Soulful spaces

Interior designers and décor experts share the essential elements of a cosy living room.

Create atmosphere

“Cosy up your living room with a rich and deep colour palette. Introduce burnt oranges, mustard yellows and earthy tones to create warmth and comfort. Chunky woollen carpets and rugs are a brilliant starting point to transform your living room into a winter retreat.

“For an even cosier atmosphere, fit wall and floor lamps with warm, yellow light bulbs to create soft background lighting that doesn’t dominate. In neutrally hued spaces, wooden furniture creates an earthy, warm impression. Introduce a bit of sparkle with metallic highlights to reflect glowing light.” – Johann De Waal, marketing manager at KARE Johannesburg

Install a fireplace

“If the budget allows, install a fireplace. It offers more than just visual appeal. It can warm up your room – both literally and figuratively – and can transform your living room into the ultimate haven of comfort. There’s a fireplace to suit any décor scheme, from rustic to ultra-modern. It adds style and instantly sets the ambience for a cosy living room.” – Loredana Morton, interior designer and owner of Loredana Morton Interiors

Add scatter cushions and throws

“These are both decorative and functional and can make any space feel inviting and warm. This is also the most affordable solution to instantly cosy up your living room, and can elevate a house to a home. With a wide variety of shapes, textures, colours and styles, they are great to throw into any décor mix.” – Loredana Morton, interior designer and owner of Loredana Morton Interiors

Layer textures

“Layer various textures such as faux fur, knit fabrics, velvets, wools, cottons and linens on scatter cushions, throws, rugs and furniture fabrics to establish a space of cosiness for lounging and unwinding. The addition of a textured scatter cushion to an occasional chair or a throw over your sofa can provide a cosy look and feel of the space as a result of warmth and comfort.” – Leanne Van Niekerk, interior designer and owner of LVN Interiors

Focus on layout

“The layout of a living room is vital for creating a cosy space. When establishing the design, it is imperative to avoid pushing your furniture up against your walls. A symmetrical arrangement creates a space that feels organised and calm. Use fireplaces as a focal point and design your living room around this to ensure comfort and warmth for a more inviting space.” – Leanne Van Niekerk, interior designer and owner of LVN Interiors