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.

Custom Design - Great Room - New American Home 2015

Blue Heron

This is an example of an expansive contemporary open concept living room in Las Vegas with a home bar, brown walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

5490 Franklin Goldmine Rd

Virtual Studio Innovations

This is an example of a large formal open concept living room in Atlanta with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, brown floor and panelled walls.

Back Bay Condo

Bloomsbury Designs

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary enclosed living room in Boston with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv, brown floor and wallpaper.

Big Sur Coast Ridge Estate

User

Breathtaking views of the incomparable Big Sur Coast, this classic Tuscan design of an Italian farmhouse, combined with a modern approach creates an ambiance of relaxed sophistication for this magnificent 95.73-acre, private coastal estate on California’s Coastal Ridge. Five-bedroom, 5.5-bath, 7,030 sq. ft. main house, and 864 sq. ft. caretaker house over 864 sq. ft. of garage and laundry facility. Commanding a ridge above the Pacific Ocean and Post Ranch Inn, this spectacular property has sweeping views of the California coastline and surrounding hills. “It’s as if a contemporary house were overlaid on a Tuscan farm-house ruin,” says decorator Craig Wright who created the interiors. The main residence was designed by renowned architect Mickey Muenning—the architect of Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn, —who artfully combined the contemporary sensibility and the Tuscan vernacular, featuring vaulted ceilings, stained concrete floors, reclaimed Tuscan wood beams, antique Italian roof tiles and a stone tower. Beautifully designed for indoor/outdoor living; the grounds offer a plethora of comfortable and inviting places to lounge and enjoy the stunning views. No expense was spared in the construction of this exquisite estate.

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.

Vancouver Residence

Area3 Design Studio Inc.

Mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Vancouver with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and wood walls.

Modern New Home - Ground Up

Heritage Construction Companies, LLC.

Photo of an expansive contemporary open concept living room in Minneapolis with a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown walls, porcelain floors, no tv and grey floor.

ASID San Diego Design Excellence Awards 2014

ASID San Diego Chapter

1st Place Specialty Design Tatiana Machado-Rosas, Allied Member ASID Jackson Design and Remodeling
Mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in San Diego with brown walls and medium hardwood floors.

Hilltop Residence - Living Room

Design Directives, LLC

Fabulous 17' tall fireplace with 4-way quad book matched onyx. Pattern matches on sides and hearth, as well as when TV doors are open. venetian plaster walls, wood ceiling, hardwood floor with stone tile border, Petrified wood coffee table, custom hand made rug, Slab stone fabrication by Stockett Tile and Granite Architecture: Kilbane Architects, Scottsdale Contractor: Joel Detar Sculpture: Slater Sculpture, Phoenix Interior Design: Susie Hersker and Elaine Ryckman Project designed by Susie Hersker’s Scottsdale interior design firm Design Directives. Design Directives is active in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, Sedona, and beyond. For more about Design Directives, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/

Cherry Hills Western Eclectic

Ekman Design Studio

This elegant expression of a modern Colorado style home combines a rustic regional exterior with a refined contemporary interior. The client's private art collection is embraced by a combination of modern steel trusses, stonework and traditional timber beams. Generous expanses of glass allow for view corridors of the mountains to the west, open space wetlands towards the south and the adjacent horse pasture on the east. Builder: Cadre General Contractors http://www.cadregc.com Interior Design: Comstock Design http://comstockdesign.com Photograph: Ron Ruscio Photography http://ronrusciophotography.com/

Aspen Valley Ranch - Main Ranch House

Fuller Michael Architects Pc

Large country open concept living room in Denver with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

Cosmopolitan Home Magazine 2015 Home of the Year

Francesca Owings Interior Design

Library
Design ideas for an expansive traditional open concept living room in Grand Rapids with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Oakwood Court, Holland Park, London

Domus Nova

Photo of a large contemporary formal open concept living room in London with brown walls and dark hardwood floors.

Spring

Walter Studio Interior Design

This is an example of a large modern open concept living room in Atlanta with brown walls, concrete floors and a wall-mounted tv.

Medina Waterfront Residence, Medina WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Detail of living room fireplace. Photography by Lucas Henning.
Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept living room in Seattle with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

905 Parkland Circle NE Home Staging Photos

MAP Consultants, LLC

Brandon Banes, 360StyleTours.com
Small open concept living room in Albuquerque with brown walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Library 3

Lauren Ostrow Interior Design, Inc

Custom designed library in 150 year old home
Inspiration for a traditional living room in New York with brown walls.

Living Room with Fieldstone Fireplace

Mackin Architects

View of the living room and fieldstone fireplace. Woodwork by Summit Woodworkers LLC
This is an example of an expansive country open concept living room in New York with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

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.