Example of a large transitional master and open concept light wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam living room design in Orange County with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

Living room - country open concept and formal medium tone wood floor living room idea in Charlotte with white walls and a stone fireplace

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Example of a transitional living room design in Phoenix

Available in fabric, leather, or a leather/fabric combination. Shown with additional accent pillows sold separately. Modern Comfort has the option of 5" wide arms(2101 group) or 10" wide arms(2102 group) and exhibits European modern styling with casual comfort that is enhanced by down blend seat cushions and down blend loose back cushions. All of the pieces in this group sit on a recessed black platform base that gives the pieces the appearance they are floating. Items have 18" seat heights for a relaxing feel and a sophisticated style. Sectional pieces can be ordered with or without arms in a variety of sizes and can be configured to fit most room settings

Connie Anderson Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary formal and open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Houston with gray walls, no tv and no fireplace

Example of a classic living room design in Salt Lake City

Elegant living room photo in Salt Lake City

Example of a large beach style formal and open concept light wood floor family room design in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a tile fireplace

David Kreutz Living room boasts comfort and style with an element of tribal.
Home design - contemporary home design idea in St Louis

Beach style light wood floor sunroom photo in Los Angeles

Example of a classic living room design in Salt Lake City

Example of a minimalist open concept light wood floor living room design in Milwaukee with white walls, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace

Matthew Niemann Photography www.matthewniemann.com
Example of a transitional open concept carpeted and gray floor living room design with gray walls

Living room - transitional living room idea in Phoenix

Established in 1895 as a warehouse for the spice trade, 481 Washington was built to last. With its 25-inch-thick base and enchanting Beaux Arts facade, this regal structure later housed a thriving Hudson Square printing company. After an impeccable renovation, the magnificent loft building’s original arched windows and exquisite cornice remain a testament to the grandeur of days past. Perfectly anchored between Soho and Tribeca, Spice Warehouse has been converted into 12 spacious full-floor lofts that seamlessly fuse old-world character with modern convenience. Steps from the Hudson River, Spice Warehouse is within walking distance of renowned restaurants, famed art galleries, specialty shops and boutiques. With its golden sunsets and outstanding facilities, this is the ideal destination for those seeking the tranquil pleasures of the Hudson River waterfront. Expansive private floor residences were designed to be both versatile and functional, each with 3- to 4-bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a home office. Several residences enjoy dramatic Hudson River views. This open space has been designed to accommodate a perfect Tribeca city lifestyle for entertaining, relaxing and working. This living room design reflects a tailored “old-world” look, respecting the original features of the Spice Warehouse. With its high ceilings, arched windows, original brick wall and iron columns, this space is a testament of ancient time and old world elegance. The design choices are a combination of neutral, modern finishes such as the Oak natural matte finish floors and white walls, white shaker style kitchen cabinets, combined with a lot of texture found in the brick wall, the iron columns and the various fabrics and furniture pieces finishes used throughout the space and highlighted by a beautiful natural light brought in through a wall of arched windows. The layout is open and flowing to keep the feel of grandeur of the space so each piece and design finish can be admired individually. As soon as you enter, a comfortable Eames lounge chair invites you in, giving her back to a solid brick wall adorned by the “cappuccino” art photography piece by Francis Augustine and surrounded by flowing linen taupe window drapes and a shiny cowhide rug. The cream linen sectional sofa takes center stage, with its sea of textures pillows, giving it character, comfort and uniqueness. The living room combines modern lines such as the Hans Wegner Shell chairs in walnut and black fabric with rustic elements such as this one of a kind Indonesian antique coffee table, giant iron antique wall clock and hand made jute rug which set the old world tone for an exceptional interior. Photography: Francis Augustine

View the house plans at: http://houseplans.co/house-plans/2472 Photos by Bob Greenspan

This Casual and comfortable Living room soothes in warm browns and grays and blue tones.
Example of a transitional living room design in Denver

Mountain style medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room photo with white walls, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace