Flavin Architects was chosen for the renovation due to their expertise with Mid-Century-Modern and specifically Henry Hoover renovations. Respect for the integrity of the original home while accommodating a modern family’s needs is key. Practical updates like roof insulation, new roofing, and radiant floor heat were combined with sleek finishes and modern conveniences. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Mill Valley Bungalow

Elena Calabrese Design & Decor

Michelle Drewes
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional open concept living room in San Francisco with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor and a wall-mounted tv.

Library/Living Room

Paragon Custom Builders

The inviting nature of this Library/Living Room provides a warm space for family and guests to gather.
Large country open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace, medium hardwood floors, a concrete fireplace surround and brown floor.

Great Room

O’Hara Interiors

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Corey Gaffer, Photography | Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Transitional Living Room

Transitional open concept living room in Boise with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

San Francisco Pied á terre

Angela Free Design

Inspiration for a transitional formal enclosed living room in San Francisco with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and no tv.

Country French Cottage

Elevation Design Group

Dick Springgate
Mid-sized traditional formal open concept living room in Salt Lake City with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

The Black-White House

Jill Romine Interior Design

Inspiration for a beach style living room in New York with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and brown floor.

Modern Fun House, Danville, CA

Lauren Evans Interiors, LLC

Photo of a transitional open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor and exposed beam.

South Hampton Charm

Tom Williams Residential, Inc.

Inspiration for a traditional living room in Atlanta with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

First Floor Remodel - Potomac, MD

CARNEMARK design + build

EVERYONE'S INVITED. The first-floor bedroom and laundry area was replaced by an open family room with fabulous backyard views, perfect for entertaining a large extended family. Photography by Anice Hoachlander

West Bay

Blackband Design

This Coastal Inspired Farmhouse with bay views puts a casual and sophisticated twist on beach living. Interior Design by Blackband Design and Home Build by Arbor Real Estate.

On Point

User

Photo of a country living room in Philadelphia with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, no tv and grey walls.

Craftsman fireplace with green tile

Fay Jones Day Tile

Photo provider by client. This beautiful fireplace uses
Inspiration for an arts and crafts living room in Seattle with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Rustic Refined

Rosy Alexander Interior Design

modern rustic california rustic rustic Scandinavian
Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean open concept living room in Raleigh with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, yellow floor and exposed beam.

Wine Cup Hill Kitchen & Living Room Remodel

Haven Design and Construction

Our clients desired an organic and airy look for their kitchen and living room areas. Our team began by painting the entire home a creamy white and installing all new white oak floors throughout. The former dark wood kitchen cabinets were removed to make room for the new light wood and white kitchen. The clients originally requested an "all white" kitchen, but the designer suggested bringing in light wood accents to give the kitchen some additional contrast. The wood ceiling cloud helps to anchor the space and echoes the new wood ceiling beams in the adjacent living area. To further incorporate the wood into the design, the designer framed each cabinetry wall with white oak "frames" that coordinate with the wood flooring. Woven barstools, textural throw pillows and olive trees complete the organic look. The original large fireplace stones were replaced with a linear ripple effect stone tile to add modern texture. Cozy accents and a few additional furniture pieces were added to the clients existing sectional sofa and chairs to round out the casually sophisticated space.

Modern Marble Fireplace

Ember Fireplaces

This modern renovation creates a focal point for a cool and modern living room with a linear fireplace surrounded by a wall of wood grain granite. The TV nook is recessed for safety and to create a flush plane for the stone and television. The firebox is enhanced with black enamel panels as well as driftwood and crystal media. The stainless steel surround matches the mixed metal accents of the furnishings.

Corner Courtyard Residence

Wiedemann Architects LLC

Large contemporary open concept living room in DC Metro with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, no tv and brown floor.

New Canaan Residence

Country Club Homes

Design ideas for a traditional living room in New York with white walls, dark hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

Parade of Homes - Spring 2017

Paradigm Construction Company

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open concept living room in Boise with medium hardwood floors, a built-in media wall, brown floor, beige walls and a ribbon fireplace.

All Fireplaces 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.