It's no secret that the celebrity world is hectic – so, for notable figures, creating a home that feels relaxing yet socially engaging is vital. Amanda Seyfried's New York home is the perfect blueprint.
Designed by esteemed studio General Assembly, the space exhibits gorgeously tall arched windows with wooden swing-door style shutters for added privacy, as well as an abundance of characteristic sofa seating centering around a low circular coffee table; Amanda's living room is the perfect blend of secluded and stylish a person can only dream of as a space for a catch-up with family and friends.
The secret? The combination of unobtrusive design, where the space feels pared back but not lacking in warmth, and the use of a simple living room layout hack, where seating is placed in the ideal format to encourage conversation. It's easier to implement in your home than you may first think, and with just a few choice pieces, it can look stunning, too.
Amanda's living room – curated by interior stylist Colin King (in the image above) – is subtly divided into two sections: a seating area and a miniature library filled with books facing in many different directions.
In this design work, there's a classic display of mirroring taking place: the books on the shelving unit are facing in an array of directions, similar to the furniture placement, anchoring a somewhat asymmetric visual as a norm within the room. Paired with the way the seating area's largest chair (the dusty blue one) faces into the coffee table and away from the rest of what's occupying the room, a conversational nook is formed where distractions are limited.
Mike Durbridge, CEO of Andrew Martin, explains, 'The corner sofa naturally defines the seating area, creating a sense of enclosure while keeping the space open and flowing. Positioned opposite a round coffee table, it ensures an easy, organic layout that encourages conversation while maintaining a relaxed feel.'
Using a variety of colored seating of similar shape and style further engages guests to converse as the space looks visually stimulating and, in turn, inviting to be a part of.
'The living room seating choices add warmth and character for sure,' says Durbridge. 'The contrast between the blue-grey sofa and the mustard-backed armchairs brings depth, while the mix of neutral and rich tones adds balance. It’s a scheme that feels both timeless and inviting.'
Shop The Look
Masters of relaxed coastal style Serena & Lily have released their 'Beach House' sofa that is designed with slipcovers to feel relaxed, simple, and draft beautifully.
These faux wooden shutters from Wayfair will bring a similar visual into your living room, as well as boost privacy. Their neutral, natural tone is also a great way to bring the outside in: a method proven to inject further calm into a space.
Made from resin with a subtle texture, this weathered white bowl brings a rustic touch to any tablescape or living room coffee table, just like Amanda's.
If you're looking to create conversational seating in your own home, even in a small living room, the main takeaways are to consider the layout of your chairs, to think about where you can develop a devoted seating area within a room, and to vary the kind of seating you use. Think about it – so many cozy cafes contain sofas, hard chairs, single seats, and more, and people stay there to chat for hours.
