Author: Ann Little

Interior Design your New Year

Happy New Year! Christmas is over, and the decorations have come down. How many of you are thinking how blank your walls look? A new year, a new interior look; now is the time to start planning your home renovations for the year. We have talked about colours, textures and statements within the design of a space, but with the fresh start of the New Year in our mind, we are looking at how to use white in your home to great effect.

You can bring a fresh crisp white into a room by decorating, using paint or wallpaper, or with accessories or furniture. A white paint, or white paint with a hint of a colour, can create a great backdrop for bold accessories or statement furniture without overcrowding the space with too many elements.

Accessorising with White

If you choose to have a single colour palette, with one shade of white, it is important to mix up the textures to bring depth and avoid a bland look.

This off-white Sheepskin rug, from www.nordichouse.co.uk, adds texture and luxury to your room. This luxurious rug is beautifully soft and versatile; why not add it to a sofa rather than the floor?

Another Scandinavian touch to add is this pure wool chunky knit blanket. Throw it over a chair, on the end of the end of the bed, or the perfect blanket to snuggle up to; this chunky knit is a beautiful decorative piece, and the ideal choice to cuddle up with on a cold winter’s night.

Invest in beautiful linen for your bedroom. Make every morning crisp and bright with this beautiful bed linen from www.oka.com; the ultimate in luxury.

When you have a dark painted wall as a feature in a room, try this statement piece of white wall art, from Maisons du Monde, for a dramatic finish

Furniture

With many shades of white available, it may be a challenge to exactly match the colour you choose. Try one of these gorgeous Angel and Bohos wooden chairs – they can be painted in any colour so you can choose exactly the right kind of white for your scheme, from pure and brilliant through to a more soft and gentle hue.

There’s no need to worry that white furniture will not stand up to your lifestyle; children and pets, in particular, may be a consideration. With careful choices, white can be made to work in any home. Loaf offer a clever linen that can be used on any Loaf sofa or chair and is spill resistant, no need to be scared of using white.

This high gloss, wipe clean coffee table is a functional item, but still a contemporary addition to style a room.

For more interior updates for 2019 remember to follow us on Facebook.

January 2019

Designing Your Christmas

We usually put our efforts into designing homes that will stand the test of time, however, at Christmas we love to put our hearts into getting the perfect festive look with some well-chosen accessories! With a plethora of decorations available on the High Street and online, how do you choose your colour scheme and put together your decorations? We’d like to make your life easier and share with you some of our top tips and favourite Christmas accessories.

Top Tips

  • Choosing one accent colour will give you the most elegant look. We love to use green; it is a beautiful natural tone and perfect for Christmas combined with either silver or golds.
  • Make the entry to your home welcoming and festive by lighting a pine scented candle. We love Jo Malone, but Homesense often have lovely affordable options.
  • We love using fewer items but picking something oversized to give the wow factor and this year have made a festive window display of 3 giant hanging 50cm baubles. Don’t forget the outside of your house with this oversized star light from Festive-Lights.com.
  • It’s all about fairy lights at Christmas! Try combining them with a garland of seasonal leaves such as ivy and winding them down your bannister or draping them over your fireplace for a stylish look. This flocked pine garland from The Worm That Turned will also make your hallway look spectacular.

 

Our favourite seasonal picks

This wicker tree skirt from Dunelm completes a Christmas tree giving it a rustic touch.

This gorgeous snowflake light from Graham and Green makes a great centrepiece or a statement in your home whilst bring a soft glow to the room.

You don’t need snow this Christmas to give you an excuse to get this luxurious throw from Westelm out. Snuggle up over the holidays in luxury.

Make your Christmas tree truly personalised with these glass letter ornaments from Westelm, choose one for each of the family.

Children and adults alike can’t resist a snow globe. This cute Natural Woodland scene snow globe, from Not on the High Street, would make a perfect gift, or a gorgeous ornament.

Make an unforgettable first impression with your festive spirit and start your decorations from your front door. This wreath, from Nordic House, creates an impact before your guests have even crossed the threshold.

We would love to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Interiorsat58 and of course have a look at our Facebook page for more seasonal ideas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Should you use bold colours in your home?

Interior design is not all about muted colours and minimalist rooms. As a designer, we talk to our clients to understand their preferences, and design a room to perfectly suit their tastes.

When you want to include a bold or bright colour or design into a room, it is important that you don’t overpower the room by using too much. To help you avoid making a mistake we’re bringing you some ideas of how to introduce statement colours effectively.

Feature Walls

A feature wall, or accent wall, is one that is different to the other walls in the room. It can be a subtle difference, however we are talking about making a bigger difference and creating a dramatic effect.

We love striped wallpapers and Sallie herself has a bold French blue stripe wallpaper in her kitchen which has been featured previously. We love these designs by Sandberg, which can be used to great effect to bring a strong colour into a design. With a range of colours, there’s something for everyone.

Farrow and Ball have a great range of colours and have released their new colours for 2018. With such a variety there are plenty of options for a standout feature wall and complementing colour scheme.

Key Pieces

Every home, every room needs certain key pieces of furniture, whether that’s a sofa in a living room or a table and chairs in a dining room. These pivotal pieces do not need to blend into the background and can be a feature in any room.

We love these chairs with their strong blue colour and fantastic floral backs from Turnball and Thomas. A striking, luxury addition to any meal time.

And this statement green velvet sofa from Swoon is another key piece that we love, and it looks far more expensive than its price tag

Artwork

Hanging a piece of art on your wall allows you to bring in a bold splash into a room; abstract art can often be the perfect option. There is plenty of choice from Kari Taylor and Nancy Ortenstone at www.art.co.uk. The work of these two abstract artists can enliven and add interest to the barest, bleakest of walls.

Rugs

Remember, the floor is also a part of a room’s design, and the installation of a striking rug can transform your home. We have recently installed a Paul Smith bold striped runner in a client’s home to give a contemporary hallway the wow factor, we balanced the other side of the room with strong artwork and kept the rest beautifully simple.

We also love this abstract rug by Bluebell Gray; splashes of colour bring a room together and make a bold statement.

It is important to note that, in order for bold statements to work, it is all about balance. When you have chosen your bold colours and pieces, ensure that they are not all placed in one area of the room.

 

If you need help deciding your colour schemes, and want ideas for brightening your rooms, contact us now. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas!

 

 

Autumnal Luxury for Interior Design

The nights are drawing in, the clocks go back at the end of the month and the weather is turning chilly. We’re all starting to think about keeping warm and, of course, we want you to stay cosy in style. There’s a plethora of blankets, soft furnishings and accessories available, especially at this time of year, and we’ve picked some of our favourites to share with you. Snap them up to have in your home, or even start your Christmas shopping early and give the perfect gifts to your friends and family.

Chunky Knit Throw

Use this throw from Cox and Cox in the bedroom or the living room; perfect for snuggling up next to the fire while bringing texture into the room. Who can resist a soft, cosy blanket when it’s cold outside?

Vintage Hanging Lantern

When the weather cools down, we like to stay indoors and snuggle up. Candles can add a decorative element to the room as well as creating a romantic and comfortable atmosphere. Relax at home with this gorgeous lantern, from Nordic House, and its soft candlelight.

Abstract Geometry Rug

A rug can transform a room, adding colour, texture and style, and of course, will help keep your feet warm on draughty wooden floors in winter. This stylish tufted wool-blend rug, from Anthropologie, will bring warmth to your floors.

Velvet Bedspread

Luxury doesn’t have to just be for rooms that your guests see. Treat yourself this Autumn with this soft, velvet bedspread and pillow cases from Westelm.

Sheepskin Beanbag

Soft and sumptuous, these sheepskin bean bags from The White Company are pure luxury. The ultimate indulgence and perfect to curl up on on a winter’s evening.

For more ideas about interior design, from classic styles to the latest trends, follow us on Facebook and look out for our regular blogs. Contact us if you would like help creating the perfect home.

Gold – Tasteful or Tacky?

Gold is on trend at the moment, but not everyone knows how to use it effectively to get a tasteful effect. Gold is associated with opulence, luxury and wealth but the misuse of gold, in interior design, can look inelegant and garish.  We think that gold is a great addition to an interior, and you can find gold accessories dotted around our office. The Golden rule, is to use gold sparingly, in the right proportion and right places.

Accessories are a great way to introduce an accent colour, without it overwhelming the room.  You can also use the decor with the addition of a feature wall, alternatively a thoughtfully chosen wallpaper can bring pattern, texture and colour on the perfect proportions.

We want to inspire you and put you on the right path to how you can inject a splash of gold into your home.  Here are some of our favourite things:

This Magazine Rack from Alchemy is a stylish addition to any living room. It’s functional yet quirky; nothing boring about this!

This Golden Shell, again from Alchemy, would look great displayed on a shelf, in a glass-fronted cabinet or on a mantelpiece. It is eye-catching, and the perfect way to get gold into the room.

We do love a quirky accessory, and this is another example; this Golden Beetle from Graham and Green is a unique piece that will add drama to your walls. The detail and the finish of this piece are beautiful.

This Standing Planter is another way of how a functional item can be used to bring colour into your room. Functional doesn’t need to be boring and every day.

These Gilded Vases can be used to create interest in your room. The variety of sizes and shapes mean that you don’t need to just have the one, and they are a modern twist on a glass vase.

If you’re inspired to update your décor, have a look for gold accessories that catch your eye, or look at how you can add gold with the use of wallpaper, like this one from Graham and Brown, or furniture, such as this side table from Wayfair. Contact us if you want help and advice on how to get the look that you are after, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more great ideas.

Kitchens and Interior Design

A kitchen is a functional room that every home needs, and, being in everyday use, you should ensure that it is a room you can also enjoy being in; a room that reflects your style and taste.

An interior designer might not be top of your list when you think of the people you should consult about your kitchen design, but they can be a great asset to have on-board; they will work with your kitchen designer to not only look at the practical element of the space but also inject that all-important personality and style through use of colours and textures so that the end result is everything you want it to be – and more!  Of course, if you have a small or awkward shaped room, the design element can be of even more importance. Your head might be filled with ideas of beautiful islands, marble worktops and storage galore; your interior designer will help you make sense of your ideas and create a cohesive look ensuring tones and finishes are complementary throughout.

Some of our top tips are:

  • Plan out your kitchen before work commences, a well-thought out kitchen is key to a successful kitchen long term.
  • Give your kitchen some personality using accessories, colour, wallpaper and fabrics. This will make your kitchen more welcoming, and soften the hard edges.
  • Think about how your kitchen will be organised; a space for everything and everything with a space. This is the mark of a well-thought out kitchen; for example tray spaces, wine storage and ironing board storage and so on, will all make a big difference to how easy to use the kitchen is in the long run.
  • Keep the clutter away by ensuring that you have enough cupboard space to keep ugly and bulky gadgets and appliances behind closed doors.

 

In Sallie’s kitchen, this bold French blue stripe elevates a simple white kitchen and is easy to change while simple natural wood toned accessories like the chairs clock and picture frames add warmth and depth.

Accessories can make all the difference to a kitchen, whether you want to revive the space or start from scratch and refit the room. Here are some of our favourites:

Brushed Wire Kitchen Baskets from Anthropologie

Song Bird Tray from Graham and Green

White Concrete Clock from Nordic House

Waterfall Stemless Glass from Anthropologie

Rose Gold Sensor Bin from Simplehuman

White Marble Shelf from Not on the Highstreet

If you need some help designing your kitchen, whether at home or at work, contact us and we can help you create your perfect culinary workspace.

Interior Design Inspiration for Awkward Spaces

It’s not often that you find a home full of large, rectangular rooms with not a challenging corner in sight. Our homes, and therefore the rooms, are all unique. While that leads to a lot of variety, it can leave home owners confused about how best to decorate and furnish an awkward shaped room. Maybe you have a long narrow living room, and L shaped bedroom, or a room with sloped ceilings or curved walls. There is a design for every place.

Have a look at our tips for dealing with some spaces to give you some ideas:

Asymmetry

We often strive for symmetry in a room, but with a small or awkward space this may be compromised. Try for balance rather than symmetry, for example if you are using a tone or pattern in one area of the room for curtains use it on lampshades or cushions in another area. With the right choice of furniture and accessories, it can be a stylish space that doesn’t feel compromised.

Zone a Large Room

You may not consider a big room to be awkward to design, but sometimes a bigger space leads to too many decisions resulting in a confusing or muddled space. Use furniture and colours and patterns to divide a room into different sections with different functions. The result is a well-organised room with clearly defined areas.

Embrace the Quirk

Instead of trying to hide or disguise an awkward, embrace it, for example an awkwardly shaped alcove could become a desk space with the help of a simple shelf! Use bespoke elements, maybe an usually shaped mirror, or make a feature with a bold pattern or accent colour.

Nooks and Corners

Utilise the space with fitted storage. A bespoke storage system will make any space functional and can be designed in keeping with the rest of the room. This technique is also useful for a small or awkward shaped bedroom where you need storage built around the bed. In narrow spaces consider a sliding door rather than one opening into the area for a more spacious feel, and use mirrors to bounce the light around the room.

With space planning and thinking outside the box, any room can reach its full potential. Work with the space you have and don’t be afraid to be bold.

For more ideas for small and awkward spaces, see our Facebook page and check out the May edition of ‘Ask the Expert’ in House Beautiful.

Interior Design – Ask the Experts

We’ve been tempting you or a while with titbits of our exciting news and now we can do a full reveal.

Sallie, of Interiors at 58 has joined the expert panel at House Beautiful; answering readers’ interior design questions each month. We are honoured to have been asked and have been eagerly awaiting the first edition.

With years of experience, Sallie is ideally placed to answer this month’s question:

“I love all the botanical prints around at the moment, but how can I use them in a room without feeling completely overwhelmed by greenery?”

Leaf and botanical prints have become one of the biggest trends in the last few years, adding vibrancy and personality to a room. There are many variations to choose from.

Click here to read Sallie’s full answer and get hints and tips for your own home design.

The first edition is the April issue which is out now – get your copy today and see the article in print.

Home is Where the Heart Is

February is the month of love, hearts and flowers so we are looking at some apt accessories to inject a little love into your home. Heart shaped and heart inspired accessories can be gorgeous additions to any room.

This hand cut and polished heart, made from natural stone from Westelm is something lovely to add to a room, and perfect as a gift.

Rockett St George often provides us with some of our favourite things, and this is no exception. Over a mantelpiece or a bed, this light adds warmth to your home.

Mirrors help add light to any space and enhance any décor, not to mention their practical uses. These beautiful heart-shaped mirrors from notonthehighstreet.com could add a little something to your bedroom or hallway.

If you want something a little more discreet, have a look at these cushions from Amara. An everyday reminder to the person of your choice, and a little fun put in the house.

These cute heart-shaped stools from Melody Mason are an affordable way to add vintage chic into a country kitchen.

In red or white, this LED light from Cult Furniture can be wall mounted or freestanding so you can put it anywhere, and in any room.

And finally, a stunning heart-shaped shelf from Melody Maison; perfect for trinkets and ornaments as well as a décor triumph.

There is a huge choice of accessories, something for everyone. February might be the month of love, but any of these items will stand the test of time.

Interior Design for New Build Properties

You might think that interior design is all about updating décor and refreshing a look, but as interior designers we work with a lot of blank canvases too; new build flats and houses. There are two main reasons why you might get a designer involved, one if you are the purchaser of a newly completed project and two if you are a property developer.

Home Owners

When you’ve bought a new property, you have often waited quite some time for its completion, and you’re raring to move in. If you have just bought a brand new, freshly decorated home, you may be wondering why you would consider changing anything at this stage. It is usual for a new home to be finished in a fairly bland style, with magnolia paintwork and neutral carpets for example. Nothing about the house says anything about your style; about your personality. Interior design not only brings your personality to each room but it allows the very best use of the space throughout.

With our knowledge and expertise we can recommend what works, both for style and practicality, and we can source everything for you. What might take you months to decide and find, we can present to you in a fraction of that time. With the decisions made, you’re ready to go with the designs and for the work to be carried out. Potentially, at this point, you are in a great position to employ an interior designer and get the work done prior to moving in. If this is an option for you, you will be able to avoid the inevitable hassle that comes with living in your home whilst the work happens around you.

You can see our work on a contemporary new build in the gallery section.

Services for Property Developers

We can help developers design and shape their properties from the outset so that they appeal to the widest market of potential purchasers. This can include curating decisions on paint and floor, and choosing the right kitchens and bathrooms – these are all critical elements in creating the right atmosphere and attracting the right kind of buyer for your property. We can also dress the project for sale to help buyers envisage how the space will be used as an empty, bare house does not demonstrate its potential to best effect. Houses need to stand out from the crowd to sell quickly and achieve the best possible price. We can, cost-effectively, dress the house, inject ambience and personality, and show prospective buyers the lifestyle that can come with owning the property.

We work to developers’ brief, however strict or vague; selecting kitchens, bathrooms, paint colours, taps and tiles as well as providing stylish and desirable furniture to showcase your property at its very best.

We have recently completed a project for a number of flats in Bedford; you can see the results here. (link to photos to be added).

If you have a new home that needs the wow factor, contact us now. And remember, we’re on Facebook too.