Call it a lounge, a sitting room, a front room or a living room, this area of the home is where family and friends gather to watch TV, have a good chinwag or just relax. It is also the room in which we seat guests and others who come knocking at our door. Apart from the kitchen (and the bathroom, of course) the lounge can be considered one of the most essential rooms in a home.
Lounges come in all shapes and sizes and this week Private Property’s Win A Home show, which airs on SABC3 on Thursday nights, takes a look at some stunning examples of what makes a lounge seriously good. Whatever your taste or desire, we are pretty sure we have something that will appeal to you.
The first property is situated in Table View. Priced at R11.9-million, the 365sqm three-bedroom penthouse apartment offers outstanding views of Cape Town and surrounds, including Robben Island. The lounge area encapsulates the view and is guaranteed to become the new owner’s favourite chill spot.
Chill out!
And speaking of chill spots, it's important to remember that your lounge isn't just a showpiece and there's little point in designing a room that is reserved for special occasions. Lounges are meant to be lived in and as such need to be both comfortable and functional. The lounge suite is always a good place to start. Although there are thousands of designs to choose from, take a long, hard look at your lifestyle before deciding on the design and fabric of your new suite. Soft furnishings like cushions and throws will add colour and personality to the dullest of rooms and these are a relatively inexpensive way to add pizzaz.
Of course, having the right type of space goes a long way toward creating the perfect lounge and the second property on the Win A Home show features a spectacular living area. Once home to Earl Charles Spencer, brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, this house in Upper Constantia would undoubtedly impress the members of any family – royal or not. The formal lounge features a large fireplace and two impressive chandeliers. However, despite the setting of this gorgeous room, the overall impression is one of relaxation. You can almost imagine Diana curled up on the couch with a good book when she visited. The home, which covers 1 100sqm, is set in spacious 4 750sqm grounds and offers sweeping views towards False Bay.
Size matters
Experts say that the ideal lounge should seat up to six people, but care should be taken not to clutter a small space. Try not to over-furnish smaller areas and, if the lounge is too small to comfortably accommodate a coffee table, consider using side tables instead.
The third home on this week’s show certainly doesn't have any issues with space. Situated on the Simbithi Eco Estate and priced at R8.95-million, this 537sqm home has an industrial feel – yet is very welcoming. The main lounge has a high rafter ceiling and leads out to a large deck and pool. The second lounge opens onto a verandah with lovely views of the estate. Another feature that grabbed our attention doesn't involve the living areas, but is guaranteed to make any homeowner’s life that little easier. The kitchen has a wonderful convenience referred to as a “hot tap” which, as its name implies, supplies piping hot water for tea and coffee. Throw away your kettle, make yourself a cuppa and relax in one of the perfect lounges … oh yes, life doesn't get better than this.
Click onto Private Property for more inspirational homes that offer the perfect living space for you.