design ideas - Living, dining & great rooms

Whether you prefer separate formal living and dining rooms or one big casual great room depends on the type of entertaining you do.   For the large  majority, people entertain is more casual.  Often  if do have formal living and dining rooms the party goers abandon the formal public spaces and congregate in the warmer family spaces like the family room and even the kitchen.  The formal spaces become museum pieces that no one but the cat uses.  If you did need to entertain a large party once in a while you could though a really great party at a restaurant for the money you save on the extra square feet and the heating bill.
Some people do need these formal spaces and would miss them if not included.   They  frequently entertain for business or have large parties.  They may even need a caters kitchen and a more cozy space for just the family.

Wood and wood laminate floorings are on most people list.   These floorings do not harbor dust and are available in stunning choices of finishes and styles.

Fireplaces and wood stoves are also high on the wish list of many new home buyers.  Traditional wood burning provides a warmth and glow.  Gas units are simple to install through the wall with no chimney requirements.   There are even cool led fireplaces.

Color is back.  Inspiration comes from all over.  Your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, flowers, fruit, stone, post card or movie.  See interiors for color selection assistants.

Do not forget the lighting.  It is the hallmark of good design.   Go to  lighting for fixture selection.

Look for High Tech. to influence room layout to a much greater extent.  HDTV is causing traditional solutions to be rethought.   So many options  are a available many times the design may revolve around the tech package.  Select your electronics here.