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.

Salon avec cheminée ancienne

Nathalie Odiot Architecture d'Intérieur

Inspiration for a large mediterranean living room with concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, no tv, beige floor and exposed beam.

Scandinavian Farmhouse

Danze & Davis Architects, Inc.

Inspiration for a large scandinavian open concept living room in Austin with white walls, concrete floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor and exposed beam.

Hill Country Modern Farmhouse

Bohannon Design Team

The living room features a crisp, painted brick fireplace and transom windows for maximum light and view. The vaulted ceiling elevates the space, with symmetrical halls opening off to bedroom areas. Rear doors open out to the patio.

Living Room

Beth Howley Creative LLC

Beach style living room in Grand Rapids with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor and exposed beam.

Wolf Meadow

Artisan Timber Works llc

Photo of a transitional open concept living room in San Francisco with beige walls, concrete floors, grey floor, exposed beam, vaulted and wood.

6803

Bickford And Company

Open concept kitchen and living area
Photo of an expansive industrial loft-style living room in Kansas City with grey walls, concrete floors, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor, exposed beam and brick walls.

Josh Wynne Construction

Polished concrete floors. Exposed cypress timber beam ceiling. Big Ass Fan. Accordian doors. Indoor/outdoor design. Exposed HVAC duct work. Great room design. LEED Platinum home. Photos by Matt McCorteney.

Hunters Contemporary

Younger Homes

Contemporary open concept living room in Austin with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor, exposed beam and vaulted.

Snow White Studio

Mary Anne Smiley Interiors

The Goody Nook, named by the owners in honor of one of their Great Grandmother's and Great Aunts after their bake shop they ran in Ohio to sell baked goods, thought it fitting since this space is a place to enjoy all things that bring them joy and happiness. This studio, which functions as an art studio, workout space, and hangout spot, also doubles as an entertaining hub. Used daily, the large table is usually covered in art supplies, but can also function as a place for sweets, treats, and horderves for any event, in tandem with the kitchenette adorned with a bright green countertop. An intimate sitting area with 2 lounge chairs face an inviting ribbon fireplace and TV, also doubles as space for them to workout in. The powder room, with matching green counters, is lined with a bright, fun wallpaper, that you can see all the way from the pool, and really plays into the fun art feel of the space. With a bright multi colored rug and lime green stools, the space is finished with a custom neon sign adorning the namesake of the space, "The Goody Nook”.

Mansion in Amsterdam

ijzersterk interieurontwerp

Photo of a contemporary open concept living room in Amsterdam with white walls, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, grey floor, no tv and exposed beam.

Bibliothèque / Meuble TV

Rubeo.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Bordeaux with a library, white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace, a concealed tv, grey floor and exposed beam.

Noe Valley Modern Japanese Remodel

Joinery Structures

Design ideas for a contemporary open concept living room in San Francisco with beige walls, concrete floors, grey floor and exposed beam.

tucson territorial

hazelbaker rush

This is an example of a living room in Phoenix with white walls, concrete floors, a corner fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam, brick walls and planked wall panelling.

Ranch 55

Catherine Garrison Architect, Inc

Photo of a large midcentury formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with green walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor and exposed beam.

Port Colborne Contemporary Beach House

Sider Bros. Builders Ltd

Inspiration for a contemporary open concept living room in Other with brown walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, grey floor, exposed beam, vaulted, wood and wood walls.

Spring

User

Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial loft-style living room in Other with red walls, concrete floors, no fireplace, a concealed tv, grey floor, exposed beam and brick walls.

Architecture Photography

Yuya Parker

Inspiration for a midcentury open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, grey floor, exposed beam and vaulted.

Villa des Cimes

Nathalie Odiot Architecture d'Intérieur

Maison neuve avec de l'ancien
Large mediterranean open concept living room in Marseille with concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, white floor and exposed beam.

Emerald Lakeside

JSTL Construction

Large contemporary open concept living room in Other with white walls, concrete floors, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor, vaulted, exposed beam, wood and a ribbon fireplace.

Living Room Design Photos with Concrete Floors and Exposed Beam

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.