Most of the time when decorating, we're looking for a piece of furniture or that perfect homewares item to complete a space. Now and again, we're faced with the confronting blank canvas that is an entire room.
Styling a room from scratch is a good problem to have, and needn't be overwhelming. From choosing a sofa that will last for years to why you should layer rugs, plus some nifty 60-second styling tricks, here's what you need to know about curating your dream living room. Step by step.
Start with key items such as a sofa, coffee table and rug. Measure your space and any furniture pieces you like to make sure they'll fit before you buy. if you're not sure of your style yet, go neutral in colour and classic in shape.
Accessorising comes next - that is, creating texture in a room. Not everything has to match; just make sure pieces come from the same tonal world. Choose different fabrics, materials and finishes.
Use a mix of sizes and shapes. And try to keep cushions and objects in groupings at odd numbers - it just looks better.
Lighting is how you create ambience and 'hero' your decor. To create that inviting feel, layer lighting so it comes from different angles and sources - wall sconces, lamps and a (dimmable!) pendant over the coffee table. Like jewellery, choose something that will accent the overall look; it can be a statement piece.
Finally, florals, foliage and the flicker of a candle flame will bring any room to life. Like your accessories, mix and match textures, but stick to a complementary colour palette for a look that feels resolved.
In this room, the leaves of the tree, orange berries and white daises all share a common element of small, repetitive detail.