We updated this century-old iconic Edwardian San Francisco home to meet the homeowners' modern-day requirements while still retaining the original charm and architecture. The color palette was earthy and warm to play nicely with the warm wood tones found in the original wood floors, trim, doors and casework.

Townhouse Past Recaptured

Decorations Lucullus

For Decorations Lucullus it’s always about listening to the client, but when the project is a historical property, it is about listening carefully to the spirit of the rooms as well. All style is part alchemy, a bit of conjuring and nerves of steel to accept what is honestly appropriate. These lovely old rooms had lived a very grand past. Miraculously the owner was open to the challenge of trying, just for fun, to see if that past could be recaptured without compromising present-day comforts. We all learned in the process that the old can be as luxuriously commodious as anything the “modern” can promise.

Upper West Side Traditional Townhouse

Tonos Design Studio

Suchitra Van
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in New York with red walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

Brooklyn Town House

Richard Massa Architect

Mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in New York with white walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and no tv.

St. Roch Cottage Renovation and Addition

Adamick Architecture

SNAP Real Estate Photography
Mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in New Orleans with white walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and no tv.

Windsor Arch

Woodland Stoves and Fireplaces

Inspiration for a small traditional formal enclosed living room in Minneapolis with blue walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and no tv.

Circus tent inspired turret

Cirqua Studio

Tent room in silk to create intimate conversation area
Small traditional formal enclosed living room in Columbus with beige walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and no tv.

Chic Victorian

Coddington Design

The living room is home to a custom, blush-velvet Chesterfield sofa and pale-pink silk drapes. The clear, waterfall coffee table was selected to keep the space open, while the Moroccan storage ottomans were used to store toys and provide additional seating. Photos: Caren Alpert

Portledge

Eberlein Design Consultants Ltd.

Tom Crane
Photo of a traditional formal enclosed living room in Philadelphia with green walls, medium hardwood floors and no tv.

Kim Parker Interiors

This photo showcases Kim Parker's signature style of interior design, and is featured in the critically acclaimed design book/memoir Kim Parker Home: A Life in Design, published in 2008 by Harry N. Abrams. Kim Parker Home received rave reviews and endorsements from The Times of London, Living etc., Image Interiors, Vanity Fair, EcoSalon, Page Six and The U.K. Press Association. Photo credit: Albert Vecerka

Antique Wooden Row House

Filament Architecture Studio, PLLC

Who says living in a vintage home is hard? We want to light a fire and open a book, or drink a glass of wine after the kids have gone to bed. Our client found a delicate mantel vintage decorative tiles and a metal insert which was paired with a light green tile surround. A custom built-in bookcase hides a heater and air conditioner. The plaster ceiling was lightly repaired to retain its imperfections. With the mid century furniture this is a space I want to live in.

Living Room Design for a Victorian Terrace in Redland, Bristol

Ivywell Interiors | Bristol

We created a botanical-inspired scheme for this Victorian terrace living room updating the wall colour to Inchyra Blue on the walls and including a pop a colour in the lamp shades. We redesigned the floorplan to make the room practical and comfortable. Built-in storage in a complementary blue was introduced to keep the tv area tidy. We included two matching side tables in an aged bronze finish with a bevelled glass top and mirrored bottom shelves to maximise the light. We sourced and supplied the furniture and accessories including the Made to Measure Olive Green Sofa and soft furnishings.

Victorian Update

12/12 Architects & Planners

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in Chicago with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv, brown floor, wallpaper and wallpaper.

Modern Day Victorian Inspired Home

JASMIN REESE INTERIORS

This is an example of a large traditional formal enclosed living room in Chicago with blue walls, a standard fireplace and no tv.

Lower Haight Victorian

APJ Interiors LLC

Mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in San Francisco with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

London Terrace Sitting Rom

Decorbuddi

We chose a beautiful inky blue for this London Living room to feel fresh in the daytime when the sun streams in and cozy in the evening when it would otherwise feel quite cold. The colour also complements the original fireplace tiles. We took the colour across the walls and woodwork, including the alcoves, and skirting boards, to create a perfect seamless finish. Balanced by the white floor, shutters and lampshade there is just enough light to keep it uplifting and atmospheric. The final additions were a complementary green velvet sofa, luxurious touches of gold and brass and a glass table and mirror to make the room sparkle by bouncing the light from the metallic finishes across the glass and onto the mirror

Godalming

Studio DC10

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in London with dark hardwood floors, brown floor, brown walls and a standard fireplace.

Peponi Pine Lodge

Charles Todd Helton Architect, Inc.

Inspiration for a traditional enclosed living room in Houston with a library, brown walls, dark hardwood floors, no tv and brown floor.

Custom Draperies, Floral and Seating

Jacque Criswell Decor

Rick Frank
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional formal enclosed living room in Houston with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, no tv and brown floor.

Residential Interiors

Emma Wood Photos

Emma Wood
Large traditional formal enclosed living room in Sussex with blue walls and carpet.

Victorian Enclosed Living Design Ideas

The best room for gathering with your family and friends in a cosy environment is your living room or family room. You want to hang out where the lounge furniture is the most comfortable and sofas or chairs create a sense of homeliness. Filling this important space with cheap furniture is unlikely to bring you the same long-lasting comfort as a quality chaise lounge or a couch. These choices will directly affect the quality of your evenings as you wind down from the daily grind. While planning a renovation or redesign, weigh up the priorities of seating, heating, an entertainment unit and bookcases. Identify your main activity in the room and and design around that. Many Victorian living rooms aren't complete without a fireplace, but if you can't accommodate that, invest in built-in or furniture that suits your home. Common trends include Danish furniture and other kinds of Scandinavian furniture. Plush sofas, recliner chairs and sofa beds will always be popular. Finally, when the big components are planned out, think about what colour scheme and decor will best suit you and your family. If needed, an interior designer can help here.

Should I include a fireplace in my living room or family room?

Depending on your climate, a fireplace might be a great way to add warmth and interest to your living space. Even if your location is warm year-round, you can always add a faux fireplace or nonfunctioning fireplace as part of your decor. There are many options to choose from, so be sure to check them out. A wood-burning fireplace gives an authentic experience, though a gas one still emits heat without the mess. A double-sided or corner unit strays from the ordinary, or you can go with a wood stove fireplace if you're looking for a piece of art. If you want a contemporary touch, veer away from the traditional wood or tile mantel by going with stone, concrete or metal instead.

What kind of built-ins should I add to my living room?

Although it might not seem glamorous, having enough storage is instrumental when it comes to keeping the room organised and practical. Built-in bookcases, shelves and cabinets are a great way to add hidden, functional storage for all the knickknacks you accumulate. Movie and gaming buffs will love a custom entertainment centre, with enough cabinets for movies, speakers and electronic accessories; you can even create a media room with a projector and lounge chairs! If you still have room to spare, include a booth for homework or craft projects.

How do I decorate my home interiors?

When it comes to decorating, neutrals are always the safe option because they look good and never go out of style. They also give any artwork you hang enough breathing space. If you do want to try out a bolder colour scheme, add colour with walls and Victorian accessories. That way, if you get sick of a colour, you can quickly repaint the walls and find new knickknacks, instead of having to replace your sofas every time trends change. Popular colours include blue, green and grey, but don't be afraid to try bright colours like red or yellow, even if it's just on an accent wall. Finally, make sure there is plenty of light. Recessed or track lighting are great ways to hit every corner — better yet, add more natural light by installing additional windows or a skylight.