Insider style
Know the look you want but not sure where to start? Our resident interior designer Andrew Griffiths shares his insights
Our resident interior designer Andrew Griffiths shares his expert knowledge of things you need to think about, and opens his Little Black Book of go-to places to help you find the perfect pieces for your project.
Alot of life happens in the living room: it’s both a hub of activity where people come together and hang out, as well as a space to relax and switch off. Getting the balance right and making it work for you takes careful consideration, but the payoff is definitely worth it.
Before you start
• First, take note of which way your living room faces
This will influence how you need to work with the natural light. A north-facing room that gets little or no direct sunlight has to be treated differently to a south-facing one in terms of the colours and overall feel of the space.
• Consider what time of day you mostly use the space Is it in the evenings? If so, introduce colours, textures and detailing that will look great in lower light and contribute to an overall cosy feel.
• Make a clear storage plan Be realistic about what needs to be stored in the room – particularly if you’re not a minimalist – then make sure to introduce enough storage to keep it neatly out of sight. Have this in mind from the start rather than as an afterthought.
• Shape a room that’s right for you Think about how you mainly use the room. Is it all about TV viewing or are you more likely to watch TV in bed and use the living room to entertain?