Lounge about Known as the living room for good reason; whether you're relaxing after work, watching a movie or entertaining friends, lounges are a vital part of the home. We take a look at four key style trends.
CONTEMPORARY
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There’s a reason lounges are known as the ‘living room’, because they’re exactly that. A lounge can really make a house a home - it’s a place to relax with loved ones, snuggle on the sofa after a long day’s work, or chat with friends, so it’s no wonder that it’s often the room people prioritise when it comes to decorating. “When picking a style for your lounge, quite often the answer lies in what fits best with what you have got already,” says Roger Mears, who set up Roger Mears Architects in 1980 (www.mears. co.uk). “If the building is in a period style, for example, a classic approach could be best. If it’s a country house, a traditional feel would sit naturally, rather than imposing these onto a new-build where these might look fake. It’s always good to go with the flow, and express a style with honesty.” There are occasions when rules can be bent, though. “Even in the most traditional of settings, there can be a feature that’s so outstanding (old floorboards, a period
staircase, decorative ceilings) that a monochrome, contemporary minimalist look could really highlight.” So treat the above only as a guide. As Roger says: “The final choice should be what resonates with your personality and lifestyle as well as your house, rather than a passing trend.”
The contemporary living room should be bright, ooze sophistication, maybe revel in current trends but more importantly provide comfort. “Create a lighter richness and contemporary feel by complementing sumptuous deep colours with clean white lines,” suggests Jeremy Garrish, buyer for Carpetright. A striking carpet or a bold wall feature will help to create a particular mood without being overbearing and makes for a family-friendly option as muddy feet are harder to spot. Another option is to use furniture and accessories in similar shades but different textures throughout the room, from sofas and rugs to cushions. “A statement sofa can provide a striking focal point to the room and it’s the perfect canvas from which to build a modern scheme,” suggests Emma Rackley, upholstery buyer for Furniture Village. Accompany the sofa with sleek furniture (curved edges are popular at the moment) such as coffee and lamp tables, in a contemporary metallic or glass finish. “And use solid, industrial elements that can also be used to create an urban feel while mixing materials such as glass, wood and metal to make the modern scheme feel instantly lived in,” says Emma.