End of terrace home transformation in North London

This is an example of a small transitional enclosed living room in London with a library, blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Custom Atlanta Home

Vincent Longo Custom Builders

Inspiration for a large transitional formal enclosed living room in Atlanta with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Santa Barbara, California

KES Studio

The residence received a full gut renovation to create a modern coastal retreat vacation home. This was achieved by using a neutral color pallet of sands and blues with organic accents juxtaposed with custom furniture’s clean lines and soft textures.

Fish Cross Cottage

Warren French Interiors

A coastal Scandinavian renovation project, combining a Victorian seaside cottage with Scandi design. We wanted to create a modern, open-plan living space but at the same time, preserve the traditional elements of the house that gave it it's character.

Atherton Residence

TINEKE TRIGGS

Photo of a mid-sized transitional formal enclosed living room in San Francisco with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Gas Burning Fireplaces

Hearth & Home

Design ideas for a small traditional formal enclosed living room in New York with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Eclectic Living Room

Wallpaperdirect

Mid-sized eclectic formal open concept living room in Sussex with blue walls, painted wood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and no tv.

Dachwohnung Köln

Bachmann Badie Architekten

Damian Zimmermann
This is an example of a large contemporary open concept living room in Cologne with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and a built-in media wall.

Summer Cottage

Natale Design/Build

Brad Smith Photography
Mid-sized beach style formal enclosed living room in Providence with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, a corner fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Living Room

Ike Kligerman Barkley

Durston Saylor
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in New York with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Southville Living Room

Hannah Redden Interiors

The refresh living room in Little Greene 'Woad'. The client was brave and went for it with the colour use, extending above the picture rail and making the room feel larger yet warming and inviting too.

Georgian Family Home

NB Interiors UK

Drawing room/living room
Photo of a large contemporary formal enclosed living room in Essex with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Granite Bay Custom Home

Dedrick Construction, Inc.

This is an example of a large contemporary formal open concept living room in Sacramento with blue walls, a ribbon fireplace, brown floor, a wall-mounted tv, medium hardwood floors and a plaster fireplace surround.

Cross Highway

Shelter Interiors LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional formal enclosed living room in New York with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and no tv.

Tall Vertical Double Sided Gas Fireplace in Chesapeake Bay Residence

Acucraft Fireplaces

This modern vertical gas fireplace fits elegantly within this farmhouse style residence on the shores of Chesapeake Bay on Tilgham Island, MD.
Inspiration for a large beach style enclosed family room in DC Metro with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

Wohnung im Dachgeschoss

Innenausbau Binder GmbH

Großzügiger Wohnbereich mit fließenden Übergang vom Wohnzimmer zur Küche.
Large scandinavian formal open concept living room in Cologne with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a corner fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a freestanding tv and brown floor.

Georgian Family Home

NB Interiors UK

Drawing room/living room
Large contemporary formal enclosed living room in Essex with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Cross Highway

Shelter Interiors LLC

Mid-sized transitional formal enclosed living room in New York with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and no tv.

Living Room

Rosewood Custom Cabinetry & Millwork

Sean O'Kane Architects (www.sokaia.com/)
Design ideas for a large traditional formal enclosed living room in New York with blue walls, a standard fireplace, carpet, a plaster fireplace surround and beige floor.

The Manse

Inside Story Photography

Tracey Bloxham, Inside Story Photography
Photo of a large country enclosed living room in Other with blue walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and beige floor.

Living Design Ideas with Blue Walls and a Plaster 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.