Author: Ann Little

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:

Remember to follow us on Facebook for more interior design information and ideas.

Autumnal Inspiration for Your Interiors

Autumn is a turning point in the year. The leaves are taking on their vibrant rust and gold colours, there’s a definite chill in the air and there’s something magical about an autumnal atmosphere. That is exactly what we want to capture in homes by taking inspiration from the season.

Autumn’s palette is characterised by warm, earthy, and vibrant colours that reflect the changing hues of leaves and nature during the season. Some of our favourites are the burnt oranges, which work well with both grey and neutral colours. You can see here how the Hampshire Love Seat from Dusk brings a rich orange colour to the room that works brilliantly with a neutral décor. It could be a statement piece, or you could pick out accessories and artwork in more muted versions of the colour for a harmonious look. The natural tone of wooden legs is a nice touch to accentuate the autumnal feel.

You could choose the Flora Photogram from Oka or Faux Berry Spray from Layered Lounge to inject a splash of the beautiful orange colour into a room, or combine them to create a real autumnal impact. If you are adding seasonal foliage to your home, real or faux, consider the vase or planter, we suggest wood, brass or black planters or vases would work well to complement and enhance the warm tones of autumnal flowers and plants.

Textures play a big part in autumnal décor. It’s the season to get cosy and warm, and this is reflected in the use of cosy fabrics like wool, velvet and suede. You can use these fabrics for curtains and upholstery; when you are choosing a sofa, for example, suppliers will offer a wide range of fabrics to choose from when you pick on of their designs.

We love the Cabana Yeti Accent Chair from Where Saints Go, it is a real wow piece of furniture that embodies autumn with its sheepskin cover in neutral shades and natural wood arms. With a matching footstool available, you can cosy up this autumn in style!

If you are after a more subtle seasonal addition, the Shepherd of Sweden Sara Wool Pouffe from Jones and Tomlin could be for you. The felted wool finish will add a touch of luxury to any room.

Natural materials such as wood work brilliantly to enhance autumn tones, and they are versatile to be able to work with other tones and influences so won’t date it. We love the Norrebro Chest of Drawers from Swoon. Inspired from autumnal trends as it is with the natural wood grain and brass legs, it is a truly timeless piece that you will love for years to come.

For a quick and easy way to add seasonal colours into your home, look for accessories in the autumnal hues: deep yellow, reddish-brown, amber, copper and gold for example. Rugs, throws and cushions will work in your living room; for an autumnal feel in your bedroom, look for bedding in the warm autumn colours, candles and wall art.

Remember to follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas.

Why Work With an Interior Designer

We love what we do! Helping clients to envisage how their home could look, using their preferences to shape the décor, and seeing that all come together. We wanted to spend a little time on explaining why it could benefit you to engage an interior designer when it comes to your home.

We know that interior design services can be considered a luxury, but it is a common misconception that working with an interior designer is an extravagant expense. We work with a wide array of clients, varying budgets and different sizes or projects; there is something for everyone with design. In the long run, working with an interior designer can save you money. Through our experience we know where to find the perfect item of furniture, accessory or wallpaper, and with our access to a network of suppliers we can help you source high-quality materials to suit your budget, making sure you get the best value for money. With our help and advice, you can also prevent making costly mistakes.

Working with us will also save you time. We are the ones researching and shopping for the various elements of the design. Knowing where to look and from which suppliers we can source the perfect item results in you getting the look you want, and not settling for something that’s ‘nearly there’ or ‘almost right’.

When you work with us, you have access to our skill set, our experience and expertise. We know what will work in certain spaces and environments, and we understand design principles and how to implement them. We know how to use colours and textures to enhance the look or feeling that you are after, and we know how to maximise storage and light however big or small your room. You tell us your ideas, your dreams and inspiration, and we can help you bring that to life in your home.  

Throughout the seasons and over time we keep abreast of interior design trends. We aren’t interior designers who get hung up trends for the sake of it, we will only use current trends if they are truly right for our clients. We do, however, use trends to our advantage for inspiration and will add them to projects that call for them. We put together mood boards and suggestions specifically for our clients. This might include furniture, wallpapers and paints, artwork and accessories and even custom-made furniture or exclusive textiles that we can source for you.

When it comes to designing your home, whether you have just moved in or you’re updating the house you’ve lived in for years, the advantages of hiring an interior design are undeniable. We offer value for money and a wealth of experience and skills. If you are interested in having your home designed by an expert, head over to our website for more information.

Enhancing Your Interiors with Sculptural Influences

At Interiors at 58, using sculptural pieces in our designs is about elevating a functional piece of furniture into something beyond its purpose; something that is also beautiful in its own right – something that makes it feel like you are adding a piece of art into your home. We love to use sculptural pieces in many of our projects, and luckily for us this trend is being embraced so there is lots of choice when it comes to abstract shapes, natural textures and plenty of curves!

This sculptural influence is something that you too can add to your home, and here are some of our favourite pieces.

Chairs and seating provide plenty of opportunity to add a touch of sculpture in any room from dining chairs to occasional chairs, and sofas and armchairs. Our top choices are the Santini Dining Chair from my furniture and the Boucle Upholstered Chair from Private Floor. Boucle is a wonderful natural texture like wool which enhances the artistic feel of a piece of furniture. It’s a very versatile fabric, working well in both contemporary and classic spaces and its typically neutral tones work in almost all schemes.

A chaise longue is typically a decorative piece and a thing of beauty and the simple lines and gentle curves of the Lima Chaise Longue from my furniture are just gorgeous. Upholstered in a stunning velvet fabric and sitting on a brushed brass base; its sculptural design is simply one of its aspects to admire and it will take centre stage in any room.

Coffee and side tables are another great way to add this influence to your home. We love the Richmond Big & Rich Gold Nest Tables from Olivia’s. They perfectly encapsulate the look with their smooth circular shapes and the gold metal finish gives any room a high-end feel and beautiful focal point.

If you want a fine frame to enhance the feeling of space in your room, the Loriini Coffee Table from Swoon should be top of your list! The brass base of the table forms a cage giving both an open feel and statement look. With an opulent white marble tabletop, it’s the perfect addition to any space. 

Sculptural and abstract pieces can also be defined by a more natural and handmade feel, with irregular sides, shapes and textures. This Birger Papier Mache Table Lamp from Sazy will help bring this current trend and feel to your home at an affordable price. 

Mirrors are always a great addition, they are versatile and affordable and come in a range of sizes and designs and maximise the light in the room. It’s no surprise to us that there are a plethora of mirror designs along the sculptural theme. One of our top picks is the Pond Mirror from Dunelm.  Not only is this a beautiful irregular shape but the brass frame elevates it to a look beyond its price point. We suggest using multiples of this mirror on a large wall to create a fantastic dramatic feature, or as a single it’s the perfect size to give your bathroom an updated feel.    

There are many ways to update your interiors using unique, sculptural and abstract pieces, but if you need more inspiration do remember to follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas and advice.

Maximise the Light in Your Home All Year Round

In the world of interior design, light is an essential element that can transform the look and feel of your home. When we put together our designs we work with natural light, making the most of the sense of space it brings. We also consider how to bring more light into the home, whether that’s in a smaller, darker room or lighting up your home in the winter months.

Lights and mirrors are our favourite ways to enhance light in a room, and we will of course be bringing you our favourite ways to do this, but let’s not forget that there are other ways to encourage brightness into the darkest of corners.

Décor

When it comes to decorating your walls, opting for lighter colours like whites, creams and pastels will lift the room. These shades have a high reflective value meaning they bounce more light around the room, making it feel brighter and lighter. You don’t want your room to be bland so use accent colours carefully on walls or pieces of furniture to add colour without sacrificing the overcall brightness of the space. A great way to add interest to a room is by adding a contrasting trim to the room. You can see here some ways that you can achieve this look here.

Furniture Placement

The benefit of a bright décor will be lost without mindful consideration of the furniture arrangement in the room. The placement of furniture can significantly impact the flow of overall brightness of your space. Keep pathways to windows clear and place sofas, chairs and table a little way from windows to allow light to penetrate the whole room.

Choose open or light weight furniture, for example sofas and chairs with high legs to allow a more airy feel, or transparent materials like glass or acrylics. These also work well in small spaces as they maintain a sense of space and don’t crowd a room. The Jonathan Adler Jacques Two Tier Table from Sweetpea & Willow is the perfect example of how this can work. The clear acrylic shelves let the light flow around, and the brass accents give contrast that doesn’t dominate the room.

Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces  

Whatever your style, with such a wide variety of mirrors there will be something to suit your room and your taste. It could be a flamboyant statement mirrors; a piece of design art to be admired. Or it could be much simpler. If it’s reflective, it will add to the lightness and sense of space in a room. When placing your mirror, ensure that it is in a place where it is able to reflect light back into the room for maximum effect, and remember to pay attention to the opposite side of the room that will be reflected!

The Annadel Round Mirror from Dunelm is simple yet beautiful, and available in either a black or gold finish. This high end inspired design will add some luxe to your room.

If it’s a full length mirror you’re after, the Venus Full Length Wave Mirror from daals with make a stylish statement in any room with a variety of frame colours available.

Reflective mirrored and polished furniture not only will make the room feel bigger, they are also are an impactful design statement and will reflect light into your room. Whatever you budget you can really make a statement with reflective pieces.

The Eichholtz Sceptre Coffee Table from Sweetpea & Willow is a gorgeous example of contemporary design. Its stainless steel finish gives it the mirrored finish reflecting light.

The Pippard Cocktail Cabinet from Olivia’s has elegant simple lines, and he mirror maximises the light in the room, and the gold frame gives it a unique luxury feel; we love this!

The Sloane Chrome Sideboard from Nicky Cornell is an amazing piece of furniture. Its chrome finish is one to be admired, and it also means that it will blend into any room by reflecting the décor around it. It works brilliantly to provide storage space without detracting anything from the room.

General Tips

  • Keeping a room decluttered and clear will avoid adding shadows to a room
  • Keep your windows and light fixtures clean to maximise both natural and artificial light
  • Sheer curtains will allow some light in even when drawn and make sure any heavier drapes are sat back off the window so that they don’t block any light
  • Trim any trees or plants that are blocking natural light from the window.

For more interior design ideas remember to follow us on Facebook.

Get Ready for Some Outdoor Living

Interior design isn’t always about what’s going on inside your home. At this time of the year you’ll be looking forward to spending time in the garden, and we can help you design a space to allow you to enjoy doing just that.

Whether you’re aiming to create a tranquil oasis, a socialising hub, or a functional outdoor workspace, we are sharing tips to empower you to breathe fresh life into your outdoor areas, and encourage you to see the exterior of your home as an extension of your indoor living space.

An important part of summer outdoor living is creating shade from the summer sun. Add some style and animal print to your patio with the Black Sands Beach Umbrella from Sunday Supply Co. Its versatility gives you the option to use this in the garden or pack it up and take it to the beach. 

The perfect outdoor living space will give you shade and shelter in the daylight sun, but also provide warmth and light to allow you to use it past dusk and into the evening. A fire pit is the perfect addition to give light as the evenings draw in as well as the all important warmth to take the chill away. We love the Cast Iron Fire Bowl from Graham and Green, a must-have for those who enjoy relaxing and entertaining alfresco.

This beautiful hanging light from lights.co.uk can be used both inside or out. With a recess around the light element, you can place faux foliage to hang over the edge of the light creating an eye catching focal point. It’s an innovative way of adding greenery to your patio and decking areas.

A quick and easy way to light up your garden in style is with the Hanging Solar Lights from lights4fun. Simple to hang from trees or your pergola in your favourite sunny spot, they will bring the garden to life every night! 

Soft furnishings and accessories don’t just work inside your home, there is a place for them outside as well. Choose a rug for your patio like the Taro Black & White rug from benuta, to add a homely feel and a touch of cosiness. It is suitable for both in- and outdoor use, meaning you can use it all year round.

Cushions are a key part of your outdoor comfort, and with a wide choice there will be something for everyone. We love the Zacke, Areca and Contorno cushions from Oka. The qualities of the polyester fabric are that it is shower resistant and anti-mildew, but retains a soft, quality feel. Perfect for use outdoors.

You can go to town with your outdoor space or keep it simple depending on your needs or your style. Here are some quick wins for perking up your patio:

  • Hang an outdoor mirror to create lightness and brightness in even dark corners
  • Have blankets to hand for cuddling up in on chillier evenings
  • Benches and tables with hidden storage can hide away cushions and accessories
  • If space is limited, use vertical space with hanging planters or trellises for climbing plants

Remember to follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas.

Make the Most of Your Small Rooms with Clever Interior Design

When it comes to decorating small spaces, it’s essential to be creative and make the most of every inch of available space. Whatever the size of your space, interior design can help you create a comfortable and more functional home. Here are our top ideas to make the most out of your compact living space.

  1. Choose the Right Colours

Colours play an essential role in interior design. Using lighter colours can make a small space appear larger and more open. Neutral colours like beige, white, and grey work best, but you can add pops of colour with accessories or accent walls. Avoid using too many bold and dark colours, which can make the space feel smaller and cramped. The exception to this rule would be if you are trying to create a space that suits darker tones such as a snug or den, or possibly even a bedroom. If you use darker colours in smaller spaces we would suggest really embracing this look and painting the whole room in your chosen shade, including skirtings and ceilings to make the walls feel taller and prevent paint changes dividing the room.

  • Use Multipurpose Furniture

In small spaces, every inch counts. Choose furniture that serves multiple functions, like a sofa bed, a storage ottoman, or a coffee table with hidden storage. This will help you maximise your space without sacrificing style or comfort. Folding chairs and tables are also great options as they can be easily stored away when not in use.

Beds can be wonderfully versatile when it comes to being multi-purpose and having hidden storage. The Charlotte Storage Bed from Love Your Home is a perfect example. It comes with plenty of ottoman storage inside the bed so that you can keep your bedroom clutter free. A great stylish addition.  

  1. Make Use of Vertical Space

When you’re working with limited floor space, it’s essential to think vertically. Install shelves or bookcases that reach up to the ceiling. This will not only provide additional storage space but will also draw the eye upwards, making the space feel taller.

You will pay more for extra tall storage such as this stunning brass shelf unit from Wayfair, but at 220cm it gives a really good amount of extra storage compared to a typical height of around 180cm, and also will enhance the room aesthetically with its subtle luxury feel.

Hanging plants, artwork, or mirrors can also create the illusion of more space. The Venus Full Length Mirror from Daals is a perfect addition to make this illusion work.

  1. Keep it Simple

When it comes to decorating a small space, less is often more. Stick to a minimalist design with clean lines and simple shapes. Avoid clutter by limiting the number of decorative items and keeping everything organised. Use storage solutions like baskets, bins, and shelves to keep things tidy and out of sight.

  1. Use Light to Your Advantage

Natural light can make a small space feel larger and more open. Keep windows clear of obstructions and use sheer curtains or blinds that allow natural light to filter through. If your space doesn’t get enough natural light, consider adding artificial lighting, like lamps or track lighting. This will not only brighten up your space but can also create a cosy ambiance.

We love these linen-blend curtains from H&M which will allow your room to stay retain its light and brightness.

Interior design isn’t exclusive; whatever the size or shape of your home, a design can be created to make the very best out of what you have. Even in a small space you can create a comfortable and functional home that maximises every inch available.

For more interior design ideas and tips, follow us on Facebook.

Artistic Interior Design

Art has the power to transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. It adds personality, depth, and emotion to your interior design. Incorporating art into your home can be intimidating, but with a few tips and tricks, you can create an artful living space that reflects your unique style and personality. You don’t need a big budget, and we’re going to let you into a secret that it’s the frame that is key when it comes to awesome art.

If you have an A3 printer you can actually print out files from Etsy from as little as £5, get these framed beautifully for a cost effective uplift. We love this abstract art which works brilliantly in a black frame.

If you can’t print the art yourself you can choose a poster to buy from sites such as Desenio or Junique. If you need some guidance when it comes to choosing the right frame they have created pairings, however for long-lasting quality we recommend investing in a frame separately. Here is an example of what you can achieve with prints from Desenio:

When you are choosing a frame bear in mind that different styles will suit different images. We like to use more than one style of frame which then gives a layered look with depth. This differentiates bespoke framing from a high street purchase. It also means that you can make sure each frame complements the individual artwork in each one.

If you have a complex colour to match with, for example a certain shade of blue or green already in place in the room, many Etsy sellers offer bespoke canvas paintings where you request special colours or designs. These are sent rolled in a tube for you to have ‘stretched’ by local framers that really enable you to complement your scheme in a cost effective way. Here is one example from Etsy and you can see some ways that the artwork has been customised:

You could consider getting a cheaper canvas print and having it framed by professionals into a ‘box frame’. This really elevates the pieces and makes them look much more costly than they were. Add contrast with a pale gold or black frame to really make it pop.      

Art isn’t just about what hangs on the walls. Think about how you can incorporate art into other design elements, such as textiles, furniture, and accessories. A patterned rug or a sculptural vase can be just as impactful as a painting or photograph.

If you are ready to invest in higher end art we at Interiors at 58 have some fantastic contacts with luxury art suppliers who create stunning pieces in any size, colour and frame – you are guaranteed to find something perfect for your home and our discounts on RRP are very significant and make each piece incredibly good value.

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