The Art Deco design movement originated in France just over a century ago and influenced everything from interiors to cars to architecture. Recognisable elements of Art Deco design are abstract geometric patterns, vibrant contrasting colours, mirrored panels and stylized imagery of figures, plants and animals.
In recent years, the Art Deco style has remerged into the interior design world and is constantly being re-interpreted and combined with other styles. In this blog, we’ll take you through some key elements of Art Deco in interior design and suggest how you can add Art Deco design to your home.
Striking Colours & Bold Contrasts
Art Deco design is defined by vibrant colours and dramatic contrasts. Highly saturated jewel colours such as red, green and blue, are used frequently. Silver, black and gold metallics create rich and glamourous accents. This rich combination is then contrasted and balanced out with more subtle pastel and neutral tones, such as beige and cream.
To add an Art Deco colour scheme to your home, choose dramatic contrasting colours. Start by choosing one or two bright colours; teal green and red or dark blue and orange work well together to create interesting contrasts. Then select gold, silver and/or black for your metallic accessories, and finally pick a neutral pastel colour to balance out the palette
Geometric Patterns & Shapes
Art Deco patterns are quite distinguishable, usually made up of geometric shapes, tightly repeated patterns and emphasised vertical lines. Often depicting motifs such as animals, flowers, arches, feathers and fans in a bold line style.
You can make an impact with Art Deco patterns in your home by using patterned wallpapers or geometric tiled flooring. If you prefer a more subtle effect, you could try patterned pillows, art prints or light fixtures.
The stylised motifs used in Art Deco patterns are also utilised to inspire sculptural furniture and accessory shapes. Sculptures and other works of art were abundant throughout the Art Deco period, so it will complement your theme to add a sculpture or two for decoration. If you have a bigger budget, you could introduce sculptural furniture; curved sofas and waterfall-style consoles create a luxury Art Deco presence.
Art Deco-style lighting is a prominent accessory that can transform your space. Usually, large chandeliers or geometric-shaped pendants are fashioned from steel, polished bronze and glass, often coloured to create a stained-glass effect.
Reflective Surfaces
High gloss surfaces and reflective materials are another important element of the Art Deco style. The rich shine of a lacquered table, a decorative mirror wall or high gloss furniture creates a glamorous and luxurious atmosphere, perfect for an Art Deco interior. Glossy surfaces can be overwhelming so they are more commonly used as accessories or smaller furniture pieces and balanced with patterns or less glossy surfaces.
To add these to your home interior, choose glossy furniture finishes, mirrored tables or metallic accents. Metallics, in particular, have risen in popularity in recent years, so there is an abundance of options when it comes to metallic accessories and furnishings.
Luxurious Materials
The luxurious feel of the Art Deco style lends itself to working with other elegant and unexpected materials. Interesting wood textures, velvet, crystals, animal prints and marble have all been used to compliment an Art Deco theme.
These materials can be used for large furniture pieces such as a marble worktop or a velvet sofa. Or for a more subtle and budget-friendly option, luxurious accessories such as velvet cushions, crystal decor or marble vases work well.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and feel inspired to introduce the Art Deco style into your home. Make sure to check out our other blog posts and get inspired by more interior design styles!
In light of Book Lovers’ Day this week, we have put together this blog to help you create storage for your books at home. Whether you’re a novel enthusiast with a large collection or a casual reader with a few favourites, this blog is bound to give you some home book storage ideas.
Use the space you have
Our first tip is to use the space you have wisely. Rather than creating one area for all of your books that might not fit or might get in the way, you can display your books in different spaces that you have available. For example, you might have some shelf space in your living room or an empty corner in your bedroom, there’s no reason why you can’t spread your book collection across both of these rooms.
It’s also smart to consider where you’ll want to read or use your books and try to store them in that area. For example, if you have any recipe books, they’re best kept in the kitchen.
Try different storage solutions
When we think of book storage we usually think of bookshelves or bookcases, however, there are some storage ideas that are more outside the box. The space you have available will decide how creative you can be with your storage, but you could utilise high wall space, frame your doorway or even use a glass coffee table with storage to display your books.
If you have an awkward space and you’re struggling with fitting storage in it, we can design and create fitted book storage to fill your space perfectly, contact us to find out more!
Consider adding seating
If you have a larger space available and you want to make more of a feature of your book storage, you could consider arranging some seating or creating a reading corner. A small sofa or fitted seating in a windowsill or corner of a room works well and allows for lots of storage space. If you have a room corner available you can use both surrounding walls for book storage or decor. Or if you’re near a window, the windowsill can be used as a shelf itself.
If you’re not sure what will work best, we can also help you to build seating into your fitted storage unit.
Decide how to organise
Finally, you will need to consider how you want to organise your books. You might like to create an aesthetic display by organising by colour, or if you have a bigger collection you might be able to sort it into genres. You could also think about decorating your shelves with bookends, plant pots or other ornaments.
We hope that this blog has given you some ideas for organising your book collection. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re looking for fitted storage!
Colour is an important factor to consider when designing the interior of our homes, but most of us don’t actually realise how impactful colour can be on our emotions and well-being.
Colour psychology, the relationship between our emotions and colour, has been around for centuries dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. More recently, chromotherapy has provided us with a deeper understanding of colours. The power of colours is still being studied however, experts have confirmed that the colours we surround ourselves with influence how we feel and act.
As a result, colours have the potential to significantly impact interior design and allow us to achieve a specific mood in our homes. Read on to find out how you can use colour psychology in your home design.
White
White is the colour of reflection and reflects more daylight than other colours. It can signify purity and innocence and relates to a clean and minimal layout. Using white in interior design makes the space appear bigger and allows more ‘room to breathe’. This feeling of spaciousness ultimately makes us feel more relaxed and comfortable.
White is a great base to layer with different colours and textures. However, be careful to not use too much white as this can create a clinical atmosphere with no character.
Yellow
Yellow is often considered a happy colour, relating to the warmth and brightness of the sun. It can create a cheerful and energetic atmosphere that helps you to concentrate and feel motivated. It has been shown to have the most impact in environments that require reflection and decision-making, such as an office space.
Yellow is best used in interior design as an accent colour as too much bright yellow can feel overpowering. However, pastel yellow can be more widely used due to its muted tone and can create a peaceful and joyful atmosphere.
Red
Red is one of the most powerful and striking colours, especially when used in interior design. It is widely used to provoke positive emotions such as love, passion and energy. However, it can have the opposite effect in certain environments, inducing feelings of danger and fear.
In interior design, it can be used to create an ambitious and bold atmosphere usually associated with power and success. For this reason, it is commonly used in offices and creative spaces. There is a wide range of attractive red shades to choose from depending on the look you’re going for. Deeper tones such as maroon or burgundy can create a more luxurious interior. Whereas lighter shades closer to pink or orange tend to be more playful and suited for children’s rooms.
Blue
Blue encapsulates a variety of shades that can create different atmospheres and emotions. However, it is largely associated with calmness and has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
Deeper tones of blue such as navy and royal blue are related to confidence, loyalty and trust, therefore widely used for commercial interiors where trust is important. Whereas lighter shades of blue are known to evoke a sense of peace and tranquillity, commonly used in relaxation spaces. If you’re looking to create a relaxing bathroom space or a peaceful bedroom, then using a light blue could be the answer.
Green
In colour psychology, green is a very positive colour full of optimism, balance and peace. It is immediately associated with nature and relates to growth and restoration. This makes it a great way to bring the outdoors into your home. Like blue, green has also been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, due to its peaceful connotations.
Green can come in a range of attractive shades making it suitable for home interior design. Deeper shades such as olive green can create a more grounded and classic interior, perfect for a cosy bedroom. However, lighter shades of green such as mint can create a more subdued and calm atmosphere, perfect for a yoga studio or reading corner.
Grey
A popular choice for modern home design, grey creates a neutral and calm atmosphere. Whilst grey initially feels less exciting than other colours, it can be a great substitute for white to create a neutral base for brighter colours. Its subtle tone means it creates a sophisticated and refined environment that also represents strength and intelligence.
Commonly used in living rooms alongside yellow or pink, grey can be paired with any bright colour to create contrast and layers of interest. It can also look great paired with white and black to create a monotone theme, suited for a contemporary kitchen design.
It’s crucial to think about the kind of mood you want to create in your interior and decide which colours will help you to do so. The colour wheel below gives a simple visual to summarise the feelings that different colours can create.
We hope this blog has helped you to make some more informed decisions when it comes to the colours in your home. Don’t forget to browse through our other blog posts and get in touch if you think we can help with your fitted interiors.
Scandinavian design is a minimalistic and practical aesthetic known for its neutral colour palettes, clean lines and striking modern furniture. Emerging in the 1950s alongside the modernist movement, Scandinavian modern style prioritized affordable and sleek furnishings and interiors. Its natural feel and everyday practicality make it a popular and timeless choice for home design. Find out more in this blog about how you can add Scandinavian Design to your home.
Use a Soft Colour Scheme
Scandinavian countries get little sunlight, especially throughout winter, so Scandinavian design is focused on creating light spaces. Soft colour schemes that include lots of neutrals and whites reflect the little amount of daylight available. Large windows and minimal blinds or curtains are also prioritised to further maximise the amount of daylight coming in.
A white base is always a good place to start, but deciding on what tone of white can be a little overwhelming. Cooler tones with hints of blue or grey can be harsher and less comforting whereas a warmer white with pink or yellow tones creates a more homely feel. Starting with a white or neutral base allows you to add brighter colours and adapt or change your colour scheme over time.
Create Contrast
Scandinavian interior design uses a blend of textures and contrasts to make sleek, modern decor feel warm and inviting. There are many ways we can create contrast and interest inspired by Scandinavian design. Through contrasting colours, for example, adding darker-toned furniture or accessories to your lighter colour scheme. Using contrasting textures by mixing natural textures such as wood and wool with smooth and glossy manmade materials. Handmade pieces add an interesting feature to a minimalistic Scandi-style interior.
Install Modern Furniture & Smart Storage
Minimalism is at the heart of anything Scandi-style so using minimal furniture and storage is key. Handleless wardrobes and drawers create clean lines and are a modern, practical storage solution suitable for Scandinavian-style interiors. Installing fitted furniture suited to your storage needs helps you to keep clutter stored away resulting in a cleaner, more minimal interior.
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!
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