Concrete block walls provide thermal mass for heating and defence agains hot summer. The subdued colours create a quiet and cosy space focussed around the fire. Timber joinery adds warmth and texture , framing the collections of books and collected objects.

Minimalist White Queenslander Renovation

Ethos Interiors

Lovingly called the ‘white house’, this stunning Queenslander was given a contemporary makeover with oak floors, custom joinery and modern furniture and artwork. Creative detailing and unique finish selections reference the period details of a traditional home, while bringing it into modern times.

Contemporary Heritage Living

Melbourne Design Studios (MDS)

North-facing highlight bring sun into the space, while the fireplace with the Venetian render creates a beautiful setting
Contemporary open concept living room in Melbourne with a library, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and beige 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.

Coogee Residence

Jodie Carter Design

Family Living Room in Coogee Home
Inspiration for a large beach style open concept living room in Sydney with a library, white walls, light hardwood floors and a wall-mounted tv.

Medina

Lind Nelson Construction Inc.

Photography Morgan Sheff
This is an example of a large traditional open concept living room in Minneapolis with a library, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv and a stone fireplace surround.

Contemporary Twist on an Eclectic Del Mar Home

Hamilton-Gray Design, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional enclosed living room in San Diego with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor, a library, porcelain floors, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Living Rooms

Tuckahoe Creek Construction, Inc.

This cozy and welcoming study with a wood burning fireplace, raised paneling and a flush marble surround makes you want to sit and stay awhile! Photo credit: Kip Dawkins

Sherwin Williams Projects

Painting Monkey

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional enclosed living room in Detroit with a library, black walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Southwest Hills Contemporary

Rockwood Cabinetry

Remodel by Ostmo Construction Interior Design by Lord Design Photos by Blackstone Edge Studios
This is an example of a large contemporary open concept living room in Portland with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and a library.

Modern Living with Custom Bookshelves

Resolution: 4 Architecture

Built-In Walnut Bookshelves Flank One End of the Living Space
Photo of a large modern open concept living room in New York with a library, white walls, light hardwood floors, no tv and beige floor.

Rénovation d'un grand Appartement Parisien

Lagom architectes

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Paris with a library, white walls, light hardwood floors and a built-in media wall.

Industrial Living Room

Inspiration for a small industrial loft-style living room in Other with a library, white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace, a concealed tv and white floor.

Contemporary Cape

Carpenter & MacNeille

Michael J. Lee Photography
Inspiration for a transitional enclosed living room in Boston with a library, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, white walls and brown floor.

Interior KG

INT2architecture

INT2 architecture
Photo of a large scandinavian open concept living room in Saint Petersburg with a library, white walls, light hardwood floors and grey floor.

Lake Lure Renovation + Addition

Allard + Roberts Interior Design, Inc

Interior Design: Allard + Roberts Interior Design Construction: K Enterprises Photography: David Dietrich Photography
Design ideas for a large country open concept living room in Other with a library, white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a built-in media wall and brown floor.

Charlotte House

Phoebe Howard

Photo of a traditional open concept living room in Charlotte with a library and white walls.

NW 13th Avenue Loft

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

The clients wanted us to create a space that was open feeling, with lots of storage, room to entertain large groups, and a warm and sophisticated color palette. In response to this, we designed a layout in which the corridor is eliminated and the experience upon entering the space is open, inviting and more functional for cooking and entertaining. In contrast to the public spaces, the bedroom feels private and calm tucked behind a wall of built-in cabinetry. Lincoln Barbour

Manhattan Pad

Pizzigati Designs- eco chic interiors

Traditional living room in New York with a library, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Cozy Living Room

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

The built-in bookcases in this living room help provide much needed storage in a small home while helping to bounce light into the room from the windows. At night the books are illuminated by the monopoint track fixtures. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

Living Room Design Photos with a Library

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.