Furnishing the summer sitting room

Garrison, New York

Furnishing the Summer Sitting Room

With the layout largely unchanged, swapping the existing furniture for more considered and elevated pieces was the key to transforming the room.

Items Sourced Well Will Stand the Test of Time

It can be hard to part with furniture, but it's often better to cut your losses if a piece isn't working and upgrade it to something that will work more successfully within the scheme. This may not mean getting rid of it - often a piece can find a home in another room.

Seating is always well worth the investment when furnishing a sitting room as comfort is absolutely essential. Generally speaking, the more you spend the longer it will last.

As important as upholstery is, a room is made up of so much more than fabrics - an inviting space should feel layered, so always be on the lookout for lamps and accessories to make the room feel lived in and cosy.

Don't Be Led by Trying to Fill the Gaps

Looking for very specific furniture can often lead you into a blind alley or down the path of cliche, and this is something I will always try to avoid. Having a strict shopping list of exact items can be more restrictive than helpful, so try to keep an open mind.

The beauty of furnishing with antiques is that it is serendipitous, and the best things will come to you by chance. My technique is to always be looking and to cast my net wide. If I see something I like, I'll decide where it might go rather than the other way around.

Start early in any project to give yourself the luxury of time, as well as the best chance of the right things coming to you.

Make Sure You Start with the Right Sofa

In a sitting room, a sofa is arguably the most important element and I would always advise thinking about it as the starting point for your scheme.

As well as the fabric and colour, size is crucial to consider. I would recommend going for the deepest seat depth you can; around 4ft deep allows enough room for back cushions and a comfortable place to sit.

Tables, Lamps and Chairs (of Course!)

I am constantly on the lookout for tables, lamps and chairs - you will always need more than you think, and the process of sourcing them is seemingly never ending! My general rule is if I can think of three places to put it, then it's pretty safe to buy.

Look for Opportunities to Create a Moment

In a house, there will be small areas such as narrow strips of wall or tiny corners and these spaces are perfect for creating beautiful vignettes with a side table, a lamp and artwork with ceramics or books.

Sourcebook

Sofa and sideboard from Guinevere