Living Space Furniture

When a home is described as having multiple living spaces, that can mean any number of defined living areas, all with different furniture needs.

Lindy Evans from Windemere Interiors says it's important to establish what type of living space the area is before before committing to furniture. "Generally, defining whether the space will have a television or projector will guide you to the type of furniture you will need.

The lounge room is the most common living space in a home. A place for the family to relax and watch television, seating should be appropriately arranged so that everyone has clear view of the television and also enough view of each other for when the television is off. A modular lounge either in an L shape or U shape with a central coffee table is perfect for this.

A sitting room has no need for television and is centred around conversation, so the need for face to face contact is essential. Couches or lounges facing each other over a coffee table works in this situation. A mix of single, two and three seaters add flexibility.

Media rooms are becoming more common in the modern household. As their purpose is purely cinema or media, singe chairs or couches all facing the screen is appropriate, perhaps with individual side tables. Tiered seating creates an authentic touch.

Other living spaces include formal lounge rooms, rumpus rooms, retreats and alfrescos, all with different furniture needs to make the space work.

Rural Retreat

Imagine a luxury escape to the country without leaving home.

A contemporary twist on the country theme, “rural retreat” combines fresh and light elements, with rich timber textures and contrasting vibrant hues. Stylish, indulgent and serene, the theme depicts a luxury getaway with the finer things in life.

To recreate this look, Lindy Evans from Windemere Interiors suggests drawing inspiration from country retreats and layering with different textures and colours for added depth. “Start with a light, neutral palette in a warm shade, such as cream or taupe and highlight with varying browns and greens in olive and avocado for a cosy but contemporary feel. Layer rich, rustic timbers with luxurious throws and knitted cushions for texture and contrast with indulgent fabrics of fur and silk to add a touch of luxury.”

Inspiration Gallery

Feature Lighting Takes Centre Stage

Lighting today isn't just for brightening up a room to see. Feature lighting has taken centre stage from decadent floor lamps to opulent chandeliers; they can be the statement piece of a room.

There are many styles of feature lighting and not limited to lamps. Ceiling pendants, downlights, floor and wall lights, floor lamps and even a beautiful desk lamp can create a feature piece in a space.

Kirstin Fowle, from Windemere Interiors, says feature lighting in itself creates an aura and draws your attention purely for the light it emits. "Particularly at night, the warmth and glow of lighting creates a statement. Start your space with your feature lighting piece and decorate the rest of the room around this. A bold and beautiful floor lamp in striking and classic art deco style is a wonderful inspiration. Use this in the centre of the space and pair with subtle furnishings of that era."

Feature lighting is also starting to create impact in rooms of the house that were previously reserved as the "practical areas of the home". Feature lighting in the kitchen is becoming very popular, including LED lighting under kitchen island benches and above bulkheads and ceiling pendants over benchtops. Bathrooms are also becoming spaces for amazing feature lighting, with chandeliers, inbuilt floor lighting and downlights over mirrors.

Feature lighting can be married with other pieces in a room to create impact. Feature lighting directed towards a piece of artwork can create a bold statement in a space, or a beautiful floor lamp over a antique chair and sidetable will instantly create appeal in a room. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Inspiration Gallery from Windemere Interiors

Designer's Choice - Andrew Martin Wallpaper