Lounge
Say goodbye to the corridor effectSometimes it’s extra seating that’s needed to make a space look finalised. Long rectangular rooms (and even square rooms) can get a ‘corridor’ feeling if you position furniture only along the two main walls. Here, the owners solved the problem by placing a compact sofa in the bay window area, and an armchair and side table at the other end. Simple, but effective.
Tone with pinksThere’s absolutely nothing jarring about this calm, elegant living room. The walls, rug and sofa cover the room with a sage hue that makes the whole space feel relaxing. By adding just a few items in dusky pink and mauve, the designers have managed to bring out the warm tones in the green, while the soft velvets add to the tranquil feel.
Future-proof itMake sure that your new design doesn’t simply focus on your immediate needs. It’s very easy to put all of your attention into how you want to live right now, especially if you have small children. However, your needs will change over time so it’s vital that you build some flexibility into the design of your home. For instance, the opportunity to create a separate living space in an open-plan home might be a good idea as the children get older, as family members might feel the need for a calm room away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the home.
Create a seamless storage zoneThe open-plan layout of this Grade II-listed building helped to bring light into the house, but the relatively compact footprint presented challenges. Designer Elizabeth Webster of Fraher Architects, and her joinery team at Shape London, had to add a desk area and storage into the space next to the living room without making it appear too cluttered. By building wooden box shelves and a desk along the wall, they’ve fitted plenty of functionality into the area. The wood finish helps to zone the storage and desk area, while the grey paint and panelling gives the two spaces cohesion. It’s clearly a different area to the living space, but at the same time the two spaces work harmoniously together.Take a look at more of this beautifully restored building
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