Renowned for her creative expertise, Sydney based interior designer and stylist Lara Hutton highlights a fundamental truth: great design is built on timeless pieces that evolve with you.

With a background spanning both interiors and styling, Lara Hutton is widely respected for her refined, tactile approach to design. Her work is anchored in the philosophy that beautiful spaces should evolve naturally with the people who live in them.

Here Lara’s styled the 1977 Sofa in Tempest fabric and King Trade exclusive Crevin fabrics to create three distinct looks. This project served as a live proof of concept, demonstrating how one versatile sofa could inspire three entirely different interior moods.

Explore three looks with one sofa

A well-designed, neutral sofa provides a strong foundation for multiple styling directions. The secret lies in planning well and choosing key accent pieces that transform the look and dynamic of the room.

Lara Hutton selected the 1977 Sofa and emphasises how its modular versatility allows the design to seamlessly adapt to different aesthetics.

“I used the 1977 Sofa in a couple of different variations in this home. I love creating versatile shapes, crafting different looks and moods depending on how people live.”

Here Lara explores three distinct ways to refresh your space with a neutral sofa, demonstrating how elements such as fabric selection, accessories, and layout can completely redefine a space.

“I love starting with a minimal look and then layering in texture and colour—it always depends on the client. It’s about understanding how they live and creating a space that’s both beautiful and comfortable for their lifestyle.”

Styled with blush tones and natural oak accents, the 1977 Sofa anchors the living space with warmth and tactile versatility.

Warm timber finishes and exclusive King Trade fabrics echo the organic styling of the living space.

1. Organic warmth

This look embraces natural materials and warm tones, creating an inviting living space with a calm energy. Lara used Crevin Forma No 10, a King Trade exclusive fabric, on the 1977 Sofa as the basis for the overall aesthetic. “The Crevin fabric to me has a simpler form and it's quite a minimalist structure,” Lara explained.

• Fabric selection: A sand-toned Crevin fabric is used for the 1977 Sofa, blending seamlessly with the room’s wooden elements and soft neutral hues.
• Accessories: A sculptural off-white rug, wooden coffee tables, and pops of soft pink in the cushions enhance the organic aesthetic.
• Layout: The furniture is arranged to maximise openness, with rounded edges and natural materials reinforcing a relaxed, welcoming feel.
• Featured King Living designs: 1977 Sofa in Crevin Forma No 10, Seymour Chair in Brunswick Caramel, Antipodes Organic Rug in Natural, Issho Side Table and Coffee Table in Natural Oak.

Refined, natural tones enhance softness and light, while the modularity of the 1977 Sofa shapes the layout with intention.

Natural tactile finishes, from bouclé to faux fur, showcase layered styling and refined softness.

2. Textured tranquility

A serene and inviting space, this look leans into texture and a soft, neutral palette for an effortlessly sophisticated feel. “Lightening the palette gives a lightness and a freshness and it's a completely different feel.” Lara shared. “I love the Tempest fabric because texture is my absolute signature in my designs and in my styling. It's not only beautiful to look at and interesting in form, but it's so comfortable and lovely to sit on, which is the most important thing.”

• Fabric selection: The textural Tempest Natural fabric enhances the warmth and comfort of the space.
• Accessories: The Rutherglen Rug, sculptural vases, and accent chair add layers of texture and depth, while soft pink cushions bring a subtle hint of colour.
• Layout: The seating arrangement encourages conversation, with a large coffee table at the centre for balance and symmetry. The surrounding decor remains minimal, allowing the textures to take centre stage.
• Featured King Living designs: The 1977 Sofa in Tempest Natural, Seymour Chair in Whiteley Riverstone, Monument Coffee Table in Driftwood, Rutherglen Rug in Ivory and Myco Side Table in Natural Oak and Salt.

Balancing the 1977 Sofa with considered contrasts and earthy hues creates a grounded aesthetic with modern edge.

Layered earthy fabrics and bold finishes explore mood through materiality.

3. Contemporary noir

A bold and sophisticated take on modern living, this look embraces deep, earthy tones and sculptural accessories for a striking effect. “I think it's really interesting to be able to create a different mood with colour,” Lara explained. Adding in a dark rug with a green tone and then bringing the blacks in creates a much more sophisticated look and feel.”

• Fabric selection: The 1977 Sofa is featured in Crevin Forma No 10, allowing it to serve as a neutral base while darker elements create contrast.
• Accessories: The deep green Bruny Rug grounds the space, complemented by dark sculptural side tables and minimalist decor. The addition of sheer curtains softens the overall look, allowing natural light to create an airy atmosphere.
• Layout: The sofa is positioned to frame the open view, enhancing the connection to the outdoors while maintaining an intimate setting.
• Featured King Living designs: 1977 Sofa in Crevin Forma No 10, Myco Side Table in  Onyx timber with Origin Grass Tree Leather, Myco Side Table in Marble Green and Bruny Rug in Fern. 

Finding the right furniture and creating the perfect space

As Lara Hutton demonstrates, reinventing your space doesn’t require starting from scratch. A timeless sofa, paired with thoughtful styling, offers endless potential to refresh your living room.

With the right foundational piece, like the 1977 Sofa, you can explore different moods, materials, and layouts, all without replacing your core furniture.

“Growing up, my family home featured a designer sofa that was very similar—it's a shape that takes me back.” Lara shared. “I also love the fact that the 1977 Sofa was originally designed by David King in that era. It's such a beautiful, timeless, modern piece that remains incredibly striking today.”

Reflecting on her experience, Lara highlights the creative possibilities that opened up when working with King Trade, the exclusive membership for interior designers, architects, developers and real estate professionals. “Working with King Trade was a wonderful experience. There were so many choices in terms of fabrics and possibilities. We had some interesting experiences creating the right sort of technical specifications, and that was a wonderful journey—they’re brilliant to work with. "

Lara also advocates for working with interior designs to truly get the best results with your space.

“I believe that working with an interior designer helps you unlock the full potential of your space. It’s wonderful to have someone to collaborate with—someone who brings exposure to different trends, concepts, and creative ideas that you might not have considered.”

By starting with a timeless neutral sofa and layering in texture, colour, and thoughtful accessories, it’s possible to completely transform the look and feel of a living room without ever changing the sofa.

Looking for fabric inspiration? Order swatches online or join King Trade to access exclusive fabrics.

For more living room inspiration, explore:

• Shape in Interior Design: How to Balance Curved & Straight Lines
• Modern eclectic style: Interior design tips with Karen Jones
• Flexible living room design for family living