Decorating: 8 Spaces Made for Sharing
Make your home more sociable by transforming your rooms into inviting spaces for two or more
Most things in life are better shared and good room design can encourage and support communal living. Here are eight easy ways to create spaces that encourage spending and enjoying time with friends and family.
Tweak your furniture placement
Arrange your most comfortable pair of armchairs, like these leather-upholstered Scandi ones, at right angles to encourage conversation. A sculptural floor lamp adds interest, provides good light and turns any space into a reading or gossiping corner for two.
Arrange your most comfortable pair of armchairs, like these leather-upholstered Scandi ones, at right angles to encourage conversation. A sculptural floor lamp adds interest, provides good light and turns any space into a reading or gossiping corner for two.
Splash together
Although sharing a bath with a partner can be fun, a double shower is a far more practical and relaxing alternative. Source beautiful handmade tiles online or at reclamation yards for a resort vibe and, for real indulgence, enclose in glass and install a steam room.
See more drenching rain showers
Although sharing a bath with a partner can be fun, a double shower is a far more practical and relaxing alternative. Source beautiful handmade tiles online or at reclamation yards for a resort vibe and, for real indulgence, enclose in glass and install a steam room.
See more drenching rain showers
Work in harmony
Transform a spare room into a comfortable home office where couples can work in close proximity while still keeping their own space. Facing away from each other is perfect for quiet but companionable concentration, or sit either side of a wide desk for cosy collaboration. Use colour to express personality and define separate zones. As a finishing touch, select art together that you can both enjoy.
Transform a spare room into a comfortable home office where couples can work in close proximity while still keeping their own space. Facing away from each other is perfect for quiet but companionable concentration, or sit either side of a wide desk for cosy collaboration. Use colour to express personality and define separate zones. As a finishing touch, select art together that you can both enjoy.
Upgrade the family bathroom
Reinvent your bathroom and create a space where everyone feels welcome. Twin basins and large mirrors mean partners can wash together without annoying each other, while stepstools make it easier for kids to get ready. Generous fluffy towels stacked by the bath turn mornings into more pleasure than chore.
Discover why twin basins are twice as nice
Reinvent your bathroom and create a space where everyone feels welcome. Twin basins and large mirrors mean partners can wash together without annoying each other, while stepstools make it easier for kids to get ready. Generous fluffy towels stacked by the bath turn mornings into more pleasure than chore.
Discover why twin basins are twice as nice
Gather round
Combine mismatched contemporary and traditional chairs to set the tone for a relaxed, inviting dining room. To create a look that’s stylishly laid-back rather than messy, anchor the table with sculptural armchairs and pair with two distinct side chair styles (each in even numbers). As always when mixing things up, ensure seats and armrests are at the right height for your existing dining table before you buy.
Combine mismatched contemporary and traditional chairs to set the tone for a relaxed, inviting dining room. To create a look that’s stylishly laid-back rather than messy, anchor the table with sculptural armchairs and pair with two distinct side chair styles (each in even numbers). As always when mixing things up, ensure seats and armrests are at the right height for your existing dining table before you buy.
Fill your house with music
Lift the mood at home and create a dedicated music corner, with a built-in sound system, small portable speaker and any instruments family members play. Guitars can be hung on the wall, and if there’s no room for a gorgeous piano like this, choose an upright or even squeeze a digital piano onto a low shelf. Melodies from favourite tunes will cheer everyone up.
Lift the mood at home and create a dedicated music corner, with a built-in sound system, small portable speaker and any instruments family members play. Guitars can be hung on the wall, and if there’s no room for a gorgeous piano like this, choose an upright or even squeeze a digital piano onto a low shelf. Melodies from favourite tunes will cheer everyone up.
Cosy up outside
Outdoor furniture has become almost indistinguishable from the indoor kind. Invest in some stylish pieces and, when the sun is shining, throw open your doors and move outside for companionable lounging. Cushions in weather-resistant fabrics and outdoor speakers, floor lights and rugs create a more inviting space perfect for lounging or entertaining.
TELL US…
Is your home sociable? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Outdoor furniture has become almost indistinguishable from the indoor kind. Invest in some stylish pieces and, when the sun is shining, throw open your doors and move outside for companionable lounging. Cushions in weather-resistant fabrics and outdoor speakers, floor lights and rugs create a more inviting space perfect for lounging or entertaining.
TELL US…
Is your home sociable? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Update a stiff banquette with pretty floral seat cushions and textured down-filled pillows to create an inviting corner that’s comfy for coffee breaks, dining or homework time – and will encourage lingering. Here, a graphic rug adds warmth underfoot and sleek chairs keep the space functional and modern.