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How to Style a Modern Combined Living and Dining Room
Styling a combined living and dining room can (at first) feel like Mission Impossible. You know you want to create a space that packs a punch in the style stakes while being functional and easy to live in. But getting everything to work in harmony can feel like it’s all too much to juggle. Fear not, our fellow home design aficionado. We’re on a quest to tackle these challenges together. This guide is your roadmap, filled with living and dining room ideas to create a comfy, functional design you’ll click with. So grab your matcha latte (or wine) and let’s tackle that living room and dining combo head-on. We’ll chat about layout, furniture, colour coordination, lighting and those all-important personal touches that make your house feel homey and unquestionably ‘yours’. MODE Hans Wegner Shell Chair CH07 Replica, Ivory & Natural Wood MODE Osten Bookcase, Large Solidwood Miaco Adjustable Entertainment Unit with Sintered Stone Top Create a Seamless Open-Plan Layout Between Lounging & Meal Times First things first, let’s talk about flow. When you’re dealing with an open-plan space, you have to think of it as one big happy family rather than two separate rooms trying to ignore each other at the dinner table. Your goal? Achieve the right balance where the living and dining areas coexist like besties rather than awkward acquaintances. Begin by zoning your space without putting up any imaginary walls. Plan where each area begins and ends, keeping the flow in mind. You’ll want enough room for movement so no one has to perform contortions just to get a snack. Think of your layout like a dance floor, with smooth transitions between the two areas to keep the vibe alive and make you actually want to use it. Linspire Vivid Electric 4-Seater Recliner Sofa Hjem Design Vega Round Coffee Table, Latte Brown Linspire Cocoa Bookcase with Glass Door Linspire Matrix Solid Wood Bookshelf Hjem Design Oakfield Lounge Chair Linspire Ursula Nesting Coffee Table Set with Drawer and Glass Top Plan Your Layout for A Smooth Transition & Flow Between Living & Dining So, how do you pull off this miraculous feat of spatial planning? It’s all about getting the arrangement right. Case in point: You don’t want to have your sofa facing away from the action like a wallflower at a party. Instead, position your furniture to create natural pathways that guide your family, roomies or guests from the living area to the dining table like a well-choreographed dance routine (minus stepping on toes). Consider your seating arrangement as well. Does the sofa look too stiff and lonely, staring blankly at the TV? Why not angle it so it faces both the dining area and your entertainment unit? It'll create a sense of community, inviting everyone to mingle without anyone having to twist 180 degrees to see each other. Pick Multi-Functional Furniture That Serves Both Spaces Let’s welcome the champions of furniture. Enter multi-functional furniture pieces. These bad boys are the heroes of the open-plan world. And truly, who doesn’t want to save space AND make it look great at the same time? We’re talking about things like sofas with storage and extendable dining tables that can accommodate a feast for friends or an intimate dinner for two (whichever vibe you’re going for). An ottoman with built-in storage can hold all those cosy throws for winter and extra chair cushions for comfier dinner marathons. A bench can give extra seating at the dining table and a casual flair to your living room. Or you could pick chairs that can hop from dining to lounging without being confused about their identity. The possibilities are endless, and the fewer pieces you have to buy, the better for your purse. Coordinate Colours and Materials Now here’s where we can turn things up a notch. Colour coordination. You wouldn’t want to walk into a room where the colours clash so violently you’d think they were in a brawl. Not ideal. Choosing a complementary colour palette sets the tone and lets you up your creativity game. If you can’t remember the colour wheel from high school art class, look it up. The best colour pairings are those that are opposite on the colour wheel, e.g. green and red (the colour smarts of Christmas). When selecting shades for your walls, furniture and décor, think about something that connects the areas while adding personality. Get stuck into mixing textures, with maybe a plush velvet sofa coupled with a chic wooden dining table. And don’t shy away from subtle patterns or accent colours, because a well-placed pop of colour in cushions or artwork can tie both spaces together like magic. Depending on your style, you might lean towards a light palette with darker wood, classic modernism (we see you, MCM fans), the cosiness of Scandinavian simplicity or even the boldness of maximalism. Just remember, a cohesive palette doesn’t mean boring. Pick Light Fixtures that Bring Focus to The Space Lighting can make or break a space, especially in an open-plan area. It’s the icing on the cake, bringing everything together and setting the mood. You’d want to layer your lighting, with ceiling lights for their sculptural shape, task lighting for when you need to focus, and ambient sources to set that relaxing evening vibe. You can even go for different shapes of light fixtures to emphasise particular areas. A cool pendant light over your dining table, for one, can lift the eyes upwards, drawing attention from the floor you haven’t yet gotten round to sweeping. And don’t forget about natural light, either. Make the most of windows by using sheer curtains that let sunlight filter through while giving you privacy from any nosy neighbours. Use Rugs to Define Each Area to Create a Cohesive Yet Intentional Space And then there’s the magical world of rugs. As well as keeping your bare feet cosy, they create zones in your open space, a gentle boundary line that basically tells your mind, ‘the lounge is over here, and the dining zone is there’. But don’t fall into that common faux pas of going too small. Your rug should be anchored by your furniture, big enough to have the front legs of your sofa and armchairs on it, while the dining table is fully covered, including the back legs of the chairs, so they don’t snag when you’re whizzing in and out of sitting at the table. Shape matters too. Round rugs can soften sharp angles, while rectangular rugs align with standard furniture shapes. Whichever works for you. Linspire Cocoa Bookcase with Glass Door MODE Osten Bookcase Solidwood Santa Rosa Sideboard with Sintered Stone Top & Hutch Add Your Personality with Finishing Touches Last but not least, sprinkle in some of your personality. This is where the space transforms from ‘good’ to ‘that’s so me’ with those little finishing touches. Think cushions, artwork, photos, vases, home decor and quirky things like travel mementos that reflect who you are and what you love. Your space should be a canvas of your life, so use it to let guests know more about you just by stepping into your house. Ready to Transform Your Space? So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and design a living and dining room combo that’ll have you (and your guests) swoon? Apply these tips, let your creativity run wild, and soon enough, you’ll be the proud owner of a beautifully blended space. And hey, if you’re on the lookout for some beautiful and functional living and dining furniture, take a look-see at our Urban Sales collection. We know you’ll find just the right pieces to create your masterpiece.
The Perfect Guest Room Setup (Even If You Don’t Have a Spare Room)
Hosting guests is one of life’s joys that you shouldn’t have to forego just because you don’t happen to have a dedicated guest room. It’s not about giving your guests a five-star hotel suite experience with room enough to do cartwheels. It’s more about turning your sofa and whatever available nook you have in your home into the hottest accommodations in town. Just sprinkle a bit of creativity here and there and voilà! You’re performing a hosting spectacle that’ll have your guests wondering if they stumbled into the best-kept secret hideaway there is. So, let’s ditch the “no guest room” excuses and turn your living space into the ultimate destination, even if it means shooing away the cat from the best chair. This guest room furniture idea guide will have you hosting like a boss in no time. Guest Room Essentials Let’s get right down to guest room essentials. We’ll start from the basics and build our way to greatness from there. Firstly, your guest room, or guest room space (think the glam version of couch-surfing for friends who refuse to pay for a hotel) needs a comfy sleeping spot. Let’s look into this and other elements to wow your guests with your hosting prowess, no matter how small or big your space is. Pick the Right Furniture and Consider Your Layout for Comfort Your guest room setup starts with a smart approach to your furniture. Visitors will need a super comfy bed. You want them to feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud. But those makeshift beds hardly ever cut the mustard on the comfort front. So think about incorporating permanent furniture, a sofa bed, that can do double-duty as your everyday couch, and convert into a comfy bed in a jiffy. Shuffle that side table over and make it a handy bedside surface where guests can put their glasses, phones, a glass of water or a little nightlight, torch or lamp. Or better still, use a bedside table as your side table day to day, so when you have guests over, they can use the drawers to put away their things, keeping things looking spic and span. Make guests feel right at home with hidden storage for all the extras. Your bedside essential that moves with your space. Bedding, Lighting, and Cosy Textiles Nothing beckons, ‘warm and welcoming’ like beautiful fresh bedding. Think lush duvets topped with cosy blankets and throws. Your room may be lacking in square metres, but it can compensate in cosiness and beauty factors instead. Lighting is all about setting mood and atmosphere, and if you have a surface to put it on, add a table lamp within easy reach of your guest. If not, shift the floor lamp over. Low, dim lighting for the sleeping spot will make it feel more defined and look like the real-deal retreat it is. Fresh bedding that makes every guest feel welcome. Soft comfort your guests will love. Thoughtful Extras: Toiletries, Snacks, and Personal Touches Here’s the scoop on how to treat your guests like royalty without breaking the bank. For the ‘cherry on top’ of your guest bedroom styling, think about putting together a little care package, like small bottles of shampoo and conditioner. And throw in some lotion for that ultra-luxe touch (and to avoid the dry skin dilemma while they’re away from home). And since midnight munchie attacks are a thing, why not toss in some fresh fruit as snacks? That way, they can indulge without having to raid your fridge and unearth that mystery leftover from three weeks ago. Your guests will feel like ‘numero uno’, and you’ll come off as the polished host who thinks of everything. Creating a Guest Room in Limited Space Even if you’re living in a little shoebox, when guests come to crash, the saying “if there’s a will, there’s a way” kicks into high gear. Think of it as a game of Tetris. Shuffle, stack, and make it work. These guest room ideas for small spaces will have you transforming your space into a deluxe setup. The more creative the solution, the better your guests will be at pretending they don’t notice they're actually camping in your living room. Multi-Functional Spaces: Living Rooms, Offices, and Nooks It’s time to transform that little nook, office or living room into the ultimate guest retreat at the drop of a hat. When you’re creating your everyday layout, think about how the furniture can be best positioned (or easily shuffled) to give overnight guests the best experience, and limit your effort. This might mean having some furniture, like your office nook desk, on wheels so you can easily move it away to make room for bedding. If you have a sofa bed, pick a spot where it’s easy to position a privacy screen when needed for your guests. Space-Saving Beds: Sofa Beds, Fold-Outs, and Murphy Options When it comes to space-saving beds, it's a real jungle out there. You've got your fold-out beds, which are great when your guests want to crash, but it takes up all your space when they're not sleeping over. Then there are Murphy beds, great ‘bed in a cupboard’ solutions but tricky to secure safely to the wall. Then there’s the sofa bed, which is pretty much the hero of the furniture world, ready to swoop in and save the day with a quick flip, ticking lots of boxes. Comfy, convenient and on-trend. Daytime lounge, nighttime comfort for guests. Compact comfort that’s always guest-ready. Pro Tips for a Cosy and Memorable Stay For a sprinkling of magic, these guest room decorating ideas will give your guests that cosy warm-fuzzies vibe. Bring in a touch of humour here, a splash of colour there. With a few clever twists, you’ll have your guests feeling like VIPs, even if it's just for a night. Loft Hampton Wardrobe Linspire Aura Foldable Lounge Chair DreamWeaver Savannah Scandinavian Jute Rug MODE Milo Boucle Armchair DreamWeaver Essence Rectangle Machine Washable Rug Loft Ensio Bedside Table, White & Natural Wood Personalising the Space for Warmth and Comfort When you jazz up the space for your guests with your unique flair and a touch of their favourites, you're getting what hospitality is all about. Toss in some chic décor, maybe a few books they can't put down, and those little lifestyle nods that whisper “I get you.” What you’re really saying is, “Welcome to my humble abode. This stay will be awesome”. It’s all in those thoughtful details. Making Every Visit Unforgettable with The People You Love Being a great host and providing comfy digs is within your reach, even if your place competes in size with a shoebox. With our tips and a creative, ‘can-do’ mindset, you can consistently and easily give your guests an amazing stayover experience. So, get ready to impress. With a little creativity, you can turn an average stay into “Remember that time when…” stories for years to come.
Design a Dining Area Made for Hosting
To create the ultimate dining experience, you need furniture that's as flexible as your guests' taste in food. Start with an adaptable dining table, one that can handle everything from formal dinners to last-minute pizza parties. Extendable dining tables are especially designed to move with your needs. Add in some comfy chairs, because nobody wants to be that person who's squirming in an uncomfortable seat during dessert. Sideboards are great for stashing away ‘the good china’ and all the random tableware you’ve collected over the years. By incorporating some easy dining room design ideas, your interiors flair will shine brightly (even if your cooking skills are lacking). Start with a Dining Table That Adapts to Your Guest List Imagine your dining table chilling in the epicentre of your hosting space, right where all the magic happens. It’s the ultimate life setting, where delicious meals meet unforgettable memories. You may be having a romantic dinner for two or trying to fit your entire friend group in one place (good luck with that). Whatever your need, your table has to be as flexible as your hosting skills. Enter the Loft Hansan Extendable Table, the undercover superhero of dining tables. It can extend to accommodate your random plus-ones and their insatiable appetites. For those of us with tighter spaces (or just a love of adjustable furniture), the Loft Nordic Gateleg Table and Solidwood Norway Folding Round Table are your changeable sidekicks, ready to swoop in whenever you need more room for that last-minute taco night. If you're feeling extra fancy and want a ‘big deal’ kind of table, check out the grand Solidwood Hemura Dining Table. It brings elegance to the table (literally so) and can host gatherings and family feuds over dessert like a pro. Loft Hansan Extendable Dining Table, Natural Wood, 120/150 Loft Nordic Gateleg Table, Natural Wood Solidwood Hemura Dining Table With Trestle Base, Natural Wood Solidwood Norway Folding Dining Table, Round, Natural Wood Choose Dining Chairs That Mix Comfort and Flexibility When it comes to dining chairs, comfort is the name of the game. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to be trapped in a rigid chair during a four-hour dinner. And you can still keep your dining room interior design on point, even if you need a bit of adaptability. So, for chairs that have storage flexibility, check out the Linspire Yumi foldable chairs. Pop them up when you need and tuck them away when you don’t. And when you want to channel your inner home décor guru, you can’t go wrong with classic natural wood chairs like the Loft Hansan Dining Chairs or the Solidwood Kano. They have so much design impact that even eating jam toast becomes a style-filled experience. In the mood for something ultra-modern? The Hans Wegner Wishbone Replica chairs are the show-stoppers of the dining chair world. Pairing them with other styles is like mixing up your playlist. Just toss in a little variety for that hip vibe. So, go ahead, mix and match. Your guests will thank you, and their comfy bottoms will agree. Linspire Yumi Solid Wood Foldable Dining Chair, Natural Wood, Set of 2 Solidwood Kano Dining Chair, Set of 2 MODE Hans Wegner Wishbone Dining Chair CH24 Replica, Natural Wood, Set of 2 Add Benches for Casual, Space-Saving Seating Benches aren’t just for parks or waiting for your ride to the beach. Picture this: you throw a dinner party, and instead of squishing everyone around traditional chairs, you have these sleek benches. Hello, more room for pizza night! Solid wood benches like the Solidwood Amber Rope Bench and Solidwood Amber Rope ones are the way to go. They’re great for giving off those rustic yet modern vibes. Plus, they slide right under the table when you're done pretending to be a master chef. Talk about a space-saving genius move. Complete the Look with Sideboards and Storage Sideboards are the hidden gems of dining areas, aren’t they? It’s like having a dependable friend who serves up the snacks and keeps everything looking chic and organised. Think of pieces like the Loft Nora, Solidwood Santa Rosa and Hjem Design Colima sideboards. These beauties don’t just sit pretty. They’re your hosting besties, stashing away your dinnerware so well that your guests will think you’re a neat-freak genius. When it’s time to eat, it’s like having a personal butler, with everything you need at your fingertips. Sideboards make being organised look amazing. Loft Nora Sideboard Solidwood Santa Rosa Sideboard with Sintered Stone Top, 150x42x81cm, Natural Wood Hjem Design Colima Sideboard Create a Flow with a Kitchen Island or Bar Stools Ah, the kitchen island. It’s the ultimate hangout spot that beckons guests to come on over, grab a beverage and have a relaxed chat while you’re sprucing up the meal with some finishing touches. It’s awesome for those lazy brunches where drinks flow and snacks disappear without a trace in between fun and banter. If you’re on the hunt for something chic, the Loft Hansan or Loft Japandi Kitchen Islands are just what you need. And let’s zero in on the seating situation. Pair those beauties with some snazzy bar stools like the Solidwood Santa Rosa,MODE Bowa, or the classic Hans Wegner Replica, and you’ll have an inviting setting that beckons for chips and dips and a tall glass of something good to drink. Linspire Yumi Kitchen islands Solidwood Santa Rosa Rattan Bar Stool MODE Bowa Bar Stool, 65cm Hosting Extras to Make Entertaining Easier Ready to level up your hosting game? Say goodbye to the awkward ‘pass-the-snacks’ shuffle and hello to your new hosting helpers, the Joe Colombo Replica, the Rosa Rotatable, and the fabulous Luxembourg Glass Top Trolley. These portable bar carts are like your party's quiet powerhouse, letting you effortlessly glide around with drinks, snacks, or dinnerware, like you’re in Grand Hotel Central. Gone are the days of playing hide and seek with serving dishes. Just roll out the good stuff and make entertaining look easy breezy. MODE Joe Colombo 3 Tier Boby Storage Trolley Cart Replica, Yellow MODE Rosa Rotatable Trolley Cart, White Solidwood Luxembourg Storage Trolley with Glass Top Shelf Your Dining Space, Ready for Every Gathering Want to turn your dining space into the ultimate gathering hotspot? It’s all about the right furnishings. Think adaptable dining tables that can accommodate everything from a casual brunch to a feast fit for royalty, comfy chairs that make your guests want to sit and chat all night, and stylish sideboards that look amazing, hide clutter and keep everything within arm’s reach. Mix a little versatility with a splash of style, and voilà! With these dining room design ideas, you've got an ambience that’ll make every meal feel like a party and every gathering unforgettable, no matter what your style. Choose your pieces wisely, and you’ll up your hosting game and give your home a makeover that’ll have your friends asking for the secret sauce. So go ahead, make your dining area the go-to spot not only for meals but for all those priceless moments of fun and connection. After all, memories are made at the table.
How to create a Modern Master Bedroom
Your master bedroom isn’t just some dull old room you crash in at night. It’s your personal retreat, the place where your dreams (and maybe some questionable life choices) come to life. It sets the tone for how you kick off and wind down your day, so you’d better believe it should ooze comfort and elegance. If you’re a Kiwi ready to improve your space, this blog serves up some seriously practical inspo for modern master bedroom design that New Zealanders crave. So, let’s now dive into those master bedroom ideas and turn that snooze zone into something truly special. Modern vs Traditional Bedroom Designs: What’s the Difference? When you delve into bedroom designs, you’re mainly looking at these two heavyweights: modern and traditional. Traditional bedrooms come in like a vintage train with all the frills. Think ornate furniture and colour schemes that’d make a Victorian blush. They’re all about that comforting, nostalgic vibe, like a warm hug from your grandma, complete with floral wallpaper. Now, modern bedrooms are the new kids on the block, strutting in with their clean lines and minimalist flair. They’ve ditched the ornamentation to embrace a neutral ‘less is more’ palette. And then there’s (ooh, yeah) multifunctional furniture, the Swiss Army knife of the design world, proving that style and practicality can be BFFs. Imagine a modern bedroom as a breath of fresh air, channelling that Scandinavian vibe that’s aligned with modern Kiwi living. It’s all about open spaces and a light, airy feel, where you feel refreshed, like you’ve just stepped out of a spa. Solidwood Bailey Bed Frame, Low Profile, Natural Wood Linspire Aspire Bed Frame With Storage Headboard, Natural Wood Linspire Juniper Bed Frame With Shelving Unit, Natural Wood, White Modern Lighting with Japandi Calm and Nordic Edge Let’s start with lighting. Yes, that ‘secret spice’ hero of your sweet new haven. If your room were a movie set, lighting is what makes the difference between it looking like a B-grade flick and an intriguing, moody Euro arthouse masterpiece. In modern bedroom styling, layered lighting works its magic to set the mood, like the serene vibes of Japandi design or the chic coolness of Nordic aesthetics. Picture this. Sculptural pendants hanging from the ceiling, just waiting to make a statement. They give functionality and style in spades. And then you have those warm-toned Japandi bedside lamps, softening everything like a warm hug after a long, hard day. So, the takeaway? Nail those lighting choices like a pro, and watch your personal sanctuary turn into the ultimate mood-setting haven. Loft Japandi NZ Queen Platform Bed Base Loft Japandi Bed Frame, Light Wood Make the Bed Your Modern Statement Piece In the realm of modern master bedroom design, the bed is like the ultimate diva. It demands attention and steals the show. Opt for a clean-lined bed frame, and voilà, you've got the anchor your room has been waiting for. And then there’s the all-important bedding linen. Because no one wants to sleep in a potato sack. So, go ahead and indulge a little. Layer those crisp white sheets with a cosy throw that beckons, ‘Come, snuggle me’, and throw on a patterned doona cover to boot. That layered look isn’t just a feast for the eyes but a total game changer for your comfort and how you feel. Who needs a luxury hotel when you find yourself in your very own bedroom, zhoozhed to your exact taste. Nu Edition Charlie Duvet Cover Set, Sand Nu Edition Alec Duvet Cover Set, Carbon Bedside Tables with Simple, Thoughtful Styling When it comes to bedside tables, don’t just settle for any clunky old thing. Go for those slim, modern designs in elegant wood or a glossy finish with clean, minimalist vibes. You want pieces that give you that all-important bedside storage without making your room feel overcrowded. And then, there’s modern bedroom styling, a mixture of functional and fabulous. As mentioned, a bedside lamp is a must. Toss in a few choice books (or the latest romantic novel, no judgment here) and maybe a cute little potted plant to add character. These pieces all come together to make a vibe-worthy haven. You’ll be so proud of that bedside setup, you’ll consider a new career in interior design. Mid-Century Modern Vibes Scandinavian Vibes Hampton Vibes Scandinavian Vibes Neutral Bedroom Colours for Timeless Style Think of your bedroom colour palette as your personal vibe setter. Go for whites, greys, and those soft, muted tones that give off ‘zen master’. You’ll be immersing yourself in calm vibes every day. But hey, if you’re so inclined, don’t be afraid to spice things up, either. Pair those soothing shades with some bold furniture or art that demands attention. It’s a mix of calmness with a hint of sass. And the best part? A neutral bed base means you can play around with the latest trends without committing to anything too out there. Just swap in some new accessories or a trendy piece of art and voilà! Fresh look, fresh feels. Sleek Bedroom Furniture with a Modern Edge To nail that modern master bedroom aesthetic, you want to get just the right furniture. Think low-line dressers that are as sleek as they are spacious, giving plenty of storage while keeping the vibe effortlessly cool. And how about those glossy finishes! They bring just the right amount of ‘I got style’ shine. Pair that with minimalist silhouettes, and you've got a design that feels airy enough to host a cloud slumber party. And let’s not forget to be besties with clever storage. Furniture that pulls double duty is a complete winner. You get to declutter surfaces and still have room to breathe. With these things in play, you’re set to have the bedroom of your dreams. Linspire Whisper Adjustable Dressing Table with Chest of 6 Drawers Solidwood Norway Chest of 6 drawers, 120x40CM, Natural Wood Loft Ensio Floating Dressing table with Chest of 6 Drawers One Bold Feature for a Modern Focal Point To take your modern bedroom from ‘weh’ to ‘wowzers’, all you need is one daring feature that takes the spotlight. It may be a show-stopping pendant light, a headboard with personality, or an eye-catching bedside lamp. By picking one standout piece, you're giving your room a solid anchor for your eyes to feast on. It adds the perfect dash of character without going overboard, letting your personality shine as brightly as that bold light fixture. 75 Your Modern Bedroom, Your Way Putting together your modern master bedroom isn’t some complex rocket science. By taking a few simple steps, like using a neutral colour palette, layering up some lighting and choosing sleek, streamlined furniture, your bedroom will look like something fresh from a design magazine. So maybe it’s time to take that design-challenged bedroom and turn it into your personal sanctuary where comfort rules and chaos takes a walk. At Urban Sales, our swoon-worthy contemporary bedroom furniture and décor pieces will make it happen for you. And with our NZ-wide delivery, you will be soaking up all the warmth and tranquillity of your dreamy new retreat in no time.
