Adding character to a living room
My dream has always been to own a Georgian rectory, but short of winning the lottery (especially given the escalating property prices in Dorset) I think it will have sadly have to remain as a dream.
That said, I do feel huge gratitude that we purchased our (somewhat ugly duckling) 1960’s home in July 2020. What it lacks in character, it makes up for in location with incredible sea views across Lyme Bay.
The view from our house
We are currently in the midst of a planning application and I thought I‘d share some of my tips for adding character into a space that may be somewhat lacking in features.
A good design scheme is all about layering, and this is especially important in a living room which should be cosy and snug. If you are starting with a blank room, consider adding some interest to the walls, this could be a bold colour (in which case paint all the walls and woodwork for a sweet contemporary vibe!). Alternatively, you could add in some wooden panelling or wallpaper.
📸 The Wood Veneer Hub
If budget allows, I would always include a wood burner or fireplace in my designs for a sitting room, there is nothing quite like watching an open fire, I find it instantly relaxing (not to mention the ultimate in cosiness!) If a real fire is not an option, you could consider creating a fireplace area and including bio flame stove or even just a nice arrangement of candles can be effective.
A living room wouldn’t be complete without a super squishy sofa to flop into at the end of a long day. There are literally so many options on the market nowadays and it really comes down to budget and space. Be sure to measure your space properly before ordering and also check the access to your room (for tight spaces order modular pieces that can be assembled in situ!). I love to layer up sofas with throws and cushions, these are also easy items to update if you tire of a scheme so you can be a bit more adventurous here to add an accent pop of colour.
Consider you lighting carefully, you will definitely need some ambient lighting to create a soft and warm atmosphere (think table lamps or a nice floor lamp).
If you have hard floors, including a rug in your scheme is the perfect way to add a more intimate and comfortable zone, its also a perfect position to add a coffee table which makes an ideal spot for interior design books or to perch your evening glass of wine. Cheers to that 🍷