As we emerge from lockdown, I have been reflecting on what has been important to us. A comfortable living space that really works for the way we live has never been more central to our lives.

With family back living at home, finding space for an office and little prospect of a foreign holiday this year, it’s a good time to invest in new seating, and with so many options out there, it’s the perfect time to ditch your old sofa.

A relaxed approach
It’s important to feel relaxed in your own home – whether it’s traditional or contemporary in style, there is a wide choice of seating available. It’s essential for a sofa to be the right shape and size for your space.

I find a mixture of sofas and chairs in different styles work best. The new modular L shaped sofas work especially well for open plan family spaces or TV rooms. And remember – always measure up.

What to look for
When you are choosing seating think comfort, practicality and quality – buy the best you can afford. Size, shape and look are key from a design perspective, but it’s also important to understand the difference between foam and feathers.

Currently velvet is a popular fabric choice, so stylish in bright jewel tones and perfect for Instagram pictures – I particularly love deep teal blue. But if you have pets or children it’s best to choose a practical fabric in a neutral colour.

Create an office/spare room
In lockdown, many of you will have faced the challenge of creating an office at home. For some, like my daughter in her small London flat, it has meant reconfiguring her only spare bedroom.

She has decided to invest in a really comfortable sofa bed to make a multipurpose room, which means I can go and stay and still have a comfortable night’s sleep! Another versatile option to consider is an on-trend daybed.

Sustainable solutions
I bought my first pink linen sofa in a sale. I couldn’t really afford it but fell in love with it and it’s had many years of use. In the post lockdown world, sustainable solutions feel especially relevant, re-using what we have or buying vintage.

Well-made furniture lasts so much longer and can be recovered either in a lovely vintage fabric or something more contemporary – upholsterers aren’t hard to find, and it’s important to support local business. An old Chesterfield sofa would look amazing covered in one of the new bright velvets or contemporary floral fabrics.

Add something personal
For that individual touch, have fun with bright or personalised cushions. I have a beautiful embroidered cushion given to me by my mother-in-law; my sister has dogs and loves her black Labrador cushion. Look for handcrafted or use scraps of fabric to make your own. Now all you need to do is put your feet up and decide which Netflix series to watch!