Farmhouse meets coastal in this serene open concept living room. White oak flooring, natural linen sofas, and camel leather and a perfect blend for this contemporary design. The open concept design offers the ultimate entertaining space with nanawalls that open up to the backyard patio. The double height ceiling called for a dramatic statement with the custom built trellis and oversized rattan pendants.

Mid-sized elegant formal and open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Charleston with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Elegant living room photo in San Francisco

A traditional fireplace and classic white painted mantel in the casual living room. Coastal dark wood floors and white walls throughout this classic interior with white painted ceiling beams.

Photography: Phillip Mueller Architect: Murphy & Co. Design Builder: Kyle Hunt
Example of a huge classic living room design in Minneapolis with beige walls and a standard fireplace

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

Photo by: Warren Lieb
Living room - huge transitional living room idea in Charleston with white walls and a standard fireplace

Family room with vaulted ceiling, photo by Nancy Elizabeth Hill
Elegant light wood floor living room photo in New York with beige walls

Bill Taylor
Example of a classic formal and open concept dark wood floor and coffered ceiling living room design in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Basement reconfigure and remodel
Example of a trendy gray floor living room design in DC Metro with white walls and no fireplace

Light hardwood floors flow from room to room on the first level. Oil-rubbed bronze light fixtures add a sense of eclectic elegance to the farmhouse setting. Horizontal stair railings give a modern touch to the farmhouse nostalgia. Stained wooden beams contrast beautifully with the crisp white tongue and groove ceiling. A barn door conceals a private, well-lit office or homework nook with bespoke shelving.

The architecture of the space is developed through the addition of ceiling beams, moldings and over-door panels. The introduction of wall sconces draw the eye around the room. The palette, soft buttery tones infused with andulsian greens, and understated furnishings submit and support the quietness of the space. The low-country elegance of the room is further expressed through the use of natural materials, textured fabrics and hand-block prints. A wool/silk area rug underscores the elegance of the room. Photography: Robert Brantley

the great room was enlarged to the south - past the medium toned wood post and beam is new space. the new addition helps shade the patio below while creating a more usable living space. To the right of the new fireplace was the existing front door. Now there is a graceful seating area to welcome visitors. The wood ceiling was reused from the existing home. WoodStone Inc, General Contractor Home Interiors, Cortney McDougal, Interior Design Draper White Photography

The great room walls are filled with glass doors and transom windows, providing maximum natural light and views of the pond and the meadow. Photographer: Daniel Contelmo Jr.

Large modern style Living Room featuring a black tile, floor to ceiling fireplace. Plenty of seating on this white sectional sofa and 2 side chairs. Two pairs of floor to ceiling sliding glass doors open onto the back patio and pool area for the ultimate indoor outdoor lifestyle.

Natural stone and reclaimed timber beams...
Mountain style living room photo in Minneapolis with a stone fireplace

Inspiration for a large contemporary living room remodel in New York with white walls

Rick Lee Photo
Inspiration for a rustic living room remodel in Charleston with a stone fireplace

Try these simple yet striking living-space upgrades that don’t require a lot of time, money, or skill.
Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor living room design in Charlotte with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace