Living room

Living room with a mix of ancient and contemporary style

A daybed layered with mattresses gives an Eastern flavour to this reading corner where a sense of adventure is suggested by books and maps.

Photography/ Paul Raeside

Floral living room with an Italian flair

Opting for curtains and walls in the same pastel shade creates a subtle backdrop, allowing a choice abstract upholstery print to sing out.

Verdant living room with trellis wallpaper

This trellis wallpaper speaks of blissful summer days in the garden. Working geometric motifs into the scheme gives the finished look a modern edge.

Classic living room with paisley embroidery

From subtly textured embroidery to richly decorative designs, Indienne-style motifs can be used to bring depth and interest to a simple, contemporary scheme. Softly coloured paisley chairs sit well within a pale scheme that blends linen, taupe and charcoal. 

Photography/ Catherine Gratwicke

Living room with delicate designs and bold motifs

Using a variety of motifs in one hue and keeping pattern to the upholstery, while walls and floors remain plain, brings depth to a scheme without it feeling too busy. In this room, a striking wave design on the sofa offers a contrast to the more subtle prints elsewhere.

Dramatic living room with brass elements

The lustre of brass elements shine brightly when set against a calm backdrop of cool greys. A deep emerald green velvet sofa adds to the sense of drama and richness.

Living room with the vibrant tones and textiles of South America

Upholstering a sofa in a lively combination of plain and patterned fabric creates instant character. Pair with walls in clashing hues and finish with a riot of colourful cushions.

Tribal style living room with monochrome pattern

Concentrating furniture and accessories featuring strong pattern and brightly coloured plains in a confined space is a good way to define a seating area within an all-white room.

Emerald-green living space with a botanical theme

This series of foliage prints set against a vibrant emerald-green wall offers modern take on the botanical theme. Sparse accessories and the clean lines of the furniture add to the contemporary flavour of the space.

Tropical living room with botanical overtones

Blending fresh tones of ocean blue and lush botanical green with natural materials strengthens this scheme’s affinity with the outdoors. A delicately coloured sheer provides privacy while filtering harsh sunlight for a softer look.

Contemporary living room with abstract artwork

A sofa upholstered in a multicoloured graphic print takes centre stage in this contemporary living space. Additional blocks of colour work well with the strong linear shapes of dark furniture, while walls in pale grey allow the abstract artwork to sing out in this confident look.

Modern monochrome living room with graphic artwork

Panelled walls painted soft grey provide a sophisticated backdrop for this scheme, which artfully balances black and white upholstered furniture. Blocks of pattern, in the form of tailored cushions and artwork, add interest and personality to the modern look.

Statement living room with mural and muted colour palette

Intriguing and subtle, this architectural mural adds a lighter decorative touch to this scheme in which neutral, muted furnishings allow it to take centre stage. A ledge of rustic wood echoes the horizontal lines of the print and creates display space for elegant accessories.

Classic living room with natural elements

A timeless scheme offers a respite from the whirlwind of modern life – and with the neutral elements in place, it is easy to play with the balance of your palette as seasons change.

Exotic living room with dark-wood flooring

A black cane sofa arranged with palm leaf-motif cushions against plain ochre linen lends an elegant exotic feel to a classic scheme. Dark-wood flooring and a table of leafy plants complete the look.

Living room corner with global influences

Using fabrics with patterns in different scales gives curtains a beautifully tailored finish, while contemporary furniture in the palest leather keeps the look fresh.

Simple country living room with verdigris finishes

For a pared-back scheme, upholstered furniture should have a simple silhouette and minimal detailing. To achieve this look, opt for a neat sofa in a plain linen with no buttoning, while loose covers can be made for existing armchairs. Hints of subtle pattern and colour can be introduced with soft furnishings.

Crisp, fresh living room with denim tones

From indigo to navy and cobalt, blue hues sit particularly well together, so offer great scope for pattern mixing. In this living room room, cushions with small-scale motifs are successfully combined with robust striped blinds and a bold indigo geometric on the screen.

Classic living room with graphic simplicity

Softly striped sheers and a rug in a chalky pink palette harmoniously balance with the bolder circular designs of the rattan chair, table and floor light – all with fine black metal frames to keep the look light.

Horticultural living space with mismatched furniture

Simple utility is given a light and pretty dimension with horticulturally themed decorative flourishes and happily mismatched pattern in schemes that embody relaxed charm.