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When planning a living room, starting with one key furniture piece can make a significant difference. Choosing a sofa first sets the foundation for the rest of the space. It helps define scale and layout, giving you a central point to build around without overfilling the room too quickly.
Once the sofa is in place, observe how you and others move around the room. Take note of how natural light affects the space at different times of the day. This slower approach allows you to identify where extra seating, storage, or functional zones might work best.
Using boxes or large objects to simulate furniture volume can help you understand spatial flow. This is often more effective than marking with tape alone, as it accounts for bulk and presence. It’s a useful method for deciding on side tables, chairs, and entertainment units.
Starting with one well-chosen item reduces the risk of mismatched purchases or overcrowding. It also encourages more thoughtful decisions based on actual daily use, rather than a fixed design concept or trend. This approach works particularly well in multi-use or open-plan living areas.
The living room should support both relaxation and social activity. By starting with a sofa and layering in other elements over time, homeowners can create a space that functions well, feels personal, and adapts to changing needs without unnecessary expense or clutter.
Some options from Asko:
Our sofas are replete with high-grade Italian leather, sourced and tanned in the village of Arzignano, supervised by local artisans less than an hour outside of Venice, in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Available in different colours. Materials: Hardwood frames. High resilience memory and PP foams. Leather tanned in Arzignano, Vicenza Italy. Environmental: Timbers sourced from sustainably managed forests certified by the FSC and PEFC. Warranty: All sofas and armchairs are covered by a 10 year structural warranty. Frame: 10 years. Seat/suspensions: 5 years.
Our sofas are replete with high-grade Italian leather, sourced and tanned in the village of Arzignano, supervised by local artisans less than an hour outside of Venice, in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Available in different colours. Materials: Hardwood frames. High resilience memory and PP foams. Leather tanned in Arzignano, Vicenza Italy. Environmental: Timbers sourced from sustainably managed forests certified by the FSC and PEFC. Warranty: All sofas and armchairs are covered by a 10 year structural warranty. Frame: 10 years. Seat/suspensions: 5 years. Foam/filling for seat, back and arms: 2 years. Leather: 2 years.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
When planning a living room, starting with one key furniture piece can make a significant difference. Choosing a sofa first sets the foundation for the rest of the space. It helps define scale and layout, giving you a central point to build around without overfilling the room too quickly.
Once the sofa is in place, observe how you and others move around the room. Take note of how natural light affects the space at different times of the day. This slower approach allows you to identify where extra seating, storage, or functional zones might work best.
Using boxes or large objects to simulate furniture volume can help you understand spatial flow. This is often more effective than marking with tape alone, as it accounts for bulk and presence. It’s a useful method for deciding on side tables, chairs, and entertainment units.
Starting with one well-chosen item reduces the risk of mismatched purchases or overcrowding. It also encourages more thoughtful decisions based on actual daily use, rather than a fixed design concept or trend. This approach works particularly well in multi-use or open-plan living areas.
The living room should support both relaxation and social activity. By starting with a sofa and layering in other elements over time, homeowners can create a space that functions well, feels personal, and adapts to changing needs without unnecessary expense or clutter.
Some options from Asko:
Our sofas are replete with high-grade Italian leather, sourced and tanned in the village of Arzignano, supervised by local artisans less than an hour outside of Venice, in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Available in different colours. Materials: Hardwood frames. High resilience memory and PP foams. Leather tanned in Arzignano, Vicenza Italy. Environmental: Timbers sourced from sustainably managed forests certified by the FSC and PEFC. Warranty: All sofas and armchairs are covered by a 10 year structural warranty. Frame: 10 years. Seat/suspensions: 5 years.
Our sofas are replete with high-grade Italian leather, sourced and tanned in the village of Arzignano, supervised by local artisans less than an hour outside of Venice, in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Available in different colours. Materials: Hardwood frames. High resilience memory and PP foams. Leather tanned in Arzignano, Vicenza Italy. Environmental: Timbers sourced from sustainably managed forests certified by the FSC and PEFC. Warranty: All sofas and armchairs are covered by a 10 year structural warranty. Frame: 10 years. Seat/suspensions: 5 years. Foam/filling for seat, back and arms: 2 years. Leather: 2 years.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
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View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
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