Megan Loughborough, senior designer of Barclay Interiors
The key elements are layout, style and colour. A harmonious living space needs to be functional and allow its user to move around with ease. The way in which a room is laid out can alter the perception of its use and purpose. Balancing furniture by way of symmetry is an ideal way to emulate a formal drawing room. For example, having two sofas of the same size facing each other, or placing two occasional chairs side by side. Alternatively, to create a more relaxed atmosphere, size and arrangement of furniture can be played with – pairing an armchair with a chaise longue for example.
In order to create a sitting room that will be enjoyed for years to come, it is wise to start with a neutral colour palette and introduce pops of colour through accessories, like cushions and artwork. Don’t be afraid to combine patterns, these contrasts create intrigue and depth to a design. When experimenting with colour and pattern, it is important to recall balance. Too much colour can make a space feel busy and overcrowded, whereas, too little can portray the room as dull. A similar assumption can be made in regard to pattern, a space requires just enough to inject energy, but not so much that the area feels visually noisy.
