HOME STYLING
Keeping neutral on furniture means it’s easier to chop and change accessories in the future
Go for dedicated switching so they’re all operated from the main light switches and if it’s too late for that, check out the really good remote control plug-in devices available. Add texture to the sitting room with timber floors. They also let you change rugs and the feel of a room easily. There’s an astonishing and subtle range of timbers available, from darkly smoked to soft pale bleached versions. Be aware of the width of the boards and how they affect the feel of the room – large rooms benefit from wider boards. Also beware of natural knots if you’re going for a clean, contemporary look. Engineered flooring will let you have the best of both worlds with a natural top finish and a stable base. Too often these days, sitting rooms are dominated by massive televisions. When they’re on, they’re great – the image and sound quality are superb these days, and there’s nothing nicer than curling up on your own sofa without a stranger chomping popcorn in your ear. When they’re turned off however, they’re a
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huge black, blank, dead space that still dominates the room. There are some really neat solutions around, from TVs that emerge from furniture if you have the space, to screens that double up as really good mirrors or pictures. An option that’s often overlooked is to use shutters that can be designed in with faux panelling – this doesn’t have to be as onerous as it sounds and can look terrific with a contemporary twist. If the room has underfloor heating or no natural focal point, making a feature of this can really help balance it. Traditionally rooms would have a
fireplace as the main feature and this can really help anchor the space. If the room hasn’t got or doesn’t need a fireplace, think about an architectural accent to take its place. We often feel more comfortable with something to sit around, so try to make seating areas sociable, with coffee or side tables within reach. Also think about making charging points for tablets and computers easily accessible. While you’re thinking about sockets, don’t
forget sound systems and speakers that need to be plugged in.
All of this leads to the point of deciding on a seating plan fairly early on. I always think a mixture of sofas and chairs, sometimes mixing styles up a bit, makes for a very stylish look that doesn’t look too corporate. I often start with a neutral base colour and then build in colours and textures to add an accent colour and extra zing. Keeping neutral on the biggest pieces of furniture also means it’s easier to chop and change accessories in the future if you want to without ditching your biggest investments in the space. Cushions and throws easily transform the feel of a room as can rugs and changing lampshades. Above all, your sitting room is about comfort. It’s about putting your feet up after a busy day and relaxing, so make sure you have exactly what you need around you.
e Rendall is an interior designer who collaborates with developer Berkeley Place
Clair may/june 2022
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