This is how you tackle the most-used room in the house.
There’s something both daunting and inspiring about a blank canvas. Whether it be a piece of paper or an entire room, a clean slate offers endless possibilities—which, while exciting, can also be awfully overwhelming, especially if the clean slate you’re working with is an empty living room. Where do you start? Where do you stop? What are you actually going for? In a room utilised as frequently as a living space and one that’s also expected to serve an array of functions, curating a living room can be more challenging than one might expect—as they say, too many choices can indeed be a prison.
“When it comes to designing a living room, it’s all about crafting a space that serves its intended function while reflecting your unique style,” says Cortney Bishop, an interior designer and the mastermind behind Album—a platform that curates art and design into monthly drops inspired by music. “By approaching your space with intention and creativity, you can create a balanced composition that resonates with your needs and preferences.” With that being said, it can be hard to know where to start and what to look for when designing a space if you’re new to the interior game or are just a little barren on the inspiration front. Thankfully, Vogue Living has picked Bishop’s brain on what exactly makes an inviting living space to help guide you on your interior expedition. From honing in on a mood, and your intention for the space, to adding the final touches via aromas and decor, consider this your ultimate guide to designing a living space everyone will want to hang out in all the time, guests included.
Function first
It may seem obvious, but before you dare whip out that credit card and start swiping, it’s important to give a thought to what your intentions for your living space actually are. “The first step is to delve into the essence of the room, clarifying its purpose and how it will be used,” advises Bishop. If the room is intended for family use, consider how little ones might use the space, or how certain fabrics might withstand the occasional spill or dirty shoe. Once you’ve determined the kind of space you’re seeking to create and how it will be used, you’ll have a better idea of the kind of pieces that will work within it.
Be inspired
Sure, you could just go ahead and order every piece you see in a showroom, but where’s the soul in that? A living space should be a place where you can relax, both on your own and with guests, so ensuring it has a sense of personality is essential. “Find your inspiration, what lights you up,” Bishop says. “Take a moment to look within and discover what truly brings you joy. What colours make you happy? Is there a particular aroma that instantly lifts you up?” Your inspiration can be, as Bishop says, “as broad or as specific as you want it to be”, so don’t overthink it! Once you’ve pinned down the atmosphere you’re trying to create and the feelings you’re seeking to evoke, it’s time to start furnishing.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it
“If you already have a piece like a work of art or an antique, start with that and find colours, fabrics and objects that compliment it,” suggests Bishop. Not only is starting with a piece already in your possession and building a room around it an economical way of styling a space, it also creates a sense of continuity and intention by honing in on a particular theme and curating your room accordingly. Before you discard the pieces—be it furniture, art, or decor—you’ve had for years, think about how they could be reimagined in new ways or places, or even revitalised with a coat of paint or a new frame. Pieces with a story of their own lend a space a sense of personality and character, which is key to making your living room feel inviting.
Take five
According to Bishop, a welcoming and warm living space relies on five key elements. “These essential elements are: light, to set the mood; comfort, to create a cosy atmosphere; functionality, to ensure practicality; colour, to add personality; and curation, to bring it all together.” When it comes to light, consider how you can utilise both natural light through windows and skylights and artificial light via a bold floor lamp or pendant. Comfort will come down to the sofa you choose for the space—go for something that doesn’t feel too big or too small for the space—and soft furnishings. Functionality is all about keeping things practical—will a white lounge really stand the test of time if there are kids about? Colour is where you can inject a bit of personality into the space in the form of tactile finishes and art, while curation is the important final step where you critically assess how each element works with each other.
Layer up
An outfit isn’t complete without accessories, and neither is a room! Adding accessories in the form of decor, soft furnishings, art, and antiques is the best way to make a space feel both considered and lived-in. “Choose a colour palette that sets the desired mood,” advises Bishop, “and then inject functional elements that make the space feel both practical and beautiful.” A plush throw makes a room feel cosy for winter, while lighter-hued cushions and lush greenery can be easily incorporated come the warmer months.
Take it personally
As Bishop says, “every room in your home is a chance to express yourself,” so dedicate some extra time and thought to considering what exactly you’re trying to convey through your home’s design scheme and how you want people to feel in your space. As a living room is the home’s hub for everything from unwinding to debriefing and relaxed hosting, you want to curate a space that you and your guests will feel at home in. The best way to do it? “Embrace the concept of curating a collection of meaningful antiquities, art, and objects that deeply resonate with your personal style and values,” Bishop advises. That can be anything from a vase that’s been passed down through generations to a coffee table a friend made for you years ago—if it means something to you, it will give your room a sense of homeliness you can’t find in mass-produced pieces.
Spend savvy
Furnishing a living room doesn’t need to be expensive. “Instead of purchasing new accessories, opt for vintage and antique pieces for a touch of character and history,” Bishop recommends. Scouring flea markets, online antique marketplaces, and even garage sales are great ways of picking up often high-quality pieces that people have either grown out of or no longer have the space for. When it does come to purchasing a new piece, like a lounge or cabinet, Bishop advises, “spend your money wisely on items that are both meaningful and of high quality. Your living room should reflect who you are and what you cherish!”
