Tag: Interior Design

Need a Refresh? Start Here

Are you thinking about a redesign in your home? Even when you’ve got that niggling sense that a room could be better, it can be hard to know where to begin — and easy to jump straight into buying without a proper plan. Whether you’re planning a big renovation or simply want to refresh one corner of your home, we are going to help you turn those ideas into something you can act on while avoiding some common mistakes that can derail even the most exciting design plans.

What’s the Trigger?

Before you reach for the paint samples, take a step back. What’s really prompted the desire to make changes?

Is it something functional — poor lighting, not enough storage, or an awkward layout? Or is it more emotional — a space that feels flat, cold or uninspiring? Have your needs changed? Are you working from home more? Have the children grown up? Are you craving a space that feels more ‘you’?

Tuning into this trigger is important. It not only helps you identify what needs to change, but also makes sure your updates solve the right problem — not just treat the symptoms.

And just as importantly, think about what you want instead. What’s the feeling you’d love this room to evoke? Calm and welcoming? Energising? Luxurious? Cosy? These emotional cues are where great design begins.

It Pays to Plan

It’s so tempting to jump straight in — to start browsing paint colours or ordering furniture. But without a clear sense of what the space needs. To start creating a plan that works for you:

  • Build a realistic budget considering whether you like to invest timeless pieces or prefer more affordable pieces you can switch more regularly.
  • Prioritise what will make the biggest difference.
  • Measure all spaces and new furniture to avoid costly mistakes.

A Summer Project

If you’re thinking about tackling a home project over the summer holidays, it can be a brilliant time to start — especially with longer days, better light and fewer interruptions. But it does come with a warning, to make sure that the design will work all year round, not just for the season.

Natural light can transform a room — and in July, it’s at its strongest. But ask yourself: how will this space feel in winter? Will your chosen colours feel dark in the low light of January?

The answer is to think multi-seasonally: to consider how the space will feel, not just now, but throughout the year. That might mean:

  • Checking your paints and tones at different times of the day and in different corners of the room, what looks good next to a bright window may not look so good in a dark corner.    
  • Choosing layered lighting so the room works on gloomy days too.
  • Making sure window treatments suit both brighter and darker days, consider roman blinds with sheer curtains overlayed for the best of both worlds.  

Designing with the full year in mind means your space will feel right all the time — not just on a sunny afternoon. For more ideas around lighting, read our blog – Maximise the Light in Your Home All Year Round.

A Note on Trends

We love to follow the trends, seeing what’s coming in and going out, new colours and the desirable designs — and they can be a brilliant source of inspiration. But we don’t follow trends just for the sake of it, and we don’t recommend that our clients do either.

Designing your home purely based on what’s in fashion now is one of the fastest ways to end up with a space that dates quickly — or never quite feels like you.

Instead, we start with you: your style, your lifestyle, your light, your space. From there, we might incorporate on-trend elements that work for the room — but only if they genuinely suit the feel you want to create. The result is a design that feels timeless and personalised to you.

Working With an Interior Designer

If you’re not sure about tackling a redesign project on your own, then it might be time to work with an interior designer. We can work with you throughout the project providing as much help as needed, from a full design to simply sourcing the perfect side table or sofa.

If you’re not sure whether a design service is for you, click here to read about the benefits of working with an interior designer.

Remember you can follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas and inspiration, and contact us if you’re ready to kick off your design project.

Simple Ways to Reflect the Season with Colour

Colour has an extraordinary ability to transform a space. It can lift a tired room, add a sense of fun or calm, and even change how we experience light. But using colour well isn’t about following trends or painting everything the on-trend colours.  It’s about choosing tones with purpose — and knowing how to balance them to get the effect you want.

We are going to help you use colour confidently in your home. Read on and learn how to harness colour to reflect the summer season around us.

  • Start with the Feeling

The first step in using colour effectively isn’t picking paint — it’s understanding the feeling you want the space to create. Do you want a room to feel fresh and energised? Light and airy? Calm and grounding?

For example, blues and soft greens tend to evoke a sense of peace and spaciousness, making them perfect for bedrooms or home offices. Warm tones like earthy taupes and soft terracotta can bring a comforting glow — ideal for kitchens or living areas where you want warmth and welcome.

This emotional connection is where good colour choices begin. It’s also where our role, as interior designers, can be most helpful: interpreting how you want to feel and translating that into a practical palette that suits your home’s style, light and proportions.

To read more about the power of colour, click here to read our blog the power of colour.

  • Balance Your Colours

Strong colours and bold patterns can be beautiful, but they’re most effective when used with care. Rather than covering a whole room in vibrant tones, think about using them as highlights — a carefully planned feature wall doesn’t have to be cliche, it’s about ensuring the base tones are cohesive throughout the space and the wall feels planned and thought through – not added randomly – or try  a patterned chair, or a few key accessories such as lamps or artwork  against a neutral backdrop.

We love… the Hulala Home Modern Accent Chair from Amazon and the Adrianna Linford Stripe Armchair from Dunelm. Stripes are working well right now, but also are more timeless than other prints

This not only creates more visual impact but keeps your space feeling calm and considered. Using colour in this way also gives you the flexibility to update your scheme easily — whether seasonally or simply when you fancy a change. A few cushions or ceramics in a new shade can change the mood of a room without changing everything.

We love… the Woven Palm Cushion Covers from West Elm which are easy to use and style as work well together to give a botanical feel with warm tones.

  • Swap in seasonal textures and fabrics

One of the easiest ways to refresh your space for summer is through textiles. Changing up cushions, throws or even curtains is a quick way to introduce colour without long term commitment — and it allows you to reflect the season with very little effort. If you’re using accessories for pops of colour, you can change the feel of the room whilst making sure the colours are balanced.

In summer, we tend to use more natural, breathable materials: cottons, linens and voiles. These not only feel lighter, but they carry colour in a soft, diffused way that suits the brighter days.

We love… The Sheer Grid Curtain from Anthropologie or for something bolder, go for the Cotton Woven Block Print Curtain also from Anthropologie.

  • Let nature inspire the palette

Summer is a season of rich, natural colour — and it’s the perfect time to bring the outside in. From floral tones to leafy greens and terracotta earth shades, nature provides one of the most timeless and satisfying palettes available.

Consider introducing cut flowers, indoor plants or terracotta pots on windowsills. These bring natural movement and softness to a room, and help create a visual link between indoor and outdoor spaces — especially in homes with gardens, patios or bifold doors. Faux florals and foliage is a great alternative to fresh flowers and plants if you’re not green fingered or want a low maintenance options.

We have recently used the Wally Natural Plant Holders from Hortology in the renovation of Real Coffee Shop in Bedford with plants from Not Another Jungle. These two are just around the corner from each other, so why not grab a coffee and then head for a browse at the gorgeous greenery!

We have used the Moorside Faux Fern Ornament in a Glass Bowl from Shropshire Design multiple times with different clients. It’s perfect for areas where you want a wide but low-profile piece, such as coffee- or side-tables.

These small touches often do more to connect a room to the season than any trend-led makeover.

  • Avoid trend-chasing

At Interiors at 58 we keep up to date with trends and are often inspired by what is around us, we don’t, however, follow trends for the sake of it. This will lead to interiors that easily date and often aren’t quite right for your home. The choice is colour is deeply personal, and what works in one home might not feel right in another, or even if one area or your home or another as light can really affect the way a tone feels in a room. This is why we work with people – our clients – and not from trends. The goal is always to reflect your style, taste and lifestyle — not what’s current on social media.

Currently, we are seeing a rise in softer, sun-washed tones: muted greens, warm putty, earthy pinks and pale yellow accents. These colours are gentle but cheerful — and incredibly liveable. If these are right for you and your home, they could well be on the short list.

If you’re ready to bring more colour into your home but aren’t sure where to start, we’d love to help. Whether it’s a full redesign or a seasonal refresh, we can guide you in choosing the right palette, textures and details to reflect your style and bring your space to life — this summer and beyond. And remember, for more ideas and inspiration follow us on Facebook.

Your Home as the Perfect Backdrop

We recently had the pleasure of hosting Very at Interiors at 58 HQ for a location photoshoot. It inspired us to think about what should be considered if you are designing a space that works as both a welcoming family home and a stylish backdrop for photography, filming and events. Thoughtful design choices can effortlessly blend daily life and the practical demands of commercial needs. If you want to create a multipurpose space like this, or even just a space for yourself that looks Pinterest ready – read on!

A Home First

When you are creating a home that also serves as a stylish venue, your everyday life and needs should always be the priority however with some pre-planning you can have the best of both worlds. Life, especially with a family, can be messy and unpredictable – and your interiors need to be designed with that practicality in mind. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Flexible layouts: Think open-plan living, easily movable partitions, or furniture that can be rearranged to suit different purposes quickly.
  • Multi-purpose furniture: Choose pieces that are lightweight, stackable, or foldable so they can adapt to family life but easily moved for a photoshoot.
  • Clever storage: Integrate hidden cupboards, built-in storage, and discreet baskets or chests so everyday items can be quickly stowed away before a shoot or event, or even just at the end of the day so that you can enjoy a relaxing evening.
  • Family-friendly finishes: Select hard-wearing, washable fabrics and durable flooring that withstand daily wear-and-tear and still look great on camera.

Prioritising these practical details will ensure your home remains inviting and comfortable for daily living, yet can be easily transitioned into a beautiful, versatile venue whenever you need it.

Versatility

With your daily life considered, now we want to make sure that the décor works for each purpose that you choose. Think about a backdrop for any events, while ensuring that your home still feels welcoming and inviting to you:

  • Choose neutral backdrops:
    Paint walls in soft, neutral shades like off-whites, greys, or warm taupe—these colours photograph beautifully and create a timeless, welcoming atmosphere that clients can make their own.
  • Layer lighting:
    Combine plenty of natural daylight with adjustable artificial lighting, such as dimmable lights, lamps, and spotlights, to suit different moods as well as professional requirements.
  • Flexible window coverings:
    Invest in curtains or blinds that quickly adjust to control natural light, ensuring perfect conditions for photography or filming.
  • Incorporate statement pieces:
    Distinctive furniture, artwork, or accessories – particularly those with a ‘current’ design feel will add visual interest and personality to your home, creating stylish focal points for shoots that will appeal to future clients .
  • Accessorise thoughtfully:
    Keep accessories curated and simple, making them easy to rearrange or remove depending on your clients needs.

All of these elements contribute to creating a space ready to hire out , but still allows for your personality to come through, and be a space that you can feel at home in.

Be different. Be interesting.

A beautifully designed home will be a joy to live in, and one with striking focal features will shine out amongst the wide range of home locations that are available to hire. Light fixtures, feature walls and statement mirrors are all examples of focal points you can create in your home.

  • Feature walls:
    Use wallpaper, paint, or textured materials to create a striking backdrop for still or video shoots.
  • Statement lighting:
    Eye-catching pendant lights, chandeliers, and stylish lamps add instant drama and depth.
  • Artwork or mirrors:
    Place carefully selected artwork or stunning mirrors strategically around your home for interest and to keep rooms light.

A home can be both a comfortable living space and a stunning venue with the right choices. If you need help achieving this, get in contact. For more interior designs ideas, follow us on Facebook.

Creating a Luxury Guest Bedroom

When you invite guests to stay at your home, there is no doubt you will want to make them feel welcome and comfortable, however, when it’s a space that you don’t use personally, you might feel disconnected and struggle to create the right ambience. If you want to ensure your guest room is somewhere your visitors will feel at ease, read on for our ideas and top picks to help you create a welcoming and cosy space.

The key elements of a great guest bedroom are bedding, furniture, lighting, décor, and thoughtful extras. Interior design can work for all budgets and with that in mind, we’ll show you how to achieve a beautiful space whether you have a high-end, mid-range, or budget-friendly approach.

Beds and Bedding

A good night’s sleep is the most important part of a stay, so start with getting this right as a priority. Invest in as high a quality bed as your budget will allow. Upholstered beds are a touch of luxury with an elegant feel. The mattress is a key investment too; at the high-end you can choose a premium mattress such as a pocket sprung or memory foam hybrid, and a mattress topper can be used to upgrade an existing mattress. If you are buying a new bed, consider built in storage to maximise its potential and relieve other storage areas in the house.

There is such a wide range of bedding available that you will be able to find something that suits your room and your budget. High-thread-count sheets and plush duvets offer a premium feel; Egyptian cotton or linen blends add texture and cosiness, while soft cotton layered with throws creates warmth and depth.

We love the Tangleweed Blue Silk Duvet Set from Sweetpea and Willow, the Dorma Dandelion Duvet Cover & Pillow Case set from Dunelm, and the Valencia 200 Thread Count Duvet Cover & Pillow Case set from Dusk. Any of these bedding sets will look great in your guest bedroom offering subtle pattern and texture that will suit guests of all ages.

Furniture

The space available will determine what you can include, but there are certain things that will make your guest’s stay more enjoyable. A bedside table or cabinet should be a priority. If floor space or budget is tight, a single shelf next to the bed is an alternative; just enough space to have a lamp and to put your phone or glasses at bedtime.

We love the Raffles Nightstand from Andrew Martin, the Hester Side Table from Oka and the Thalia Concave 3 Drawer Bedside Table from Daals to suit across varying budgets.

Wardrobes are optional but useful if space allows. A high-end option could include fitted storage, while a freestanding rail with floating shelves suits mid-range budgets. To keep things budget-friendly, opt for hooks or a peg rail with storage baskets.

Décor

Choose a theme and colour palette that is restful yet stylish. For a quick and easy refresh opt for a fresh coat of paint in a warm inviting shade like a soft off-white, a warm greige (grey-beige), or a muted taupe and some framed prints to add personality. A step up could include a feature wall with a striking wallpaper or bold colour, and soft furnishings and accessories with a complementary pop of colour. To achieve a high-end luxury look, wallpaper or decorative panelling work brilliantly as a feature wall behind the bed, and choose a colour palette with rich, deep tones like navy and emerald. Curtains and blinds should work with the room’s colour scheme whether they are ready-made or bespoke.

Lighting

A statement light fitting and warm white bulbs bring ambience into the room, however a bedside lamp is an absolute must; a spot of functional lighting. Again, there is a wide range to choose from.

We love the Florence Table Lamp from Sweetpea and Willow, The Kingham Table Lamp from Next and the Hadley Table Lamp from Dunelm. This selection shows that style is available on any budget.

The Extras

It’s the little things that can make a big impact. A cosy armchair or a tea and coffee station adds a sense of indulgence. A plush rug and a scented candle or diffuser elevates the space, while fresh flowers or a potted plant bring a touch of nature indoors.

All of these things help bring together a truly wonderful room for your guests, but what if you don’t have a separate room and guests are accommodated in a home office or a playroom?  A multipurpose space can still be made welcoming with consideration for all needs.

  • Choose a bed that can be stored away, like a sofa bed or a foldaway option.
  • Opt for neutral décor that suits both everyday use and overnight stays.
  • Have dedicated storage for bedding and guest essentials.  
  • Use room dividers or screens to create a sense of privacy.

No matter your budget or space constraints, you can create a well thought out guest bedroom or area that feels luxurious and inviting. For more interior design tips and ideas, follow us on Facebook.

Transform Your Interiors This Year

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to breathe fresh energy into your home. Whether you want small updates or a big transformation, creating a refreshed space doesn’t have to be complicated. By making thoughtful changes—like embracing a new colour palette, reorganising, or introducing key accessories

Here are six simple ways you can refresh your interiors in 2025.

1. Refresh Your Colour Palette

A new colour palette can instantly revitalise a space, the colours you live with can influence your mood, energy, and how a room feels. Soft neutrals like warm greys and taupe provide a calm and inviting base, muted greens or sage tones add a sense of natural serenity and warm natural tones create a versatile blank canvas perfect for future proofing.

2. Declutter for a Clean Slate

Decluttering is essential for both organisation and design. Start small: tackle one area at a time—like a single drawer, shelf, or corner. Sort items into “keep,” “donate,” or “store” piles and use stylish baskets or boxes to organise remaining items.

Decluttering also sets the stage for new updates. By clearing out the visual noise, you create a blank canvas to introduce fresh ideas, layouts, or accessories. To keep things clear and tidy, invest in storage. We love the White Rattan Bucket Baskets from Layered Lounge in neutral colours with useful handles for ease of use. Alternatively the Berber Storage Baskets from Dunelm and a lovely pattern and would suit a monochrome décor theme.  

One room that’s certain to suffer from mess and clutter are children’s bedrooms, storage is key but can also be part of the décor and look good too – The Cottage Storage Basket and the Rocket Ship Storage Basket, both from Dunelm, are a fun addition.  While the Strawberry Water Hyacinth Storage Basket from John Lewis will hide mess and clutter behind its charming exterior.

3. Rearrange Your Layout

Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all your room needs. Rearranging your furniture costs nothing but can completely change how a space feels. Experiment with layouts: move sofas, chairs, or tables to create better flow. Create “zones” in larger or open-plan spaces, like a reading nook with a cosy chair and lamp. Swap items between rooms—perhaps a statement mirror from the hallway could brighten your living space.

4. Update Accessories and Textures

Small details often make the biggest impact. Accessories and textures can transform a room, adding warmth, interest, and personality. Swap out cushion covers, throws, or rugs to reflect your refreshed palette. We still have a few more months before the weather heats up, so amp up the cosy winter feel with textured a knit throw or velvet curtains.

Experiment with layered textures: think warm woods, soft fabrics, and tactile ceramics to create a lived-in feel. We love the Textured Hand Woven Throw from Cotswold Company; its soft and shaggy design will add a touch of cosiness to any room.

5. Layer Your Lighting

Lighting is crucial, especially during the darker winter months. The right mix of lighting can set the mood, brighten spaces, and highlight your favourite areas. Use a mix of ambient lighting (overhead), task lighting (floor or table lamps), and accent lighting (statement lamps or uplighting). Opt for warm-toned bulbs to make your space feel inviting and cosy. Highlighting key areas—like a reading nook or sofa corner—with a soft table lamp can instantly make a room feel more welcoming.

In a recent client project, we added the beautiful Liang and Emil Botanical Floor Lamp from Shropshire Design. This isn’t just a light, this is a piece of art that elevates the room.  

We also love the Splash Sculptural Table Lamp from Pooky; this statement piece is both functional and impactful.

6. Bring in Greenery for Life and Energy

Plants are an effortless way to refresh your space and connect your home with nature. Greenery brings life, colour, and texture while improving air quality and overall ambiance. Choose low-maintenance plants like snake plants or eucalyptus stems for an easy update. High-quality faux greenery can look just as stunning as the real thing if you’re not green-fingered.

Finishing Touches: Personalise Your Space

Small personal touches go a long way in making a space feel meaningful. A multi frame grid featuring artwork or family photos can work really well, covering large wall areas or tricky angled corners. Try to ensure some aspects of the group have cohesion –   it could be the size of the frame, the colour of the frame, the tones within the artwork – or even the gaps you use to space the pieces – as long as there is some degree of cohesion you can create a personal and beautiful grouping and avoid it looking messy.

Take your first step to creating a fresh look in your home, and of course, you can get in touch to find out how we can help you bring you interior vision to life. Remember to follow us on Facebook from more interior ideas and inspiration.

Affordable Elegance for Your Interiors

When it comes to interior design, creating a luxurious and stylish home doesn’t always need a big budget. With the right approach and carefully curated pieces, it’s possible to achieve a luxe look. As experienced interior designers, we have a wealth of knowledge about where to source items that cater to a variety of budgets.

From statement side tables to soft furnishings, each element plays a key role in creating that high-end feel. Read on and find out how you can add elegance and sophistication to your home.

Side tables

Side tables are more than just functional pieces; they can add elegance and style to any room. Whether you opt for a sleek marble top or a minimalist metallic frame, a well-chosen side table can instantly elevate a space. They’re perfect for balancing the room while providing a platform for decorative accents.

Our picks:

The Kingston Side Table in white marble from Cult is stunning. The elements of marble and brass, combined in the striking design, can’t fail to wow. A golden finish will always add a touch of luxury to a room, and the Rui Metal Side Table from Sklum does this perfectly.

Lamps

Lighting is essential to creating a luxurious atmosphere, and table lamps can do wonders for adding warmth to a room. Look for designs that feature interesting shapes, finishes like brass or gold, and high-quality shades. A pair of stylish lamps can transform your space into something that feels high-end, even if the pieces themselves are budget-friendly.

The mango wood sculpted lamp from Graham & Green  brings a touch of nature with its natural finish. Also from Graham & Green, the Salma Matte Black Table Lamp is a sculptural beauty, that would work wonderfully in a monochromatic colour scheme.

Rugs

A beautiful rug can anchor your room, providing both comfort and style. Opt for textured rugs, such as plush wool or soft jute, to add a rich, tactile element. Larger rugs or layered rugs are especially effective in making a room feel grander and more luxurious.

The geometric pattern on the Roxy Black and White Rug from Rugvista brings interest to a room, and could be used to complement blacks, whites and greys, or to contrast bold colours. The bold designs of the Abstract Curving Pattern Rug from La Redoute adds texture and detail to a room, and, made from wool, it feels sumptious underfoot.

Art

Art is a powerful way to inject personality into a space while also giving it a refined, gallery-like feel. You don’t need to splurge on original pieces—affordable prints, well-framed photography, or even DIY art can create the same high-end impact. The right artwork, whether bold or minimalist, can transform a blank wall into a focal point.

Green Canvas Part 2 from The House Outfit is a lovely print, available in a variety of sizes, and, when paired with a frame that complements your colour scheme can make a real statement. High street retailers shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to interior design. The Green Geometric Abstract Framed Print from Dunelm features artwork from AnthologieUK and comes ready to hang.

Knobs, Handles and Hardware

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to give your home a luxury upgrade is by switching out old hardware. Sleek brass, matte black, or polished nickel handles and knobs can make cabinets and furniture feel instantly more expensive. It’s all in the details, and hardware can make a surprising difference in the overall aesthetic.

Coming in a variety of finishes, the Kepler Knurled T-Bar Handles from Plank Hardware can transform the look of cupboards and cabinet. We favour the fabulous brass finish. For something extra special, we love the Small Solid Brass Striped Half Moon Handles in Gold from Pushka Home.

Soft furnishings

Nothing says luxury like layers of soft, sumptuous fabrics. Cushions, throws, and covers are the perfect way to add texture, colour, and warmth to any room. Mix and match velvet, silk, and faux fur for a rich, inviting feel. Best of all, these items are easy to switch up for the seasons or when you want to refresh your decor.

These French Flax Linen Scalloped European Pillowcases from Bed Threads come in a variety of colours – we love the sage and olive – and would add a little flair to any bed. You can achieve a similar look for your sofas with the Linen-Blend Cushion Cover from H&M with it’s black scalloped edges contrasting against the cream. The Onega x Velvet Cushion Cover from La Redoute is something a little different combining the natural linen with an elegant velvet.

Remember to follow us on Facebook for more interior design inspiration and tips.

Embracing Black in Interior Design

When most people think of black in interior design, they envisage dark, gloomy spaces that feel small and uninviting. But that’s a myth! Black can add depth, sophistication and a modern edge to your home when used thoughtfully. We’re going to help you achieve that and showcase a recent client project where we’ve put it into practice.

Once thought to make spaces feel confined and dark, black is now recognised for its ability to add depth and drama. Due to its recent popularity, there is a wider variety of ways to use black with most suppliers now offering black in their ranges.

Black can frame architectural details or artwork bringing focus and clarity to a space adding a tonal punch to an otherwise neutral wall.

Black is used here to frame the window and the picture which adds interest to what might otherwise feel like a bland wall. Picking out black elements in the cushions brings cohesion across all elements of the room.

We aren’t suggesting that rooms are decorated entirely using black floor to ceiling, as that would be too intense and overwhelming, however if you have a high-ceilinged room, a black ceiling can really draw your eye up and make a feature out of the area, which when paired with other tones and finishes is really impactful.

Black works well with soft neutral colours such as whites, beiges and greys, although it is versatile enough to work with virtually any palette. You can use it within a monochromatic scheme, or make bold pairings with a jewel tone, such as emerald green or topaz yellow, or metallic finishes.

How to Use Black in Your Design

While we have given you an overview of black within interior design, here are some ways you can realise the stunning effect of black in your home.

  1. Pair with soft natural finishes such as brick or plaster to create a softer pallette
Using black on the window wall prevents any overwhelm, and it gives a great contrast against the natural stone of the brickwork. Pops of colour with the gold cabinet and pot plants work brilliantly, and it provides a stunning backdrop for this room.

2. Pair Black with Light Colours 

Combine black with light neutrals like whites, beige, or soft greys to prevent the room from feeling too dark. This contrast makes both the black and lighter colours stand out, giving the room a balanced and modern look.

This is a perfect example of how black can work with a neutral colour pairing.

3. Incorporate Different Textures 

Use a mix of textures, such as matte black finishes, glossy surfaces, or natural materials like wood and stone. Varying textures will add depth and interest, making black feel more dynamic and less flat.

The openness of the mezzanine allowed us to bring together different spaces, elements, colours and features. Having a glossy finish on the black floor ensures that the space retains its light and airiness.

4. Use Black as a Frame for Spaces 

We have used black to frame the light fixtures in the kitchen. This ensures that these stunning pendants are a focal point, and work with the kitchen bar to create separate cooking and dining areas.

A more traditionally styled piece of furniture (or in this case, a shaker style kitchen), when chosen in black can take on a whole new contemporary feel, and the balance of traditional lines and contemporary black tones is a visually interesting mix.     

5. Pay Attention to Lighting 

Ensure the room has ample natural or artificial lighting when using black. The correct lighting will prevent black from making a room feel too closed in, and instead, it can enhance the drama and elegance of the space.

Lighting and natural light are key to keeping a light and airy feel when using black in your colour scheme. We’ve enhanced the light in this hallway with a stunning, bespoke mirrored wall.

6. Incorporate Black in Small Details 

 If you’re not ready for large doses of black, start with small accents like black picture frames, light fixtures, or hardware. These subtle touches can elevate a room’s style without committing to large, bold areas of black.

Small elements of black can be picked out here in the table legs, picture frame and cushion pattern. These create a cohesive look, but the standout colour in this room comes from the rich emerald green chairs.

7. Mix Black with Metallic Accents 

Pair black with metallic elements such as matt or antiqued brass to add a sense of luxury and warmth.

Don’t think that bathrooms have to be white and boring! The black tiles look fantastic here, and the brass of the basin frame stands out against the black and really pops in the space.

Black may seem like a daring choice, but when used strategically, it can completely transform your space. Whether you opt for a subtle touch or a statement piece, incorporating black into your interior design can add a modern, chic edge that’s both on-trend and timeless.

We loved working on this project, and you can see the full gallery here, and if you want to know more about the project, including some before photos, see how it progressed here.  

Remember you can follow us on Facebook for more interior design inspiration.

Designing a Bedroom Oasis

Family life is full of hustle and bustle! At this time of year, when the new school year starts, thoughts and ideas often focus on the children. Where will they do their homework? How can we fit in more storage space? Let’s create a designated play area! But what about the parents? In a busy life, we want to help you create a sanctuary to relax in, rejuvenating you after a day of being on the go. Let’s dive in and see how a calm and peaceful bedroom can be created.

Create a Relaxing Atmosphere

  • Your colour palette: opt for a warm neutrals. We particularly like Farrow and Ball lighter neutrals like Slipper Satin and Shadow White, along with slightly darker neutrals like Stony Ground or Drop Cloth. These give a warm and cocooning effect.
  • Use your lighting: soft, ambient lighting such as table lamps or a dimmable ceiling light combined with task lighting, such as a reading lamp, can create a serene environment.
  • Introduce textiles: cosy blankets, plush rugs and high thread-count bed linen give a touch of luxe whilst making the room comfortable and adding to the relaxation potential.

The Mangliano Linen Sheer Curtain from La Redoute brings in soft, neutral colours in a lovely way. Whilst this won’t shut out the light, it will filter it and offer a gentle, warming effect. It would look beautiful hung across your window, alternatively, you could hang it around your bed for a sumptuous feel.

A great way to bring a soft feel to your bedroom, especially if you have wooden floors, is with this gorgeous Fur Rug from Benuta which does the job perfectly. Its softness and texture, in a gentle beige, add to the calming finish.

The Hannasta Oak and Opaline  Globe Table Lamp from La Redoute gives us the soft glow we desire, but with the bulb concealed it is also a minimalist sculptural piece for the room.  

The Linot Plain Linen Duvet Cover from La Radoute is a great example of a warm, neutral colour, and the natural feel of the linen adds to the overall effect.

Optimise the functionality and flow

  • Bed placement: where possible position the bed to be the focal point of the room, away from the door but with a clear view of it. This creates a sense of security and control.
  • Bedside storage: ensure that each side of the bed has a nightstand, table or shelf for your essentials. A drawer or cupboard where you can store your tech devices is a bonus.

We love the Izzy Curved Rattan Bedside Table from Daals. The natural finish, soft corners and rounded legs complement the style that we are working towards.

If you have the space to incorporate seating in your bedroom then we urge you to do so. It will give you an additional space to relax, and it can bring in more colour and textural aspects to support the theme that you trying to achieve. We love the Dylan Linen Bench from Graham and Green and the Curved Cream Snug Footstool from Rockett St George.

Personalise the Décor

  • Choose artwork of personal photos that evoke positive emotions, and that contribute to the room’s calming atmosphere. Choose frames that complement the colour scheme for cohesion throughout the design.
  • Reflect your personal style in the room. A great way to do this is through accessories and soft furnishings such as throw pillows, a favourite bed cover or ornaments.

We love the Hekatos Embossed Paper Frames from La Redoute. They add interest and texture to the room, and as a set of 6 can have quite an impact.

For a truly unique finish to your room, we recommend that you use Royal Silk from Primacol Decorative. This is no ordinary paint, and by using it you can create an elegant and sophisticated effect, which is velvety to the touch and available in a variety of colours from light hues to darker tones.

Additional tips

  • Invest in high-quality mattresses and pillows that suit your sleeping style. A high level of comfort will improve your sleep.
  • Soft furnishings such as curtains and rugs can help absorb sound to create a quieter, and more peaceful, environment.
  • Add wood for warmth, and soft shapes and natural textures
  • For privacy, ensure your windows have adequate coverings.
  • Add indoor plants for a touch of nature and to improve the air quality.

Designing a bedroom that offers a serene retreat amidst a busy family life requires some thought and planning, but it is worth it for its calming effect. By creating a relaxing atmosphere, using smart storage and prioritising personal comfort, you can put together a space that promotes relaxation and enhances your well-being. A sanctuary to escape the daily demands and to recharge.

Remember to follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas and tips.

Upcycling: The Eco-Friendly Design Feature

Upcycling has been around for a while, but in a world where impact on the environment is becoming a bigger priority to people, it is increasing in popularity. Not to mention that it can be a cost-effective way to add a personal and unique to your home.

We’re taking this opportunity to help you decide whether upcycling is for you.

While recycling breaks items down to produce raw materials, upcycling is more creative, and doesn’t involve breaking it down, but rather reimagining it for a new lease of life. Upcycling’s roots are in the practice of resourcefulness, and is now fuelled by environmental awareness.

Re-using furniture in this way reduces waste and minimises the average carbon footprint.

What can you upcycle?

Not all furniture is created equal when it comes to upcycling potential, but don’t worry! These are the key qualities to look for in your potential furniture:

  • Quality of material – durable woods such as oak or teak and sturdy metals are ideal for upcycling. These materials will withstand modification and age beautifully.
  • Structural integrity – look for pieces that are solid and stable. Cosmetic damage like scratches or faded finishes is fine, but avoid items with severe structural damage.
  • Aesthetic potential: Pieces with a unique design, interesting lines or historic values can become standout features in your home.
  • Where to find your potential piece: it might already be in your home, or you could find the perfect thing in a charity shop, eBay or car boot sales.           
  • Potential for Easy Repairs and Refurbishments: Choose pieces that can be easily cleaned, sanded, or painted. Items that require minimal effort to restore are ideal.
  • Style and Functionality: Ensure the piece fits your design scheme and consider its potential for multifunctionality, like a table that can also serve as a storage unit.

If you have a creative flair, then you may wish to tackle an upcycling DIY project there are plenty of resources online to help you. Our top tip for your projects is to use primers and paints that are suitable for the work. Primers will help you prepare tricky surfaces, whether that’s a smooth service that you need paint to be able to stick to, or a rough finish that you want to even out ready for a smooth top coat of paint. Choose your paint carefully too, making sure it will help you achieve the look you are after. We love Chalk Paints from Annie Sloan; there is no need for sanding or priming, you simply choose the colour you want, from the large range of gorgeous shades, and get going.

If you don’t feel up to taking on DIY, there are skilled professionals who can help you achieve a beautiful upcycled piece. In the Bedfordshire area, you have options like Absolutely Shabbylass, based on Castle Road in Bedford and Gracie’s House, based in Bromham. Bedfordshire.

If we’ve inspired you to upcycle, then good luck with your projects, and remember that you can follow us on Facebook for more interior design tips and ideas.

Summer Feels with Interior Design

Interior design gives you the opportunity to express yourself and create whatever look and feel suits you and your home. It might be summer outside, but you can also embrace it on the inside and give your interior a warm glow all year round. The influence of summer will evoke feelings of relaxation, tranquillity and joy; things that we could all do with feeling more of. The season outside has inspired us to share with you some of our favourite things to create a summery feel in any room.

Walls

A quick and easy win is to use a summer-inspired colour on your walls, such as sunny yellow or ocean blue, or for a more striking effect a summer wallpaper could be the way to go. We love Topiary Wallpaper by Cole & Son sourced from Jane Clayton. The green gives a wonderfully fresh look and the pattern is stunning. The Highveld wallpaper in ochre from Photowall is a great way to add a floral element to your home. These are both highly patterned wallpapers and would be well suited to use as a backdrop to shelves or in a smaller area like a hallway for an update.

Artwork

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ll know that we love the versatility of artwork for transforming a space. With so many options to choose from – the variety of colour, subject finish and framing – we know that there is something to suit any home. Desenio is one of our favourite suppliers for artwork with great choice and budget range. While you can choose 1 piece at a time, their Calm Art Gallery Wall creates a fantastic feature and fits in perfectly with a summer feel. You could use this as inspiration to create your own wall of art with separate pictures and paintings. 

For a completely different type of art feature, look at the work of photographer Slim Aarons. His photographs are outstanding, and he is best known for his “photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places”. Aarons photographed guests enjoying the sun and pool at the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, Antibes, France in “Eden-Roc”, available from Enter Gallery; such a fabulous example of his work.

Textures

Natural fibres and textures epitomise the essence of summer and can be elements within most furniture or accessories. The Samaï Fibre Ceiling Light from La Redoute is a fun and distinctive way to add that natural feel. We also love the Hadlow Woven Rope Stool from Abigail Ahern, which can be used with your existing furniture to complement it.

Indoor : Outdoor Décor

If you are worried about investing when the British summer is notoriously short, then don’t worry as there are many accessories that you can use in your garden for outdoor living, and also indoors to enjoy the summer feel when the sun has disappeared!   

Soft furnishings are always a good way to easily change the theme and feel of a room, and this selection is no different. All of these cushions can be both outdoors and indoors and are a great investment.

The Burlington Outdoor cushions from Andrew Martin has a lovely range of colours.  Similarly, the Gypsum Tropic Outdoor Cushion, also from Andrew Martin offers a different pattern and range of colours.

For additional options, the Pompano Grass Outdoor Cushions from Designers Guild come in a variety of colours and are made of a dual toned jacquard weave combined with a printed canvas.  The Rosita Grass Cushions from Decoralist give a pretty burst of green and come in a variety of sizes, with or without fringing, bringing extra interest to your indoor or outdoor chairs and sofas.

Lastly, a side table is always a good partner for any seating solution, and the Mabel Indoor / Outdoor Side Table and the Indigo Striped Ceramic Stool, both from Anthropologie, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and come in fresh colours.

We hope that you enjoy a summery feel in your home, however you choose to embrace it, and remember that you find more of our thoughts by following us on Facebook.