7 Interior Designers Share Their Living Room Schemes
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Geraldine Apponyi
Designer & Founder, Apponyi Design
I have imagined a couple, possibly one with children, or perhaps just the usual busy lives, that needed a space to retreat, relax, entertain or just be together in. I wanted to create a cosy and calming space that works as well in the morning over a cup of coffee as it does at night, by candlelight for drinks with friends. I kept the colours limited but warm, using various textures to give interest and warmth. Comfortable and versatile seating is so important in a hard-working, multi-functional space. The right furniture is not only beautiful, but practical for the way you exist in the room. A comfortable upholstered ottoman can be used to rest your feet or for guests to sit on when you need more seating, as well as becoming a coffee table with the addition of a beautiful tray. Drinks tables are key – you need to be able to put down your mug or glass without having to get up or reach too far. A beautiful open etagere can house not only books and special bits, but also the all-important bar. In addition to a statement chandelier, a floor lamp or two not only gives warm, indirect light, but can be pulled over when you are curled up with a book. The pieces I have chosen are a mix of some key investment pieces and vintage finds, as well as some very affordable easy items. I believe that mixing like this makes a room feel much more real and comfortable, as well as being more realistic and achievable. The feel of this room is of quiet elegance. Grown up but not stuffy. Calm and cosy with a little of the unexpected and a bit of fun.
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Tala Fustok
Designer & Founder, Tala Fustok Studio
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.
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Antonia Winkler von Stiernhielm
Director, Studio Anton
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.
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Henry Prideaux
Designer & Founder, Henry Prideaux
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.
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Emma Shone-Saunders
Designer & Founder, Design & That Studio
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.
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Laura Stephens
Designer & Founder, Laura Stephens
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.
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Natalia Miyar
Designer & Founder, Natalia Miyar Atelier
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.
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