Cosy living room ideas

Lotte Brouwer | April 11, 2018 3:53 pm

Design inspiration for styling a snug, cosy corner

Never mind hygge, we’re all about snug. Creating a cosy space to curl up with a book, your favourite film or even just the dog appeals to our nurturing instinct. Or maybe we just crave somewhere to kick off our shoes, hunker down under a blanket and make the world go away. Maybe even take a nap. Every home should have a space like that. But not everyone has the luxury of a box room that can be converted into a cocooning den.

Next best thing? Transform an unused alcove, corner or awkward nook in your living room into a cosy corner by incorporating some snug-factor essentials.

Wood panelling, warm colours, log burners, exposed beams, brickwork, chunky rugs and squishy seating… one or two or even all of the above will go a long way to setting the mood. Accessorise with a basket of blankets and it’ll become a spot you won’t want to leave. Snuggle up and enjoy our pick of six stylish ways to hunker down.

Explore more modern living room ideas

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The decor has an almost powdery softness, given definition with black-framed internal and external glazing. The plaster has a rustic honesty plus it absorbs sound beautifully. Surfaces are gently tactile, from the deep quilting of the sofa to the silky pile of the living room rug, but it’s the artwork that provides the real drama in the space. Get the look: The Redondo sofa is by Moroso. This is Thonet’s No. 21 rocking chair. The Knot floor cushion from Habitat is similar to this. The Spotlight rug is by David Rockwell for The Rug Company. The artwork above the fireplace is by Thierry W Despont.

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Natural Beauty

Layer rugs or sheepskins on carpet to make it extra inviting for slippered feet. A (tidy) log pile and other curated objects made from natural materials help create a calm and rustic look. There's no place for brass or glam accents here. Think wicker and woven baskets, muted foliage like eucalyptus or pussywillow, and plenty of cottons and linens. Get the look: This is the Blu Dot coffee table. These are Oscar sofas by Matthew Hilton for SCP. The Conran Shop has a classic Butterfly chair. The reindeer rug at Heal’s is similar.

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Tempting Textures

Here, a mix of textures in combination with a log burning stove and exposed brick fireplace help to build a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Get the Look: Chair, Skandium, rug and side table, Moroso.

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Reading Platform

This clever reading platform makes the most of an unused corner. A fitted mattress pillow with matching throw pillows make this nook extra inviting. Get the look: Visit The French House for an antique armchair like this.

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Roaring But Restful

Plump seating and a roaring fire keep this space feeling cosy, while animal prints add an urban twist to this edgy, English country-house Get the look: This is the Kenton ottoman in Tigre by House of Hackney. The leopard armchair is a flea-market find covered in fabric brought back from Hong Kong. The green velvet sofa is from DFS. The vintage mirror is from Les Couilles du Chien.

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Scandi Snug

A soft grey palette helps sets the tone for this Scandi-style snug. Modern classic furniture and a sparing use of objects keep this room feeling uncluttered and peaceful. Get the look: This is the Blu Dot coffee table. These are Oscar sofas by Matthew Hilton for SCP. The Conran Shop has a classic Butterfly chair. The reindeer rug at Heal’s is similar.

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TV Room

This TV room was originally a mezzanine overlooking the living room. It's been closed it off with a grey-stained oak sliding door and interior window. The result? A cosy, sound-proofed den.