Why a snug is the new must-have living space

A snug can be almost anything you want it to be, and the popularity of this versatile extra living space is growing

According to George Clarke, architect and presenter of Channel 4 shows Amazing Spaces and Remarkable Renovations, a snug has become one of the most popular requests from clients when they are redesigning their homes. As open-plan living has become increasingly popular, with ground floor walls coming down to create larger family spaces for cooking, dining and living, the need for a quieter little tucked away room – a snug – has grown too.

The snug can be a versatile space, from a teenager’s den to a private, grown-up corner to unwind. It can also be a playroom for young children, a library or a media/games room. Although conventionally placed adjacent to a kitchen or living room, don’t feel bound by tradition. A spare bedroom or loft conversion is ideal for turning into a living, play or entertainment snug if you have enough bedrooms already.

The classic snug

The concept of the snug originates in 19th- and early 20th-century Irish pubs, which often had small, screened-off areas where punters could enjoy a glass of port in peace. And it’s the pub snug with its roaring fire and cosy atmosphere that informs the ambience of the traditional snug in the home, where informality is key and a fireplace or log burner should ideally be the central focus.

Comfort is also king in the snug and, contrary to design advice for other rooms in the house, don’t be afraid to use furniture that’s a little too large for the space. A snug should never look sparse or minimalist. The aim is for a comfortably ‘overstuffed’ look with an eclectic mix of pieces from different eras. Combine classic well-worn leather armchairs (Rose & Grey have a stylish collection in aged vintage leather) with a velvet antique sofa, for example. And it’s an ideal space for a special vintage chair – whether it’s an Eames or a Windsor rocking chair – that doesn’t quite fit anywhere else in the house.

The multifunctional playroom

Creating a playroom is a practical way to use a spare downstairs space if you have young children, or for older kids a music room to accommodate a piano or other instruments. While it works to keep childish clutter out of your main sitting room, a playroom can still be stylish and match the tone of the rest of the house. The key is to include plenty of storage where toys can be stashed at the end of the day, transforming it back into a snug for the grown-ups.

Think about decorating with artworks that appeal to everyone. Perhaps nostalgic illustrations from classic children’s books (Art of Illustration sells limited-edition prints by children’s book illustrators such as Quentin Blake), vintage comic artwork or a gallery wall with family photos and mementoes.

A comfy family-sized sofa doubles up as a place to read stories to little ones, and for evening film watching for grown-ups. If you opt for a sofa bed it’s great for sleepovers with your kids’ friends.

The mindful space

We know we could all benefit from taking time out and living more mindfully. So what if you had a little retreat for daydreaming about your next big project – or for enjoying crafts, yoga, writing poetry – or even just a peaceful place to drink a cup of tea.

To create a sense of peace and harmony, keep the space clutter-free and opt for the rustic or Scandi look (vintage Ercol at Vinterior is perfect for this aesthetic). Opt for a neutral, harmonious colour palette with a focus on natural materials – from wooden flooring to linen cushions and knitted woollen throws. Consider adding a seating feature: an antique chaise longue, a daybed piled with comfy cushions or a padded window seat would make a charming spot for reading or journalling. A set of low shelves or an open sideboard can become a home for a thoughtfully chosen collection – collectables that reflect your interests, from a Bakelite radio to vintage cameras, a typewriter or craft tools are a way to personalise the space.

The media room

Whether you’re a family of film fanatics or gamers, or a mix of both, a snug that serves as a media hub is the perfect solution, allowing the main living room to be kept as a tech-free zone for entertaining or relaxing in peace.

Here it’s all about comfort. This is the place to go big on squishy sofas that invite lazy lounging – gorgeous soft, tactile fabrics such as velvet in rich shades combine style and comfort.

Reclaimed industrial pieces work well in an entertainment room, bringing a bold, cool edge to the space, whether it’s a coffee table for those movie snacks or vintage lockers for storing games or your DVD collection (see Cambrewood for interesting lockers and shelving). But if you’re keen not to go too far down the ‘man cave’ route, differentiate the space in a more elegant way, opting for a theatre-style deeper, bolder colour scheme for both walls and upholstery.

The luxurious library

Having a home library or reading room is, let’s face it, a bit of an indulgence, and if you’re going to do it, why not dial up the country-house glamour a few notches? Create timeless private members’ club style by combining well-worn leather sofas with an antique mantel clock, vintage brass photo frames and a cut-glass decanter.

Floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves are the most space-saving option and simple shelves or units can be bought cheaply and upcycled to suit your style (there are many hacks on YouTube using the IKEA Billy bookcase). In a room where most of the wall space is covered by shelving, the books themselves become decorative accessories, so ensure they are beautifully arranged. Enhance your book collection with Country House Library, who sell tomes by the metre in your chosen colourway.

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD