LOUNGING around

Leading interior designers share top tips on maximising the space of your living room - no matter the size

- Hasmita Amtha 

Guided by lifestyle needs, contemporary architecture has opened up the interior of the home, making the informal lounge a communal living space easily shared by the whole family. "Considering the hours spent in the living room, this space requires a thoughtful and practical design to ensure it is welcoming, comfortable and functional," says Aevum Concepts & Design's Alicia Neveling.

Local interior designers offer top tips to achieve an effective design - whether your living room is large or small.

STARTING POINT

Interior designer and behaviour strategist Kim Williams of Kim Williams Designs advises you start by setting out what's needed. "First, work out how you want to use the space. How many people use it, how often - and what does that mean for the space? How much seating do you need? Do you require additional storage? Do you need to include a dining table? Do you need to work in the space?

"Then you need to consider the layout, whether it is rectangular or square, what wall space do you have? What is the lighting like? Do you need to add functional or aesthetic lighting?"

Your design should not only take your responses to these questions into consideration, but equally importantly, advises Williams, is to ensure the size of your furniture is proportionate to the room. "One of the biggest mistakes people make is that furniture pieces are too small or too big to fit comfortably within the space," she cautions.

LARGE AS LIFE