A place for gathering the family or hosting friends, the living room really is one of the most important spaces in the home. Whether you prefer to curl up with a good book or snuggle in front of the TV, it’s important to ensure these living spaces are not only stylish but also functional to allow for everyday use.

Before you start designing, there are a few important elements to consider, including layout, sofa configuration and colour scheme. To offer useful insight and helpful styling tips, Caron Grant, Brand Manager at Bridgman shares her thoughts.

Layout is key: “Layout is essential in any space, but it plays a particularly important role in the living room. Whether you’re working with a cosy, compact space or larger, open-plan configuration, it’s important to make sure each piece fits comfortably within the room.

To visualise the layout, try using paper templates, cut in the shapes of your sofa, coffee table and other key furniture. This method will help you to gauge how much floor space is available and ensures there’s ample room to move around the room with ease.

For those working with a smaller space, consider multi-purpose pieces, such as a footstool that doubles as a coffee table or floor-to-ceiling storage units, which free up floor space and leave more room for the sofa. Wall-mounting the TV instead of using a freestanding unit can also help to create a more spacious feel.”

Choosing a sofa shape that suits your needs: “There are a number of different sofa shapes available, ranging from classic 2- or 3-seaters to spacious corner and chaise designs. The best choice for your space really depends on how you plan to use it.

For larger families or those who love to entertain, a corner or chaise design can be ideal, providing ample seating and allowing everyone to get a clear view of the TV. However, for those using their living room as somewhere to host coffee with friends or family, consider placing two smaller sofas opposite each other. This will naturally encourage conversation. Pairing them with a coffee table or chest in the centre will help to create an intimate and sociable set up.”

Colour schemes: “When creating a colour palette, we recommend choosing a timeless base colour, such as an earthy neutral, green or, versatile shade of blue. By selecting base colours you feel confident in for the walls, flooring and sofa, you can then bring in bolder, more adventurous colour choices through soft furnishings and accessories.

Unlike the larger investment pieces, which are more permanent, using experimental shades for these finishing touches allows for easy updates down the line. If your tastes do change in future, you can easily refresh the space without needing a complete transformation.”

For more information on Bridgman’s offerings, be sure to visit: www.bridgman.co.uk