COMFORT and joy

WITH THIS YEAR’S WINTER ENTERTAINING SET TO BE A LITTLE MORE LOW-KEY THAN USUAL, OUR LIVING ROOM LINE-UP FOCUSES ON ENJOYING COSY FESTIVE GATHERINGS WITH LOVED ONES

- LINDA CLAYTON

A similar living room by Nicky Dobree Interior Design would cost around £60,000

MOOD LIGHTING

Lighting can make or break the atmosphere in your living room. Design experts love a layered approach that can be dialled up, or down, as required. Interior designer Nicky Dobree recommends using plenty of lamps to cast a soft, warm light across the room at a lower level. Instead of a lone central pendant, she prefers indirect spotlights, on dimmers if possible. ‘They’re more discreet and can be hidden in the beams,’ she says.

Jonesy sofa in new Praline plush velvet, from £1,195; Oops-a-lazy footstool in Stone vintage linen, £665; Shaggy rug, from £225, all Loaf

BACK TO NATURE

‘We’re seeing a lot more terracotta, clay and rust colours coming through,’ says Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf, which has introduced 10 new fabrics in edible shades, such as Caramel, Pinky Peanut and Praline. These tones are ideally suited in a country setting and can be softened with a neutral off-white backdrop. Velvet is a relatively new trend that’s gaining traction on sofas, and a great way to fast track a bit of luxury into your living room. For stress-free entertaining, go for modern ‘smart’ or ‘clever’ velvet, which is designed to be stain resistant.