Graced with character and a history, this grand merchant’s terrace was restored and expanded to suit the demands of a family of five.
This is an example of a large transitional living room in Sydney with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Cremorne Waterfront

Judith Bruce Design

This is an example of a contemporary open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Custom design and build

Horizon Homes

First impression count as you enter this custom-built Horizon Homes property at Kellyville. The home opens into a stylish entryway, with soaring double height ceilings. It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And that’s literally true with this home. With the kitchen in the centre of the ground floor, this home provides ample formal and informal living spaces on the ground floor. At the rear of the house, a rumpus room, living room and dining room overlooking a large alfresco kitchen and dining area make this house the perfect entertainer. It’s functional, too, with a butler’s pantry, and laundry (with outdoor access) leading off the kitchen. There’s also a mudroom – with bespoke joinery – next to the garage. Upstairs is a mezzanine office area and four bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite with dressing room, ensuite and private balcony. Outdoor areas were important to the owners of this knockdown rebuild. While the house is large at almost 454m2, it fills only half the block. That means there’s a generous backyard. A central courtyard provides further outdoor space. Of course, this courtyard – as well as being a gorgeous focal point – has the added advantage of bringing light into the centre of the house.

New build

schemes & spaces

Living room with fireplace
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept living room in Sydney with green walls, dark hardwood floors and a tile fireplace surround.

Arts & Crafts House, Malvern

Brownlow Interior Design

Traditional living room in Melbourne with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Contemporary Residence

User

This is an example of a contemporary living room in Melbourne with grey walls and dark hardwood floors.

Transitional Living Room

Transitional living room in Sydney with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

Wilson Lake Remodel

Holland Homes LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized country formal open concept living room in Atlanta with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and dark hardwood floors.

December Issue - Ellis Construction

Ellis Construction, Inc.

This is an example of a large contemporary formal enclosed living room in Denver with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and grey walls.

Eclectic Contemporary Main Floor

Liliblue Interior Design

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional open concept living room in Orange County with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv.

Denver, Colorado

Left Bank Designs, LLC

Mid-sized transitional open concept living room in Denver with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor, exposed beam and vaulted.

Wilmington Court - Living Room

Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC

Living room with painted paneled wall with concealed storage & television. Fireplace with black firebrick & custom hand-carved limestone mantel. Custom distressed arched, heavy timber trusses and tongue & groove ceiling. Walls are plaster. View to the kitchen beyond through the breakfast bar at the kitchen pass-through.

Custom Lake Home

Mari

Design ideas for a large transitional open concept living room in Detroit with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, grey walls and a built-in media wall.

San Juan Island Residence

NB Design Group, Inc

Living Room furniture is centered around stone fireplace. Hidden reading nook provides additional storage and seating.
Design ideas for a large country open concept living room in Seattle with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Coastal Elegance Vero Beach

Seaside Interiors By Our Boat House

Photo of a large beach style formal enclosed living room in Miami with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and no tv.

Lavishly Laidback

Andrea Schumacher Interiors

Emily Minton Redfield
This is an example of an eclectic living room in Denver with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Custom Doors

Builders Door & Window

Mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Phoenix with white walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and no tv.

Big Glen Lake Residence

Ken Richmond, Architect

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional open concept living room in Other with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround, no tv, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Azalea Residence II, Dallas Texas

John Lively & Associates

Photo of a mediterranean formal living room in Dallas with white walls, dark hardwood floors and a two-sided fireplace.

Boyle Living Room

Cory Connor Designs

Navy and yellow, navy and gold, navy and mustard, gold glass coffee table, tufted sofa, tufted couch, yellow tufted sofa, yellow tufted couch, mustard tufted sofa, gold chandelier, zanadoo chandelier, black granite fireplace, gold sconces, built in bookshelves, navy bookshelves, painting back of bookshelves, pull out bar top, navy rug, navy geometric rug, french doors, navy velvet chairs, barrel chairs, velvet sofa, navy and yellow pillows, window seat, boll and branch throw

Living Room Design Photos with Dark Hardwood Floors and Tatami Floors

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.