Tag: Interior Designer Bedfordshire

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.

Why Work With an Interior Designer

We love what we do! Helping clients to envisage how their home could look, using their preferences to shape the décor, and seeing that all come together. We wanted to spend a little time on explaining why it could benefit you to engage an interior designer when it comes to your home.

We know that interior design services can be considered a luxury, but it is a common misconception that working with an interior designer is an extravagant expense. We work with a wide array of clients, varying budgets and different sizes or projects; there is something for everyone with design. In the long run, working with an interior designer can save you money. Through our experience we know where to find the perfect item of furniture, accessory or wallpaper, and with our access to a network of suppliers we can help you source high-quality materials to suit your budget, making sure you get the best value for money. With our help and advice, you can also prevent making costly mistakes.

Working with us will also save you time. We are the ones researching and shopping for the various elements of the design. Knowing where to look and from which suppliers we can source the perfect item results in you getting the look you want, and not settling for something that’s ‘nearly there’ or ‘almost right’.

When you work with us, you have access to our skill set, our experience and expertise. We know what will work in certain spaces and environments, and we understand design principles and how to implement them. We know how to use colours and textures to enhance the look or feeling that you are after, and we know how to maximise storage and light however big or small your room. You tell us your ideas, your dreams and inspiration, and we can help you bring that to life in your home.  

Throughout the seasons and over time we keep abreast of interior design trends. We aren’t interior designers who get hung up trends for the sake of it, we will only use current trends if they are truly right for our clients. We do, however, use trends to our advantage for inspiration and will add them to projects that call for them. We put together mood boards and suggestions specifically for our clients. This might include furniture, wallpapers and paints, artwork and accessories and even custom-made furniture or exclusive textiles that we can source for you.

When it comes to designing your home, whether you have just moved in or you’re updating the house you’ve lived in for years, the advantages of hiring an interior design are undeniable. We offer value for money and a wealth of experience and skills. If you are interested in having your home designed by an expert, head over to our website for more information.

Enhancing Your Interiors with Sculptural Influences

At Interiors at 58, using sculptural pieces in our designs is about elevating a functional piece of furniture into something beyond its purpose; something that is also beautiful in its own right – something that makes it feel like you are adding a piece of art into your home. We love to use sculptural pieces in many of our projects, and luckily for us this trend is being embraced so there is lots of choice when it comes to abstract shapes, natural textures and plenty of curves!

This sculptural influence is something that you too can add to your home, and here are some of our favourite pieces.

Chairs and seating provide plenty of opportunity to add a touch of sculpture in any room from dining chairs to occasional chairs, and sofas and armchairs. Our top choices are the Santini Dining Chair from my furniture and the Boucle Upholstered Chair from Private Floor. Boucle is a wonderful natural texture like wool which enhances the artistic feel of a piece of furniture. It’s a very versatile fabric, working well in both contemporary and classic spaces and its typically neutral tones work in almost all schemes.

A chaise longue is typically a decorative piece and a thing of beauty and the simple lines and gentle curves of the Lima Chaise Longue from my furniture are just gorgeous. Upholstered in a stunning velvet fabric and sitting on a brushed brass base; its sculptural design is simply one of its aspects to admire and it will take centre stage in any room.

Coffee and side tables are another great way to add this influence to your home. We love the Richmond Big & Rich Gold Nest Tables from Olivia’s. They perfectly encapsulate the look with their smooth circular shapes and the gold metal finish gives any room a high-end feel and beautiful focal point.

If you want a fine frame to enhance the feeling of space in your room, the Loriini Coffee Table from Swoon should be top of your list! The brass base of the table forms a cage giving both an open feel and statement look. With an opulent white marble tabletop, it’s the perfect addition to any space. 

Sculptural and abstract pieces can also be defined by a more natural and handmade feel, with irregular sides, shapes and textures. This Birger Papier Mache Table Lamp from Sazy will help bring this current trend and feel to your home at an affordable price. 

Mirrors are always a great addition, they are versatile and affordable and come in a range of sizes and designs and maximise the light in the room. It’s no surprise to us that there are a plethora of mirror designs along the sculptural theme. One of our top picks is the Pond Mirror from Dunelm.  Not only is this a beautiful irregular shape but the brass frame elevates it to a look beyond its price point. We suggest using multiples of this mirror on a large wall to create a fantastic dramatic feature, or as a single it’s the perfect size to give your bathroom an updated feel.    

There are many ways to update your interiors using unique, sculptural and abstract pieces, but if you need more inspiration do remember to follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas and advice.

Get Ready for Some Outdoor Living

Interior design isn’t always about what’s going on inside your home. At this time of the year you’ll be looking forward to spending time in the garden, and we can help you design a space to allow you to enjoy doing just that.

Whether you’re aiming to create a tranquil oasis, a socialising hub, or a functional outdoor workspace, we are sharing tips to empower you to breathe fresh life into your outdoor areas, and encourage you to see the exterior of your home as an extension of your indoor living space.

An important part of summer outdoor living is creating shade from the summer sun. Add some style and animal print to your patio with the Black Sands Beach Umbrella from Sunday Supply Co. Its versatility gives you the option to use this in the garden or pack it up and take it to the beach. 

The perfect outdoor living space will give you shade and shelter in the daylight sun, but also provide warmth and light to allow you to use it past dusk and into the evening. A fire pit is the perfect addition to give light as the evenings draw in as well as the all important warmth to take the chill away. We love the Cast Iron Fire Bowl from Graham and Green, a must-have for those who enjoy relaxing and entertaining alfresco.

This beautiful hanging light from lights.co.uk can be used both inside or out. With a recess around the light element, you can place faux foliage to hang over the edge of the light creating an eye catching focal point. It’s an innovative way of adding greenery to your patio and decking areas.

A quick and easy way to light up your garden in style is with the Hanging Solar Lights from lights4fun. Simple to hang from trees or your pergola in your favourite sunny spot, they will bring the garden to life every night! 

Soft furnishings and accessories don’t just work inside your home, there is a place for them outside as well. Choose a rug for your patio like the Taro Black & White rug from benuta, to add a homely feel and a touch of cosiness. It is suitable for both in- and outdoor use, meaning you can use it all year round.

Cushions are a key part of your outdoor comfort, and with a wide choice there will be something for everyone. We love the Zacke, Areca and Contorno cushions from Oka. The qualities of the polyester fabric are that it is shower resistant and anti-mildew, but retains a soft, quality feel. Perfect for use outdoors.

You can go to town with your outdoor space or keep it simple depending on your needs or your style. Here are some quick wins for perking up your patio:

  • Hang an outdoor mirror to create lightness and brightness in even dark corners
  • Have blankets to hand for cuddling up in on chillier evenings
  • Benches and tables with hidden storage can hide away cushions and accessories
  • If space is limited, use vertical space with hanging planters or trellises for climbing plants

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

Interior Design is Not Just for Adults!

So summer’s (sadly) over and the children have gone back to school,  and they need their bedrooms to be both a sanctuary and a workspace, so how do we achieve the perfect multi-purpose space?

Creating areas and zones, in any room, is the key to a successful multi-purpose room. Each function has its own space, cleverly separated yet tied together with, for example, complementary shades keeping the room feeling whole, while having defined areas.

One way to separate different areas of a room is by using a room divider. There is a huge range available, and these can be used in any room in your home to great effect.

The freestanding wood panel from Wayfair is a stylish and flexible piece that will subtly create those zones. While the Panamara teak room divider from Maisons du Monde will visually distinguish different spaces, maybe forming a hidden corner in the living room where you can work from home, or defining a dressing area in your bedroom.

If you want something different, try a hanging divider. We love this one from Etsy which is not only functional, but it doubles up as a statement piece and talking point.

One thing that children, whatever age, need in their room is a desk or dressing table; somewhere to use to either work or play or even both! There is a wide variety of desks available; something to suit every room, budget and taste. Here are a couple of our favourites:

Petite Amelie have this gorgeous desk that works as a dressing table too. Its minimalist Scandinavian design can fit in with every child’s room.

The Adil desk from La Redoute is a versatile, retro design. It is on trend and budget friendly, and your chair and accessories will make it unique to you. Ideal for a growing child’s room.

Beds can offer flexibility and can be the ultimate piece of furniture when it comes to multi-purpose rooms. There are some great options for children’s room for functional and fun bedtimes.

A high sleeper bed like the Warwick High Sleeper from Aspace makes the most of the floor space below the bed with storage and a desk. Alternatively you can go for the a high sleeper with a futon for an additional bed. The Warwick range includes matching items like the Pedestal Desk if you want a theme throughout the room.

For smaller children, the Una Sleep Station from Noa and Nani has everything they need!

For all families great storage is the key to keeping on top of clutter and creating a calming space, however it doesn’t need to be boring and there is lots of choice when it comes to fun and funky things that your kids will love, and help keep them tidy.

We love these storage units:

Top tips

  • If you keep the décor simple and neutral colours it can be easily updated as your children get older
  • Get your kids involved at the design stage so they can express themselves with the choices.
  • The addition of accessories will reflect their current preferences and life stage
  • Use keepsakes and photos of them in the room to make it truly personal.

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

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.

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.

Designing Your Christmas

We usually put our efforts into designing homes that will stand the test of time, however, at Christmas we love to put our hearts into getting the perfect festive look with some well-chosen accessories! With a plethora of decorations available on the High Street and online, how do you choose your colour scheme and put together your decorations? We’d like to make your life easier and share with you some of our top tips and favourite Christmas accessories.

Top Tips

  • Choosing one accent colour will give you the most elegant look. We love to use green; it is a beautiful natural tone and perfect for Christmas combined with either silver or golds.
  • Make the entry to your home welcoming and festive by lighting a pine scented candle. We love Jo Malone, but Homesense often have lovely affordable options.
  • We love using fewer items but picking something oversized to give the wow factor and this year have made a festive window display of 3 giant hanging 50cm baubles. Don’t forget the outside of your house with this oversized star light from Festive-Lights.com.
  • It’s all about fairy lights at Christmas! Try combining them with a garland of seasonal leaves such as ivy and winding them down your bannister or draping them over your fireplace for a stylish look. This flocked pine garland from The Worm That Turned will also make your hallway look spectacular.

 

Our favourite seasonal picks

This wicker tree skirt from Dunelm completes a Christmas tree giving it a rustic touch.

This gorgeous snowflake light from Graham and Green makes a great centrepiece or a statement in your home whilst bring a soft glow to the room.

You don’t need snow this Christmas to give you an excuse to get this luxurious throw from Westelm out. Snuggle up over the holidays in luxury.

Make your Christmas tree truly personalised with these glass letter ornaments from Westelm, choose one for each of the family.

Children and adults alike can’t resist a snow globe. This cute Natural Woodland scene snow globe, from Not on the High Street, would make a perfect gift, or a gorgeous ornament.

Make an unforgettable first impression with your festive spirit and start your decorations from your front door. This wreath, from Nordic House, creates an impact before your guests have even crossed the threshold.

We would love to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Interiorsat58 and of course have a look at our Facebook page for more seasonal ideas.