culminate in the spectacular ocean view to the East. The dramatic siting of the house against the water’s edge recalls a ship’s prow jutting into the ocean. The house responds to its natural environment as well as the Shingle Style tradition popular to the region. Photography by Robert Benson

Sunset Road

Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors

This is an example of a large transitional open concept family room in Boston with a library, a built-in media wall, beige walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and beige floor.

The Library

Robin Gannon Interiors

This is an example of a traditional family room in Boston with a library and beige walls.

Rumson Residence | New Construction

Design Logic Limited, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional enclosed living room in New York with a library, blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Window Seats Living Design Ideas with a Library

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.