If the room is very large, it may need to be separated into a few intimate sittings areas. I like to use furniture and lighting to break up the room into defined spaces; a reading nook, window seating, benches or occasional chairs are not only excellent ways to define large areas but provide a practical seating solution when extra guests drop by.

How to Make a Grand House Feel Like a Home

Image Source: Marylou Sobel Interior Design, Boronia House Project

Choose a Large Rug

The use of large rugs grounds the furniture and minimises any echo that the room might be prone to – this is especially important with stone, tile or timber floor coverings as the rug will help to absorb sound. A beautiful, large rug will also draw the eye and help define smaller areas within large rooms.

Use Warm Colours for Furnishing

Furnish the house using warm colours, even soft tones and luxurious textiles. For example, the melange wool upholstered sofa,diamond button ottoman,linen blind and silk rug used in this living room are all exquisite, warm neutral tones. It is a timeless and elegant palette, yet still very welcoming.

How to Make a Grand House Feel Like a Home

Designed by Stephanie Nadel, Senior Designer at  Marylou Sobel Interior Design

Layer Materials

I love adding more depth to a space by layering different materials. You might consider contrasting metal with a natural fiber, a mirrored surface with a bold print or using uniquely textured materials – isn’t the feel of velvet or a natural linen simply gorgeous in the home!

Utilise Mirrors

Mirrors create a reflection that can give the illusion of more furniture or ‘things’ filling a room, and ensuring it doesn’t feel sparse. A mirror is especially effective in a grand house if there is a view of water, gardens or reflection of art.

How to Make a Grand House Feel Like a Home

Image Source: Marylou Sobel Interior Design, Boronia House Project

Pendant Lighting and Wall Scones

Wall sconces and pendant lighting creates layering and helps define spaces so beautifully. Grouping a number of pendants together adds drama and definition that is difficult to achieve with recessed lighting.

How to Make a Grand House Feel Like a Home

Image Source: Unknown via Pinterest

Warm Paint Colours & Wallpaper

Paint colour selection is very important in a large home; consider the aesthetic you are trying to achieve before selecting your paint colours. So if you are wanting to use white for example in a traditional space, try a creamy white with green/black undertones rather than an icy white with blue undertones, which work best in a contemporary space. Wallpaper is also a fabulous option as it can act as another layering element. There are endless choices including textured, smooth, satin, printed and embossed. A dramatic mural, like the one below can look simply spectacular, adding wow factor and intrique to a space.

How to Make a Grand House Feel Like a Home 

Image Source: Unknown via Pinterest

Consider Neutrals

Using whites, taupes and creams create a very soothing and calm interior. Even in a large house like this one, the neutral colour palette feels warm, bright and open; this grand staircase, whilst imposing, still looks ready to welcome you home after a long day at work.