Summer is well and truly underway but your home might still be feeling a bit dark and wintery. We’ve put together this blog to help you with decorating your space to complement the warm and bright summer months.
With inspiration for summer colour schemes, outdoor spaces and organisation, keep reading to find out our best decorating for summer tips!
Connect Indoor & Outdoor Spaces
One of the best ways to create a summer haven is to connect your indoor and outdoor areas. Whether you have a small balcony, a large garden or a shared outdoor space, there is a lot you can do to create the perfect summer setting.
If you have enough space, create an outdoor seating or lounge area and decorate it with elements matching your interior. For example, add some cosy light fixtures, use an outdoor rug, or even hang some wall decor on your garden fence. Just be prepared for British weather changes and make sure that everything is waterproof!
If you don’t have a large garden space or prefer to stay out of the sun, why not bring the outdoors in? The best way to associate your interior with the outdoors is to incorporate natural elements, such as plants, stone finishes and natural fibres. Read our blog What is the Biophilic Interior Design Trend? to find out more!
Fresh Outdoor Paint
It sounds minimal but a fresh coat of paint can work wonders to brighten up your outdoor space for summer. Plus the warm summer months are ideal for doing garden work and drying paint quickly!
Is your garden fence looking a bit flaky and dull? Do you fancy refreshing your house with a new front door or window frame colour?
Pastel colours are popular for summery themes as they can bring a fun pop of colour to your garden but they also reflect the sun well and make the space look bright and airy. Pastel yellow or orange screams summer as it imitates the sun’s rays, whereas pastel green is closely related to nature. If you do decide to plan a painting day, make the most of it and think about how you can spread the colour across your garden. Perhaps you have some wooden planters or a garden bench that could be painted too.
Plan for Outdoor Gatherings
Summer is the season for garden parties and BBQs! Maybe you have a family birthday in the summer months or you’re planning a get-together with your friends. You should consider these plans when decorating your garden space for summer. How can you make it a party-hosting space? Maybe some extra seating, atmospheric decor or an outdoor bar? Check out Our Guide to Summer Garden Party Planning for more tips.
Create a Light & Minimal Space
Nothing says summer like lots of natural daylight and a spacious interior. Throw open your doors and windows, tie your curtains back and embrace the sunlight and summer breeze. Have a bit of a clear-out and store away any unnecessary decor items and thick furnishings for winter.
Having a clean and organised space will help you to feel cooler and more relaxed in the hot temperatures. The less cleaning you have to do, the cooler you will be! If you’re struggling with storage solutions to keep your space clear, contact us to see how we can help!
On Theme Decor
To finish off your summer refresh, think about the small details. Replace your thick bedding with lighter fabrics such as linen or cotton. Add summery pastel colours to your colour schemes, such as a pale seaside blue or a sunny yellow. Decorate your walls with framed holiday pictures or summer-themed artwork. Incorporate summery scents into your daily routine – use a ‘summer breeze’ candle or a lemony fresh fabric conditioner.
These small details may seem minute but they add up to create that perfect summer holiday vibe.
We hope you enjoyed this blog and you are feeling inspired to update your interior and outdoor space for summer! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re looking for some new fitted furniture or storage to help with your summer refresh.
When designing your children’s bedrooms, it can be easy to be persuaded into following trends or splashing out on themed furniture. However, trends can be short-lived and children tend to grow out of their interests over time. Themed furniture can also be cheap, low-quality and break easily. Ideally, a kid’s bedroom space should have longevity and practicality but should also be exciting and fun for them!
We’ve created this blog to help with some ideas for designing your children’s bedrooms to suit the whole family!
Choose a Theme
First things first, decide on a general theme that suits your children’s individuality. Try to make subtle hints towards the theme and don’t go over the top with something big that your children might get bored of. For example, use subtle theme colours for wall paint and larger furniture. This way these colours can be adapted to a new theme in the future. Use smaller changeable objects such as artwork and duvet covers with more theme-specific imagery.
You might also want to consider how your children’s rooms will fit into the rest of the house’s interior design. It’s a good idea to stick to more neutral, less bold colours so that they can be more easily matched to other rooms. Ultimately it’s up to you and your budget how far you go with the theme but it’s smart to choose a theme that’s simple and can be created from small accessories to avoid redecorating every year. Check out our blog on bedroom colour schemes for more tips!
Use Clever Storage
Clever storage will help to make any room tidier but it is especially important to organise your kid’s toys and clothes. Installing smart bedroom storage that fits the space and is easily accessible for your children will make your life a lot easier when it comes to tidying away for bedtime. When planning fitted furniture it is important to consider what the storage will be used for. For example, prioritising space for games, toys, or school uniforms. You should also think about how your children’s storage needs will change over time. Shelves and drawers can be used for a variety of items from toys to school work and books.
Fitted furniture that spans from wall to wall can also be a much safer option for young children, with less sharp corners and edges. If you are interested in installing fitted furniture for your children’s bedrooms, get in touch!
Consider Cleanability
Depending on how young your children are, you might want to consider different materials and finishes to keep the room as clean as possible. Wallpaper can become scruffy if covered in fingerprints and dirt. Wipeable paint is usually a better alternative for a young child’s room. Some furniture finishes are more durable than others. Anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch materials have been developed to support busy family homes. Our Rockingham Range includes extremely robust finishes and a wide variety of door options so is a great option if you want to keep your furniture looking new for longer.
Fitted wardrobes can also be easier to clean than free-standing furniture as they can be made to fit the ceiling height and wall width meaning fewer gaps and places to collect dust.
The Bed
The bed is perhaps one of the most important elements to consider when designing your children’s bedroom. There are so many options for children’s beds it can be a little overwhelming. A simple single bed is a good starting point for a growing child as it is big enough for them to grow into and can be revamped over the years. Bunk beds or cabin beds are other popular options if you are short on space or looking for more storage.
If you’re looking for a long-term solution, avoid themed beds or smaller beds that your children will grow out of or get bored of.
Make it Fun
Whilst we mostly advise sticking to simple and timeless furniture, it’s important to make your child’s bedroom fun for them. Add fun and colourful accessories that match your chosen theme, which can easily be swapped out as tastes and styles change. Pillowcases, duvet covers and wall art in your chosen theme, or even a themed play corner will help your child to make their room their own!
Also, make sure to consider their hobbies and interests when designing the layout of the bedroom. If your child has a large toy car collection, consider some extra storage where these could be displayed. If your child plays an instrument, create a dedicated space where they can store it and practice.
We hope you enjoyed this blog and benefitted from some of our tips for designing your children’s bedroom. Every child is unique so it is valuable to spend some time making sure their bedroom fits their individuality. If you’re looking for fitted, unique furniture for your home then be sure to get in touch to see how we can help!
A spa day leaves us feeling relaxed and rejuvenated but is usually a one-off, special occasion. Have you ever thought about how you could achieve this feeling more often?
Spas are specially designed to create a peaceful environment, from minimalistic furnishings and hidden storage to aromatherapy. It is easier than you think to recreate this at home. Read on to find out how to create a relaxing spa-like bathroom and feel rejuvenated every day!
Incorporate Natural Elements
It is no secret that natural elements and plants in your home create a relaxing environment and this applies to your bathroom too. Adding a few plants to your bathroom is one of the easiest ways to make your bathroom feel more relaxing and spa-like. Check out this study into which plants are best for well-being.
Place large potted plants on the floor, smaller plants on the bathroom surfaces or even hang some plants from the ceiling for a more immersive experience! It’s worth doing some research into which plants will thrive in a humid bathroom environment and in the amount of sunlight available in your bathroom.
Another way to incorporate nature into your bathroom is by using natural furniture finishes such as wood or stone.
Declutter and Install Smart Storage
Our minds cannot relax if our space is filled with unnecessary clutter and mess. Start by clearing out any old cosmetics or items that you don’t use anymore. Prioritise your counter space for everyday items and use storage to hide away other products that get used less.
If you find that during this process you don’t have enough storage or you are not utilising your space properly, it might be time for some new bathroom cabinets! You will feel more at peace if your storage perfectly suits your needs and space.
We can create custom bathroom storage to fit your space perfectly and help you to achieve that relaxing spa-like environment.
Use Calming Colours
Colours and visuals are very powerful when it comes to our mood and well-being. When creating your bathroom colour scheme, use a calming neutral palette and avoid any bright colours or harsh contrasts. Pale blues and greens are always good options for a relaxing environment. Or if you’d prefer a darker colour scheme, warm brown tones and natural woods are equally as grounding and relate to a sauna aesthetic.
When buying larger cabinets and baths, a slightly off-white is a good option to suit different colour schemes without being too harsh. Reflective finishes, glossy tiles and large mirrors can brighten up the room to create a more light, airy look and lift your mood.
Incorporate Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a central element of most spas and for good reason. Certain scents have the power to transform your mental space and can certainly help to create a relaxing environment.
Lavender is perhaps the most popular option for a calming effect and can help you to fall asleep quickly. Other options include rosemary, ylang-ylang, camomile or clary sage. These can all be found in essential oil form to be used in an oil diffuser or even add a few drops to your bath. Alternatively, you can buy them in scented candles, soaps or lotions to get that full pamper experience.
The Power of a New Shower
Upgrading your showerhead to something more fancy can make a huge difference to your bathroom experience. There are plenty of modern showerheads around with different features to suit your individual needs, ranging from massaging sprays to rainfall showers. If you have a bigger budget you might also want to look into a spa-style bath, with features such as jacuzzi jets and built-in LEDs.
Luxurious Bath Towels
To conclude your spa experience (and this blog) upgrade your towels to a more luxurious and soft set. Choose natural materials such as cotton or bamboo for higher quality and more absorbency. If you have shelving as part of your bathroom cabinets, you could arrange them rolled or folded to create a spa-like display.
To go the extra mile, you could invest in a towel warmer and some bathrobes so you can wrap up and keep warm after your bath or shower!
We hope you enjoyed this blog and it inspired you to create a more relaxing spa-like bathroom in your home. If you have any queries about how we can help with your bathroom cabinets then get in touch, and don’t forget to check out our other blogs!
With the weather warming up and the festival season beginning, you might be starting to think about your summer plans. If you’re planning to host a garden party, there are a lot of things to consider. From decorations, and garden furniture to themes and food preparation. We’ve created this blog to guide you through some tips and hopefully help you with your summer garden party planning.
Decide on a Theme
First of all, you need to decide what kind of party you want to throw. Is it going to be a low-key gathering with a few drinks and snacks or an elegant sit-down meal? This should help to give you a few ideas for an appropriate theme.
It’s important to think about what type of atmosphere you want to create and whether this matches the rest of your house. Gardens are an extension of our indoor spaces. So consider how you can insert your own personality, and perhaps link your theme to your interior style. Maybe your home interior is inspired by Biophilic Design, in which case it is easy to continue that into your garden. If your kitchen is decorated with bright reds or yellows, try to add these colours to your garden decor and party accessories.
Decorations
Now that you have decided on a theme for your garden party, it is time to think about decorations. You might not want to spend too much time or money on decorations, so think about some budget-friendly and easy-to-use options. For example, bunting and paper lanterns are relatively cheap, can be put up in 10 minutes, and instantly transform your garden into a classic British summer party!
Depending on how creative you are and how much time you have, you might want to add a personal touch with some homemade decorations. Check out this homemade bunting tutorial.
If you have a bigger budget and want some larger decorations, think about adding a photo booth with props, a garden bar, a flower wall or even a balloon arch!
Lighting
Arguably one of the most important elements of your party decor is the lighting. If done correctly, good lighting has the power to transform a space and there are so many options to choose from.
Some popular choices for a cosy garden party are fairy lights, hanging lanterns or candles. You could also consider a more eco option by using solar-powered lights. The great thing about some of these options is that they can be intertwined with your existing furniture and decor. For example, fairy lights can be wrapped around trees and fences, or candles and lanterns can be scattered on tables.
Furniture and Seating
The amount of seating you need will depend on the size of your guest list as well as the theme of your party. If you’re planning on cooking dinner for your guests, you will need to make sure you have a table and chairs big enough to seat everyone. However, if you’re going for a more laid-back cocktail party with a few snacks you can get away with more casual seating.
It also depends on the kind of atmosphere you want to provide. Perhaps you’ve decided on a tropical beach theme, in which case some deck chairs and picnic blankets might work. Whereas using some garden sofas or even a hanging egg chair will provide a more luxurious and comfortable ambience. Painted garden benches are also a great option if you’re going for a more rustic, personalised theme!
Different Zones
Depending on the size of your outdoor space, you might want to split your garden party into different zones. For example, you might have a cocktail area or bar where your guests can grab a drink, a seating area for food, and then a cosier seating area around a firepit for when it gets colder in the evening.
Consider the small details of these areas to make sure they are optimised for your guests’ experience. Place the music speakers in the bar area and away from the seating areas where your guests might be talking more. Add blankets and pillows to the firepit area to make it more cosy and comfortable. Add extra lighting around the food area so your guests can see what they’re eating!
We hope we have inspired you and helped you with the planning of your garden party. If you enjoyed this blog, have a read through some of our other blogs here!
Texture and material are important elements of interior design. How a room feels, or how we perceive it to feel, creates an instant impression and sets the mood. Choosing and combining the right textures in your home can create visual depth and can create your ideal atmosphere. In this blog, you can read our guide on interior design finishes and adding textures to your home.
Matt and Gloss
Paint texture is something that is often overlooked, but can make a huge difference to your room. Gloss paint reflects more light than matte and can provide a brighter, more intense colour.
Whereas matt paint is better at hiding imperfections on the wall’s surface and serves as a good backdrop. The non-reflective properties draw less attention from the other focus points of the room. However, you might want to create a feature wall, in which case a gloss paint would help accentuate it.
As well as your wall paint, furniture can come with matt or gloss options. To create a unique interior with depth and contrast, try mixing gloss and matt finishes across your furnishings.
Fabrics
There are various different fabrics that can be used in your home. The most popular textiles include cotton, silk, linen and wool, all with their own benefits and uses. For example, silk tends to provide a more luxurious interior whereas wool and knitted textures create a cosy, homely atmosphere.
By mixing different fabric textures in your home, you can create an interesting visual contrast. For example, combining the stripes of a corduroy sofa with a thick faux fur blanket is instantly eye-catching. The key is to not use more than 3 different fabrics, and build your colour scheme around the fabrics so there is an element of consistency.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your bedroom colour scheme, read our blog here.
Wood
Wood is an evergrowing popular choice in home design, as the natural surface connects us to the outdoors. The organic form and texture of wood help to balance out the uniform and minimalistic elements of modern design.
The natural brown tones of wood complement a wide variety of colour schemes and instantly add warmth to any room. However, to create a more subtle effect, wood can be painted to colour-match other furnishings, whilst still providing a textured surface. A wood finish has a variety of uses, from wardrobes to kitchen worktops or coffee tables.
Browse through our painted collection to discover the different painted wood finishes we offer.
Glass
Glass creates a modern and minimalistic look that reflects light and helps to brighten up a room. The transparency of glass also provides benefits and tends to be utilised in the home for windows, shower doors or vases.
Tinted or patterned glass can be used for wardrobe doors or storage to create a high-end aesthetic whilst also making the room feel bigger and brighter. Glass tends to work best alongside other smooth, flat textures such as a glossy finish or minimalistic furniture. However, it can be complemented by organic forms such as indoor plants or wood to create an engaging, modern aesthetic.
If you enjoyed this blog, have a read through some of our other blog posts and if you are interested in any of our services, get in touch!
Small bedrooms can be more difficult to design. With less space available there is more to think about. Whether you need more clothes storage or space for all of your books, it can be difficult to fit everything in, keep it organised, and make it look nice! In this blog, we’ll guide you through some important tips to help you to make the most of your small bedroom space.
Hidden and Fitted Storage
Storage is perhaps one of the most important factors when it comes to any bedroom. However, when it comes to a small bedroom, it can be difficult to fit in all of the storage you need.
The most efficient way to utilise your storage space is to invest in a custom-fitted wardrobe. These can wrap around corners, fit into awkward spaces and be fully customised. You could even add a built-in vanity table to avoid clutter in other areas of the room.
When planning your wardrobe interior, make sure to carefully consider how many shelves, rails and drawers you will need and where they should go. Concealing your storage with doors, curtains or mirrors creates a clean-looking interior, alluding to more space.
Make Use of Every Corner
Some small bedrooms might be packed into an awkward space and therefore have a unique shape that might seem difficult to utilise. To make the most of your space, you should try to use every corner of the room, no matter how small. Alcoves are great places to create a reading corner or a work-from-home desk. If your alcove is too small for that, it could be used for storage such as bookshelves or even for wall decor or a mirror.
Windowsills are also a great place to incorporate storage. A windowsill lends itself to being used as a shelf, usually for objects like plants or books. However, if you have a deeper space, you could create a cosy window seat. This could possibly free up some floor space that would have been used for chairs.
Create an Illusion of Space
Lighter colours tend to make a space look bigger and more open. Whereas darker colours will do the opposite and create a more confined space. Use white or pastel colours as a base for walls and larger furniture to open up your small bedroom space.
You can then contrast with darker or brighter pops of colour for bedding and decor. However, be careful to keep a balanced and consistent colour scheme. Too many colours can make the room look too busy and cluttered.
Adding mirrors and mirrored furniture is a clever way to reflect light and will make a small bedroom feel much bigger. Experiment with different mirror styles, from floor-length to rounded wall mirrors and find one (or more) that works best for your space.
Keep it Minimal
It goes without saying that a clean and minimal space is more calming and creates mental space, but it also creates physical space. When decorating your small bedroom, using minimal decor and simplistic furniture is going to create a cleaner and more open space. It’s also worth making sure you keep your belongings organised and tidy, so your small amount of floor space isn’t covered by clothes!
Get Creative With Shelving
There are various different types of shelving that can be utilised to fit into your small bedroom space. Shelving can be placed high up on the wall, above your bed, inside alcoves or in the corners of the room. Make sure to consider the layout of your room and the order in which you will need things. For example, it makes sense to have your shoe collection stored near your door and your hair products near your mirror.
Built-in shelving is also a great option that doesn’t take up floor space. This can provide storage for a large range of objects, from clothes, spare blankets or even decorative items.
Spacing-Saving Beds
Beds take up quite a large portion of our bedrooms, especially if you have a king size or bigger. If you’re living in a really tight space such as a studio apartment, you might consider a less-conventional space-saving bed.
Sofa beds or pull-out beds have come on a long way and there are many high-quality options that can provide the comfort of a standard mattress. Loft beds can be a fun way to incorporate a desk or a dressing table into your bedroom space, and are a great option for children’s rooms.
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