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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:
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.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design will help you create a living room that feels comfortable and practical. You’ll learn how to get the basics right, add atmosphere, and make decisions with confidence. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design will help you create a living room that feels comfortable and practical. You’ll learn how to get the basics right, add atmosphere, and make decisions with confidence. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Kim, owner and director of Asko Design, one of Christchurch’s most beloved furniture stores. With a legacy that spans over 30 years and roots deeply tied to her own family story, Kim shares a personal and powerful philosophy: that furniture should not only serve a functional purpose, but also become an enduring reflection of your lifestyle, values, and personality.
Search similar articles
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:
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.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design will help you create a living room that feels comfortable and practical. You’ll learn how to get the basics right, add atmosphere, and make decisions with confidence. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design will help you create a living room that feels comfortable and practical. You’ll learn how to get the basics right, add atmosphere, and make decisions with confidence. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Kim, owner and director of Asko Design, one of Christchurch’s most beloved furniture stores. With a legacy that spans over 30 years and roots deeply tied to her own family story, Kim shares a personal and powerful philosophy: that furniture should not only serve a functional purpose, but also become an enduring reflection of your lifestyle, values, and personality.
Search similar articles
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Portfolios
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.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
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Portfolios
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.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Unavailable
Sorry, this page is not available at this time.