Traditional Living Room with a Standard Fireplace and Beige Floors Ideas and Designs

Photo of a traditional living room in Edinburgh with green walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, beige floors and wallpapered walls.

Designed in 1805 by renowned architect Sir John Nash, this Grade II listed former coach house in the Devon countryside, sits on a south-facing hill, with uninterrupted views to the River Dart. Though retaining its classical appeal and proportions, the house had previously been poorly converted and needed significant repair and internal reworking to transform it into a modern and practical family home. The brief – and the challenge – was to achieve this while retaining the essence of Nash’s original design. We had previously worked with our clients and so we had a good understanding of their needs and requirements. Together, we assessed the features that had first attracted them to the property and advised on which elements would need to be altered or rebuilt. Preserving and repairing where appropriate, interior spaces were reconfigured and traditional details reinterpreted. Nash’s original building was based on Palladian principals, and we emphasised this further by creating axial views through the building from one side to the other and beyond to the garden. The work was undertaken in three phases, beginning with the conversion and restoration of the existing building. This was followed by the addition of two unashamedly contemporary elements: to the west, a glazed light-filled living space with views across the garden and, echoing the symmetry of Nash’s original design, an open pergola and pool to the east. The main staircase was repositioned and redesigned to improve flow and to sit more comfortable with the building’s muted classical aesthetic. Similarly, new panelled and arched door and window linings were designed to accord with the original arched openings of the coach house. Photographing the property again, twenty years after our conversion, it was interesting to see how once-new additions and changes have long settled into the character of the house. Outside, the stone walls and hard landscaping we added, are softened by time and nature with mosses and ferns. Inside, hardwearing limestone floors and the crafted joinery elements, particularly the staircase, are improving with the patina of wear and time.

Photo of a classic living room in Surrey with green walls, light hardwood flooring, a standard fireplace, a freestanding tv and beige floors.

The formal lounge blends classic character with refined modern details, creating a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere. A pair of soft linen sofas arranged around a marble coffee table form the central seating area, set atop a richly patterned rug that anchors the space with warmth and tradition. Natural light pours in from the adjoining conservatory, where glass doors open to an additional sitting area overlooking the garden. Contemporary elements — such as the timber slatted feature wall, circular pendant light, and bespoke illuminated shelving — bring balance and texture, while curated artworks and plants add a personal, homely touch. The room flows effortlessly between old and new, formal and casual, making it ideal for both quiet retreats and family gatherings.

Design ideas for a classic enclosed living room in London with beige walls, light hardwood flooring, a standard fireplace and beige floors.

Classic open plan living room in Brisbane with grey walls, a standard fireplace and beige floors.

Wall: Jura Beige Natural 40x60. Natural stone look porcelain tile. Floor: Treverkmood Noce 15x90. Wood look porcelain tile. Photo by National Tile Ltd

Photo of a traditional living room in London with beige walls, carpet, a standard fireplace and beige floors.

Living room centred around a classic fireplace with detailed wall panelling in a warm neutral tone. A marble surround adds contrast, paired with an abstract artwork that introduces earthy browns and soft blue tones. The space is styled with a curved upholstered armchair, timber cabinet, and herringbone wood flooring to create a calm, layered feel.

New painted timber French windows and shutters, at one end of the living room, open onto a roof terrace situated atop the rear extension. This overlooks and provides access to the rear garden. Photographer: Nick Smith

Design ideas for a large classic formal open plan living room curtain in Bilbao with beige walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, a wall mounted tv, beige floors, a coffered ceiling and wallpapered walls.

This room is a lovely big space with great natural light. But with big spaces can come big problems! It can be very difficult to create a cosy atmosphere in spaces this expansive. However, designer Lucy cleverly brought in all the seating towards the middle of the room centred around a gorgeous vintage rug below a statement ceiling light. This made the seating area feel more intimate and avoided the family having to shout across the room at each other!

https://blog.making-spaces.net/2021/03/26/the-coach-house-living-room-final-reveal/

© ZAC and ZAC
Photo of a large classic formal enclosed living room in Edinburgh with green walls, a standard fireplace, a tiled fireplace surround, no tv and beige floors.

Photo of a large traditional formal enclosed living room in Other with a stone fireplace surround, no tv, white walls, carpet, a standard fireplace and beige floors.

This is an example of a classic formal enclosed living room in London with white walls, light hardwood flooring, a standard fireplace, a wooden fireplace surround, no tv, beige floors and panelled walls.

Medium sized traditional formal enclosed living room in London with grey walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, beige floors and medium hardwood flooring.

House 1915 is a historically significant home, and Stage 1 of this design project is centred around preserving and transforming the front portion of the property. Paying careful attention to its heritage listing, the transformation respects the house's architectural legacy while blending modern design elements throughout to create a beautiful and functional home for its Owners. Our scope of work focused on the Entry, Formal Dining, Formal Living, and Master Bedroom. By preserving the original layout of each room, whilst honouring their architectural integrity, we introduced a modern and functional perspective through our curated furniture selection. The end result marries classic design and contemporary style to create a home that is both timeless and practical.

Chris Snook
Photo of a medium sized traditional open plan living room in London with grey walls, a reading nook, light hardwood flooring, beige floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.