Weather House is a bespoke home for a young, nature-loving family on a quintessentially compact Northcote block. Our clients Claire and Brent cherished the character of their century-old worker's cottage but required more considered space and flexibility in their home. Claire and Brent are camping enthusiasts, and in response their house is a love letter to the outdoors: a rich, durable environment infused with the grounded ambience of being in nature. From the street, the dark cladding of the sensitive rear extension echoes the existing cottage!s roofline, becoming a subtle shadow of the original house in both form and tone. As you move through the home, the double-height extension invites the climate and native landscaping inside at every turn. The light-bathed lounge, dining room and kitchen are anchored around, and seamlessly connected to, a versatile outdoor living area. A double-sided fireplace embedded into the house’s rear wall brings warmth and ambience to the lounge, and inspires a campfire atmosphere in the back yard. Championing tactility and durability, the material palette features polished concrete floors, blackbutt timber joinery and concrete brick walls. Peach and sage tones are employed as accents throughout the lower level, and amplified upstairs where sage forms the tonal base for the moody main bedroom. An adjacent private deck creates an additional tether to the outdoors, and houses planters and trellises that will decorate the home’s exterior with greenery. From the tactile and textured finishes of the interior to the surrounding Australian native garden that you just want to touch, the house encapsulates the feeling of being part of the outdoors; like Claire and Brent are camping at home. It is a tribute to Mother Nature, Weather House’s muse.

For the Love of MCM

Sklar Studios

Everywhere you look in this home, there is a surprise to be had and a detail worth preserving. One of the more iconic interior features was this original copper fireplace shroud that was beautifully restored back to it's shiny glory. The sofa was custom made to fit "just so" into the drop down space/ bench wall separating the family room from the dining space. Not wanting to distract from the design of the space by hanging a TV on the wall - there is a concealed projector and screen that drop down from the ceiling when desired. Flooded with natural light from both directions from the original sliding glass doors - this home glows day and night - by sun or by fire. From this view you can see the relationship of the kitchen which was originally in this location, but previously closed off with walls. It's compact and efficient, and allows seamless interaction between hosts and guests.

Holly Hill House

Robert M. Cain, Architect

The design promotes healthy lifestyles by providing primary living on one floor, no materials containing volatile organic compounds, energy recovery ventilation systems, radon elimination systems, extension of interior spaces into the natural environment of the site, strong and direct physical and visual connections to nature, daylighting techniques providing occupants full integration into a natural, endogenous circadian rhythm. Incorporation¬¬¬ of daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior-to-code insulation ensure minimal space-conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All lighting fixtures are LEDs.

Open Shut House

WALA

A custom entertainment unit was designed to be a focal point in the Living Room. A centrally placed gas fireplace visually anchors the room, with an generous offering of storage cupboards & shelves above. The large-panel cupboard doors slide across the open shelving to reveal a hidden TV alcove. Photo by Dave Kulesza.

barrio historico house

HK ASSOCIATES

Bill Timmerman
Photo of a small modern open concept living room in Other with white walls, concrete floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and a concealed tv.

Holz. Stein. Haus.

BRÜNING INTERIORS

Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial open concept family room in Other with black walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a concealed tv, beige floor and wood.

Stylish Interior Remodeling Projects

Nailed It Builders

Elevate your home with our stylish interior remodeling projects, blending traditional charm with modern comfort. From living rooms to bedrooms, we transform spaces with expert craftsmanship and timeless design

Ross Peak Great Room Guillotine Fireplace

Brandner Design

The Ross Peak Great Room Guillotine Fireplace is the perfect focal point for this contemporary room. The guillotine fireplace door consists of a custom formed brass mesh door, providing a geometric element when the door is closed. The fireplace surround is Natural Etched Steel, with a complimenting brass mantle. Shown with custom niche for Fireplace Tools.

Cube House

Edmonds + Lee Architects

Eddy Joaquim
Photo of a large scandinavian open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a concealed tv and a metal fireplace surround.

Laneway House

Julie Powers Design

ASHLEY CAPP
This is an example of a modern living room in Toronto with white walls, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and a concealed tv.

Projet POI.// Réorganisation du séjour

Design d'Space - Géraldine Lange

Félix13 www.felix13.fr
Small industrial open concept living room in Strasbourg with white walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, a concealed tv and grey floor.

Logan Circle Modern

JD Ireland Interior Architecture + Design

Living Room with four custom moveable sofas able to be moved to accommodate large cocktail parties and events. A custom-designed firebox with the television concealed behind eucalyptus pocket doors with a wenge trim. Pendant light mirrors the same fixture which is in the adjoining dining room. Photographer: Angie Seckinger

Belvedere Beauty

Sandra Bird Designs, Inc.

Can you find the television?
Photo of a contemporary living room in San Francisco with a metal fireplace surround and a concealed tv.

Bloorcourt Village

Wanda Ely Architect Inc.

In winter months, the wood-burning fireplace serves as the focal point for the room. steel-lined shelves in the adjacent millwork are a durable and convenient place for firewood storage.

Rosanna Residence

Lume Architecture

polished concrete floor, gas fireplace, timber panelling,
Photo of a mid-sized modern open concept living room in Melbourne with grey walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a concealed tv, grey floor and wood walls.

Downtown Penthouse

Sheree Stuart Design

Living Room Photography by Gillian Jackson
This is an example of a small contemporary open concept living room in Toronto with grey walls, a metal fireplace surround, a concealed tv, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and brown floor.

Skyline Home

Terry and Terry Architecture

Design ideas for a large modern formal open concept living room in Orange County with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and a concealed tv.

For the Love of MCM

Sklar Studios

Everywhere you look in this home, there is a surprise to be had and a detail worth preserving. One of the many iconic interior features of the home is the original copper fireplace that was beautifully restored back to it's shiny glory. The hearth hovers above the cork floor with a strong horizontal gesture that picks up on the deep lines of the brick wall and surround. The combination of this, the original brick, and fireplace shroud that glimmers like a piece of jewelry is undisputably the focal point of this space.

ZM Villa

IDS Jordan

Photo of a large contemporary formal open concept living room in Other with multi-coloured walls, marble floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a concealed tv and beige floor.

Timeless Cedar Shake

Julians Interiors

Giovanni Photography, Naples, Florida
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional enclosed family room in New York with blue walls, a concealed tv, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and beige floor.

Living Design Ideas with a Metal Fireplace Surround and a Concealed TV

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.