AtHomeWithSarahBeenyAutumn2016 - 93

L I V I N G S PA C E ▲ BOUTIQUE Slender, pretty and compact, these sofas come with chic in their DNA. Because they don't sprawl, they work well in a smaller room and, thanks to their simple lines, they're also ideal for a study, hall or bedroom. Often in a strong colourway, they can stand alone and don't require a companion piece armchair - check out Hopewells for its selection of fabric sofas and accent chairs. The boutique sofa is always in a fabric rather than leather, and that usually means it's less expensive. The look is very feminine and deserves something soft. If that's faux suede or velvet, bear in mind that these have natural shading and pile variation and so can appear to change colour when viewed from different angles. Funnily enough, it is often cheaper to buy a brand new boutique sofa and settle for one of the supplier's own materials than purchase your own fabric and have an existing old settee re-covered. However, if you want to match the fabric in, say curtains, talk to your supplier now, while it's in stock. Finally, if your sofa is for a spare room, buy the sofa-bed version. THE BOUTIQUE SOFA IS SOFT AND FEMININE MODERN Treat yourself to a sofa or chair that shouts today: beautiful lines, classy fabrics and oh so comfortable... and in every colour known to man. Do you opt for a smart grey or camel that will blend into your existing décor, or go for a new strong shade that will define it? And material... Will you want plain for a quiet life, or a stripe or tartan for a lively one? Or perhaps you'll fall in love with an exquisite peacock design... And what about texture? Is it the soft decadence of chenille that appeals, or a tough hardwearing polyester? Fortunately, suppliers such as Vanessa Arbuthnott (www. vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk) send out fabric samples, often free, so you can decide in the calm of your home. If you want ultra-contemporary, the conventional suite with two matching armchairs is a no-no. The fashionista looks for a modular sofa with metal legs. Sectional furniture with corner units, footstools and exciting angles lets you create the perfect shape for your living room. A seat for two THE SETTEE WAS INVENTED IN 17TH CENTURY FRANCE AND WAS IN EFFECT A DOUBLE CHAIR. SECTIONAL UNITS IN HANDSOME GREY ARE SO FASHIONABLE STATEMENT Since your sofa is almost certainly one of the largest pieces of furniture in your home, it's the right item with which to create a wow factor. The 'statement' could come from the quirky design, the unusual fabric or the bright explosion of colour. But be careful not to fall for something spectacular you see in the showroom that's actually far too big for your living room. Measure beforehand. So where is your showroom? There are the super-stores selling off-the-peg sofas, often at amazingly low sale prices. And, at the other end of the scale, there are high-end bespoke furniture makers like The Design Sofa (www. thedesignersofa.co.uk), based in Derbyshire, which prides itself on handmaking every piece to order. It may come down to budget but, in addition to the price, check if delivery comes free and, if applicable, the charges on hire purchase. And ensure that your fantastic sofa conforms to British fire-safety standards. VIVID COLOUR SAYS IT ALL www.athomemagazine.co.uk OCTOBER 2016 | 093 http://vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk http://thedesignersofa.co.uk http://www.athomemagazine.co.uk

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