Making a house feel like home can sound like a big ask. Giving your home a new lease of life makes you think of new carpets, new wallpaper and a complete overhaul of your living room design. But this doesn’t always have to be the case. Yes, big changes are exciting, but the little things are just as important and can make all the difference in making a space feel like your own. Rather than large changes, try adding thoughtful details to give your home a real sense of personality.
Whether you’re moving into a new place or just fancy a change, these ideas will help you give your living room design that special something. More than just a stylish place to live, you can create a sanctuary where you can read, socialise, relax and just enjoy life with those who mean the most to you.
Happy memories
Days out, celebrations and family moments. Life is full of so many precious memories – little things which you treasure more dearly than anything you could touch or hold. Use photographs to sprinkle the magic of those happy thoughts throughout your home. Every time you catch a glimpse of the heart-warming images, you’ll be transported back to that moment in time and filled with the comforting glow of nostalgia.
Embellish your living room with photos – decorating shelves, sideboards and window sills with pictures of you and your loved ones. Hang larger images and canvases on the wall as a focal point. For a contemporary touch, why not create a collage, incorporating frames of different sizes, shapes and colours into the feature?
Comforting textures
It’s the little things that give us comfort, soothe our emotions and make our hearts feel content. Gentle textures help to generate this feeling of calm through the power of touch. Introduce new fabrics into your living room to help you to relax and unwind at the end of a long day.
A woolly rug to keep your toes warm, plump cushions which you can sink into or a soft throw to drape over the back of the sofa. When you’re settling down to watch TV, you can snuggle up in the fleecy fabric. You could introduce one new textural element or a couple, whichever feels right for you.
Personal touches
Display mementoes of your hobbies and interests to make your space feel like your own. Involve the whole family, encouraging each person to add something special of their own to the living room design. Together, you’ll create something truly meaningful and unique to you.
Movie buffs might want to hang a film poster on the wall, while music lovers might prefer their favourite vinyl. If you’re green-fingered, bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Enjoy the delicate scent of flowers in your living room, displaying freshly-cut blooms in a vase on the coffee table or nurturing a houseplant for greenery all year round.
The perfect sofa
At the heart of any living room is the sofa. This is the centrepiece of your social space, the place where you come together to spend some quality time with your nearest and dearest. The moment you sink into the soft material and cloud-like cushions – that’s when you know you’ve come home.
The Valentino is made from soft Italian leather, with a natural finish and hand-studded detailing. For larger families, this is the best corner sofa, welcoming everybody to relax together. If you prefer the look and feel of a fabric sofa, make a statement with the Midas. Handcrafted from super soft chenille, it’s incredibly cosy and comforting to touch.
Seasonal ambience
Mirror the changing seasons for comforting ambience in your living room. In the summer, make the most of natural light to create an inviting space. Welcome sunbeams through the window to bathe the lounge in golden rays. Strip back the window dressings, taking down blinds and net curtains, and use tie-backs to draw the curtains away from the glass.
As the winter nights draw in and temperature starts to fall, redress the windows to create a cosy feel. Pull the curtains together to keep the heat in and enjoy the soft glow of a lamp. Whether you’re reading, watching a film or talking with your loved ones, these little things will help to create the feelings of safety and warmth. The feelings of home.
