Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

Broadview Contemporary - Seattle, WA

User

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary enclosed living room in Seattle with beige walls, limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and brown floor.

River House

Mark Dziewulski Architect

This is an example of a large modern formal open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, limestone floors, no tv, a ribbon fireplace and a concrete fireplace surround.

The Damon Residence

Kevin B Howard Architects, AIA

Bill Lesch
Large modern open concept living room in Other with beige walls, limestone floors, a ribbon fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

8962 Hollybrook

Mark Smith Fine Homes

Inspiration for a mid-sized formal open concept living room in Other with white walls, limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and beige floor.

Living room

De Mattei Construction

Living room.
Inspiration for a large contemporary formal open concept living room in San Francisco with beige walls, limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and no tv.

Mi Casa Es Tu Casa

Mauricio Nava Design, LLC

Chuck Williams and John Paul Key
Design ideas for a large transitional formal open concept living room in Houston with beige walls, limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Contemporary Farmhouse

Palatial Stone & Tile

The designer chose our Picholine Satin Antiqued limestone in 16"x24" for both the interior and exterior of this amazing contemporary farmhouse to provide a cohesive look. The Hopkins Company Architects Villa Vicci; Design & Furnishings Photography; Chad Chenier

Via Lido Marina

Payton Addison

custom sectional with Kravet fabric, pillows are Kravet fabric, rug is Kravet, lounge chairs are Costantini, cocktail table is Restoration Hardware, Lamps are Restoration Hardware, Books are Aussouline, Art was custom commissioned.

Krönvägen 9

Berggren Hörle Fastighetsmäklare AB

Foto: Camilla Lindqvist
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Stockholm with a ribbon fireplace, white walls, limestone floors, a concrete fireplace surround and no tv.

Sunken Living Room

Suzan Ann Interiors, Inc.

Working photos by Suzan Ann Interiors
Inspiration for an expansive traditional open concept living room in Phoenix with yellow walls, limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and a built-in media wall.

Irongate Remodel

Michaelson Homes LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept living room in Cincinnati with white walls, limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Alpine Retreat

loftus85

CGI Interior Visualization of an Contemporary Alpine Retreat
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Other with grey walls, limestone floors, a hanging fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and multi-coloured floor.

Montage Laguna Beach

Otoniel Solis Inc.

Mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, white walls and no tv.

Greenslopes

Porch Light Interiors

Hannah McCrawley
This is an example of a large mediterranean formal open concept living room in Brisbane with white walls, limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and a freestanding tv.

Via Lido Marina

Payton Addison

River House

Mark Dziewulski Architect

Design ideas for a large modern formal open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, limestone floors, no tv, a ribbon fireplace and a concrete fireplace surround.

Broadview Contemporary - Seattle, WA

User

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary enclosed living room in Seattle with beige walls, limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and brown floor.

Greenslopes

Porch Light Interiors

Hannah McCrawley
Photo of a large mediterranean formal open concept living room in Brisbane with white walls, limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and a freestanding tv.

Montage Laguna Beach

Otoniel Solis Inc.

Mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with limestone floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, white walls and no tv.

Living Room Design Photos with Limestone Floors and a Concrete Fireplace Surround

A living room, often referred to as a lounge room in Australia and New Zealand, is the hub of the home. If you only have one living room in the house, it’s likely to serve multiple purposes: be it a place to watch TV, play games, spend quality time with family or hang out with friends. If you have the luxury of two living areas, one is usually a formal living room or lounge room, reserved for reading, relaxing and entertaining. A successful living room design is inviting, has enough seating for the whole clan – a comfortable couch is a must – and encourages conversation. Browse photos on Houzz for living room layouts, furniture and decor, and strike up a conversation with the interior designers or architects of your favourite picks. For even more living room ideas, check out the Stories section on Houzz.

Which living room layouts will work best for you?

Every living area will have design challenges. A long, narrow lounge room, for example, risks looking like a hallway if furniture is lined up against the walls. Instead, opt for small furniture items, like a cosy two-seater couch, and create various focal points throughout the space. In square living rooms, a symmetrical layout encourages a formal setting. Place seating on either side of the room, with a focal point in the middle to pull the room together. For a truly intimate vibe, replace your couch with some occasional chairs positioned around a coffee table or ottoman. This will make the main focus conversation. An open-plan home – one where the lines are blurred between kitchen, dining and living – may require a layout that focuses on definition. You’ll want to make sure furniture doesn’t block the flow between spaces, and instead use something like an area rug to create zones.

How can you decorate your living room?

The living room can be a place in which to show off your personality, but if you want a timeless living room scheme, stick to neutral walls, couches and ottomans. Colour can be added through accessories, and is a lot more interchangeable! Rugs, cushions and throws are great for adding colour, while mirrors, lamps and ceiling lights will set the mood. Make your living room unique by including family heirlooms and photos. For a polished look, try creating a coffee table vignette – you could use books as pedestals or group items together on a tray. Try adding a vase, a mixture of round and rectangular objects and some books.

What are some small living room ideas?

Small living room designs can be tricky to work with, but aren’t doomed to fail. Often, you just have to get creative with furniture. An open-back chaise can create a sense of spaciousness, while small side tables paired together can substitute a coffee table. Even better, an ottoman can be used as a footrest, coffee table or extra seating. Big furniture items like the couch are best kept in light colours, and if there’s room for a coffee table, a glass-top one is best. If you have two spaces in one – perhaps your living room sits in front of a single-wall kitchen – make sure they are connected by decor, colour and style. For definition, just add area rugs, or use your couch as a dividing wall. It’s worth having a few furniture pieces, whether a bookshelf, couch or entertainment unit, in the same colour as the walls, too, so they blend into the room and visually expand the space.

Is open-plan living for you?

Today’s homes often embrace open-plan living, whereby the living room runs off the kitchen and/or dining areas. Open-plan living allows greater functionality, but can risk creating a vast, soulless space if not done right. To avoid a cavernous feel in an open-plan design, define areas with furniture, rugs and lighting, or consider using a wall divider. Also be sure to keep flooring, lighting and materials consistent throughout, for cohesiveness. Noise may be an issue – someone banging pots and pans while you’re watching TV, for example – so include lots of soft furnishings, such as rugs, curtains and couches to help absorb the noise. You will also need to factor in plenty of storage, so mess is kept at bay.