7 Interior Designers Share Their Living Room Schemes

The sitting room is typically one of a house's most utilised zones. My vision was to create a serene space for a couple to come home to, injected with a dose of contemporary edge. Fusing a calming palette of milky ivory hues with earthy tones and textures that bring the outdoors in – such as Karen Swami’s Galdor sculptural vase from Les Atelier Courbet – elevates R&R levels to new magnitudes. Low level pieces, such as the Umanoff planter and Pinch Derome table lamp, bring a cosier vibe and ground the space. They are complemented by two Busnelli International cream armchairs. I chose to pepper a few taller, leaner sculptural pieces to drive depth and intrigue to the room. Hung as a statement wall tapestry, the Larusi Vintage Tuareg rug brings the eyeline up and completes the space.

Visit TalaFustok.Studio

This living room is designed as a full sensory experience. Natural materials such as the wooden floor, jute rug and marble fireplace are balanced with super-soft cosy blankets, low-level lighting and a sublime diffuser for an intimate evening. It is designed to be relaxing and soothing but at the same time with enough sophistication to host a drinks party. Old antique items are harmonised with the new to create a feeling of unique finds passed down from generations before providing a sense of a well-lived life. 

Visit Studio-Anton.com

I’ve designed an elegant space for a couple who like beautiful shapes, textures and colours. Comfortable seating, practical surfaces, playful lighting and artwork come together in a harmonious way. A pink velvet sofa flanked by deep side tables allows space for lamps and other items in front. An ottoman with soft top allows you to put your feet up while providing storage underneath. Traditional carved wooden chairs add a sophisticated element. Accessories including ikat cushions, frilly fringe cushions, botanical artwork and drip-effect vases supply colour and interest.

Visit HenryPrideaux.com

This calming colour scheme of warm neutrals and earthy olive greens creates a space that feels warm and relaxed. We’ve layered in lots of texture with a mix of linens, velvets, wool and warm woods. Wattle III by Paint & Paper Library has a subtle green undertone that is the perfect backdrop. Rose Uniacke’s heavyweight linen in Myrtle is the ideal partner for the curtains. The inviting sofa in a super-soft velvet takes centre stage in the room, while a footstool in a darker shade of linen sits in front as the perfect spot to put your feet on after a hectic day. Two rare Fritz Hansen armchairs, reupholstered in warm sheepskin wool, sit opposite and the bold Nanimarquina striped rug adds a contemporary feel, with a chunky handwoven mohair blanket on the sofa to cosy up in. The Alfred Newall bobbin mirror in dark green oak adds a playful pop of colour, and a striking artwork in the same earthy tone by Louise De Lima sitting above the Italian Art Deco sideboard ties it all together perfectly.

Visit DesignAndThat.com

The basis of this scheme is this beautiful House of Hackney fabric which ties all the colours of the room together. The scheme is restful, tonal and luxurious. It is feminine but the bronze metals, contrasting paint work colours and strong red lamps give the scheme an ‘edge’. The pendant and curtain fabric add a whimsical touch and the graphic rug from Shame Studios adds a cool touch to the look. 

Visit LauraStephens.co.uk

This living room is a relaxed space with upholstered seating and a saturated colour scheme of turquoise and red with accents of black. I love a colour palette inspired by nature – it brings a comfort and calm, ideal for an inviting living space – and if you're worried about being bold, just remember that nature is bursting with vibrant colour. Sofas and chairs should be comfortable, never uptight, and I've used plush velvet seating in a warm palette of greens, golds and blues – resembling leafy vines, the Boboli embroidered sheer fabric adds a delicate touch. I think of lighting as the jewellery in a room. Here, a selection of French-inspired lighting in lacquered brass creates a cosy glow. Of course, no room is complete without beautiful accessories. I pay as much attention to setting a table as I do to designing a room and love these fluted glasses for their delicate and glamorous touch.

Visit NataliaMiyar.com