Built in storage hides entertainment equipment and incorporates a folded steel stair to a mezzanine storage space in this apartment. Custom designed floating shelves easily allow for a rotating display of the owners art collection. By keeping clutter hidden away this apartment is kept simple and spacious.

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.

Point Lonsdale II

Stonehouse + Irons Architecture

Concrete block walls provide thermal mass for heating and defence agains hot summer. The subdued colours create a quiet and cosy space focussed around the fire. Timber joinery adds warmth and texture , framing the collections of books and collected objects.

Willoughby

Glenstone Living

This is an example of a contemporary living room in Sydney with white walls, concrete floors, grey floor and brick walls.

THE BAREFOOT BAY VILLA

The Designory

This is an example of a contemporary living room in Other with grey walls, a hanging fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor and brick walls.

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.

Family Hub

Studio JKL

This is an example of a contemporary living room in London with grey walls, a wall-mounted tv, multi-coloured floor and brick walls.

Wabi Sabi Refuge

Astratto Design

Embarking on the design journey of Wabi Sabi Refuge, I immersed myself in the profound quest for tranquility and harmony. This project became a testament to the pursuit of a tranquil haven that stirs a deep sense of calm within. Guided by the essence of wabi-sabi, my intention was to curate Wabi Sabi Refuge as a sacred space that nurtures an ethereal atmosphere, summoning a sincere connection with the surrounding world. Deliberate choices of muted hues and minimalist elements foster an environment of uncluttered serenity, encouraging introspection and contemplation. Embracing the innate imperfections and distinctive qualities of the carefully selected materials and objects added an exquisite touch of organic allure, instilling an authentic reverence for the beauty inherent in nature's creations. Wabi Sabi Refuge serves as a sanctuary, an evocative invitation for visitors to embrace the sublime simplicity, find solace in the imperfect, and uncover the profound and tranquil beauty that wabi-sabi unveils.

Mid-Century Modern Highland Park West Home

Mosier Luxury Homes

Large midcentury open concept living room in Austin with light hardwood floors, a built-in media wall, wood and wood walls.

Hillside House on Chesapeake

Hays + Ewing Design Studio

Exterior shiplap siding walls extend from the exterior into the interior to bring the outside in and extend views to nature.
Design ideas for a contemporary living room in Other with medium hardwood floors, brown floor and wood walls.

Los Gatos Treehouse

Cathie Hong Interiors

This 1960s home was in original condition and badly in need of some functional and cosmetic updates. We opened up the great room into an open concept space, converted the half bathroom downstairs into a full bath, and updated finishes all throughout with finishes that felt period-appropriate and reflective of the owner's Asian heritage.

50's ITALIAN LAKE HOUSE

Tommaso Giunchi Architetti

Living: pavimento originale in quadrotti di rovere massello; arredo vintage unito ad arredi disegnati su misura (panca e mobile bar) Tavolo in vetro con gambe anni 50; sedie da regista; divano anni 50 con nuovo tessuto blu/verde in armonia con il colore blu/verde delle pareti. Poltroncine anni 50 danesi; camino originale. Lampada tavolo originale Albini.

Steamboat Springs Timber Frame

Mountain Life and Home of Colorado

Design ideas for a mid-sized country loft-style living room in Denver with medium hardwood floors, brown floor, vaulted and wood walls.

Paris 20 - Appartement Soleil | 65m²

LAAD STUDIO

Rénovation complète d'un appartement de 65m² dans le 20ème arrondissement de Paris.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open concept living room in Paris with a library, light hardwood floors, beige floor and wood walls.

Deep Blue London

Anca Rotaru Design Studio

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional living room in London with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, brown floor and wood walls.

Morristown Mid-Century

Gary Rosard Architect

Walnut cabinetry separates the living room from adjacent walk in closet. A mix of clear and translucent glass, brass cladding behind shelves, and slatted panels join to create a rich composition of material and texture.

Beverly Hills Modern

Lori Dennis, ASID, LEED AP

Modern Living Room with floor to ceiling grey slab fireplace face. Dark wood built in bookcase with led lighting nestled next to modern linear electric fireplace. Contemporary white sofas face each other with dark black accent furniture nearby, all sitting on a modern grey rug. Modern interior architecture with large picture windows, white walls and light wood wall panels that line the walls and ceiling entry.

Restauro Complesso ViaNuova

Arch. Alessandra Cipriani

Soggiorno / pranzo con pareti facciavista
Inspiration for an expansive country open concept living room in Florence with beige walls, terra-cotta floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv, orange floor, vaulted and brick walls.

Parian Ridge

Virtual Studio Innovations

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Atlanta with brown walls, concrete floors, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor, wood and wood walls.

Barton Creek III

Butter Lutz Interiors, LLC

An open-concept great room featuring custom seating and a brick fireplace.
Expansive transitional open concept living room in Austin with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and brick walls.

Living Room Design Photos with Brick Walls and Wood Walls

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.