WINNER: Silver Award – One-of-a-Kind Custom or Spec 4,001 – 5,000 sq ft, Best in American Living Awards, 2019 Affectionately called The Magnolia, a reference to the architect's Southern upbringing, this project was a grass roots exploration of farmhouse architecture. Located in Phoenix, Arizona’s idyllic Arcadia neighborhood, the home gives a nod to the area’s citrus orchard history. Echoing the past while embracing current millennial design expectations, this just-complete speculative family home hosts four bedrooms, an office, open living with a separate “dirty kitchen”, and the Stone Bar. Positioned in the Northwestern portion of the site, the Stone Bar provides entertainment for the interior and exterior spaces. With retracting sliding glass doors and windows above the bar, the space opens up to provide a multipurpose playspace for kids and adults alike. Nearly as eyecatching as the Camelback Mountain view is the stunning use of exposed beams, stone, and mill scale steel in this grass roots exploration of farmhouse architecture. White painted siding, white interior walls, and warm wood floors communicate a harmonious embrace in this soothing, family-friendly abode. Project Details // The Magnolia House Architecture: Drewett Works Developer: Marc Development Builder: Rafterhouse Interior Design: Rafterhouse Landscape Design: Refined Gardens Photographer: ProVisuals Media Awards Silver Award – One-of-a-Kind Custom or Spec 4,001 – 5,000 sq ft, Best in American Living Awards, 2019 Featured In “The Genteel Charm of Modern Farmhouse Architecture Inspired by Architect C.P. Drewett,” by Elise Glickman for Iconic Life, Nov 13, 2019

Aristocrat at Denman Prospect

McDonald Jones Homes

Elegant and Everlasting - The classic design of the Aristocrat stands the test of time and endures as the perfect backdrop to your family life for as long as you live there. Full of energy and vibrancy, the Aristocrat will inspire you every day with its effortless flow between the social areas of the home.

Modern Farm House in Cherry Hills

Haley Custom Homes

This elegant Great Room celing is a T&G material that was custom stained, with wood beams to match. The custom made fireplace is surrounded by Full Bed Limestone. The hardwood Floors are imported from Europe

Lime Avenue Residence

Cumulus Studio

The project was the result of a highly collaborative design process between the client and architect. This collaboration led to a design outcome which prioritised light, expanding volumes and increasing connectivity both within the home and out to the garden. Within the complex original plan, rational solutions were found to make sense of late twentieth century extensions and underutilised spaces. Compartmentalised spaces have been reprogrammed to allow for generous open plan living. A series of internal voids were used to promote social connection across and between floors, while introducing new light into the depths of the home.

Beaconsfield Whole Home

The Wood Works

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Hertfordshire with black walls, porcelain floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, white floor and a built-in media wall.

Farmhouse Living Room

Inspiration for a mid-sized country open concept living room in Burlington with a metal fireplace surround, no tv, white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and beige floor.

Main Floor Redesign

J B Interior Design

Design ideas for a transitional living room in Seattle with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Bungalow Remodel & Extension | Wilmslow

theCAVE architecture + design

Andy Marshall
This is an example of a mid-sized modern enclosed living room in Cheshire with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a built-in media wall and beige floor.

Alchemy Hill

Unique Homestays

Unique Home Stays
Inspiration for a mid-sized country formal enclosed living room in Other with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor and a metal fireplace surround.

Alcove and Living Room Storage

Spaced In Cabinet Makers

Cabinets by Spaced In, Interior Design by Emma Victoria Interior Design
This is an example of a small transitional enclosed living room in London with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Schwann Lake

Testorff Construction, Inc.

On a bare dirt lot held for many years, the design conscious client was now given the ultimate palette to bring their dream home to life. This brand new single family residence includes 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths, kitchen, dining, living, laundry, one car garage, and second floor deck of 352 sq. ft.

Woodburners & Fireplaces

Martin Bennett Photography

© Martin Bennett
Mid-sized country enclosed living room in Wiltshire with beige walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and grey floor.

Paradise

Greif Architects + LIVING ARCHITECTURE

Aaron Leitz
Design ideas for a large asian open concept living room in Hawaii with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Fireplace Xtrordinair Design Gallery

Woodheat Specialists DBA: The Chimney Doctors

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern formal enclosed living room in Other with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Burnished Brass & Fenix Kitchen

Sola Kitchens

Lind & Cummings Design Photography
Mid-sized industrial living room in London with dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

O'Keefe-Contemporary Luxury In Menlo Park

GHG Builders

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional formal open concept living room in San Francisco with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

Medina Waterfront Residence, Medina WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Living room. Photography by Lucas Henning.
Large contemporary open concept living room in Seattle with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and a metal fireplace surround.

Kalorama Park Rowhouse

Cunningham | Quill Architects

David Burroughs
Photo of a mid-sized transitional enclosed living room in DC Metro with a library, beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Napoleon Fireplace Design Gallery

Wyckoff Heating Cooling

This is an example of a large contemporary open concept living room in Other with a music area, beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Willow Ponds Residence

Green Home Design + Build

This is an example of a large arts and crafts formal loft-style living room in Portland with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

All Fireplaces Living Room Design Photos with a Metal 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.