New 'Sky Frame' sliding French doors fill the entire rear elevation of the space and open onto a new terrace and steps. The connection with the rear garden has thereby been hugely improved. A pair of antique French window shutters were adapted to form double doors to a small children's playroom. Photographer: Nick Smith

Family Room with Custom Wallpaper

Christine Tuttle Design

Transitional Family Room

San Marino Residence

Ron Yeo, FAIA Architect

A space for reading and watching... Photo - Tim Street-Porter

Victorian Farmhouse Addition

OLSON LEWIS + Architects

Contractor: Anderson Contracting Services Photographer: Eric Roth

Byrne Road, London

POW Architects

Andy Haslam

PUBLIC HOUSE TRANSFORMED INTO BEAUTIFUL HOME

Majik House

All images © Steve Barber Photography.

Brittas Bay Mezzanine

User

Gareth Byrne Photography

Bird's Nest Modern Living

Vanillawood

Custom cadillac sofa large enough to fit the whole family, plus a couple other families too, designed for maximum lounging.

A Challenging Site, A New Beginning

GDC Construction

The home's main beams feature hidden, recessed hardware that mask the joins, leaving them seamless. Photo Credit: Matt Meier

Show Homes - Littlehampton

HomeSmiths

Steve Mallaby

House in Somerton, Somerset

James Armitage Architects

This garden room replaces an existing conservatory. Unlike the conservatory, the new extension can be used all year round - it is both light and well insulated - and does not suffer from noise when it rains. A glazed lantern (or cupola) allows light to reach the existing dining room (to which the garden room connects) and upon opening the automated windows, quickly removes unwanted warm air. Windows on three sides provide views of the terraced garden beyond. The building is formed with a Somerset Blue Lias stone base, rendered masonry and a traditional lead rolled roof.

Marin Transitional Craftsman

Polsky Perlstein Architects

Private Residence

Saroki Architecture

Overlooking the rear garden and wetland beyond stands the conservatory, which sits as a distinct glass object on a stone base- its transparency evokes a large and limitless space within.

Pyramid house - Sonoma Coast | HBV Architecture

Antonio Chaves

MIr3

GDW/a pllc

M.I.R. Phase 3 denotes the third phase of the transformation of a 1950’s daylight rambler on Mercer Island, Washington into a contemporary family dwelling in tune with the Northwest environment. Phase one modified the front half of the structure which included expanding the Entry and converting a Carport into a Garage and Shop. Phase two involved the renovation of the Basement level. Phase three involves the renovation and expansion of the Upper Level of the structure which was designed to take advantage of views to the "Green-Belt" to the rear of the property. Existing interior walls were removed in the Main Living Area spaces were enlarged slightly to allow for a more open floor plan for the Dining, Kitchen and Living Rooms. The Living Room now reorients itself to a new deck at the rear of the property. At the other end of the Residence the existing Master Bedroom was converted into the Master Bathroom and a Walk-in-closet. A new Master Bedroom wing projects from here out into a grouping of cedar trees and a stand of bamboo to the rear of the lot giving the impression of a tree-house. A new semi-detached multi-purpose space is located below the projection of the Master Bedroom and serves as a Recreation Room for the family's children. As the children mature the Room is than envisioned as an In-home Office with the distant possibility of having it evolve into a Mother-in-law Suite. Hydronic floor heat featuring a tankless water heater, rain-screen façade technology, “cool roof” with standing seam sheet metal panels, Energy Star appliances and generous amounts of natural light provided by insulated glass windows, transoms and skylights are some of the sustainable features incorporated into the design. “Green” materials such as recycled glass countertops, salvaging and refinishing the existing hardwood flooring, cementitous wall panels and "rusty metal" wall panels have been used throughout the Project. However, the most compelling element that exemplifies the project's sustainability is that it was not torn down and replaced wholesale as so many of the homes in the neighborhood have.

HAUS B ELLERBEK

REICHWALD SCHULTZ & PARTNER Hamburg

Wohnhalle (Fotograf: Marcus Ebener, Berlin)

West Hobart

Matt Williams Architects

Adam Gibson

Light and bright space is "found" under the eaves of this suburban colonial home. Interior decoration by Barbara Feinstein, B Fein Interior Design. Custom sectional, B Fein Interior Design Private Label. Pillow fabric from Donghia. Recliner from American Leather. Palacek benches/cocktail tables.

Living Design Ideas with Carpet

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 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 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.