Author: Ann Little

Hygge Interior Design – Something Cosy and Comfortable for Winter

The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and there is no doubt that we are well on the way to winter with colder weather here to stay. We often talk about seasonal themes in design, and this is a perfect example of why. Winter trends create warmth in your house and lend themselves to utilising luxe fabrics and textures.

Scandinavian influence is often prevalent in the type of design that suits colder seasons. In fact, there is a word for cosiness and comfort in Danish; Hygge, it defines cosy and warm:

Hygge: a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

You can even learn to live the Hygge way; is it any wonder, therefore, that our list of favourite things for the season will help you create a warm and cosy home?

Warmth is all about rustic finishes, low lighting and layering textures and there’s no better way to start than with these Icelandic Sheepskins from Cowshed Interiors. With a choice of colour and length, you can throw these anywhere in your home to great effect.

Sheepskin doesn’t just make great rugs and throws, it is more versatile than that. We love these sheepskin beanbags from The White Company. Sumptuous curly sheepskin; perfect for getting comfortable and ideal for the family as sheepskin is naturally durable.

If you like a thick, lustrous fabric, faux fur is also an option for you. It can be used to finish and upholster a variety of soft furnishings and pieces of furniture, such as this vintage style chair with birch legs from Maison du Monde. It will enhance a cosy atmosphere and is a perfect match for a Nordic styled room.

Wood and wooden finishes inject warmth into a room with their natural finishes. The installation of wooden furniture will prevent a space feeling stark and cold, but smaller wooden items will have a similar effect. Add these oak stools from Rose and Grey, they would compliment many interior themes.

Soft lighting and candlelight are essential parts of creating the Hygge feel in your home. This scented candle from H&M is pretty, and reasonably priced – good to create a warm glow. Even scent alone can complete a room; a Hygge scent diffuser from Trouva embodies cosiness. Low lighting effects can be created a variety of ways, so if you would like an alternative to candlelight, why not look for a table light, like our pick from Atkin and Thyme, to throw out the perfect amount of light

      

Never forget the benefit of a rug. It will keep your feet warm during the colder months. This rug from Westelm keeps you and your rooms warm in style. Its lustrous silky texture demonstrates its quality, and it will instantly dress up any room.

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November 2019

Interior Design for All Budgets

Interior design is about making the best possible use of available space, and adding style and personality. Design can work with any budget, and if you haven’t got a lot to splurge there are savvy ways to make the most of every single item in your home. We are going to guide you on where to invest and where to save.

Invest

Manage your budget, and decide on key pieces that are vital and that deserve investment.

   

Sofas and beds are where you spend the most time, and their comfort is vital. Choose wisely, and spend as much as you can on these items because they will last the test of time.

Statement lighting always adds a wow factor to any room and every home. A careful choice of lighting means that a room can evolve and change around it, without it becoming dated.

   

Kitchens and bathrooms feature high in the list of frequently used rooms, and they are key areas for investment in your home. Opting for timeless, neutral finishes give you a solid, long-lasting foundation of each room. Energise the units and furniture with accessories, wallpaper, lighting and art. These are things that can be easily and affordably changed, but can change the style of a room dramatically.

Save

Whatever your budget, there are areas where you can save without compromising the finished project.

  • You can save on accent chairs and occasional pieces. These don’t get the day to day wear and tear that key items, like a sofa, will. This means that comfort and quality aren’t as big an issue and you can choose lower budget items.
  • When choosing things that are overly trend-led, think about how long the trend will last. The budget you allocate for an on-trend finish needs to be proportional to the amount of time the trend will last. A seasonal finish, for example, will only last a few months before you look to change it.
  • There are rooms and furniture in your home that will be most heavily hit by wear and tear. Hallway wallpaper, rugs, kitchen dining chairs, playroom furniture; all things that are likely to get damaged through everyday use. Choose lower budget items that won’t break your heart when they do get damaged, and don’t break the bank when you, frequently, need to repair or replace them.

Re-Use

Upcycling furniture is the perfect way to be cost-effective, and allows you to hang on to heirlooms and loved pieces but giving them an up to date twist.

  • Re-upholstering is an easy way to breathe new life into old furniture. This is a great option where smaller areas of fabric are needed, such as headboards, dining chairs and ottomans. Larger items or fabric areas may be uneconomical to change, however you may be able to re-purpose an item instead.
  • ‘Orange’ pine furniture can look outdated, but this is easily remedied by giving them a whitewash or coast of chalk paint which will give a much more contemporary look.
  • Changing the handles can transform the look of a piece –a simple white Ikea wooden unit can be transformed by gold/colourful or jewelled handles.

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October 2019

Interior Design Isn’t Exclusive to Adults

The children are back at school, and now is the perfect time to think about their bedrooms and study space. Interior design isn’t just for the adult spaces in the house, you can use the same strategies to create the perfect space for your children that achieves the right balance of fun, style and practicality!

Study Space

The older they get the more homework that will be dished out and the bigger the need for children to have a place dedicated for them to study; somewhere they can focus and concentrate.

Raised beds with storage and workspace underneath are a great idea. It makes sensible use of the space without being boring. This cabin bed from Noa and Nani is versatile and stylish and will complement a changing décor over time.

You can create something special with star wallpaper from Rockett St George. This could feature in any child’s bedroom, whatever their age.

When styling a room for older children, or teenagers, they sway towards a style that represents the maturity that they are heading for. The choices for the decoration and furniture should be led by this.

This bedside cabinet from Graham and Green is perfect for a maturing style, with its distinctive cloud design.

This gorgeous pink faux fur chair from Maisons du Monde is the perfect addition to a teenage girl’s bedroom. A statement piece that is both practical and comfortable, and that can be used with a desk or a dressing table.

Choosing a double bed for your child’s room can seem a grown up step, but this copper framed bed from Made.com is a great choice. It beautifully designed, and its slender frame won’t dominate the room. It definitely brings some Wow into the room.

Studying for hours, preparing for exams; this all needs to be done in comfort. Choose an office chair that is fit for the job, like the Neptune chair from Wayfair.

Thinking about interior design with children in mind, remember the family areas too. Furniture 123 offer a great bench which combines storage, functionality and, of course, style. It gives you somewhere to hide away shoes and bags, as well as a comfortable seat for getting ready in the morning.

Hints and Tips

  • Invest in neutral, long-lasting pieces. Choosing neutral, quality beds and wardrobes, means they will stand the test of time and you can inject some fun with affordable accessories such as the fur chair or a vibrant rug that can easily be updated as they grow. These rugs are both available from Wayfair.

      

  • Wallpaper is great in children’s bedrooms and if you choose a style such as stars or stripes, they will also age well and can be updated with new pieces as necessary.
  • A high-rise bed will allow for room underneath for either workspace or play space and make the room feel larger.
  • Incorporate plenty of storage but try to have storage the children can access themselves when they want to play such as benches with low baskets otherwise things can tend to be forgotten about!

September 2019

International Inspiration for Interior Design

Summer holiday season is upon us, and many of us will be jetting off for beaches, sight-seeing or culture. At Interiors at 58, we think what better way to make the memories last than by incorporating into your home some of the key design elements from your destinations. Below are some of our favourite pieces that will introduce an international flavour to your home!

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a string of seaside communities often thought of as a summer destination for affluent New York City residents. Hampton homes have their own style and you will often see blues, whites and stripes featuring in their interior design. They have a cosy, natural feel. Here are some ideas to add Hamptons style into your home.

This sisal rug from benuta.co.uk brings a touch of comfort and style to your interior. The natural colour embodies the Hamptons style, but to create a different effect you could choose a different colour to complement your scheme.

 

White wood brings a coastal feel to rooms, and works perfectly with all shades of blue. This coffee table from furn-on is charming and would suit a dining or living room.

We love the Poirot Grande Sofa from Arlo and Jacob. Get your fix of blue and white stripes with this stylish piece. This will fit in with both a contemporary or classic design.

Parisian

Parisian interior design makes use of luxe fabrics, such as brocade, velvets and silks, to complement the Louis style furniture with ornate decoration. You can choose décor and furniture to create a thoroughly French theme, alternatively, opt for one or two key pieces to make a statement. There are some French-inspired furniture collections that blend with a contemporary style to give you a fantastic addition for your home. Here is our pick of the best to use in your Parisian styled home.

This Louis XV style dining table from Crown French Furniture, crafted from mahogany, gives an authentic French feel with its ornate carved legs being typical of the style.

Gilt decoration is also characteristic of Parisian style; a touch of gold always creates a luxurious finish. You can source this mirror from Anthropologie and make a bold statement wherever it is installed.

 

Turnball and Thomas offer the perfect French inspired centrepiece for any home. The Montpellier Chaise has a silver and gold ornate frame which is impeccably complemented with exquisite opulent silk.

Scandinavian

Scandinavian design is characterised by minimalism, simplicity and functionality. But don’t be fooled into thinking you might be left with a bland look! Colours typically used in this interior style are blacks and whites, and bring together natural woods and metal finishes. A variety of textures and the greens of foliage are the finishing touches to a Scandinavian room. Here are some of our favourite choices to form your Nordic feel.

The natural wood of this dining table from furnish.co.uk demonstrates the Scandinavian influence of the design. Its clean, contemporary design enhances a minimalist appearance.

Nordic design makes use of textures to give depth to simply designed spaces. A sheepskin rug or cushion adds interest to the straight lines of the design. This Murciana Goat Hair Armchair from Oka perfectly combines a padded seat upholstered in fur, with the striking black frame. The design is versatile and can be used as a dining chair, or on its own at a desk.

Keep an uncluttered room with this wall-mounted rack from Nordic House. The colour and material are classically Scandinavian and are the ideal fit for a simple, minimalist room. Display a plant, and get your foliage fix too.

Opt for furniture that unites a wood finish and textured fabrics like this occasional chair from Houseology. The oak legs and linen or velvet upholstery come together for a feeling of simple elegance.

Lastly, don’t forget to display your photographs. In this digital age we often take reams of photos, but rarely print them out. Make your memories into wall art; print out your favourites and choose frames to complement your room design. You could choose a collage effect, simply have a handful of single photos mounted on a wall or displayed on a shelf or cabinet.

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August 2019

Bringing your Garden into the House

In the lead up to the summer and the warmer months, there is a lot of talk about outdoor living; how you can make the most of your gardens and outside space. Being close to nature doesn’t need to be restricted to outdoors, you can bring the outside in and make a feature of it in your interiors. Bringing elements of your garden inside also means that they can be enjoyed all year round, whatever the weather.

Foliage

The use of indoor plants in a room a common way to bring greenery and the outside in.

These faux potted plants from John Lewis are a fun way to add foliage into any room, and will stay green day in day out, no watering required! With variations on the plants, from a spiky to a flat leaf version, you can really bring your room to life.

Create a different effect with a trailing plant. This faux potted succulent from Westelm can add some interest and intrigue.

Furniture

Bringing greens into a room will create a feeling of nature and this can be done in a number of ways. We love the Evelyn Accent chair from Cult Furniture. The colour and palm leaf pattern of this art deco style chair, along with the brass legs, give it a glamorous look; an occasional chair to be noticed wherever you choose to place it.

We also love this dining chair from Turnball and Thomas. It is part of the Floral Designers Guild Collaboration Collection and features luxury cream upholstery and hand painted floral design on the back. If you are looking for floral elegance in your dining room, this is the perfect choice.

Accessories and Artwork

Carefully chosen and placed artwork can be the finishing touch. Botanical-inspired prints and photos will bring the outside in; a hint of nature on the wall. We like this set of four leaf prints which can be displayed in a choice of formations to suit the room.

A throw is a versatile accessory in any home. They can be easily updated and to refresh a look, and used in a number of ways. Voyage Maison offers a range of floral inspired throws. While green is featured, they offer a diversity of colours and patterns to fit in with any theme or in any room.

Hints and Tips

  • A rug, like this one from The Rugs Warehouse with a foliage pattern, is perfect for completing a room.
  • There are plenty of choices when it comes to furniture with floral themes; we like this cuddle sofa from DFS with a printed pattern across the back and seat.
    • Bifold doors in your home are an investment, but when it comes to bringing in light and getting the outdoor feel in your home they are invaluable. Looking out, the doors frame your view, and when open they allow you to move freely in and out, create the illusion of your garden being an extension to the room itself.
  • A vase of fresh flowers is an easy and quick way to inject colour and nature into a room. There are also some ingenious ideas for something different, like these seed paper cards from Paperchase that grow into wildflowers when you plant them.
  • When using prints and patterns, keep to the same family of botanicals. For example, if you are using ‘English’ type leaves – ivy/ferns/florals – don’t mix them with more tropical leaves or cacti.

July 2019

Are you ready for summer?

With summer knocking at our doors, we all need somewhere to relax and enjoy every ray of sunshine that comes our way. Outdoor living, whether it’s a patio, balcony or terrace, can be just as stylish and luxurious as any internal room. You can create your perfect patio for relaxing, entertaining and topping up your vitamin D.

The garden itself can create a backdrop with the greens of foliage and the colour of flowers in bloom, but you don’t need to rely on the natural flora. Here are some of our favourite things to add to your garden to inject colour and create your perfect outdoor space.

An outdoor rug from Westelm brings colour and a touch of luxury to your back garden. Whether your patio is set up for seating or dining, walking on this soft wool with bare feet will make you feel like you’re on holiday.

We love this garden bench from Maisons du Monde with its Mediterranean feel. This modern bench is understated and timeless and, importantly, comfortable.

As with an internal dining table, you can dress it up with table linen and crockery. With this vibrant table cloth from Graham and Green you will have no problem feeling summery. Dress your table for a little al fresco dining, or for a tropical garden party.

As much as we want to enjoy the sun, it’s a must to provide some shade too. A perfect parasol lives up this job perfectly! We love this teak and ecru cotton parasol from Maison du Monde. Functional definitely doesn’t need to be boring.

If your priority for your patio is relaxation, there is no better way than lounging in a hanging chair. With its own hanging stand, this chair from Cox and Cox is a great choice.

Small rooms can be maximised with considered choices. Choosing paler colours always works to make a space feel airy and bright, and mirrors are a classic way to increase the sense of space; gardens are no different. This beautiful arched window mirror, also from Cox and Cox, creates new dimensions on even the tiniest terrace.

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June 2019

Colours and Interior Design

Interior designers always consider colours when they are putting together designs for a room or space. There will be colours that their clients are drawn to, and equally colours they want to avoid. There are colours that will optimise the room and create certain effects.

When we commence a project, we take the time to get to know our clients, their tastes and preferences and desired finish for each room. We build a design around that and get creating. So, what can colour bring to your room?

Blue

This calming, meditative colour works well for workspaces, and rooms in which you wish to relax in. Blue can sometimes be thought of as a cold colour, but a room with plenty of natural light and sunlight work perfectly with blue hues. Organic material, such as wicker and wood, has innate warmth and will add texture and balance to a blue room.   Blue is extremely versatile; use it in any room and to create a variety of themes. Used with white, blue gives a feel of lightness and freshness, opening up small spaces.

Green

Bring the outdoors in with the use of green in your room. There are many different shades of green, from emeralds and forest greens which are vibrant and contemporary to pastel hues which work well in a more classic scheme. Aside from the décor, greens look great in velvets and you can use faux greenery to complement the tones.

Yellow

Yellow is a welcoming colour and it can be used to warm up and brighten up spaces without windows and with a lack of light. For these reasons, yellow is perfect for entryways and hallways. To avoid yellow being overwhelming, it is especially suited to accent the room whether that is with a feature wall or selected yellow accessories. Yellow particularly suits Scandinavian themes and is very effective when paired with navy blues.

White

White is the most commonly used colour in interior design, whether it’s ceilings and woodwork or fittings and walls, it is a solid choice. White reflects light so can be used to make spaces seem larger and rooms more spacious. This neutral colour can be used to complement a bold accent colour, such as black or gold. It can also be used with great effect to showcase architectural features and as a backdrop for artwork. To avoid a room feeling cold from the use of a lot of white, use accessories with warm colours and introduce textures or accent colours. White will help you create a minimalist, modern look.

Colour affects our moods, so choosing the right colours within your home is vital. If you’re not sure how to achieve the desired effects contact us.

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May 2019

Give your home a facelift

It is now officially Spring, and time to have a clear out and refresh your home. As much as we love redoing a room from top to bottom, sometimes that just isn’t practical. There are little things that you can do or change in your home to give you a different look without a complete overhaul.

Soft Furnishings

You can make an impact or a subtle change with an update of your soft furnishings; a simple yet effective transformation. New textures and colours instantly refresh a room. There is a huge range of furnishings meaning there is something for every room and every taste. Here are some of our favourites:

We love these cushions from Amara with their bold design and colours they will make an impact in any room.

A simple change of curtains can add a touch of glamour. These striped curtains with tassel details from Anthropologie would do just the job.

In the bedroom, you have the option of making an easy yet effective adjustment simply by dressing your bed. A bedspread can inject colour into a room. We love these quilts, available in a range of sumptuous colours, from Graham and Green. You can also complement the colour with the addition of cushions. A simple yet effective investment for your interior.

A new rug can really change the feel of a room instantly so it is a fantastic choice if you are only looking to update a few pieces. This rug from Westelm is both stylish and functional.

There are other simple ways to freshen up your interiors:

  • Painting the walls a new colour is a great way to make a big change at low cost. Do make sure that the new tone doesn’t clash with your key items such as your sofa!
  • Add faux plants and greenery; focal points that look fresh
  • Rearrange your existing furniture to create a new layout. Consider if there are pieces of furniture under-utilised elsewhere in your home that could be put to better use in the room
  • Hanging art and mirrors will bring walls to life, adding colour and interest to the room
  • Declutter your rooms so that you can display your favourite pieces to full effect. Group items together in odd numbers for an eye-catching display.

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April 2019

How to Design a Small Room

When it comes to designing any room there are always challenges, but with smaller rooms the design difficulties are even more apparent. However, if you follow some simple guidelines you can maximise the space you have and make even the smallest room feel airy and spacious!

Décor

When maximising space you need lightness and brightness. The use of too much of a dark colour can shrink any room. Pale, neutral colours are perfect for an airy feel in a room. Brilliant white on walls can be a little stark, but with a wide variety of white, there is something for everyone. Farrow and Ball have a range of white paints to create a stylish look; click here to see their colour range.

Horizontal lines on wallpaper create a simple optical illusion, making a room seem larger by drawing the eyes across the room. You could also install a long horizontal shelf on a wall to give a similar effect and at the same time introduce some additional functional space.

Furniture

A lack of space doesn’t need to restrict your living, but you need to make considered choices. A dining table that folds away can be a great choice and dining chairs with a rounded back mean they are easier to walk around in a snug kitchen. Sofas and armchairs with legs give a sense of space on the floor and you should avoid pushing them right up to walls to give them a ‘floating’ feel within the room.

Here’s some inspiration for your home:

Living

Often a living room is the hub of the home so it needs to be comfortable and suitable for your lifestyle. With sofas being one of the larger pieces of furniture in your home it needs to work for you. There are so many options, but careful choices will give you the perfect sofa for any room. Choose a sofa with high legs and that isn’t too deep; we love this sofa from Swoon and it’s just 80cm deep!

The addition of a footstool will give you added comfort and can double up as a coffee table when necessary; small rooms love multi-purpose furniture. If you are opting for a separate coffee table, choose something narrow. This glass coffee table from Wayfair would look great piled on the bottom with beautiful books and candles.

Dining

When you have your dining area in either a kitchen or living room you often need to consider a more creative design to fit everything in seamlessly. For a table, glass and slim framed pieces work well for a tighter space. This contemporary table from Oak Furniture Superstore would look great in a modern home – the glass will make the room feel spacious and the position of the legs in the middle ensure you can seat the maximum number of people.

Transparent furniture, in general, is perfect for any small room; embrace these acrylic Ghost chairs from Amara to use with your dining table.

Sleeping

Every bedroom needs a bed, but an undersized room might leave you sleepless thinking about how to fit in everything you need. When choosing a bed for a smaller bedroom keep the frames fine rather than chunky and choose styles with high legs such as this stunning copper bed frame from Dunelm. Positioning the bed by a window ensures that you’re not wasting any of the precious wall space.

General Rules

  • Reflect light where you can to create a feeling of space. Mirrors and lighting can be used to accomplish this
  • Keep clutter to a minimum in rooms; a plethora of ornaments and accessories will make a room feel crowded and closed in
  • If you are pushed for space in a small bedroom wall or ceiling mounted bedside lights will save valuable bedside table space
  • Don’t let a lack of space restrict your storage. There creative solutions and furniture that has craftily concealed storage aplenty.

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March 2019

Fall in Love with your Home

If you are ready to give your home an update or looking at furnishing a new extension or home it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to start! We can help, as Interior Designers we spend time, we spend time getting to know our clients, learning about their likes, dislikes and how they use their home. Our clients may have a style that they would like, and we’ll work with that. There may be an existing piece of furniture or something to restore or upcycle, that is the inspiration for the room. Your home is personal to you, and we ensure that your interior reflects your personality and style.

It can often seem daunting when you are faced with a brand new room or house to style. You don’t yet know how you will use the room; you may not be able to see clearly what will fit in the room. Faced with blank or magnolia walls you may feel a little overwhelmed. This is where an interior designer can help; experience helps us know what will work and getting to know our clients means we can tailor that.

We have had the opportunity to style some amazing new build houses. Here is an example of what you can do with those blank walls:

You can see more shots of this stunning contemporary house in our gallery.

Developers with either large scale developments or a single residence are also faced with blank, character-free spaces. In order to appeal to potential buyers, it is important to demonstrate how a home could look. When there is a large plot developed, there is always a minimum of one show home to allow potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. Interior designers can also help here; we dress a room to appeal to the ideal market. Here are some examples of a project we took on in Bedford.

We take into account the lifestyle of those who live in the house and create designs and ideas that fall within our clients’ budget. Restored antique furniture may suit some homes, but we aren’t afraid to look to high street retailers to get something more budget friendly. If you have pets and children running about the house, we’ll take into consideration that you need something that is practical as well beautiful.

Interior design is not a luxury. Our skill and experience will save you time and money, and create a space that you truly love. We put furniture, colours and accessories together to craft the perfect finish for you.

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February 2019