Large contemporary open concept living room in Los Angeles with a wall-mounted tv, white walls, a plaster fireplace surround, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and brown floor.

Midcentury Modern Custom Home Build in Eagle

Solitude Homes

Expansive transitional open concept living room in Boise with medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, brown floor, white walls, a brick fireplace surround and a freestanding tv.

25 Queens

Young Architects

Living Room looking across exterior terrace to swimming pool.
Design ideas for a large contemporary living room in Christchurch with white walls, a metal fireplace surround, a freestanding tv, beige floor, light hardwood floors and a ribbon fireplace.

Contemporary Twist on an Eclectic Del Mar Home

Hamilton-Gray Design, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional enclosed living room in San Diego with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor, a library, porcelain floors, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Modern Family & Games Room

Inspiration for an expansive modern open concept family room in London with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, concrete floors and grey floor.

Great Room

Chaffey Building Group

Soundview Photography
Contemporary formal living room in Seattle with grey walls and a ribbon fireplace.

32nd St. House II, Santa Monica, CA

Hamilton Architects

Inspiration for a contemporary living room in Los Angeles with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Portobello Extension

Dublin Design Studio

Inspiration for an eclectic living room in Dublin with blue walls, a ribbon fireplace and grey floor.

Lake Geneva LSD

Michael Abraham Architecture

Design ideas for a beach style family room in Chicago with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Earlwood

Maker Interior Design

Inspiration for a contemporary living room in Sydney with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

Rutherford Residence

Grassi & Associates

This is an example of a country formal open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and beige floor.

Norman Residence at Mirabel Golf Club

User

Open great room with a large motorized door opening the space to the outdoor patio and pool area / Builder - Platinum Custom Homes / Photo by ©Thompson Photographic.com 2018 / Tate Studio Architects

Contemporary - Ocean Blvd

D for Design

Expansive contemporary open concept living room with white walls, limestone floors, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

as seen on Love it or List It: Vancouver

STOR-X Organizing Systems - Edmonton

This is an example of a mid-sized beach style family room in Edmonton with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Olive Tree Lane

Mark English Architects, AIA

Inspiration for a modern living room in San Francisco with a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and bamboo floors.

Inver Grove Heights Basement

Redebu

This is an example of a traditional family room in Minneapolis with brown walls, a ribbon fireplace and medium hardwood floors.

Mar Vista

MORPHEUS DESIGN INC

Photo of a beach style family room in Los Angeles with light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Farmdale Avenue

Neue Focus

Inspiration for a transitional formal enclosed living room in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Paso Los Cerritos

Jay Andre Construction, Inc.

This is an example of a transitional formal open concept living room in San Francisco with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and beige floor.

Skye in Palm Springs, California

Woodbridge Pacific Group

Residence One Great Room at Skye in Palm Springs, California
Design ideas for a midcentury open concept living room in Los Angeles with a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

Glass Doors Living Design Ideas with a Ribbon Fireplace

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.