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When celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Donald Trump, Patrice Motsepe, Cyril Ramphosa, or powerful magnates like world leaders among others are interviewed at home, the most probable place in their house that they would want to show off is their lounge.
This is so because of the fact that the lounge is that place where one really feels at home, relaxes and likes to have fun.

It is that place where the entire family can come together in a relaxed atmosphere.

This is the reason why the modern-day lounge has assumed a totally new dimension, with novel ideas, accessories, themes, colours, gadgets and furniture defining most lounges.

Technology has also found its way into the modern lounge where trendy gadgets have also made life in the home memorable.

Those who follow the Mai Chisamba Show know that the talk-show hostess is particular when it comes to how her lounge should look like by merely observing her taste of couches, decor and lighting, which, if taken off the screen and put in a home set-up, can best be described as superb.

She invests in colour motifs which are an expression of her identity.

This influence has spilled into many homes where other people have derived a leaf from her by going that extra mile in designing their lounges along the celebrity’s taste.

Her “obsession” with motifs to do with the zebra has also inspired others to design their lounges or buy furniture and accessories which are fashioned in line with their totems.

For instance, someone who is of the lion totem would want his or her lounge designed in a way that clearly sends the message that they are indeedthe “king of the jungle”.

Couches or sofas can be upholstered in material designed in animal motifs.

One Judith Maworere is a woman who believes that the lounge should be that place in the home where both visitors as well as family members should feel at home.

She says it has to be cosy, homely and comfortable in order to make someone feel as if they are in ‘a royal palace’.

“The lounge is my best place in the home, together with the kitchen, of course. It should be that place where visitors should feel your hospitality and want to come back again.

This then means that one has to invest in making the lounge trendy,” she said.

Maworere said she learns a lot from international magazines from where she follows trends from the lounges of international artistes.

Some of the comforts that come with a classy lounge include recliners which make someone feel comfortable while their favourite programme is on television.

“I like recliners because unlike the sofas and couches, they give you that feeling of being in a comfortable place and it’s like you are in the hands of a caring mother,” said Thomas Garret, (45) of Helensvale.

Some have even gone an extra mile by introducing a bar complete with bar stools, lounge carts which are used to cart around drinks, food or snacks.

“My lounge has become that ideal place where I can go and enjoy with friends if we don’t want to visit the pub where there is no privacy,” said one Harare resident.

A visit to one leading Harare retail shop. Lifestyle Centre, revealed that people were actually going an extra mile in buying lounge suites that make a lasting impression.

Apart from the sofa sets, the lounge suites can include other decorations and accessories like mirrors, lamps, chandeliers, rugs or mats with colour themes.

“I decided to use purple as a colour theme for my lounge because it is a royal colour.”

Some of the tables are made from marble which could be imported.

Artistes have also capitalised on the demand to improve one’s lounge by designing them according to the requirements of the clientele.

The art of decorating
Decorating your living room is a good idea but there are things one needs to consider. It is true that people should break away from traditional decorating styles in a lounge. Margret Margolis, a  renowned lifestyle coach and guru said people should look for a modern red sofa, or venture into yellow or purple.

“If your lounge is closed off from the rest of the house, experiment with daring shades. Choose bold paint colours that you’ve wanted to try like turquoise or chocolate brown.

Look to retro design for a lounge. Wallpaper one wall in a wave pattern for a funky element in your room. Avoid adding many different patterns as that’s overwhelming.

Choose one bold pattern, and carry it throughout the space. Stay away from harsh overhead lighting in a lounge. Place table and floor lamps throughout the room to create atmosphere” she explained.

She said that it is always advisable to set off with a plan in your mind and a generic outlook of what your living room should be like.

“It does not mean that you should know every head and tail in advance but a general idea will add the icing on the cake. It will help you during the decoration. As behind every successful project, there is a strategy and a plan, the same should be applied here,” said Margolis.

Well you should do a lot of research work before deciding on the look of your room. Remember lighting plays a significant role in the success of your decoration. It does create a good ambience and adds shine and glitter to the room.