The architecture of the space is developed through the addition of ceiling beams, moldings and over-door panels. The introduction of wall sconces draw the eye around the room. The palette, soft buttery tones infused with andulsian greens, and understated furnishings submit and support the quietness of the space. The low-country elegance of the room is further expressed through the use of natural materials, textured fabrics and hand-block prints. A wool/silk area rug underscores the elegance of the room. Photography: Robert Brantley

A Rural Renovation

BAKER POSEY DESIGN

We added so much light, symmetry and sophistication to this living room
This is an example of a large traditional open concept living room in Philadelphia with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor and coffered.

South London Villa

Bear René LLP

A bright living room with deep blue Inchyra Blue Farrow and Ball painted walls adding warmth alongside the warm wood tones in the furniture and the rich patterned fabrics. Striking rug from The Rug Company, designed by Vivienne Westwood.

Our Work

Calvin Construction

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional formal open concept living room in San Francisco with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Strait Lane Home

Sharif & Munir Custom Homes, Inc.

Photo of a large traditional formal enclosed living room in Dallas with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv and a plaster fireplace surround.

Living Room

Rich's Carpet One Floor & Home

Inspiration for a large traditional formal open concept living room in New York with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Wilbraham

Sandi Lanigan Interiors

Gorgeous home in Wilbraham, MA. Stately and elegant living. Strong french influence in style and decor. Each room has beautiful lighting, custom upholstery items, custom window treatments and antiques acquired over the years by the homeowner. Soft paint colors add to the elegance and comfort of each room.

A place to relax

User

A gracious living space in a Victorian house, made practical by the optional use of dividing doors. Original french windows to gardens Colin Cadle Photography, Photo Styling Jan Cadle.

Scripps College Dormitory

Rollins Andrew Interiors

William Short Photography
Design ideas for a large traditional formal enclosed living room in Los Angeles with white walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, no tv and beige floor.

holt drive

Katherine Connell Interior Design

Jim Sink
Photo of a large traditional enclosed living room in Raleigh with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Renovation On The Hill

M.R. BREWER INC.

Large traditional enclosed living room in Portland Maine with a library, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and no tv.

DRAPERIES/WINDOW TREATMENTS

Hart-Lines Inc.

Design ideas for a large traditional formal enclosed living room in Miami with white walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and no tv.

Bella Fiore

Studio V Interior Design

This is an example of a large traditional formal open concept living room in Las Vegas with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and multi-coloured floor.

Built-In Cabinets and Shelving

Wenonah Cabinetry

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional open concept living room in Philadelphia with white walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

New Traditional- Whole Home Update

Curtain Couture

Large traditional formal open concept living room in Dallas with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

Casual Elegance

J.M. Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional formal open concept living room in Orange County with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Our Work

Ambrosia Interior Design, Inc.

Photo of a large traditional open concept living room in Orange County with beige walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Villa Modernisation in Guadalmina

ProMas Building

Large traditional enclosed living room in Other with white walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

Loweswater Holiday Cottage

John Young Furnishings Of Keswick

Photo of a small traditional enclosed living room in Other with white walls, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Fireplace mantles & surrounds

Steinstone

adapted from picture that client loved for their home, made arched top that was a rectangular box.
Inspiration for a traditional living room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Traditional Living Room Design Photos with a Plaster Fireplace Surround

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 traditional 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 traditional living room ideas, check out the Stories section on Houzz.

Which traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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.