When you lot hear the phrase "cartoon room", do you picture fancy draperies, formal sofas and fine collectibles? What distinguishes the drawing room from the other rooms of the house? When I was growing up, my best friend had a drawing room in her home. It was nigh the forepart door, information technology was beautifully decorated with botanical art and embroidered pillows, and information technology featured plenty of seating (besides every bit a piano). In brusk, a drawing room is a room where you can visit with guests or spend some tranquillity time lone. Go along reading to acquire more about the history and function of this relaxing yet thoughtfully appointed space…

Drawing room by Graham Atkins-Hughes
Drawing room by Graham Atkins-Hughes

Drawing Room Basics

The name "drawing room" comes from the phrase "withdrawing room", which was used from the 16th-18th century in England (subsequently which, "drawing room" became more popular). In fact, this room was where a person could "withdraw" for a bit of peace and quiet. Homeowners and their guests appreciated having a individual space for reflection and relaxation. [photograph from Lonny]

Beautifully appointed drawing room
Beautifully appointed cartoon room

In fact, after dinner, the ladies would often withdraw to the cartoon room, to be followed past the gentlemen. This practice connected into the 20th century. The drawing room was also a place to entertain guests, as well as visit with them. [photo from Lonny]

Traditional drawing room with high ceilings
Traditional drawing room with high ceilings

The term "parlor" became more popular than "drawing room" as time went on, and today "drawing room" isn't a widely used term. If a home has more than one living room, the drawing room would exist the more formal infinite, sometimes called the "sitting room" or the "formal living room". [first photo below from Lonny]

Red drawing room with a chandelier
Red drawing room with a chandelier
Drawing room by WN Interiors
Cartoon room by WN Interiors

The drawing room is often closer to the front end door, a scrap out of the way. Whereas the typical family living expanse may see its healthy share of traffic, a drawing room is more probable to take the more expensive furniture. Or at least, the effects that are meant to be a bit more protected from pets and children!

Drawing room by Lally Walford Interiors
Drawing room by Lally Walford Interiors

Rather than involving the term "drawing room," some people use the words "den" and "living room" to distinguish between two living areas in the same domicile. The den is the comfier room (ofttimes with a television), while the living room may refer to the more than formal space. [photograph by Ron Blunt Architectural Photography for Reader & Swartz Architects, PC]

Contemporary drawing room with modern bookshelves
Contemporary drawing room with modern bookshelves

Cartoon Room Blueprint

Now it'southward time to enjoy some design inspiration…the stunning drawing rooms below are certain to spark your creativity! First up: brand certain your drawing room includes plenty of comfy seating. While accommodating guests is of import, cleave out a special space where you tin enjoy a quiet moment or two! [photo from Lonny]

Comfy drawing room with ample light
Comfy cartoon room with ample light

Button tufting can add a formal feel that's perfect for drawing room manner, and many of today'due south tufted seating options are also super comfortable! Maximize seating options with a sectional sofa:

Petrie Sectional Sofa from Crate & Barrel
Petrie Sectional Sofa from Crate & Butt

Throw pillows are a neat style to add color, design and comfort to your cartoon room:

Patterned pillows from Crate & Barrel
Patterned pillows from Crate & Barrel

Choose a colour palette that you truly enjoy. For some, soothing neutrals are the answer. For others, brighter colors are uplifting and rejuvenating.

Drawing room from HD Wallpapers
Drawing room from Hd Wallpapers

Don't exist afraid to combine a diversity of styles and pieces, from antiques to more modern effects. This strategy will give your drawing room an eclectic experience that besides channels the past. We're loving the well-baked experience of the space below, as well equally the interesting arrangement of books on the shelves.[photo from Lonny]

Unique drawing room style
Unique drawing room style

Don't exist agape to incorporate interesting artwork, cherished family pieces, and an assortment of objets d'art. More than is more in this side by side featured drawing room! [photo by James McDonald for Alilad]

Drawing room with eclectic style
Drawing room with eclectic style

Also note that reflective surfaces and metallic touches tin add retro-modern elegance to today'due south drawing room:

Furniture and decor from CB2
Furniture and decor from CB2

For instant glamour and ornate style, go with patterned wallpaper. You can channel the past with the right wall handling, calculation a chichi properties to your drawing room! [photograph from Lonny]

Drawing room style
Drawing room mode

Last but not least, a pendant light or chandelier can exist the perfect finishing touch on to a formal living area, serving as a bright spot and an unforgettable focal point:

Elegant drawing room by London Basement
Elegant drawing room by London Basement
Pendant lighting and tufted seating from CB2
Pendant lighting and tufted seating from CB2

[photo below by Paul Craig Photography for Cochrane Blueprint]

Drawing room with a chandelier
Drawing room with a chandelier

Whether you lot call this room of the house a cartoon room, parlor, formal living room, or just plain "living room", bask putting your personal postage stamp on the infinite that will welcome your family (and guests) through the years.

Colorful living room photographed by Colin Cadle
Colorful living room photographed past Colin Cadle