modern beach cottage / lantern village, dana point

located just off the kitchen and front entry, the new den is the ideal space for watching television and gathering, with contemporary furniture and modern decor that updates the existing traditional white wood paneling

Mountain Mama

Locati Architects

Inspiration for a country open concept family room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Beach Style Living Room

Mid-sized beach style open concept living room with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv, brown floor, medium hardwood floors, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Eagle Mountain Lake House

Urbanology Designs

Dark Plank Wall with Floating Media Center
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary enclosed family room in Dallas with a wall-mounted tv, grey walls, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Sunnyvale II

Nina Jizhar

Photo of a beach style open concept family room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace, a built-in media wall and planked wall panelling.

A Collection of RP Favorites

Renew Properties

Inspiration for a country open concept family room in Atlanta with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a brick fireplace surround, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, coffered 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.

Basement Refresh

MiraJeanDesigns

Design ideas for a transitional family room in DC Metro with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Park Place

Vertical Arts Architecture

Inspiration for a large country open concept living room in Denver with white walls, concrete floors, grey floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

The Thousand Oaks

Tradewinds General Contracting, Inc.

This is an example of a country family room in Boise with white walls, concrete floors, grey floor, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Artisan 2019 - Michael Paul Design Build

Engstrom Wood Products

Photo of a beach style family room in Minneapolis with grey walls, a built-in media wall, a standard fireplace, dark hardwood floors, coffered, wood and planked wall panelling.

Sonoma Private Residence

Salt Shed Design Build

Guest Studio with cedar clad ceiling, shiplap walls and gray stained kitchen cabinets
Expansive country open concept family room in San Francisco with white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace, no tv, grey floor, wood and planked wall panelling.

Oakwood Court - East Hampton, NY

Hirshson Architecture + Design

Inspiration for a beach style family room in New York with white walls, carpet, grey floor, coffered and planked wall panelling.

Shiplap Walls 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.