Photo of a country formal living room in Boston with white walls, light hardwood floors, a wood fireplace surround, beige floor, recessed, planked wall panelling and a two-sided fireplace.

Mountain Modern

CT Design

This living room was part of a larger main floor remodel that included the kitchen, dining room, entryway, and stair. The existing wood burning fireplace and moss rock was removed and replaced with rustic black stained paneling, a gas corner fireplace, and a soapstone hearth. New beams were added.

Meadow Place Dream -Modern Country Farmhouse

BENNEFIELD Construction Ltd.

Fall in love with this Beautiful Modern Country Farmhouse nestled in Cobble Hill BC. This Farmhouse has an ideal design for a family home, sprawled on 2 levels that are perfect for daily family living a well as entertaining guests and hosting special celebrations. This gorgeous kitchen boasts beautiful fir beams with herringbone floors.

Ship lap on Fireplace Wall

Jan Neiges, CMKBD with NKBA

This tall wall for the fireplace had art niches that I wanted removed along with the boring white tile border around the fireplace. I wanted a clean and simple look. I replaced the white tile that surrounded the inside of the fireplace with black glass mosaic tile. This helped to give the fireplace opening a more solid look.

Reclaimed Brick with Board and Batten Modern Farmhouse on Acreage

Wyrick Residential Design

Large country open concept living room in Houston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor, timber, planked wall panelling and a two-sided fireplace.

Farmhouse Family Room

Mid-sized country open concept family room in New York with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, beige floor and planked wall panelling.

Olive Street

Julian Design

Small beach style open concept living room in Minneapolis with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

SW Bouchaine

Williamson James Homes LLC

Design ideas for a large arts and crafts open concept family room in Portland with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Winnett Residence

Level Studio

Our Winnett Residence Project had a long, narrow and open concept living space that our client’s wanted to function both as a living room and permanent work space. Inspired by a lighthouse from needlework our client crafted, we decided to go with a low peninsula gas fireplace that functions as a beautiful room divider, acts as an island when entertaining and is transparent on 3 sides to allow light to filter in the space. A large sectional and coffee table opposite custom millwork increases seating and storage allowing this space to be used for the family and when guests visit. Paired with a collection of Canadiana prints all featuring water play off the white and blue colour scheme with touches of plants everywhere.

Midwest Family Lakehouse Remodel

The Cleary Company

Gorgeous vaulted ceiling with shiplap and exposed beams were all original to the home prior to the remodel. The new design enhances these architectural features and highlights the gorgeous views of the lake.

Jerome Village Eversole Run - 2018 BIA Parade of Homes award-winning Farmhouse

Coppertree Homes

Design ideas for a mid-sized country open concept family room in Columbus with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, coffered and planked wall panelling.

Modern Cabin in the Mountains

Wyrick Residential Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open concept living room in Houston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Olive Street

Julian Design

Design ideas for a small beach style open concept living room in Minneapolis with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Mid-Century Modern Living Room

Ashley Urban Designs LLC

This is an example of a large midcentury formal open concept living room in Dallas with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Winnett Residence

Level Studio

Artwork for your home

Jan Neiges, CMKBD with NKBA

This is the AFTER picture of the living room showing the shiplap on the fireplace and the wall that was built on the stairs that replaced the stair railing. This is the view from the entry. We gained more floor space by removing the tiled hearth pad. Removing the supporting wall in the kitchen now provides a clear shot to see the extensive copper pot collection.

M.AH Villa, Riyadh

monoblok design & interiors

Living room family
This is an example of a large contemporary loft-style living room in Other with marble floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a home bar, white walls, a concealed tv, white floor, recessed and planked wall panelling.

See through gas fireplace with custom shiplap surround
Large beach style living room in Portland Maine with a two-sided fireplace, a built-in media wall and planked wall panelling.

Blue Ridge Retreat

Ansley Interiors Llc

Photo of a large country open concept living room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

Living Design Ideas with a Two-sided Fireplace and Planked Wall Panelling

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.