Enduring Interior Designs

As interior designers, we are often asked to help our clients achieve a timeless look, one that they will love for years to come, one that will feel as fresh and inspiring as the day it was finished. We are going to share with you some secrets behind achieving a timeless look.

Neutral Colour Palette

Central to the concept of a timeless design is a neutral palette. Think greys, whites, sage green and a huge variety of hues. By keeping base finishes versatile, you can update as needed. Soothing tones and a cohesive palette will be a great choice if you want to ensure your choices stand the test of time.

Natural Elements

Nature will always feature in interiors. Use finishes that have been around for centuries such as wood, glass, plaster, brass, stone and natural textures like linen and wool.  Exposed brick walls and natural stone countertops work brilliantly, and wood flooring is another great way to harness nature in your home. Herringbone floors have been around for centuries and still look good today. Keep them modern by using a jumbo plank size and ensuring there isn’t too much contrast in the wood tones, or the look becomes too busy.

Work With What You’ve Got

Work with the architectural style of your home and highlight its features, this will always pave the path to longevity. An industrial style for a loft, a mid-century design in a 1960s home, or an art deco scheme in a 1920s house are some examples of how to work this. When interiors match architecture, it will always feel relevant and, therefore, timeless.

Choose Quality

Invest in good quality basics made by craftsmen; spending a good proportion of your budget on key pieces or furniture will achieve an enduring design. A well-made unit or table can last for decades, being styled and updated to suit. Investing in storage that is practical, and also elevates a space through its aesthetic form, will always be a good investment.

Timeless Kitchens

A shaker kitchen is the most popular choice for clients updating this space, and it’s easy to see why. This classic design can be styled in a multitude of ways to ensure it lasts for decades and, whether you choose a more heavily beaded traditional style or a simple inset panel, you can be sure this is a style you won’t live to regret. Remember to keep the units neutral and add impact with punchy paint or wallpaper. Alternatively, you can go for real wood which can be updated.

These are some tips that you can apply to your own designs, and we’d like to share what a timeless design might look like by showcasing some of our clients’ finished projects.

We used a classic wingback style chair which would traditionally suit this client’s grand entrance hall. Giving this classic piece a modern twist is its sleek shape with a modern velvet fabric. When classic meets modern like this, it will always feel current and fresh.

There is no room where you can’t achieve a timeless feel. In this bathroom, the bath and brass washstand are classic in their original iterations, but with modern twists. The smooth shape of the bath brings it up to date, and the vintage mirror on the washstand combined with the simple brass frame gives them a fresh yet timeless feel. We love the dramatic black tiles which create a gorgeous contrast against the brass.

We used this quirky side table in a client’s reading room, it is a classic round 4 legged shape, but its drip design is fun, playful and surreal taking the predictable to the unexpected while retaining a timeless shape.  

On a final note, we know that some fabulous designs and trends come around, and we certainly aren’t not recommending that you stay away from anything new. However, do avoid diving too heavily into anything that feels too current or over exposed. If it’s ‘everywhere’ right now, there is a high possibility that the look could start to feel dated. Pick a few items that you love and use them to update a space, without replacing everything older; this is something you may regret in the longer term.

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Artistic Interior Design

Art has the power to transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. It adds personality, depth, and emotion to your interior design. Incorporating art into your home can be intimidating, but with a few tips and tricks, you can create an artful living space that reflects your unique style and personality. You don’t need a big budget, and we’re going to let you into a secret that it’s the frame that is key when it comes to awesome art.

If you have an A3 printer you can actually print out files from Etsy from as little as £5, get these framed beautifully for a cost effective uplift. We love this abstract art which works brilliantly in a black frame.

If you can’t print the art yourself you can choose a poster to buy from sites such as Desenio or Junique. If you need some guidance when it comes to choosing the right frame they have created pairings, however for long-lasting quality we recommend investing in a frame separately. Here is an example of what you can achieve with prints from Desenio:

When you are choosing a frame bear in mind that different styles will suit different images. We like to use more than one style of frame which then gives a layered look with depth. This differentiates bespoke framing from a high street purchase. It also means that you can make sure each frame complements the individual artwork in each one.

If you have a complex colour to match with, for example a certain shade of blue or green already in place in the room, many Etsy sellers offer bespoke canvas paintings where you request special colours or designs. These are sent rolled in a tube for you to have ‘stretched’ by local framers that really enable you to complement your scheme in a cost effective way. Here is one example from Etsy and you can see some ways that the artwork has been customised:

You could consider getting a cheaper canvas print and having it framed by professionals into a ‘box frame’. This really elevates the pieces and makes them look much more costly than they were. Add contrast with a pale gold or black frame to really make it pop.      

Art isn’t just about what hangs on the walls. Think about how you can incorporate art into other design elements, such as textiles, furniture, and accessories. A patterned rug or a sculptural vase can be just as impactful as a painting or photograph.

If you are ready to invest in higher end art we at Interiors at 58 have some fantastic contacts with luxury art suppliers who create stunning pieces in any size, colour and frame – you are guaranteed to find something perfect for your home and our discounts on RRP are very significant and make each piece incredibly good value.

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Springtime Interior Refresh

Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation, making it the perfect season to refresh your home’s interior design. With warmer weather and longer days, it’s the ideal time to create a space that feels light, airy, and welcoming. Whether you’re looking to make small changes or overhaul your entire home, there are plenty of ways to update your décor for the season.

  1. Bring in Fresh Flowers and Greenery

One of the simplest ways to refresh your home for spring is to bring in fresh flowers and greenery. Not only do plants add colour and life to your space, but they also purify the air and provide a sense of calm. Faux greenery is also a great addition to your home.

Arrangements from RTfact are an investment there’s no doubt about it but they have a stunning range of authentic faux flora. Make this beautiful relaxed natural arrangement centre stage on your dining table for high-end impact with an informal feel.

  1. Lighten Up Your Colour Palette

Spring is all about lightness and brightness, so consider lightening up your colour palette to reflect the season. Swap out heavy curtains for sheer ones that allow natural light to filter in, and opt for pastel or neutral colours that evoke a sense of calm and serenity. You can also add pops of bright colours to add interest and energy to your space. The Pom Tassel curtains from Anthropologie are light and airy and the trim detail makes them extra special.

  • Incorporate Natural Light

Take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather by incorporating natural light into your interior design. Open up your windows and let the sunshine in! You can also add mirrors or reflective surfaces to your space to accentuate the natural light and create a brighter, more open feel. By embracing natural light, you’ll not only enhance your home’s aesthetic, but you’ll also boost your mood and energy levels.

Add maximum light and beautiful curves to your home with this affordable oversized mirror from Daals.

  • Refresh Your Bedding and Linens

Spring is a great time to refresh your bedding and linens, as the warmer weather calls for lighter fabrics and brighter colours. Swap out your heavier bedding for a lightweight duvet, and choose linens in light, breezy fabrics like linen or cotton. You can add interest with patterned or textured pillows and throws.

Washed linen gives a lovely soft relaxed feel and the natural fibres will keep you cool, perfect for summer nights and this is a great choice from La Redoute.

  • Play with Patterns

Mix and match different patterns and textures to create a playful and inviting space. This can include anything from floral prints to geometric shapes to stripes and checks.

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Interior Design for Selling Your Home

As we see a new year in, it’s definitely the time for new years resolutions, and for many that means big changes like moving home. Moving home is said to be one of the most stressful things that you can do in life. So, if you can make it easier it is definitely worth doing!

Finding your new home is only part of it, you need to sell your existing home in order to make that move. So how do you go about getting your home ready for selling?

Declutter

Firstly, and most obviously, have a massive tidy and declutter. You will need to do this when you move, after all you won’t want to pay movers to pack and transport things you don’t need. Be strict with yourself; go through your items and consider whether you genuinely use or want it, and if not get rid of it. After a good clear out you can see exactly what you are dealing with.

Take Photos

We suggest taking some photos of your rooms yourself so you can get familiar with what angles look good and how things are looking in the photos. One thing we have learnt as Interior Designers is that when it comes to shooting a room, something that looks good in situ doesn’t always show up to its best in images, and sometimes angles that don’t look that strong in real life look amazing in photos. It’s worth getting to know what is working for you so you can direct and support the estate agent photographer when they arrive.

Review

Once you have tidied and de-cluttered, have a look at the room through the photos you have taken and you will be able to see what is missing. Is your interior neutral and in need of some contrast to avoid appearing too bland in photos? In this scenario you could add some plumped up contrasting cushions, some real or faux greenery or replace tired light fittings with some up-to-date lighting choices to show that your home is refreshed and updated.

The Little Botanical Plant Shelfie Set from John Lewis is perfect for easily adding a little something to a room and the Ashcraft scatter cushions from Wayfair come in a range of colours to suit many a room.

Purchasing your updated items will be a great investment in getting the best price for your current home, and you can take them with you when you leave!

If your home is already full of colour and pattern you might want to dial back a bit for sale. Again, looking at the images you have taken on your phone will highlight this to you. Do you need to refine the colour palette or patterns to ensure they are not too distracting for a potential buyer?

Look over the photos for any paintwork that needs touching up, and tape up any loose wires so they are not visible in photos

Up-to-date and considered decor will give buyers the impression you have been maintaining your home and that it is in good condition throughout.

Storage

Storage will always be key so now is a good time to invest in attractive storage trunks, chests and boxes that can store all the little things we leave out on the surface day to day allowing you to show your home to its absolute best potential. We like these metal storage trunks from Vonhaus that are attractive as well as functional.

Kids’ rooms don’t have to be perfect but it’s important the buyer can see how they might use the room; decluttering and storage are particularly important in these areas.

Light

Make sure you get as much light into the home as possible. For the initial photos and daylight viewings, draw back curtains and blinds to their maximum and open doors to ensure you don’t get left with dark corridors. If you have viewings in the evening or on a grey day, make sure that you turn lights on and use table lamps to get that light effect.

Floor Space

Unless you have a super large open space, floor space will be key. Put away anything that doesn’t need to be on the floor; think waste bins, magazine or newspaper storage and laundry baskets. While you may need these day-to-day, moving them out of the way will give a much better impression to prospective buyers. If you have any overly bulky items that take up a lot of floor space like a solid ottoman or side table consider replacing them with something slimmer in profile and on high legs so that buyers can see the full floor space. A great example of this effect working is with the Chesterfield Modern Footstool from SLF24.

Estate Agents

Finally, when you are choosing an agent consider the quality of the photographs and make that part of your choice as it really does make a difference; grainy images and bad angles will put off potential buyers.  

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Festive Interior Design Ideas

When it comes to Christmas decorations, we go big at Interiors at 58 HQ. We love Christmas and plan a theme each year. For 2022 we have gone with black, white and gold and we would like to inspire you. You’ll be seeing photos of our decorations on our Facebook page, but for now, here are some ideas for you to put together your own theme.

Start as you mean to go on with this beautiful white snowy and glittering faux wreath from Layered Lounge. Hang it on your front door to be the first thing that anyone sees when they visit you or choose an inside spot instead.

We love adding a touch of gold to our designs, and Christmas is no different. The Madam Stoltz metal tree decorations from Smallable are small and beautifully formed, these go perfectly with Temptation Gifts’ black baubles with gold stars.

Rockett St George always comes up trumps, and this year is no different! Their gold Christmas tree candles look great on a mantle piece or as part of a table display. If it’s real candlelight you’re using, the brass-coated mistletoe candle holders from RoyalDesign.co.uk add some extra luxury.

The white hanging branch decoration is a real statement piece and the gold crane print bauble is simply beautiful.

If you like to have an advent scene as part of your decorations, why not go for something a little bit different? We love this advent centrepiece from Ivy Line.

This garland from JD Williams is simple yet effective. Use it to decorate your mantle, staircase or doorway.

Remember that the dining table can make a fabulous focal point, but it’s so often forgotten. We’re bringing you table decoration ideas this month, follow us on Facebook to see the tips.

We’d like to wish you all a fabulous Christmas and a happy new year. We’ll see you in 2023.

Giving Interior Design an International Twist

Many of us are making up for lost time and jetting off to far-flung destinations. And once you’ve been on your dream holiday, what better way to remember it than to use it to add influences to your home décor. Your holiday souvenirs can be your inspiration!

Be inspired by international interior design:

French Influence

Look for pieces that have a relaxed feel and a subtle colour palette and mix them with classic and modern designs for a modern take on a French interior.

The Rocca Painted Drawers from Oka are both practical and elegant, and fit into the French style as well as fitting into compact spaces.

The Hinako Chair, also from Oka, also fits well with style. Natural looking materials are always a good choice, and you can add variety or refresh the look easily by changing the removable seat cushions or adding a throw for colour.

Gilt mirrors are typical of French interior design. If you are keen on adding one to your home, there are some incredible original pieces that you can source that will give a more authentic look and feel to a French scheme, try eBay for bargains or Jasper Jacks have a great range at an excellent price point!

Chinese Influence

Oriental décor is reminiscent of the country’s ancient history and culture, and can make a real statement when used in your home. We love using gold in our interior design which adds luxury and opulence to a room and oriental style wallpaper and furniture bring in those gorgeous gold accents.

Rattan is a lightweight and versatile material that is popular and available at various price points right now and it works perfectly paired with ebony wood to add a flavour of oriental design to your interior. The Bayuban Chest of Drawers from Oka nod to the style used in South Asian countries and demonstrates perfectly how these materials work together.

We love this modern take on a classic Chinese buffer cabinet from Tides! If you are looking for a real statement piece, look no further!

Ceramic stools are an affordable and useful way to introduce some Chinese influenced pieces into your home, these gold stools from La Redoute are super stylish and make perfect side tables or look stunning in pairs under a console table.

Moroccan Influence 

Moroccan style can be exotic, elegant, luxurious and dramatic.  It’s all about an opulent look, focussing on colours, fabrics and patterns. You will often see arches, geometric designs and decorative tilework with this influence.

These stunning tiles from Claybrook come in various marble finishes and are perfect for adding a lux yet bohemian feel to your kitchen or bathroom.

The Berber rug has been a style staple in many homes over recent years and is rapidly turning into a design classic, add one to your scheme for instant texture and impact! There is something to suit every budget like the Carina Berber rug from Dunelm.

Bring back memories from a special holiday and frame your own prints, a group of 3, 4 or 6 together will maximise the impact, or if you prefer order a beautiful set ready-made! We love this set of 6 Moroccan prints from Etsy.

You don’t need to have been abroad to be inspired – the UK has some beautiful places to inspire too. Of course, if you’re unable to get away to foreign climes, bring them to you instead.

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Colour and Interior Design

There has been extensive research on colours and the effects that they can have on you. All colours will have an effect on you, mentally or physically, and when it comes to interior design we match the room’s purpose with the most the most appropriate colours to achieve this.

Colour psychologist Angela Wright developed the Colour Affect Systems, and she has reported that all colours have their positive and negative points, and we harness what’s necessary. With 11 colours defined, plus the addition of different hues of each colour, the colour choice can be overwhelming.

When it comes to interior design, we can help you with your colour choice. We will look at what you want from the space, what will its function be and how you want to feel when you’re in the room? These will be different answers depending on the room, for example you are likely to want to feel relaxed in your bedroom but focussed in your work area.

To give you an idea of how colours can affect you, here are a few points from the Colour Affect System:

Blue is a colour linked to your mind. It can be soothing or relaxing, making it the perfect choice for a bedroom, but stronger tones of blue will enhance your thoughts and concentration meaning that it can also work well in an office or work area. As it is so versatile it also makes for a great choice in a living area. We chose a blue sofa and chair for this living room, echoing the blue tones in the accessories and artwork. Blue and white make for a peaceful and tranquil room, ideal for relaxing after a busy day:

Pink can affect us physically being a tint of red, but it soothes where red stimulates. Psychologically it is a powerful colour and it is nurturing and physically soothing. Pairing vibrant, clashing colours together is full of impact and energy, perfect for a teenager’s bedroom. We used a vibrant Moroccan chair with bright, striped wallpaper to get this effect.

Green is the colour of balance promoting harmony, refreshment and peace. This is again another versatile colour, and choosing the right tone it can be used to affect in bedrooms and living rooms. We love this splash of green in the floral pattern of these breakfast stools:

White can sometimes be forgotten when it comes to colour, but it plays just as an important part as every other colour. White is clean, pure and simple, resonating efficiency. Too much white can be off-putting, but used in the right spaces with accent colours brought in it can work in any space, any room. When you use white in different textures and shades it won’t overwhelm a room, and works nicely in a hallway like this:

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Make the Most of Your Space

Spring is the time for cleaning, clearing and rearranging. With the clocks going forward and the days getting longer, we often look around our houses for something to change or update. But where do you start? When it is your own home, it can be difficult to be objective, and you don’t always have the knowledge of what is available. It is at this point that engaging an interior designer can be helpful.

As interior designers, we work with a variety of clients. It may be the complete refurbishment of a house, designing a commercial space, updating one room or even just advising on where to source one particular item.

How can an Interior Designer help you?

Save you time

You may have ideas that you’d like to incorporate into your home, but we will help you plan the best layout for you and your needs, save you time by sourcing the very best options for you to choose from and create a variety of mood boards to help you visualise the room and make the best decisions for you. We will design, plan and shop. You can involve us as much or as little as you like, saving you the time exactly where you need it.

Save you money

Our hourly rates mean that you have the flexibility to use us in the areas you need it most, you are not tied into paying for whole room designs, or complicated fee structures and our clients find this works extremely well for them. In sourcing the perfect pieces for you we will save you costly mistakes and ensure everything goes together beautifully. We have a wealth of knowledge of interiors and furniture retailers and will often instantly know retailers and pieces that you will love that are making great products at fantastic value! We will compare the prices and pass on trade discounts of up to 50%. We have no vested interest in you purchasing from any retailers and our clients feel secure that our recommendations are all made with your best interests at heart. We will take into account how your lifestyle may change, recommending pieces that will be flexible and can be updated if necessary to suit your needs.

Creative Ideas

We’ve been doing this for a long time, and we understand interiors and the options that are available to you. We can bring unique and clever ideas to your home, solving layout and storage problems. We know how to make the most of tricky spaces and where we can add secret storage and are full of tips and hints that can cost next to nothing, but make a huge difference to your home!

We know our stuff

Through our experience of transforming homes and commercial spaces, we have built up contacts, knowledge, techniques and collaborations. This means that we are in the perfect position to speak with the right retailer. We work with a variety of trades and will often involve them in the projects we work on.

We love what we do

We know that you want to achieve a stunning finish, but you may not enjoy the laborious process of researching, planning and executing the transformation. That’s where we can help as we do! We will work tirelessly for you and with you to ensure you get your dream home!

If you want a fabulous home, but need inspiration and help achieving it, contact Interiors at 58. Remember to follow us on Facebook for more interior design ideas.

Creating a Space for You

Hybrid working seems to be here to stay, and that means a lot of us are both working and relaxing at home. Whilst there is a certain amount of convenience with this, where can you then go to truly disconnect from your day at work? You may have a separate office or office space, but you deserve to have a place to unwind without a constant reminder of the daily grind and chores. Let us show you how you can create a safe haven in your bedroom; somewhere to escape the day and wind down.

Create a Sanctuary in Your Bedroom

We recommend that you invest in your bedding as this is the perfect opportunity to bring some luxury into your bedroom. Choose a colour to complement the colour scheme, or to create a feature, and choose the fabric type you prefer; silk bedding can help keep you cool at night or go for luxuriously soft cotton instead.

Sallie loves both the Dorma range from Dunelm or the White company, both offer great quality without breaking the bank, and as the price is reasonable you can afford to refresh it when you feel the colours have faded a little to ensure the overall look is sharp and crisp. This is the Dorma Meadow Breeze cotton duvet cover set from Dunelm; a calming blue for a good night’s sleep.

Along with the perfect bedding, choose your mattress wisely as a good mattress is crucial for a good night’s sleep and in achieving good back health.

Keep your bedroom clear of clutter

You will no doubt find a bed and wardrobe in every bedroom, and there often isn’t much space left for additional storage so daily detritus can often clutter the room. This is where clever storage solutions save the day. Make the most of the space and have tucked away places to hide your technology too if you can’t bear to leave it at the door.

This pretty storage ottoman from Oliver Bonas would work perfectly at the end of the bed or under a window and provide excellent storage for blankets, pillows and anything you want to tuck away.

If you have a wide bedroom, don’t just opt for small typical sized bedside tables, maximise storage and fill the space visually with a lovely chest of drawers that work well aesthetically and practically with lots of extra drawers to keep things neat – and therefore restful! This reasonably priced chest of drawers from Furniture123 gives you additional storage, and its sage colour makes a statement.

Repaint and Relax

Hues of blue and green are known to be calming colours that promote relaxation, so they are the ideal choice for a bedroom’s colour scheme. If you want to make a bigger impact you could repaint your bedroom, or have a feature wall.

The Chiswick Grove Silver wallpaper from Closs & Hamblyn is much more beautiful in the flesh, with a subtle iridescence and it is charming for a restful classic bedroom, or for something stronger and more graphic.

Sallie loves this stunning green geometric paper from wallpaperdirect.com. If you don’t want it all over, make a chic feature wall by painting the rest of the room in one of the green or ivory tones, so that it blends beautifully into the space.

If you don’t fancy decorating, artwork works well too, like this calming sea green abstract painting from Etsy, there will be something for everyone’s taste.

Hints and Tips

  • If you want a quick injection of the colour, you can easily change accessories and soft furnishings
  • Thick curtains or blackout blinds will help you get a good night’s sleep
  • A relaxing scented candle, a fragrance such as lavender, will add to a tranquil bedroom
  • Keep technology out of the bedroom or hidden away at the very least.

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This Year’s Interior Design Trends

We love seeing what the new interior trends are. Typically, there are changes with each season, and of course with a new year there are new ideas popping up. While you may love what you see in interior design magazines, you may struggle to apply it to your home, and be overwhelmed with the choices that you have. We are going to look at some key trends, and how you can use them in your home.

The Use of Green

Green is the colour of nature, and is extremely versatile. After months of being trapped in our own homes, we are appreciating the power of colour and nature to revitalise us and our homes. We do need to make sure that the colours are balanced within the home; it may mean that you wish to introduce green accessories or create a statement wall in tones of green.

It’s aways important to get the shades that tone well together. Where possible ask for samples to match the correct colour and use the same supplier for items that will be placed in the same room. The moss green armchair from Cult Furniture can be complemented by the moss green stool in the same tone.

Ensure that you also consider the tone of green that might be right for your home or style. A bright emerald green can be perfect for a hit of vibrant colour in a contemporary home or to add contrast to a period home, or try a moss green for a more timeless and elegant feel that will be suited to more classic interiors. There is a wealth of choice, as you can see from a snap shot of Dulux’s range of greens for 2022:

Creating Your Own Bespoke Interior

We know that rooms come in all shapes and sizes and to make the most of the space, we would always recommend having pieces that are made to fit the space perfectly. A high-end design has furniture that fits the space and is situated perfectly, avoiding messy gaps and wasted space. Having furniture made to measure will enhance the space both visually and practically.

At Interiors at 58 we have a range of suppliers that we use, and having bespoke furniture doesn’t need to be more expensive than buying the equivalent items ‘off the shelf’.

We often use these gorgeous benches from Angel and Boho. They are available in a multitude of fabrics, with a wide variety of leg colours and button options, they also come in bespoke lengths and are perfect for many occasions such as bedrooms benches and dining benches.

Sculptural and curved furniture

If you are keen on a minimal aesthetic and like to keep lines simple and accessories to a minimum this trend is for you. Pieces that have a sculptural quality to them make an instant statement in the room and will be the perfect complement to a piece of treasured artwork. This style combines practicality with a visual impact, and whatever your budget there is a piece perfect for you!  

Follow us on Facebook for more ways to bring the latest interior design trends into your home and contact us if you would like help refreshing your home.