I just love it when our readers write us to assist with their interior décor and design dilemmas!  It gives me the opportunity of sharing my experience with them.  So, please friends and readers, if there is a question or a dilemma you have that you know you could do with some professional advise, don’t hesitate to write, no matter how simple you may think it is.  We will all benefit from it – and just to sound real cliché – never fear Décor Diva is near.

Just recently Jaajal wrote in about her living room dilemma. Jaajal writes:

“I’m sure this must be a common question perhaps. But in any case here goes.  I have recently just sold an old 4 piece lounge suite, and we kept the sleeper couch (image “1”) we don’t want to rush and purchase another couch, instead we though perhaps getting 2 occasional lounge chairs would be sufficient. We bought about four scatter cushions previously (image “2”). Do you think those cushions will go with these chairs?  (image “?”) and with the sleeper couch we have.“

Décor Diva says:

What I really appreciated was that Jaajal has made our response to her query easier by supplying the images.  We could see what we had to work with and where her thoughts were heading.

There are so many ways of skinning this cat, but to answer your question in sequence:

{1}  Two occasional chairs are always easier, since most folk prefer to inhabit a seat of their own, rather than sharing – given the choice.  Two occasional chairs have more flexibility in terms of moving the furniture around.

{2}  The scatter cushions work very well with your existing sofa and what I like about them is that it seems to be a textured stripe. In the future, when purchasing your scatters, try to mix it up a bit more. Instead of all 4 scatters being the same pattern, size and colours, you could mix stripe with floral or geometric patterns, or maybe even a plain fabric. The element that holds it all together would be the colours.  That is where harmonious blending comes into play.

While we are talking accessories – a full bodied textured throw to accompany the scatters on the sofa will add further depth of the décor.

{3}  The style of the occasional chairs- again the object is to find harmony in terms of the fabric finish and the style of the existing sofa. In this case you have a high back sofa, with a shallow buttoned design and 90’s style specific metal feet. The chair that you are inclined towards is quite a departure from your existing sofa, more particularly with the very dark wooden base and feet.

My personal décor style strength has always been eclectic. The fact that eclectic style is currently trending is such a pleasure for me. But there is a real knack to good eclectic styling. Ultimately it must sit comfortably in the eye of the beholder.

In your case, I would suggest a few options to work into your existing sofa and cushions:

{A}  Let’s start with Mercedes class of chair – the Eames Lounge Chair, or a more affordable replica like Norman Relax Chair with Footstool in white for @Home Furniture. This is a mid-century modern classic that could work with that eclectic style I spoke of. I like it because it has the same features as your sofa – high back, shallow buttoning and metal base. It is pricey though. And if after due consideration you go for it, I would only buy one. It has a footstool that can be used for additional seating. Instead of the 2^nd chair, think of adding in big leather textured ottoman like this one from 5Rooms.

{B}  Please don’t be put of by the price of a really good piece of furniture. I have always encouraged folk to have at least one really quality piece. It may mean saving towards it and having to live with delayed gratification, but that piece will be with you for life. It is certainly worth the wait.

{C}  Furthermore, I will leave you with a few images of occasional chairs that I would consider for your living room décor. In terms of the fabrics for these chairs, I would veer towards a plain textured fabric, such as linen, or textured faux leathers.

The colours for the chairs – working in with your skin coloured suede, it would be best to look at tones of grey. Slate Grey is a nice contrasting colour. Alternatively soft dove grey or medium shade of warm browns, such as milky coffee colour.

Remember that one of the critical factors to consider when purchasing furniture pieces – ensure that it fits the size of your room. Too many times have I encountered friends, family and clients who have bought oversized furniture without taking the time to check out the dimensions and planning beforehand.

Enjoy the journey of working through your décor dilemma towards a suitable solution. I hope that the tools we have furnished here will come in handy.

As always, yours in service of interior design

Love, Rose  x x x

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