This Image: The mustard leather Tempo sofa from Natuzzi, from £3,600, has a luxe, opulent feel
Angelina Villa-Clarke talks about the art of cosiness for this month’s series, Keep the Home Fires Burning
Once you have chosen your style of burner or fireplace, then the next step is to create a cosy tableau around it for the perfect inviting space. Essential to the look and feel of your fireside is the seating you choose.
Black Orchid London’s button-back and wing chairs give a traditional, refined feel, while Raft Furniture’s Havana armchair is perfect for the classic gentlemen’s club style.
For showstopper pieces – such as the mustard-yellow Tempo leather sofa and the dove-grey suede Marlene fireside chair – visit Natuzzi Italia. Amy Howard, marketing manager, advices: “For a truly cosy atmosphere, plan the space from the floor upwards. A soft, deep rug adds welcome texture as well as taking the chill off the floor. A lot of time is spent curled up at home on a chilly evening, so it’s wise to choose comfortable, practical seating, but this doesn’t mean compromising on style. A sofa or armchair in deep rich reds or mustard yellows offer the perfect marriage of comfort and panache. Accessories are key to add to the opulent feel of a space; more is more. Decorative vases and ornamental pieces bring an instant luxe look.”
This Image: Raft’s Havana Armchair, £1,605, is a classic choice
This Image: Set the tone with Raft’s herringbone pure wool throw in grey, £59
Meanwhile Rick Petini, creative director and managing director of Delcor, says for maximum impact, it’s all about the statement sofa.
“They carry bold patterns with aplomb and can be a great way to unify a decorating scheme,” he says. “Don’t be afraid of a pattern clash. Spots and stripes or mismatched florals give a contemporary feel and work well provided the overall colour scheme is kept simple and complementary.”
If budget allows choose a design classic, such as the Eames Lounge Chair available at Wharfside, or Ercol’s Nest Sofa by Paola Navone, that will never go out of fashion.
Ercol’s creative director Rachel Galbraith adds: “Everyone can imagine the pleasure of settling down in a favourite chair by a warm fire on a chilly night or finding a cosy corner to read a book. At Ercol we understand the need for chairs which are versatile, stylish and comfortable, whether you are relaxing in the evening or working by day. The Marino is a perfect example of a chair which offers all those ingredients, a classic style, works with all other pieces, and is beautifully made so it will last for generations.”
This Image: The Next Sofa designed by Paola Navone for Ercol, from £5,395, will stand the test of time
