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.

Dural

Distinct Innovations Pty Ltd

We were commissioned to create a contemporary single-storey dwelling with four bedrooms, three main living spaces, gym and enough car spaces for up to 8 vehicles/workshop. Due to the slope of the land the 8 vehicle garage/workshop was placed in a basement level which also contained a bathroom and internal lift shaft for transporting groceries and luggage. The owners had a lovely northerly aspect to the front of home and their preference was to have warm bedrooms in winter and cooler living spaces in summer. So the bedrooms were placed at the front of the house being true north and the livings areas in the southern space. All living spaces have east and west glazing to achieve some sun in winter. Being on a 3 acre parcel of land and being surrounded by acreage properties, the rear of the home had magical vista views especially to the east and across the pastured fields and it was imperative to take in these wonderful views and outlook. We were very fortunate the owners provided complete freedom in the design, including the exterior finish. We had previously worked with the owners on their first home in Dural which gave them complete trust in our design ability to take this home. They also hired the services of a interior designer to complete the internal spaces selection of lighting and furniture. The owners were truly a pleasure to design for, they knew exactly what they wanted and made my design process very smooth. Hornsby Council approved the application within 8 weeks with no neighbor objections. The project manager was as passionate about the outcome as I was and made the building process uncomplicated and headache free.

Terrell Hills Mid Century Modern Project

Haven Design and Construction

The cantilevered living room of this incredible mid century modern home still features the original wood wall paneling and brick floors. We were so fortunate to have these amazing original features to work with. Our design team brought in a new modern light fixture, MCM furnishings, lamps and accessories. We utilized the client's existing rug and pulled our room's inspiration colors from it. Bright citron yellow accents add a punch of color to the room. The surrounding built-in bookcases are also original to the room.

Escondido Remodel

Vintage Timberworks

A bright and airy feel was achieved in this beautiful living room by white washing the existing ceiling decking and painting the exposed beams white. The fireplace received a facelift by cladding the outdated stone with reclaimed Driftwood planking and a solid reclaimed Douglas fir mantel by Vintage Timberworks.

Heatilator Design Gallery

CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces

Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept living room in Boston with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Stone Interiors & Exteriors

Eagle Stone & Brick, Inc.

Design ideas for a large country open concept living room in St Louis with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Coastal Virginia Idea House Holly Road

Stephen Alexander Homes & Neighborhoods

Jonathon Edwards Media
This is an example of a large beach style open concept living room in Other with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a built-in media wall, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Sous les toits_Paris 10

STUDIOKLEIN

@S+D
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic open concept living room in Paris with brown walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, a library and no tv.

Transitional Style Living Space

Ann Lowengart Interiors

A fun, fresh, and inviting transitional space with blue and green accents and lots of natural light - designed for a family in mind yet perfect for entertaining. Design by Annie Lowengart and photo by David Duncan Livingston. Featured in Marin Magazine May 2013 issue seen here http://digital.marinmagazine.com/marinmagazine/201305/?pg=112&pm=2&u1=friend

A Stunning Focal Point

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

This stunning fireplace mantel from Dura Supreme Cabinetry features carved corbels below the mantel shelf. When “Classic” Styling is selected, the corbels feature an ornate, acanthus leaf carving. Decorative panels were selected for the frieze and the columns. Crafted with rich color and unique grain pattern create an elegant focal point for this great room. The inviting warmth and crackling flames in a fireplace naturally draw people to gather around the hearth. Historically, the fireplace has been an integral part of the home as one of its central features. Original hearths not only warmed the room, they were the hub of food preparation and family interaction. With today’s modern floor plans and conveniences, the fireplace has evolved from its original purpose to become a prominent architectural element with a social function. Within the open floor plans that are so popular today, a well-designed kitchen has become the central feature of the home. The kitchen and adjacent living spaces are combined, encouraging guests and families to mingle before and after a meal. Within that large gathering space, the kitchen typically opens to a room featuring a fireplace mantel or an integrated entertainment center, and it makes good sense for these elements to match or complement each other. With Dura Supreme, your kitchen cabinetry, entertainment cabinetry and fireplace mantels are all available in matching or coordinating designs, woods and finishes. Fireplace Mantels from Dura Supreme are available in 3 basic designs – or your own custom design. Each basic design has optional choices for columns, overall styling and “frieze” options so that you can choose a look that’s just right for your home. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

Living Room

Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers

Architecture by Bosworth Hoedemaker & Garret Cord Werner. Interior design by Garret Cord Werner.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Seattle with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Hermosa Beach Modern

Timothy De Clue Collection & Design

Mid-sized modern formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with brown walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and no tv.

Casa La Saxe

Studio Idealab

This is an example of a country living room in Other with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, exposed beam, wood and wood walls.

Project 45

The Main Company

We also designed a bespoke fire place for the home.
Design ideas for a contemporary living room in London with a standard fireplace, brown walls, light hardwood floors, a wood fireplace surround and beige floor.

Homespire House, Canterbury

The Style Brush Architecture & Interiors

The brief was to transform the apartment into a functional and comfortable home, suitable for everyday living; a place of warmth and true homeliness. Excitingly, we were encouraged to be brave and bold with colour, and so we took inspiration from the beautiful garden of England; Kent . We opted for a palette of French greys, Farrow and Ball's warm neutrals, rich textures and textiles. We hope you like the result as much as we did!

Canadacraig Enterprise Ltd

ZAC and ZAC - Photography

Ⓒ ZAC+ZAC
This is an example of a traditional formal enclosed living room in Other with brown walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, beige floor, panelled walls and wood walls.

Peaceful Spa-inspired Retreat

Peery Homes

This is an example of a large transitional formal enclosed living room in Other with brown walls, a standard fireplace, medium hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Hudson Hilltop Craftsman

Centre Sky Architecture Ltd

Custom living room contains a stone fireplace Photos by Eric Lucero
This is an example of an arts and crafts formal living room in Denver with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Locally reclaimed wood ceilings accentuated with operable windows for passive co

Phinney Design Group

Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes
Design ideas for a small country open concept living room with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Contemporary Design

Buchanan Construction

J. Weiland, Professional Photographer. Paul Jackson, Aerial Photography. Alice Dodson, Architect. This Contemporary Mountain Home sits atop 50 plus acres in the Beautiful Mountains of Hot Springs, NC. Eye catching beauty and designs tribute local Architect, Alice Dodson and Team. Sloping roof lines intrigue and maximize natural light. This home rises high above the normal energy efficient standards with Geothermal Heating & Cooling System, Radiant Floor Heating, Kolbe Windows and Foam Insulation. Creative Owners put there heart & souls into the unique features. Exterior textured stone, smooth gray stucco around the glass blocks, smooth artisan siding with mitered corners and attractive landscaping collectively compliment. Cedar Wood Ceilings, Tile Floors, Exquisite Lighting, Modern Linear Fireplace and Sleek Clean Lines throughout please the intellect and senses.

Living Room Design Photos with Brown 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.