The living area’s focal point is the fireplace, so that wall was painted a deeper tan to subtly intensify the accent wall. Two swivel chairs and a reading light were placed so that readers might enjoy the view of Puget Sound with a simple turn, and everyone can enjoy the view from all seats. Photograph by Gregg Krogstad

Urban house for a family

Studio Cropp Architecture

photography by A Beautiful Dominion
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Portland with a library, white walls, bamboo floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a concealed tv.

Courageous Place House

Soul Space

This is an example of a large beach style formal open concept living room in Sunshine Coast with white walls, bamboo floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and no tv.

Custom Home and studios

Platt Builders

This is an example of a large contemporary open concept living room in Boston with a library, grey walls, bamboo floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and no tv.

Truman Whole House Renovation

HINKLE CONSTRUCTION

Design ideas for a transitional living room in San Francisco with bamboo floors and a tile fireplace surround.

smithKITCH

DII Architecture

Here is an overall perspective of the doubled living room & foyer. Photos by: Black Olive Photographic
Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept living room in Chicago with a home bar, grey walls, bamboo floors, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Amaroo

Decatur Construction

Gail Dupar
This is an example of a contemporary open concept living room in Seattle with white walls, bamboo floors, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Woy Woy Renovation 2

Scott Manuelle Constructions

Modern, clean, open plan living. Providing streamlined living throughout the entire home.
Mid-sized modern formal open concept living room in Sydney with grey walls, bamboo floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Mount Pleasant Modern Infill 915

o2 developments

Design ideas for a modern living room in Calgary with bamboo floors and a tile fireplace surround.

Bamboo Floor

Before and After Builders, Inc.

Removed carpet and tile entry and installed stained hand scraped bamboo flooring.
Photo of a large modern formal open concept living room in Other with beige walls, bamboo floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Florin Living Room

Isaman design, Inc.

This dramatic remodel aimed to revitalize an ocean facing home with a fresh new contemporary feel. The owners wanted a bright, light filled home that took advantage of the sweeping ocean views. More than just cosmetic changes, this home underwent extensive spatial reconfiguration and upgrades to feature all of the modern amenities that fit the clients’ lifestyle. The entry is pronounced by a two story element outfitted with full height glazing and a glass stair case which allows for maximum amounts of daylight to enter the home. Ideal for entertaining, the reconfigured open floor plan provides large gathering spaces, a full bar, wine room and a European style kitchen. Clean lines and details were achieved through the use of custom SieMatic cabinets in the kitchen, bar, entertainment wall and home office. The addition of 9 skylights in the main living room and 2 in the master bedroom help illuminate and brighten the spaces.

After Fireplace Design

Transitional Designs, LLC

Tommy Rhodes
Photo of a large transitional open concept living room in Portland with beige walls, bamboo floors, a corner fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Outdated to Modern

Karen R. Larson Interior Design

This is an example of a contemporary open concept living room in Other with beige walls, bamboo floors, a two-sided fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Lakeside Condo

Colleen Broadhurst Interiors

Peter Riedel Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Toronto with grey walls, bamboo floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a built-in media wall.

Boulder, Colorado

Stephanie Weitkamp Interiors

Contemporary living room in Denver with bamboo floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Park Forrest Home Remodel

State College Design & Construction

Contemporary fireplace surround and cabinetry. Large transitional windows. Frosted glass windows flanking fireplace. Interiors by Erin Stiffler, cabinets by Kitchen Korner, construciton by State College Design and Construction.

Adjustments.plist

IE Design

Design ideas for a country formal open concept living room in Dusseldorf with bamboo floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and wood walls.

River Ridge Condo

Nsight Kitchen and Bath Design

Photo of a mid-sized eclectic enclosed living room in New Orleans with white walls, bamboo floors, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and panelled walls.

Shaker - Entire Home Renovation

Mancuso Homes

This is an example of a transitional open concept living room in Cleveland with grey walls, bamboo floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Chilvary Dr

D.Nicole Interiors

Photo of a large transitional formal open concept living room in Charlotte with grey walls, bamboo floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Living Room Design Photos with Bamboo Floors and a Tile 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.