Sitting pretty – how to create a sitting room of calm sophistication

The sitting room, a place of relaxation and solitude, a hide away from the chaos of day-to-day life.  Well, maybe in our hopes and dreams! However, this does not stop me wanting to create a space that reflects this sentiment. I am never shy about saying that I favour a neutral colour palette. I love natural hints and timeless classics; putty, cream, beige and off-white as this palette is the perfect backdrop to showcase design features and statement pieces. These neutral sitting rooms look just divine…

Elegant, neutral sitting room

Neutral scheme with gold and cream accents

A neutral colour palette gives the perfect opportunity to introduce soft hints of subtle colour. Use cushions, throws and stunning decorative accessories to lift the room and add in seasonal trends. Here are some beautiful sitting rooms with gentle splashes of pale and dusky pinks to inspire you:

Parisian pastel lounge

Parlour in feminine colour palette

Lounge with peaceful decor

See how in the image below an accent chair has been used to give a neutral sitting room a pop of colour and life.

White scheme with hot pink accent chair

I am also fond of soft greys. Some find them cold but I find them calm and relaxing. Team them with an abundance of sparkling glass and walnut furniture to create a decadent and luxurious sitting room.

Grey sitting room with cut glass and silk accessories

As any interior designer will tell you, it is extremely important to have an exquisite lighting scheme in any room, and particularly when designing a relaxing sitting room. Your lighting scheme should bring together ambient, feature and decorative lighting without sacrificing functionality. Combined with elegant furniture, sumptuous fabrics and stunning accessories the right lighting scheme can give a luxurious and relaxing feel to your sitting room. Think lamps, sparkling wall lights and chandeliers.

By using special design features you can make a subtle colour palette come alive with interest and allure. So why not take the neutral route and create a sitting room of calm sophistication; you’ll never look back!