If you grew up with an Irish mammy, you’ll know the room. We all know the room. It looks perfect, stays spotless, and only really sees any use when guests are around. The ‘good room’ is like the ‘good plates’, or the ‘nice glasses’… never used — but they look great!

And while these rooms always look gorgeous, it raises an interesting question; what’s the point of a room that we don’t actually use? The real goal shouldn’t just be to create a space that looks good, but one that works for everyday life too. Now, if you’re protective of your good room, then by all means, stop reading here. Otherwise, carry on!

The ‘Good Room’ Mentality

For years, homes have been designed with a clear divide between everyday living and for some reason, nice spaces that were off-limits to everyone (including you), excluding guests. The furniture might be immaculate (read: never sat on), the cushions perfectly placed, and everything exactly where it should be. Then, because of that, the room can feel more like a display than a place to unwind.

Now, don’t get me wrong here. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting your home to look its best., In fact, that’s what we’re here to help with! The issue is when style comes at the expense of comfort and usability.

When a Room Looks Right, But Feels Wrong

Picture it. You walk into a room, and immediately see that everything is meticulously put together. The colours all complement each other beautifully, the furniture is co-ordinated, and everything looks perfectly polished.

But…

Something still feels off. Maybe it’s not somewhere you’d naturally sit, or maybe it just feels to formal to relax in. This usually comes down to how the space is set up. Rooms that are designed purely for appearance often miss the elements that make them feel inviting; things like soft textures, practical layouts and easy access to seating are all lacking. Boo.

Comfort Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

A room you actually use always puts comfort first. That means sofas you can properly sink in to, layouts that don’t make it difficult to get settled in, and spaces that feel easy to spend time in. If you find yourself unconsciously avoiding a room and feel yourself succumbing slowly to the pressure of the ‘good room’, (if you hear a little voice in the back of your mind telling you to save it for guests, that’s the spirit of an Irish Mammy, and you can ignore her this time, promise).

Making small changes like repositioning furniture or adding in some throws for a softer touch can completely change how a room feels!

The Layout Makes the Difference

One of the biggest differences between a ‘nice room’ and a usable one is layout. A room might look balanced from a distance, but the honest truth is that if the furniture isn’t arranged for real life and all it’s various messy realities, then it won’t get used.

Think about how people move through the space, and be as realistic as you can about this! Is it easy to sit down and get comfortable? Can you easily put a cup of tea down somewhere that’s within reach and doesn’t lead to dislocating a shoulder? Does the layout encourage conversation? Pulling furniture slightly away from the walls, adding a well-placed coffee table, or creating a more enclosed seating area can instantly make the space feel more inviting!

Letting Go of  ‘Too Nice to Use’

It’s easy to fall into the habit of keeping certain pieces for guests or big occasions. But furniture is meant to be used, not preserved! Choosing durable materials and practical designs can help you feel more confident about using your space every day. When you’re not worried about wear and tear, the room becomes a far more enjoyable space to relax in. Remember, your home should work around your life, not the other way around!

Blending Style with Real Life

When it comes down to it, the best spaces strike a careful balance between looking good and feeling good — you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other!

Layering in cushions, throws, and rugs can soften a room while keeping a consistent colour palette (and as a bonus, take away your fear of any scuffs or stains!), and make sure everything feels cohesive. Your end goal is about creating a space that looks styled, but not staged.