Every season, the living room is the optimal space to create a soft, cosy environment to spend time with friends, family and loved ones.
Equally, it can offer a good space to relax on your own, whether you spend that time wrapped up in a blanket watching television or lost in a book with a hot cup of tea.
Thankfully, autumn offers an ample opportunity to refresh your space and create an enticingly cosy feel - and you don’t have to cover it head-to-toe in pumpkins.
To help you on your way, design guru Magdalena Gierasinska from Barker and Stonehouse has shared her latest seasonal tips to create a calm, happy and relaxing living space.
A reading nook has become a sought-after feature for plenty
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And even just a small change to your room’s layout could make all the difference, according to the guru. For instance, she said: “A cosy reading nook with an armchair, side table, and lamp adds an inviting pocket of calm.”
As of late, reading nooks have become all the rage in the interior design world as homeowners dream of the perfect corner to settle down undisturbed from the real world.
The gurus at Emma Bridgwater shared their expertise on how to create a cosy reading space, starting off with sufficient cushion and blankets to keep you warm on the chillier nights.
Additionally, adding some flowers, candle or diffuser can add a little something more to set the scene.
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Simply putting a little bit of thought into how the space is laid out can be transformational to your living room, the expert added.
“Measure your space and plan zones,” Ms Gierasinska advised. “A rug can anchor a seating area, and don’t be afraid to float sofas away from the wall, as it creates a sense of flow and avoids a boxed-in feel.”
Meanwhile, the sofa ought to be treated as the heart of the room, opting to one crafted from a tactile fabric in warm tones, layered with adequate throws and cushions.
“Or, if you’re feeling bold, a statement sofa in a rich hue balanced with natural wood or marble accents can have a similar effect,” the expert added.
Adding different textures like faux fur could add a bit more variety to the space
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Another one of Ms Gieransinka’s tips to kickstart a calming environment is to start to layer lighting. By this, she means using a variety of light sources throughout the room.
“Avoid relying on a single harsh ceiling pendant, and instead, combine floor lamps, table lamps, and wall lights to create depth and atmosphere,” she suggested. “Think soft smoked glass or natural wood finishes to give a warm glow.”
In terms of colours, warm and neutral palettes are the way forward, partnered with tactile textures such as boucle or faux fur.
Finally, clutter is often the culprit for a stressful environment, so smart storage is also a welcome investment. “Sideboards are brilliant for hiding away the practical bits while doubling up as display space for books, art, or greenery,” the guru recommended.