“Get the lobby right and it will be the favourite spot of your guests to meet and greet.” – Gentelle

We are currently in the process of putting together a “sitting room.” You may be wondering—what exactly is a sitting room? It is, to put it simply, a room for sitting with no television. It feels more formal than a traditional “living room.” This room is the ultimate spot to wait on your spouse while they are changing outfits for the twelfth time before a date night, a gathering area for evening cocktails with your friends, and a place to retreat to for some alone time — and lately, a spot to enjoy our morning coffee before our son wakes up.

We like to refer to our sitting room as a sort of “Page Lobby” since it serves a similar purpose and brings the general atmosphere of a proper hotel lobby. Not just ours, but sitting rooms in any home. We always love hanging out in a good hotel lobby, as it can give off a very relaxed but elegant vibe that feels more intentional and elevated than a living room. It doesn’t feel as personal, it’s more professional and polished, and thus feels a bit like a buttoned-up escape from the norm.

So… how do you achieve the ultimate sitting room? 

We feel the most important part of the sitting room is, well… how you will be doing the sitting. Do you want a couch? A collection of chairs? A loveseat? Some stools? It is completely up to you. However, we have decided to get four chairs that sit in a circular position. We feel this is a very special way to set up the space as it invites and encourages conversation. This arrangement creates a more intimate, social atmosphere. 

Our chairs are one among the few statement pieces of the room. 

The blue chairs in the moody burgundy room add a calming contrast and balance a space that could otherwise feel too overpowering. Against the darker wall color, a slightly more neutral blue lightens things up, drawing attention while still maintaining an elegant and sophisticated vibe. The color evokes a sense of calm and tranquility, creating an inviting atmosphere that balances both energy and serenity.

The next statement in the room that just stuns us every time we walk past it, is our mirror. The wall color is such a dramatic choice that this massive, nearly floor-to-ceiling piece feels right at home among the ornate chandelier and color drenched space.

Mirrors, of course, always offer an extension of the natural light that the room receives, so having one this large is borderline vital to adding more dimension and contrasting brightness to our little lounge. Beyond that, the sheer scale of the mirror and the chandelier feel like paired together pieces of art!

Next, we must discuss (you guessed it!) lighting, lighting, lighting. Not only is the lighting important, but the lighting fixtures themselves can serve as a piece of art and add texture to the room. Our Ralph Lauren standing lamps were lucky finds from Marshall’s (on separate occasions no less) and our ornate chandelier — which is original to the house — together create a stunning interplay of light and elegance in our space. The standing lamps offer a soft, ambient glow that adds warmth and coziness to any space. They can be positioned strategically to highlight certain areas, filling the room with an inviting and functional light.

While the grand chandelier, with its intricate design and dazzling crystals, commands attention as a statement piece overhead. It very much was the original dramatic effect of the room — as it is original to the house from the 70s! — reflecting off surfaces and casting beautiful patterns across the room. Together, they strike a perfect balance of understated charm and flair, elevating the atmosphere and adding layers of sophistication to the space. The contrast between the grounded, practical nature of the standing lamps and the grandeur of the chandelier creates a dynamic, yet harmonious vibe that feels both luxe and lived-in (which we shamelessly adore). 

Our large rug completes the room. The tan rug serves as the perfect foundation, effortlessly tying the space together with its warm, neutral tones. It blends seamlessly with the room’s color palette, creating a sense of cohesion without overwhelming the other elements with a complicated design. The rug adds texture and softness. Its understated elegance brings a sense of calm, allowing the more bold pieces, like colorful chairs, chandelier or paint color, to do the talking while still maintaining harmony in the overall design.

All in all, we loved the idea of really going for it with this space. Too often, it feels like we’re all afraid of doing something audacious or interesting with our choices. It’s easier to go safe, to find go with a more neutral color palette, or even to do wallpaper — with it being much more en vogue recently. But we wanted to put together a space that made us feel something, that genuinely is somewhat complex, and that truly made a statement in our home. We love the end result, and it’s given us a space to welcome in the day and close out an evening without feeling like we need to be on our screens!

Also, it’s fun to feel fancy in your own home from time to time! If you’re looking for a statement of your own, I’m linking the pieces we used below!