Living Room with Vinyl Flooring, Travertine Flooring, Concrete Flooring and a Wood Ceiling Ideas and Designs

Design ideas for a retro open plan living room in Sydney with grey walls, concrete flooring, grey floors and a wood ceiling.

Weather House is a bespoke home for a young, nature-loving family on a quintessentially compact Northcote block. Our clients Claire and Brent cherished the character of their century-old worker's cottage but required more considered space and flexibility in their home. Claire and Brent are camping enthusiasts, and in response their house is a love letter to the outdoors: a rich, durable environment infused with the grounded ambience of being in nature. From the street, the dark cladding of the sensitive rear extension echoes the existing cottage!s roofline, becoming a subtle shadow of the original house in both form and tone. As you move through the home, the double-height extension invites the climate and native landscaping inside at every turn. The light-bathed lounge, dining room and kitchen are anchored around, and seamlessly connected to, a versatile outdoor living area. A double-sided fireplace embedded into the house’s rear wall brings warmth and ambience to the lounge, and inspires a campfire atmosphere in the back yard. Championing tactility and durability, the material palette features polished concrete floors, blackbutt timber joinery and concrete brick walls. Peach and sage tones are employed as accents throughout the lower level, and amplified upstairs where sage forms the tonal base for the moody main bedroom. An adjacent private deck creates an additional tether to the outdoors, and houses planters and trellises that will decorate the home’s exterior with greenery. From the tactile and textured finishes of the interior to the surrounding Australian native garden that you just want to touch, the house encapsulates the feeling of being part of the outdoors; like Claire and Brent are camping at home. It is a tribute to Mother Nature, Weather House’s muse.

After the second fallout of the Delta Variant amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in mid 2021, our team working from home, and our client in quarantine, SDA Architects conceived Japandi Home. The initial brief for the renovation of this pool house was for its interior to have an "immediate sense of serenity" that roused the feeling of being peaceful. Influenced by loneliness and angst during quarantine, SDA Architects explored themes of escapism and empathy which led to a “Japandi” style concept design – the nexus between “Scandinavian functionality” and “Japanese rustic minimalism” to invoke feelings of “art, nature and simplicity.” This merging of styles forms the perfect amalgamation of both function and form, centred on clean lines, bright spaces and light colours. Grounded by its emotional weight, poetic lyricism, and relaxed atmosphere; Japandi Home aesthetics focus on simplicity, natural elements, and comfort; minimalism that is both aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional. Japandi Home places special emphasis on sustainability through use of raw furnishings and a rejection of the one-time-use culture we have embraced for numerous decades. A plethora of natural materials, muted colours, clean lines and minimal, yet-well-curated furnishings have been employed to showcase beautiful craftsmanship – quality handmade pieces over quantitative throwaway items. A neutral colour palette compliments the soft and hard furnishings within, allowing the timeless pieces to breath and speak for themselves. These calming, tranquil and peaceful colours have been chosen so when accent colours are incorporated, they are done so in a meaningful yet subtle way. Japandi home isn’t sparse – it’s intentional. The integrated storage throughout – from the kitchen, to dining buffet, linen cupboard, window seat, entertainment unit, bed ensemble and walk-in wardrobe are key to reducing clutter and maintaining the zen-like sense of calm created by these clean lines and open spaces. The Scandinavian concept of “hygge” refers to the idea that ones home is your cosy sanctuary. Similarly, this ideology has been fused with the Japanese notion of “wabi-sabi”; the idea that there is beauty in imperfection. Hence, the marriage of these design styles is both founded on minimalism and comfort; easy-going yet sophisticated. Conversely, whilst Japanese styles can be considered “sleek” and Scandinavian, “rustic”, the richness of the Japanese neutral colour palette aids in preventing the stark, crisp palette of Scandinavian styles from feeling cold and clinical. Japandi Home’s introspective essence can ultimately be considered quite timely for the pandemic and was the quintessential lockdown project our team needed.

This beautifully renovated living room extension showcases the perfect blend of modern design and functional layout. The project features large, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, creating a bright and airy environment. The clean lines and neutral color palette provide a contemporary feel, while the wooden ceiling panels add warmth and texture to the room. The focal point of the renovation is the custom-built entertainment wall, seamlessly integrating a flat-screen TV, wood-burning stove, and built-in storage units. The gallery wall of framed artwork adds a personal and artistic touch, demonstrating the careful attention to detail in this project. Comfortable and stylish, the neutral-toned sectional sofas are complemented by a striped area rug and a central coffee table, making this living room both inviting and functional. The open and spacious design ensures the room feels connected to the surrounding outdoor environment, thanks to the expansive windows and thoughtful layout. **Key Renovation Features**: - Installation of large, floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light - Custom-built entertainment wall with integrated TV and storage - Modern wood-burning stove installation - Wooden ceiling panels for added warmth and texture - Open and spacious layout with a seamless connection to the outdoors - High-quality finishes and attention to detail in all aspects of the design This project exemplifies our commitment to creating modern, functional spaces that enhance both the aesthetic and practical needs of our clients.

Photo of a medium sized urban open plan living room in New York with a reading nook, concrete flooring, a standard fireplace, a plastered fireplace surround, grey floors, a wood ceiling, a vaulted ceiling, wood walls and grey walls.

This project involved the conversion of a disused water tank into a unique 1-bedroom duplex penthouse in Bethnal Green, East London, located on top of the Grade II* listed Keeling House designed by Sir Denys Lasdun. The main challenge was to transform an empty industrial concrete structure with plywood elements and a leaking roof into a warm, liveable and contemporary London penthouse apartment, while preserving the original industrial character of the space. As a self-build project, the client temporarily relocated within the building during the works, allowing full transformation of the water tank into a functional home. The design approach focused on adaptive reuse and industrial interior design, avoiding a standard “developer-style” finish. Instead, the original character was preserved through the use of exposed services and internally insulated OSB-lined walls and ceilings, ensuring both thermal performance and material continuity. The existing stair core was extended to provide safe access to the water tank level. The end façades were redesigned using high-performance clear and sandblasted glazing within slim aluminium frames, enhancing light quality while maintaining structural lightness. Vertical sandblasted louvres were introduced to ensure privacy while creating a dynamic, Zen-like interplay of natural light throughout the space. The result is a highly distinctive duplex penthouse in East London, offering panoramic views across the London skyline, with sunrise and sunset light transforming the interior throughout the day. The space functions as a true urban retreat, combining industrial authenticity with contemporary living.

Il soggiorno prima era caratterizzato da un soffitto scuro in legno e ambienti poco luminosi. Con la ristrutturazione è stato recuperato il tetto originale in legno, lasciato al naturale, e abbinato a superfici bianche in resina che riflettono la luce. La grande apertura verso l’esterno e la vista sul mare trasformano lo spazio in un ambiente mediterraneo arioso e contemporaneo.

Expansive formal open plan living room in Hampshire with blue walls, concrete flooring, a corner fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, grey floors and a wood ceiling.

Vue plafond sur mesure en roseau. Projet La Cabane du Lac, Lacanau, par Studio Pépites. Photographies Lionel Moreau.
Design ideas for a mediterranean open plan living room in Bordeaux with beige walls, concrete flooring, white floors, a wood ceiling and wallpapered walls.

Inspiration for a contemporary open plan living room in Other with brown walls, concrete flooring, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, grey floors, exposed beams, a vaulted ceiling, a wood ceiling and wood walls.

Une extension tout en baies vitrées pour profiter des extérieurs. Elle a été réalisée pour accueillir un espace séjour de réception avec une grande table de repas en chêne massif réalisé sur mesure pouvant accueillir jusqu'à 14 personnes. Une banquette surmontée d'une cheminée d'angle vient faire le lien avec l'espace salon où de grands canapés en velours côtelés prennent place autour d'une table basse en bois massif également réalisée sur mesure. Un travail sur le dedans/dehors avec le bardage en red cedar sous plafond qui se poursuit à l'extérieur.

Photo of a large mediterranean mezzanine living room in Barcelona with white walls, concrete flooring, a corner fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, grey floors, a wood ceiling and wood walls.

After the second fallout of the Delta Variant amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in mid 2021, our team working from home, and our client in quarantine, SDA Architects conceived Japandi Home. The initial brief for the renovation of this pool house was for its interior to have an "immediate sense of serenity" that roused the feeling of being peaceful. Influenced by loneliness and angst during quarantine, SDA Architects explored themes of escapism and empathy which led to a “Japandi” style concept design – the nexus between “Scandinavian functionality” and “Japanese rustic minimalism” to invoke feelings of “art, nature and simplicity.” This merging of styles forms the perfect amalgamation of both function and form, centred on clean lines, bright spaces and light colours. Grounded by its emotional weight, poetic lyricism, and relaxed atmosphere; Japandi Home aesthetics focus on simplicity, natural elements, and comfort; minimalism that is both aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional. Japandi Home places special emphasis on sustainability through use of raw furnishings and a rejection of the one-time-use culture we have embraced for numerous decades. A plethora of natural materials, muted colours, clean lines and minimal, yet-well-curated furnishings have been employed to showcase beautiful craftsmanship – quality handmade pieces over quantitative throwaway items. A neutral colour palette compliments the soft and hard furnishings within, allowing the timeless pieces to breath and speak for themselves. These calming, tranquil and peaceful colours have been chosen so when accent colours are incorporated, they are done so in a meaningful yet subtle way. Japandi home isn’t sparse – it’s intentional. The integrated storage throughout – from the kitchen, to dining buffet, linen cupboard, window seat, entertainment unit, bed ensemble and walk-in wardrobe are key to reducing clutter and maintaining the zen-like sense of calm created by these clean lines and open spaces. The Scandinavian concept of “hygge” refers to the idea that ones home is your cosy sanctuary. Similarly, this ideology has been fused with the Japanese notion of “wabi-sabi”; the idea that there is beauty in imperfection. Hence, the marriage of these design styles is both founded on minimalism and comfort; easy-going yet sophisticated. Conversely, whilst Japanese styles can be considered “sleek” and Scandinavian, “rustic”, the richness of the Japanese neutral colour palette aids in preventing the stark, crisp palette of Scandinavian styles from feeling cold and clinical. Japandi Home’s introspective essence can ultimately be considered quite timely for the pandemic and was the quintessential lockdown project our team needed.

Living room makes the most of the light and space and colours relate to charred black timber cladding
Design ideas for a small urban open plan living room in Melbourne with white walls, concrete flooring, a wood burning stove, a concrete fireplace surround, a wall mounted tv, grey floors and a wood ceiling.

Vue banquette sur mesure en béton ciré. Projet La Cabane du Lac, Lacanau, par Studio Pépites. Photographies Lionel Moreau.
Photo of a mediterranean open plan living room in Bordeaux with beige walls, concrete flooring, white floors, a wood ceiling and wallpapered walls.

Photo of an expansive modern open plan living room in Other with brown walls, concrete flooring, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, grey floors, a wood ceiling and wainscoting.

Nestled within the framework of contemporary design, this Exquisite House effortlessly combines modern aesthetics with a touch of timeless elegance. The residence exudes a sophisticated and formal vibe, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in every corner. The seamless integration of contemporary elements harmonizes with the overall architectural finesse, creating a living space that is not only exquisite but also radiates a refined and formal ambiance. Every facet of this house, from its sleek lines to the carefully curated design elements, contributes to a sense of understated opulence, making it a captivating embodiment of contemporary elegance.

Photo of a large contemporary open plan living room in Lyon with a reading nook, grey walls, no fireplace, no tv, a wood ceiling, concrete flooring and grey floors.

Scandi open plan living room in Munich with white walls, concrete flooring, a wood burning stove, a plastered fireplace surround, grey floors and a wood ceiling.