Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc.

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place. While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors. The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides. The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings. A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.

Forest Heights Residence

Katy Krider Interior Design LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized country open concept family room in Portland with white walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove, a wall-mounted tv, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Water's Edge

ID by Gwen

Inspiration for a beach style open concept living room in Seattle with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a built-in media wall, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

CRAFTSMAN BEACH HOUSE

VanderMeer Homes Ltd.

Design ideas for an arts and crafts living room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

TV hidden behind a pocket panelled slider

Broswick Builders Ltd

Living room cabinetry feat. fireplace, stone surround and concealed TV. A clever pocket slider hides the TV in the featured wooden paneled wall.
Mid-sized modern formal open concept living room in Auckland with black walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a concealed tv, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Jordan Residence

Geoff Chick & Associates

Photo of a large beach style formal open concept living room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, coffered and planked wall panelling.

Country Farm Home #2

Robbins Contracting

This is an example of a large country open concept family room in Denver with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Design Build Modern Farmhouse

YW Builders Inc.

Design ideas for a large transitional formal open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, no tv, beige floor and planked wall panelling.

81st Cape Cod

Alison White Homes

Design ideas for a beach style living room in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Living Room & Dining Area

Beth Howley Creative LLC

Living room and dining area featuring exposed wood beams, black and gold chandelier, shiplap walls, rattan coffee table, black table lamps, hardwood flooring, and large black windows.

Marshall Homestead

Gateway Builders

Design ideas for a large country open concept living room in Other with a home bar, white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Garden Room Project

Skollop Design

Feature lighting, new cord sofa, paint and rug to re energise this garden room
Mid-sized contemporary enclosed living room in Other with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, a tile fireplace surround, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Tidewaters Transformation

Douglas & Company, Inc.

This is an example of a large beach style open concept family room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a concealed tv, brown floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Old Village Pool House

Todd Christian Construction, LLC

Inspiration for a beach style living room in Charleston with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, blue floor and planked wall panelling.

Fall Home Styling

Home Setup by Sarah Eaves

Inspiration for a small country living room in Boston with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and planked wall panelling.

Apartamento G47

FFWD Arquitectes

Inspiration for a small traditional family room in Barcelona with white walls, ceramic floors, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Modern Farmhouse New Build in Vienna

Olamar Interiors

A modern farmhouse living room designed for a new construction home in Vienna, VA.
Photo of a large country open concept family room in DC Metro with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Leeds Custom Bungalow

Curtis White Companies

Design ideas for a mid-sized open concept living room in Birmingham with grey walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor and planked wall panelling.

The Shouse

HU-708267307

This family room features a gray shiplap TV wall with built-in gray custom cabinetry by Crystal Cabinets. Wall color is Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.

Casual Coastal

Emily Moss Designs

This is an example of a large beach style open concept living room in Tampa with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor and planked wall panelling.

Living Design Ideas with Planked Wall Panelling

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.