Smith and Primmer, Steve Andrea & Karin McNamara Design

This complex build is underpinned by the use of detailed off-form concrete forms, exotic internal and external finishes, copper cladding and roofing, painted steel windows, bespoke joinery, traditional venetian render and highly detailed steel elements. The detailing and craftsmanship is second-to-none, with the home displaying sympathy for its surroundings; evolving from its inception to creation.

Valia

Daniela Fulford Photography

This is an example of a contemporary open concept living room in Melbourne with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and beige floor.

Ultra Modern Semi-Detached/Residence 2

Claridge Construction

Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept living room in Adelaide with white walls, concrete floors, a ribbon fireplace and black floor.

Blackheath Residence

Rocco Revolution

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Sydney with brown floor, beige walls and medium hardwood floors.

Art Forms Hindley & Co - Furniture and skylight

Hindley & Co Architecture & Interior Design

Highlight and skylight bring in light from above whilst maintaining privacy from the street. Artwork by Patricia Piccinini and Peter Hennessey. Rug from Armadillo and vintage chair from Casser Maison, Togo chairs from Domo.

Kaimana

Innovative Design and Build Group

Photo of a modern open concept living room in Brisbane with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and brown floor.

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary formal open concept living room in Geelong with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Point Lonsdale II

Stonehouse + Irons Architecture

Concrete block walls provide thermal mass for heating and defence agains hot summer. The subdued colours create a quiet and cosy space focussed around the fire. Timber joinery adds warmth and texture , framing the collections of books and collected objects.

Grant St

Rounded Edge Style

Tones of olive green and brass accents add warmth to this timeless space.
Photo of a mid-sized transitional open concept living room in Perth with porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, no tv, beige floor, decorative wall panelling and white walls.

Willow

Haus Residential

Inspiration for a modern open concept living room in Melbourne with white walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Nepean

Distinct Innovations Pty Ltd

Built on the beautiful Nepean River in Penrith overlooking the Blue Mountains. Capturing the water and mountain views were imperative as well as achieving a design that catered for the hot summers and cold winters in Western Sydney. Before we could embark on design, pre-lodgement meetings were held with the head of planning to discuss all the environmental constraints surrounding the property. The biggest issue was potential flooding. Engineering flood reports were prepared prior to designing so we could design the correct floor levels to avoid the property from future flood waters. The design was created to capture as much of the winter sun as possible and blocking majority of the summer sun. This is an entertainer's home, with large easy flowing living spaces to provide the occupants with a certain casualness about the space but when you look in detail you will see the sophistication and quality finishes the owner was wanting to achieve.

Miller Point Apartment

Novari Interior Design

Photo of a large contemporary open concept living room in Sydney with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Little Richardson

Mcmahon and Nerlich

Living room makes the most of the light and space and colours relate to charred black timber cladding
Design ideas for a small industrial open concept living room in Melbourne with white walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a concrete fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor and wood.

Lyons - Risdon Pl

Chapman Built

Custom gas fireplace, stone cladding, sheer curtains
Contemporary formal open concept living room in Canberra - Queanbeyan with carpet, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, white walls, a freestanding tv and beige floor.

Bondi Palm Springs Apartment

KCreative Interiors

Palm Springs Vibe with transitional spaces. This project required bespoke open shelving, office nook and extra seating at the existing kitchen island. This relaxed, I never want to leave home because its so fabulous vibe continues out onto the balcony where the homeowners can relax or entertain with the breathtaking Bondi Valley and Ocean view. The joinery is seamless and minimal in design to balance out the Palm Springs fabulousness. All joinery was designed by KCreative Interiors and custom made at Swadlings Timber and Hardware Timber Finish: American Oak

Balwyn North

Design N Build Construction

Formal Living Dining with french oak parquetry and Marie Antoinette floor style reflected on the ceiling coffers, and a hand crafted travertine fire place mantel

Bay Street II Project

LivingLot

Mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

R Residence

archer design

Beautiful all day, stunning by dusk, this luxurious Point Piper renovation is a quintessential ‘Sydney experience’. An enclave of relaxed understated elegance, the art-filled living level flows seamlessly out to terraces surrounded by lush gardens.

CREMORNE

Jane Thomson Interior Design

There’s nothing more satisfying and heart-warming to work with clients on multiple projects. I consider myself so fortunate to have met and worked with my Cremorne clients. The first time, I completed a full renovation of their then Mosman federation home back in 2007. This wonderful couple trusted me implicitly. As a designer, it’s one of the best feelings when clients are so willing to take on and run with your ideas. Getting to know your clients and forge lifetime friendships is an absolute privilege. So, in 2019 Ken and Pip, now empty-nesters, contacted me to help them with their brand-new abode. A considerable departure from their very traditional style that they’d left in Mosman. They wanted a new look. A complete departure, to a simple, sleek, and comfortable look, yet with an on-trend, but timeless feel. I’m so lucky to have worked with these amazing people.

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.

Open Concept Living Room Design Photos

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.