A ROOM FOR ALL
When is a home not a home? When it’s designed more for likes than the luxury of living in absolute comfort. Avoid the pitfalls of modern social-media-style design by bringing some reality into your living space
‘A BEAUTIFUL SPACE WILL ACCOMMODATE THE WHOLE FAMILY’
It’s easy to see how the modern world has made us more obsessed than ever with our living spaces. We all need a retreat from everyday stresses, yet one peek into an influencer’s home can make our own style choices feel not quite sleek, colour-coordinated or curated enough. And while a quick scroll can leave even the most confident interior designer looking down on their own space, here’s a secret those squares won’t tell you: almost every interiors image you see online is staged to perfection.
The reality is our homes should be designed for sharing with our loved ones, not followers. A beautiful space will accommodate everyone – from parents, kids and friends down to the family dog – and be visitor-ready without needing a team of prop stylists behind the scenes. Because it’s not called a living room for nothing.
Who doesn’t find their floors are filled with remote controls, books or toys by the end of the day? John Lewis & Partners design manager Philippa Prinsloo says: ‘Make sure you have plenty of open and closed wall storage, so you can tidy away all the clutter before relaxing on the sofa.’
COMFORT ZONE
There’ll be no need to fight over the comfy seat if your whole suite is piled with contrasting soft cushions and cosy throws. ‘Layering textures in an informal way makes a virtue of a slightly undone design aesthetic, so you’re less likely to notice anything else that’s out of place,’ says Philippa. The natural wear and tear hardwood floors will endure is also easily hidden with bold rugs. Philippa explains: ‘Patterns are great for camouflaging any future spillages.’ For more inspiring ideas on how to create the perfect living space for you and your lifestyle, visit John Lewis & Partners in store or online at johnlewis.com