August 2025 Interior Design Highlights

Welcome to our August roundup. If you’ve been wondering whether a sofa belongs in the dining room, how to choose a couch that won’t fall apart, or how to design a kitchen without ever stepping foot in a showroom, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find quick, practical advice you can start using today.

Can a Couch Live in Your Dining Room?

First off, yes – a couch can work in a dining room, but only if you treat the space like a flexible zone rather than a single‑purpose room. Start by measuring the room’s traffic flow. You need at least 90 cm of clear path between the table and the walls so guests can move comfortably. If the dining table is a modest size, slide a low‑profile sofa against one wall and keep the back of the chairs facing the couch. This creates a cozy seating nook without cramping the dining experience.

Next, think about style. A sleek, upholstered sofa in a neutral tone blends with most dining tables, while a leather piece adds a touch of contrast. Add a simple rug under the couch and chairs to define the area and protect the floor. And don’t forget lighting – a pendant or floor lamp over the couch side can make the space feel intentional rather than improvised.

Finally, keep functionality in mind. If the room doubles as a homework spot or a place for casual coffee, choose a sofa with removable cushions or a slipcover. That way you can clean it easily and swap it out as your needs change. The key is to balance comfort with the room’s primary purpose.

How to Pick a Sofa That Stands the Test & Plan a Kitchen Online

When it comes to sofas, durability matters more than brand names. Look for a hardwood frame – oak, maple, or beech are solid choices. Avoid particle board; it tends to wobble after a few years. The joints should be screwed or doweled, not just glued. For the cushions, high‑density foam wrapped in a layer of down or a supportive fiber core offers both comfort and shape retention.

Fabric is another durability factor. Crypton, microfiber, and tightly woven linen resist stains and wear better than delicate silks or loosely woven cottons. If you have kids or pets, a darker color or a patterned weave can hide minor spills and fur.

Now, shift to kitchen design. You don’t need a designer to sketch a functional kitchen – free online tools do the heavy lifting. Start with a simple room planner like SketchUp Free or IKEA’s Kitchen Planner. Upload a floor plan, set the walls, and drag‑and‑drop cabinets, appliances, and islands. Play with different layouts: an L‑shape works well in open‑plan homes, while a galley fits tighter spaces.

When choosing finishes, keep the workflow in mind. The classic “work triangle” (sink, stove, fridge) should be short enough to move quickly but not cramped. Use 3‑D view options to see how lighting affects the space at different times of day. If you’re unsure about measurements, many tools let you export a cut‑list or a PDF you can take to the store for a reality check.

Both sofa buying and kitchen planning share a common thread: focus on the ingredients that last – sturdy construction, easy maintenance, and thoughtful layout. By checking the frame, choosing the right upholstery, and using free design software to visualize your kitchen, you’ll avoid costly missteps and end up with spaces that feel right from day one.

That’s the August snapshot. Try one tip today – whether it’s moving a sofa into the dining room, testing a sofa’s frame, or sketching a kitchen layout online – and see how quickly your home transforms.