The living room does the most work of any space in the house, so it rewards thoughtful renovation — the right layout, lighting and flooring change how the whole home feels. These living room ideas cover open-plan and separate lounges, feature walls and fireplaces, built-in shelving and media units, flooring and window treatments, and the colour and styling choices that suit Australian light. Browse the galleries for inspiration, then price up new flooring or built-ins: our renovation cost calculator gives 2026 per-square-metre ranges, and the renovation planner folds the living room into a whole-home budget. For built-in joinery, flooring or structural changes like removing a wall, the trade directory lists builders, carpenters and flooring specialists near you. Get the flooring and lighting right first — everything else is styling you can change over time.
