Cosy evenings lie ahead, and if you’re living in Britain, we may have to say goodbye to the sunshine sooner than we may like; however, the comforting prospect of snug Autumn nights in, is undeniable.

Interior trends come in ebs and flows and as we look to live more sustainably, we are leaning into timeless quality designs that are be influenced by current styles but are ultimately timeless. ‘Comfortcore’ remains at large in our homes (when would comfort ever be out of style), creating spaces that put laidback lounging at the heart where we can truly retreat into relaxation. Delve into the trends we’ve infused to our new AW’23 collection and how you can weave them into your home.

Soft Scandi

Cool, casual and comfy. Scandinavian design focuses on simplicity, functionality, minimalism and cosiness to cultivate a timeless, serene space. Voluptuous cloud-like sofas, particularly in neutral shades are in vogue, making comfort top priority in our homes. With laidback lounging written all over them, they’re perfect for wholesome movie nights with all your loved ones. While our Anders may look familiar, it has been refined to reach new levels of ease. Indulge in feather filled cushions and padded arms that lets comfort do the talking.

Artful Silhouettes

While maximalism cooks up a storm in some interiors and minimalism flows through others; there’s a sweet spot in between with playful shapes that still have a timeless vibe. Softer forms have risen in popularity in the last few years, bringing caressing curves that create a warm and welcoming vibe. Evolving from amorphous ‘blobby’ shapes the trend has been elevated to sculpted silhouettes that still radiate comfort with artful style. Our Boston is perfect for this classic look, combining 70s flair and contemporary form.

Earthy Textures

Raw materials blended with contemporary style equals a grounded interior. From wooden features to sofas shrouded in linen, bringing nature into the home is the perfect way to mirror the peace of nature. An added silver lining of using natural materials and textures is their sustainable qualities. Not only does it create a relaxing environment but are durable, renewable and biodegradable making them inherently sustainable. Our beautiful Costello Chaise rests on a wooden plinth and is featured in our new Driftwood Easy Cotton made from 100% Cotton for ultra sumptuous seating.

Moody Neutrals

Whether its, greys, beiges, whites or creams, neutral colours are always a staple when it comes to interiors. Redecorating can be costly, so sticking with timeless colour palettes have always been the key to a classic space. This season is no different, yet instead of washed out neutrals, richer shades are infiltrating our homes in the form of sage, mocha and terracotta. These deeper earthy tones add more colour to your interior while still maintaining their classic status. Plus, in the same way as natural texture, they have the same relaxing qualities perfect to enrich your oasis!

From coasting the blue waters of Capri to the billboards of Times Square… David Gandy is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable faces in fashion working with some of the biggest moguls in the industry. Easing off the fast paced jet setter lifestyle, David now invests his time into his clothing brand Wellwear founded in 2021 which combines his passion for clothing, wellbeing and entrepreneurship.

Having renovated numerous homes, his current residence, and biggest project to date overlooks Richmond Park, a property that dates back to 1925 when it was first built for an American Film maker. As a long term lover of sofa.com his historic home is infused with classic comfy designs from our collection, perfect for family life. Explore the most cherished parts of his home, his interior influences and who he’d love to share his sofa with if he had the chance…

A home of heritage

“We bought the home in 2020. It is a building of town merit, so has historical significance to the Richmond area. It overlooks Richmond Park, built in 1925. A sister house was built to mirror this also in 1925 in the south of France.

The house was built with a copper cupola, it’s an unusual design, but everyone talks about the house next to Richmond park with the ‘Turret and green copper’ roof. Obviously architecturally that is wrong, but everyone knows the house people are talking about, my daughter calls it her ‘Rapunzel tower’, so it’s very unique.”

Timeless style

“I would not say I have a particular style for interiors. I am sympathetic to the architectural style of the era when the house was built and try to take as much inspiration from the original design and keep as many original features as possible. I adore the history and stories that go into any particular design piece, whether that is a house classic car, vintage watch, that’s the uniqueness. Historic design definitely influences me more than contemporary design.

With the house in Richmond we have just renovated, an architect described it as an architectural mongrel, which describes it perfectly as the original designer was clearly inspired by so many different eras of design. I therefore, felt like we were not restricted, and could really put our own mark on the house and make it our own, without much boundary”

A love for handcrafted quality

“I love the fact that sofa.com are a British brand and each piece is hand finished. Not only do we have the latest pieces from their collections, we have also incorporated the older sofas and armchairs we had at previous houses. Some of the pieces are now 10 years old, which shows the incredible quality of the products, but also that the designs don’t go out of style. Even our Master super king Bed is a sofa.com Angel Bed from 10 years ago. I still adore this bed, but it did need new fabric, so I used some of their new velvet fabrics and had it reupholstered.

Having worked and bought sofa.com pieces for over 10 years I know the ranges very well. I feel all the pieces I have chosen including the fabrics are like the house, traditional, warm and inviting but with contemporary design twists to them. Designs where traditional merges with modern, so the pieces have fitted in perfectly.”

Homemade moments to cherish

“I was so very close to my grandparents and uncle who sadly died all very suddenly around 15 years ago. Just to have one more chance to sit, relax and laugh until we cried like we use to would be wonderful.

Memories like these mean I never want to feel like the house is a design or show house, or somewhere that’s been not lived in and loved. We are very fortunate to have been able to have the space for a couple of offices/working spaces but these rooms also act as drawing room/library rooms so are utilised fully. We have playrooms with indoor treehouses for the children, and the design details and colours used are soft, warm, cosy, people always say they feel very comfortable and relaxed in the houses I design.  We wanted a house and gardens we could host in. All our friends have young children and they all visit with their children and Dogs and it’s a very fun, happy house that hopefully everyone enjoys.”

The heart of the home

“It doesn’t matter how big your home is, the kitchen always seems to be the area that everyone congregates to. As a family the kitchen living area is where we spend the majority of the time and this is also where we host our guests. The sofa.com fabrics are all pastel colours, with Teddy sofas have Herringbone design, that fit with the rest of the design theme throughout the house. The pieces not only act at dividing the two spaces, they also have to look special and have the wow factor but more importantly have to be incredibly comfortable as this is where we relax in the evening. Also as anyone with young children and dogs will understand they also have to be hardwearing and high quality.

The drawing room/office is my favourite room in the house. We have decorated the room in a dark studio green paint colour including the ornate ceiling with the colour also, it has a huge open fireplace and we have are dark blue Isla sofas from our previous home in there. It acts as a lovely place to work during the day, but a great place to relax with the fire on at night.”

Get the Gandy look

Our long awaited summer is upon us… even if it is the British version. With brilliant sunshine one minute, and the threaten of rain the next, a fresh interior to retreat to is essential, particularly when hosting. This year we’re loving balmy bay windows, fresh warm neutrals, pops of Barbiecore and open spaces made for socialising.

These interior lovers have styled their beautiful handmade pieces exquisitely to create some of our favourite looks this summer season.

Summer commences the launch of the social season; the perfect time to get together with friends and family. Our sizeable Long Island is the ultimate destination for squeezing in all your loved ones ready to settle in for an evening of wholesome entertainment. Plus as a modular design you can maneuver the sofa sections around to create a more sociable space. The griege interior hues are sublime for a fresh summer look, which @2711_interiors spruces up with yellow toned cushions. Using a neutral colour palette means when the leaves turn golden you can refresh with richer tones accessories.

A good nights sleep is essential to maintain our energy during the long summer days. @beyondtheblankcanvas has created a beautiful sleep sanctuary with our Bella bed in our Olive Cotton Matt Velvet for added indulgence. The beds flute detailing and background of paneled walls create a depth to the room, with touches of gold hardware that contribute to the warm welcoming space. The addition of bedside eucalyptus infuses the room with a fresh aroma with a candle on the opposite to create some nighttime ambience.

In many homes the kitchen is the heart of their living space. Where family members pull up a stool to snack, or friends gather to chat while you prep a delicious meal. A comfy bar stool is essential for your loved ones to be able to keep you company without back pain! @wisteria_kitchens has got the right idea styling this kitchen counter with our Basil Bar Stool. A country kitchen isn’t complete without earth tones and textures to bring a touch of the outside in. Complimenting warm woods with a neutral palette keeps a fresh feel.

Sleeping on the couch may not be such a dismal experience if it’s done in sofa.com sofa bed style! Every social home cries out for a sofa bed to indulge their guests in (no matter how impromptu they may be). As a social home owner herself, @amybell has indulged in our Larsen Sofa Bed for functional comfort that doesn’t compromise on style. Furnishing the bouclé piece with checkerboard cushions, which has been an emerging pattern trend this year adds further depth, comfort and vibrancy to complete this summer look.

It’s set to be the movie of the year… it’s pink, its whimsical and if you haven’t guessed yet, it’s Barbie. Barbiecore has taken the world by storm, and has even seeped into the interior realm, with homes leaning into more colourful looks. If you’re looking to take inspiration from the vibrant trend but maintain a sophisticated interior then take a leaf out of @elmhurst57‘s book. Our classic and much loved Bluebell in vibrant Peony is grounded by the muted green walls and warm woods that surround it. With a beautiful bay window allowing natural light to stream in, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a book when the weather turns south.

Writer and interior guru Lisa Dawson (@_lisa_dawson_) is an icon for creating a home that’s timeless yet packed with personality; a place where classic and antique clashes beautifully into chic style.

Moving from just outside of Reading to the beautifully cobbled streets of York, she’s created a home that draws together the practicality of her everyday, with sentimental pieces she’s curated over the years. Discover her inspiration behind her eclectic home, top tips on weaving together the old and the new, and advice on party planning…

A vintage house

Living in her current home for almost a decade, Lisa has created a home that truly reflects her personality. “We live in a detached Georgian property, built in 1759. We’ve lived here in this house since 2015 and have made lots of update over the years so that it works well for our family. We moved from Caversham, near Reading, in 2013 as my husband, Joe, was offered a job here. We didn’t intend to stay many years but we liked it so much here that we decided to stay a while! Our children have mostly grown up here so Yorkshire is most definitely their home.”

“I found a picture of our home from about 15 years ago and weirdly, it looked very similar to the way our home does now. I’ve always been crazy about both art and vintage and this theme has continued throughout my interior evolution!”

Striking a balance between the old and new can be tricky so Lisa shares her tops on how she’s mastered the aesthetic. “I nearly always keep the bones of my house very simple – neutral walls and floors, simple window dressings, plain tiles. I add the colour and pattern via accessories and artwork. The perfect room for me comprises a mix of contemporary and vintage – the juxtaposition of these two styles works perfectly, not just from an aesthetic point of view but also from a sustainable perspective.”

I never buy for a space

Lisa Dawson

We’ve all done it… bought outlandish home accessories to specifically match one space, only to restyle the room a few years later and have to bury them away in the loft. “I buy because I love and as such, that piece will continue throughout my home, through various rooms and updates, making it a long term investment rather than a trend based purchase.”

Modular at first sight

New for SS23 Lisa styles her Slim Long Island in Cinnamon Smart Velvet around art and greenery that brings out its warm tones “I loved the Slim Long Island sofa on sight due to the fact it was modular! It was also super deep which my family love and was a simple, contemporary style that wouldn’t date. I am a big fan of modular sofas as they are such a flexible addition to a home, with the ability to not only be moved around easily but also in some cases reconfigured to fit smaller or bigger rooms.”

“The Cinnamon Smart Velvet was the perfect colour for my home – again, a good, solid neutral tone that will last the course. The Smart Velvet meant that the dog and the cat could jump on and I wouldn’t need to worry that they’d spoil it!”

Designing effortless chic

The ironic key behind an effortless style? Planning! “I never start planning out a room without creating a mood board. I create mood boards for pretty much everything! They are the perfect way to work out what you really like without hanging the wallpaper or slapping on the paint and then regretting it. I use Canva but PowerPoint works just as well; add the elements that you’re considering to your board and then move it all about, adding and taking away until it gels for you.”

A tricky balance to strike is creating a home full of personality that still looks timeless and doesn’t involve a decorating overhaul when you fancy a change. “In my own home, I tend to stick to a neutral background as I am passionate about adding art and colour so it makes it much easier for me to be flexible about pulling it all together. It also means that I can move all of my pieces around the house if I want to refresh a space; nothing is colour or pattern themed and therefore can easily be multi tasked. I like to think that people who visit like how we live because it reflects us and our personality!”

Each room of Lisa’s home has a different vibe and feel to it… the cosy nook filled with bouclé and antique paintings, the dining area that exports you to a Spanish courtyard. “It’s so easy to be influenced by trends and friends but really, the only person who lives there is you and it’s important to remember this when you’re adding new things.  All homes tell a design story – they’re an evolution of your style over time – and sometimes it takes a while to create a space that really does work for you.”

A good tip is to work out how you want that room to make you feel.

Lisa Dawson

Cosy? Industrious? Calm? Invigorated? Look at what you already own first (an excellent process called shopping your home) and see which could work in the new space and then keep adding to a mood board until you get the feel that you want. And also, don’t be scared to juxtapose styles. The days of the essential inclusion of a three piece suite or bedroom furniture set are long gone and mixing stylish contemporary buys with vintage finds creates a far more individual look which is also more long term sustainable.”

The more the merrier

Along with style, your interior should be practical for your life, and for Lisa, this means building a sociable space. “We love a party and always have done – in our previous home we were exactly the same! Dinner parties are my favourite, with lots of friends around a sociable table. I get lots of joy from styling a beautiful table, dragging out all of my charity shop found glassware and mixing it up with more modern pieces. A pretty tablecloth, some lovely candle holders and a big bunch of greenery from the garden will create a table to remember…”

“I always keep my menu really simple, ensuring that all the recipes that I choose are ones that can be prepared in advance so that I don’t end up in the kitchen all night. My daughter’s 21^st was the biggest we had held in this house and as always, I kept it fairly simple. I planned every single thing in advance, with a candy table complete with paper bags to put it in, a large decorated table allocated as a bar and a pizza van on the driveway which was a huge success. We made sure that we moved all the furniture from the middle of the rooms, so that there was easy access to seating and places to put drinks.”

“It’s always important to consider everyone when you’re party planning and not everyone wants to stand up with a drink all night. The great thing about a sofa such as the Slim Long Island is that it slots nicely into any social occasion – it works really well as it can easily seat a few or more without feeling cramped, perfect for those who want to put their feet up rather than hang around the bar.  It’s easy to move around as well so if you have a lot of people, you can reconfigure it to fit the space.”

Here at sofa.com our passion for interiors is fuelled by the belief that your home should be the truest representation of yourself so that you can be truly comfortable in a space that illustrates your personality! That’s why we offer our wide range of shapes and styles in over 100 fabrics in a variety of textures and colours, so you can tailor your design to ensure you find the one.

Richard O’Gorman, otherwise known as @househomo is an epic example of making your home your own with the mural artist transforming his home into a multicoloured masterpiece. Dive in and discover his top tips on being bold and where he gets his inspiration from.

Styling the Viccy T

Beautifully big bay windows and built in fireplaces are just a couple hallmarks that may spring to mind when you think of a traditional Victorian terrace home…but Richard O’Gorman’s Victorian terrace, or as he affectionally calls it the ‘Viccy T’, is unlike any other.

“One of the features I love the most about my home is the light… sometimes painting a room with loads of colours can bring the walls in but when the sun hits, the rooms sing!” Boasting large windows, natural light floods the interior to frame Richard’s art drenched walls perfectly. Moving into the property just before the pandemic, the world shutting down outside gave him plenty time to get creative inside; and that’s an understatement! “I’d describe my interior style as colour maximalist – although I always change my mind so ask me tomorrow and it’ll be something different”.

The fluidity of interior style and the potential for it to change and evolve is what makes furnishing your home so exciting. Even the simple change of a few cushions can transform a room. “I’m sometimes confused by interior trends; your home should be for you, and you should fill it exclusively with things you love! I’m currently focusing on trying to buy practical things that are also beaaaautiful”.

Imagination is key

Transforming your home into a outrageously eclectic space and creating intricate murals are only for the experienced…right? “My love of painting really only started when I moved into this house – I’d never really painted anything before, but I had a vision of what I wanted to create so I just went for it!”

The lack of experience behind creating such a magnificent space is inspirational, but Richard gives us some background as to where his confidence flourished. “I used to be a visual merchandiser for Topshop so a lot of the colour & styling confidence comes from that, but also I think just trying things; I am almost constantly moving ornaments around and sometimes it doesn’t work and I’ll change it back, but sometimes it woooorrksss!”

Adding pattern and colour can be intimidating so Richard advises: “Lean IN! If you want to go bold and pull back half way through, it will only ever look half way done, whereas if you lean in and go BIG, that level of commitment always reads as the best statement in a home (or in your wardrobe, or anything; go big or go homo!)”

If you’re struggling to find inspiration he suggests looking to look to “fashion runways to inspire colour stories or texture palettes and to 3D designers like Peter Tarka or even now AI home designs to see how I can emulate that in my home. I also I love finding inspiration in really unexpected places, like a handful of rocks on the side of the road or a colour palette in a sweet shop!”

It’s magenta be!

New for SS23 our Seattle armchair is the perfect contemporary statement for any home fusing sculptural minimalism with casual lounging. Landing on Peony Cotton Matt Velvet fabric, the armchair perfectly matches the energy of the rest of his home.

Rejuvenating a corner of his living room he explains “I’m always drawn to big soft shapes and curves so the Seattle was a perfect choice for my home, it’s like a giant hug! The original design is in white boucle but I’m way too accident prone for white so I opted for Peony velvet; it’s soft, it’s a HUGE statement and it ticks off both the Barbiecore moment and the Pantone colour of the year – Magenta plus sometimes I walk past it and it looks like a giant pink hippo face and it always makes me smile.

Curves are huge in the world of interior trends this year, with people looking to soften their spaces and build a more oozy oasis, erasing sharp lines. Throughout Richard’s home curves, arches and waves follow you with the feature of harsh edge being a rarity.

“Imagine you’re walking around a giant empty room blindfolded, only now it’s full of giant cubes or cuboids; everytime you interact with one you’re most likely gonna hit a flat side and bounce back or touch a sharp painful edge. But imagine the room is now full of giant spheres and curves and soft shapes; the interaction is going to be so much softer and gentler! The same applies in mural and furniture design; even if you’re not physically running into them, the energy of a space, or the air flow, or your mind’s eye is, so the softer shapes are naturally the spaces feels more calming, relaxing, comforting!”

No two homes are the same as we all hope to express ourselves in our interiors and Richard O’Gorman’s home is truly one of a kind. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, contemporary or traditional you’re always sure to find the one at sofa.com!

#findtheone

Get the look

Longer and, more importantly, brighter days have finally arrived bringing the promise of warmer times to melt away our winter woes. Spring commences the start of the social season, and is the perfect time to invite friends and family into our homes. Outdoor entertaining is a quintessential activity for the warmer weather and our homes provide an exquisite environment to retreat into and create a cosy atmosphere for when the evening chill arrives.

This spring we’re seeing a shift to fresher interiors to uplift and invigorate, with pops of pattern and colour to illuminate our abodes. We’ve gathered some of our favourite looks styled by you at home to give you some bright and breezy inspiration this season.

Farmhouse feasting

BBQs, dinner parties, charcuteries and an abundance of canapes; so many of our social activities revolve around food, so what better place to weave a new look than your dining area! This year has seen a love of natural materials and earth tones return with warm woods, and 50 shades of greige trending. @stephgowla executes a beautiful British country springtime look, with chunky wooden dining furniture, a scattering of wicker and fresh white flowers. Drawing the look together, our Shelby armchair in Meadow smart velvet elevates the room. Bringing sophistication with its sweeping arms, the addition of an armchair is the perfect slice of comfort to retreat into while you wait for dessert!

Crisp neutrals

We’re dreaming of easy Sunday mornings, with a good book and glimmers of sunshine slipping through the shutters; and where better to relax than an armchair? A loveseat. The perfect place to lounge for one, as well as plenty of room for two (if you ever feel like sharing). @our_wandsworth_home’s interior is classic and crisp, encapsulating fresh with layers of comforting neutrals. To achieve the look, entwine subtle pattern and natural materials to maintain a tone of warmth for an evening of unwinding, plus light a candle to set a cosy atmosphere.

Blooming pattern

No matter the season, our bedrooms should always be styled to create a cosy and comforting atmosphere. 2023 has been the year for earth tones, with blue reminiscent of radiant skies and orange evocative of warm sunsets. Take a leaf out of @savinggracesinteriors‘ boudoir book by mixing these rich colours to bring the beauty of the outside, in. Opt for a silky soft velvet bed to ensure comfort is king all year round. Illuminate the richer hues of deep turquoise and zesty tangerine with pure white sheets for an energising and invigorating space to wake up in each morning.

Contemporary country

Organic materials are trending this year with a yearn for a tranquil environment. Integrating materials with a natural feel like woods, linens, boucle and rattan reminds us of the outdoors and creates a serene sense of calm and grounding. @jenhaslamstylist‘s monochromatic scheme is timeless and versatile. The mix of shapes and textures blends country vibes with contemporary shapes to establish a light and airy, yet cosy interior. Fresh foliage as the centerpiece, uplifts the room adding a pop of greenery and a strong crisp scent of camphor, mint, and hint of citrus to uplift those spring days.

Avocado green bathrooms, groovy lava lamps and pattern on well… everything! While some ’70s staples may remind you of your grandma’s house, it’s swinging back into vogue with a 2023 twist; translating into warm earth toned palettes, low slung comfort, splashes of colour and sculptural designs.

With relaxation as the priority, retro interiors this year have eliminated the kitsch, and focused on creating a warm and welcoming environment with added panache of pattern and colour to reflect them in their home. Dive into cherry picked trends from the century that are making a resurgence and how to add some ’70s flares to your interior…(pun intended).

Ahead of the curve

The decade of the seventies has been one of the most influential for interior and furniture design. Last year saw a tsunami of resurgence for one sofa in particular that engulfed our instagram feeds: the Camaleonda sofa. If the name doesn’t resonate then low, voluptuous, sculptural and for lack of a better word…blobby, may help you picture it. The Camaleonda sofa was originally created in 1970, yet in 2022 it made a comeback and now stands as the inspiration behind many furniture designs we’re seeing this year.

Following the groove of peace and self expression at the time, the use of curves in furniture encapsulated a softer, more tranquil environment to unwind in, erasing sharp lines and replacing them with more playful shapes. Our Ernest and Louis armchairs are prime examples of the sublime silhouettes seen at the time with curves to cocoon you into comfort. Taking inspiration from the simple, sculptural and low-slung seating of the time, our Seattle fuses sculptural minimalism and casual lounging, with the wooden wedge that unites it nodding to the prevalence of natural materials and warm tones synonymous with the era.

Alternatively, the trend can be replicated through soft furnishings with bolster cushions, bulbous footstools and objects d’art.

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A warm (toned) welcome

The era is renowned for its vibrant music culture, with the birth of much loved band Earth, Wind & Fire, the name of which conveniently sums up the colour palette of the decade. With more minimalist furniture forms, interiors of the ’70s were visually stimulated with pattern and colour. While it came in plenty, the most admired colours of the time habitually moved within warm earth tones; most notably echoed in decadent ginger velvet, mustard walls, chocolate brown rugs and of course avocado green bathrooms. While there may be a thin line between kitsch and cool, a warm scheme sets a tone of balance, calmness and grounding, and is a colour palette we continue to set in our interior sanctuaries in 2023 after a few rather calamitous years.

Following the softer edges of furniture, textures were soft and sumptuous to maximise comfort, so sheepskin and shaggy high pile rugs styled with rich velvet sofas was the crème de la crème of the time. Plush, patterned and playful, our Bubble Velvet – new for SS23 – was inspired by the ’70s era and, of course, features in two earth tone colourways: Cappuccino, a warm caramel shade, and Peppermint, a turquoise tone. For those looking for a more subtle nod to the era, accessories that are interchageable over time such as patterned wall art and rugs are the perfect way to introduce the ’70s trend into your home.

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Bring the outside in

The first ever Earth Day took place on April 22nd 1970, where 20 million people took to the streets across the US to protest against environmental destruction. With The Blue Marble image being released detailing the earth from space a couple years later, passion for the environment and it’s natural beauty grew, following people home and flourishing in their interiors.

Bringing the outside in translated into colours, textures and the use of leafy indoor plants to create a bohemian vibe. With the popularity of open living rising, use of greenery built alongside it an essence of invigoration. In the same way it does now, biophilic interiors promoted the marvel of nature as well as established a grounded, calm and relaxing atmosphere. Taking into consideration not everyone has the time (nor inclination) to tend to plants on a daily basis, a great alternative is a vase packed full of foliage, and leafy flowers can add a sprinkle of mother nature to your home minus the upkeep.

Despite the boom of plastic in the ’60s, when it first started being used for domestic furniture, the ’70s stayed in theme with use of earth tones and creating a grounding environment with natural materials being used. The perfect way to incorporate this into your interior is through warm wood coffee tables like our Pandora and oak dining sets like our Kingsley table and bench, as well as rattan home accessories.

Get the look

Fashion and lifestyle guru Amy Bell is known for her classic yet eclectic style which showers her Instagram feed and weaves into her home leaving us with interior envy. Enjoying two of our sociable styles: our Larsen Sofa Bed and Oswald Corner Sofa, Amy’s priority was finding designs that work for hosting, as well as putting comfort first.

Dishing her top tips for hosting, how to find pieces you love and how to add some flair to your home, dive in to be inspired…

Amy’s interior

Building an aesthetic feed curated with dreamy outfits and lustworthy travel adventures, Amy’s home is no exception to her first-class taste.

With so many ways to describe her style, we challenged her to sum up her interior inclinations in three words: “Ooh that’s a toughie! Colourful for sure, eclectic (I think you’d need about 50 different adjectives to describe our house) and, I’m going to cheat a little bit for the last one, inspired-by-my-mum. She’s always had the best eye for interiors so my love for it grew from there. My style’s now a bit more bananas than hers (or ‘adventurous’ as my Mum would say) but, overall, we’re often drawn to very similar pieces and homes”.

“A lot of our house is still a work in progress – a few of the rooms are still in need of rugs, light shades and art which will make a huuuge difference – but it’s been really nice taking it slowly and not rushing any decisions.”

Finding inspiration

The world of interiors can be overwhelming; so to discover a style that reflects your personality and to translate that to your own home can be challenging. After moving into her property over a year ago, Amy had a blank canvas to splash her style on, so we found out where she began styling her home…

“I’m big into Pinterest and making little saved boards on Instagram. Mood boards I find really handy for pulling a room together and the best piece of interiors inspo that my Mum passed down was, if you feel overwhelmed, take one piece (anything as small as a cushion to something larger like a sofa) and start there and build your room around it.

“I love Lucy Williams’ home, she’s got the best eye for interiors and her house looks so warm and welcoming in every photo she shares. Matilda Goad very much has my dream home (and homeware!) and I love everything Emma Ainscough does. My Pinterest is VERY Emma heavy.”

Tips to soulful style

Style overlaps both fashion and interiors, yet a bold fashion choice can often be easier to make than liberal home décor that has to last a lot longer than a day. “Both my fashion and interiors style could be described as eclectic with splashes of colour throughout… but with a good mix classic/neutral pieces thrown in for good measure.”

“My main tip would be don’t be scared! Start with a little bit of colour, say a candle or a print, and see how you feel from there. Colour doesn’t necessarily need to be bright, clashing prints (although I do really admire people who pull this off with aplomb), you can go for completely neutral bases and then add little pops of colour here and there that can be easily changed if you’re not feeling it.”

“Start saving images of homes you like who do it well and see how you can bring it into your own home and, if you’re still uncertain, start with a little digital moodboard and see how it goes from there! And don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it happens to the best of us and nothing is permanent (also a great life motto whilst we’re at it!)”

Found the one(s)

Boasting both our Larsen Sofa Bed in Oyster Bouclé and our Oswald Corner Sofa in Meadow, Amy has opted for sociable styles that suit her lifestyle. “We wanted the living room to feel really homely as it’s where we spend most of our down-time and the Oswald’s helped with just that! We’ve got lots of wood (both furniture and flooring) in the room so it’s all come together really nicely to have a very welcoming, cosy feel after a long day.”

When it comes to hosting, having an option for guests to stay overnight always helps make people feel more at welcome, negating any stress of how to get home. Amy praises her Larsen: “It’s the best sofa bed out there! Super comfortable both as a sofa and a bed – the first people we had try it out came through excitedly to tell us that it was the comfiest sofa bed they’d ever slept in. However, plot twist, they’re both teenagers. So, although delighted with the feedback, our creaky old backs were still cautious…

“Next to try it: some family members in their 50s. Now we’re talking. I’m very happy to report they came through with the same feedback the following morning! And the fact it folds back up into such a lovely sofa when we’re not using it as a bed is a real bonus. The boucle fabric has a really calm feel to it and is a great neutral base for being a bit more experimental with cushions/throws/art etc.”

Wholesome hosting

Hosting in our own homes where loved ones can unwind often creates space for special moments and memories to last a lifetime… “We always just tell our family to make our house their own! I don’t ever want anyone to feel like they can’t touch anything/sit anywhere etc so, as soon as you’re in the door, it’s your house as much as ours.”

“Another hosting tip – always have chocolate in. And teabags. Especially when it comes to my family. I also like to enforce board games on guests at least once during their stay but… that maybe does not a good host make (that’s when the chocolate comes in handy, it makes for an excellent bribe).

“The main thing we knew was that we wanted a sociable sofa; one that could fit family and friends on no bother when they came to visit. And that’s exactly what we got with the Oswald! It fits 4 adults comfortably (5 when we’re squeezing in for a film) and really is the heart of the living room.”

While hosting for others is fulfilling, it’s easy to forget creating a warm, welcoming environment for ourselves. Balancing work, travel, and our social lives can be a difficult task so it’s important to keep little tricks up your sleeve to help make your home feel like a sanctuary.

As an influencer Amy often has a busy schedule so is a maestro in the department: “I try and unpack as soon as I get in – it’s tough at the time but always feels so great to get it done and out of the way. Candles, lots of candles. Always good for a mellow vibe. And changing the bed before we leave so we’re coming back to fresh sheets is always a real treat!”

Get the look

Last week marked the launch of our exclusive collaboration with iconic British fashion designer Olivia Rubin. With a penchant for rainbows, the brand’s collections are renowned for their happy, uplifting designs and joyful signature aesthetic. Founded in 2017, the positive, inclusive brand is all about bringing some joie de vivre to the everyday and this is exactly the inspiration behind the silky soft 100% cotton Prism Stripe fabric…brightening our homes one rainbow stripe at a time.

Exploring her beautiful London property, we delve into what draws her to colour, her inspiration when it comes to her home and her tips and tricks to creating a happy home.

Of an era

Most Victorian period properties like Olivia’s, boast intricate detailing with the combined influence of Italianate style and Regency trends weaving into domestic architecture at the time. In recent seasons we have seen this translate into panelling, ceiling medallions and coving, to add an air of sophistication and old school quality to our interiors. “I still am very much in love with my house as we have been there for less than a year. I particularly love the original tiled hallway and the mix of old and new design features that give it so much personality.”

2023 has seen boring blank spaces replaced with charming characteristics that add personality and elevate interiors. “We were lucky enough to have bought it when it had just been interior designed to my exact style. Lots of colour and mixes of texture with an eclectic feel.”

“We have some amazing vintage finds and statement pieces to jazz up the muted tones.” While colours outside of the neutral palette can brighten up a home, pairing these with softer hues avoids a sensory overload and perpetuates a sanctuary where you can unwind.

“I wanted our new home to feel special yet homely. I’m not a fan of homes that are so pristine that you feel that you can’t ‘live’ in them. Each room either has a signature colour or wallpaper and a unique ambiance.”

Sofa.com X Olivia Rubin

Our ultra-stylish new collaboration with Olivia Rubin is available on three of our most loved ranges, Holly, Bluebell and Isla. Made from 100% cotton, this fashion forward fabric is the perfect way to brighten up your interiors with a playful and standout look. “The rainbow stripe has been a signature of the brand for many years now. Inspired by the colours of the rainbow it has become an iconic part of the collections that felt naturally suited to some stand out furniture pieces.”

“There was nothing else like it out there in the interior world and being so eye catching we both thought it has great potential and would brighten homes in the UK. Colour is key in both my fashion and my home in complimentary ways. The colours I wear I don’t necessarily want in my home, so we adjusted the stripe fabric to compliment more neutral homes.”

Accessorise your statement

If you’re a newbie to colour then a vivid statement piece may lie a bit too far outside of your comfort zone, yet there are always other options to share new shades with your home. “I think it is so easy to introduce colour even if you’re not a colour lover like me! Interior accessories like cushions, throws, lamps or even artwork can brighten the home or if you’re brave enough go full on with walls or I love a printed wallpaper or tile situation.” Or perhaps a Prism Stripe footstool strikes a happy medium.

This year focus surrounds creating a sanctuary that reflects personal style and a practical environment we can truly unwind in. “I love sinking into my sofa in the evening and watching a good series with a rainbow cuppa! It’s such personal taste but just filling in with the little creature comforts that make you happy. For me that’s cool artwork, statement furniture and I have a thing for lots of printed cushions piled upon my bed!”

Get the look

Accessorise your statement

The beginning of spring is almost upon us, the perfect time to refresh our homes so it’s ready for brighter days ahead. In the world of interiors, spring this year is packed with vivid hues, from earthy shades to every variation of olive, sage and fern, ready to perfectly complement the fresh scent of daffodils, tulips and hyacinth.

Agnieszka Dmochowska’s newly renovated open plan living space is perfectly in vogue. In her quest to create ‘an extension of the garden’ with her kitchen expansion, Agi has ticked all the boxes with her bold verdant kitchen, natural texture of her Kingsley oak dining table, and sunny scattering of flowers. If you’re looking to refresh your home this spring, or are looking for some hosting and tablescaping inspiration, then dive into Agi’s tips and tricks…

Optimising open plan living

When it comes to open plan living, it can often be hard to create a cohesive space that links together your priorities and doesn’t end up in disarray. Agi advises to “have a good think about what you need from the new space and don’t try to squeeze too much into it as it will become too crammed and loose the sense of space and openness. We are all different and some things that work in other peoples houses won’t necessarily work for you. For example, when I was designing our kitchen everyone was telling me I need to either place the hob or a sink on the island but I was adamant I want to keep it appliance free as we often use it for kids arts and crafts projects, so always stick to your gut feeling and don’t let the so-called experts convince you otherwise.

Also, decorating an open plan space is a bit more tricky than doing up a single room. Make sure you consider all elements of it and when zoning out the spaces within the extension (i.e. dining area/kitchen/living space, etc.). Make sure they still feel cohesive and ‘talk’ to each other.”

With brighter spring days approaching, natural light is vital in uplifting our homes. “By extending the house into our small back garden we wanted to make them both ‘bigger’. I know it might sound completely bonkers but we went with large crittall style windows at the back of the extension and that way you kind of hide where the house ends and the garden starts so you make both look optically bigger and you make the most of the space on offer.”

With a flurry of celebrations approaching in Spring/Summer – Mother’s day, Easter, Father’s day and this year, the Coronation – it’s great to create a space that works for hosting our loved ones. “We often see friends that come to visit with their children so having a large open plan space where everyone can use a different corner of it without disturbing one another is perfect. So whilst grown ups enjoy the more formal meal at the table the little people can freely run around in the other parts of the extension and everyone has a great time.”

Agi’s sofa.com style

“I absolutely adore the unusual shape of sofa.com’s Coco dining chairs. They are so sexy!  I always had a soft spot for mustard yellow so the Nefertiti fabric is perfect and the fact it’s 100% cotton matt velvet adds that little bit of luxury. I still feel like we are at a restaurant when using them. They are also soooo comfy.”

“When planning the new space I really wanted to make sure it doesn’t look like large square box with a shiny showroom kitchen in it. Hence I always knew that everything we go for must add personality to the space. I love that sofa.com’s Kingsley dining range combines the modern practicality with some rustic – almost farmhouse – chic.”

“Having a larger table is also great as we can fit all the guests around it so the Kingsley table is perfect for us!”. Instead of gathering a hotchpotch of chairs on social occasions, our Kingsley Dining table and matching bench are perfect for adapting to your party size.

50 shades of green

Rising in popularity in the last couple years, biophilic design has taken the interior world by storm with the beauty of the natural world creating a calm and tranquil space.

“I thought a lot about colours that would work best in there and as we want it to be ‘an extension of the garden space’ the natural, earthy tones seemed like the obvious choice. The multitude of plants is again a ‘continuation of the garden’ and part of the so-called ‘bring the outside in’ trend. It all will hopefully make more sense and flow beautifully together when we will get the garden sorted but that’s our project for this year, so watch this space.”

“We have our good old Izzy sofa in olive green velvet with a matching Georgette footstool in the extension and they work perfectly with all the other greens and earthy tones in there. Plus, they are still mega comfy so perfect for reading a book or browsing internet.”

Vivid colours can often lie outside of people’s comfort zone with the worry that the joy that such a bold scheme brings may be short-lived. Yet with a change of accessories, it can keep the room feeling fresh. “With regards to changing décor for different seasons, I usually do it mostly with fresh seasonal flowers, a reshuffle of cushions/blankets and a change of tablecloth. Sometimes I add different artwork too.”

Entertain in style

Playing host can often mean fluttering around preparing nibbles and topping up tipples so much so that you miss out on the most important part of hosting…entertaining. “The part of the open plan living appeal is the fact that you don’t miss out while preparing the meals in the kitchen, you are still very much part of the action. You can cook while still chatting to everyone.”

“Tablescapes are a perfect way to express your personality, so just go for it. And every table styling needs some seasonal flowers or greenery that brings it all to life. Don’t be afraid to add colour and to mix things up! There’s nothing wrong with mismatched plates or mixing modern pieces with vintage ones as long as it all flows together nicely.”

“In terms of creating the right ambience, lighting is extremely important. We made sure we have a lot of different lamps scattered around the space so they definitely help to create the beautiful atmosphere. Also, I can’t imagine a good party without candles on the table, some lovely music in the background and lots of yummy food.”

Agnieszka Dmochowska’s edit