Designing a sitting room from scratch is an exciting yet overwhelming task. The opportunity to create a new space for connecting with your family and friends doesn’t always come, so it’s important to take this chance to design something truly special. It might seem like a nerve-wracking ordeal, what with the costs involved, but don’t fret as this article will give you some design ideas in coming up with the perfect sitting room for your household.

Identify the function 

Living rooms are one of the most important rooms in the house because it’s a space that will get used a lot. The most important step in designing a sitting room is identifying its primary use. Will it be a space where the family comes together? Or is it more of a space for receiving guests? If you often host dinner parties at home, for example, your sitting room could house a fully stocked bar. Interior Style Hunter recognises the importance of having a bar in your sitting room because of the sense of occasion that comes with mixing drinks in front of your guests and asking them to help themselves. Envisioning the sitting room’s function is important in coming up with your design.

Look at maximising space

Properties in London are usually small, so it’s essential to know how to maximise your space. The Telegraph suggests having moveable furniture to give you a flexible layout. This is because 18% of people quizzed in a study used their living room for exercise. If you’re one to use the sitting room for yoga or home exercise, having moveable furniture can be a quick-fix solution to increase the space whenever the occasion calls for it. Recommended furniture includes a lightweight coffee table or a jute pouffe ottoman. 

Choose the right furnishings

Many designers stress the importance of keeping your best items on show, not hidden away in some attic. Your grandmother’s antique coffee table could be a beautiful addition to your new sitting room. Coffee tables are central pieces of any sitting room because they’re usually where the rest of the furniture faces. Picking out the right sofa is another decision point, as many factors come into play in choosing the right one. For example, if you’re a taller person you will appreciate deeper seats, while those who are shorter should go for shallower designs.

Have a focal point

Cracked Nails and Split Ends emphasises the importance of having focal points in a room. Creating a focal point is key to a classy and stylish interior. One of the important things to consider is a strong visual element. The right piece of artwork often does the trick. Good Homes Magazine looked at the importance of having artwork that either complements or contrasts your sitting room’s design, depending on the look you’re going for. Either way, what’s important in picking the right artwork is to consider the pieces of furniture in your room and how the two would look together.

Finding the light 

Light sources are another thing to take into consideration when designing your sitting room. Natural light is always a winner; so make sure you have big windows that illuminate your space during the daytime. For evenings, opt for installing a fireplace in your sitting room. This helps create a good focal point while also being a place where people gather around. Moreover, Adorable Homes mentions how it helps in creating a romantic, cosy design that you can only get from old-fashioned heating. However, this doesn’t mean you need to worry about installing a chimney. The gas fires listed on Screwfix show how today’s designs range from traditional styles, which replicate wood-burning fireplaces, to models with more modern aesthetics. The variety of styles means that you’ll no doubt be able to find the right design that goes with your sitting room. Regardless of how you decide to do it, incorporating light sources into your sitting room will help in providing that warm feeling to welcome friends and family.