Page 40 - March 2024

INTERIORS INSIDER

3 . Soften the floor with a rug 4 . Set the tone 6. Layer up blankets and throws 8. Arrange plump piles of cushions

There’s nothing like a rug for pulling a space Being cosy involves all of the senses and For movie nights at home, name a more Cushions are the oldest cosy trick in the
together and making it feel homely. Wooden sound shouldn’t be overlooked. Hearing a iconic duo than the sofa and a soft wool book and for good reason
floors look beautiful but they can make a living favourite song or piece of music can trigger throw. They’ll keep you warm through – they’re an underrated
room seem cold or sparsely decorated. This good memories, relax you when you’re feeling a Netflix binge and when they’re not and impactful way to
is where the natural texture of a jute or wool tense or – from a practical point of view – help being used, throws earn their keep on quickly change a space.
rug can really ramp up the cosy level. As well to block out other less-relaxing noises (we’re the aesthetic front, too. Add a selection of cushions
as feeling soft underfoot, it’ll absorb sound and looking at you, passing cars). in varying sizes to your sofa
reduce echo in a large room. Drape your blanket or armchairs (with plump
Invest in a compact, voice-controlled speaker over the back or arm feather cushion pads) and
If you have an open-plan living room with dining for your living room so you don’t even need to of a sofa – the extra get ready to dive in.
and seating areas, rugs can help to define and get up from the sofa to set the tone. Play some layers of texture will
zone those spaces. Do as interior designers do vintage jazz, mix a drink and pretend you’re in look stylish, soften As a simple way to restyle
and go for a large size to anchor your furniture a New York lounge bar. the look of your a room and pull a scheme together,
and pull a colour scheme together. furniture and add a cushions also help to soften the angles
tactile vibe. Neutral of a sofa, making it look less formal
colours and natural and more irresistibly squishy. Choose
fibres always feature in tactile cushions in sheepskin and
the best stylist-dressed velvet for the most luxurious feel
rooms and a classic against your skin.
check or waffle knit can
add some extra interest 9 . Furniture with form and function
where it’s needed.
Accent furniture can really influence overall
7 . Display the things you love ambience and the way you might use a space.
By investing in natural tones and materials such
Artfully arranging your best coffee table as wood for your side and coffee tables, you’re
5 . books and displaying meaningful items will adding another tactile element to your living
add colour and character to a minimalist
room. Organic lines and rounded shapes will help
Use lamps like the living room. to improve the flow of space by minimising the
Scandis do number of angles – this is especially true in newer
Resist the temptation to stick the overhead Adding shelves might not be the first thing homes, which can feel a bit boxy.
that springs to mind when considering a snug
light on and instead use table lamps with space, but you can add them along empty Lastly, no one wants to discover that the reading
shades to diffuse the light and improve your walls and in fireplace alcoves to display lamp is six feet away or have to traverse a room to
mood. The Scandi trick is to position your houseplants, ornaments, travel mementos, put down their wine glass, so allow space in your
lamps only in the areas of the room candlesticks, framed photos and anything living room for side tables and a coffee table or
where you need them, to create that you love. They’re the perfect way to fill upholstered footstool.
inviting, peaceful zones for a sparse living room with personality and
reading and relaxing.
happy memories – all conducive to a warm,
contented feeling. Find your interiors inspiration at John Lewis &
Partners or at johnlewis.com
Choose warm 40W bulbs and combine floor
and wall lights with your table lamps for a Left page: John Lewis Issie table lamp, £35
soft, layered look. Right page: John Lewis Herringbone knit throw, £60; John Lewis Scalloped linen cushion, £25

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