How to make the most of your living space as the nights draw in
With winter just around the corner and everyone gravitating indoors, our living rooms are about to see most of this season’s action.
Whether it’s cinema nights with the kids, socialising with friends or simply curling up with a good book, your communal space will undoubtedly become the centre point of everyday living.
So how to bring the feel-good factor to your downtime?
Here, architect and TV presenter George Clarke, highlights a few ways to accommodate the needs of multiple generations… whilst catering to the demands of awkward spaces in a smart and stylish way.
Create intimate zones
The layout of our living rooms has changed markedly over the years, as we all aim to create multi-functional spaces to serve many needs, notes Clarke.
“Creating intimate zones, however small, is key in designing a space that delivers on multiple briefs,” explains Clarke.
“And although many rooms don’t offer symmetrical proportions – many being long and narrow with special considerations, such as doors in awkward places – there are a few ways to achieve breakaway zones.”
“Avoid placing everything around a room’s edges, which can result in too much empty space at the centre.” He continues. “Instead, opt to delineate your scheme, pulling furniture into more intimate arrangements.”
The back of a sofa can work well as a room divider, but be sure to choose furniture that looks appealing from all angles, as sides and backs will be on display as well as fronts, notes Clarke.
“Think about pieces that complement each other rather than match, and try out informal circular groupings anchored by a generous footstool to encourage lingering.”
“And bespoke bookshelves as room dividers and cabinetry that contain pull-out desks are a useful design solution.”
Put comfort first
“Whether you go for modernist-shaped seating, scrolled arms, button tuck detailing or tapered legs, it turns out the style of our seating is a matter of personal taste, but the feeling of wellbeing it elicits is non-negotiable.”
Modular sofas with flexible configurations work well, as does a selection of moveable furniture, including lightweight side tables that can be pulled into place for a spot of home-working, advises Clark.
“Task lighting that can be directed with ease, deep ottomans and plenty of plugs and USB ports,” he adds.
3. Entertain a seasonal cinemascape
“Although screening rooms are often found in basement spaces and middle rooms of period homes benefitting from reduced natural light, they can also work within a regular living space,” suggests Clarke.
If a cinema-style sofa isn’t on the cards this Christmas, he says to consider layering the seating you have – and surround it with sumptuous textures and rich colours to create a cosseting escape.
“There’ll be some classic movies showing at this time of year, and a comfortable set up will make long winter nights all the more enjoyable.”
Get colour happy
Most people opt for white or neutral walls to help make a room appear larger, notes Clarke, but a single colour wash wall or brightly painted shelving can help brighten things up.
“I love this idea, especially as one in five of us updates our living spaces on a yearly basis. Changing the colour of a living room doesn’t have to cost the earth or represent a long-standing commitment – and the results can be surprising.”
Think social
“Open plan kitchens-cum-living rooms are perfect for enjoying a more relaxed approach to hosting,” says Clarke. “We know people migrate to the living room in winter, so rethinking the space slightly to cater for this can really help take the stress out of having people over.
“Built-in bars might not be to everybody’s taste, but temporary pieces like a retro drinks trolley can help create a zone within a living room – offering much-needed storage and help bring the fun to an evening with friends.”