The fastest way to envelop a room in comfort is to pick a midtone-to-dark wall color for depth, like Benjamin Moore Turtle Green seen in the den by Studio Shamshiri (pages 14–15). Lighter hues work best when they have warm undertones, like Farrow & Ball Dead Salmon used in an NYC apartment by designer Jeremiah Brent (below). Either way, opt for a flat finish to reduce reflections on the TV screen.
Low-slung, L-shape sofas max out your seating, and one big piece is more visually streamlined. In a Santa Monica, CA, home by Commune Design (left), the denim-covered sectional stretches wall-to-wall and almost disappears against the blue wallpaper.
3 PULL UP A CHAIR
Even with ample seating, every den needs an armchair, both to complete the arrangement and as a sculptural moment in a room full of softness. Studio Shamshiri and Commune Design chose lounge chairs by Hans Wegner with distinctive silhouettes.
A large coffee table slightly lower than seat height reinforces a relaxed mood. Opt for one that is wide enough to join the sofa with the other seats in the room so everyone has a place to rest a drink or a book.
PHOTO: (BOTTOM) NICOLE FRANZEN