Category: Blog

Create a Relaxing Space You Love

At the end of the day you deserve a tranquil space to relax and unwind. You might think that a bedroom is just a place to sleep, but it is more than that. The right tones, textures and furniture can make your bedroom a calm and serene haven.

Consider the following:

Colour

Cool and muted colours are always calming colours. Green and blue tones bring in a hint of nature and can be used in varying depths of tone to create a layered look that is interested and not bland.

Lighting

Subtly is key here; avoid harsh lighting instead opting for softer lighting that creates the desired mood. This light from Ocean Lighting has the wow factor but also contains a diffuser at the bottom to soften the light. For even more flexibility, add a dimmer switch to control the brightness.

Bedrooms are often a place to read, and adding a light suitable for this purpose is a great idea. The Niche wall light from Pooky is both elegant and practical. It allows the light to be directed onto your book so as to not disturb others.

Bedside cabinets

Cabinets are certainly functional, but the right choice will assist with keeping the room relaxing. If you have space on either side of your bed, it’s best to fill it with a well-fitting low chest, not only does it prevent awkward gaps either side but also gives you plenty of storage to tuck away anything unsightly. The Federico by Gillmore Space fits the bill – a contemporary design with plenty of storage space.

Soft furnishings

Accessories are perfect for injecting colour, pattern and texture into a room, and are an easy way to update the décor. In the bedroom, they have the added bonus of softening the room, whether it’s with a plush rug or scatter cushion.

Every bedroom needs curtains; choosing a heavy or thick fabric will help you keep your room dark. We love these curtains from Anthropologie – perfect for keeping the light out, as well as adding texture and colour to the room.

Use cushions to give a real feel of comfort in the bedroom. They can be scattered or arranged on the bed, or added to chairs. These Glacier Powder cushions from Andrew Martin are a wonderful choice for a bedroom with their cool, calming colours. Alternatively, the Sanderson Sycamore cushions in Mist Blue from Bedeck Home fit into a relaxing theme.

If you have the space, you can create a dedicated reading or relaxing area within your bedroom, somewhere to put your feet up whatever time of the day. A comfortable chair is a great addition, allowing somewhere to sit and contemplate. The Mitzi armchair from Atkin and Thyme would work well.

Pair it with the luxurious Supersoft Sheepskin Pouf from Nordic House and quite literally put your feet up at the end of a tiring day.

Some tips to keep in mind when you are designing your bedroom:

  • Make sure you choose furniture that is both comfortable and functional
  • A neutral colour scheme on the walls is ideal, add texture and interest through accessories
  • Comfort is key in a bedroom, soften edges and corners with plush cushions and blankets.

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Keeping Cool in the Summer

It’s been a scorching hot couple of weeks, and with another heatwave predicted keeping cool is definitely on our minds. We may not be able to affect the temperature in our homes, but we can tell you the best ways to use cool colours in your interior design.

All cool colours have a blue undertone and evoke a feeling of calmness and serenity, forming an overall restful effect. Used wisely, cool colours will make space feel more open. Grey, white and neutral colours can also be cool, depending on their undertone.

We work with our clients to achieve a finish that they are happy with; we create the type of space they want to live in. This is one restful space that we have worked on that the owners love, and you can see more finished projects from Interiors at 58 in our Gallery. 

We know that the theory of cool colours works for interior design, but to help you visualise how this could work for you, here are some of our favourite things you could incorporate into your home.

For a classic, cool statement piece, go for the Vantagio Lounge chair from my furniture. This is a perfect example of how a neutral grey works with the silver base of the chair and adds a cool element to any room. You could afford to add a bold coloured cushion to great effect.

We are fans of art and wall hangings because they are just so versatile. They can be a statement piece and they can also be easily moved and rehung to create different effects. This canvas painting from Wayfair is a stunning abstract made with cool colours.

Also from Wayfair, this blue and ivory rug is warm for your feet but fits with the cool finish.

Add a pop of colour with accessories.  A natural green, like this table lamp from Loaf will be a point of interest while still keeping with the cool theme. Of course you can use larger pieces of furniture in cool colours. A mint green velvet sofa from Loaf too is a beautiful colour and the clever velvet finish is a super durable material and ideal for homes with children and pets.

Why not start with a statement piece, like this Etienne sideboard from my furniture, and build your room around it. This would work well with the mint sofa, and add in some pinks for the contrast in the room with accessories.

Tips

  • Cool colours are flexible, and they work well with silver accents as well as black or brass for a contrast that avoids being bland.
  • Cool colours are perfect for rooms where it’s important to concentrate, an office or a study, or those where tranquillity and rest is a priority, for example, a bedroom.
  • Layer the depth of tones using some darker and some more subtle tones but keep within the same cool colour family for the most cohesive look. 

For more ideas on keeping cool with interiors you can follow us on Facebook.

Enjoy the Summer Inside

Summer is coming, but after a spell of such changeable weather over the last couple of months, we’re forgiven for wondering how long the sun will last. If the weather is warm and sunny you can enjoy plants and flora outside; but what if it’s raining? With the unpredictable nature of the British weather, this month we are bringing you all year round ideas to enjoy flowers and summer floral colours.

Floral designs and patterns are in constant supply when it comes to interior design. With so much to choose from and changing trends, there is something for everyone.

Get an all year round bright, summery feel by using floral print wallpaper in your home. You can create a feature wall or paper the whole room, but be mindful that the pattern doesn’t overpower the space and leaving you feeling a little overwhelmed.

A pretty and calming floral print perfect for a bedroom or dining room is the Sanderson Chiswick Grove wallpaper from Jane Clayton. Whereas the Dark Floral II wallpaper from Ellie, a dark and moody oversized floral print, is perfect for cosy rooms such as snugs and smaller spaces such as the WC or a  bathroom. We would suggest painting the other walls in a complementary dark tone to make the feature wall appear cohesive with the room, rather than randomly placed and at odds with the rest of the room.

Artwork is an obvious choice for bringing bright blooms to your walls. The availability of a vast array of artwork means that you will be able to find a perfect match for your taste. Depending on your budget and preference you could look at posters or prints, hand-painted pictures or bespoke creations. We love these prints from Desenio; keeping the florals slightly abstract in nature with a close up view adds an extra aspect of interest to the flowers, really focusing on the beauty of the petals.

Soft furnishings make personalising your space easy. Choose cushions to complement your sofa, and curtains to create a feature. Small cushions and embellishments allow you to bring in an intricate design without overwhelming you. Matching the cushions and curtains, if the size of the pattern allows, really brings the room together. Use your choice of rug to make a statement with the Peonia Grande Rug from Jane Clayton or have a subtle addition with the Orphee rug from Maison du Monde.

Of course, you can always use flowers for your floral additions. Cut flowers can mirror the season and smell lovely, but artificial flowers are an effective, long lasting alternative to have beautiful blooms on display. Peony.co.uk stock a great range and two of our favourites are the Orchid Terrarium and the Sweet Pea Fish Bowl.

Top Tips for Florals in Interior Design

  • Floral doesn’t need to mean feminine – balanced patterns can be more neutral or masculine
  • Foliage, both real and artificial, is an easy way to bring greenery into a room, and the pot can be matched to the style you are looking for
  • Furniture featuring floral prints can be used as statement pieces to inject colour and energy into an otherwise neutral room. We love the Grey Armchair with Floral Design from Viano Interiors and Broughton Mist Dining Chair from Boo-Burys.

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Small But Beautiful Interiors

Interior design is about creating a space that works for you, both in terms of practicality and style. It’s a common misconception that interior design is only for big houses, it is just as important to style a small room or space carefully. When space is already at a premium, making small spaces more efficient within our homes is a key service for us.

One of the top reasons that people move house is because there is a lack of space in their current home. In our experience space is often used inefficiently which means that space is simply underused and wasted. Don’t rush to move house; you have options for your home, however big or small.

Small Office Spaces

Lockdown has forced us to face the challenge of working remotely, without a home office. For many, this is now a longer term situation as an increasing number of employers will not be asking their employees to return to offices full time. This has meant fitting in a working space in our homes. For those who don’t have the spare space to set up a complete office, there are space saving and stylish options.

You could choose a unit, like The Talist Secretary’s Desk from La Redoute. It is a desk when you need it, but when you’re not working you can have everything concealed and tidy; the perfect choice for a space-saving desk.

If you want something that you can access all the time, but only have a small amount of wall space, a ladder style desk will suit you. Prop it up where you want it, pair it with your perfect chair and you have you own working space tucked away. The Dionara Desk from Wayfair has desk and storage space, and at less than a metre wide will fit in tight spaces.

Maybe you don’t have a suitable space that you can fit in a desk, but you do have a dining table or breakfast bar. Make your table dual purpose; a dining area for meal times and your desk during work hours. Make use of a portable desk organiser so that the transition is seamless. Choose this antique brass desk tidy from Notonthehighstreet.com and have the storage you need with a stylish look.   

Making awkward spaces work

The space under the stairs is often under-utilised – it can be an awkward shape, not easily accessible or simply used as inefficient storage.

One option for making better use is to open up the space, as long as this is structurally viable, and create space for a home office. The addition of a slimline desk, shelves and pull out storage on wheels will give you everything you need to get working.

Create a reading nook, somewhere to take some time out and relax. Choose a chair or bench that fits the space, add plush cushions and a blanket or two. Don’t forget the lighting; a floor lamp can be tucked under the stairs for much needed light.  This floor lamp from Made.com is a great option when you want a light above you.

Hints and Tips

Multi-function items of furniture come into their own when making the most of limited space.

Choose fine-framed rather than bulky pieces of furniture to enhance the feeling of space and ensure the maximum amount of floor remains visible.

Invest in built in storage to ensure that you maximise every centimetre you have available.

Keeping your home clutter free helps maintain a sense of space.

Install shelves around the perimeter of your bedroom or living room walls about 12 inches from the ceiling. This is a typically under-used spot, but it could give you so much extra storage!

Use mirrors and reflective surfaces to give the feel of space. Lighting and smart colour choices will add to the spacious effect.

Don’t waste space with a media console and mount your TV on the wall.

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It’s Time for Beautiful Christmas Interiors

What a year this has been, and now we’re in the throes of the festive season. If there ever was a year to get the decorations up and celebrate, it’s this year!

Here are Interiors at 58 we are making the most of the season and the decorations are in place. We thought we’d share a few of our favourite things, some of which we have in our own display.

These beautiful rainbow iridescent doves from Maison White adorn our Christmas tree. Elegant, with a subtle hint of colour, they are perfect tree accessories.

Wreaths are versatile and varied, and can be hung inside or out. This golden leaf wreath from Perch and Parrow is similar to the one that we have on our front door. We also have a beautiful wreath inside hung within a large round mirror.  

The nights are dark, and it’s the perfect opportunity to add lights into your home to create ambience. Hang this pre-lit North Star also from The White Company to bring the sky inside.  

When you think of a Christmas tree, you probably think of a standard tree, the focal point in the living room which you decorate. There is a huge choice when it comes to trees, and something like this white sparkle tree from The White Company is a striking additional whether indoors or out. We have one very like this in our hallway.

You may have your home decorated, but don’t forget to decorate your table for Christmas dinner. You can even get a tree to sit atop the table to create a focal point. We like this one from Rockett St George.

These silver leaf dishes from Graham and Green hit the mark for your festive table, and they would also make a lovely gift. Based on autumn leaves, you can enjoy them all year round.

The little touches can make all the difference. Add a touch of subtle metallic sheen using these beautifully designed place card holders from Oka.

Christmas is the ideal time to place candles around your home. There is a wide choice of seasonal fragrances, like this Frosted Spruce candle from John Lewis. It can often be the smells of the season that really get you in the festive mood.

You can follow us on Facebook for more interior hints and tips, and to see how we have gone to town for Christmas this year. We at Interiors at 58 would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Interiors for the Winter Months

The clocks went back at the end of last month, and that you can’t deny that we are well into the colder months with Christmas approaching. With a change of season comes an opportunity to refresh your interiors. Here are some of our favourite things to give your home a quick change and lift.

This set of 2 chairs from Wayfair is great value, and add a warm texture and colour to your room. Why not use them as an accent tone in the room and accessorise to match to make a real impact.

If you have bare floors, or simply just want to refresh a tired rug, this is a lovely addition to your room, also from Wayfair. It’s the perfect time to think about soft furnishings like this to keep you and your home warm during winter.

Greenery, at any time of year, can work in any room with any colour scheme. Add some seasonal greenery – faux or real – like this eucalyptus from Bloom.

Kitchens don’t need to be forgotten when it comes to a quick and easy new look. Update your kitchen cabinets with these smart handles from The Foundry Man for a luxe feel. You could also think about updating your accent colour in here too with an update of accessories and appliances in the new colour.

Push the boat out and invest in this stunning bar cabinet from Anthropologie to serve drinks to your guests. We might not be able to have the usual parties this year, but there’s always an excuse for a cocktail.

Scents can transport us! Create a cosy glow and delicious welcoming smell with these tonka gold candles from Westelm. As we get closer to Christmas, candles are the perfect way to reflect the seasonal smells and are easily changed for a different mood.

If you need to get organised and have some workspace, you can create a great environment in which to work from home with this desk from Westelm.

Remember follow us on Facebook to see more of our favourite things and for tips on improving your interiors.  

Interior Design is Not Just for Adults

The children are back at school, and although we’re only a few weeks in the homework will be racking up. With many of us now working from home, we’ve thought about our workspace, our home offices, but have you thought about where your children can focus on their homework?

Multi-purpose is where it’s at for children’s bedrooms; creating a place where they can both chill out and work. Beds and desks are 2 key elements in the room, and why not combine the two to make the most of any space available. We love this bed from Noa and Nani that gives the option for a fold out bed made out of the cushions and desk area – and the desk area is perfect for Lego or homework. It’s great value and there’s the option to reupholster the cushions to suit your style or colour theme.

Another option is this navy blue high sleeper with desk from Aspace.co.uk. There is ample space underneath for work or recreation and there are coordinating items including this chest of drawers.

If you want a large desk space, this value bed from Argos has a great size desk and can be styled up with coordinated accessories to look much more expensive than it is.

Soft furnishings and accessories will inject your child’s personality into their room, and it is something that can evolve as they get older. This gorgeous desk chair from Anthropologie will upgrade any bed and desk combination with a colour to fit right in.

For a more affordable alternative opt for this chair from furniture123.co.uk for a similar effect.

No bedroom is complete without storage and this ottoman from Westelm will provide extra seating as well as the perfect place to store bits and pieces.

For younger children this play table from Great Little Trading Co has a reversible top for creative play and plenty of storage so they can access art supplies when needed.

This is a great neutral piece, from Little Helper, that will work with any scheme and can either be a dolls house or bookcase; so very versatile.

Children’s needs are continually changing and it can be hard to create a space that works with them long term. We would suggest that you keep the colours neutral so that the schemes can grow with them. Accessories can be changed more frequently, at a reasonable cost, so that your child feels like the room is evolving with them. Multi-purpose furniture is definitely the way to go. Make a considered choice when you get the key furniture and they can work with whatever stage your child is at.

Remember to follow our Facebook page for more ideas and inspiration.  

Interior Design Thoughts from Lockdown

We are going through very strange times at the moment, with many people seeing only their own 4 walls for weeks, if not months, on end. We, like many others, have worked on some interiors projects, maintenance and repair jobs and other restyling projects. One thing that lockdown seems to have made us review is our home environment. Maybe you hadn’t considered a décor update in your home, but we know that having been confined to your homes many of you would love to refresh your home so now is the perfect time to do so!

Interior design and restyling doesn’t have to be budget busting, we very much believe that there is a beautiful interior finish for any taste and any budget.

The Living Room

Other than the kitchen, this is arguably the most communal space in the home, used by everyone in the family. It is a place for relaxing, entertaining, watching television, playing games and much more. Very much a multi-purpose room, especially in a time when open plan living is incredibly popular, you need to choose your furniture and colour theme carefully.

A sofa is often the largest, most prominent item of furniture and can affect the tone of the whole room. Choose your sofa wisely and you will love it for years to come

For a small room this sofa from Neptune is lovely as is on high legs and deep enough to be comfortable but not too deep. Leave a gap between the sofa and the wall to create an illusion of space.

If you need something hard wearing for children and pets, look at Loaf clever velvet. It is very hard wearing and practical while giving a lux finish. Sometimes darker colours can be as tricky as light ones as they show all dust/fluff/pet hairs so we would suggest a mid-tone for best longevity. Alternatively, a tweed with a mix of colours in the fabric hides stains well. Also, if you choose a sofa with a fixed back you won’t be constantly plumping up the cushions or putting them back on straight after the kids have played! The Pudding sofa from Loaf is a great choice for a busy family home.

If space and storage are at a premium in your room, opt for a table with hidden storage like this ottoman table from White Company. Alternatively, when you need extra surface space, a nest of tables is perfect.  This trio of tables from Maisons du Monde adds a lovely rustic touch to a room and has coordinating items such as media units and shelves.  

The ability to either brighten or darken the room makes the living room a versatile space to use during the night or day.  If you have a light room with large windows or a television that faces a window install good blinds or curtains. A thick luxe fabric curtain adds a spot of luxury and will be able to complement any colour scheme. We often suggest to clients that we have bespoke curtains made as they are crucial to a design and having them made gives us a much wider choice of fabric and style and  means we can tie all the elements together much quicker but if you are on a budget try these Geometric curtains off the peg from Dunelm – great value!     

At the opposite end of the scale, you need to also ensure that the room has enough lighting options. Choose a beautiful ceiling light fitting for an artistic centrepiece and marry that with side and table This light fitting from Wayfair would be an incredible statement investment and perfect over a kitchen island or table. We also love this side lamp, also from Wayfair, for adding a pop of colour to a room in a very natural way.

Finally, soft furnishings are a quick and easy way to make a room look and feel different. A change of rug, curtains and cushions can transform your living room. With the hot weather drawing to a close, it’s the perfect time to think about cosy blankets and throws; add a different colour and create a homely autumnal look.

Whether you are looking at a complete renovation or simply to swap a few key things in the room, there is a way for you to create a fresh look in your home.

Remember to follow us on Facebook to see more interior design tips.

September 2020

Spring is Here!

With Spring officially beginning on 20th March, it is traditionally the time to spring clean your home. Spring is also the perfect time to freshen up your home interiors too. Clear and clean, and then your home is ready to redecorate and accessorise. But where do you start?

When a space is cluttered it can be hard to see past the things and imagine what you could do with it. Time to pare it back and leave a blank canvas ready for some interior design. When you have a lot to sort and organise, start with a small manageable space, maybe even just a drawer, and work up to the more challenging areas.

Decluttering

Decluttering is the removal of unnecessary items and helps you take control of your home. As William Morris said “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or do not believe to be beautiful”. It is a process of going through items to realise whether then have a place in your home or not.

One Touch Rule

The aim is to touch each item only once, when you have picked it up to decide on its fate, you should categorise it then. The choices are:

  • Keep it – if it is truly useful
  • Recycle it or give it to charity
  • Throw it away.

If you really can’t decide on what to do with something, put it away in a box and review in 6 months; 12 months for seasonal items. If you haven’t needed it within that time then it should leave your house.

After decluttering you should be left with a clear, uncluttered space, which is ready to clean and prepare for decoration.

Spring Refresh

Here are some of our favourite ideas for a Spring refresh.

We love this wallpaper from Wallpaper Direct– treat yourself and make your home pretty for spring. Using it as for a feature wall will create a beautiful focal point when teamed with a complementary colour on the remaining walls.

Pretty, soft spring colours will refresh your bed or sofa, and this cushion from The French Bedroom Company is perfect for the job.

Spring often inspires botanical and natural prints, and there are lots of soft furnishings and accessories to choose from with these designs. This rug from Maisons du Monde is beautiful and a great price and looks more expensive than it is – it’s an easy spring update.

This is fun piece for your entry to give a vibrant and fresh welcome. This durable mat from Amara protects your carpet and flooring whilst being stylish.

Add a pop of botanical colour with this lamp from Lights2Go, it’ll brighten up your house in more ways that one.

Faux greenery and flowers are a great way to bring nature in your home with little maintenance. These faux flowers from Anthropologie are an investment but are extremely authentic and are perfect for a spring look and will be stunning for years to come.

For more ideas and inspiration for your home interiors follow us on Facebook.

March 2020

Love Where you Live.

The old adage – Location, Location, Location – is true! When you are choosing a home, you need to make sure the location works for you; are there good travel connections, good schools nearby, all the amenities that you need on your doorstep? But you still need to enjoy living in your house too; it needs to be your home.

All homes need to be spruced up and redecorated periodically; tastes changes and living needs evolve. If you feel your home really doesn’t work for you, you could choose the extreme option and move house – but do you really need to? If the location works for you, there are definitely options to make the housework for you.

If you feel that your house no longer works for you, try to identify the cause of the problem, you can start working on a solution.

Lack of space

This is a common issue, particularly in growing families. The house that you bought was perfect, but extra people needing more space adds stress to the household. Adding an extension to the house, giving you an extra room or rooms, will give you space, but there are other ways that you can create a feeling of space without starting a major rebuild project.

The floor is key when you are optimising space. Seamless flooring, flowing through rooms and, ideally, into the garden will lead the eye. Use the same flooring to maximise the effect; even if the floor is not the same height the same colour or tone of the flow.

Allowing a gap between furniture and the floor is a good trick. In kitchens opt for legs under units rather than skirting as this will allow the eye through under the units and create a feeling of space. Similarly, choose a sofa or chairs with legs for the same effect.

In the bathroom, choosing wall mounted units and fitments ensures that more floor is visible and makes the room feel larger. A freestanding bath also reveals more floor than fully panelled alternatives. Reflective surfaces work in any room to reflect light and create space; in bathrooms, there is more scope to use not only mirrors but baths and cabinets with a metallic finish. Make sure that any tiling in the bathroom extends or blends seamlessly so the eye extends through the room effortlessly.

Throughout the house, doors often obstruct the view and entry into a room. If that’s a problem in your home re-hang the door so that it opens against a wall rather than into the room. This is an easy and cheap way to make the room feel more open immediately and could open up useable space for a piece of furniture.  

Tips:

  • Declutter your rooms and home, this is a failsafe way of making your rooms look bigger.
  • Replace heavy wood coffee or dining tables with glass ones or consider replacing upholstered chairs with transparent Perspex ones – either/or is fine though – avoid transparent chairs with a glass table!    
  • Stick with light airy tones for the décor and maximise the light.

Interior designers come into their element with all aspects of redesigning a house; it isn’t simply decoration choices that we can assist with. With our experience and knowledge, we are well placed to see the hidden potential of your house; the secret storage spaces to be made. If you are struggling with loving your home, we can work with you so that you fall back in love with it.

All the above works with respect to moving house too. When you are looking to buy a house, be led by the location; you can’t alter the locality and local facilities. Keep an open mind when you are house-hunting and consider, if the location works, whether a house could be changed to work for you and your needs. Renovations, refurbishments and extensions; these could be the keys to your home happiness.

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February 2020