COMFORT ZONE
There’ll be no need to fight
over the comfy seat if your
whole suite is piled with
contrasting soft cushions
and cosy throws. ‘Layering
textures in an informal way
makes a virtue of a slightly
undone design aesthetic, so
you’re less likely to notice
anything else that’s out
of place,’ says Philippa.
The natural wear and tear
hardwood floors will
endure is also easily hidden
with bold rugs. Philippa
explains: ‘Patterns are
great for camouflaging
any future spillages.’‘A BEAUTIFUL SPACE WILL
ACCOM MODATE THE
WHOLE FAMILY’
For more inspiring ideas on how to create the perfect
living space for you and your lifestyle, visit John Lewis
& Partners in store or online at johnlewis.com
Above: TV, £699; frames, from £6; chair,
£99 for set of two; shelving units, from £102;
vases, from £30. Left: Cushions, from £25;
throw, £95. Below: Rugs, from £260I
t’s easy to see how the modern world
has made us more obsessed than ever
with our living spaces. We all need
a retreat from everyday stresses, yet
one peek into an influencer’s home
can make our own style choices feel not
quite sleek, colour-coordinated or curated
enough. And while a quick scroll can
leave even the most confident interior
designer looking down on their own
space, here’s a secret those squares won’t
tell you: almost every interiors image you
see online is staged to perfection.
The reality is our homes should be
designed for sharing with our loved ones,
not followers. A beautiful space will
accommodate everyone – from parents,
kids and friends down to the family dog –
and be visitor-ready without needing a team
of prop stylists behind the scenes. Because
it’s not called a living room for nothing.
Who doesn’t find their floors are filled
with remote controls, books or toys by the
end of the day? John Lewis & Partners
design manager Philippa Prinsloo says:
‘Make sure you have plenty of open and
closed wall storage, so you can tidy away
all the clutter before relaxing on the sofa.’PROMOTION