Photo of a beach style living room in Louisville with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

LondonStudioAirbnb1

AniaLev

studio, eclectic look, blue
Design ideas for a small contemporary open concept living room in London with white walls, no tv, light hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Lido House

Erica Bryen Design

Lido House, Autograph Collection Photographer: Ryan Garvin
Design ideas for a beach style open concept family room in Orange County with blue walls, light hardwood floors and a wall-mounted tv.

Mesa Second Story Addition

Litchfield Builders

This is an example of a beach style living room in Santa Barbara with a standard fireplace, no tv and light hardwood floors.

Kafiti Project

Lucy and Company

Inspiration for a transitional formal enclosed living room in Charlotte with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Lake House V (The Reserve)

MHK Architecture & Planning

This is an example of a country enclosed living room in Other with a home bar, blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Interiors

Another Country

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary living room in London with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and no tv.

Beach House in Bayhead

ML Interior Designs

BAR - HEIDI PIRON DESIGN
Beach style family room in New York with a home bar, white walls and light hardwood floors.

Glorietta Blvd | Coronado, CA

J Hill Interiors

Andy McRory Photography J Hill Interiors was hired to fully furnish this lovely 6,200 square foot home located on Coronado’s bay and golf course facing promenade. Everything from window treatments to decor was designed and procured by J Hill Interiors, as well as all new paint, wall treatments, flooring, lighting and tile work. Original architecture and build done by Dorothy Howard and Lorton Mitchell of Coronado, CA.

Coastal Craftsmen

Pasquale Design Associates, Inc.

Comfortable and casual take on tailored coastal beach style interior.
Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style open concept family room in Tampa with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, white walls, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Northshore Lakehouse

Kristina Crestin Design

Photo of a beach style enclosed family room in Manchester with white walls, light hardwood floors and a wall-mounted tv.

Linnéstaden, Nordhemsgatan 69

Entrance Fastighetsmäkleri

Small scandinavian formal open concept living room in Gothenburg with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace, no tv and beige floor.

Extension, loft conversion & renovation - Russell Road

MAC Building Solutions Ltd

Nathalie Priem
This is an example of a small contemporary open concept living room in London with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

modern beach cottage / lantern village, dana point

Moss Yaw Design studio

modern furniture makes the family room a functional space for tv, while black paint plays with contrast and enhances the view
Photo of a small beach style enclosed family room in Orange County with a game room, black walls, light hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Listed Townhouse

Studio Indigo

Andrew Beasley
This is an example of a small traditional formal enclosed living room in London with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

Installations

Morley Stove Company Ltd

Photo of a country living room in Hertfordshire with blue walls, light hardwood floors and a hanging fireplace.

Victorian Home, South-West London

Laura Butler-Madden

Patrick Butler-Madden
Photo of a transitional living room in London with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and no tv.

Luxury Living

Kia Designs

This is an example of a mid-sized eclectic formal enclosed living room in London with grey walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Edwardian Family Home in Putney

Theo Tzia - Architectural Photographer London

Theo Tzia
Design ideas for a scandinavian formal living room in London with beige walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and no tv.

Oceanside Condo

Well Dressed Interiors

Photos by Siri Blanchette, Blind Dog Photo Associates
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional open concept living room in Portland Maine with grey walls and light hardwood floors.

Decorating With Blue And White Living Design Ideas with Light 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.