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.

New Build

Artiman Homes

Photo of a contemporary open concept living room in Wollongong with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and wood walls.

Residential

spacemekk designers p ltd

Mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Pune with beige walls, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor and wood walls.

50's ITALIAN LAKE HOUSE

Tommaso Giunchi Architetti

Living: pavimento originale in quadrotti di rovere massello; arredo vintage unito ad arredi disegnati su misura (panca e mobile bar) Tavolo in vetro con gambe anni 50; sedie da regista; divano anni 50 con nuovo tessuto blu/verde in armonia con il colore blu/verde delle pareti. Poltroncine anni 50 danesi; camino originale. Lampada tavolo originale Albini.

Wohnzimmer mit Schiebelamelle

Benjamin von Pidoll I Architektur

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary formal open concept living room in Other with a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and wood walls.

Wayzata Mid-Century Modern Whole Home Restoration

Thompson Construction

Mid-Century Modern Restoration
Mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Minneapolis with white walls, a corner fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, white floor, exposed beam and wood walls.

Garage turned Pool House

Crane Builders LLC

Design ideas for a small open concept living room in New Orleans with white walls, porcelain floors, a corner tv, beige floor and wood walls.

Lakeside Modern Lodge

WERK | Building Modern

Open concept living space opens to dining, kitchen, and covered deck - HLODGE - Unionville, IN - Lake Lemon - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles (architect + photographer) - WERK | Building Modern (builder)

Contemporary Living Room

Photo of a large contemporary open concept living room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor, wood walls and a ribbon fireplace.

Robinson St.

LETTER FOUR, INC.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in media wall and wood walls.

Hidden Lake

Arcanum Architecture

Inspiration for a large country open concept living room in Sacramento with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, wood and wood walls.

Custom Living Room in Nantucket

J. Graham Goldsmith Architects

Susan Teare
Design ideas for a large beach style open concept living room in Boston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, a metal fireplace surround, vaulted and wood walls.

Wabi Sabi Refuge

Astratto Design

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.

Mid-Century Modern Highland Park West Home

Mosier Luxury Homes

Large midcentury open concept living room in Austin with light hardwood floors, a built-in media wall, wood and wood walls.

Los Gatos Treehouse

Cathie Hong Interiors

This 1960s home was in original condition and badly in need of some functional and cosmetic updates. We opened up the great room into an open concept space, converted the half bathroom downstairs into a full bath, and updated finishes all throughout with finishes that felt period-appropriate and reflective of the owner's Asian heritage.

Paris 20 - Appartement Soleil | 65m²

LAAD STUDIO

Rénovation complète d'un appartement de 65m² dans le 20ème arrondissement de Paris.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open concept living room in Paris with a library, light hardwood floors, beige floor and wood walls.

Morristown Mid-Century

Gary Rosard Architect

Walnut cabinetry separates the living room from adjacent walk in closet. A mix of clear and translucent glass, brass cladding behind shelves, and slatted panels join to create a rich composition of material and texture.

Parian Ridge

Virtual Studio Innovations

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Atlanta with brown walls, concrete floors, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor, wood and wood walls.

Nottinghill

Frahm Interiors - Burlington ON

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Toronto with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and wood walls.

Custom Created Fireplace Media Wall.

Delta Kitchens Ltd

Custom created media wall to house Flamerite integrated fire and TV with Porcelanosa wood effect tiles.
Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept living room in Glasgow with brown walls, vinyl floors, a wood fireplace surround, a built-in media wall, brown floor and wood walls.

Open Concept Living Room Design Photos with Wood 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.