6 New Living Rooms That Stylishly Integrate a TV
Designers share the design details and strategies they used to create good-looking spaces that include a big screen
Millions of people will be glued to TVs in their living rooms when the Super Bowl airs Sunday, Feb. 11. But many homeowners want a stylish, inviting living room that works even when the big screen is not the focus. Here, six designers share details on how they created a winning strategy for both occasions.
2. Family-Friendly Fashion
Designer: Delphinium Design
Location: Waxhaw, North Carolina
Homeowners’ request. “This project was new construction, so we were designing from scratch,” designer Jena Bula of Delphinium Design says. “The homeowners wanted a comfortable space that felt elevated but not too formal. They knew they would use their family room for gatherings of friends, to watch football games and spend quality time together. We incorporated family-friendly fabrics and materials that will withstand wear and tear but also look as beautiful as they are functional.”
Bula also uses Houzz Pro business software. “We use Houzz to organize the items we source in our product library, create room boards, and we use Houzz for all of our invoicing,” she says.
TV placement. “The TV was installed above the mantel, so we made sure that the sofa was far enough back that no one would need to crane their neck to enjoy a football game or watch a movie,” Bula says.
Other special features. “We mixed different wood stains and finishes to create dimension, selected fabrics with high double rub counts so they will look new for years to come, and chose a synthetic fiber for the rug so that it was soft and durable,” Bula says.
Designer tip. “Select the right size rug for your space,” Bula says. “We see a lot of rooms where the rug is too small and the furniture surrounds the rug. A designer tip is to ensure all of the front legs of your furniture make it onto your rug.”
Shop for living room furniture on Houzz
Designer: Delphinium Design
Location: Waxhaw, North Carolina
Homeowners’ request. “This project was new construction, so we were designing from scratch,” designer Jena Bula of Delphinium Design says. “The homeowners wanted a comfortable space that felt elevated but not too formal. They knew they would use their family room for gatherings of friends, to watch football games and spend quality time together. We incorporated family-friendly fabrics and materials that will withstand wear and tear but also look as beautiful as they are functional.”
Bula also uses Houzz Pro business software. “We use Houzz to organize the items we source in our product library, create room boards, and we use Houzz for all of our invoicing,” she says.
TV placement. “The TV was installed above the mantel, so we made sure that the sofa was far enough back that no one would need to crane their neck to enjoy a football game or watch a movie,” Bula says.
Other special features. “We mixed different wood stains and finishes to create dimension, selected fabrics with high double rub counts so they will look new for years to come, and chose a synthetic fiber for the rug so that it was soft and durable,” Bula says.
Designer tip. “Select the right size rug for your space,” Bula says. “We see a lot of rooms where the rug is too small and the furniture surrounds the rug. A designer tip is to ensure all of the front legs of your furniture make it onto your rug.”
Shop for living room furniture on Houzz
3. Creative Camouflage
Designer: Dee Dee Lear of Delaney’s Design
Location: Little Elm, Texas
Size: 572 square feet (53 square meters); 22 by 26 feet
Homeowners’ request. This living room was part of a new-construction home that belongs to designer Dee Dee Lear and her husband. “When we designed the home — starting at the floor — we knew we wanted to frequently entertain family and friends,” Lear says. “From small to large gatherings, we wanted plenty of space for seating and gathering. In the space you have a full panoramic view of the front and back yard, which boasts expansive, resort-inspired porches, a pool and lush property. So bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out was a priority from the start of the design process.”
TV placement. “Because this space is where we relax from the hectic demands of daily life, positioning of the television was an important decision point in the design,” Lear says. “However, we did not want the television to be a focal point in the room. Choosing a dark color for the built-in cabinetry (Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams) helps camouflage the television. The furniture configuration and placement is a conversational setting, with the large wood-burning fireplace being the focal point and grounding element.
“Offsetting the television was very intentional, but it’s viewable from all vantage points in the space. The height of the television is low enough for comfortable viewing from the immediate seating area, as well as the kitchen and dining area, which are also a part of this space. Perfect for entertaining family and friends when the television is a part of the party for big-game events. We also designed the cabinetry with the mounting area pulled forward and not completely recessed to the depth of the lower cabinets, then we selected a mount with an articulating arm providing additional flexibility.”
Other special features. Natural stone fireplace. “Our design aesthetic is modern organic with touches of vintage for a collected, intentional feel and curated finish,” Lear says. “The repeated use of natural elements like natural stone, black walnut, white oak floors, nature-inspired accessories and fixtures and live plants throughout bring the modern organic aesthetic to life, combined with a neutral and timeless palette used for furnishings, window treatments, rugs, accessories and paint selections.”
Designer tip. “Paint the area just behind your television a dark gray or black with some interesting trim (think picture framing) to avoid the ‘black rectangle on the wall’ look,” Lear says, adding that it also improves viewing compared with having a white background.
Wall paint: Oyster White, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Dee Dee Lear of Delaney’s Design
Location: Little Elm, Texas
Size: 572 square feet (53 square meters); 22 by 26 feet
Homeowners’ request. This living room was part of a new-construction home that belongs to designer Dee Dee Lear and her husband. “When we designed the home — starting at the floor — we knew we wanted to frequently entertain family and friends,” Lear says. “From small to large gatherings, we wanted plenty of space for seating and gathering. In the space you have a full panoramic view of the front and back yard, which boasts expansive, resort-inspired porches, a pool and lush property. So bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out was a priority from the start of the design process.”
TV placement. “Because this space is where we relax from the hectic demands of daily life, positioning of the television was an important decision point in the design,” Lear says. “However, we did not want the television to be a focal point in the room. Choosing a dark color for the built-in cabinetry (Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams) helps camouflage the television. The furniture configuration and placement is a conversational setting, with the large wood-burning fireplace being the focal point and grounding element.
“Offsetting the television was very intentional, but it’s viewable from all vantage points in the space. The height of the television is low enough for comfortable viewing from the immediate seating area, as well as the kitchen and dining area, which are also a part of this space. Perfect for entertaining family and friends when the television is a part of the party for big-game events. We also designed the cabinetry with the mounting area pulled forward and not completely recessed to the depth of the lower cabinets, then we selected a mount with an articulating arm providing additional flexibility.”
Other special features. Natural stone fireplace. “Our design aesthetic is modern organic with touches of vintage for a collected, intentional feel and curated finish,” Lear says. “The repeated use of natural elements like natural stone, black walnut, white oak floors, nature-inspired accessories and fixtures and live plants throughout bring the modern organic aesthetic to life, combined with a neutral and timeless palette used for furnishings, window treatments, rugs, accessories and paint selections.”
Designer tip. “Paint the area just behind your television a dark gray or black with some interesting trim (think picture framing) to avoid the ‘black rectangle on the wall’ look,” Lear says, adding that it also improves viewing compared with having a white background.
Wall paint: Oyster White, Sherwin-Williams
8 Ideas for a Stylish Entertainment Center
4. Casual Console
Designer: Jennifer Morrell of An Inspiring Home
Location: Waxhaw, North Carolina
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters); 15 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted the home to feel very warm and inviting, not pretentious, and a reflection of their family,” designer Jennifer Morrell says. “They requested a livable, beautiful, intentional design around the way they live. They’re not interested in ‘pretty’ spaces for no reason and love telling a story through design and pieces they’ve captured on their travels. They also have two kids and two dogs and it was important to us to source kid- and pet-friendly fabrics and furnishings that would withstand everyday family life.”
TV placement. “The family room is wide-open to the kitchen and the TV wall is really the only spot for the TV,” Morrell says. “So we just made sure that the console was a piece that fit the design aesthetic and allowed room for a few decor pieces. Then I almost always place a TV 6 to 8 inches above a console. For the TV wall we placed a lamp on one side to balance out a window on the opposite side of the console. This room is long on the one side and a custom modular sectional was ideal for TV viewing.”
Other special features. “Our client was thrilled to find out she could have a white sofa after showing her how performance fabric works,” Morrell says. “We used a Crypton fabric on a Bassett sectional. We chose a low-maintenance rug that ties all the colors of the room together and selected a couple of poufs for extra seating for kids. From the rug we selected these beautiful yet fun pillows. We especially love the trim detail on the Roman shades. The baskets on the wall remind our clients of their favorite vacation spot at the beach. Our client requested pops of blue and texture, and I think we delivered.”
Designer tip. “Always use a performance fabric on your upholstery,” Morrell says. “And poufs or ottomans are great for adding texture as well as extra seating in a pinch.”
Project photography: Krista Cox Studio
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Designer: Jennifer Morrell of An Inspiring Home
Location: Waxhaw, North Carolina
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters); 15 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted the home to feel very warm and inviting, not pretentious, and a reflection of their family,” designer Jennifer Morrell says. “They requested a livable, beautiful, intentional design around the way they live. They’re not interested in ‘pretty’ spaces for no reason and love telling a story through design and pieces they’ve captured on their travels. They also have two kids and two dogs and it was important to us to source kid- and pet-friendly fabrics and furnishings that would withstand everyday family life.”
TV placement. “The family room is wide-open to the kitchen and the TV wall is really the only spot for the TV,” Morrell says. “So we just made sure that the console was a piece that fit the design aesthetic and allowed room for a few decor pieces. Then I almost always place a TV 6 to 8 inches above a console. For the TV wall we placed a lamp on one side to balance out a window on the opposite side of the console. This room is long on the one side and a custom modular sectional was ideal for TV viewing.”
Other special features. “Our client was thrilled to find out she could have a white sofa after showing her how performance fabric works,” Morrell says. “We used a Crypton fabric on a Bassett sectional. We chose a low-maintenance rug that ties all the colors of the room together and selected a couple of poufs for extra seating for kids. From the rug we selected these beautiful yet fun pillows. We especially love the trim detail on the Roman shades. The baskets on the wall remind our clients of their favorite vacation spot at the beach. Our client requested pops of blue and texture, and I think we delivered.”
Designer tip. “Always use a performance fabric on your upholstery,” Morrell says. “And poufs or ottomans are great for adding texture as well as extra seating in a pinch.”
Project photography: Krista Cox Studio
7 Ways to Make Your Living Room Sociable
5. Bold Brick
Designer: Kasey Smith Interiors
Builder: Konrady & Son Construction
Location: Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Size: 380 square feet (35 square meters); 19 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a space that felt warm, cozy and inviting despite its wide-open floor plan and fresh white paint,” designer Kasey Smith says.
Smith says her client “felt confident about hiring our design firm after viewing our portfolio on Houzz.”
TV placement. “A TV can often feel like a black hole in a light, bright space,” Smith says. “While we typically avoid mounting a TV above the fireplace, sometimes it’s necessary for practicality sake. Cladding the fireplace in dark clay bricks allowed the TV to blend seamlessly and feel more like an intentional decision rather than an afterthought.”
Other special features. “Nothing creates a warm, inviting feeling in a new build quite like layers of wood tones, organic textures and patinated metals,” Smith says. “We selected handmade clay tiles to bring organic texture and attention to the fireplace, incorporated patinated unlacquered brass throughout and used white oak to bring warmth to the coffered ceiling.”
The fireplace bench is hand-poured concrete.
Designer tip. “If you’re drawn to light upholstery, go for the slipcovered option,” Smith says. “It’s timelessly stylish and allows for an easy pop in the wash when the red wine inevitably spills.”
Fireplace tile: Foundry Flats brick in Carbon, Clé; armchairs: Perry in Mink mohair, Maiden Home; ottoman: Topanga, Shoppe by Amber Interiors; wall paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Kasey Smith Interiors
Builder: Konrady & Son Construction
Location: Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Size: 380 square feet (35 square meters); 19 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a space that felt warm, cozy and inviting despite its wide-open floor plan and fresh white paint,” designer Kasey Smith says.
Smith says her client “felt confident about hiring our design firm after viewing our portfolio on Houzz.”
TV placement. “A TV can often feel like a black hole in a light, bright space,” Smith says. “While we typically avoid mounting a TV above the fireplace, sometimes it’s necessary for practicality sake. Cladding the fireplace in dark clay bricks allowed the TV to blend seamlessly and feel more like an intentional decision rather than an afterthought.”
Other special features. “Nothing creates a warm, inviting feeling in a new build quite like layers of wood tones, organic textures and patinated metals,” Smith says. “We selected handmade clay tiles to bring organic texture and attention to the fireplace, incorporated patinated unlacquered brass throughout and used white oak to bring warmth to the coffered ceiling.”
The fireplace bench is hand-poured concrete.
Designer tip. “If you’re drawn to light upholstery, go for the slipcovered option,” Smith says. “It’s timelessly stylish and allows for an easy pop in the wash when the red wine inevitably spills.”
Fireplace tile: Foundry Flats brick in Carbon, Clé; armchairs: Perry in Mink mohair, Maiden Home; ottoman: Topanga, Shoppe by Amber Interiors; wall paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Contemporary Cool
Interior designer: Rachel Farrington
Builder: Younger Homes
Architect: Danze & Davis Architects
Location: Jonestown, Texas
Size: 437 square feet (41 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Perched on a gently sloping, rugged Hill Country site, this soft, modern lake house draws from the surrounding environment with an abundance of airy, natural light and extensive views,” says Younger Homes owner Danielle Younger. “The interior is dominated by the clients’ desire for authenticity and relaxation within nature while striking a balance with pops of design drama.”
TV placement. “The TV height placement was chosen as the ergonomic option for the size (50 inches) that worked best in the space to the side of the fireplace and above the wraparound bench below,” Younger says.
Other special features. “The fireplace steals the show in this contemporary home, climbing over 16 feet to the pitch,” Younger says. “The fireplace was treated with Portola Paints Roman Clay in the color Klamath. While visually appealing, it also holds sentimental value for our team as our designer Rachel Farrington applied the finish herself. Another noteworthy feature is the dark wood beams, tile surround and stained concrete floors.”
Designer tip. “When looking to add interest and texture to a fireplace wall, Portola Paints Roman Clay is one of our favorite options as builders and designers,” Younger says. “It is an economical and eco-friendly option to add texture and color to a wall and has much versatility in design based on color and finish type.”
Chandelier: Ariana in polished nickel, Mitzi by Hudson Valley; fireplace surround tile: Bera & Beren Dark Grey Six Textured, Walker Zanger; paint colors: Ammonite (walls) and All White (ceiling), Farrow & Ball
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Interior designer: Rachel Farrington
Builder: Younger Homes
Architect: Danze & Davis Architects
Location: Jonestown, Texas
Size: 437 square feet (41 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Perched on a gently sloping, rugged Hill Country site, this soft, modern lake house draws from the surrounding environment with an abundance of airy, natural light and extensive views,” says Younger Homes owner Danielle Younger. “The interior is dominated by the clients’ desire for authenticity and relaxation within nature while striking a balance with pops of design drama.”
TV placement. “The TV height placement was chosen as the ergonomic option for the size (50 inches) that worked best in the space to the side of the fireplace and above the wraparound bench below,” Younger says.
Other special features. “The fireplace steals the show in this contemporary home, climbing over 16 feet to the pitch,” Younger says. “The fireplace was treated with Portola Paints Roman Clay in the color Klamath. While visually appealing, it also holds sentimental value for our team as our designer Rachel Farrington applied the finish herself. Another noteworthy feature is the dark wood beams, tile surround and stained concrete floors.”
Designer tip. “When looking to add interest and texture to a fireplace wall, Portola Paints Roman Clay is one of our favorite options as builders and designers,” Younger says. “It is an economical and eco-friendly option to add texture and color to a wall and has much versatility in design based on color and finish type.”
Chandelier: Ariana in polished nickel, Mitzi by Hudson Valley; fireplace surround tile: Bera & Beren Dark Grey Six Textured, Walker Zanger; paint colors: Ammonite (walls) and All White (ceiling), Farrow & Ball
More on Houzz
Read more living room stories
Browse living room photos
Find the right pro for your project
Shop for your living room
Designer: Designology Studio
Location: Ventura, California
Size: 360 square feet (33 square meters); 18 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our client wanted to transform the open-concept living room to reflect what we aptly considered a classy edge,” says Designology Studio designer Christine Craig, whose client found her on Houzz. “We believed we could create stunning contrasts that played with the abundant natural light and our clients’ preferred tastes that are moodier and subdued. Our goal was also to take full advantage of the beautiful views and not to overshadow that.”
Craig uses Houzz Pro business software. “All of our project management and billing is through using Houzz,” she says. “This client in particular likes that she can access her client portal at any time and see what the balance is and what proposals are there or any other little details she might need to check in on regarding billing and product ETAs.”
TV placement. “Our clients aren’t major TV watchers, but the layout of the room positions itself to where the focal point is the television/fireplace,” Craig says. “What was more important was having a beautiful fireplace that our clients could enjoy that would sit underneath the television. The solution was ensuring our fireplace was high enough off the ground, low enough under the TV so the TV isn’t at an irregular angle for viewing after placing the sofa, but that the TV was high enough away from the fireplace. It came down to a game of inches to strike the perfect balance. We also made sure to do a built-in for the TV and a sound bar so that it was more protected from the heat of the fireplace.”
Other special features. “We replaced the fireplace facade with a black-flamed granite ledger stone,” Craig says. “We repainted the walls with Sherwin-Williams Extra White, got a new, longer and more linear fireplace insert and expanded the fireplace itself to match the scale of the room better. The added ceiling beams were painted in Sherwin-Williams Black Fox. We replaced the existing hickory cabinet fronts with veneer oak doors to save costs rather than replacing completely, but this helped to give a softer wood grain look.
“We had the expansive slider doors painted to match the beams, and that created a pop that then opened up to the incredible ocean views. Since we had a whole wall of windows to work with, we were confident to use substantially richer and moodier elements to create a really striking contrast.”
Designer tip. “Let elements of contrast work in your favor,” Craig says. “Strategically done, being bold to use a very rich color (like Black Fox by Sherwin-Williams) will completely elevate your space and enhance your available views.”
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