Make sure your sofa is big enough: DFS Design Director Philip Watkins says, ‘The living room is no longer a formal entertaining space. We’re sociable creatures and, in fact, 36% of us are happiest when we’re in the living room with our partner. So we need sofas big enough for us to curl up together. A sofa like the DFS Keswick has plenty of space and will help avoid any fights over where to sit.
Home and Garden on Female First
Don’t overdo it on the colour scheme: Leading psychologist Simon Moore explains, “Psychologically, living rooms shouldn’t be highly stimulating or exciting – as it defeats the purpose of the room as a stress ‘sanctuary’. Living rooms are the only locations in a home that offer a place to be entertained and soothed together in a safe and comfortable place”. So, creams, beige, and tones of grey are the best option if you want to allow your minds to recover and reset from the day’s strains.
Comfort is key: Philip comments, “In our national survey, 59% wanted a slouchy, corner sofa to sink back into and unwind after a long day. This makes a lot of sense. Increasingly, our living rooms have had to become a sanctuary from the outside world and our everyday stresses, so it’s essential to have an inviting sofa to return to at the end of the day. Yes, you want your living room to look good, but don’t compromise on comfort. It’s crucial for our happiness!”
A need for nature: Simon Moore explains that with the accumulated mini-stresses of social media slights and ‘always-on’ access to work emails, “we currently live in one of the most stressful centuries of human existence. As our living room offers many rewards through activities and distraction, it remains a place to seek refuge from outside.” But you should still bring the best bits of the outside in by adding plants and flowers around the home. Research consistently links indoor plants with a more positive state of mind.
Don’t underestimate the importance of accessories: Simon comments, ‘It’s easy to forget what an impact accessories like artwork and family photos have on our mood. Our brain is very biased towards visual information because it gives quick clues about our environments in terms of risk and safety. Strategic placement of family pictures will help to arouse powerful positive emotions related to our memories, providing a natural way for the mind to relax and reflect”.
Don’t ditch the TV: Design aficionados may be tempted to hide the TV from view but, when surveyed, 46% of people said it makes them feel happier! Simon explains, ‘The TV has much in common with family photos and soft furnishings. It also gives visual cues, informing our brain that this is a safe and rewarding environment, and making us feel happier as a result”.
Don’t forget texture: Adding a fluffy rug, chunky cable knit throws and a range of pillows is essential to create an inviting room ready for you to hunker down in. These will create the cosy corners that help foster a better mood. Simon adds, ‘psychologically we get delight and comfort in colours, textures and shapes, and research has demonstrated that familiar textures can arouse positive emotions”.
Make it versatile: Philip says, “Our lifestyles have changed. If we’re to keep up with all of the demands of our lives, the living room has to quickly mimic other parts of the home when needed. Well over half of those questioned said their living room needs to be an informal dining room to eat in front of the TV, whilst a quarter said it also has to function as a home office. It’s a room that must do it all to keep stress outside the door!”
Keep it practical: Simon explains, “For us to be happy, the living room needs to be a place to psychologically re-charge and shed the accumulated stress. It must be a comfortable safe environment to solve problems, and jettison the negative energy we have accrued during the day”. To really problem-solve, fill your living space with multipurpose objects that can help in any situation. Nest tables are perfect for informal dining, placing that restorative cup of tea, or even acting as a mini work desk.
Add some storage: Philip explains nothing causes stress like a disorganised room. “Find an attractive way to store additional items such as books, blankets or even bedding, and you’ll be able to relax more easily. With more and more of us using the living room as a guest bedroom, a stylish hide away for mess has never been so important for our happiness!” And that way you won’t have to argue over whose turn it is to clean up.
The nation’s ideal living room as found from DFS research
When the English weather does its worst, our interiors become more important than ever. And now, new research from DFS has revealed exactly how transformative a well-designed living room can be on our mood.
With over half (55%) of the population citing the living room as the space in the home where they feel happiest, DFS has worked with a leading psychologist to understand how to make this space even more of a mood-enhancer!
DFS questioned 2,000 people across the country on their ideal living room design choices; ranging from style considerations like wall colours, flooring, and fabrics to practical requirements including layout and furniture types. The findings were then interpreted by leading British interiors designer Pippa Jameson, who pulled the resulting look together to showcase the nation’s preferences.
DFS’ Design Director Philip Watkins, and psychologist Simon Moore explain why our living room interiors can have such a huge effect on our emotional wellbeing, and how to avoid the pitfalls that could be souring our mood!
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