40 of the Best Interiors
Feature Abbi Henderson, Natalie Osborn and Charlotte Coward-Williams
Image H&M
Forget bungee jumping and seeing the Grand Canyon, this is HomeStyle’s bucket list: the rooms we just have to recreate
Living rooms
This is the year that sitting rooms shoot right back to being the heart of the home – you heard it here first.
For those of us who aren’t big on entertaining or just favour chowing down on the couch, a cheery reception room is fundamental for a happy life. From enjoying a cuppa with a copy of HomeStyle to chatting with friends in front of the fire, the lounge is often the room that sees the most action – so don’t get stuck with a bog-standard sofa and TV set-up. Set your sights on a sitting room that’ll spring a smile every day of the week (even Mondays), and do so with every ounce of your character. Not sure where to begin? You’ve come to the right place, for we’ve selected a bunch of the most covetable living rooms around for your perusal – so grab a pen (and a tipple or two) and jot down your fave ideas. You won’t want to forget these!
Top Tip
Seen a scheme you adore, but can’t afford the price tag? Get on the web and search for ways to recreate your ideal on a budget – Pinterest is a great place to start. We promise there’s almost nothing you won’t find a hack for.
1. Home sweet home
Relaxed and totally family-friendly – mimic this Sofa.com look with a deep, moody tone for the walls and fancy framed artwork.
2. Map happy
Jetsetters and salvage worshippers, listen up! Map murals are in, and we’re all over it. Wallpaper like this from Maps International looks stellar, but can cost a buck or two. Recreate the look with a collage of map scraps (you can find these in charity shops and at boot sales for a bargain), then tape your favourite snaps to the wall, close to the country they were taken in. Finish the scheme with a trunk or upturned crate coffee table and industrial-style lighting.
3. Crushed velvet
Lay down a contrasting rug to give your sofa a boost
Can’t fund a plush Jonathan Adler sofa? Tuck a velveteen throw around the seat pads for a fail-safe way to add class on a budget.
4. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Blogger Katie Taylor of Spray Paint and Chardonnay made a house her home with cute titbits and an eclectic display of prints.