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.

Napoleon Fireplace Design Gallery

Wyckoff Heating Cooling

Large country formal open concept living room in Other with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

The Clarendon - Modern

Elms Interior Design

Large modern open concept living room in Boston with light hardwood floors and brown walls.

Mill Creek Custom Home

Fishcamp Custom LLC.

The open design displays a custom brick fire place that fits perfectly into the log-style hand hewed logs with chinking and exposed log trusses.
Inspiration for a country open concept living room in Other with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam, vaulted, wood and wood walls.

Fort Lauderdale Contemporary Waterfront Solar Plaza Residence

KoDA

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary open concept living room in Miami with brown walls, concrete floors, a built-in media wall and white floor.

Twin Eagles - 1

Lacey Construction Ltd.

Gorgeous custom rental cabins built for the Sandpiper Resort in Harrison Mills, BC. Some key features include timber frame, quality Woodtone siding, and interior design finishes to create a luxury cabin experience. Photo by Brooklyn D Photography

Лофт в жк "Рассвет"

Олег Маковецкий

Олег Маковецкий
This is an example of an industrial open concept living room in Moscow with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

小田井の住宅

一級建築士事務所　水石浩太建築設計室

写真：谷川ヒロシ
Design ideas for an asian open concept living room in Nagoya with brown walls, a freestanding tv, brown floor and dark hardwood floors.

Valley Mountainside

IMI Design, LLC

Anita Lang - IMI Design - Scottsdale, AZ
Large modern formal open concept living room in Phoenix with brown walls, limestone floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Office Building Remodel

Michele McCarthy Interiors

This is an example of a large eclectic open concept living room in Denver with brown walls, slate floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and grey floor.

Boathouse

JRG Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized country open concept living room in Minneapolis with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Heatilator Design Gallery

CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces

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

Hardwood Flooring

CarpetsPlus ColorTile Missoula

Large transitional formal open concept living room in Other with brown walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Addison Farm Barn

Joan Heaton Architects

Bob Schatz
Design ideas for a mid-sized country formal open concept living room in Burlington with brown walls, concrete floors, no fireplace, no tv and grey floor.

Elkhorn Estate

Falcone Hybner Design, Inc.

Interior Design by Michele Hybner and Shawn Falcone. Photos by Amoura Productions
This is an example of a transitional formal open concept living room in Omaha with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

NYC - Jersey City

Build Now NYC

Mid-sized industrial open concept living room in New York with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Southwest style rugs

The Persian Carpet

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

Lake Winnipesaukee Retreat

Bensonwood

Jamie Salomon, Stylist Susan Salomon
Design ideas for a country formal open concept living room in Boston with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove and no tv.

Fireplaces and Kitchen Accents

STONEYARD®

Boston Blend Round Thin Stone Fireplace
Photo of a mid-sized transitional formal open concept living room in Boston with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv, carpet and brown floor.

Open Concept 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.