The living room was long and narrow but with an amazing bay window. Instead of a galley style living room used by the previous owner, we decided to change the furniture arrangement by putting one big comfy L-shaped sectional all the way to one side to create a pass-through area enabling a better foot traffic. We then added two side chairs for extra seats. We also mounted our TV on top of the fireplace to gain more space. Although it's not my favorite design choice to have TV on top of the fireplace because I think it takes away from the fireplace but we had to work within the limitation of the space. For the fireplace, we bought wood stove insert and inserted it into the existing masonry fireplace. The look was updated by granite tiles around the insert and custom built wood mantel. Buying wood fireplace insert was the best decision we made. First of all, it created a memorable space in our home. I LOVE the sound of wood cracking and the smell of wood burning. In winter nights we would sit around the fireplace and make s'mores like it's a campfire. Second, it's a clean burning and efficient heater. You don't lose the majority the fire’s heat up the chimney thereby saving money on your heating bill. The coffee table is purchased from Wicker Emporium and it's made from reclaimed pine timbers giving the house a rustic feel. The side chair by the fireplace is the perfect spot for me to relax, put my feet up on the large ball shaped knitted foot rest and enjoy a cup of cappuccino or cozy up with a good book.

The Home While looking for space where their active family could expand, these homeowners turned to Black Forest, with trees that remind them of their Indiana years. A stunning Pikes Peak view underscores how fortunate they are to live in Colorado. This home features classic nods to the owner’s French heritage while embracing a thoroughly of-the-moment Colorado lifestyle. Priorities for these homeowners included blending outdoor and indoor spaces wherever possible with generously proportioned windows and doors, porches, patios and balconies. A gracious lime-washed brick entry punctuates a simplified white stucco and black-frame-windowed exterior with traditional rooflines. Dramatic open spaces on the main floor comfortably accommodate the everyday activities of this busy family of four, while providing for welcomed visits from family and friends. A functional, open kitchen is designed for serious cooking, a butler’s pantry for staples, and serveware storage and dining spaces that effortlessly host after-school snacking to multi-course meals. A main-level, Peak-view office comfortably supports working at home, complete with a beer cave and tasting nook for hosting fellow aficionados after work is done. Guests will find comfort and privacy in a ma in-level guestroom suite or sleepover fun in the built-in bunks of the expansive over-garage bonus room. This home is a true collaboration that blends the homeowner’s long-held vision of their ideal home brought to life by the builder’s vision and design/build process that achieves something truly…Warm and welcoming in the Forest. The Builder Stauffer & Sons Construction is a true Design-Build team creating some of the finest living spaces in the Pikes Peak region for over twenty years. We’ve developed an easy point-of-entry to the Design-Build process that begins with our very popular Conceptual Design and Budgeting Agreement. This affordable, low-commitment step provides answers to the early-stage questions of “what and how much?” With this critical information in place, a robust collaboration between client and builder ensues, resulting in a thoughtfully designed home that strikes a balance between size and scope and budget. The Interior Design Family, friends and soon-to-be friends are welcomed into this updated version of a French country farmhouse through a bricked archway and a solid arch-top entry door. Once inside, a sweeping gallery of windows adorned with flower-filled window boxes sets a nice foreground to the ponderosa pine forest. A great room with a two-story, lime-washed, brick fireplace sits juxtaposed to a cozy farm-styled kitchen with large island, plenty of storage and a Pikes Peak view. This family home features a simple, clean design with warm, wooden beams and solid, white-oak flooring. This home is designed to be lived in. Wherever you go, downstairs, upstairs or out on the porch, this home wraps around you and is a delightful place to enjoy.

Designed by architect Jonathan Segal, this stunning 5,300-square-foot, three-story home in San Diego’s La Jolla neighborhood features modern indoor/outdoor living courtesy of Western Window Systems’ Series 600 Multi-Slide Doors. Photo credit: Matthew Segal.

A complete full gut remodel of a 4,000 sq ft two-story penthouse residence, this project featured one of a kind views of the Boston public garden and Beacon Hill. A large central gallery flooded with gorgeous diffused light through two full stories of window glass. Clean linear millwork details compliment the structural glass, steel and walnut balustrades and handrailings that grace the upper gallery, reading nook, and stairs. A bleached walnut wet bar with backlit honey onyx backsplash and floating star fire glass shelves illuminated the lower gallery. It was part of a larger motif, which resonated through each of the unique and separate living spaces, connecting them to the larger design intention. A bleached walnut media room doubles as a fourth bedroom. It features a king size murphy bed seamlessly integrated into the full wall panel. A gracious shower in the adjoining bathroom, cleverly concealed behind an innocuous interior door, created a truly unique formal powder room that can reveal a full bath when the house is full of guests. A blend of warm wood, soft whites, and a palate of golds reflected in the stone (calacatta/onyx) textiles and wall coverings, this project demonstrates the powerful results of a consistent design intention, thoughtful engineering, and best practice construction as executed by our talented team of craftsmen and women. Interior Design - Lewis Interiors Photography - Eric Roth

This large family room has two entrances. The one on the left leads to the mudroom/garage area and also outdoor patio and features quick easy access to the kitchen bar area. The other end is right off the kitchen. A warm red was used and carried through in the furnishings. Seating for eight and a large coffee table grounds the space.

This doorway was widened and the pass through added, in lieu of removing the (load bearing) wall. The perpendicular wall to the left contains the HVAC supply to the second floor. The decision to leave the load bearing wall and HVAC ducting (and walls) in place reduces the budget by roughly half. The appliance relocation and pass through allow for better traffic flow, more counter work space and more natural light in both spaces.

Angie Seckinger
Example of a large classic enclosed vaulted ceiling living room design in DC Metro with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Builder: AVB Inc. Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography The Holloway blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this homes more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. Inside, a wide hallway connects the foyer to the den and living spaces through smooth case-less openings. Featuring a grey stone fireplace, tall windows, and vaulted wood ceiling, the living room bridges between the kitchen and den. The kitchen picks up some mid-century through the use of flat-faced upper and lower cabinets with chrome pulls. Richly toned wood chairs and table cap off the dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides. The grand staircase, to the left, is viewable from the outside through a set of giant casement windows on the upper landing. A spacious master suite is situated off of this upper landing. Featuring separate closets, a tiled bath with tub and shower, this suite has a perfect view out to the rear yard through the bedrooms rear windows. All the way upstairs, and to the right of the staircase, is four separate bedrooms. Downstairs, under the master suite, is a gymnasium. This gymnasium is connected to the outdoors through an overhead door and is perfect for athletic activities or storing a boat during cold months. The lower level also features a living room with view out windows and a private guest suite.

Home office - contemporary freestanding desk home office idea in New York with white walls

With its flush hearth floor design, dramatic flame and ember bed presentation along with industry leading heating performance, the Montebello DLX ST provides multiple possibilities for making your living area warm and inviting. • Dramatic louverless construction gives the fireplace a clean, traditional masonry look and provides the ability to finish right up to the opening. • Tall ceramic-glass opening provides an exceptional view of the logs and flame. • The high-definition charred split-oak log set is cast from real wood for an authentic look. • Platinum embers enhance the glow of the fire. • Light- and dark-tinted outdoor kits trimmed in stainless steel are available for indoor/outdoor application. The dark-tinted version provides enhanced ambiance from inside the room by creating an infinity effect while reducing glare from the outside environment. • Outdoor window kit tested and listed to ASTM commercial window standard for air infiltration, water resistance, structural integrity and thermal resistance (U-Value/CRF).

Casey Dunn
Inspiration for a large modern open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Austin with white walls, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Modern Farmhouse designed for entertainment and gatherings. French doors leading into the main part of the home and trim details everywhere. Shiplap, board and batten, tray ceiling details, custom barrel tables are all part of this modern farmhouse design. ​ Half bath with a custom vanity. Clean modern windows. Living room has a fireplace with custom cabinets and custom barn beam mantel with ship lap above. The Master Bath has a beautiful tub for soaking and a spacious walk in shower. Front entry has a beautiful custom ceiling treatment.

Michael Hunter Photography
Living room - cottage medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Austin with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

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

Example of a large farmhouse medium tone wood floor dining room design in Phoenix with a corner fireplace

Photo Credit: Rigoberto Moreno
Farmhouse concrete floor kitchen photo in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white appliances, an island and gray cabinets

Kitchen bar designed by Trish Wallet and constructed by WellDone Remodel. Full story and video at: https://activwall.com/2022/01/26/kitchen-renovation/

Open-concept kitchen renovation in Lafayette, CA by Taragano Design and Build. White oak cabinetry and marble-look quartz counters set a warm, modern tone, punctuated by a teal shaker-style island at the heart of the space. The chef's setup features a pro-grade Miele gas range under a stainless hood with a vertical white tile backsplash, and the standout detail — a glass corner window wall that opens the countertop straight to the outdoor patio. Vaulted ceilings, a skylight, and oak floors carry the light through to the breakfast nook and family room. Another East Bay transformation by Taragano Design and Build, serving Lafayette, Danville, and Walnut Creek.

Kitchen bar designed by Trish Wallet and constructed by WellDone Remodel. Full story and video at: https://activwall.com/2022/01/26/kitchen-renovation/