Creating a welcoming living space needn’t be complicated. Becky Sunshine breaks down how to get the look for yourself.

Mixing the smoothness of a linen sofa, or shine of ceramic accessories, with woven cushions and long-haired rugs feels immediately relaxed and welcoming. Combine with furniture that recalls the textures and colors of nature – a timber coffee table or rattan pouffe – to tie the look together.

Create zones of light to build an overall sense of comfort and coziness in your living space. Mix the scented glow of candlelight with smaller lamps and consider how beautifully they’ll work together as natural light fades.

If the year-round foundation of your room is a palette of soft neutrals, adding shades that carry warm tones – easily done with soft furnishings, such as wool pouffes, throws and cushions – will transition the room for the cooler months.

A living room should be about comfort, somewhere to pause, to socialize with family and friends, to read or play games. Conviviality often comes from the imperfect placement of furniture, like seating that faces each other, to encourage conversation and always having somewhere within arm’s reach to put drinks.

Becky Sunshine is a freelance design, interiors and travel writer. She is the author of Lee Broom: Fashioning Design (Rizzoli).