Homegrown Decor, Interior Design; Angie Seckinger, Photography
This is an example of a large traditional open concept living room in DC Metro with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Waterfront 2

James Traynor Custom Homes

Traditional family room in New York with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Additions

Moss Building & Design

Photo of a traditional living room in DC Metro with a stone fireplace surround.

Marlborough Street Residence 2

Elms Interior Design

Photography by Michael J. Lee
This is an example of a large contemporary formal enclosed living room in Boston with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Weekend Escape on the CT Shore

Sally Scott Interior Designer

The dramatic, functional and comfortable living room overlooks the Sound beyond the deck and infinity hot tub. Again, using colors of water and shells, blending soft fabrics, interesting prints and textures, the room has a calming effect. Open to the dining room which extends into the kitchen and sun room, this main living space is the perfect place for entertaining and relaxing.

Paintbrush Ridge

Miller-Roodell Architects Ltd

David O Marlow
Design ideas for a country living room in Other with brown walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and beige floor.

Timberidge

2fORM Architecture

Erik Bishoff Photography
Photo of a country open concept family room in Other with a library, a stone fireplace surround and a wood stove.

Elegance on the Lake

Alyssa Lee Photography

Photo of a traditional living room in Minneapolis with carpet, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Hunterwood

The PFA Design Group

Traditional living room in Austin with a stone fireplace surround.

Traditional Family Room

Photo of a traditional enclosed family room in DC Metro with green walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Sustainable Mountain Home

Stais Architecture & Interiors

This is an example of a country open concept family room in Denver with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a library.

DARTMOUTH ROW _ LONDON _ CARL TRENFIELD ARCHITECTS

FRENCH+TYE

FRENCH+TYE
Mid-sized contemporary enclosed living room in London with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Woodland Medina Two-Story

Swanson Homes

Inspiration for a transitional family room in Minneapolis with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Country House Renovation

Brooks and Falotico Associates, Inc.

Phillip Ennis Photography
Design ideas for a large beach style family room in New York with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Shore Road

SLC Interiors

Photo of a beach style living room in Boston with grey walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Easton New Construction

Blueprint Dreams LLC

Large transitional formal enclosed living room in New York with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, grey walls, a wall-mounted tv and coffered.

Lower Whitefish Lake 7

Lands End Development - Designers & Builders

This is an example of a country formal open concept living room in Minneapolis with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, beige walls and a wall-mounted tv.

Big EZ Residence

North Fork Builders of Montana, Inc.

Inspiration for a large country formal living room in Other with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and light hardwood floors.

Morris Lakehouse

User

Country family room in New York with green walls, no tv, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and exposed beam.

Chickadee Lane

R.P. Morrison Builders, Inc.

This is an example of a country living room in Portland Maine with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Window Seats Living Design Ideas with 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.