A drawing room is more than a place to sit. It is where conversations linger, teacups clink and stories unfold. Each time you enter, it should feel like the warmest of welcomes. In our Design Studio, we create rooms that engage the senses and tell a story, layer by layer. Here are our favourite ways to design a drawing room with personality and style.
Start with a Story
Every room deserves a narrative. Begin with something that inspires you, whether a piece of art, a textile you love or a cherished heirloom. From there, build your colour palette and textures so that the room feels curated rather than catalogued. At Warren Street Hotel, the heart of the drawing room began with an antique, jewel-toned textile placed on the ottoman. From that single treasure, the rest of the space unfolded, with layers of fabric, artwork and furniture coming together to create a rich and inviting composition.
Layer Textures
The joy of a drawing room lies in its tactile richness. Handwoven rugs, embroidered cushions, smooth ceramics and carved wood all bring variety and interest. Glossy finishes placed alongside something more organic create balance and intrigue. A layered space adds depth and draws you in, making you want to stay.
Seating for Conversation, Not Just Comfort
Arrange furniture to encourage conversation rather than to face the television. Sofas, armchairs and the occasional antique wing chair can be grouped into pockets that feel intimate and inviting. A generous coffee table, laden with books and flowers, anchors the space and makes it feel lived-in.
Art at the Heart
Walls should be given as much care as furnishings. Mix paintings with textiles, antique mirrors or framed botanical prints. A gallery wall of mismatched frames feels relaxed and loved. Perfection is not the aim; charm lies in the unexpected. In the drawing room at Charlotte Street Hotel, a whole wall is filled with works by Bloomsbury artists Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Roger Fry, alongside other celebrated British names of the period.
Good Lighting
Lighting should be layered in the same way as fabrics. Avoid relying on spotlights in drawing rooms, as these spaces should feel soft and welcoming. Instead, use low-level lighting such as table lamps, standing lights and picture lights to create atmosphere and warmth.
A truly great drawing room feels collected over time rather than rushed. It should reflect the people who live there, their adventures, tastes and quirks. If you find yourself smiling as you design, then you are on the right path.