9 Amazing designs for London living rooms

I am always fascinated by American interior designers. Great colour coordination and use of the space, amazing choice of finishes, inexpensive trinkets and decorative objects. When I tried to translate American design ideas into the reality of my small London flat, all my grandiose American dreams crashed into a thousand pieces. 

The reality of London, if you are lucky, is a 90 square meters flat in which 3 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 bathroom and a small kitchen are all squeezed in the layout. Bye bye classic Americana items and hello to more compact designs.

Here below is a list of 10 amazingly beautiful living room designs that could be adapted to our compact London lifestyle.

# 1.

This Californian living room could be replicated in London. The classic rule of 10-30-60 in the colour application scheme is well respected. First, a dominant colour, which covers around 60% of the space. Followed by a secondary colour, which takes up 30% of the space Finally, an accent colour (final 10%) used in décor items.

# 2.

This design can be partially used. If you do not have the space for sofa AND armchairs, you can opt for a classic sofa and a modern coffee table. Position your sofa close to a wall so that its visual impact will minimise and your room will feel bigger

# 3.

Use a bold pattern for your curtains and a plain colour for your sofa. It is easier (and cheaper) to change your curtains than re-upholster your sofa. Instead of a coffee table, use an ottoman that can double up as extra seating space, if needed.

# 4.

If your room has low ceiling (which is the vast majority of London flats), go for neutral colours with only a splash of funkiness. In this way, the room will not feel overwhelming.

# 5.

Use an L shaped sofa to divide the spaces in an open plan living room/kitchen

# 6.

If you do not have space for proper comfortable armchairs, choose these slimmed version chairs. They are not ideal but still useful if you have more than 2 friends coming for tea!

# 7.

Maximise a small space using rich, soft colours. Add ambient lighting to transform any living room into a welcoming retreat.

# 8.

Eliminate floor lamps. The idea of a floor lamp is amazing but leave it to people that have a lot of floor space.

# 9.

Use all the vertical space you have. Side tables are cute but when you are struggling to fit a sofa in the living room, they might not be the best option. Opt for wall scones instead. They will add ambience and save you space.