Tag: interior design bedford

Update Your Interiors Quickly and Easily

Updating your home doesn’t need to be a long and complex process. If you’re going for a major renovation there will be both building and decorating work to consider, but you can quickly and easily refresh the décor of your homes and soon see the difference.

We often recommend that you invest in the key pieces of furniture in your home; your bed, dining table, sofa and alike. An update or refresh will work around these, and keep the costs down. But don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t make a dramatic change without changing everything. With some consideration small alterations and additions can make all the difference.

Add Greenery

Adding plants immediately freshens a space. If you are using real plants then there are other benefits as well:

  • They make you feel calmer, reducing stress levels
  • They improve the quality of the air through a natural filtering process
  • Plants help you stay focused, and improve mood, productivity and creativity
  • Plants can help you fight colds by increasing the humidity – perfect for this time of year!

If you’re not green fingered, you can opt for faux foliage instead. Whether it’s real or faux it will uplift a room, and you can choose planters and vases that fit in with the décor of the room. We love these ceramic planters from Nordic House; they’re very versatile and work in many different types of colour themes.

This lovely faux fern from Dunelm is a quick and easy addition to any space, including its own iron pot.

Create a Feature in the Room

You can redecorate a whole room if you fancy a change, but that can be an upheaval and if it’s only been decorated recently it may not need it. Instead, pick a one wall and create a feature of it. This could be by painting it a bold colour, adding a striking print or using a luxe wallpaper for effect. We love the Chevron Panel wallpaper from I Love Wallpaper; available in 3 colours it gives a wood panel effect that will certainly make a statement.

Soft Furnishings

This may seem an obvious change to make, but it’s certainly an effective update. Cushions, cushion covers and curtains are straightforward to replace, and instantly change the feel of a room. You could update to reflect the seasons; bright summer flowers and lighter curtains in the spring and summer, moving to the richer autumn colours and plush finishes in the colder months.

If you’re updating now, we’d choose the Aelia cushion covers from Wayfair, an affordable statement cushion set available in a choice of colours. Perfect for a refresh.

Update Your Handles

You’ll notice the biggest change with this in the kitchen; changing cupboard and drawer handles is quick, easy and cost effective, but will change the overall effect. If you want to go one step further, you could update the cupboard and drawer fronts either by replacing or painting them. This is a great example of how you can make a dramatic change without much effort at all. These handles from Buster and Punch are an investment but a pair will give an old sideboard or wardrobe a whole new lease of life!

Upcycle Existing Furniture

As your life changes and evolves, your living needs evolve too. What was the perfect piece of furniture a few years ago now doesn’t quite fit in. Don’t jump straight into replacing it however, upcycling is an option that will allow you to repurpose and continue using loved items. It can evolve with you.

Use Your Dining Table

Dress your dining table and make a statement. For a big event, such as Christmas or Easter, your table often reflects the event and the season. You can continue this all year round, regularly updating and changing the display. Use flowers and foliage for a central display, match this with placemats on a central runner to bring it all together. Use the Rajura hurricane lanterns from nkuku in your table centre, place one large with two small ones on either side – place on a slate or marble platter for even more impact!

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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. 

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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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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.

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New Year, New Design

Moving house or home improvements are often on New Year’s resolutions lists. It is the perfect time of year to have a rethink as new design trends are filtering through and inspiring new products. Maybe you’re considering moving house because your current home doesn’t offer you the space you need. Your home decoration may need a refresh or you want to put your design stamp on your new home.

We love what we do, and we are incredibly lucky to work with some fantastic clients, as well as developers, who are personalising their home décor. We work with those who need to reconfigure the space in their home to make it work for them, providing clever storage solutions and maximising space. But why should you consider using an interior designer?

Why use an Interior Designer?

There are lots of reasons to hire an interior designer to help design your living and working space, and some of them might surprise you!

Save money

With our knowledge and experience, we will help you make the best choices for your home. This means that you will avoid making costly mistakes when you try and do it yourself. A well-designed house can also increase the value of your house and make it more desirable to buyers; great if you are thinking about putting your house on the market. Design helps too with selling new developments, as it allows potential buyers to see the lifestyle acquiring the property will bring, rather than looking at empty, blank rooms.

Budgeting and Planning

A designer will work within your given budget, making the most of every penny you have to spend. With our resources and knowledge of product ranges, we know where to look, not only for the perfect item but for budget friendly options. We take care of any necessary research and put a plan in place so that everything commences smoothly.

Making the Space Work

Our clients often know the end result that they would like to achieve but they don’t know how to make it happen. This can lead to people moving house unnecessarily because the owners feel the house doesn’t work for them, but with the right design a home can be transformed. A common problem is that people lack storage space; we can find ingenious ways to overcome this. Whatever style you would like to go for – we have the skills to accomplish the desired finish.

Making it Happen

When you are redecorating yourself, it can be easy to procrastinate and put things off; life often gets in the way with things cropping up. As a designer, we focus on your project, designing and sourcing. Having an interior designer involved means that you are likely to complete the work in a shorter timescale, not to mention making it simpler!

Have a look at our full gallery of projects.

If you are considering making changes within your home this year, contact us to find out how we can help you, and follow us on Facebook for more trends and ideas.

January 2020

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

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

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.