LIVING & DINING ROOM
How is your living room used ?
A multi functional space that showcases our individual tastes, a room where we hang art and display our artefacts! The living room is often an informal eating space, where we sit with trays on laps, watching tv, a reading and games area too, or a place to relax and spend time with the family. Equally, the living room could be integrated with a designated dining area, or open plan to the kitchen.
For a space with so many uses, an essential part of designing the living room is to consider function. Specifically, how we use the environment on an everyday basis. Whether you are designing an existing living room or creating a new one, note who is using the space and how.
function & layout
Most living rooms are the only one in the house, so consider the overall size of the space and the essential fixtures and fittings needed for functionality. It's important not to overcrowd the room with furniture, the ideal living room has a fine balance of warmth without feeling cramped, so think carefully about traffic flow. This is especially important if your living room is part of an open plan layout where areas have different functions, such as a dining area, or kitchen.
If the living room is to be used by a large or growing family, consider their needs within the space. Also consider materials, such as carpet or hard flooring, paint vs wallpaper or upholstery cloth vs leather. Heavy traffic flow will require durable fixture and fittings, whereas a living room which has light use will need less robust materials.
Beyond thinking about materials, an initial layout of the room should be considered. This doesn't just apply to fixtures and fittings, it also extends to electrical sockets and light positions. Though existing living rooms will already have predetermined electrical points, it's worth considering altering these if needed. This may be necessary for designated work or reading areas within the living room, or where art and ceramics, for example, need specific illumination.
Layout will be largely determined by the way the living room is going to be used. Depending on the available space you may need to compromise various aspects, such as less, or smaller furniture. A good idea is to prioritise space for the main activity your living room will be used for. Bear in mind, some demographics, such as the disabled or elderly, may need extra space to move around furniture.
storage
When considering the function and layout of your living space, storage, is worth a special mention. Unfortunately, storage, is often neglected in favour of aesthetics. This is a shame, as early planning allows you to integrate this aspect seamlessly into your scheme.
How much storage is needed is fairly easy to estimate by noting the activities your living space will be used for. For example, if you are going to use your living space regularly for work, you will need to store your things in close proximity. Alternatively, your living room may be used regularly for socialising, therefore glassware etc. may need to be close at hand. Don't forget tv and audio equipment and any connecting ancillaries that need storage, also consider hiding unsightly cables. Remember, storage comes in many different forms, sideboards are both practical and stylish, and shelving not only displays books but artefacts as well. Even a decorative trunk can act as storage and a coffee table, perhaps!
To establish the layout of your living room it's essential to create a floor plan. The simplest method is to utilise one of the many user-friendly space planner tools available online. Just input the dimensions of your room to create a scaled plan. From there, you can access furniture options allowing you to experiment with their arrangement for the optimal layout. Using tools such as these offers some protection from purchasing too many fixtures and fittings or items which are too small or large.
Plan your space !
Choosing furniture
The right choice of furniture is very important. Not only is furniture costly, but making a mistake can diminish the look and practicality of your living space.
Before purchasing furniture, you would, hopefully, have considered the type of materials and function requirements of each item. You should also, by developing a floor plan, know approximately the size and what items of furniture you need. It goes without saying, that the sofa and accompanying chairs are one of the most expensive, as well as essential, items for the living room. Important factors to consider, are cost, size, comfort, durability and style. If you aim to achieve a good balance between these points, your furniture should last for many years to come.
More expensive suppliers tend to use premium leathers and hardwood frames.
High street brands offer a good choice of sofas at competitive prices.
Some sofas have dual a function. For limited spaces, a sofa bed may be a good option.
​The choice of sofas and chairs has never been better, unfortunately, sometimes too much choice can lead to sensory overload and it becomes difficult to choose. To narrow down your options, start with the budget. This will limit you to a certain number of retailers. Retailers that cater for lower budgets stock a good range, from more traditional to modern. High street companies such as Ikea and DFS are main players in this sector, however, bear in mind that high street furniture will inevitably be made with cheaper materials to reduce cost. If your budget allows, explore more independent retailers which have smaller ranges, and are more original in styling, being made with better materials. Wherever you purchase from, enquire on how the furniture is made. Cloth and leather upholstery is available in different grades and you'll also find, that cheaper furniture is commonly constructed with MDF and pine, whereas hardwood is used on more expensive counterparts. Higher end designer furniture is available from the likes of, Vitra, B&B Italia and Ligne Roset.
Don't forget comfort, try before you buy !
A common mistake when buying functional furniture, is neglecting comfort over style. Whether it's the main sofa, auxiliary chair or table, always try before purchase. Inevitably there will be a compromise between looks and function, but living with uncomfortable seating for a long period can be depressive and lead to physical issues. There are exceptions, notably if you are staging a home to sell, or only use your living room very occasionally, styling can sometimes be more important.
Dining room furniture
Whether your dining area is part of the main living room or separate, it's worth emphasising the importance of selecting the right dining room table and chairs. You will no doubt, have a minimum requirement regarding size, however, caution is needed when purchasing furniture for a limited space. Even if you have previously created a floor plan, it's still worth marking out the proposed dining room furniture in situ to check adequate traffic flow. Remember, when the chairs are in use the surrounding space is minimised further. In smaller spaces you may like to consider an extending table to save space. Like sofas, dining sets can be expensive, and as you would expect, higher end furniture commonly uses better hard wearing materials. Bear in mind when buying any furniture, choosing the cheapest option can be a false economy.
Living & dining room styling
When styling the living and dining room areas, cues can be taken from your homes architecture.
There are numerous sources of inspiration for styling your living or dining room. While you will naturally have your own design tastes, it's important to remember a few guidelines to enhance your interior. Importantly, it's a good idea to take cues from the architectural style of your home. Though there are no hard and fast rules, older properties, such as Georgian and Victorian, can support both period styles or a more modern interior. Older, timber framed properties inherently suit a more traditional aesthetic or a fusion of traditional and modern. Houses and apartments circa 1950's onwards suit a more modern style, and using design elements from their particular decade.
Popular styles for inspiration
The distinctive style of Art Deco uses bold colours and angular lines.
Severe in nature, but very effective when pared with softer textiles and ornamentation.
The pared back style of a Scandi interior exudes a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Blending traditional and modern elements can create an interesting, warm, and creative home.
Though you will already have your own design preferences, further inspiration can be derived from the many signature styles seen in period and modern properties alike. If you're seeking a period look, some popular choices include, cottage style interiors and Georgian / Victorian, all of which have their own aesthetic. Others to consider are, Arts and Craft, a style which developed in the early twentieth century that some historians regard as the first modern movement. This style later evolved into the beautiful, organic design known as Art Nouveau. This in turn developed into the more angular aesthetic, Art Deco, celebrating the dawn of a new advanced era.
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Looking at more contemporary styles for design cues, the Scandi look, which reflects the style signature of nordic countries, typically uses pale woods and light walls with furniture reminiscent of designers such as Arne Jacobsen. Or maybe the Brutalist style may appeal, which uses industrial elements, such as exposed concrete and pipework. Though care needs to be taken to counterpoint this look with softer elements. Recently, the so called Japandi style has become popular. This is a fusion, between the Scandi style with the stereotypical, precise, Japanese aesthetic, of low furniture and ethereal screens.
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Looking at historic or contemporary styles, is just a starting point for your own scheme, which should be adapted to suit your specific needs. In fact, blending elements from different eras in a natural way, creates a home which is both stylish and interesting. Remember, keep your own tastes at the forefront and be respectful to the architectural style of your home. A good tip when designing you living space using an eclectic mix, is to keep an underlying theme, which could be colour or materials. For example, you may have a home which suits a shabby chic aesthetic with an eclectic mix of furniture and artefacts, but using similar or a complimentary palette throughout brings the scheme together as a whole.
Buying accessory furniture and artefacts.
Regardless of the source of inspiration, your home should predominately reflect your personal taste. That said, beyond main retailers, explore smaller independent stores which can host a variety of accessory furniture, such as side tables, sideboards and coffee tables, not to mention art, ornaments, and more. You will find smaller design stores in cities, towns and online, selling both new and vintage items.
Though online platforms, like Etsy and e-bay can be a good source for items, auction houses are well worth a visit too. Here, if you're lucky, you can find the odd bargain, or for that shabby chic style, even potential furniture to up-cycle. At the higher end of the market independent interior boutique stores will be the place to find pieces by contemporary well known designers.
Alternatively, both modern and classic design pieces can be found from retailers such as, Vitra and Aram. Another option, is to have a piece of bespoke furniture, there are various small artisans eager to bring your designs to life, and they can be cost effective too.
Colour
The influence of colour cannot be underestimated. The right shade can transform a space beyond the design of the fixtures and fittings.
Colour has the ability to set an ambient tone, from minimally tranquil environments to vibrant maximalist spaces. For instance, to achieve a Scandinavian aesthetic, incorporating cooler tones alongside light woods will yield a more effective result.
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Though choosing colour will be a personal choice, take cues from the overall style you would like to realise. If you don't feel very confident with colour choice sticking with a neutral palette is a safe option and can look very sophisticated. The key here is not to have everything starkly white, but to add layers of off whites, with hints of grey and beige etc. to bring warmth into the interior.
If you want to introduce colour into your living area but are trepidatious, you can start with neutral tones and add some small amounts of colour through ornamentation, art, or cushions. This is a low cost option and avoids major mistakes. Those with more confidence can add colour more liberally, but successful schemes normally adhere to trusted guidelines. For example, try to use complimentary or contrasting colours, avoiding clashing tones using 3-5 main colour hues. To some degree, colour dictates mood, so experiment with reds and oranges for a warm inviting space, or maybe pale blues and greens for a cooler calm environment. However, your personal likes should be paramount as colours are a very personal selection.
​The cheapest and most dramatic way to add colour to a room is to paint the walls and ceiling. Whether you paint all the walls or select feature walls for a bolder colour, always try with sample pots first. Also, look how your chosen shades appear at different times of the day under natural light, and evening artificial light. Remember, if there is a good source of natural light, painting a smaller living room with lighter shades could maximise the feeling of space. However, in the absence of good natural light, embracing a darker room with deeper tones can work equally as well. There are always trends in the way colour is used. For instance, colour drenching is a popular example. This technique sees walls, ceilings, furniture and accessories in the same or similar colour. Also the monochrome aesthetic is making a revival, but remember, only apply the latest trends if they're right for your scheme.
Wallpaper & wall panels
Wall paneling has recently gained popularity in homes and can serve as an eye-catching feature in the living or dining area. Available in both modern and traditional designs, materials vary from natural wood to contemporary composites. Numerous panel types exist; some can be painted, while others allow a bespoke printed design of your choice. Apart from making a great focal point, panelling can also help with heat and sound insulation. When applying panelling conservatism is key, adding too much panelling to your room can become oppressive. For best results, consider using panelling sparingly and in keeping with the overall theme.
Wallpaper can add pattern, texture and visual interest to a living space. In open plan layouts, such as a living/dining room, wallpaper can be used to zone different areas, or cover all the wall space. However, try to avoid using wallpaper as a feature on just one small wall area, as this can look clichéd. When choosing colour tone and pattern, remember very bold choices can become visually overwhelming, especially when used with other patterned elements. Unless of course, you prefer a maximalist aesthetic. Also, don't forget to choose wallpaper which is durable, especially in dining room areas, or living rooms open to the kitchen.
Layering & textiles
When designing your living/dining area, it's worth remembering the importance of layering. Layering is the subtle introduction of cohesive elements which give your space depth and personality. All successful schemes have a degree of layering, with minimal interiors exhibiting subtle signs, to an abundance of layering evident in maximalist schemes. An example of simple flat layers would be different shades of paint used in the room, progressing to patterned or textured wallpaper. Furniture could be conceived as layering of sorts, however, layering most commonly refers to the introduction of art, ornamentation, lighting and most importantly textiles.
Not only are textiles a fundamental tool in layering, they can be crucial in the functionality of the main living area. Both practical and aesthetic, textiles come in different forms, and one of the easiest ways to add texture, colour, and pattern, is to introduce cushions. Cushions come in all shapes and sizes and due to their adaptability, they can be used not just for comfort, but to accent colour or add interest to a space. They are also ideal for introducing limited pattern to an interior, or a fun whimsical design to an otherwise restrained scheme.
Other enriching textiles to consider are throws, rugs and curtains. Using curtains in your living space will be dictated by the architecture of your home and the living/dining room style. Curtains are often commonly seen in period or traditional settings, and here, a rich quality heavy weight texture can add drama as well as warmth. A lighter linen cloth curtain suits a more modern aesthetic. Throws can be used to good effect to imbue a sense of interior warmth, especially during winter.
Rugs on the other hand have more impact, and have multiple uses in the living space. As well as adding different colour tones, texture and, if required, pattern to the room, they can contrast hard flooring by adding an area of warmth. They can also delineate zones in an open plan space, visually separating areas such as a living/dining room.
Flooring
The flooring in the main living areas often has more of a dual function than other rooms.
This is especially true in open plan spaces, such as a lounge/diner or a living room open to the kitchen. The flooring in the living area therefore, often needs to be both practical and comfortable.
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For instance the dining area usually requires more practical flooring, such as timber, especially if there are children in the household or regular social gatherings. It is possible to have mixed flooring in an open plan living space, such as a living/dining room or kitchen/diner etc. This could, for example, be a combination of wood and carpet, or even tiles and wood. Using different flooring in the same space can help differentiate separate zones, such as the dining area and the lounge space.
However, care needs to be taken when mixing floor materials as this can look disjointed. The same effect can successfully be achieved by using the same flooring throughout, veering on the practical side. For instance, using hard flooring coupled with rugs to zone the various areas.
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Whatever flooring you choose, remember living rooms are ostensibly high traffic areas, so material durability is key. Popular types of flooring include, hardwood, laminate, engineered wood, vinyl, tile and carpet. However, when choosing the type of floor, remember your personal taste and the overall scheme. Aesthetics, is always a key consideration.
ART & ORNAMENTATION
Designing a living area has many different facets, not only is practicality essential, the overall aesthetic can be enhanced with art and ornamentation creating a more positive emotional environment.
Adding personality and depth through art and ornamentation (A & O) is a fundamental aspect of interior design. A & O acts as a further aspect of layering and can be used to introduce different textures as well as colour. The living area in particular, tends to be the main focus of the house and therefore it's important to choose A & 0 carefully.
Wall art for instance, is available in infinite styles and forms, from posters and decorative panels to original paintings. Wall art can even be in differing mediums from textural tapestries to photography.
​Not only can art tie in the general theme to a room, art helps to set the tone and mood of the space. Alternatively art can be used to set a focal point, helping to draw the eye around an area. Art can be selected by a style or a colour theme, the latter allowing a more eclectic mix, but remember, scale is important. A work which is too small for a large wall will be lost. Also, consider grouping several pieces together, either informally or in a more formal grid pattern. Bear in mind when grouping art, to use complimentary works, whether themed or palette based. Lastly, don't forget how the rooms' lighting affects how your art is displayed.
Like art, ornaments transcend beyond design as they often convey a history of personal memories. That said, existing and new ornamentation can be curated to accentuate the rooms design whilst achieving a balanced look. When arranging ornaments with a collective theme, consider how they can be grouped to make a harmonious display. Remember, grouping ornaments in odd numbers can be visually effective, as is placing taller ornaments at the back. Also, think about narrative, for instance, you can group objects with a similar vintage, style, or colour palette.
​Ornaments can be effective when overlapping, though single statement pieces can make a great focal point when positioned in places such as an alcove. One of the biggest mistakes of ornamentation, is using too many pieces, which diminishes the overall impact to a room. Think, less is often more, and asymmetry is better than symmetry. Also remember, like wall art, good lighting is critical to display ornamentation effectively.
Using plants in your living area
House plants were once a common feature in many homes, but they became unfashionable for a time. Fortunately, they have recently made a resurgence. Not only do plants enhance mood and improve air quality, but they also add texture and form to your space. When selecting plants be cautious of creating a jungle effect, as it can detract from your interior's overall appeal. To choose the right plants, assess the light, humidity, and temperature of the area where you plan to place them.
Light
Establish the daily light levels of plant positions before buying specimens. House plants, like their outside counterparts, enjoy varying levels of light and shade depending on type.
Temperature
Certain south facing windows, positions near radiators, or even open fireplaces can become too hot, damaging plant leaves. Choose appropriate varieties when placing in warmer areas of the room. Also think about night temperature, as some spots can become very cold in the early hours.
Humidity
Though few plants like excessively dry conditions, except cacti perhaps, very humid spots can also cause a problem. Though living areas tend to have a fairly balanced humidity level, be careful if your living or dining space is open plan to the kitchen. This may raise moisture in places and therefore, plants like orchids, should be considered.
The importance of lighting
Lighting the living area effectively improves practicality, mood and aesthetics. To achieve the best results, it's important to employ layers of light using an array of different light sources.
TASK LIGHT
Task lighting refers to light predominately used for practical purposes, such as reading. In the living/dining area, table or floor lamps make good task light, especially if the light is directional, such as an anglepoise lamp. A low ceiling light overhanging a dining table could also be classified as a task light, specifically for eating purposes. When choosing task lights for living spaces, keep in mind a balance between practicality and aesthetic quality.
AMBIENT LIGHT
Ambient light, is broadly described as the main source of artificial light in a room. Normally this will be the main ceiling lights, however, they tend to create a harsh light, and in many cases, just relying on task and mood lighting will be sufficient. If you intend to use the main ceiling lights regularly, then fitting dimmers will vastly improve the lighting which can be modulated to suit your needs. This is particularly effective when using spotlights, or even chandeliers.
MOOD LIGHT
Mood lighting or Accent lighting, as it's sometimes known, is used to highlight certain areas of the room. This could be a feature alcove, a work of art, ornament or sculpture. Mood lighting comes in different forms, such as lamps, small directional spotlights or even wall lights. This type of light is normally soft in tone or a directional beam for highlighting objects. Mood lighting coupled with task, and ambient light, completes the trio of light layering.