Interiors

How To Create A Cosy Living Room With Rich, Hot Chocolate Hues

Nothing quite beats the winter blues like a warming mug of hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows or cream (if you’re truly treating yourself).

With this decadent inspiration in mind, interior decorator Lauren Egan has pulled together some styling tips on how to create a layered, hot-chocolate-inspired living room!

With rich warm brown and red tones sitting alongside cream and soft pink accents and velvet textures, this warm, enveloping space invites you to dive right in!

Find out how to re-create the look below.

Written
by
Lauren Egan

Interior Decorator Lauren Egan in her Melbourne studio. Photography – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.

‘With welcoming brown tones, lustrous creams and rich, deep reds this lounge should make you feel warm from the inside out.’

— Lauren Egan

Surround by Laminex Battan 25mm panelling, painted with Dulux Clay CourtLeeroy armchair and Wrap Knot Sargasso glass sculpture both from Jardan,  Hanging weaving by Tais Rose Wae.  Wiggle Vase in Cream and Dot Vase, both by bZippy from Jardan. Vintage loveseat sourced via Now I’m Found co.  Cushion by Trinket Solo.  Squiggle floor lamp from Piazza Piazza Vintage.  FOLI stool in Wineberry by Lauren Lea Haynes, with Pepper side table from Jardan. Slinkie Rug by Patricia Urquiola for CC Tapis, from Loom. Photos – Eve Wilson, Styling – Annie Portelli.

Studio Elroy by LINTEL. Editorial styling – Benjamin Clay. Photo – Luc Rémond.

Hermon by WOWOWA. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Writer
Lauren Egan
17th of July 2024

Winter has well and truly wrapped its chilly embrace around us, so let’s batten down the hatches and curl up inside with a hot chocolate-inspired lounge.

With welcoming brown tones, lustrous creams and rich, deep reds this space should make you feel warm from the inside out. Here are some tips to help re-create the look.

Walls and floor. First thing’s first, set the tone with a rich wall colour, like Dulux Reddy Brown. Then, add some texture with cork panelling on bespoke joinery, or if you dare, on the ceiling. For the floor, opt for deep burgundy velour carpeting underfoot to keep you feet warm and the cosy ambiance all-encompassing.

Furniture choices. Then come the flourishes of creamy and toasty furnishings; the couch from Grazia & Co is reminiscent of cream floating atop a cup of rich hot chocolate in a Parisian cafe with a textural geometric pattern to keep things interesting. A rounded paper lampshade from In Good Company and soft pink side table from Jardan further add to this marshmallow-like visual, while

Final touches. Art and lighting add the final layer. Use pieces that have texture, movement and a tactility to provide a feeling of comfort and snugness. Artwork with rich metal tones, accompany ceramic treats and textural weaves. The larger artwork by Jahnne Pasco-White brings it all home — complementing every element.

Curl up here away from the frosty mornings and the chilly winds and enjoy the outside from the inside for at least another month.

Additional moodboard credits: (On shelves, from left) Porcelain Vessel by Tessy King from Pepite. Ceramic Vase by Rina Bernabei from Pepite. Clay Tablet Titled ‘Lilac’ by Irene Grishin Selzer from Pepite.  Ceramic Sculpture by Kelly Brown from Pepite. Sculpture Titled ‘Vital Materiality’ by Tatts from Pepite. Artwork by Eleanor Louise Butt. Ceramic Vessel by Laure Veleff from Pepite.  Ceramic Vessel by Emily Ellis from Pepite. (On tables, from left): Szilvassy ceramic cups from Pan After. Makenge Bowl from Pan After bowl. Whangaumu Bottle by Finn Gerrier from C. Gallery. Artwork by Jahnne Pasco-White. Cushions (from left) Classic cushion in Supersensual Wine from Narrow Window. Otto cushion and Mara cushion from Trinket Solo

Want to see more? Visit The Design Directory to discover our top picks in flooring, furniture, lighting and more!

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