Author: Ann Little

Upcycling: The Eco-Friendly Design Feature

Upcycling has been around for a while, but in a world where impact on the environment is becoming a bigger priority to people, it is increasing in popularity. Not to mention that it can be a cost-effective way to add a personal and unique to your home.

We’re taking this opportunity to help you decide whether upcycling is for you.

While recycling breaks items down to produce raw materials, upcycling is more creative, and doesn’t involve breaking it down, but rather reimagining it for a new lease of life. Upcycling’s roots are in the practice of resourcefulness, and is now fuelled by environmental awareness.

Re-using furniture in this way reduces waste and minimises the average carbon footprint.

What can you upcycle?

Not all furniture is created equal when it comes to upcycling potential, but don’t worry! These are the key qualities to look for in your potential furniture:

  • Quality of material – durable woods such as oak or teak and sturdy metals are ideal for upcycling. These materials will withstand modification and age beautifully.
  • Structural integrity – look for pieces that are solid and stable. Cosmetic damage like scratches or faded finishes is fine, but avoid items with severe structural damage.
  • Aesthetic potential: Pieces with a unique design, interesting lines or historic values can become standout features in your home.
  • Where to find your potential piece: it might already be in your home, or you could find the perfect thing in a charity shop, eBay or car boot sales.           
  • Potential for Easy Repairs and Refurbishments: Choose pieces that can be easily cleaned, sanded, or painted. Items that require minimal effort to restore are ideal.
  • Style and Functionality: Ensure the piece fits your design scheme and consider its potential for multifunctionality, like a table that can also serve as a storage unit.

If you have a creative flair, then you may wish to tackle an upcycling DIY project there are plenty of resources online to help you. Our top tip for your projects is to use primers and paints that are suitable for the work. Primers will help you prepare tricky surfaces, whether that’s a smooth service that you need paint to be able to stick to, or a rough finish that you want to even out ready for a smooth top coat of paint. Choose your paint carefully too, making sure it will help you achieve the look you are after. We love Chalk Paints from Annie Sloan; there is no need for sanding or priming, you simply choose the colour you want, from the large range of gorgeous shades, and get going.

If you don’t feel up to taking on DIY, there are skilled professionals who can help you achieve a beautiful upcycled piece. In the Bedfordshire area, you have options like Absolutely Shabbylass, based on Castle Road in Bedford and Gracie’s House, based in Bromham. Bedfordshire.

If we’ve inspired you to upcycle, then good luck with your projects, and remember that you can follow us on Facebook for more interior design tips and ideas.

The Power of Minimalism in Interior Design

The outside world is fast-paced and busy, but interior design gives us the option to put together an internal space that offers tranquillity and clarity using minimalist design. Minimalism is a powerful way to create a Zen environment; one that feels both serene and timeless. If this sounds like the right approach for your home, below are our tips to help you achieve the right look, and calm feel.

Minimalism is Key to a Zen Space

A Zen space is a living environment designed to promote tranquillity, mindfulness, and a sense of balance. Minimalism is more than just a design trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that emphasises simplicity, functionality, and intentionality. A minimalist space is characterised by its clean lines, open surfaces, and a focus on essential items, all of which contribute to a calm and orderly environment. By reducing visual clutter and embracing simplicity, you create a backdrop that supports mental clarity and relaxation.

How to Add Some Zen to Your Home

  1. Declutter your space

A foundation of both a Zen and minimalist design is a clutter free environment. Reducing the number of things in a room, whether furniture or accessories and ornaments, immediately simplifies a space. A clearer space will also feel more peaceful without the busyness of everything around you.

2. Choose a minimalist colour palette

As you will know from some of our previous blogs, colour plays a hugely important part in interior design as all colours have the power to evoke certain emotions. Typically, colours that work in a minimalist design are whites and neutral colours. There is a wide variety whites, each with its own distinctive undertone or nuance. Oatmeal and beige based colours are a step away from white, but create a soothing feel. If you can, embrace live plants which enhance the air quality and also punctuate a simple space.

3. Simplify your furniture and décor

Pared back design needs simplicity, furniture with clean lines and simple palettes will avoid the visual clutter that you want to minimise. To reduce the amount of furniture within a room, look for multi-functional pieces such as a coffee table or an ottoman stool with storage. It is important here to make considered choices and look for quality over quantity. This is the perfect scheme for investing in iconic pieces of design or sculptural shapes that have an artistic quality  

4. Add the Zen

Creating a Zen space is more than just decluttering and simplifying, although that is a vital step in the process. It is about designing an environment that promotes peace and relaxation. Within your minimalist design:

  • Ensure that each area of your room or your home has a clear purpose, which helps maintain order and efficiency
  • Add elements that you connect with personally, whether that’s a favourite piece or art, or a relaxing reading nook; something to make the space uniquely yours
  • Consider having designated areas for relaxation and mindfulness.

5. Maintain the minimalist lifestyle

Once you’ve created your beautiful, Zen space, you’ll want to keep it that way and this does require some ongoing effort and, in some cases, a change of habits. Regular upkeep is the key to preserving the calm in your home. Regularly clean and declutter to prevent an accumulation of ‘stuff’ and keep the space fresh. When you do bring items into the home, be intentional; consider whether a new item adds value and function, or whether it will form clutter.

A well-maintained clutter free space allows you to focus on what truly matters and enjoy a peaceful living environment.

If you want out help creating a Zen space in your home do get in touch, and remember you can find more interior design ideas on our Facebook page.

Summer Feels with Interior Design

Interior design gives you the opportunity to express yourself and create whatever look and feel suits you and your home. It might be summer outside, but you can also embrace it on the inside and give your interior a warm glow all year round. The influence of summer will evoke feelings of relaxation, tranquillity and joy; things that we could all do with feeling more of. The season outside has inspired us to share with you some of our favourite things to create a summery feel in any room.

Walls

A quick and easy win is to use a summer-inspired colour on your walls, such as sunny yellow or ocean blue, or for a more striking effect a summer wallpaper could be the way to go. We love Topiary Wallpaper by Cole & Son sourced from Jane Clayton. The green gives a wonderfully fresh look and the pattern is stunning. The Highveld wallpaper in ochre from Photowall is a great way to add a floral element to your home. These are both highly patterned wallpapers and would be well suited to use as a backdrop to shelves or in a smaller area like a hallway for an update.

Artwork

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ll know that we love the versatility of artwork for transforming a space. With so many options to choose from – the variety of colour, subject finish and framing – we know that there is something to suit any home. Desenio is one of our favourite suppliers for artwork with great choice and budget range. While you can choose 1 piece at a time, their Calm Art Gallery Wall creates a fantastic feature and fits in perfectly with a summer feel. You could use this as inspiration to create your own wall of art with separate pictures and paintings. 

For a completely different type of art feature, look at the work of photographer Slim Aarons. His photographs are outstanding, and he is best known for his “photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places”. Aarons photographed guests enjoying the sun and pool at the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, Antibes, France in “Eden-Roc”, available from Enter Gallery; such a fabulous example of his work.

Textures

Natural fibres and textures epitomise the essence of summer and can be elements within most furniture or accessories. The Samaï Fibre Ceiling Light from La Redoute is a fun and distinctive way to add that natural feel. We also love the Hadlow Woven Rope Stool from Abigail Ahern, which can be used with your existing furniture to complement it.

Indoor : Outdoor Décor

If you are worried about investing when the British summer is notoriously short, then don’t worry as there are many accessories that you can use in your garden for outdoor living, and also indoors to enjoy the summer feel when the sun has disappeared!   

Soft furnishings are always a good way to easily change the theme and feel of a room, and this selection is no different. All of these cushions can be both outdoors and indoors and are a great investment.

The Burlington Outdoor cushions from Andrew Martin has a lovely range of colours.  Similarly, the Gypsum Tropic Outdoor Cushion, also from Andrew Martin offers a different pattern and range of colours.

For additional options, the Pompano Grass Outdoor Cushions from Designers Guild come in a variety of colours and are made of a dual toned jacquard weave combined with a printed canvas.  The Rosita Grass Cushions from Decoralist give a pretty burst of green and come in a variety of sizes, with or without fringing, bringing extra interest to your indoor or outdoor chairs and sofas.

Lastly, a side table is always a good partner for any seating solution, and the Mabel Indoor / Outdoor Side Table and the Indigo Striped Ceramic Stool, both from Anthropologie, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and come in fresh colours.

We hope that you enjoy a summery feel in your home, however you choose to embrace it, and remember that you find more of our thoughts by following us on Facebook.

Interior Design for Family Living

Interior design isn’t just for adults! Beautifully created home environments will give a boost to anyone who lives in them, young or old. The design that you choose needs to suit your life right now and for the foreseeable future. When it comes to family living with children in the house, there needs to be a lot of scope for flexibility so that any design lasts the test of time. Let us help you with your family-friendly home design with these ideas.

Versatile Furniture

Flexible and multi-purpose furniture can suit a wide range of different needs, and certainly come into their own for family living when space is so often stretched. Versatile furniture can serve several purposes and therefore is able to adapt to different stages of family life. Take a modular sofa for example, it can be arranged to accommodate gatherings or provide extra sleeping space for guests. Or an extendable dining table will suit daily life for everyday meals, and gives you the option to welcome extra dining guests when it’s opened out.

Durability is Key

With a busy and hectic life it’s vital to select materials and finishes carefully. A considered choice will give any item a longer life and make its maintenance easier. Look for stain resistant fabrics for furniture and hardwearing flooring like hardwood or laminate that can withstand heavy foot traffic and the occasional spill or accident.

Durability doesn’t need to be boring, as you can see with the Smithy Sofa from Loaf. There are a variety of colours all in Loaf’s ‘clever’ fabric which is spill-resistant and a must for family living. Elegance and durability are not mutually exclusive, you can have both as you can see with the Lyvia Bench from Sweetpea and Willow which is also available in durable fabrics.

Create Zones

Functional zones help you to maximise the usability of your home, and it helps all family members have their own little space. For each room, consider the different activities that take place in there, and designate an area for each. In a living room, you might have a storage and play area for toys and a nook with a desk for a work area.

Flexible Storage

Storage is frequently a key concern in a family home, but it is vital for keeping clutter at bay and keeping organised. Look for storage solutions that can be reconfigured or repurposed as needs change. Bookshelves with adjustable shelves, for example, will evolve with the family. Baskets and bins are perfect for keeping toys tidy and can be used for other things over the years. Here are some storage solutions that we love!

Cotswold Company do a range of blanket boxes, including this Wide Blanket Box; we have featured it in Chantilly White, but it is available in a range of colours to suit any décor theme. These are sturdy boxes that can store a multitude of things, and we love that they are delivered ready-assembled.

The Stockholm Storage Bench from Noa & Nani is great for family living. Add a cushion to the top, and it’s a useful bench for sitting while shoes are put on. The half rattan baskets mean that it’s visible what’s inside and children can easily find the shoes or toys they’re looking for. Without the baskets, you have the option of low-level shelving.

For a little fun and personality, the Morris Monkey Pink Wooden Storage Cabinet from Oliver Bonas is a lovely addition.

Design for Growth

Family needs will change over time, and anticipating the coming changes will allow you to plan your décor, fixtures and fittings for the longer term. You might want to consider evolving interests and hobbies which need a space, a nursery that can be transitioned into a child’s bedroom or a home office that also doubles as a guest room. Versatile furniture and suitable storage will help you with the changing needs of your family.

The Frances Woven Rattan 2-Door Desk from Daals can double as an art or homework area or a dressing table. Its functions will change as your children grow. The Nebel Wardrobe from Wayfair, which has a gorgeous high-end look, would suit your child’s bedroom with the shelves that could be used for toy storage but are equally great for a future shoe collection.

Add Personality

We feel this is key in any home, but when it comes to a family or multi-member household incorporate elements to reflect the personalities and interests of each family member. You can do this easily using things such as wall art, throw pillows or accessories. These can be swapped out and updated as children get older to suit each age state. Indoor-outdoor rugs are a great option here. Their design and finish have come a long way; they are durable and easier to clean and maintain but still have a nice soft feel. The best of both worlds that are needed in a family home. This In- & Outdoor Rug from Benuta is a wonderful example of this.

The key to achieving amazing interiors for family living is planning head and anticipating the changing needs of everyone. As a general rule either choose less expensive pieces that can be swapped out when needs change, which gives you an opportunity to pick up more trend-led or current pieces, or invest in sturdier items that are versatile and have a timeless feel.

Luxury Living on Any Budget

Interior design is often seen as a luxury, as it can involve high-end materials and custom furniture, however, there is another side to the story and we believe Interior Design can be tailored to suit any budget.

Engaging with an interior designer will lead to a well-designed and optimised space. Storage will be maximised, and a functional yet pleasing home will be the result. One could consider interior design a necessity when all of the following are taken into account by the designer: functionality, psychological well-being, safety and comfort.  Not to mention that an interior designer can help you source products at the best price, saving you both time and money scouring retailers and suppliers.

These are two ends of the scale, but in reality, interior design covers a spectrum of scope and budget. In addition, you will find furniture, accessories and décor to suit every budget; if you know where to look. We want to demonstrate that you can have a beautiful home whatever the budget by showcasing a range of items.

Lighting

These are all beautiful light fittings that will be a focal point in any room, but the price tags are very different. From left to right, these are the Liang & Eimil Gamma Pendant Lamp from Shropshire Design, the Jax 10 Light Burnished Brass Chandelier from CP Lights and the Sputnik Modern Pendant Light Chandelier from ManoMano. This is one example of how you can source a similar design to give you the look you want, on the budget you have.

When it comes to lighting, as you go up the budget scale, you get the choice of bigger and more impactful designs and sizes. It can be argued that an increased budget brings a higher quality of item, however with considered research before you purchase, you can ensure that you get value for money.

 Art

With pieces of art, as you go up in price, the finish of the piece is a different level. At the high-end, you will have an original piece of art which has texture and, in some cases, you have the option to customise colour and add luxury elements such as gold leaf. This pair of Quintessa Colleir paintings from Olivia’s are hand painted and are a fabulous choice if you are looking at high-end options.

At the mid-price point, it isn’t the original painting, but rather a canvas of the original piece. This still looks good, but close up it is untextured, however still looks great and will still be impactful even if it lacks detail, up close. The Alma Framed Canvas from The House Outfit is an example of this.

At the lower end of the budget scale, Desenio is a great place to source posters and prints. These can still be impactful, like the Beige Impression No1 Poster, particularly if this is hand-framed by a local framer. Of course, you can choose to frame any artwork that you have and, again, there is a huge choice covering the full spectrum of budgets.

Sideboards

At the top end of your budget we have the Heydey Sideboard from Loaf. The lux detail here is in the wood joinery, the curved edges and the fact that it arrives fully assembled.

The Jakob Oak Grooved Sideboard from Roseland has a similar look, but a smaller price tag while the Solid Mango Fluted Wood Sideboard from Furniture123 is the cheapest of the 3. Both this and the Jakob sideboard will need some assembly after delivery.

Tables

You’d be right in thinking that these tables all look very similar! The key difference between these tables from Made in the Cellar are the table top material. At the higher price point, you have a quartz table top and a chunkier frame. Mid-range uses oak, and at the lower price point, you have pine. Both the pine and oak tables have a Bobbin leg design, which is slimmer than the quartz variant.

When you know the look and design that you want, we think it’s possible to source furniture, accessories and décor to achieve the desired effect at any budget. As interior designers, this is something that we help our clients with, whether we are involved in a complete project, or consulting on different options available. There is something for every budget and preference, but if you’re stuck at the design stage then it might be time to hire an interior designer!

For more interior design tips and advice follow us on Facebook.  

Enduring Interior Designs

As interior designers, we are often asked to help our clients achieve a timeless look, one that they will love for years to come, one that will feel as fresh and inspiring as the day it was finished. We are going to share with you some secrets behind achieving a timeless look.

Neutral Colour Palette

Central to the concept of a timeless design is a neutral palette. Think greys, whites, sage green and a huge variety of hues. By keeping base finishes versatile, you can update as needed. Soothing tones and a cohesive palette will be a great choice if you want to ensure your choices stand the test of time.

Natural Elements

Nature will always feature in interiors. Use finishes that have been around for centuries such as wood, glass, plaster, brass, stone and natural textures like linen and wool.  Exposed brick walls and natural stone countertops work brilliantly, and wood flooring is another great way to harness nature in your home. Herringbone floors have been around for centuries and still look good today. Keep them modern by using a jumbo plank size and ensuring there isn’t too much contrast in the wood tones, or the look becomes too busy.

Work With What You’ve Got

Work with the architectural style of your home and highlight its features, this will always pave the path to longevity. An industrial style for a loft, a mid-century design in a 1960s home, or an art deco scheme in a 1920s house are some examples of how to work this. When interiors match architecture, it will always feel relevant and, therefore, timeless.

Choose Quality

Invest in good quality basics made by craftsmen; spending a good proportion of your budget on key pieces or furniture will achieve an enduring design. A well-made unit or table can last for decades, being styled and updated to suit. Investing in storage that is practical, and also elevates a space through its aesthetic form, will always be a good investment.

Timeless Kitchens

A shaker kitchen is the most popular choice for clients updating this space, and it’s easy to see why. This classic design can be styled in a multitude of ways to ensure it lasts for decades and, whether you choose a more heavily beaded traditional style or a simple inset panel, you can be sure this is a style you won’t live to regret. Remember to keep the units neutral and add impact with punchy paint or wallpaper. Alternatively, you can go for real wood which can be updated.

These are some tips that you can apply to your own designs, and we’d like to share what a timeless design might look like by showcasing some of our clients’ finished projects.

We used a classic wingback style chair which would traditionally suit this client’s grand entrance hall. Giving this classic piece a modern twist is its sleek shape with a modern velvet fabric. When classic meets modern like this, it will always feel current and fresh.

There is no room where you can’t achieve a timeless feel. In this bathroom, the bath and brass washstand are classic in their original iterations, but with modern twists. The smooth shape of the bath brings it up to date, and the vintage mirror on the washstand combined with the simple brass frame gives them a fresh yet timeless feel. We love the dramatic black tiles which create a gorgeous contrast against the brass.

We used this quirky side table in a client’s reading room, it is a classic round 4 legged shape, but its drip design is fun, playful and surreal taking the predictable to the unexpected while retaining a timeless shape.  

On a final note, we know that some fabulous designs and trends come around, and we certainly aren’t not recommending that you stay away from anything new. However, do avoid diving too heavily into anything that feels too current or over exposed. If it’s ‘everywhere’ right now, there is a high possibility that the look could start to feel dated. Pick a few items that you love and use them to update a space, without replacing everything older; this is something you may regret in the longer term.

Remember to follow us on Facebook for more interior advice and insights into our client projects.

The Power of Colour

Have you ever thought about why you feel different emotions depending on the room or space you’re in? Chances are that you’re being influenced by the colour around you but that often isn’t a conscious thing. The art of using colour in interior design, harnessing the power of colour psychology, is one tool that we use to create the perfect space for each and every client.

Part of our consultation process is to find out from our clients how they use a space, what they will do in it and how they want to feel. There are certainly some common themes, for example in an office or working space, concentration and focus are needed but, in a bedroom or snug you want to relax and wind down. We take this all into account when we compose the colour palette.

As interior designers, we will search for the perfect colours to fit the purpose of the room and build a design around that.

Warm colours, associated with fire, sunlight, and nature elements, evoke a range of emotions and feelings associated with energy, passion, and comfort. Within the range of warm colours orange lends itself to energy, enthusiasm and creativity, and can create the perfect cosy space to recharge.   

Cool colours will bring about emotions and feelings associated with calmness, serenity, and tranquillity and are associated with water and sky elements. Blue is linked to calmness, peace and serenity and is perfect for anywhere you want to feel restful and refreshed.

Monochrome themes are particularly effective; a monochromatic palette focuses on using one colour, and a range of hues of that colour. To achieve depth and interest, textures and patterns in the colour as well as using lightness and darkness are introduced. The addition of accents of brushed brass and black will bring impact and definition to a monochromatic scheme, or if your lifestyle allows, keeping everything light and tonal is the ultimate in ‘quiet luxury’.

The Bedroom

The place where you end your day, a room for total relaxation. To create that mood, blue is the colour to choose here. The calmness and serenity which blue brings about are the perfect emotions when you’re settling down to sleep. There is a huge range of different blues, and you can evoke nuances of emotions by using pale hues, bolder blues and the whole range in between. Here are some of our favourite blues to use in your bedroom; they work together beautifully to both look and feel good.

Bedside cabinets don’t need to be bland! The Bobbin Bedside Table from John Lewis is a brilliant example of an interesting piece which can complement the blue hues within a room.  Artwork is another great way to introduce colour into a room, and we love this set of William Morris Vintage Floral wall art from Debenhams. And, of course, we couldn’t ignore bed linen. This is undoubtedly the easiest way to bring colour to a bedroom, and the Hampton Frill Duvet Set from Dunelm is in a gorgeous shade with a pretty finish.

The Living Room

You could argue that a living room is also a place you want to relax. To a degree this is true, but it is a more flexible space with a different purpose. In a living room warm colours work wonderfully because their warmth conjures cosiness and a general sense of being welcomed. Warm colours include rusty oranges, mustard yellows, and soft pinks that will induce feelings of love, enthusiasm, optimism, happiness and affection. Here are some of our favourite things from this palette.

In a sumptuous velvet fabric, the Brompton Sculptural Armchair from daals fully embodies that welcoming and cosy feeling that you want in your living room. Add a lamp for a warm lighting effect and ambience; we love the Baba Recycled Glass Lamp from nkuku. Soft furnishings should never be forgotten when it comes to colour. They are versatile and come in such a huge variety you will be able to match any design theme. We love the Areca Cushions from Oka for a touch of warm orange.

Tips and Hints

  • The size of a room and the amount of natural light it receives can impact the way colours appear. In smaller spaces, lighter hues can create an illusion of openness, while in larger rooms, bolder colours may add warmth and cosiness.
  • Pay attention to the direction of the room—north-facing rooms might benefit from warmer tones to counteract cool lighting, while south-facing rooms can embrace cooler tones.
  • Ensure your chosen colour scheme complements the existing furnishings and décor elements, creating a cohesive and harmonious overall design.

Remember that you can see more of our work, interior design tips and ideas when you follow us on Facebook.

New Year, New Interiors

A new year is a time of refresh and making changes in our lives, and often it is the inspiration or motivation for a home makeover. This can range from the redecoration of 1 or 2 rooms up to a complete renovation. Whatever changes you are making in 2024, consider them carefully to ensure that you will be pleased with the final results and they will last the test of time.

We are passionate when it comes to any scale of interior design! And of course, we can tell you how it can benefit you to work with an interior designer, but we also know it isn’t for everyone.

If you are considering the help of an interior designer, these are just some of the things that we can bring to a project:

  1. Expertise

We know what works and what doesn’t. This might be how to make the most of any light in a dark room or ways to maximise the space in a small area. We know what colours will work to best achieve specific results and where to source anything and everything, from a unique wallpaper to a custom-made cabinet. When you work with an interior designer you have access to our experience and expertise.

  • Project Management

Work in your home can be stressful and overwhelming, however we can be on hand to keep things organised and manage the various aspects of the design. This minimises the time you need to spend on the project and therefore reduce your stress!

  • Value for Money

Interior designers are sometimes considered to be a luxury, but that isn’t the case. Due to our experience and connections, we can source things more quickly and often at a preferential rate. We can save you time and money while getting the finish that makes you truly happy.

If you are not yet ready to hire a designer, these are some pointers to help you get started:

  1. Plan!

Think through designs, layouts and colours before you start. Consider the overall look that you want to achieve and any challenges that you need to overcome. This might be maximising space or light for example. Taking some time at the beginning of the project will pay dividends.

  • Think About Your Colour Palette

Make sure that your chosen colours work together. When you have your palette, refer back to this when you are choosing furniture, artwork, accessories and so on. A good idea is to have samples of the fabrics, wallpapers and colours on a board. You can see how they work together and you can take the board with you when choosing all the elements for a quick and easy comparison. On the note of colour, we recommend that you limit the number of different colours. Choose one or two main colours and use hues of these.

  • Invest in Key Pieces

Beds, dining tables and sofas are examples of your key items of furniture. Centre your budget around these items and get the best quality that you can afford. These can last for years to come, even while the décor around them changes.

Whether you choose to engage an interior designer or not, remember that every change you make should reflect your personal style and create a space that you enjoy living in. You can follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas, and click here to view our full gallery.

These Are a few of My Favourite Things

We love Christmas here at Interiors at 58! We’ve decorated HQ – head over to Facebook for a sneaky peek – and are sharing some of our favourite things with you.

A few of our favourite picks are inspired by nature and bring a golden sparkle to any display. The Gisela Graham Antique Gold Acrylic Leaf Tree Decoration from Southwood Garden Centre are the perfect hanging ornament for your tree. Couple this with the Gisela Graham Gold Glitter Acorn Tree Decorations from Mollie and Fred wound around the tree and Golden Pinecone Baubles from Abigail Ahern to complete the woodland theme with a natural yet luxe feel.  

For touches of gold throughout your home you can add the beautiful Champagne Gold Mirrored Star from Rockett St George or the LED Star Christmas Light from Christow, which can be used both indoors and out.

If you have trees outside the Magical Outdoor Hanging Vine Lights from Cox and Cox give a contemporary look and make for a beautiful Christmas scene.

Gold this year is our Christmas colour. As with any interior design, balance is important with your Christmas decorations, and we would recommend that you balance the colours in your theme. Choose 1 or 2 key colours and create a cohesive design sticking with these. Some great colour combinations are gold and green, blue and silver, and gold and silver.  

The Ceramic Christmas Trees with LED Lights from Costco are the perfect centrepiece that has a gentle illumination and will work with any colour of decorations.

You can set the tone of Christmas from the very moment that you walk up the path to your door. Wreaths make a beautiful addition to any front door and there is a huge variety available; faux or fresh foliage, decorations and accessories, and a myriad colours! We love this gorgeous Luxury Woodland Ramble Wild Wreath which is handmade to order from Etsy.

Why not add some fun and Christmas spirit to your windows? You can get a range of window stickers, and we love the Merry Christmas Bauble decal sticker, again from Etsy.

Although we love creating a new display each year, we also know the value of repurposing your existing decorations. We choose some key pieces to add to our collection each year and team them with our tried and tested favourites that we use in different ways and other locations.

Remember to head over to our Facebook page to see our Christmas interiors for 2023.

Fireplaces at the Hearth of Interior Design

A fireplace, mantel or hearth can be a focal point of beauty in your home. Of course, a fire surround plays a practical role too, but with so much choice of both style and design, we’d be missing a trick if we didn’t capitalise on using the fireplace within a design. We’re taking this opportunity to showcase some fabulous fireplaces that we have worked on with our clients and share design ideas.

Many houses have had open fires in the past, but they need to be brought up to date. In this project we used the existing fire- and chimney- space to install a wood burner. The black finish works wonderfully with the dark feature wall, exposed brick of the chimney breast and gold touches throughout the room. The hidden joy of this fireplace is that it’s double sided, and you can enjoy the look and warmth from both rooms. This is a real statement piece whether the fire is roaring or not.

Wood burners are versatile, and you don’t need to be restricted to using them in an existing fireplace or niche. We suggested a vertical wood burner for this project to maximise the space available between the window and the wall. The black of the burner matches the window frame behind it. The display of the logs against the wall and in the wicker basket frames the whole thing. It’s the perfect place to enjoy both sitting in front of a warm fire and gazing out across the garden.

There is nothing better than a cosy area to relax beside a fire. This is just what we created in a client’s home. The fire itself is installed into the wall between two rooms, on one side is the living room and on the other a snug. In the snug, carefully placed chairs are ready to relax in and enjoy the warmth. We’ve picked out greys in the table, planters and cushions to keep the spaces cohesive.

Creating a feature wall around your fire is a brilliant idea! In this example the space has been maximised by installing shelves and storage around the mantel, and a wall mounted TV above the fireplace, which is available from Supreme Fireplaces.

Fire accessories, including storage baskets and tools play a significant role in interior design. Needed for their functionality, they also add to the overall aesthetics and ambiance as they are often designed to offer decorative.

We love rattan baskets and storage, and the Rattan Log Basket from Cox and Cox is a great addition. It looks fantastic and the inclusion of wheels means it is handy and practical too. Fireside tools add to the look too; the Tall Brass Fireside Set, also from Cox and Cox is an impressive set. Again, there is plenty of choice with a variety of finishes and sizes; there is something to frame every fireplace beautifully.

Why not get creative by displaying logs? If you have a real fire you can store the logs cleverly to form a display. But don’t worry, even without a fire you can still use natural logs to enhance your home. The Log Basket supply natural decorative logs, and this is a great example of how you could use them in your home:

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