Have you ever wanted to know how interior designers craft Pinterest-worthy living rooms? Today we’re taking you behind the scenes of a recent project—a real-life living room makeover that offers an inside peek into The Original Chair Company’s meticulous design process.
1. Understanding the Client’s Vision
Our first port of call is understanding the client’s needs and desires. We need to get a sense of the client’s personal tastes and how they’ll use the room so we can create a space that’s both beautiful and functional. This meeting can take place in-person at our Perth furniture store or on Zoom.
For this particular project, our clients wanted a space that was both stylish and functional. They valued quality and luxury but preferred an inviting and homely atmosphere. Our challenge was to make their living room an elegant space to entertain guests while also being a place to wind down and relax after a busy day. Their style leaned towards classic with a contemporary, and they were keen on a colour palette that added depth and richness without being too dark.
2. Moodboard Creation
After an in-depth chat with the client we created a mood board for the project. This mood board included possible colour palettes, textures, and furniture shapes in line with the client’s inspirations and vision. We also took into account the room’s dimensions and curated our mood board based on what would complement the existing living room.
We also included final touches like lighting, soft furnishings, and window treatments. Before moving on to the next step we sent the mood board to the client to ensure we were on the right track and to account for any final considerations.
3. Colour Palette
With a vision clear in our head the first practical step is to choose a colour palette. You might think selecting furniture is our first choice but deciding on colours is crucial because they’re key to the entire design process. Colour establishes the mood of a room and guides decor choices like furniture in order to tie a room seamlessly together.
For this living room we decided on a deep navy blue as the dominant colour. The wall colour is repeated in the rich velvet armchairs and in the coffee table and cushion design. To soften the effect we opted for a linen sofa in a neutral cream. The cream of the coffee table also balances the moody drama of the walls. Finally, gold accents brought the room together with an air of elegant luxury.
4. Choosing the Furniture
The next step was selecting the right furniture pieces. Luckily, we’re experts in bespoke sofas and chairs!
Sofa: The sofa is our Manhattan Sofa in a custom design. Effortlessly stylish and a statement piece, the Manhattan Sofa is a refined balance of comfort, practicality and style.
The sofa is crafted with a flat sprung seat and luxurious Featherlux seat cushions with a robust foam core and the solid hardwood frame sits on polished, turned legs. Because the sofa would see a lot of use we chose to upholster in chic but hard wearing linen.
Armchairs: As a contrast to the Manhattan Sofa we added two Howard Armchairs upholstered in rich navy blue velvet. The white piping adds contemporary elegance and mirrors the colour scheme of the footstool. We also included a third armchair – Roath – upholstered in a sumptuous neutral brocade for optional extra seating.
Footstool: Normally, a sofa is the focal point in a living room. We decided to put our generously spacious Maurice footstool front and centre. The unique design creates visual interest but stays neutral enough that it doesn’t throw off the visual balance of the room. The footstool also doubles as an elegant coffee table to rest drinks or art books on. The hidden storage is a clever way to keep the room clutter-free.
5. Adding Details
After picking the sofas and chairs from our bespoke range it was time to add the smaller details. These often overlooked elements add texture and story to a room and can let your personality shine. There are many inexpensive ways to add finer details to a room such as lighting, soft furnishings, and wall art that can contribute to the room’s overall atmosphere.
For this living room we focussed on a few key elements to bring the room to life.
Soft Furnishings: Scatter cushions upholstered in the same cream and navy pattern as the footstool brought a sense of cohesion to the room scheme. We also chose gold accent cushions upholstered in textured linen and tactile, plush navy cushions for the cream sofa to add comfort and a touch of luxury. Touchable soft wool throws on the armchairs’ matching footstools keep the vibe homely without sacrificing elegance.
Curtains: For one window treatment we picked floor-length curtains in a soft, neutral fabric that added a sense of height and elegance to the room. On the narrower window we chose practical blinds to maximise light.
Lighting: We used a variety of lighting solutions to create different moods. The main light source comes from a central chandelier to add a touch of drama while table lamps and a floor lamp next to the sofa provide a warm glow.
Artwork and Personal Touches: We sourced artwork that reflected our client’s personality, including the colourful artwork above the sofa. The side table under the mirror serves as a focal point and displays personal objects that show the client’s personality and history. In our opinion, decorative items like heirloom sculptures and family photographs shouldn’t be hidden away but incorporated into a room. Even if these items aren’t antique they help to tell the story of the people who live there and make a room unique.
6. Adding a Mirror
We felt the mirror deserved a special mention as it reveals a lot about our design process. So, why did we opt for a circular mirror as a key focal point in this living room?
Firstly, for the unique aesthetic. Our client wanted an elegant, contemporary look but most importantly the room had to be cosy and liveable. A rectangular mirror with straight lines and sharp angles would feel too structured for this room. A circular mirror on the other hand introduces balance by reflecting the soft curve of the sofa arms and creating a sense of softness. This felt crucial when relaxation was cited as the main purpose of this living room.
Furthermore, the unusual shape creates visual interest. This keeps the vibe fresh and contemporary instead of overly formal. The round shape naturally attracts the eye and when placed above the sideboard breaks up the visual monotony of the table, lamp stands, and footstool’s straight lines. Yet the lines within the mirror repeat lines and patterns within the room creating a harmonious whole.
We deliberately placed the mirror opposite the window to reflect the greenery outside. This created an illusion of space by reflecting more light and bringing a touch of nature indoors. Therefore, despite the dark navy walls the room feels bright and open.
The great thing about a circular mirror is its versatility. We’ve chosen to place this mirror as part of a focal point with the sideboard and lamps but it would just as easily work above the fireplace or above the sofa as part of a gallery wall. This gives our client the ability to switch things up without upsetting the room’s visual harmony.
7. Installation and Styling
The final step in the design process is the installation and styling. This is where all the planning and creativity come together.
We aim to make installation as easy and stress-free as possible for our clients and use a trusted delivery team for larger items like sofas and armchairs. These are then delivered within a suitable time slot and correctly placed within the client’s home. Once the pieces are delivered we double-check that room’s configuration to ensure it meets the needs of our client. In this living room we chose a furniture configuration that encouraged relaxation and comfort. This is a room where the family can unwind and enjoy a sophisticated but comfortable evening together.
8. The Final Touches
We spent a few hours at the client’s home styling the space, adjusting cushions, arranging books on the coffee table, and making sure every detail was perfect. The goal was to create a space that felt both lived-in and beautifully curated. The vases and plants were a final addition that brought an extra layer of vibrancy to the room and spoke to the client’s love of natural textures.
9. Room Reveal and Client Feedback
The most rewarding part of any project is the final reveal. For this space, we saw a complete transformation into a living room that blended comfort, style, and functionality.
This luxury living room exudes a sophisticated and elegant vibe. The deep navy walls create a dramatic yet cosy atmosphere that’s balanced by the light-colored sofa, carpet, and accents. The cream sofa with plush, contrasting cushions in gold, black, and white adds a touch of warmth and comfort, while the patterned footstool and matching cushions on the navy armchairs contribute a sense of harmony and cohesion.
The room’s decor is carefully curated, with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The round mirror above the sideboard adds depth and reflects light, enhancing the room’s spacious feel. The lamps with beige shades and the delicate ornaments add a personal touch, while the large, plush footstool serves as a stylish yet functional centerpiece.
Overall, the room feels luxurious yet inviting – exactly what the client wanted. The combination of textures and patterns gives the space an air of refinement, making it both a beautiful and comfortable place to relax or entertain guests.
Our client was thrilled with the results, especially all the personal touches that made the room feel like home. Their favourite elements were the striking dark walls and how the room still felt bright and spacious thanks to the window treatments and innovative placement of the circular mirror. Sinking into one of the velvet armchairs at the end of the day was now motivation to reach home faster!
Redesign Your Room With The Original Chair Company
For us, designing a living room is more than just selecting furniture — it’s about creating a space that tells the story of the people who live in it. At The Original Chair Company, we pride ourselves on our ability to listen to our clients, understand their needs, and deliver beautiful interiors that make homes feel unique and sumptuously comfortable. This project gave us the perfect opportunity to work with a clients’ vision and test our design skills to create a thoughtfully curated interior with comfort and elegance at its core.
If your living space longs for a touch of refinement, The Original Chair Company is here to transform it into a haven of comfort and elegance. Explore our Interior Design services or reach out directly to bring your home to life.
Shop the bespoke furniture featured in this makeover: