Style for the Millions: Get that Holiday Feeling in your Living Room with Simone Mathews (@soulhomeaus)

Style. It’s something that all of us are looking to achieve in our homes, yet many of us believe that you have to splash out in order to create a chic interior space. Good news: all you need is creativity, patience, and a little help from Lounge Lovers.

In our Style for the Millions series, we show you that you don’t need to be a millionaire to achieve a million-dollar look in your home. Whether you’re going for a space with a Scandi flair or contemporary coastal vibes, it’s all possible without breaking the bank.

Our latest episode follows Simone Mathews, interior designer at Soul Home, as she shows us that coastal decor doesn’t have to come at coastal property prices. Discover her top tips for creating that holiday feeling at home on a budget.

Psst…Missed the first episode? Learn how to create an affordable, yet gorgeous family home with Raffaela Sofia.

Put your comfort first

The best way to evoke the feeling of being on holiday every day is to invest in furniture that’s as comfortable as it is stylish, says Simone.

As a staple in your home, your sofa should be supportive — and that’s exactly why Simone selected the Cove Chaise Sofa Bed for her living room.

With its spacious design and foam, feather and fiber blend toppers, the Cove is made for stretching out and relaxing after a hard day’s work. When bedtime rolls around, the memory foam mattress promises a sleep so comfortable your guests will think they’re actually on holiday at a luxury hotel.

“I’ve used the Cove Sofa Bed because it’s so comfortable to sit on and to sleep on,” says Simone. “The Tasi Coffee Table was perfect for it. It’s also really lightweight, so that means when you’re setting up the sofa bed, you can just move it out of the way really easily.”

Coveted Cove: The Cove Chaise Sofa Bed’s modern multi-functional design makes it one of our most-loved sofa beds. Upholstered in a timeless neutral hue, the Cove complements any space and style.

Invest in high-quality practical pieces

Look around Simone’s studio space, and you won’t find too many closed cabinet doors. Instead, she’s popped her favourite items out on display to make the space truly her own. From coffee cups to woven baskets and chopping boards, every item is deliberately selected to enhance the overall aesthetic and inject personality into her home.

“When you’re styling your space, look for pieces that are practical. I love to have things out on display!” says Simone. “Buy nice pieces. That way you can use them and they add to the style of the space.”

Make use of your space with a cosy reading nook

Don’t know what to do with that spare corner of your living room? Take a leaf from Simone’s book and turn it into a cosy reading nook.

“I’ve used the Maya Accent Chair in the corner and paired it with a timber side table, added a plant, and an artwork. It’s really made use of the space,” she says.

For a cohesive home, choose an armchair that matches with other pieces of furniture in your living room. In Simone’s case, the rattan frame of the Maya echoes the rattan of the Tasi Coffee Table for a stunning, put-together look.

Ancient beauty: If you want a slice of paradise in your own home, you can’t go wrong with the Maya Accent Chair in Natural. Handcrafted by artisans in Indonesia, this occasional chair is loved by families thanks to its low-maintenance style.

Breathe life into your room with greenery

No matter which pieces of furniture you’ve selected for your home, a little greenery goes a long way. Plants are the perfect way to incorporate colour into a space without going overboard — plus, they’re known to be a natural mood booster and enhance productivity.

“You can never go wrong with adding some greenery! It really just brings it to life and finishes off that stylish look,” says Simone.

Simone has strategically placed different types of plants throughout her home, including a hanging vine in the kitchen and potted plants next to the sofa, accent chair and dining table. Pair these with a timber side table for a naturally timeless combination.

Want to style your own space on a budget? Shop the look below.