Most lounges have to perform two very different functions. While they have to be a cosy place for the family to feel literally ‘at home’, they also have to create an impact for entertaining guests. Based in London, Cochrane Design individually tailors interiors to create beautiful solutions for each client. When designing lounges, Sean Cochrane, the firm’s director, advises that the first major consideration is what the client will see when they first walk in. “Whether it’s architectural, a piece of furniture, or lighting, it’s the use of colours in interior spaces as the translation of abstract colour schemes, theories and meanings into real materials and surfaces.
If you are going to use carpet, you have to consider the other materials you have used, and make sure that it doesn’t seem too like a bedroom.
“It is very important to think about lighting and how it can affect the mood. Depending on the space, and what you have to work with, lighting can really induce a wow factor. Whether it is a large chandelier piece in the centre, or whether it is a collection of smaller lights, or accent lighting, highlighting a key area/piece of art or furniture in a room. It can really change the mood of a space without compromising functionality or affecting the comfort of the space.”
For a lounge, Sean suggests an open layout but with some select private and coveted areas throughout the space. “It needs to be obvious to the clients where they can go for a more private time and where they can interact socially,” he says. “At present we have found darker, richer colours are more popular, and work extremely well within high-end lounges. The rich and dark colour schemes work well with the idea of luxury and plush spaces. Navy blues work particularly well, but make sure to add a splash of colour here and there, whether it is bright fabric on bar stools, or a bright sofa, make sure to not forget bright colours completely.
“Rich velvets and other plush fabrics upholstered on to chairs and sofas are good if you want to create a comfortable yet luxurious space. Bar stools are also important to use, and appeal to those wanting to sit alone, or just wanting to perch for a short time. Leather is a great and interesting material to use and creates a wonderful natural pattern using texture. Material wall covering can also work well and, if you are using tables, choose small ones to rest a drink on.”
Lastly, Sean advises that it is vital to think about acoustics when deciding on the flooring. “If you are going to use carpet, you have to consider the other materials you have used, and make sure that it doesn’t seem too like a bedroom. We tend to go for a treated wooden flooring, which we sometimes finish with a rug in certain areas of the space.”
Taking a holistic approach
Stirixis Exclusive is the unit of Stirixis Group that focuses on the creation of private villas, apartments, lofts and vacation homes. Its design repertoire is wide and always perfectly fits the company’s distinguished clients’ wishes. Elena Athanassoulas, vice-president and executive director of Stirixis Group, says, “The lounge area is part of a wider context and design. It is not a singular, detached area and it shouldn’t be designed this way. Rather, one should consider the space itself, the surrounding areas, the general feel of the home and what the customer needs.”
As for the type of lay-out that works best, Elena believes there is no single correct answer. “What I can say after more than 20 years of experience is that good use of ‘corridors’ should be made in the lounge. In other words, making use of space and the placement of furniture in a way that divides the area and creates pathways that subconsciously guide the guest around the lounge and make everything accessible.”
The centrepiece of the lounge, for Elena, is the sofa and she says that this should be functional and comfortable but, most importantly, appropriate to the overall design. “We then move on to other comfortable furniture such as armchairs, then coffee tables and art pieces. The lounge area is usually the most frequented space in the residence. The owners usually spend most of their time there but it also serves as the de-facto spot for accommodating visitors. This means that the materials chosen must be durable enough to withstand frequent use. As for the aesthetics of the carpet and floor, it must be compatible with the overall concept and the taste of the owner, or else it disturbs the overall feeling of the room.
“For us, the wow factor is a lounge that gives off a complete feeling of tranquillity where all your senses are harmonised, allowing you to relax. By using the right materials that respond to our vision as well as the customer’s, placing them appropriately in the available space, and then making sure that things like sound, smell, and visuals enhance the feeling of comfort are addressed is part of our holistic approach. We won’t use any incompatible colours that might disturb the harmony of the room. Usually we find that earthly colours work best for lounge areas, but always accompanied by art pieces that break the sense of monochromy.”
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