Weather House is a bespoke home for a young, nature-loving family on a quintessentially compact Northcote block. Our clients Claire and Brent cherished the character of their century-old worker's cottage but required more considered space and flexibility in their home. Claire and Brent are camping enthusiasts, and in response their house is a love letter to the outdoors: a rich, durable environment infused with the grounded ambience of being in nature. From the street, the dark cladding of the sensitive rear extension echoes the existing cottage!s roofline, becoming a subtle shadow of the original house in both form and tone. As you move through the home, the double-height extension invites the climate and native landscaping inside at every turn. The light-bathed lounge, dining room and kitchen are anchored around, and seamlessly connected to, a versatile outdoor living area. A double-sided fireplace embedded into the house’s rear wall brings warmth and ambience to the lounge, and inspires a campfire atmosphere in the back yard. Championing tactility and durability, the material palette features polished concrete floors, blackbutt timber joinery and concrete brick walls. Peach and sage tones are employed as accents throughout the lower level, and amplified upstairs where sage forms the tonal base for the moody main bedroom. An adjacent private deck creates an additional tether to the outdoors, and houses planters and trellises that will decorate the home’s exterior with greenery. From the tactile and textured finishes of the interior to the surrounding Australian native garden that you just want to touch, the house encapsulates the feeling of being part of the outdoors; like Claire and Brent are camping at home. It is a tribute to Mother Nature, Weather House’s muse.

Lawless Rereat

Searl Lamaster Howe Architects

Designed in sharp contrast to the glass walled living room above, this space sits partially underground. Precisely comfy for movie night.
Photo of a large country enclosed living room in Chicago with beige walls, slate floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, black floor, wood and wood walls.

Holz. Stein. Haus.

BRÜNING INTERIORS

Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial open concept family room in Other with black walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a concealed tv, beige floor and wood.

Modern Ranch House

Terra Firma Custom Homes

This is an example of a large country formal open concept living room in Denver with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, brown floor, no tv and wood.

Ketchum Cabin Retreat

User

The natural elements of the home soften the hard lines, allowing it to submerge into its surroundings. The living, dining, and kitchen opt for views rather than walls. The living room is encircled by three, 16’ lift and slide doors, creating a room that feels comfortable sitting amongst the trees. Because of this the love and appreciation for the location are felt throughout the main floor. The emphasis on larger-than-life views is continued into the main sweet with a door for a quick escape to the wrap-around two-story deck.

Contemporary Living Room

Design ideas for an expansive contemporary formal open concept living room in San Francisco with brown walls, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv, grey floor, wood and wood walls.

Complete Home Remodel

American Home Improvement Inc.

Complete home remodeling. Two-story home in Los Angeles completely renovated indoor and outdoor.
This is an example of a large modern formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor and wood.

Big Fir Vineyard

Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

A relatively cozy living room can open up in multiple dimensions, extending its reach across the outdoor living spaces like the dining patio. Photography: Andrew Pogue Photography.

A Modern Ski Cabin

MB Builders and Development

A modern ski cabin with rustic touches, gorgeous views, and a fun place for our clients to make many family memories.
Country open concept living room in Seattle with a home bar, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and wood.

Restauro e design di interni Cascina tra le colline

Marcello Risso Architetto

Inspiration for an expansive country loft-style living room in Other with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, brown floor, wood and brick walls.

Schwarzwaldpanorama - Haus Dobel

Partner und Partner Architekten

Das steile, schmale Hanggrundstück besticht durch sein Panorama und ergibt durch die gezielte Positionierung und reduziert gewählter ökologische Materialwahl ein stimmiges Konzept für Wohnen im Schwarzwald. Das Wohnhaus bietet unterschiedliche Arten von Aufenthaltsräumen. Im Erdgeschoss gibt es den offene Wohn- Ess- & Kochbereich mit einem kleinen überdachten Balkon, welcher dem Garten zugewandt ist. Die Galerie im Obergeschoss ist als Leseplatz vorgesehen mit niedriger Brüstung zum Erdgeschoss und einer Fensteröffnung in Richtung Westen. Im Untergeschoss befindet sich neben dem Schlafzimmer noch ein weiterer Raum, der als Studio und Gästezimmer dient mit direktem Ausgang zur Terrasse. Als Nebenräume gibt es zu Technik- und Lagerräumen noch zwei Bäder. Natürliche, echte und ökologische Materialien sind ein weiteres essentielles Merkmal, die den Entwurf stärken. Beginnend bei der verkohlten Holzfassade, die eine fast vergessene Technik der Holzkonservierung wiederaufleben lässt. Die Außenwände der Erd- & Obergeschosse sind mit Lehmplatten und Lehmputz verkleidet und wirken sich zusammen mit den Massivholzwänden positiv auf das gute Innenraumklima aus. Eine Photovoltaik Anlage auf dem Dach ergänzt das nachhaltige Konzept des Gebäudes und speist Energie für die Luft-Wasser- Wärmepumpe und später das Elektroauto in der Garage ein.

Изба

Галина Милошевич

Inspiration for a large formal living room in Moscow with brown walls, porcelain floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, wood and wood walls.

Rénovation d'un ancien hôtel en résidence touristique: Appartement 04

Aloona Design

Design ideas for a large country open concept living room in Lyon with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, wood and wood walls.

MacLean Residence

AMD Architecture

Design ideas for a modern open concept living room in Salt Lake City with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, grey floor and wood.

Alma Residence

Frits de Vries Architect Ltd.

Photo of a small contemporary open concept living room in Vancouver with white walls, concrete floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a concealed tv, grey floor and wood.

Mountain Eclectic

Colossus Mfg.

This living rooms A-frame wood paneled ceiling allows lots of natural light to shine through onto its Farrow & Ball dark shiplap walls. The space boasts a large geometric rug made of natural fibers from Meadow Blu, a dark grey heather sofa from RH, a custom green Nickey Kehoe couch, a McGee and Co. gold chandelier, and a hand made reclaimed wood coffee table.

Boar Shoat

Imbue Design

Off grid modern cabin located in the rolling hills of Idaho
Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept living room in Salt Lake City with white walls, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv, grey floor and wood.

Town Mountain Modern

Allard + Roberts Interior Design, Inc

The great room plan features walls of glass to enjoy the mountain views beyond from the living, dining or kitchen spaces. The cabinetry is a combination of white paint and stained oak, while natural fir beams add warmth at the ceiling. Hubbardton forge pendant lights a warm glow over the custom furnishings.

View Ridge

Heliotrope Architects

Design ideas for a contemporary open concept living room in Seattle with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and wood.

Appleton Residence

MINARC

Photo of a modern living room in Los Angeles with white walls, a metal fireplace surround and wood.

Living Design Ideas with a Metal Fireplace Surround and Wood

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.