The sitting room – Part 1

The Sitting Room - Part 1

Next we move into the main living space. It's relatively small, yet I wanted it to be multifunctional and feel spacious, so I've used a few techniques to zone the room and make the different areas appear bigger.

The Sitting Room

• A corner banquette is an incredibly versatile piece to have in a sitting room. Not only can it offer additional seating while entertaining, but I also chose to have it slightly higher than a standard armchair or sofa so that it can also be used in conjunction with a table for playing games or dining.

• I like to upholster sofas and armchairs in different but complementary fabrics to create more interest within the room. Budget will inevitably come into it, but this can lead to having to be a bit clever and getting creative, which can lead to unique and beautiful results.

• Try to avoid having too many lampshades, especially if you have a smaller room. Instead, mix it up by having a few slim and bulbless designs.

• Screens can offer privacy and can also act as a room divider in an open plan room.

• Using fabric as a wall treatment can help to absorb sound.

• If you have lower ceilings, it may work better to not have a cornice. Another way to extend the feeling of height is to lacquer the paintwork on the ceiling to bounce light around.

• The way in which you frame your artwork is very important. I like using a mixture of contemporary box frames with older, antique frames. Taking your artwork to a professional framer is well worth doing, too.

• The position of light switches should be thought through carefully, but also the fitting; I like it when light switches are almost invisible and blend into the room.

• Another way I created an illusion of more space was to mirror around the fireplace, which helps to make the narrow room feel wider.

• If space is tight, opt for side tables that blend into the room rather than stand out.

• Rugs are incredibly useful if you want to zone a room. Go for the biggest size you can, and anchor pieces of furniture by placing them on top.

• The way in which you use your home is sure to change and evolve, so allow for flexibility in the way you decorate it.

Sourcebook

Banquette upholstery - Murillo Le Manach fabric L2018_MURILLO_B26_B4_FE, by Pierre Frey

Banquette roll and outside back upholstery - Bargello Velvets Cantabria Coral fabric NCF4211-10, by Nina Campbell

Light switches - Forbes & Lomax

Tables - Tini tables, by Oomph, available at Nina Campbell

Coir coconut matting - by Tim Page Carpets