Tag: Interior Design

Get Your Interiors Ready for Christmas

At Interiors at 58 we love Christmas and get in the spirit at the beginning of December with a house full of decorations. We will be sharing our own Christmas look once it’s finished, but in the meantime we’re sharing with you some of our favourite Christmas decorations and accessories, hoping to inspire you with your Christmas décor.

Set the expectation with your decorations, starting with your front door. Choosing a beautiful wreath to hang, such as this Everlasting eucalyptus Wreath and Lights Set from Sarah Raven, gets you into the festive spirit before you even step into your home.

Winter is always the time to snuggle up and be warm at home, and Christmas is the perfect chance to bring in festive themed soft furnishings that look great and keep you toasty. This throw blanket from Café Press is made out of soft and warm plush fleece, and can be used anywhere.

Your Christmas tree is typically the focal point of decorations, but it doesn’t need to be. If you don’t have the space for a tree, or simply want more decorative cheer, use fairy lights throughout your home. Weave them round stair bannisters or adorn dressers. The Pom Pom Fairy lights from Anthropologie are perfect for the job, adding fun and cheer to the décor wherever they are placed.

We love this gold chandelier from Meri Meri. Gold is a fabulous colour to use at Christmas, and with the glittering gold stars, it is a star attraction. This is one that could be used all year round, and not just at Christmas. Stars really are a favourite at Christmas, and this golden star with mirrored glass from Oliver Bonas should feature in every home this year.

And talking of gold, we can’t ignore the range of gold tree decorations in the Gisela Graham range at Amara. Theme your tree with gold and a colour such as silver or green and create a wonderful look. Why not browse the full Gisela Graham tree selection; there is a large variety of beautifully crafted decorations and there is something to suit any tree.

Why not create your own Christmas gallery? With a choice of winter and Christmas themed artwork you can transform your room. There are a variety of prints available from Poster Store, available with or without frames and suitable for any budget. Or you could pick one piece of seasonal artwork, like the Joy Christmas Print from Annie Dornan Smith and make it the centre point of a display.

The dining table is the centre of Christmas day festivities and deserves to be decorated as such. There are many festive elements that you can bring to it. We love the Balsam Cloche from Anthropologie. Keep your festive bakes and Santa’s cookies safe under the beautifully decorated glass.

Remember to follow us on Facebook to get a first look at our Christmas decorations this year.

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!

Follow us on Facebook for more interior design tips.

Multipurpose Rooms Can Be The Smart Choice

When you move into a house, you don’t always know what life has in store for you. A growing family, working from home, and the need for additional storage; these aren’t always anticipated. Of course if your needs change you could move house, but there are many reasons why this doesn’t need to be the solution. Moving costs alone need to be considered, and often it can a cost-effective, viable option to stay where you are but make changes.

If you feel that your home isn’t working for you anymore, take a moment to really look at how you use your home and what you need from it. This knowledge will allow you to think about utilising your space more efficiently. Multipurpose rooms really come into their own here – they save space while taking into account different living needs.

Décor

You can use your colour scheme to great effect here to both create a seamless look and differentiate the spaces. Keeping walls neutral will keep the room bright and light, which will always give you the effect of space often needed in a multipurpose room. If you choose similar colours for your storage then it will blend in with the walls, keeping the light effect. Alternatively you could use colour to break the room up; a blue wall behind a desk will distinguish that as being the “office” section of the room.

Accessories and artwork are always brilliant additions to a room, adding interest and colour, and again these can be used to separate the room. A rug may be the centre point of the “living area” of the room. If you are keeping some, or all, of the walls a neutral colour, use artwork to stop the room looking blank.

What works in a multipurpose room?

Lockdown has certainly made many people create a working space in a variety of rooms; a common need that a multipurpose room solves. A working space could be added into a bedroom, ideal for children doing homework too, a living or dining room or even a kitchen. You might need to use a spare room in multiple ways, a playroom or office that easily converts into a guest bedroom maybe. A play space for children can be a welcome addition to a living room, family time together when you want it, and separated when you need a more adult space.

Here are just some pieces that you can use when space is at a premium.

When you have limited space, make sure you make use of every nook and cranny. The Quinnlynn Secretary Desk from Wayfair is perfect for a very limited space. If you want a discrete office space in a room, this works well.

Storage space doesn’t need to be boring and look functional. The Portland Wine Cupboard from The Dormy House is a stylish piece for a living room with a dining area. Keep the crockery and tableware hidden aware, and as an added bonus you can have your wine to hand at dinner time.

The Abel Ottoman from MADE boasts hidden storage and makes a great addition whether it’s a living room or a bedroom; the perfect secret hideaway for bits and bobs.

Storage and fun are two key things when it comes to children’s bedrooms. The Beach House Cabin bed, from The Children’s Furniture Company, is an investment but it’s not only a statement that will be the focal point in the room it’s practical and flexible too – keep everything else simple to keep costs down.

Do you need some play space in the living room that you can hide away after bedtime? The Bodmin Play Table from the Great Little Trading Company can double as a coffee table when the plain side faces up. One table serving two purposes.

Tips

  • Start with the ‘big space’ first and fit other things around it
  • Choose multipurpose furniture for space and cost-efficiency
  • Cupboards with doors can be used to hide things away
  • Check that it works for everyone.

For more interior design hints and tips, remember to follow us on Facebook.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas.

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 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