Living room designs in 2025: Original and fresh
In Greta Bellamacina and Robert Montgomery’s Georgian residence in Kent, the music room walls are finished with a hand-mixed distemper, drawing inspiration from the classic elegance of an Italian palazzo. Some of the ornamental plasterwork is by artist Tim Noble, while others were sourced from Lassco. Vintage sofas, adorned with Beata Heuman cushions, and an ottoman from Oka rest atop an antique rug. A chandelier acquired from a Roman antique shop hangs overhead, and a painted bench from The French Depot completes the setting.

In Charlotte Dellal’s home, with interiors by Ben Pentreath, the walls glow with olive-green lacquer, hand-painted by Mathew Bray and Matthew Collins, catching the afternoon sun with an almost jewel-like radiance. The existing pine fireplace, stripped back to its natural form, adds character and warmth, despite its historically painted origins. A vibrant turquoise horsehair club fender surrounds it. Armchairs in Michael S. Smith’s floral ‘Grace’ chintz sit comfortably on a Beni Ourain rug laid over seagrass flooring.

The living room in Sasha Sarokin’s London home is bathed in a rich tobacco brown, a bold choice encouraged by decorator Lucy Mayers. “Everyone told me not to use that colour, but I trusted Lucy,” says Sasha. “I had a very specific vision and found the exact shade in the Dulux range at the hardware store.” The result? A room so perfectly toned that Sasha finds herself gazing lovingly at the walls.

Designer Carolina Irving’s Portuguese retreat features dried gunnera leaves and an artwork gifted by her friend, Christian Louboutin, hanging above a table draped with a traditional Portuguese white cloth. Seating is upholstered in Bujosa T?xtil’s handwoven Mallorcan fabrics, and the table was lovingly crafted by her husband, Bertrand.
In a centuries-old cottage overlooking the South Downs, the owners spend winter evenings in their sitting room, kept warm by a roaring fire despite inefficient radiators and many external walls. Lorfords sofas are paired with cushions in Pierre Frey and Claremont fabrics. The footstool is dressed in ‘Olive Sacking’ by Guy Goodfellow, adding texture and warmth.

The interiors of a striking Somerset home reflect owner Orlando’s mid-century furniture collection. Twin ‘Day’s Forum’ sofas from Habitat, reissues of Robin Day’s 1964 design, are paired with a 1970s Richard Young coffee table. A PH 5 pendant light by Poul Henningsen echoes the colors of a bold acrylic painting by Ruth Wurzburger.

In a room designed by Lonika Chande, the original woodwork has been given a high-gloss treatment in ‘Murrey Red’ by Papers & Paints. A beloved wingback chair, owned by the client, was reupholstered with a Soane stripe and a mint linen cushion from Colefax & Fowler—for the family dog’s comfort. A custom octagonal ottoman combines a Persian-style print from Lewis & Wood with blue linen around the base, while a bespoke rug from Shame Studios grounds the space.

Emma Burns of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler brought softness and intimacy to Pippa Harris’ Cotswold home. Inspired by the room’s nautical architecture, which reminded her of HMS Victory, Emma added bespoke bookcases in the curved windows. The curtains, made from Guy Goodfellow ticking, are detailed with a horizontal border and frayed fringe for texture. The room reflects Pippa’s desire for a cosy, multifunctional space to read, play cards, and relax.

In Jane Ormsby Gore’s Welsh home, walls painted in Edward Bulmer’s ‘Invisible Green’ create a warm and snug atmosphere for long winters. Her Georgian-era sofa, a family heirloom, has moved through many homes, taking on new character in each.

At Daniel Slowik and Benedict Foley’s Hackney flat, thoughtful style meets clever space-saving. The fireplace—originally from a bank in Poole—was adapted and fitted with marble slips provided by their friend Charlotte Freemantle at Jamb. An antique wing chair and lantern from Sibyl Colefax add historical charm. A painting by Francis Cyril Rose, once owned by Cecil Beaton, hangs above, tying the room’s story together.

Interior designer Phoebe Hollond reimagined a largely untouched 15th-century Sussex home into a vibrant family space with whimsical details and European influence. Traditional English country style blends seamlessly with playful surreal touches, including bespoke spiral-armed chairs in the sitting room that add a storybook twist.

When Tobias Vernon opened a new 8 Holland Street location in Bath, he turned it into a guesthouse that doubles as a curated art experience. Furniture and art from the 20th century blend with contemporary pieces. A Cornish landscape by Richard Cook hangs above a USM Haller modular sideboard, while 1940s armchairs by Augusto Romano—made of chestnut wood and woven hemp—are topped with Vanderhurd’s ‘Waver’ cushions in custom hues.

Finally, in an Oxford home designed by Charlotte Boundy, a Regency-era bookcase from Doe and Hope anchors the living room beside the fireplace. The Howard & Sons armchairs belong to the homeowner, while a ceramic table lamp from OKA provides warm lighting. The walls are painted in Edward Bulmer’s ‘Milk White’, offering a serene, timeless backdrop to the room’s refined details.