Inspiration for a large contemporary formal enclosed living room in Los Angeles with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Franklin, TN Estate

Noble Johnson Architects

This sitting room + bar is the perfect place to relax and curl up with a good book. Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com

Two Belles Napa Family Compound- Farmhouse, old stone building, red barn

Polsky Perlstein Architects

photo by Michael Hospelt
Inspiration for a country family room in San Francisco with a library, white walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

The West Hampton

Tradewinds General Contracting, Inc.

Photo of a beach style open concept living room in Boise with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Green Mountain Getaway - Guest House

Flavin Architects

The guesthouse of our Green Mountain Getaway follows the same recipe as the main house. With its soaring roof lines and large windows, it feels equally as integrated into the surrounding landscape. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Living Space

Mary Anne Smiley Interiors

Danny Piassick
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Dallas with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Architectural Elegance

Rockwood Custom Homes

John Cornegge http://thinkorangemedia.com/
Photo of an arts and crafts enclosed living room in Calgary with carpet, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and no tv.

Sorrento Drive

Joseph Spierer Architects, Inc.

Design ideas for a transitional enclosed living room in Los Angeles with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

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.

Silverleaf Upper Canyon Mediterranean Custom Home

Luster Custom Homes & Remodeling

Photo by Ryan Garvin
This is an example of a mediterranean living room in Phoenix with medium hardwood floors, a tile fireplace surround, beige walls, a standard fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

Mountain View Addition and Remodel

CAGE Design Build

Family Room Addition and Remodel featuring patio door, bifold door, tiled fireplace and floating hearth, and floating shelves | Photo: Finger Photography

Palos Verde Est. Spanish Home

C & C Partners Design/Build Firm

This is an example of a mediterranean living room in Los Angeles with brown floor, white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Eisenhower Square

Hri Design

This is an example of a transitional family room in Denver with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Hector Avenue

NANO LLC

Inspiration for a large transitional open concept living room in New Orleans with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a built-in media wall and dark hardwood floors.

Katsanevas Residence

Steven Dailey Construction

Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept family room in Salt Lake City with white walls, porcelain floors, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, a ribbon fireplace and brown floor.

Sennett Residence

Living Stone Design + Build

Inspiration for a large midcentury open concept living room in Other with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, beige walls, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Emperors Gate

Dyer Grimes Architecture

Jack Hobhouse
Mid-sized contemporary enclosed living room in London with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Stufe collizzolli

Stufe Collizzolli

Inspiration for a mid-sized country open concept living room in Milan with white walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Flower Streets

Blackband Design

Build: Graystone Custom Builders, Interior Design: Blackband Design, Photography: Ryan Garvin
Mid-sized beach style open concept living room in Orange County with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor and a wall-mounted tv.

Upper West Collection at One Loudoun

Miller and Smith Homes

Photo of a transitional living room in DC Metro with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Glass Doors Living Design Ideas with a Tile 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.