Living room trends: The end of the three-piece suite?
As with all fashions interior trends come and go, however the three-piece suite has been a staple in many homes since its introduction in the 1930s. We have seen it reduce in popularity in more recent years, with people choosing coordinating or contrasting fabrics to their sofa and the use of accent or statement chairs.
Photo Credit: @johnlewisandpartners
John Lewis has released its latest sales figures and has revealed the three-piece suite is no longer a staple of the modern lounge. Home Buying Director, Johnathan Marsh says shoppers are instead opting for statement sofas ‘to express personal styles’ and that demand for the suites has ‘all but diminished’.
The report comes after the Office for National Statistics this week dropped the three-piece suite from its list of products used to measure changes in the cost of living.
Photo credit @Pinterest
Over the last few years there has been a huge increase in people using sites such as Pinterest and Instagram for home inspiration. This in turn seems to be filtering into the buying behaviour and trends being reported from retailers such as John Lewis.
Pinterest has been awash with scandi minimalistic schemes, millennial pink and more recently a move towards much darker colours such as navy, charcoal, forest green and black. Social media influencers are inspiring people by showing them ‘real’ homes which are unique or original but are much more accessible than traditional interior design magazines or a professionally dressed room.
Photo credit: Rock My Style Blog
When planning a living room scheme, it is important to get that balance between classic styles and embracing interior trends. High value items like a sofa should be able to stand the test of time. Most home owners can't afford to be redecorating every 12 months, when choosing furniture for our clients we ensure the key pieces in the room can lend themselves to different paint colours, curtain fabrics etc. This means that if they want to update the room in a few years, they will be able to work with their existing furniture rather than be stuck with a dated trend, bold print or unusual shaped sofa.
Current trend for fabrics such as velvet in dark green wont last the test of time.
Photo Credit @SofaSofa
Throws, footstools and scatter cushions are brilliant for adding colour, texture, warmth and interest to the overall look. Statement chairs give you the opportunity to be a bit more adventurous with fabric choices and can help create a copsy feel or define separate spaces of the room, such as a reading corner, entertaining space or relaxing area.
Photo Credit: @Loafhome
Tips for updating a living room;
- Add a new chair or have one of your existing chairs recovered. If you have removable covers you may be able to get a new look by simply buying a replacement cover in a new complimentary fabric (much cheaper than a brand new chair!)
- Replace your cushions with new ones. Use a mix of coordinating colours, textures and hero cushions to create an eclectic modern look.
- Statement lighting, floor lamps, reading lamps or pendent lights can really transform a space
- Side tables can add functionality as well as style. Using different shapes or materials such as metal or glass to create a modern look.
- Shelving and bookcases are perfect places to add interest and personality; using books, plants, pictures and ornaments.
- Mirrors create a feeling of light and space, while artwork can give a splash of colour in a neutral scheme. Gallery walls can also look really effective in living rooms, using personal pictures in matching frames of different sizes or using framed artwork in unified colours.
