We all dream of having a living room that looks like it could have come straight out of an interiors magazine. But, if your design skills leave a lot to be desired, the good news is our expert advice is at hand. And, it won't cost you a penny. So, if you want to create a living room that others are envious of, follow these top interior design tips from the experts…
Consider your space carefully
If you're starting with an empty shell, the first thing to consider is how you'll break up the space. So, not only do you have to take into account the living room as a whole entity, but also how each piece of furniture you introduce will work together.
Think about the purpose of the space and any obstacles you have to overcome in order to achieve the desired result, for example, is there enough room for the sofa bed to extend? One way to help you establish a vision is to sketch out your ideas; engaging your mind into thinking about the space's potential. And, it will help you to realise any major stumbling blocks before you steam ahead.
Product featured: The Atworth sofa/sofa bed
Appeal to your senses
Your living space needs to not only appeal visually to your tastes. But, it also needs to work practically for the everyday. So, besides thinking with your eyes only, take into account your other senses when making purchasing decisions.
If you're working with an open plan area, remember that sounds and smells will spill out into the common areas. So, you may have to think about ways to soundproof or combat cooking smells from infiltrating your upholstered areas. Likewise, when you pick out fabrics and soft furnishings, don't just think about how they feel to the touch. Instead, also consider their properties for example does the colour clash with the style of the carpets, paint or wallpaper? Thinking about each of your senses in turn will help you design a living room that makes you feel calmer and functions seamlessly.
A simple aesthetic always looks stylish
This one is great if your budget for decorating is tight. A minimally furnished living room makes a very impactful style statement. Not to mention, houses free from clutter don't accumulate so much dust. So, don't feel an undue pressure to fill your space up to the max with accessories galore.
A very simple and sparsely furnished room produces a very grown-up and elegant result. And, the best part is, it doesn't date as fast as buying into current trends and fads. So, stick to neutral colours for sofas and sofa bed such as whites and grey tones. And, only use a maximum of three different materials or textures in the space. You'll be amazed by how stylish the end result is and what you've achieved for minimum investment.
Product featured: The Braydon bed
Balance form and function
Evaluate everything you're buying and make sure you can justify its purpose for being there. So, whenever you're considering a purchase, particularly big-ticket items, take a moment to think about the specifics before barreling ahead.
All too often, we lose sight of the practical in favour of buying things we simply find aesthetically pleasing. And, then when it comes to living with the room we've created, we quickly become frustrated when things aren't performing. So, don't let your heart rule your head when it comes to making interior design decisions and remember your living room's purpose; making sure you only invest in items that serve a practical purpose. Sofa styles that have built-in storage or assemble in modular configurations are ideal for 21st century living, as are sofa beds which offer a great place to sleep extra guests when required.
Product featured: The Ashwell chaise storage sofa/sofa bed
Set yourself a budget and stick to it
Nobody likes to be reminded about the purse strings. But, setting a budget upfront will help you determine the areas where you can afford to splash out - and where you need to rein it in. So, work out your finances before you begin investing in materials and decide a figure you're comfortable with spending.
A spreadsheet is a great way of managing your budget and keeping a running total of your spend. After all, every interior designer has strict budgets they have to adhere to - set by the client. So, using an application like Excel is key to ensuring you deliver your interiors project on time and to cost. Divide your budget into respective lines, starting with the areas that are vital first such as material costs and any non-negotiable furniture purchases which are likely to take up the bulk of your spend. And, record everything you spend and make sure it comes out of the appropriate budget line (if you manage to cost save in one area you can then redistribute the money elsewhere in the budget accordingly).
Don't be afraid to take risks
Your home is a reflection of your own personal taste and preferences. So, don't be afraid to mix things up a little and try new things you haven't put into practice before. As long as you like your ideas and they can be delivered to budget that's all that matters.
Taking risks doesn't have to be a costly endeavour. In fact, it can be as simple as using a bold colour to highlight one feature wall or doing things a little different to the norm. Some of the best interiors trends of the 21st century have derived from designers rewriting the rules and experimenting with the status quo, for example using second hand ladders as shelving units or reclaiming scaffolding as shelves; both simple but effective ideas that defy the norm.
Don't forget, if you are planning on updating your sofa or sofa bed we offer a huge variety of designs in our handmade furniture collection. To find out more about our designs visit our website. Or, if you have any questions, contact our Customer Service experts on 020 8939 3800.