Designing A 
Living Room in 
Your New Home 

When moving into a new home, one of the most exciting tasks is designing each room to reflect your personal style and needs.

The living room, in particular, is often the heart of the home and where you'll spend the most time entertaining guests and relaxing with loved ones. However, finding the best layout for your living room can be a daunting task. In this article, we'll provide tips and ideas for designing a living room that suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Living Room Layout Ideas

Before you start incorporating design elements into your living room, it's crucial to find the best layout that suits your needs and lifestyle. There are several basic living room layout ideas to consider, such as arranging furniture around a focal point, creating separate zones within the room, or using an open concept layout to maximise space. 

The right layout can make a significant difference in the overall feel and functionality of your living room. So take the time to explore different options and experiment with different arrangements until you find the perfect one for your space.

A popular living room layout idea is an open plan design. This type of layout is ideal for those who want to maximise their living space and create a seamless flow between different areas of the home. In an open plan living room, there are typically no walls or partitions separating the living room from other areas, such as the dining room or kitchen. Instead, furniture and decor are used to define separate zones within the larger space. 

This layout can be especially useful for those who frequently entertain guests or have a large family, as it provides plenty of room for everyone to gather and socialise.

Planning Your Living Room Design

Once you have settled on a living room layout, it's time to plan out the design of the space. One essential aspect of this process is drawing out a floor plan of the room and deciding where each piece of furniture will go. This step can help you visualise how the living room will look and feel once it's complete. It's also a great opportunity to experiment with different furniture arrangements and figure out what works best for your needs.

When planning your living room design, it's important to consider both form and function. Think about the style and aesthetic you want to achieve, as well as how the space will be used on a day-to-day basis.

Work Out The Measurements of the Space

Knowing the measurements of your living room is crucial when planning out your design. This information will help ensure that everything you want to include in the space fits properly and doesn't feel cramped or cluttered. 

Before selecting furniture or making any design decisions, take accurate measurements of the room's dimensions, including the length, width, and height. Be sure to note any architectural features, such as windows, doors, or fireplaces, that may impact your design. 

With these measurements in hand, you can create a to-scale floor plan and begin selecting furniture and decor that will fit seamlessly into the space.

Draw Out A Floor Plan

When designing your living room, it's helpful to draw out a plan that includes where each piece of furniture will go. This will give you a visual representation of how the space will look once it's complete and help you make informed decisions about furniture placement and sizing. 

Start by sketching out a floor plan of the room, including any architectural features and taking note of the measurements. Then, begin to place furniture in the room, starting with the larger pieces, such as the sofa, chairs, and coffee table. Consider traffic flow and make sure that there's enough space between furniture pieces for people to move around comfortably. 

Think about creating a focal point in the room, such as a fireplace or a piece of artwork, and arrange furniture around it to draw the eye in. Once you have a rough layout in place, you can begin to fine-tune the details and add decor and accessories to complete the look.

Choosing The Perfect Living Room Furniture

When it comes to designing your living room, selecting the right furniture is key. Your furniture not only affects the overall look and feel of the space but also impacts its functionality and comfort.

Find The Perfect Sofa First

When it comes to designing your living room, finding the perfect sofa should be your top priority. This piece of furniture not only serves as a focal point in the room but also sets the tone for the overall style and aesthetic of the space. 

Once you've selected your sofa, you can base the rest of your design and furniture pieces around it, taking cues from its colour, texture, and shape. For example, if you've chosen a bold and colourful sofa, you may want to opt for more neutral accent pieces to balance the room. Or if you've selected a sleek and modern sofa, you may want to incorporate other contemporary elements into the design, such as a glass coffee table or abstract art. 

By starting with the sofa and building the rest of the room around it, you can create a cohesive and well-designed space that reflects your personal style and meets your functional needs.

Living Room Furniture

When designing your living room, it's important to consider essential furniture pieces such as the coffee table, lamp table, and TV unit. 

The coffee table not only provides a practical surface for drinks and snacks but also serves as a decorative element in the space. When selecting a coffee table, consider its size, shape, and storage options. 

Similarly, the lamp table provides a surface for lamps or other lighting fixtures and can also serve as a spot for decor or drinks. When selecting a lamp table, consider its size and style in relation to the rest of your furniture pieces.

Finally, if you plan to have a television in your living room, you'll need to incorporate a TV unit or stand into your design, considering the size and weight of your television, storage or cable management needs, and the overall style of your living room furniture.

Bespoke Sofas for Your Living Room

If you're looking for a truly unique and personalised addition to your living room, a bespoke sofa may be the perfect choice. Unlike standard off-the-shelf options, bespoke sofas are custom-made to your exact specifications and requirements, ensuring a perfect fit for your space and individual style. 

Whether you're looking for a bold and contemporary statement piece or a classic and timeless design, a bespoke sofa can be tailored to your exact needs and preferences, making it a truly special addition to your living room.

Sofa Fillings

Comfort is an essential factor when it comes to designing the perfect living room, and the filling of your sofa is a crucial component in achieving that cosy atmosphere. Bespoke sofas offer a range of unique filling options that can provide unmatched levels of comfort and support. 

Whether you prefer the luxurious feel of down feathers or the firmness of foam core, bespoke sofas allow you to choose the perfect filling for your needs. With a range of custom options, including varying levels of thickness and softness, you can create a sofa that is truly unique to your household needs.

Sofa Materials & Patterns

When designing a bespoke sofa for your living room, selecting the right materials and patterns is key in achieving your desired aesthetic. Bespoke sofas offer a range of unique material options, including leather, suede, and fabrics in various textures, patterns, and colours, allowing you to create a truly personalised and custom piece of furniture. When considering materials, think about the look and feel you want to achieve. For a more traditional and timeless look, consider leather or suede upholstery, while for a contemporary feel, opt for fabrics such as linen, velvet, or wool. The patterns you choose can also have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bespoke sofa, with options ranging from simple solids to intricate prints and designs.

Choose The Best Colour Palette for Your
Living Room

Choosing the right colour palette is essential in creating a cohesive and visually appealing living room design. Different palettes can evoke different moods and feelings, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your desired atmosphere. 

For a calming and soothing effect, consider using cool colours such as blues, greens, and purples. On the other hand, warm tones such as reds, oranges, and yellows can create a more energising and inviting atmosphere. Neutral tones such as whites, greys, and beiges are timeless and versatile, and can be used as a base to complement other bolder colours in your design. 

It's important to remember that the colour palette you choose can also affect the perceived size of your living room. For instance, lighter colours tend to make a space feel more open and spacious, while darker colours can make a room feel cosier and more intimate.

Wall Decor for Your Living Room

When it comes to designing your living room, the walls are an essential element that should not be overlooked. Decorating your walls is a great way to add interest and personality to your space, and there are many options to choose from. 

A popular choice is painting the walls in a bold or unique colour to create a focal point in the room. You can also add texture and depth by incorporating wallpaper, a mural, or a feature wall.

Artwork and mirrors are also great wall decor options, allowing you to express your personal style and add visual interest. Consider incorporating a gallery wall or a large statement piece to create a striking feature.

Find Wall Art & Accessories To Match The Space

Wall art and accessoriessuch as wall mirrors and wall clocks are a great way to add texture, colour, and interest to your walls, and there are many options to choose from. You incorporate a gallery wall into your design, using a mix of artwork, photographs, and other decorative elements to create a unique and visually appealing display. 

When selecting accessories, think about the colours and materials that will complement your overall design aesthetic. Consider incorporating decorative pillows, throws, and area rugs in coordinating colours and textures to add warmth and comfort to the space.

Living Room Storage Options

There are many ways to incorporate storage into your living room design without sacrificing style. One option is to choose furniture pieces that double as storage solutions, such as a coffee table with built-in drawers or a storage ottoman. Additions such as display cabinets and bookcases can provide both storage and an opportunity to display decorative items such as vases, sculptures, and plants.

When selecting storage options, it's important to consider both function and aesthetics. The storage solutions you choose should provide enough space for your things while also fitting seamlessly into your living room design.

Flooring for Your Living Room

Choosing the best flooring for your living room can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the space. There are several types of flooring to consider, including hardwood, carpet, tile, and vinyl. Hardwood floors are a classic and elegant option that can add warmth and sophistication to your living room. Carpet provides a cosy and comfortable feel and comes in a variety of colours and textures. 

Tile and vinyl are both durable and easy to maintain, making them great options for high-traffic areas. When selecting flooring, it's important to consider your design aesthetic, as well as your lifestyle and functional needs. For example, hardwood floors may be best suited for a traditional or rustic style, while tile or vinyl may be better for a modern or minimalist design.

Consider A Rug For The Space

When designing your living room, consider incorporating a rug into your space. A rug can add warmth, texture, and colour to your living room, while also serving as a practical element to protect your flooring. When selecting a rug, consider its size in relation to your furniture pieces and the overall style of your living room. 

For a cosy and intimate feel, choose a rug that is large enough to anchor your seating area. When it comes to style, consider a rug that compliments your overall design aesthetic, whether that be bold and colourful or subtle and neutral.

Incorporate Lighting Fixtures

Incorporating lighting fixtures is an important part of designing your living room. There are several types of lighting fixtures to consider, including overhead lights, table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces. Each type of lighting fixture provides different benefits, whether it be ambient lighting or task lighting. Consider incorporating a mix of lighting fixtures to create a layered and inviting space.

Get The Perfect Sofa For Your
New Living Room

Selecting the perfect sofa gives you the opportunity to create a truly personalised and inviting centrepiece for your new living room. Here at Oliver Matthews, we offer a wide selection of designer sofas as well as the option to create create your own bespoke sofa, perfect for you and your living room.

Whether your aim is to create a cosy, welcoming living room or a sleek, elegant space, Oliver Matthews has the perfect sofa for you!