Living room

A muted palette living room with an elegant mix of mid-century and modern

For the room’s beautiful proportions and original mouldings to shine, design studio Banda kept the backdrop neutral: walls are painted in a subtle grey and the floor is a natural oak, topped with a silky grey rug.

The look is pared back, with a mix of mid-century and contemporary pieces. The sofa’s rounded shape almost embraces the angular coffee table by artist Tuomas Markunpoika. Every piece in the room is individual, but together they create a sense of harmony, thanks to their natural colours and subtle textural interest.

Bespoke fireplace, Banda. Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, similar from 1stdibs. Sofa 190, price on request, Pierre Augustin Rose. Contra Naturam coffee table, Tuomas Markunpoika at Gallery FUMI. Jans Janssen stool, Studio Oliver Gustav. Pilotis side table, £2,500, Malgorzata Bany at The New Craftsmen. Highwire light, from $3,600, Apparatus. Bolle floor lamp, £2,060, Chaplins. Sikkim rug, from £180sq m, Jacaranda.

Photograph/ Simon Upton

Classic British-style living room with weathered furniture and delicate embroidery

With blowsy florals, collected pieces and weathered materials, country house style is relaxed, elegant and a tad shambolic.

When it’s time for tea, the English eccentric has always been confident with colour, serving up floral prints alongside contrasting plains and lush velvet textures. One lump or two?

Photography/ Damian Russell

A nature inspired living room with a welcoming earthy palette

The interior architecture was very pared-back and calm, so designer Studio Ashby brought in character and richness with layering and a mix of bespoke designs, antiques and contemporary off-the-shelf pieces.

The palette was inspired by nearby Holland Park and features natural, earthy colours: greens, blues, russets, oranges and yellows. The rug, was designed as an ode to the park, incorporating peacock feathers as well as leaf motifs.

Bespoke sofas and coffee tables, all Studio Ashby. Sofas in Ombra in Lichene, £103m, Rubelli. Ottoman in Bark in Tobacco, 01342-008, £418m, Donghia. Dicentra daybed by Søren Lund, from £2,575, Another Country. Yellow cushions in cotton velvet in Soft Gold, around €100m, MM Design. Green and brown patterned cushions in 2819/11226, £180m, Gainsborough. Blue cushions in Berber Linen 1021239-594, £115m, Hodsoll McKenzie at Zimmer + Rohde. Wave table lamps in Ice Blue, £510 each, Tyson London. Painting, bespoke commission by Philip Maltman. Photographs, Samuel Zeller. Bespoke rug by Studio Ashby, Christopher Farr.

Photography/Philip Durrant

Spring living room with a riot of floral decoration and pattern

Evoke the spirit of an English summer garden with the latest blooms springing up on wallpapers fabrics, rugs and ceramics. Bold florals underfoot make a striking first impression in an entrance hall. For maximum impact, combine with a drop of large-scale blooms alongside more graphic details, such as a contemporary chair or table.

Photography/ Polly Wreford

Elegant living room which balances classic with a contemporary look

To reflect the age of the property, interior design company Sigmar used traditional grey for the walls, providing a contemporary note with pale-green doors and woodwork. A stronger colour was added with green Kaare Klint Safari chairs and cushions in sea blue tones to create a calm but edgy look.

Safari chairs by Kaare Klint; Bonddot tray table by Carl Auböck; stoneware bowl (on table) by Aage & Kasper Würtz, all Sigmar. Daya striped cushions, £65 each, Caravane. Plafonnier Pivotants ceiling light, Serge Mouille. Walls in Cornforth White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Woodwork in Dusted Moss 1 eggshell, £16.42 for 0.5ltr, Dulux

Photography/ Petr Krejci

Fiery living room with vivid red sofa and wallpaper

The SS20 forecast is in and it’s full of fantastical fabrics and papers inspired by sunny days and stormy nights. The intensity and vibrancy of sunset hues bring drama to the current trend for texture and curves.

Photography/ Jake Curtis

Tonal living room with olive green walls and curated artwork

A daybed arranged with curated cushions becomes artwork in its own right 
and complements the trio of paintings that form a pleasing focal point above.

Languid Knows daybed, £3,900, The Sit Still Studio. Hikira rug, £2,240, A Rum Fellow. Woodpecker 
floor lamp, £299, Heal’s. Paintings (from left) Casting Round for Solid Ground, £2,400; Untitled, £550; Duality, £1,500, all Caroline Popham at Maison Artefact. Cushion in Bell Dusk, £98m, Mimi Pickard.

Photography/ Polly Wreford

Moody grey living room with bold, bright furniture

Elegant statement pieces with a handmade, considered feel are key to a design-led interior. Here, showstopping sculptural lighting 
is accompanied by an inviting sofa based 
on the classic campaign design.

Campaign sofa in Flagstone, £3,000, 
Harp Cottage. Hand-tufted cushions, 
from £85 each, all Kate Cullum. 000 Layered Light unglazed porcelain pendant, from £4,000, Unit 89. Dante side table in Dark Bronze, £1,803, Julian Chichester.

Photography/ Polly Wreford

Relaxed living room with striking wooden furniture and contemporary art

The simple yet striking wooden slatted divider sets the tone for this relaxed sitting area, where contemporary and antique pieces in different woods sit harmoniously together. 

Photography/ Jan Baldwin

Classic living room scheme with jewel-toned ottoman and Christmas garland

A teal ottoman adds sumptuous colour, while mirrored inserts either side of the fireplace amplify the sense of light and space. A large circular mirror above the fireplace adds a modern element in this other traditional space. 

Photography/ Mark Bolton

Classic living room with fir Christmas tree and foliage

A traditional space is the perfect setting for a classic fir Christmas tree that has been decorated in a minimal colour palette of blue and white. 

Photography/ Jon Day

Glamorous fireplace wood panelled walls and tile surround

Black or very dark hues can be cosy and enveloping. When going for this look, be sure to include interesting accents as a foil. Choose an elaborate tile for the surround and add sharpness with a graphic floor rug. Then use candles and fairy lights to inject spark and chandelier. 

Photography/ Chris Everard

A classic period sitting room in all its festive finery

The sitting room of this Victorian property has been been given a very sympathetic and elegant period treatment. A grand marble fireplace topped with a gilded mirror anchors the room. As well as framing the fine Victorian windows, the silk curtains with swags and tails lend a lovely touch of opulence.

Classic fireplace with delicate foliage and garland

The sharp seed heads of teasels are softened with sprays of delicate foliage, creating a beautifully unusual garland and wreath. Grosgain ribbon adds a colourful flourish.

Photography/ Simon Bevan

Traditional Christmas living room with natural foliage and classic furniture

The gentle glow of candlelight, frosted silver and natural foliage combine for an atmospheric Scandinavian-inspired feel. The unusual array of garlands gives this formal room an air of whimsy.

Photography/ Simon Bevan

Classic living room with elegant furniture and upholstered sofa

Upholster a compact sofa with an oversized print to create a strong, elegant statement piece set against a calm backdrop. A bold linear design rug offers a contrasting but complementary sense of scale and drama.

Photography/ Simon Bevan

Contemporary living room with a pastel palette

Reminiscent of a late-summer garden, this hand-painted watercolour mural in shades of warm peach and spice creates a relaxed and expressive backdrop for pared-back modern pieces.

Photography/ Damian Russell

Living room with tactile textures, rich colour and glamour

Celebrate raw materials, organic textures, natural scenes and crafts such as mark making and weaving. Sweeping lines, tactile surfaces and deep tones of copper and red combine to create a deliciously warm and cocooning interior, with contrasting textures and a touch of glamour.

Photography/ Damian Russell

Vibrant pink living room scheme with paisley patterns

Celebrate the heat and colour of the subcontinent with vibrant patterns and textural accessories. Shades of rose bloom in this flamboyant 
scheme, with touches of burnt orange 
to give a nod to tropical heat.

Photography/ Jan Baldwin

Living room with vibrant colour and pattern

Celebrate the heat and colour of the subcontinent with vibrant patterns and textural accessories. Fabrics in shades of sapphire and emerald create a space that both soothes and energises. 

Photography/ Jan Baldwin