Rachel Boling
Design ideas for a country formal open concept living room in Other with a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

COUNTRY RETREAT

SCHLAGENHAFT STUDIO

A randomly composed stone fireplace defines a cozy corner.
Design ideas for a mid-sized country enclosed family room in Milwaukee with a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, brown walls and a corner fireplace.

Japanese Mountain Home

A Cut Above

Inspiration for a contemporary living room in Other with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, beige walls and beige floor.

Lake House

Spice Hill Interiors

Large transitional formal enclosed living room in New York with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Squam

MacArthur Construction Company

Design ideas for a large country open concept living room in Boston with medium hardwood floors, brown walls, brown floor, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Tall Pine Lake Cabin

Aldo Partners

This is an example of a country family room in Other with a music area, brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Chalet

Architekt Stefan Schramm

Daniela Polak
Design ideas for a mid-sized country open concept living room in Munich with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Parade of Homes - 2018

Cozort Custom Homes

Inspiration for a transitional formal open concept living room in Other with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Sunset Ranch

Dubbe Moulder Architects

Douglas Burke
Country enclosed family room in Salt Lake City with a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Sullivan's Island

Elizabeth Stuart Design

Photo of a transitional sunroom in Charleston with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a standard ceiling and brown floor.

Artisan Home 2018

Swanson Homes

Landmark Photography
Design ideas for a transitional family room in Minneapolis with white walls, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and brown floor.

Craftsman Style Residence

J. W. McCarter & Associates

Craftsman style wainscoting, chandeliers, and decorative ceiling beams add visual interest to this sitting room. Jewel toned fabrics, a large oriental rug, and decorative lamps offer several seating areas to choose from.

Le Chalets

Smith Maguire Architecture

Photo of a contemporary living room in Other with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Salon montagnard dans un chalet

Ben G Waller Photography

This is an example of a mid-sized country open concept living room in Sussex with a corner fireplace, a freestanding tv, brown walls, light hardwood floors and a stone fireplace surround.

Family Estate on Kahshe Lake

McAulay Construction

Cody Storm Cooper
Inspiration for a country open concept living room in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Peter J Sinnott IV

Home Works

Inspiration for a country family room in New York with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Beans-Bight Residence

LOCKHART SUVER

This is an example of a contemporary living room in Seattle with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Old West Austin

Cravotta Interiors

Photo: Ryann Ford Photography
This is an example of a transitional family room in Austin with a home bar, brown walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Wayzata Estate

Grace Hill Design

Alyssa Lee Photography
Large traditional family room in Minneapolis with carpet, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, beige floor, a music area and brown walls.

Rustic Living Room

Country living room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Stained Wood Walls 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.