Photographer: Beth Singer
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in Detroit with a standard fireplace, no tv, beige walls, ceramic floors and a plaster fireplace surround.

Neighborhood Charm

Anchor Builders

This remodel went from a tiny story-and-a-half Cape Cod, to a charming full two-story home. The open floor plan allows for views from the living room through the kitchen to the dining room. Space Plans, Building Design, Interior & Exterior Finishes by Anchor Builders. Photography by Alyssa Lee Photography.

Asheville Retreat

B.O.B. - Beyond Ordinary Boundaries Architecture

Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept living room in Richmond with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Merchandise Lofts

Croma Design Inc.

Donna Griffith Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional formal enclosed living room in Toronto with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Jan Hiltz Interiors LLC, Residence 2.0

Jan Hiltz Interiors LLC

Photo of a contemporary formal open concept living room in New York with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Contemporary Living Room

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Denver with light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, white walls, a tile fireplace surround and beige floor.

Living Space with Room for visiting family w/ Stacked Beds

The Group, Inc. Real Estate - Kelly McBartlett

A Brilliant Photo - Agneiszka Wormus
Design ideas for an expansive arts and crafts open concept living room in Denver with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Philbeach Gardens

FHI Design Ltd

Design ideas for a contemporary formal living room in Hampshire with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

3500 SF 2 Story Stone Brick Home Design

Young Architecture Services

Inspiration for a traditional open concept living room in Indianapolis with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a built-in media wall.

Farmhouse Living

Gryboski Builders Inc.

Large country open concept living room in Other with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and no tv.

Modern Old Naples Home

BUILD

@Amber Frederiksen Photography
This is an example of a large contemporary open concept living room in Miami with white walls, carpet, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Modern Federation

Brett Mickan Interior Design

Scott Mcgale
Traditional living room in Sydney with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, white walls and a tile fireplace surround.

West Los Angeles Custom Home

C & C Partners Design/Build Firm

Inspiration for a contemporary formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

TimberHouse

Misiaszek Turpin pllc

The 7,600 square-foot residence was designed for large, memorable gatherings of family and friends at the lake, as well as creating private spaces for smaller family gatherings. Keeping in dialogue with the surrounding site, a palette of natural materials and finishes was selected to provide a classic backdrop for all activities, bringing importance to the adjoining environment. In optimizing the views of the lake and developing a strategy to maximize natural ventilation, an ideal, open-concept living scheme was implemented. The kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch are connected, allowing for the large family gatherings to take place inside, should the weather not cooperate. Two main level master suites remain private from the rest of the program; yet provide a complete sense of incorporation. Bringing the natural finishes to the interior of the residence, provided the opportunity for unique focal points that complement the stunning stone fireplace and timber trusses. Photographer: John Hession

Rancho Santa Fe - Early California Style Hacienda

SDG - Scheiber Design Group

This sitting area is just opposite the large kitchen. It has a large plaster fireplace, exposed beam ceiling, and terra cotta tiles on the floor. The draperies are wool sheers in a neutral color similar to the walls. A bold area rug, zebra printed upholstered ottoman, and a tree of life sculpture complete the room.

Oak Hill Craftsman

Marilyn Hill Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional formal open concept living room in Nashville with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and no tv.

Phoenix House Remodel

Brooks & Company LLC

Steven Kaye Photography
Photo of a large traditional formal open concept living room in Phoenix with beige walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Spanish Peaks House

BLUE RIBBON BUILDERS INC

With enormous rectangular beams and round log posts, the Spanish Peaks House is a spectacular study in contrasts. Even the exterior—with horizontal log slab siding and vertical wood paneling—mixes textures and styles beautifully. An outdoor rock fireplace, built-in stone grill and ample seating enable the owners to make the most of the mountain-top setting. Inside, the owners relied on Blue Ribbon Builders to capture the natural feel of the home’s surroundings. A massive boulder makes up the hearth in the great room, and provides ideal fireside seating. A custom-made stone replica of Lone Peak is the backsplash in a distinctive powder room; and a giant slab of granite adds the finishing touch to the home’s enviable wood, tile and granite kitchen. In the daylight basement, brushed concrete flooring adds both texture and durability. Roger Wade

Interior Renovations

Narratif

Photo: Stacy Vazquez-Abrams
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional formal enclosed living room in Toronto with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv and a stone fireplace surround.

Living Room

ODS Architecture

The living room has walnut built-in cabinets housing home theater equipment over a border of black river rock which turns into a black granite plinth under the fireplace which is rimmed with luminescent tile. Photo Credit: John Sutton Photography

Living Room Design Photos with a Ribbon Fireplace and a Standard Fireplace

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.