Library Photo credit: Tom Crane
Photo of a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in New York with red walls, a standard fireplace, brown floor, dark hardwood floors and no tv.

Neely House

User

This is an example of a transitional enclosed living room in Portland with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Funk Design

Mark Weinberg Photography

Mark Weinberg
Transitional family room in New York with grey walls and dark hardwood floors.

Weybridge Lane

Houck Construction Inc.

Design ideas for a transitional family room in Los Angeles with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Peach's Point - Marblehead, MA

Windhill Builders

Ben Moore Creamy White
Photo of a beach style formal living room in Boston with dark hardwood floors and beige walls.

Brammar St. Newmarket, Ont.

Patti Wilson Design Inc.

Photo of a beach style living room in Toronto with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Darien

Roost Interiors

Raquel Langworthy Photography
Design ideas for a transitional living room in New York with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Hamilton Hill project

Highgate House

Traditional enclosed living room in Brisbane with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and black floor.

Ancient Asian Millwork in Norwood, Massachusetts Carriage House.

South Shore Millwork

Design ideas for an asian living room in Providence with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

House Amsterdam-Zuid, The Netherlands

Baden Baden Interior

Photography by Marjon Hoogervorst
Inspiration for a scandinavian family room in Amsterdam with beige walls and dark hardwood floors.

Transitional Color

Pasquale Design Associates, Inc.

Chibi Moku
Photo of a mid-sized transitional enclosed family room in Tampa with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Albert Park Residence

Review Interiors

May Photography
Design ideas for a transitional living room in Melbourne with white walls, dark hardwood floors, no tv and a corner fireplace.

Lake Union Boathouse

P31 Collaborative

Project completed as Senior Designer with NB Design Group, Inc. Photography | John Granen
This is an example of a beach style open concept living room in Seattle with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, exposed beam and wood.

Varsity {Custom}

Veranda Estate Homes Inc.

Decor by Nyla Free Design
Design ideas for a transitional living room in Calgary with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Country Living Room

Design ideas for a country open concept living room in London with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Metro

Studio Munroe

Studio Munroe, Photography by Thomas Kuoh
Contemporary open concept living room in San Francisco with a home bar, white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Country House Renovation

Brooks and Falotico Associates, Inc.

Phillip Ennis Photography
Design ideas for a large beach style family room in New York with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Oceanfront Renovation, Kiawah Island

Byrd Builders, Inc.

Beach style open concept living room in Charleston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Client Prospect Goose Hollow

Jenna Sheingold Studio

A family home in the West Hills of Portland. Photographed by Chris Dibble
Transitional family room in Portland with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

WALWORTH

Clean Design

Design ideas for a traditional formal living room in New York with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

Window Seats Living Design Ideas with Dark Hardwood Floors

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.