Samantha Hansard Samantha Hansard

“Let us show you how to” …create a dream corner in your living room.

“Let us show you how to”…create a dream corner in your living room.

Think of your corner as a little retreat with all the comforts and things that you love - a peaceful and blissful nook.

Using vintage and contemporary pieces, here are our key ingredients to create that dreamy space you've been after...

Ingredient One - It’s all about comfort

It may be your favourite armchair from another room. Or a vintage one that you have reupholstered or found at a market. Or a new one from an online store. As long as you can throw your shoes off and snuggle up comfortably with a book (or your phone), its a winner.  Sam recently moved her green velvet armchair to the kitchen and with a new cosy reading corner in mind, she replaced it with a midcentury style armchair from the sofa.com Iggy range - supportive, snug and of course elegant. She was after a textured, woven neutral feel and this was a perfect combination. It is so comfortable that now the whole family wants to claim it as their own.

Ingredient Two - Rest those legs

Sometimes you want to curl up, but sometimes you want to stretch out those tired legs. A footstool is a must.  Whatever you choose, vintage or new, upholstered or wood, make sure it doesn't mark easily and is sturdy enough to hold your legs.  Sam chose the "Iggy Footstool" from Sofa.com to match her armchair with the same proportions.

Ingredient Three - Let there be light

A beautiful floor-standing lamp, or table lamp, creates mood and helps to define a space. Sam chose the stunning statement "Idol Floor Lamp" from Sofa.com as the vintage style brass and marble tied in with some of her existing vintage decor and furniture. But you can be a little bold here with pattern and colour too and its a way of adding in a different material and texture to the scheme.

Ingredient Four - Textiles and Textures

There is nothing quite like a big, soft blanket and glorious cushions to make you feel luxuriously relaxed and warm but throws and cushions also bring a design scheme together. You can be a little bold with these elements and its a brilliant way to add colour and pattern (and texture) if you are feeling adventurous. Sam wanted a textured neutral scheme (without pattern) - she also included some of her existing pieces - beautiful

green velvet and textured cushions and throws. Here are some ideas for cushions and some ideas for throws.

Ingredient Five - Stepping out

When you step down from your dream sofa, you also want to feel warmth and comfort on your feet. You may already have a carpet in your room (or perhaps a wooden floor)  and either way, adding an extra layer is a beautiful way of creating warmth underfoot. It can be something earthy or patterned, vintage or modern.

Ingredient Six -

Surround yourself with nature

Plants, plants and more plants. In pots, baskets, vases, on the floor or on a shelf. The green of nature immediately creates a calming environment.

Ingredient Seven - Make it easy

A little sidetable (at the right height) is an important accompaniment to a comfy armchair. You want to be able to place your food and drink and other little necessities comfortably without having to reach. And of course a little sidetable in wood always adds lovely texture too.

Ingredient Eight - Create a visual story

This is such an important element of your little corner. Think of creating a beautiful 360 degree view.  Art on the wall adds story and history. For Sam, a little trio of antique paintings created the perfect atmosphere and mood. Style shelves with books, art, plants and candles and interesting little objects, old and new. Look in your cupboards and be creative! Need a few vintage art ideas to get you started? 

Ingredient Nine - R &R

Recline and relax and admire your beautiful corner.

Ingredient Ten - Fun for all the family

Sometimes you will want peace and quiet to enjoy your corner, but other times, its a perfect place for the whole family (dogs included) to gather around and chat.

We would love to see the cosy spaces you have created, so please do send us a picture to tamara@vintagecuratorinteriors.com

With love (and happy styling)

Sam and Tamara

And please don’t forget to subscribe to our journal which will include all kinds of creativity, inspired by our love for vintage, antiques and sustainable living

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