Style Breakdown: How to Recreate This Cozy, Burgundy-Infused Living Room
Curator's Note: As a Paris-based studio, this selection highlights some of my favorite European-accessible design houses...
There is a misconception that "magazine-worthy" interiors belong in museums, untouched and sterile. But recently, while reading Living Etc, I stumbled upon a Surrey home designed by the talented Susan Venn that proves the exact opposite.
Designed for a busy couple, their children, and the family dog, this living room is the epitome of a "living" space. It is warm, inviting, and incredibly sophisticated without feeling stiff.
As a scenographer, I immediately fell in love with the spatial composition and the masterful use of color. Today, we are breaking down why this high-end room works so beautifully, and how you can recreate this enveloping atmosphere at home with accessible, premium pieces.
design by Susann Venn studio, photography by , published in Living etc
The Scenographer’s Take: Why This Room Works
Before we shop, let's analyze the design magic behind this space:
The Conversational Cocoon: Instead of a rigid sofa setup, Susan Venn used two light-colored, curved "bean" sofas facing each other. This layout creates a parenthesis—a visual and physical embrace around the coffee tables that encourages conversation.
The Power of Burgundy: The warmth of this room comes from the masterful use of deep, rich red. Anchored by a stunning griotte (cherry red) marble fireplace, the color is subtly echoed throughout the room in various textures—from plush velvet cushions to the grounding area rug.
Layered Materials: The secret to "Quiet Luxury" is tension. Here, the heaviness of dark wood (seen in the background bookcase and console) is balanced by the delicate transparency of glass vases. Finally, touches of brushed bronze on the lighting fixtures and side tables add that necessary Carat to the room's Kraft, creating incredible depth.
style breakdown of this warm burgundy living room
The Room Recipe: Get The Look
While the original room features bespoke, high-end design, you can easily capture its cozy, curated essence. I have sourced a selection of premium alternatives that strike the perfect balance between quality and accessibility.
Whether you want to recreate the entire aesthetic or just adopt your favorite statement piece, here is the curated shopping list:
1. The Foundation
The Curved "Bean" Sofa (Westwing) - To recreate that soft, enveloping parenthesis.
The Coffee Table (Westwing) - one organic shape instead of nested tables
The Warm Area Rug (Benuta) - Grounding the space with subtle burgundy undertones (wool & lyocell).
2. The Centerpiece & Accent Furniture
The Brushed Bronze Side Table (Westwing) - Curator's Note: This is my absolute crush! A touch of aged metal instantly elevates a seating area.
The Dark Wood Console (Zara home) & oak Bookcase (Westwing)
The Fabric Pouf (Sklum) - Perfect for extra, relaxed family seating.
3. The Tactile Details (Where the magic happens)
The Griotte Marble Table Lamp - Curator's Note: If you don't have a red marble fireplace, this lamp is the perfect way to sneak that rich, luxurious stone into your living room.
The Statement Mirror - to reflect the light
The Ultimate Accessible Luxury: Coffee Table Books
Let's be honest: we can't always afford a custom-made sofa or a massive vintage rug. But there is one styling secret that works for every budget: Books.
The exact coffee table books styled in high-end magazines are available to everyone. They add instant architecture, culture, and color to your coffee table or console. Here are the ones spotted in this beautiful home (and a few of my personal favorites for a moody aesthetic)
coming soon
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