Designing your Living Room is about getting the right combination of style, comfort, practicality and affordability.
Layout is really important when you are thinking about your Living Room. You want to keep walking paths clear so you can move around the room freely. Getting the proportions right helps to balance the space. Make sure the sizes of furniture are correct so that you don’t overcrowd or underfill your room. Ordering sofas that are too large is often a mistake people make. They look fabulous in the large showroom but do not fit so well in your Lounge.
Try to have a focal point to anchor your room. Unfortunately this is often the TV but try and make this a fireplace or some artwork where possible.
Zone your spaces, potentially with the use of rugs or partitions. Install plenty of layered lighting, ambient, task and accent.
Modern: This is typically sleek and uncluttered. Use neutral colours, clean lines and have minimal clutter. Low profile sofas and functional furniture work well.
Scandinavian: Minimal with natural colours and textures. Use pale woods and walls, different textiles, warm lighting and simple furniture.
Contemporary: More current and on trend. Neutral palettes but with bold accent colours. Layered textures, curved unique furniture and statement lighting.
Traditional: Elegant and timeless, classic furniture. Use warmer colours, classic patterns, rich woods. Maintain original detailing and mouldings.
Luxury hotel: High end elegant finishes using marble, velvet, rich textures, layered oversized lighting.
Mid Century Modern: This style has had a come back in recent years with the use of original or new 1950/60’s style furniture. Use woods, simple furniture with tapered legs, retro vibes, vintage inspired using mustards, olive or burnt orange colour palettes.
Industrial: Inspired by urban loft and converted mills. Keep exposed brickwork and steels. Use concrete and dark wood finishes. Open shelving, leather furniture works well.
Bohemian: Eclectic, relaxed style using textures and layers. Mix patterns, colours, textures and planting to achieve this artistic style.
Japandi: This is a more recent style, mixing Japanese and Scandinavian design. Minimalistic feel with warmer neutrals, earthy tones, natural materials and soft textures.
Farmhouse: This has become more modern over time. Comfy oversized seating, wood beams, neutral palettes with a pop of colour, black accents. Warm, family spaces.
This really depends on how you use your room and the functions. If it is primarily a space used for watching TV then that becomes your focal point and your furniture should be placed in the best position to watch. If it is a more formal space or relaxing area then your focal point may be a fireplace or large window. The seating should then be comfortably placed around this allowing for relaxation. Try not to over crowd the space and leave room for traffic flow.
Absolutely. Clients often choose furniture that is either too large or too small for their room making the space feel uneven, cramped or empty. Choosing the right scale of furniture is more important than you think.
This will depend on the function of the room. If you use your living room a lot during the day and maybe have a workspace there, then you probably want to keep the room light, airy and neutral. If your living room is a space you primarily use in the evening and you want to feel cozy, then opt for deeper, darker shades. Don’t be afraid to go bold.
Again this will depend on the function of the room. However it is always nice to have a combination of lighting to use at different times. An overhead statement light, wall lights, mood lighting i.e table and floor lamps and task lighting are all types of lighting to incorporate into the room. Use the wall lights and mood lighting for a relaxing vibe.
This will depend on what windows and doors you have incorporated and the uses of the space. It is a good idea to add a layer of sheer curtaining if you have large bifold doors. This helps to soften the look and also provide some sun diffusion and privacy when needed. Try not to use lots of curtaining if the room is quite small as it will clutter the space. Instead opt for roman blinds, shutters or Venetian blinds for a smarter finish. If you are using curtaining, make sure they fall to the floor, short curtaining makes the room feel dated.
Use a light colour palette. Mirrors are a great way to make a space feel larger and help to bounce light around the room. Keep the space clutter free and add multi functional furniture and storage where possible.
Absolutely. One of my favourite looks is to combine a clients vintage or antique furniture with some modern pieces. This takes some thought and the right items to complete this look but it gives an eclectic, personal touch. A modern sofa can sit perfectly with an antique sideboard if matched correctly.
This is an area clients struggle with when completing a room. Add soft textures with cushions, throws, rugs, curtaining. Don’t be afraid to mix textures and patterns. Warm mood lighting softens the space so think about where you can place side and floor lamps. Introducing wood elements and planting helps to bring the outdoors in.
Basic essentials include sofas and alternative seating. Coffee table, side tables, TV media unit or sideboard storage. Accent chairs, lots of lighting and an area rug to soften and define the space. In larger rooms you can use multiple rugs to zone separate areas. Added extras might include artwork, oversized where possible, planting and accessories.
