Spending much more time at home currently means I am enjoying and taking in much more of what we have directly around us. It certainly makes you appreciate what you have and where you are. When we changed things around in the living room a while ago I shared it with you, but I thought I might go a little more in depth as to why we chose the colours – especially the main one. I did of course make a mood board at the time as it makes life so much easier and decisions quicker. In fact it can completely change and alter your outcome.

I would say my personal taste is eclectic and colourful but with strong leanings towards teals and mid century.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post with Sofa Workshop.

Teal makes me happy it’s vert definite and offers balance in a room. It’s also a very restful colour that works with so many other hues. Which, if you’re using it for a sofa makes sense ? If we decided to change the wall colours ( yup, it’s on the agenda ) then you could consider light pinks, certain softer blues or actually even darker blues, shades of green and golds. It obviously also works nicely with a pure white, neutrals and all greys. An incredibly versatile choice and one that I’m glad we made. It’s much easier to change the walls than it is than change your furniture.

I worked with Sofa Workshop on this particular project with a review and went for the Eden which comes in various sizes

It takes quite a lot of time to find your own personal colour palette but once you do, I don’t think it ever veers to far. I always say to people that the most important thing is that you love your choices and that no trend or influence should dominate.

We really do love a bit of 50s/60s era here and the Eden also lends itself well on that point. There was a choice of various sizes from a four seater sofa all the way down to a foot stool. We are avid Netflix fans and spend a lot of time plonked here so something comfy and large was a big factor. Let me tell you, the last 6 or so weeks have been greatly bolstered by this space.

It is much higher seating than our last sofa, which we also loved a lot  – and also from Sofa Workshop … we are long term fans. This has made it a bit more suitable for older family. There really is so much to consider isn’t there ?

As you can see I have thrown many different colours with the teal and it just seems to make it more vivid and lovely which is great. Friends often think the fabric is velvet because it’s so soft but it’s actually not. I did consider it but as it’s the most used sofa I went for something else. There are literally hundreds ( actually probably thousands )  of patterns and plains with different feels to choose from. So a really suitable one for a busy family with pets stood out.

I haven’t even got round to the Broadwick yet. Again teal, but with a cut velvet and metallic sheen. The aim was to add some animal print but I felt with the distinctive rug that it might end up being too much in browns and golds ! So a great compromise was this Matthew Williamson Cheetah Print find. I was half expecting Sofa Workshop to say they couldn’t use it but they came back with an immediate yes. Nothing too much trouble.

Layering a room with various textures and textiles not only makes it more interesting, it also can make it feel more lived and comfy. Which is what you want usually for a living room.

It’s a bit of a nostalgic reason that I chose the Broadwick. The vintage and classic style shape and bolster cushions really reminded me of my amazing Grandma. She loved this type of design and so therefore it felt really right to have it. I hope we can keep this one in the family and that the girls will remember it fondly or even have it themselves when they’re grown up.

It is a seat for two as putting in another longer sofa would’ve been too cumbersome. We can easily walk around it to put on some vinyl It’s nice to recline in to and I do love a snooze in it every now and then. Of course, quite often it ends up with piles of dry washing on, but hey, isn’t it the same in every home ? Sandy unfortunately for him, isn’t allowed on here but he has own one so fair’s fair.

When I studied colour psychology I worked out that I am a ‘ Spring type ‘ because I do tend to opt for lighter shades although you could also say an ‘Autumn type ‘ as there are definitely sentimental touches too. That is probably a post for another time to share with you.

I’d love to know your favourite colour and style ? Is it something that you’ve down in to or have always loved ? It’s fascinating as an interior designer to hear what makes people tick in their living spaces.

While I have you her reading, I just also want to say the most massive thank you to Sofa Workshop for joining forces with Design Havens for Heroes with whom I am also supporting and working with as an Ambassador and Interior Designer. We will be making over NHS staffs’ homes who have been working on the frontline over the last and coming few months. Sofa Workshop jumped at the opportunity at helping us out and we are all very grateful.