Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The fireplace and mantle in the family room. Note the coffered ceiling and the stains tongue and groove ceiling. The oversized window look out onto the pool and onto the fairway

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Living room design in Dallas featuring a fireplace with built-in shelving, layered decor, and balanced seating, creating a bright, cohesive space with thoughtful styling and everyday functionality.

Tricia Shay Photography
Example of a large trendy courtyard concrete patio design in Milwaukee with no cover

Nancy Nolan Walls are Sherwin Williams Relaxed Khaki, Trim is Sherwin Williams Alabaster, Built-ins and Mantle are Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black, Drapery and Side Chair fabric is F. Schumacher.

Photographed by John Reed Forsman. Used with permission from Better Homes & Gardens magazine. © 2005 Meridith Corporation. All rights reserved.
Example of a beach style formal dark wood floor living room design in Minneapolis with green walls and a standard fireplace

Large format porcelain tiles in a linen weave are interrupted by a cascade of linear, slate colored mosaics. The effect is a dramatic focal point for this contemporary family room. Photo by Jeri Koegel.

The new living room design replaced the built-in desk with more current white, glass-fronted cabinets on either side of the fireplace. Side sconces, updated tile and a new mantle consistent with the cabinets now create a clean, airy feel. Glass knobs finish off the look for a classic, crisp design.

What a clever use of an antique in this modern home. We installed our client's refurbished feeding trough as a custom mantle above a two-sided fireplace. Nestled between custom built-ins, it adds distinction and charm to this elegant family room.

Photos by Eric Zepeda Studio
Large trendy open concept dark wood floor living room photo in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a concealed tv

From the stunning, unobstructed views of its dancing flames to the radiant beauty that only comes from advanced engineering, the Mission B-Vent Gas Fireplace offers the style and performance demanded by today’s homeowners. Standard features like multi-dimensional refractory log arrangement and a deep glowing ember bed keep living areas cozy and inviting, while optional accessories like Extruded Aluminum Bi-Fold Glass Doors add style to any room. As versatile as it is beautiful, the Mission is the choice for affordable comfort without compromise. Features Available in 36” and 42” radiant smooth-faced models Dual tube burner uses 6” b-vent Millivolt (Remote-ready) or electronic ignition Dramatic yellow flames with glowing ember bed Detailed ceramic fiber “split oak” log set with log grate Three interior options (black painted interior with white stacked hearth, white stacked refractory panels or white herringbone refractory panels) Screens retract into hidden screen pockets Hidden gas controls with damper safety switch Durable textured powder coat finish Optional outside air kit for increased performance Optional blower and remote controls available for all models Dual access pre-wired electrical J-box Lifetime limited warranty

Photo by Matt Dahlman
Example of a trendy living room design in Minneapolis with gray walls

Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept brown floor and dark wood floor family room remodel in Denver with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Built on a strong foundation of continuous fireplace innovation, the Valor Linear Series welcomes the first of its kind--a wide-format fireplace that integrates linear design with impressive radiant heat technology. Featuring leading edge, contemporary design, this series provides efficient comfort, advanced controllability, distinct quality and superior heating performance, even when the power goes out. Blending clean, functional design and installation versatility, each Valor linear model fits seamlessly into contemporary room settings with ease. Engineered to enhance flame depth and width without sacrificing efficiency, the specialized Valor burner projects radiant warmth – where you want it, when you want it. Soothing, relaxed flames illuminate the natural fire elements while creating a casual and comfortable atmosphere. A selection of complimentary surrounds extends the linear composition, or simplify with the 1” trim kit option for a seamless transition when finishing to any wall surface. Highly efficient and reliable home heaters, the Linear Series combines renowned Valor function with true contemporary form. Photo by Valor.

Example of a trendy formal and open concept light wood floor living room design in San Francisco with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace and no tv

Troy Thies Photography
Example of a mid-sized classic formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room design in Minneapolis with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photography by Laura Moss
Inspiration for a coastal formal medium tone wood floor living room remodel in New York with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and white walls

The 864™ TRV Clean Face gas fireplace is the perfect solution for anyone looking to have a big, beautiful fire that provides supplemental heat. Ideal for small to mid-sized homes or zone heating in large living spaces such as great rooms and living rooms, the 864™ clean face gas fireplace allows you to comfortable display a gorgeous, glowing fire all year-round while being able to control the heat output to a setting that is just right for you. The large 864 square inch clean face fire view showcases the highly detailed Dancing-Fyre™ log set and glowing embers from any angle in the room. Its high quality all-glass appearance shows no visible face, grills or louvers and features the 2015 ANSI approved low visibility safety barrier to increase the overall safety of this unit for you and your family without detracting from the fire view. This deluxe gas fireplace comes with the GreenSmart® 2 system that features Comfort Control™, allowing you to turn the heat down while still maintaining the fire and glowing embers. All of the components on this fireplace can be operated simply by accessing the easy-to-use GreenSmart® 2 wall mounted remote control. With the 864™ TRV clean face gas fireplace, you are truly getting a beautiful fire view while being able to control the heat output