Whatever you prefer to call it, your sitting room or living room is the heart of your home – a space for gathering, relaxing, and expressing your style. It’s a space that should bring you joy as you walk into it. Which is why today we are looking at living room design ideas.
Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or refreshing an existing space, designing a living room can feel like a big task. To help, here are some thoughtfully curated ideas to inspire you as you create a room that’s both beautiful and functional.
Sitting room design idea 1:
Start with How You Want It to Feel
Before diving into colours and furniture, think about how you want the space to feel. Calm and serene? Warm and inviting? Energetic and playful? This will guide every decision you make – from your layout to the colours you choose. At Willow and Woods, we always start with this question when helping clients design spaces that truly nurture and inspire.
This room uses the view as a focal point.
2. Build Around a Focal Point
Every well-designed living room needs a focal point. This could be a fireplace, a large piece of artwork, or even a striking wallpapered feature wall. A hand-drawn wallpaper can add depth and character, especially if you’re working with a neutral sofa or pared-back furniture.
Tip: A patterned wallpaper, even if just behind the sofa or around a fireplace can instantly lift the room and make it feel finished.
3. Mix Patterns and Textures
Timeless interiors often include a mix of materials – think natural linens, cosy wool throws, velvet cushions, and textured rugs. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns too. Stripes, florals, and trellis prints can work beautifully together if they share a similar colour palette.
Layering textures and patterns adds richness and personality – an essential step when designing a sitting room that feels both comfortable and elevated.
4. Choose a Classic Colour Scheme
Neutrals always provide a strong foundation, but consider soft blues, warm corals, or muted greens to bring a little more warmth and joy to the space. Colour influences mood, so lean into the tones that make you feel good.
A soft, hand-painted blue wallpaper behind a bookcase or alcove adds just the right amount of colour without overwhelming the room.
This rooms bright colours spark joy.
5. Use Lighting to Set the Mood
In any sitting room design, lighting is key. A combination of ambient (ceiling lights), task (floor or table lamps), and accent lighting (wall sconces or candles) creates layers and helps you shift the atmosphere from day to night.
Consider dimmable bulbs or soft white lighting to create a warm, welcoming glow – perfect for unwinding in the evening.
I love this rechargable floor lamp available from John Lewis. Not only do you not have to worry about wires, but it blends heritage detailing with a simple fabric shade.
A fire adds to the visual warmth of this room.
6. Invest in Meaningful Details
A timeless living room tells your story. Family photographs, inherited furniture, handpicked art, or even a wallpaper inspired by your favourite coastal town can infuse your space with meaning.
If you’re redecorating, take the time to choose items you truly love – not just what’s trending. The best rooms are the ones that feel lived in and loved.
William Morris famously said, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”.
)This is something I truly believe makes a house a home. A place that brings you joy, and is a wonderful rule to live by when decorating your home.
Final Thoughts on Designing a Sitting Room
Designing a sitting room doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start with how you want it to feel, and layer in elements slowly – focal points, patterns, colours, lighting, and details that bring you joy. Whether you’re working with a designer or creating the space yourself, aim for a room that balances comfort, character, and timeless style.
If you’re looking for unique wallpapers to add warmth and personality to your living room, browse my hand-drawn collection here. I’m always happy to help you choose the perfect sample to start your design journey.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your pattern choices, and pulling together a scheme that brings you joy, check out my Pattern Consultations – get my help and suggestions (and no, they won’t include my own designs unless they particularly match what you are looking for!)