A true creative at heart, Kate Watson-Smyth is a renowned author, journalist, podcaster and consultant on all matters interior design. 

Equally passionate about the written word and visual narrative of design, Kate believes in the power of storytelling. And for Kate, every home tells a story. 

Here we explore the living room in her home in Turin, Italy, featuring the 1977 Sofa brought over from London by the King Living UK team.

Inspired by her unique perspective on styling and life, we asked Kate to share her insights, tips, and thoughts on her sofa.

Kate is pictured in her home in Turin, Italy with the 1977 Sofa in Tempest Natural.

Q&A with Kate Watson-Smyth

Tell us about yourself and what you do. 

I’m the author of five books on interior design and the founder of madabouthehouse.com which started out as a blog and has recently moved to a newsletter.

I have collaborated with several brands on products, including a carpet design and a paint and tile collection which is due to launch very soon. In addition to writing about interiors, I also style for brands and help clients plan and design their own interiors.  

What do you enjoy most about what you do? 

I have always loved writing so being able to write about something I enjoy doing is both a joy and a privilege. In addition, I’m passionate about the link between our homes and our well-being. Helping people understand their style so they can create spaces that tell their story and make them feel properly “at home” is wonderful whether it’s through writing or creating physical spaces.  

Talk us through your process. How do you approach a styling brief? 

Generally speaking, I want to create spaces that look like real, lived-in rooms so I will always include something vintage – either furniture or accessories. I also include lots of books and layers of lighting and rugs wherever possible.  

I tend to stick to a tonal or more muted palette but there is always a lot to look at and I like to include pieces that spark conversation – that’s also why I like the 1977 Sofa as its name and style already tell a story.  

When I’m given a brief, I try to imagine a person being in the space and what they might want around them – a book, a throw, a cup of coffee and then make it look as if they have just left – tidily!  

Featuring the 1977 Sofa in Tempest Natural and Gambit Check Rug in Caramel.

Tell us your thoughts about the 1977 Sofa? 

I love it! I have never really loved modular sofas but when I saw the 1977, I was immediately won over. The curved shape is great (true to the decade for which it was named) and it’s super comfortable. I also like the fact that it’s light and easy to move so you can alter the configuration. For example, if you have a guest and want to change the focus from, maybe, the tv or the fireplace, to more of a U shape so that everyone can sit and chat, the 1977 makes that so easy to do. 

How does the curved form of the 1977 contribute to the overall room styling? 
 

One of the reasons I have never liked modular furniture are the straight lines and boxy feel of modular designs that I’ve experienced previously. However, the curves of the 1977 soften everything so that although it’s big (as big as you want) it always looks inviting and friendly. The living room in my Italian home is very old but as soon as you walk in you know it’s going to be a comfortable place to sit and chat, thanks to the sofa.  

How did you choose your 1977 sofa fabric colour palette? 

 
The 1977 is in my house in Italy which has a 150-year-old fresco ceiling so the colour palette for the room was dictated by its floral design. The Tempest Natural fabric cover was the perfect match for this room. I also wanted to contrast the very old ceiling with a more modern piece and the 1977 works brilliantly as the curves of the sofa echo the curves painted above it.  

The covers are easy to remove and I’m dreaming of a burgundy or terracotta version that I can put on in the winter to ring the changes. That way you get two sofas for the price of one.  

On a practical note, the washable covers are a real bonus and as the 1977 is modular, each of the covers fit into a standard washing machine. This is the kind of practicality that I hugely appreciate.  

Featuring the 1977 Sofa in Tempest Natural and Gambit Check Rug in Caramel.

Describe how you use layers and textures in styling and the benefits of doing this? 
 
The key to successful styling is layers. You need to have lights at different heights – floor, table, and task as well as wall or ceiling. This creates pools of light that are both atmospheric and useful for highlighting artwork or creating intimate places to chat.  

You also need to layer patterns and textures to really build up a room. I used the Gambit Check Rug as the colours tone well with the 1977 and the checkerboard pattern is a good contrast to the curves of the sofa.  

Then I added cushions in both wavy stripes, checks and plains to bring all those elements together. The colours are tonal – cream, terracotta, ginger, burgundy and chocolate so the overall impression – despite having a lot of pattern – is still restful and highlights the flowers painted on the ceiling. 

  
Describe your personal style. 

I would say it’s about being comfortable with layers of tonal colours, lots of books and a mix of old and new so that each room has a real sense of character.  

 
What are your top 3 styling tips for beginners? 

First think about how you want someone to feel in the space and build up from there. If it’s for a real person visualise them in the room and how they will use it. If it’s for a shoot think about the story you want to tell with this room and work out how to do that.  

Use the rule of three for grouping items – this works for both cushions and candlesticks and don’t forget the personal touches like books and artwork.  

Finally, it’s important to create a little bit of tension – contrast – so you need to mix curves with lines, florals with stripes, antique and modern. 

Follow Kate Watson-Smyth on Instagram for more inspiration or explore her website. 

 
Ready to create perfect living spaces? Shop the King Living Collection or visit your nearest King Living Showroom.  

For more interior inspiration, discover:  

• Interior design advice: Create a home you love  
• How to achieve a quiet luxury aesthetic 
• 8 ways to design a Feng Shui bedroom