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Living Room Design Considerations
Purpose: Living rooms, along with family rooms and great rooms, are considered "destinations". This means they are rooms you go to to be in, and you generally want to avoid circulation (people walking through) them. The great room in one project is described as arguably a destination.

by Grant Fuellenbach

Layout and Space Planning
Furniture Placement
Plan the furniture placement, considering how people will move through the room (traffic flow).
Focal Points
Define the focal points of the room, such as a fireplace or a view.
Connected Living Areas
Space planning should aim to create comfortable, well-planned living rooms and connected living areas that encourage family time. Avoid planning that results in disconnected living areas.
Open-Plan Layout
Consider using an open-plan layout that connects living, dining, and kitchen areas, as this can make the house feel bigger and is a current trend.
Distinct Spaces
Even in open layouts, design elements can help define distinct spaces.
Space Definition
Ceiling Heights
Varying ceiling heights can create intrigue and define different areas within a larger space. A large volume ceiling can define the main living area, while adjacent spaces like a dining room might have a lower ceiling.
Lighting Definition
Lighting can be used to help define spaces.
Circulation Paths
Layout relative to circulation paths can also distinguish areas.
Lighting
Flexible Lighting
Plan for layered design
Lighting Types
Include ambient, task, and accent lighting
Lighting Control
Consider using dimmers for control
Plan for flexible lighting by incorporating layered design. This includes ambient (general), task (such as for reading), and accent lighting (to highlight features).
Consider using dimmers for lighting control. In media rooms, dimmers and potentially blackout shades are described as crucial.
Electrical & Technology
Outlet Locations
Plan outlet locations based on where furniture will be placed and where you'll need power for lamps, entertainment systems, and potential future needs.
Media Room Wiring
For dedicated media rooms, plan wiring for speakers, a projector, screen, and components.
Noise Control
Noise Sources
Living rooms (family rooms, media rooms) can be noisy areas.
Buffer Spaces
Consider using buffer spaces, such as walk-in closets, bathrooms, or hallways, between noisy living areas and quiet zones like bedrooms. Avoid placing bedrooms directly over or under entertainment rooms.
Sound Treatment
For dedicated media rooms, soundproofing and acoustic panels are recommended for an immersive sound experience without disturbing other parts of the house. Enhance sound insulation for better acoustics.
Living Room Material & Feature Choices
Ceilings
Spaces can have large volume ceilings. Raised plates can result in higher ceilings. Consistency in ceiling height can often feel better than one dramatic space with otherwise low ceilings.
Flooring
While specific flooring materials for living rooms aren't detailed, the general discussion on flooring materials applies. Consider your lifestyle when choosing, as natural wood floors can scratch easily, and carpets/rugs show wear. Laminate flooring is mentioned as being scratch and water resistant.
Doors
Large and gorgeous door assemblies can be features. Offset sliding glass doors can be intentionally placed to influence circulation paths.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces can serve as focal points. For indoor use, vented gas fireplaces are mentioned as a cleaner burning option, while wood-burning is suggested for outside.
Media Rooms
If creating a dedicated media room, consider acoustic panels, soundproofing, and planning for necessary wiring and lighting control (dimmers, blackout shades).
General Finishes
Pay attention to finishes like paint and trim work. A recommended paint sheen strategy is flat ceilings, eggshell walls, and semi-gloss trim. Use the "touch test" to check for imperfections on surfaces like trim work and drywall.
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