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Photo of a traditional living room in Burlington with beige walls and a wood stove.

TOM ROE PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo of a midcentury enclosed living room in Wollongong with white walls, medium hardwood floors and a wood stove.

Chalk Hill Off-Grid Cabin

Arkin Tilt Architects

This simple, straw-bale volume opens to a south-facing terrace, connecting it to the forest glade, and a more intimate queen bed sized sleeping bay. © Eric Millette Photography

Two Halves House

Moloney Architects

Contemporary living room in Other with beige walls, concrete floors, a wood stove and grey floor.

Full Victorian home re-model & refurbishment

Willum Long

Design ideas for a modern living room in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, a freestanding tv and brown floor.

Big Rock House

Johnston Architects

Inspiration for a mid-sized country open concept living room in Seattle with a library, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, brown walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Little Eden

Unique Homestays

Unique Home Stays
Small country enclosed living room in Glasgow with white walls, a freestanding tv, grey floor, a wood stove and a metal fireplace surround.

Beautiful Terraced House Renovation in Chiswick

Lethbridge London

Designed by Olivia Emery
This is an example of a large beach style open concept living room in London with light hardwood floors, a wood stove, a stone fireplace surround, grey walls, a freestanding tv and beige floor.

Lopez Island

Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

This is an example of a modern living room in Seattle with a wood stove.

Perfect Wall House - Rauser Design

Risinger Homes

Casey Dunn
Photo of a mid-sized country formal open concept living room in Austin with white walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove and no tv.

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.

Light Framed Building - Swanbourne

Promenade Homes

Photo of a contemporary living room in Perth with white walls, light hardwood floors and a wood stove.

Fairhaven

Byrne Architects

Photo of a scandinavian living room in Geelong with white walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround and grey floor.

Country Living Room

Photo of a mid-sized country formal enclosed living room in Gloucestershire with yellow walls, limestone floors, a wood stove, a stone fireplace surround and beige floor.

Contemporary Family Home

Jane Clayton & Company

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary family room in Other with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround and a freestanding tv.

Seagrove House

Mattinson Associates Ltd.

Steve Thearle (Thearle Photography)
This is an example of a mid-sized beach style enclosed living room in Other with a library, white walls, a wood stove, a wall-mounted tv and grey floor.

London Road Ramsgate

White Room Photography

Photo of an eclectic family room in Kent with yellow walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, a freestanding tv and brown floor.

Extension 1

hayward mcmullan architects

Photo of a mid-sized transitional enclosed living room in Other with purple walls, a freestanding tv and a wood stove.

MAB House

BEARprogetti

Photo of a country open concept family room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove and a wall-mounted tv.

Lutz Ave Whole House Remodel in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Forward Design Build Remodel

Photo of a country living room in Detroit with white walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove and no tv.

Window Seats Living Design Ideas with a Wood Stove

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.