Large contemporary formal enclosed living room in London with light hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor, panelled walls, white walls and a standard fireplace.

Beacon Street Brownstone

Elms Interior Design

Photography by Michael J. Lee Photography
Photo of a large transitional formal enclosed living room in Boston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor and panelled walls.

Kitchen

Infinite Home

Small eclectic loft-style living room in Atlanta with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and panelled walls.

Moody Blues

Laura Lee Home

Previously used as an office, this space had an awkwardly placed window to the left of the fireplace. By removing the window and building a bookcase to match the existing, the room feels balanced and symmetrical. Panel molding was added (by the homeowner!) and the walls were lacquered a deep navy. Bold modern green lounge chairs and a trio of crystal pendants make this cozy lounge next level. A console with upholstered ottomans keeps cocktails at the ready while adding two additional seats.

Classic Main Line Home

down2earth Interior Design, LLC.

The original wood paneling and coffered ceiling in the living room was gorgeous, but the hero of the room was the brass and glass light fixture that the previous owner installed. We created a seating area around it with comfy chairs perfectly placed for conversation. Being eco-minded in our approach, we love to re-use items whenever possible. The nesting tables and pale blue storage cabinet are from our client’s previous home, which we also had the privilege to decorate. We supplemented these existing pieces with a new rug, pillow and throw blanket to infuse the space with personality and link the colors of the room together.

Rosanna

DSdezines Interiors

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Melbourne with white walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, recessed and panelled walls.

Charming Cottage Great Room with White & Grey Custom Media Unit

Chervin Kitchen & Bath Inc.

Enter a transitional modern living room that epitomizes timeless beauty and modern functionality. At the heart of the space stands a custom-built white media unit, featuring shaker door cabinets adorned with aged brass hardware, exuding a sense of refined elegance. With its harmonious blend of classic elements and contemporary finishes, this inviting room offers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, creating a welcoming haven for both relaxation and social gatherings.

Modern Northwoods Residence Great Room & Dining

Amy Carman Design

A view from the living room into the dining, kitchen, and loft areas of the main living space. Windows and walk-outs on both levels allow views and ease of access to the lake at all times.

Rénovation d'appartement Haussmannien

Artem Renovatio

Photo of a contemporary enclosed living room in Paris with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and panelled walls.

Parsons Green

Samantha Watkins McRae

Mid-sized contemporary formal enclosed living room in London with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a built-in media wall, beige floor, coffered and panelled walls.

Refresh & Furnish | Edwardian apartment in South Kensington, SW7

Jemimah Barnett

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional open concept living room in London with beige walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor and panelled walls.

Single Family Charmer in Arlington, VA

Leigh Newport Staged by Design®

Nicely renovated bungalow in Arlington Va The space is small but mighty!
Inspiration for a small transitional enclosed living room in DC Metro with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor, timber and panelled walls.

Private Waterfront Residence on the Chester River

Purple Cherry Architects

Extensive custom millwork can be seen throughout the entire home, but especially in the living room.
This is an example of an expansive traditional formal open concept living room in Baltimore with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor, coffered and panelled walls.

Rays of Light

Aspen Leaf Interiors

For this ski-in, ski-out mountainside property, the intent was to create an architectural masterpiece that was simple, sophisticated, timeless and unique all at the same time. The clients wanted to express their love for Japanese-American craftsmanship, so we incorporated some hints of that motif into the designs. The high cedar wood ceiling and exposed curved steel beams are dramatic and reveal a roofline nodding to a traditional pagoda design. Striking bronze hanging lights span the kitchen and other unique light fixtures highlight every space. Warm walnut plank flooring and contemporary walnut cabinetry run throughout the home.

Californian Mid-Century House

Oneshot Design

This is an example of a large midcentury formal open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, a concealed tv, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Pinecrest Home Remodel Japandi Style

Janet Patterson Interior Design (JPID)

Open floor plan formal living room with modern fireplace.
Large modern formal open concept living room in Miami with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv, beige floor, vaulted and panelled walls.

Gulliver's Hall

Unique Homestays

Design ideas for a mid-sized country formal living room in Gloucestershire with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and panelled walls.

Modern Northwoods Residence Great Room at Night

Amy Carman Design

After watching sunset over the lake, retreat indoors to the warm, modern gathering space in our Modern Northwoods Cabin project.
Large contemporary open concept living room in Other with black walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a concealed tv, brown floor, vaulted and panelled walls.

Mapleton

Harper & Company, Inc.

Inspiration for a large transitional open concept living room in Salt Lake City with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, a concealed tv, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Lauren Kay Sims Lakehouse - Living Room

Urbanology Designs

Traditional modern living room, with a wall of windows looking out on a lake. A wood panel wall with an ornate fireplace, fresh greenery, and modern furnishings. An expansive, deep, cozy sectional makes for ultimate relaxation. Uber long wood bench for additional seating.

Living Room Design Photos with a Standard Fireplace and Panelled 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.