Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Chalet Alta Rocca

Thomas Devard Photographie

Casa La Saxe

Studio Idealab

Family Room

Joni Spear Interior Design

When the homeowners purchased this sprawling 1950’s rambler, the aesthetics would have discouraged all but the most intrepid. The décor was an unfortunate time capsule from the early 70s. And not in the cool way - in the what-were-they-thinking way. When unsightly wall-to-wall carpeting and heavy obtrusive draperies were removed, they discovered the room rested on a slab. Knowing carpet or vinyl was not a desirable option, they selected honed marble. Situated between the formal living room and kitchen, the family room is now a perfect spot for casual lounging in front of the television. The space proffers additional duty for hosting casual meals in front of the fireplace and rowdy game nights. The designer’s inspiration for a room resembling a cozy club came from an English pub located in the countryside of Cotswold. With extreme winters and cold feet, they installed radiant heat under the marble to achieve year 'round warmth. The time-honored, existing millwork was painted the same shade of British racing green adorning the adjacent kitchen's judiciously-chosen details. Reclaimed light fixtures both flanking the walls and suspended from the ceiling are dimmable to add to the room's cozy charms. Floor-to-ceiling windows on either side of the space provide ample natural light to provide relief to the sumptuous color palette. A whimsical collection of art, artifacts and textiles buttress the club atmosphere.

Beverly Hills Modern

Lori Dennis, ASID, LEED AP

Modern Living Room with floor to ceiling grey slab fireplace face. Dark wood built in bookcase with led lighting nestled next to modern linear electric fireplace. Contemporary white sofas face each other with dark black accent furniture nearby, all sitting on a modern grey rug. Modern interior architecture with large picture windows, white walls and light wood wall panels that line the walls and ceiling entry.

Vancouver Residence

Area3 Design Studio Inc.

Living Room

Harper Floors

Our Windsor waterproof SPC Vinyl Plank Floors add an effortless accent to this industrial styled home. The perfect shade of gray with wood grain texture to highlight the blacks and tonal browns in this living room.

Sonora Drive

ZED Studio

Ketchum Cabin Retreat

User

The natural elements of the home soften the hard lines, allowing it to submerge into its surroundings. The living, dining, and kitchen opt for views rather than walls. The living room is encircled by three, 16’ lift and slide doors, creating a room that feels comfortable sitting amongst the trees. Because of this the love and appreciation for the location are felt throughout the main floor. The emphasis on larger-than-life views is continued into the main sweet with a door for a quick escape to the wrap-around two-story deck.

Lakeside Modern Lodge

HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Open concept living space opens to dining, kitchen, and covered deck - HLODGE - Unionville, IN - Lake Lemon - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles (architect + photographer) - WERK | Building Modern (builder)

Robinson St.

LETTER FOUR, INC.

Apartment 402, Ahmedabad

Abhishek Shah

Modern Living Room

Mill Creek Custom Home

Fishcamp Custom LLC.

The open design displays a custom brick fire place that fits perfectly into the log-style hand hewed logs with chinking and exposed log trusses.

Wine Country Rustic

BK Interior Design

Perched on a hilltop high in the Myacama mountains is a vineyard property that exists off-the-grid. This peaceful parcel is home to Cornell Vineyards, a winery known for robust cabernets and a casual ‘back to the land’ sensibility. We were tasked with designing a simple refresh of two existing buildings that dually function as a weekend house for the proprietor’s family and a platform to entertain winery guests. We had fun incorporating our client’s Asian art and antiques that are highlighted in both living areas. Paired with a mix of neutral textures and tones we set out to create a casual California style reflective of its surrounding landscape and the winery brand.

Mountain Modern in Loch Lloyd

Kenny's Tile & Floor Covering

Martis Camp Lot 369

SWABACK pllc

Lafayette Residence - Living Room www.hryanstudio.com

H. Ryan Studio

Heather Ryan, Interior Designer H.Ryan Studio - Scottsdale, AZ www.hryanstudio.com

Minimalist White Queenslander Renovation

Ethos Interiors

Lovingly called the ‘white house’, this stunning Queenslander was given a contemporary makeover with oak floors, custom joinery and modern furniture and artwork. Creative detailing and unique finish selections reference the period details of a traditional home, while bringing it into modern times.

Noe Valley 767

SF Design Build

Living Room Design Photos with Wood Walls

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.