Contemporary living room
Inspiration for a large transitional open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and brown floor.

Woodhaven Modern

Flavin Architects

Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

Rising Glen

Studio Jhoiey Inc.

Midcentury open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Winning Design over 40K saves

Despina Design

Which one, 5 or 2? That depends on your perspective. Nevertheless in regards function this unit can do 2 or 5 things: 1. TV unit with a 270 degree rotation angle 2. Media console 3. See Through Fireplace 4. Room Divider 5. Mirror Art. Designer Debbie Anastassiou - Despina Design. Cabinetry by Touchwood Interiors Photography by Pearlin Design & Photography

Meriden Remodel

Dick Clark + Associates

Project by Dick Clark Architecture of Austin Texas
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept living room in Austin with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

St. Albert Regency Heights Estates #3 - Interior Renovation

Four Elements Construction

This is our very first Four Elements remodel show home! We started with a basic spec-level early 2000s walk-out bungalow, and transformed the interior into a beautiful modern farmhouse style living space with many custom features. The floor plan was also altered in a few key areas to improve livability and create more of an open-concept feel. Check out the shiplap ceilings with Douglas fir faux beams in the kitchen, dining room, and master bedroom. And a new coffered ceiling in the front entry contrasts beautifully with the custom wood shelving above the double-sided fireplace. Highlights in the lower level include a unique under-stairs custom wine & whiskey bar and a new home gym with a glass wall view into the main recreation area.

California Mediterranean

Orange Moon Interiors

Den
Design ideas for an expansive mediterranean formal open concept living room in Tampa with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a freestanding tv, brown floor, coffered and brick walls.

Boulders

The Ranch Mine

Photos by Roehner + Ryan
This is an example of a large contemporary open concept living room in Phoenix with white walls, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace, grey floor and wood.

Brighton: Renovation & Extension

First Avenue Homes

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Melbourne with white walls, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

Holz. Stein. Haus.

BRÜNING INTERIORS

Sorgfältig ausgewählte Materialien wie die heimische Eiche, Lehmputz an den Wänden sowie eine Holzakustikdecke prägen dieses Interior. Hier wurde nichts dem Zufall überlassen, sondern alles integriert sich harmonisch. Die hochwirksame Akustikdecke von Lignotrend sowie die hochwertige Beleuchtung von Erco tragen zum guten Raumgefühl bei. Was halten Sie von dem Tunnelkamin? Er verbindet das Esszimmer mit dem Wohnzimmer.

Zen Micro Cabin

CIRCLE Design Studio

This is an example of a small modern open concept living room in DC Metro with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Mealough House extension/ refurbishment

Reality Architects . Marc Ballard

Photo of a mid-sized modern formal open concept living room in Belfast with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in media wall and white floor.

Watersound

Design and Dwell Homes LLC

Small beach style living room in Miami with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

Hummingbird Haus

K2 Signature Homes

Living room and views to the McDowell Mtns
Inspiration for a large modern open concept living room in Phoenix with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a concrete fireplace surround.

Modern Farmhouse

User

This modern farmhouse located outside of Spokane, Washington, creates a prominent focal point among the landscape of rolling plains. The composition of the home is dominated by three steep gable rooflines linked together by a central spine. This unique design evokes a sense of expansion and contraction from one space to the next. Vertical cedar siding, poured concrete, and zinc gray metal elements clad the modern farmhouse, which, combined with a shop that has the aesthetic of a weathered barn, creates a sense of modernity that remains rooted to the surrounding environment. The Glo double pane A5 Series windows and doors were selected for the project because of their sleek, modern aesthetic and advanced thermal technology over traditional aluminum windows. High performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals allows the A5 Series to deliver high performance values and cost effective durability while remaining a sophisticated and stylish design choice. Strategically placed operable windows paired with large expanses of fixed picture windows provide natural ventilation and a visual connection to the outdoors.

House T

monovolume architecture + design

© Andrea Zanchi Photography
Inspiration for a modern formal open concept living room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and beige floor.

Residential

Michael Kelley Photography

by Mike Kelley Photography
Inspiration for a modern formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, no tv and grey floor.

Making Mid-century Modern Again Part I

CJ Paone AIA | Archipelago Workshop

A modern, peninsula-style gas fireplace with steel hearth extension, mahogany panelling, and rolled steel shelves replace a dated divider, making this mid-century home modern again. Photography | Kurt Jordan Photography

Beaucatcher Barn Home

Altura Architects

We used the timber frame of a century old barn to build this rustic modern house. The barn was dismantled, and reassembled on site. Inside, we designed the home to showcase as much of the original timber frame as possible. The fireplace is double-sided and is in the center of the great room. Photography by Todd Crawford

Elma Bay House

MP Lighting

Blue Sky Architecure
This is an example of a contemporary open concept living room in Vancouver with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and no tv.

Living Room Design Photos with White Walls and a Two-sided 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.