Homes Interiors - Second Place

In recent years, the open-plan living space has been embraced, but there are times a quiet, separate space is needed. Hence, the rise of the snug or a second sitting room in the home.

For decades, the British home revolved around a single living room. It was where the television sat, where guests were entertained and where families gathered in the evening. Increasingly, however, homeowners are creating what is often referred to as the ‘snug' – which in effect is simply a second sitting room – generally it's a smaller, more relaxed space dedicated to comfort rather than formality.

This shift reflects changes in how we use our homes, and it might have more than a little to do with technology as well. Modern houses are expected to perform many roles: workplace, entertainment space, family hub and retreat. One living room often cannot accommodate all of those functions comfortably. But having a second, quieter room offers flexibility.

Sometimes the space is a converted spare room or an unused dining room. It might even be a little alcove in an existing main space. In other homes, it appears as the snug, garden room or attic retreat. The aim is not grandeur but atmosphere – somewhere to read, listen to music, watch films or simply unwind without the bustle of the main household space.

Interior designers increasingly favour softer layouts for these rooms. Deep sofas, layered lighting and textured fabrics replace rigid seating arrangements. Bookshelves, low tables and comfortable armchairs encourage lingering rather than formal hosting. And this is where our change in tech habits comes into play too. In the past, the television brought people to a single space and usually for a prolonged period of time, a second snug or sitting room reflects the use of mobile tech devices (phones, iPads, etc.), where there is opportunity for flexible entertainment for all members of the household.

In terms of the design elements, lighting also plays a key role. Rather than the bright overhead lighting typical of main living rooms, snug rooms rely on table lamps, wall lights and warm-toned bulbs. The result is a more intimate atmosphere.

Garden rooms are particularly popular in this context. By creating a living space that opens onto greenery, homeowners gain the feeling of a retreat without leaving the house. Large windows, natural materials and indoor plants strengthen that connection with nature.

Psychologically, these rooms offer something increasingly valuable: separation. There is quietness and sanctuary in a different space that doesn’t have the sleepiness of a bedroom or the hard surfaces of a kitchen. Of course, the rise of this trend reflects a broader shift in domestic priorities. Homes are no longer simply places we return to after work. They are environments where we spend more time than ever before.

Creating a second sitting room – or even a corner of an existing room – is less about adding luxury and more about restoring a fluid balance to everyday living.