Photo of a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Sydney with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

East Toowoomba Cottage

Ivy + Piper Pty Ltd

This is an example of a country living room in Brisbane with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

SPENSLEY ST CLIFTON HILL

The Real Estate Stylist (TRES)

This is an example of a contemporary enclosed living room in Melbourne with beige walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Beaumaris 2

HK Interiors

Inspiration for a contemporary living room in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Hurlstone Park I

hecticrAt architects

Photo of a contemporary living room in Sydney with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and vaulted.

Lurline Bay House - Part 1

D'Cruz Design Group

Expansive contemporary formal open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

Killara House

Nathan Gornall Design

This casual living room of KIllara House by Nathan Gornall Design offers a more relaxed alternative to the formal areas of the home. This open plan room enjoys painstakingly restored details with a blend of contemporary as well as classical inspired furniture and art pieces. A large custom joinery piece in timber and brass houses all the home owners' tech when not in use.

Stretchy Space

Ande Bunbury Architects

Built in storage hides entertainment equipment and incorporates a folded steel stair to a mezzanine storage space in this apartment. Custom designed floating shelves easily allow for a rotating display of the owners art collection. By keeping clutter hidden away this apartment is kept simple and spacious.

Hawthorn Alterations & Additions

Sketch Building Design

Inspiration for a contemporary living room in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

STANMORE - Living Room

AS & KB Constructions P/L

Photo of a mid-sized eclectic enclosed living room in Sydney with a library, green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a corner tv and brown floor.

Modern Luxury Family Home

Rayken Constructions P/L

This is an example of a contemporary living room in Brisbane with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Darlinghurst

David Parsons Architect

Inspiration for a small eclectic formal enclosed living room in Sydney with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

Preston House

Katherine Charlton Design

Inspiration for a contemporary living room in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Peregian Beach House - Osprey

Aboda Design Group

Photo of a contemporary living room in Sunshine Coast with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Port Melbourne Residence

MR.MITCHELL

Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept family room in Melbourne with a home bar, brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a built-in media wall and wood walls.

Rosebud beach side home

Jasmine McClelland Design

Relaxed and light filled family living and dining room with leafy bay-side views.
This is an example of a large contemporary open concept living room in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove and a metal fireplace surround.

Blackheath Residence

Rocco Revolution

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Sydney with brown floor, beige walls and medium hardwood floors.

Luxe Coastal I

McMillan Design

Transitional open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

Living Room

Order & Grace

Large beach style open concept family room in Sydney with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv, timber and a ribbon fireplace.

Cannon Valley Abode

Tempus Design Studio Pty Ltd

This is an example of a contemporary open concept living room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, exposed beam, timber and vaulted.

Living Design Ideas with Medium 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.