Debbie’s choice:
LIVING ROOM LAYOUTS When it comes to a functional living space it’s all about positioning your furniture in the right way
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hether you want a living room for lounging, somewhere to entertain, or both, there are a few basic principles to get right when it comes to arranging your furniture. These designer tips will help you make the most of your room’s potential.
An extended hearth with built-in storage adds character to an open-plan space
Think about how you use the room
How you’re going to use the room – for watching TV, the kids doing homework, or entertaining friends – will dictate what lighting, seating and storage you need. ‘I’d always start with what the actual lines of sight are when using the room,’ says TV presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Choose a focal point
‘In a family room, a TV is often the focal point,’ says Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf. ‘But it’s one of the things I hate to see, especially mounted above the fireplace. That should be for something beautiful, like a mirror or painting.’
Give the furniture space
Should furniture go against the wall? Our experts disagree. ‘It depends on the size of the room,’ says Charlie. ‘It does maximise space to arrange it that way.’ Laurence thinks differently: ‘If you can – even if it’s just a few inches – make sure it’s not against the wall. It limits the sense of space, making the room look smaller.’
IDEA TO STEAL
Swap a coffee table for an upholstered footstool or ottoman
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPH JAMES FRENCH
Create a sense of balance
Stand back and view the room as you would a picture. A sofa opposite a pair of armchairs with upholstered pouffes works well to balance a room. The trick is not to group too much furniture in one area.
Avoid common mistakes
‘Your home should really reflect your personality,’ says Charlie. ‘You don’t have to make a room look larger, so opt for darker colours to make it cosy instead.’ Laurence advises against using a chimney breast as a feature wall: ‘It’s already a dominant piece of architecture.’
50 | JUNE 2022
ALWAYS GIVE YOUR FURNITURE SPACE T BREATHE.STAND BACK AND CHECK NOTHING IS IN THE WAY OR CROWDING THE VIEW
