Here's how to bring coziness to your living room
The art of interior design: Why zones in the living room make all the difference
As an interior designer, I've furnished many living rooms, and one of the most common problems I see is that while the room looks beautiful, it often lacks coziness and personality. To be honest, I felt the same way when I was designing my own living room.
A living room is a space that should work as a whole – that's the goal I keep in mind for every project. But what I've learned over time is that this overall picture only truly works when the room is divided into different zones. These zones give the room structure and create a feeling of security – without sacrificing elegance.
Why I also use zones: My own experience
I still remember vividly the first time I wanted to divide my own living room into zones. Although I felt confident as an interior designer, I was unsure how to implement it in my own home. I, too, made a few failed attempts before I found the right mix.
Especially in the relaxation area , I realized that it takes more than just a sofa and a table. Only when I added small side tables, soft cushions, and a reading nook did the room truly feel "right." It's the little details that make all the difference—even for someone like me who deals with interior design every day.
The meaning of light: My aha moment
One of the biggest challenges I repeatedly encounter in my work – and also in my own home – is proper lighting. I used to often feel that the living room, despite beautiful furniture, somehow felt cold. The reason? It lacked well-planned lighting.
For me, light has become the key to making a room truly cozy. I rely on many different light sources – table lamps, floor lamps, and indirect lighting. This combination creates zones that make the room feel vibrant. It was a real eye-opener for me when I understood that it's not just about illuminating a room, but about defining it through light.
How to divide your living room into zones
For me, as an interior designer, dividing a room into zones is the foundation of any good interior design. Here are some of my best tips:
The reading corner : A cozy corner with an armchair, a side table and a warm lamp – perfect for escaping everyday life.
The communication area : Seating options that are flexible and encourage conversation. Here, I make sure that the area feels relaxed and not too formal.
Different light sources : Light is essential for creating a mood. I have placed several light sources in my living room to create the right atmosphere depending on the time of day and my mood.
Light color – a topic in itself
One aspect I often encounter in my projects, and have experienced firsthand, is the importance of the right light color. There's hardly anything that influences the atmosphere of a room more than the color temperature of the light. I'd like to elaborate on this topic soon, as it's complex and deserves its own blog post.
Conclusion: Comfort zones as the key to the perfect room
Whether as an interior designer or simply in my own home, dividing a living room into different zones has always helped me create coziness and structure. Every room has the potential to become a real home through clever design and the targeted use of light and furniture.
Even though, as a professional, I sometimes feel like I have everything under control, I know all too well how challenging it can be to find the right mix. But believe me – it's worth it!