Living Rooms: cosy perspectives

The M.a.s.s.a.s sofa from Patricia Urquiola for Moroso comprises rounded blocks that offer a soft informal aesthetic whilst also showcasing its perfectly creased edges and high-quality craftmanship. The sofa is complemented with Urquiola’s Fishbone decorative table and Benjamin Hubert’s Net circular stainless-steel table. Moroso is available through Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza, Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).

TAKING THE PLUNGE IN YOUR LOUNGE

If you’re becoming a little fed up with your living room – after all, we have had to spend more time than usual in this room recently – then switching it up doesn’t have to be an expensive project. Of course, a new sofa is a fabulous way to make an impact but not an investment you necessarily want to make very often. Keep the room uncluttered with good cabinetry and, if space is limited, consider a coffee table with built-in drawers or shelving to store away everyday objects such as remote controls, placemats etc. Side tables are often forgotten but in a larger room they serve as useful resting surfaces when the coffee table, which normally takes centre stage, is a little out of reach. It is important to stress that these little tables don’t just have to be boringly functional. They can also add a decorative element to the room, so have fun choosing one. Lighting that is dotted around the room is always a pleasant way to make the space feel cosy and inviting. It is perfectly acceptable (depending on the space available, of course) to have table lamps, dimmable wall sconces, a statement floor lamp and a chandelier all in the same room. Having layered lighting gives you options for the particular illumination you require at the time. For example, for reading, perhaps an overhanging floor lamp or a table lamp offering direct light would be the best option, while pockets of table lamps are better for soft ambient lighting – especially ideal for relaxing with friends or family or when you want to watch a film. Fabrics are a great way to give your room a new lease of life, so upholstering a tired chair or pouf, adding some new cushion covers or changing the curtains can be a simple option to update the look of the room. Give your walls a lick of paint or dress them with a contemporary wallcovering. Or, if you’re feeling brave, go for a feature wall or a piece of artwork to add an artistic focal point to the room. And don’t forget your floor… a good-quality cosy rug is always an inviting feature.

The Standard sofa designed by Francesco Binfaré for Edra is anything but standard. Its “smart cushion” back and armrests can be moulded in any way you desire, and its deep seating offers optimal comfort (www.edra.com).

Above The Absolut sofa from Flow & Show is upholstered in velvet linen and can be made-to-measure. Available from Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and Your Home Styling in Centro Nórdico on the Mijas Road (www.yourhomestyling.com).

Designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, the Soriana features soft round contours for casual lounging and comes in various colours and upholstery options. The metal grip is a novel feature that gives this design its unique aesthetic and was awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1970. Cassina is available through Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).

Designed by Cini Boeri in 1968 for Arflex, the Strips sofa has become an “evergreen” model that is as popular now as it was when it was first launched. It comes in a number of fabrics and colours, and is shown here with their Jules and Jim armchairs, which contrast with the Strips sofa by offering high-back comfortable seating, and the Arcolor coffee table, designed by Jaime Hayon (www.arflex.it).

Fogia’s vintage-style Tiki three-seater sofa has deep comfortable seating with slim metal legs, adding a lightness to the overall aesthetic. It is shown here with the Koku oval occasional table, Utility footstool and Hood armchair. Fogia is available through High-End Homes in Puerto Banús, Marbella (www.high-endhomes.com).

Ferm Living’s Rico Divan sofa in off-white embraces curves and volumes in a classic and sophisticated design. It is shown here with their Mineral Sculptural Table made from 100 per cent bianco curia marble, Entire tapestry blanket and Dou floor lamp in natural rattan. Ferm Living is available through High End-Homes in Puerto Banús (www.high-endhomes.com).

Designed by Antonio Citterio, Flexform’s Zeus sofa features a show-stopping design with armrests that flare out from the base. The soft seat cushion is padded with goose down to offer comfortable seating, and the legs come in an array of colours and finishes (www.flexform.it).

USEFUL SIDE TABLES

The Nusa side table from Hübsch is made from marble with an iron frame. Its small size is highlighted by having shelving on two levels, which makes it both highly useful and space-saving. It is shown here on their Kawa runner rug. Available through Your Home Styling in CC. Nórdico on the Mijas Road (www.yourhomestyling.com).

The B97 nesting tables from Thonet can be pulled over the edge of a sofa or armchair when needed and then pushed together out of the way when not in use. Thonet is available through Nomad Studio One in C/ Espinosa in Sabinillas (www.nomadstudioone.com), Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) and Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).

The Platner is an iconic side table from Knoll made from hundreds of curved steel rods that are welded to circular frames. It comes in various finishes and tabletops, and in 2015 an 18-carat gold finish option was added to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Platner Collection (www.knoll.com).