Vicky Sanderson Above: A watery-blue rug (Weaver and Loom) and soft furnishings from Artemano in blues and smokey grey makes this a calm, comfortable spot for drinks and chat.
Whatever your style — mid-century Mad Men or English country à la Downton Abbey, it’s easy to design a designated space for cocktails and conversation in just about any corner of a family, living, or rec room.
In a larger room, you can define a spot for cocktails (and earl morning coffee) with a room divider. Use shelving and it’s easy to switch up accessories by season — or whenever the fancy strikes you.
Soft, indirect lighting that’s conducive to conversation but which can be bumped up for reading is made possible through the simple addition of a dimmer switch on overhead lighting or tri-lights for standing lamps. For accents lighting, thread LED strings through indoor plants — ether faux or real, we’re not judge-y — or nestled in a pretty bowl.
Seating matters too. Something comfortable enough to encourage conversation is advisable, but for drinks, I don’t like anything overly deep, wide or cushiony. Mostly because those three elements, coupled with the effects of a martini or three, can turn my before-dinner drinks into a snore-fest.
Each seat should be within reach of a surface on which a glass can rest. Consider nesting tables, small-footprint cocktail tables, or let a firm ottoman with a tray placed on top do the job.
A console with concealed storage that can hold small plates, napkins and glasses reduces running back and forth from the kitchen when snacks are involved (which should be almost always – let’s face it.)
This sleek teak piece is beautifully-scaled, nodding to mid-century modern design, without looking kitsch. The low sheen finish is a nice compliment to the green-ey blues in the soft furnishings.
Hope these ideas inspired you. Cheers!
All photos: Dann Tardif
