How do people decorate their homes in other countries? From food to fashion, the way we differentiate ourselves from other people around the world is astonishing — and this doesn’t stop when it comes to interior décor.
In a living room, it’s important to infuse it with your personality but also make it relaxing. Here, we explore living rooms across the globe and find out how they compare.
What do living rooms look like in France?
Have you ever seen a French living room? Typically, colours differentiate, although in traditional settings, any artwork, like paintings, are usually big and bold, aiming to capture the imagination.
Chunky, luxurious, thick curtains are often put up at French living room windows. The French pride themselves on the sharp details of their furniture, and the threads of their curtains are no different — with intricate designs making each room feel bespoke.
To match the curtains, thick cushions are often placed on padded settees. However, the design is more noticeable than other countries we have mentioned. A common sofa design in France is the use of thick stripes that are symmetrical.
Finishing off a French living room is a large mirror to make the entire room feel much bigger than it actually is!
What do living rooms look like in Japan?
In Japan, tatami mats add authentic, homegrown culture to the decor. These mats were once used by the wealthy but became more commonly used and can now be found in almost every home in Japan — so much so, living rooms are now referred to as tatami rooms.
Fusuma or shoji are sliding doors in Japan and are common in Japanese living rooms. Fusuma doors are made up of wooden frames that are covered by thick, opaque paper and can usually be removed to create a larger space — these are usually accompanied by wooden transoms. The shoji differs slightly as it is covered in translucent paper which allows the light to filter into the room.
Kotatsu — low tables common in living rooms here — are common. In winter, these are covered by a blanket and heated underneath. For those who opt to not sit directly on the mats, cushions are usually used. Often, they are put on top of low chairs that don’t have legs to support the back.
Taking a minimalistic approach to décor is commonplace in this Asian nation. A clutter-free space allows them to properly clear the mind once they’ve returned home after a busy day at work.
What do living rooms look like in the UK?
Relaxing with a mug of fair trade tea and unwinding in front of the TV are common pursuits in UK living rooms. Traditionally, this room in the home is used to bring the family together and discuss what happened throughout the day. It’s also a great space to occupy guests.
In the corner of the living room, there’s often a television, so that no matter where you’re positioned in the room, you can still watch it. Considering that more than 27 million UK homes will have TVs by the beginning of 2019, where we typically place them in the UK is important! Sofas are often piled with cushions and blankets to add more personality to the furniture. Think threaded patterns and bold colours that bring the room together and make everything stand out.
We love family photos in the UK, too. Brits like to mix and match with frame styles and colours and place them in different areas of the room, including wall and unit placements. On the floor, you’ll either walk on dark or natural oak boards accompanied with a bold rug, are a carpet, depending on personal preference.
Many Brits opt for a large fireplace, although, more people are installing stoves and forming the iconic inglenook look on their chimney breast.
What do living rooms look like in the Arabic world?
Eye-catching colour is a staple in Arabic living rooms. These living rooms all embody a sense of community and are one of the most important rooms in the home for Arabic families, as it’s a place where everyone can get together and bond, usually on an evening.
Gold shades and hues embody the luxury that Arabic living room designers tend to go for. The colour is associated with royalty and luxury, so Arabic families are bound to use it throughout their homes. On top of this, these living rooms usually include lots of prints which delivers a strong presence within the room. To emulate an Arabic living room, you need to consider large prints and patterns. Sofas here usually take a curved shape and are decorated with countless cushions that are there for presentational purposes.
Other features of an Arabic living room include a coffee table, throws, patterned runner, vases, fruit bowls, and often a chandelier!
