Photo of a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Sydney with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

Hood House

Mihaly Slocombe

Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Woorarra House Living Room

Rptecture Architect

Within the lush acres of Chirnside Park, lies the Woorarra house overlooking the views of the surrounding hills and greenery. With a timeless yet contemporary design, the existing farmhouse was transformed into a spacious home featuring an open plan to allow breath taking views.

Darlinghurst

David Parsons Architect

Inspiration for a small eclectic formal enclosed living room in Sydney with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

Peregian Beach House - Osprey

Aboda Design Group

Photo of a contemporary living room in Sunshine Coast with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Dolls Point

An Interior Thing

Contemporary open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Contemporary Living Room

This is an example of a contemporary open concept living room in Sydney with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, beige floor, panelled walls and a plaster fireplace surround.

Ultra Modern Semi-Detached/Residence 1

Claridge Construction

This is an example of a large modern open concept living room in Adelaide with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, concrete floors, black floor and a wall-mounted tv.

Cremorne Waterfront

Judith Bruce Design

This is an example of a contemporary open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Eliza House

WALA

This is an example of a mid-sized modern open concept living room in Melbourne with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

Hill House

Kaiko Design Interiors

Main living space - Dulux Terracotta Chip paint on the upper and ceiling with Dulux suede effect in matching colour to lower Dado. Matching curved sofas with graphic black and white accents. All lighting custom designed - shop today at Kaiko Design

Brighton East Coastal Style Kitchen & Bathroom Renovation

Ultimate Kitchens & Bathrooms

Whilst the main focus for this renovation was the kitchen and bathrooms, the clients used the opportunity to instil some better functionality and modern influences in some adjoining rooms. This bespoke entertainment unit was designed and built to house a new gas fireplace, with the tv wall mounted above. Once again, the stunning porcelain in the cladding of this fireplace, makes for a real focal point in the living room.

New Build

Artiman Homes

Photo of a contemporary open concept living room in Wollongong with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and wood walls.

Kaimana

Innovative Design and Build Group

Photo of a modern open concept living room in Brisbane with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and brown floor.

Point Loma Residence

Hope Pinc Design

Large transitional open concept living room in Denver with beige walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Gas Fireplaces

Flue Tech Inc.

This is an example of a modern living room in New York with a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Beverly Drive

Bella Casa Luxury Home Staging

Modern Farmhouse with elegant and luxury touches.
Large transitional formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with black walls, a built-in media wall, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and beige floor.

Modern Farmhouse Homes

Clarum Homes

Scandinavian living room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors and a ribbon fireplace.

Elegant Contemporary

Janet Brooks Design

The family room, including the kitchen and breakfast area, features stunning indirect lighting, a fire feature, stacked stone wall, art shelves and a comfortable place to relax and watch TV. Photography: Mark Boisclair

Modern Farmhouse New Build in Vienna

Olamar Interiors

A modern farmhouse living room designed for a new construction home in Vienna, VA.
Design ideas for a large country open concept living room in DC Metro with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Living Room Design Photos with a Ribbon Fireplace and No 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.