Contemporary open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Collis, Brighton East

The Kitchen Design Centre

Design ideas for a contemporary living room in Melbourne with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Claremont

ColleenRoach

Large great room with floating beam detail. fireplace with rustic timber mantle and shiplap detail.
Inspiration for a beach style open concept family room in Other with a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, grey walls, dark hardwood floors and a ribbon fireplace.

RENOVATION TLC

Curtis Construction Services

CURTIS CONSTRUCTION
Photo of a contemporary living room in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

5 Boulderback Drive | Marmol Radziner

Ascaya

Contemporary open concept living room in Las Vegas with beige walls, concrete floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and grey floor.

Warm Modern in Boca Raton

Marc-Michaels Interior Design

Edward C. Butera
This is an example of a large modern open concept living room in Miami with beige walls, marble floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Contemporary Spec Home

Gibson Gimpel Interior Design

Family Room with View to Pool [Photography by Dan Piassick]
Photo of a large contemporary open concept living room in Dallas with a stone fireplace surround, a ribbon fireplace, white walls and light hardwood floors.

Transitional Living Room

Transitional open concept living room in Boise with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Living Space

LUX Quality Homes

Arts and crafts formal open concept living room in Vancouver with a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Scandinavian Style Living Room

ITECTDESIGN LLC.

this modern Scandinavian living room is designed to reflect nature's calm and beauty in every detail. A minimalist design featuring a neutral color palette, natural wood, and velvety upholstered furniture that translates the ultimate elegance and sophistication.

Modern Kitchen and Living Space in Navy Yard

Finesse Design Remodeling

This is an example of a mid-sized modern open concept family room in DC Metro with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and grey floor.

Nottinghill

Frahm Interiors - Burlington ON

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Toronto with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, wood walls and brown floor.

West Oval

Bloomsbury Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry

Inspiration for an expansive modern enclosed living room in Toronto with a library, white walls, slate floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a built-in media wall, grey floor and coffered.

Waterfront Transitional

Onshore Construction & Development, Inc.

Large contemporary open concept living room in Miami with light hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround, beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Lakewood

Visbeen Architects

Small transitional open concept family room in Grand Rapids with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and grey floor.

Manhattan meets Longboat Key

April Balliette

Mid-sized eclectic open concept living room in Tampa with a home bar, black walls, porcelain floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Family Room looking into Foyer

Kimmel Studio Architects

Photo of an expansive modern open concept living room in Baltimore with a home bar, white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Anderson-Pallister

Edgewood Construction

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary open concept living room in Albuquerque with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Modern Luxury

David Small Designs

Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept family room in Toronto with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, light hardwood floors and a stone fireplace surround.

Breakwater

McClellan | Tellone

Photo of a large modern formal open concept living room in Seattle with white walls, porcelain floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and white floor.

Living Design Ideas with a Ribbon Fireplace and a Stone 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.