Tag: Interior Design

Small But Beautiful Interiors

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

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

Small Office Spaces

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

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

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

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

Making awkward spaces work

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

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

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

Hints and Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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It’s Time for Beautiful Christmas Interiors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interiors for the Winter Months

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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September 2020

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

Design your Christmas Dining Table

Christmas, a time to celebrate and spend time with your loved ones. Christmas dinner, for many, is the highlight of Christmas day and as Interior Designers we think that your dinner table should look the part.

We at Interiors at 58 wanted to share with you some of our favourite things. There is still time to be inspired and create your own spectacular table.

Start with a centrepiece on your table; a focal point. We love this Pinecone Candle Holder from Marquis and Dawe. The light of the candle flame creates a warm, cosy glow and the frosted finish ensure that there is a wintery decorative touch.

Alternatively, a snow globe makes a great centrepiece, adding a touch of class. This globe from We R Christmas features a white reindeer in a forest; shake it for a magical scene.

A table runner gives a great start for your Christmas dining table. With the runner laid, you can keep the decorations simple, or layer them to create a more complex design.

These foliage sprays from Sarah Raven add a pop of fresh greenery. Display they them in a vase to great effect.

You can avoid any seating arguments by using place names on your table. These lovely snow globe Christmas place cards, from Ginger Ray, are a little bit of festive fun for the day.

To finish the table, scatter these stars, from the White Company,  around. The silver sparkle adds some glitter and Christmas magic. You don’t just need to consign them to the table, why not try using them to accessorise your mantlepiece or windowsill. And, of course, remember the Christmas crackers too. These beautiful Angel Christmas crackers from Selfridges will wow your diners.

Your table is all set, but why make your guests wait until dinner to get into the festive spirit? Use a scented candle to fill your home with Christmas magic, like this one from Jo Malone, with the seasonal combination of pine and eucalyptus.

We at Interiors at 58 would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year.

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December 2019

Hygge Interior Design – Something Cosy and Comfortable for Winter

The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and there is no doubt that we are well on the way to winter with colder weather here to stay. We often talk about seasonal themes in design, and this is a perfect example of why. Winter trends create warmth in your house and lend themselves to utilising luxe fabrics and textures.

Scandinavian influence is often prevalent in the type of design that suits colder seasons. In fact, there is a word for cosiness and comfort in Danish; Hygge, it defines cosy and warm:

Hygge: a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

You can even learn to live the Hygge way; is it any wonder, therefore, that our list of favourite things for the season will help you create a warm and cosy home?

Warmth is all about rustic finishes, low lighting and layering textures and there’s no better way to start than with these Icelandic Sheepskins from Cowshed Interiors. With a choice of colour and length, you can throw these anywhere in your home to great effect.

Sheepskin doesn’t just make great rugs and throws, it is more versatile than that. We love these sheepskin beanbags from The White Company. Sumptuous curly sheepskin; perfect for getting comfortable and ideal for the family as sheepskin is naturally durable.

If you like a thick, lustrous fabric, faux fur is also an option for you. It can be used to finish and upholster a variety of soft furnishings and pieces of furniture, such as this vintage style chair with birch legs from Maison du Monde. It will enhance a cosy atmosphere and is a perfect match for a Nordic styled room.

Wood and wooden finishes inject warmth into a room with their natural finishes. The installation of wooden furniture will prevent a space feeling stark and cold, but smaller wooden items will have a similar effect. Add these oak stools from Rose and Grey, they would compliment many interior themes.

Soft lighting and candlelight are essential parts of creating the Hygge feel in your home. This scented candle from H&M is pretty, and reasonably priced – good to create a warm glow. Even scent alone can complete a room; a Hygge scent diffuser from Trouva embodies cosiness. Low lighting effects can be created a variety of ways, so if you would like an alternative to candlelight, why not look for a table light, like our pick from Atkin and Thyme, to throw out the perfect amount of light

      

Never forget the benefit of a rug. It will keep your feet warm during the colder months. This rug from Westelm keeps you and your rooms warm in style. Its lustrous silky texture demonstrates its quality, and it will instantly dress up any room.

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November 2019

Interior Design for All Budgets

Interior design is about making the best possible use of available space, and adding style and personality. Design can work with any budget, and if you haven’t got a lot to splurge there are savvy ways to make the most of every single item in your home. We are going to guide you on where to invest and where to save.

Invest

Manage your budget, and decide on key pieces that are vital and that deserve investment.

   

Sofas and beds are where you spend the most time, and their comfort is vital. Choose wisely, and spend as much as you can on these items because they will last the test of time.

Statement lighting always adds a wow factor to any room and every home. A careful choice of lighting means that a room can evolve and change around it, without it becoming dated.

   

Kitchens and bathrooms feature high in the list of frequently used rooms, and they are key areas for investment in your home. Opting for timeless, neutral finishes give you a solid, long-lasting foundation of each room. Energise the units and furniture with accessories, wallpaper, lighting and art. These are things that can be easily and affordably changed, but can change the style of a room dramatically.

Save

Whatever your budget, there are areas where you can save without compromising the finished project.

  • You can save on accent chairs and occasional pieces. These don’t get the day to day wear and tear that key items, like a sofa, will. This means that comfort and quality aren’t as big an issue and you can choose lower budget items.
  • When choosing things that are overly trend-led, think about how long the trend will last. The budget you allocate for an on-trend finish needs to be proportional to the amount of time the trend will last. A seasonal finish, for example, will only last a few months before you look to change it.
  • There are rooms and furniture in your home that will be most heavily hit by wear and tear. Hallway wallpaper, rugs, kitchen dining chairs, playroom furniture; all things that are likely to get damaged through everyday use. Choose lower budget items that won’t break your heart when they do get damaged, and don’t break the bank when you, frequently, need to repair or replace them.

Re-Use

Upcycling furniture is the perfect way to be cost-effective, and allows you to hang on to heirlooms and loved pieces but giving them an up to date twist.

  • Re-upholstering is an easy way to breathe new life into old furniture. This is a great option where smaller areas of fabric are needed, such as headboards, dining chairs and ottomans. Larger items or fabric areas may be uneconomical to change, however you may be able to re-purpose an item instead.
  • ‘Orange’ pine furniture can look outdated, but this is easily remedied by giving them a whitewash or coast of chalk paint which will give a much more contemporary look.
  • Changing the handles can transform the look of a piece –a simple white Ikea wooden unit can be transformed by gold/colourful or jewelled handles.

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October 2019

Interior Design Isn’t Exclusive to Adults

The children are back at school, and now is the perfect time to think about their bedrooms and study space. Interior design isn’t just for the adult spaces in the house, you can use the same strategies to create the perfect space for your children that achieves the right balance of fun, style and practicality!

Study Space

The older they get the more homework that will be dished out and the bigger the need for children to have a place dedicated for them to study; somewhere they can focus and concentrate.

Raised beds with storage and workspace underneath are a great idea. It makes sensible use of the space without being boring. This cabin bed from Noa and Nani is versatile and stylish and will complement a changing décor over time.

You can create something special with star wallpaper from Rockett St George. This could feature in any child’s bedroom, whatever their age.

When styling a room for older children, or teenagers, they sway towards a style that represents the maturity that they are heading for. The choices for the decoration and furniture should be led by this.

This bedside cabinet from Graham and Green is perfect for a maturing style, with its distinctive cloud design.

This gorgeous pink faux fur chair from Maisons du Monde is the perfect addition to a teenage girl’s bedroom. A statement piece that is both practical and comfortable, and that can be used with a desk or a dressing table.

Choosing a double bed for your child’s room can seem a grown up step, but this copper framed bed from Made.com is a great choice. It beautifully designed, and its slender frame won’t dominate the room. It definitely brings some Wow into the room.

Studying for hours, preparing for exams; this all needs to be done in comfort. Choose an office chair that is fit for the job, like the Neptune chair from Wayfair.

Thinking about interior design with children in mind, remember the family areas too. Furniture 123 offer a great bench which combines storage, functionality and, of course, style. It gives you somewhere to hide away shoes and bags, as well as a comfortable seat for getting ready in the morning.

Hints and Tips

  • Invest in neutral, long-lasting pieces. Choosing neutral, quality beds and wardrobes, means they will stand the test of time and you can inject some fun with affordable accessories such as the fur chair or a vibrant rug that can easily be updated as they grow. These rugs are both available from Wayfair.

      

  • Wallpaper is great in children’s bedrooms and if you choose a style such as stars or stripes, they will also age well and can be updated with new pieces as necessary.
  • A high-rise bed will allow for room underneath for either workspace or play space and make the room feel larger.
  • Incorporate plenty of storage but try to have storage the children can access themselves when they want to play such as benches with low baskets otherwise things can tend to be forgotten about!

September 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