Expert Voice:

We a s ked CHLÖE ELKERTON from E& A Interiors to talk us through key living room trends, and put the spotlight on four of her recent projects to glean some inspiration.

Trends and tips for creating the best living room

Three current trends are showcased through these featured projects. The first is the use of Moroccan rugs; there is currently a shift away from bold geometric pieces, which are less versatile and harder to move between spaces. Moroccan rugs are softer, and more durable and long-lasting.

Mixing of styles is popular right now, and the combination of different themes such as Asian, Moroccan, African or Classic incorporated into a design scheme makes for a more interesting and dynamic design style. It tells more of a story and often results in a more liveable space than a single themed room.

Finally, the use of warmer metals such as brass on lighting, fixtures and furniture is trending over colder stainless steel and similar materials.

CASE 1

White was used on the walls, the floor and in the detail of the picture frames to act as a background to showcase a pop of colour and create a fresh, fun, light and elegant room. An existing sofa was moved to the middle of the room, and reupholstered with the sides and back featuring a striking pattern. We used reflective surfaces to add elegance as well as light to the space, through the leather stools and mirrored cabinet.

CASE 2

An open- plan living- dining room area was created, and a bespoke banquette added to create a dining section. The neutral palette worked as a thread to showcase interesting patterns and textures, creating a warm, elegant interior.

Lighting was added in different finishes, from an upholstered lampshade to different types of brass. The large Moroccan rug worked to “ground” the furniture, and make the space feel larger, and a soft geometric wallpaper was used to add texture and style to the room.

CASE 3

The striking piece of art was used as inspiration for the room, and the colour palette acts as the thread for the theme of the space. The room is linked together by drawing on accents like the black frame, and incorporating this into other elements such as the ceramic stool and armchairs.

The understated luxe vibe was created through the combination of interesting textures such as linen, brass, mirror and wood.

By mixing different styles, a very sophisticated, warm and liveable space was created. Existing pieces were worked with, including the wooden cabinet and two armchairs, which were reupholstered and combined different looks.

CASE 4

An unused space in a black-andwhite house was given a new lease of life, and turned into a family and kids’ playroom. To create a lounge feel, a bespoke large and low-level sofa was made, using the majority of the floor space.

A wooden built-in media unit was secured to the wall, ensuring there is no risk of it falling. There’s plenty of storage space for toys and the shelves are at different heights, so more precious items can still be displayed. Two mirrored panels make the space feel bigger, and a soft patterned wallpaper adds texture and light.

The choice of sofa along with the cabinet makes the room versatile, which means that it will grow with the child.

Materials used: Velvet, linen, leather, wool, ceramic and glass Level of difficulty: Intermediate Cost: $12,000 Steal the look: • When using a sofa in the middle of the room, upholster the side and back in a different texture or pattern to the seat. • Use a monochrome palette – painting the walls white, for instance – when adding a pop of strong colour. • Don't be scared of colour – it's a great way to bring a happy, bright and vibrant feel to a room. • Use art as inspiration for thecolour palette of a room.

Materials used: Brass, linen, ceramic, wool and glass Level of difficulty: Advanced Cost: $15,000 Steal the look: • Reupholster existing furniture such as an old armchair or lampshade. • Move artwork around, and use an existing piece as inspiration for the mood of the room. • Accessorise through the use of cushions, trays, photo frames and ornaments. • Invest in one or two new pieces to compliment family favourites.

Materials used: Linen, wool, brass, wood, wallpaper Level of difficulty: Advanced Cost: $25,000 Steal the look: • Mix patterns on a neutral palette to create an interesting and coordinated look. • Use lighting in different finishes on different levels. • Add in a fabric ottoman instead of a coffee table – this is also an opportunity to add in a patterned or different textured fabric. • Use a neutral geometric wallpaper to add texture and a luxurious feel.

Materials used: Cotton, spray-painted wood, wallpaper, very soft bamboo silk rug Level of difficulty: Intermediate Cost: $30,000 Steal the look: • Using baskets is an elegant way to store toys, especially if the space is shared by teens and adults. • Change handles on existing cupboards – this can add to the theme of a room. • Invest in a bespoke sofafor an awkward space. • Add mirrors to make aroom feel bigger. • Use wallpaper to createtexture and light.