By Belinda Hill
What are the
hottest and most trendy hues and styles in lounges and sofas today? We
give you some tips to help make your most lived in room a lounge-around
sanctuary.
The lounge room – also known as the living room or drawing room – is
where you entertain guests and relax at the end of a tiring day. So when
decorating a lounge room, it’s important to keep in mind that it should
be inviting, comfortable and welcoming all at the same time, thus
creating a lasting impression in the minds of all who lounge there.
Enter the humble (well not so humble these days) sofa.
Gone
are the lumpy sofas of yesteryear and seat cushions which looked great
but went flat when you sat on them, and in their place are versatile,
vibrant and super comfortable sofas and lounges in all shapes and sizes.
And luckily in 2012, decorating with personality, originality, natural
tones and longevity is a trend we can all enjoy.
Andrew Moricz, Head of Furniture - Freedom says: “It might be cold
outside, but the new winter 2012 collection of lounges and sofas is set
to warm up your home. This winter our sofas are all about classic
modernism punctuated with statement pieces. Beautiful lines, enduring
comfort and outstanding value.”
And in Andrew’s words, the new range of sofas “dial up classic Danish
design in buttery leather and rich fabrics to offer the best seat in the
house.”
“Put your feet up in style, from home-starter studio-sized sofas through to sprawling family modulars,” he says.
Buying
a new lounge can be quite daunting, especially since there are so many
options available to choose from. Some trends and styles to consider: Earthy neutral territory
This style never goes out of fashion and is always evolving. Natural
fabrics, especially in linen lounges and armchairs, the ubiquitous
striped sofa or ottoman and the white and beige palette are always in
the picture. Lounges are large - almost oversized - and deeply
comfortable, as well as often being feather-filled and covered in
cushions in many shades of white.
Feast of Euro chic elegance
Sectional, or modular, sofas may have been originally invented for
apartment living since they can be taken apart and reassembled very
easily, but the models on display in today's designer showrooms have
taken the idea to a new level. Packaged in ultra-cool styles that
reflect a European sensibility, these are sofas of distinction, which
will accommodate a family or group and therefore suit living spaces that
give plenty of room to showcase their features.
Colour up in bright and bold
Brightly coloured lounges are big news this year, but while the hues are
strong, they are not pure – think burnt orange as opposed to a tangy
citrus. Choose a sofa or armchair covered in these smouldering shades to
get the look. This fashion-forward palette combines mustards, teal
blues, khaki limes and dusty crimsons.
The chaise attachment for the L-shaped sofa is still popular, but
there's also a move to buy less conventional additions to the lounge
room in the shape of large ottomans, low-slung pouffes and beanbag-type
seating inspired by 1970s designs. New stain-resistant fabrics are
making their way into living rooms, too, making it easier for families
to justify a big spend on a designer sofa when there are young children
to consider.
La vie en rose
Romance in home decor needn't be saved for the bedroom. A living room
that includes French-inspired furniture, rich textures, antique
heirlooms and glamorous accessories will add a playful sophistication to
the most popular room in the house. Wing chairs are right on trend in
this style of decor and although they may look quite formal, they are
actually very comfortable.
Urban Mix
Leather lounges are all the go in this decor style, especially well-worn
vintage ones, or at least those that replicate an aged patina. Combine
dark and moody colours with something bright and glimmering, such as a
spotlight, or splash a graphic mural across a feature wall to add depth
and drama.
Mid-century modern
Lounges and armchairs are a key feature of this style, upholstered in
bright block colours of coral, lime, mustard and plum, as well as
graphic floral prints. The prevalence of rosewood and teak in a living
room complements the sunny-coloured upholstery of seating.
Read more!
Last month was both frustrating and confusing for many Australian
homeowners. One week the media were all but promising a rate cut; the
next we had lenders increasing the interest rates on home loans. The
question that many are asking is: why does the Reserve Bank of Australia
(RBA) make monthly decisions on ‘interest rates’ if lenders just do
their own thing anyway?
Jenny
O’Connell, head of kitchen products and design at Taste Living, says:
“One should not view kitchen design in isolation; rather they should
reflect your lifestyle and personal style while working harmoniously
with other spaces – even outdoor areas.”
