A contemplative space and lovely window seat
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in San Francisco with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv.

Colonial Revival - Living rm, transitional

Melinamade - Residential Design + Interiors

A traditional Colonial revival living room updated with metallic blue grasscloth walls, blue metallic painted fireplace surround, tufted sofas, asian decor, and built-in custom glass cabinets

Casual, Transitional Den and Dining

OMNIA Group Architects

Another transitional, contemporary, eclectic mix in this fabulous, comfy sitting room. All part of the contemporary addition to this stone home.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary family room in Philadelphia with a corner fireplace, beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a wood fireplace surround and a built-in media wall.

Spectacular Northwest Architecture,

Jackie Syvertsen ~ Windermere Real Estate/BI, Inc.

Design ideas for an expansive asian open concept living room in Seattle with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and a wood fireplace surround.

The Modern Wolfden

Wolfgang Pichler Design Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized formal open concept living room in Other with brown walls, concrete floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, a built-in media wall and brown floor.

Portland Heights Neely House

The Works

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional formal enclosed living room in Portland with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, white walls, a wood fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Contemporary Living Room

Contemporary formal enclosed living room in Christchurch with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and grey floor.

Wanoma New Build

The Carey Company

Mid-sized beach style formal enclosed living room in Boston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv, a wood fireplace surround and brown floor.

Transitional Color

Pasquale Design Associates, Inc.

Chibi Moku
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional formal open concept living room in Tampa with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and brown floor.

Aberdeen Grove

Jenny Martin Design

Joshua Lawrence
Photo of a mid-sized transitional enclosed family room in Vancouver with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and brown floor.

Eclectic Family Room

Eclectic family room in Boston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

Window Seats Living Design Ideas with a Wood 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.