Oak Paneled Library by Marshall Morgan Erb Design Inc.
Inspiration for a contemporary living room in Chicago with a metal fireplace surround and a standard fireplace.

A Bit of Blue

Ann Lowengart Interiors

Mid-sized tropical enclosed living room in San Francisco with blue walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a metal fireplace surround.

Living Rooms

Mission Tile West Showrooms

Mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with concrete floors, red walls, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and grey floor.

Nantucket Summer Home

Pinemar, Inc

John Bessler Photography http://www.besslerphoto.com Interior Design By T. Keller Donovan Pinemar, Inc.- Philadelphia General Contractor & Home Builder.

Teton Springs Residence

Dynia Architects

This house and guest house were designed with careful attention to siting, embracing the vistas to the surrounding landscape: the master bedroom’s windows frame views of Taylor Mountain to the east while the vast expanses of south and west facing glass engage the Big Hole Range from the open plan living/dining/kitchen area. The main residence and guest house contain 4,850 sq ft of habitable space plus a two car garage. The palette of materials accentuates rich, natural materials including Montana moss rock, cedar siding, stained concrete floors; cherry doors and flooring; a cor-ten steel roof and custom steel fabrications. Amenities include a steam shower, whirlpool jet bathtub, a photographic darkroom, custom cherry casework, motorized roller shades at the first floor living area, professional grade kitchen appliances, an exterior kitchen, extensive exterior concrete terraces with a stainless steel propane fire pit. Project Year: 2009

Motorized Light Filtering Shades in Living Room

Allure Window Treatments

This is an example of a large contemporary formal open concept living room in Philadelphia with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Séura Entertainment TV Mirror

Seura

Séura Vanishing Entertainment TV Mirror brings the perfect balance of technology and decor to the living room. Design by Candice Olson.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary formal enclosed living room in Other with white walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Erlton Refinishing

Morris Cooper Design Inc.

Comfortable living/ family room in an industrial home including a fireplace with a recessed TV niche above.
Large contemporary open concept living room in Calgary with a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, grey walls and dark hardwood floors.

Living Design Ideas with a Metal 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.