I didn’t have a clue as to what to write about this week as we are in the final stages of banks, signing, slow notaries and juggling finances. I just wanted to sit on the sofa and in doing that, I realised that other than the bed, this is where life happens. A sofa with two cats and a husband, cocktail at hand and criticising a poorly made crime movie. Doesn’t everyone know not to go down to the basement and why don’t they turn the lights on? Honestly! I digress. The sofa is probably the most important piece of furniture to buy and as many interior designers recommend, buy something classic and plain, colour and texture can be added with cushions and throws.
Feng Shui First
The sofa should have a solid wall behind – basically, your back is protected. Having said that, it isn’t always possible or practical. In our new place, it will be between two rooms as a divider and we will place a Chinese money chest at the back to give a feeling of strength. Sit on your sofa now and see how it feels. Do you feel vulnerable? If you walk into the living room, is the back of the sofa the first thing you see? If the answer is yes, move it around or place a convex mirror above the facing wall so the sitter can see who is coming in to the room behind them. Placing a sofa with the main window behind isn’t ideal either for the same reason; lack of protection and strength. If the television can be mounted and moved so it can be seen, that may be an option so that the sofa can be properly placed. Just remember, Chi energy is also our gut instinct, if the sofa doesn’t feel right, then it needs to be moved.
Sit on It!
When buying a new sofa, ‘test drive’ it. We bought two lovely buttercup sofas years ago and didn’t do this. Within months, we sold them. The back was too low and the seats were too hard. They don’t have to be expensive. IKEA makes a great comfy sofa that is wonderful to sleep on. We have bought an expensive one on sale at Bo Concept. It will be in the Wealth sector and as my mentor, Clear Englebert says, “drop some serious money there’. We did! It is a soft chalk colour with gentle curves and has had muted blue cushions and cream throws until now. Our Wealth sector is in the living room and the theme will pull in the Asian furniture, some rattan chairs, tropical green and royal blue bird prints and a lovely, dramatic navy bowl will return. Asian prints will come out of storage including a two-metre 18th century Korean painting of a tiger for the Fame sector. Hopefully, a nod to the 1930s will present as the apartment currently has a sad, 1980s look needing the old early 20th century charm to be restored. As Thackeray said,”I want a sofa as I want a friend, upon which I can repose familiarly. If you can’t have intimate terms and freedom with one and the other, they are of no good.” Or on the other hand, as Mae West quipped, “Why don’t you come up and have a little scotch and sofa?”
