Living room ideas that balance luxury and comfort
This week, one of my design mentors and idols, John Saladino, passed away at the age of 86 at his home in Montecito, California.
He was a constant Architectural Digest feature–part of the AD 100 for the longest time (since the 80s). He did some noteworthy coffee table books and has a well known furniture company under his name.
Although not a household name today, he was always my source of inspiration even as a student, as he was a master in mixing ancient details and proportions with modern touches. It’s a style that will outlive many years of passing trends.
I had a chance to meet him in the early 2000s when he came to Manila to give a talk with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID).
I was also lucky to be tasked to drive him around and accompany him during his free time. It was one of my most unforgettable moments as a young interior designer back then. We had endless conversations about his work, his presentations, his drawings (he would draw his perspectives backwards in front of the client), his style, his dinner parties and his preparations.
He was very interested in my life as a young interior designer and how I was doing. At that time, I was working for Leandro V Locsin Partners and was about to go on my own to start my firm.
Those were the best three days, which felt more like a semester of an Interior Design masters degree–with no less than John Saladino ending it with a fantastic job offer as a direct design assistant to one of the best!
Regretfully, I had to make a choice since I was starting on my own, but that’s another story. Rest in peace John and I am sure heaven is so beautiful with the color of pale blue heather walls and perfectly proportioned quilted chairs.
This week, I’m dedicating my article–which is about how to make your living room luxurious, comfortable, yet practical–to John Saladino who said: “It’s my personal philosophy to mix the old with the new” (Architectural Digest, 1989).
Mix old and new
You don’t have to use all the styles from one era. You can always mix.
What counts is the scale and proportion–nothing too small and nothing too big. You can place a contemporary, nicely-sized sofa with a cane weave bench and mix in a ceramic stool.
Find your focal point and build from there. If your best piece is the sofa, then start from that. Put together all the items that you have and categorize. You may not need to buy more.
Layer, layer, layer
Layer with texture, layer with light, or layer with eye level.
You can layer with lights by using floor lamps, table lamps, and chandeliers. You can create shadows at play. This makes the space cozier.
You can layer with texture. Start from the bottom going up. The rug can be a thick textured finish, while the upholstery can be in a different material such as chenille or leather. Pillows can be in silk; walls can be in abaca or wood veneer; and ceiling can be in a different finish as well to add that stylish feel.
To add to the grandeur, I would use metallic on some parts of the ceiling.
Layer using height installations. Play with the height of your artwork and sculptural pieces.
Furniture comfort
Furniture pieces should be comfortable. This is a prerequisite!
Clients always ask for the best looking furniture pieces but fail to try them first. Always, always sit on your sofas and lounge chairs before purchasing them.
Coffee tables should serve their purpose and more. A tray can be placed on it so you can eat in your living room, have tea, entertain guests and place some coffee table books.
Pillows should also be comfortable and should have the most plush stuffing–down feathers no less.
Statement piece
Showcase your best piece. Place it in the most seen area in the living room and highlight it even more. This creates a statement in your living room.
More than one
Why have one coffee table when you can have more?
If you have space, you can repeat your furniture. This adds more comfort and luxury–making your home look more like a gallery space. You can have two to three side tables, and two to three lounge chairs of the same kind.
Add in a nice coromandel screen behind the sofa to give the space some depth.
Organize
Organize your special pieces in a nice wall or cabinet for display. I would always highlight my clients’ antiques in a display cabinet and light them up to set the drama in a living room. This makes the space look clean and spacious.
Neutral colors
For a luxurious and cozy interior, I would always go for a neutral color theme in different textures including a metallic finish. A contrasting wood finish would give it a little edge plus a bold artwork piece.
Window treatment
Nothing else can destroy an interior than a badly made curtain in the worst color. If in doubt, always go for an almost invisible color that seems to fade into your window. I always go for shades that are practically invisible.
Lighting
Lighting on your ceiling should always be cozy, relaxed and comfortable. Avoid lights that are glaring. There are anti-glare fixtures that are already available in the market. Try brands like Flos or Endo. Dimmers or lighting control are a good investment as well.
Mood
Don’t forget to soothe the five senses. Set the mood with music and scents.
Design style
The design style should be something you love and which would suit your taste. If you don’t like it, your living room will never be comfortable.
The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila
