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

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

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 Tips For Transforming Small Rooms

At Interiorsat58 we love to make the most of a space. A misconception is that interior design is for large houses, big rooms and massive budgets; but this isn’t so. Small rooms are often crying out for some creative thinking so that you can take advantage of every inch.

Here are some of our top tips for smaller rooms.

• A well-placed mirror will maximise any space. Installing a mirror next to, or opposite, a window will mean that the natural light is reflected and you are giving the effect of another window. Having a mirror behind a lamp will also maximise the light in the room, stopping it from feeling poky and dark, however small.

• Make sure colours blend together well and are tonal.

• Keep clutter to a minimum. Accessories and artwork can add colour and character to a room, but choose them wisely. Plain walls with a statement framed picture will give a room a classic finish. Lots of ornaments can create a very busy look which gives the impression of a smaller room.

• Use soft lamp lighting and textures to make the room cosy.

• Plan your room. Put together a mood board with the colours and styles that you like and make sure that they work together to form a complementary finish; an interior designer can advise on this. And, of course measure your space and make sure everything is going to fit; especially important when space is restricted.

• When you’re thinking about the colour scheme of a small room, remember that light colours enhance the feeling of space. Don’t rush into decorating with dark, bold colours that might drain the light from the room.

• When you are choosing your furniture, be smart with your choices to make sure that your room is both well designed and functional. Source furniture that has multiple purposes. This coffee table from Wayfair includes both a handy storage drawer, and 2 stools that can be hidden away when not in use.

• Keep the furniture size appropriate and pick items of furniture that are on legs so that you can see underneath, which will give an enhanced feeling of space.

• If you choose an ottoman with a firm top it can double as a coffee table, but can also be used as a footstool to increase the comfort of a less deep and more delicate sofa.

A small space can be as desirable as a large room when it’s designed properly. If you don’t know where to start, or are struggling to imagine how the final finish will transform the room, contact Interiorsat58. We can work with you to create a completely bespoke space that reflects your personality and style, and works for the way you live.

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Using an Interior Designer

You’re thinking about using an interior design service; where do you start?

First let’s look at what an interior designer can do for you. Interior design is the art or process of designing the interior decoration of a room or building. The end results are that the rooms are more aesthetically pleasing and the environment reflects the mood you want. An interior designer plans, researches, coordinates and manages projects. To put it into real terms, an interior designer works with her clients to create their ideal space.

What are the benefits from using an interior designer?

A good question, and one I am asked a lot. The perception can often be that interior design is only for a luxury finish or big budget. In reality, an interior designer will create the finish that a client desires within their budget. Interior designers save their clients time and money; with their bank of contacts from suppliers to tradespeople, they will be able to research and source furniture, furnishings and accessories much more efficiently and cost-effectively. They can work within a budget, and their trained eye will be invaluable when it comes to recommending the best options to meet the brief.  When you employ an interior designer, you are not only tapping into her expertise and experience, you also have access to a wide range of established and recommended contacts.

You know the benefits of interior design, and you want to hire a designer; where do you look?

I would always advise to use recommended companies and individuals where you can. If that’s not an option, there are websites that list local interior designers, for example www.designdirectory.co.uk. Remember to check out their reviews and testimonials; Facebook is a good place to look for reviews. It’s important to meet with a designer prior to hiring them and make sure that you get on. Projects can be a lengthy, and you need a friendly, approachable person who you can communicate with.

You’ve hired a designer, what can you expect?

I work with my clients to achieve the finish they wish for. You can leave the whole job in my capable hands, and I will communicate with all parties throughout, suggest the décor and source everything required. I will liaise with all the other trades involved whether that’s an architect, builder or decorator. Or you can set me to work on a smaller task; this could be planning a room layout to maximise the space, or sourcing the perfect sofa.

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