Design ideas for a large contemporary open concept living room in Munich with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a corner fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Grade II* Listed Medieval Barn Conversion, Cornwall

The Bazeley Partnership

One of the only surviving examples of a 14thC agricultural building of this type in Cornwall, the ancient Grade II*Listed Medieval Tithe Barn had fallen into dereliction and was on the National Buildings at Risk Register. Numerous previous attempts to obtain planning consent had been unsuccessful, but a detailed and sympathetic approach by The Bazeley Partnership secured the support of English Heritage, thereby enabling this important building to begin a new chapter as a stunning, unique home designed for modern-day living. A key element of the conversion was the insertion of a contemporary glazed extension which provides a bridge between the older and newer parts of the building. The finished accommodation includes bespoke features such as a new staircase and kitchen and offers an extraordinary blend of old and new in an idyllic location overlooking the Cornish coast. This complex project required working with traditional building materials and the majority of the stone, timber and slate found on site was utilised in the reconstruction of the barn. Since completion, the project has been featured in various national and local magazines, as well as being shown on Homes by the Sea on More4. The project won the prestigious Cornish Buildings Group Main Award for ‘Maer Barn, 14th Century Grade II* Listed Tithe Barn Conversion to Family Dwelling’.

Delightful Dual Aspect Drawing Room

Willow & Bert Interiors

This rooms dual aspect and perfect proportions were a delight to plan. My client was keen that the room didn’t feel stuffy and so we set out to plan and style a child-free space that would be the perfect backdrop for elegant entertaining.

Victorian Double Fronted Villa in Brighton

Bean Interiors

This formal Living Room was inspired by the Sussex Downs, countryside and artists. The ribbed detailing which runs throughout this room, from the shutters, to the handmade rug, central feature chandelier, the feature mirror, table lamp and fireplace tiles, all inspired by the doric columns and regency architecture of Brighton & Hove.

West Dulwich Family Home

Imperfect Interiors

The sitting room in this family home in West Dulwich was opened up to the kitchen and the dining area of the lateral extension to create one large family room. A pair of matching velvet sofas & mohair velvet armchairs created a nice seating area around the newly installed fireplace and a large rug helped to zone the space

Living room

Oakwrights

Photo of a country living room in West Midlands with grey walls, a wood stove, a brick fireplace surround, beige floor and exposed beam.

PASSY

Hava CASTRO

Photo of a large transitional enclosed living room in Paris with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Cosy livingroom

Studio Marturano

Cocooning living room designed to be a warm and cosy snug tucked away from the world with plenty of plants to promote wellbeing.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary enclosed living room in London with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

You Make Me Blush!

Interiors by Natasha

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Atlanta with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, no tv, brown floor, coffered and wallpaper.

St James

Obespoke & Obbard Design & Development

This is an example of a transitional living room in London with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

1910 Bobcat Trail - Family Room

Thoroughbred Custom Homes

The living room features a beautiful 60" linear fireplace surrounded by large format tile, a 14' tray ceiling with exposed white oak beams, built-in lower cabinets with white oak floating shelves and large 10' tall glass sliding doors

Waterfront Renovation

Northern Craft Constructions

Large beach style open concept living room in Baltimore with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Fulham Renovation

HURST + GILLANDERS

Photo of a traditional living room in London with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and beige floor.

Fitted Alcove Cabinets

O'Connor's Joinery

Beautiful handmade alcove cabinetry. With plenty of storage and featuring in-frame raised panel doors, Solid oak full stave worktops and matching chunky oak veneer floating shelves. Cabinetry finished in F&B Cinder Rose Matt. Sprayfinished

Remix House

Harry Hunt Architects

Contemporary formal open concept living room in Other with white walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround and grey floor.

Queens Avenue

ROC haus Architecture

Formal dining room stylishly furnished with a feature fireplace and wall mounted TV over.
Inspiration for a large modern formal enclosed living room in London with a wall-mounted tv, grey walls, carpet, a wood stove, a brick fireplace surround and grey floor.

Living Area

Oakwrights

Living Area
Inspiration for a small country formal open concept living room in Surrey with multi-coloured walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround, no tv, brown floor and exposed beam.

Whole House Remodel

Knight Construction Design Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional formal living room in Minneapolis with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Middle Street

Sage Market + Design

We partnered with The Joppa Group on this project and couldn't be more excited to share this project! The Joppa Group Restored this historic brownstone in Newburyport, MA back to its glory with some added modern touches. From the original exposed beams to the custom built ins, herringbone fireplace and custom furniture- every inch of this project was very thought out and made especially for our clients.

The Craftsman on the Lake

MB Builders and Development

A stunning beauty with gorgeous lakefront views. A craftsman style with touches of rustic.
Design ideas for an arts and crafts open concept living room in Seattle with a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

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.