Author: katie.lacy@letsgetcoffee.co.uk
Lights that will work like magic in your hallway
The hallway is, without a doubt, an important room in your home. It welcomes guests and visitors and is the space through which you and your family will pass several times a day.
It needs to be practical and functional, easy to keep clean and yet, create the right impression, sounding all the right style notes for the rest of your property. Worried about how to achieve this, especially with a small space? Read on to find out how you can add drama, depth and texture into your hallway, with lighting being just one tool you have at your disposal.
Drama and Style
There are many ways to style your hallway, from choosing wallpaper and colour schemes with an impact, to creating bespoke storage solutions. Light in a hallway can be compromised but there is another commonality in hallways in homes across the country – height.
The height stretches from the ground floor to the ceiling of the first floor. This alone adds drama to the space but you can ramp it up with a range of pendant lights.
Celestial means star-like, something of the heavens and supremely good – and that is exactly what our range of Celestial pendant lights bring to a hallway.
Enjoy the warmth of gold and the curvaceous shape of the teardrop shades or the globes that cast a glow around your hallway.
Making the Most of Light
It can be tempting to assume that because a light is scarce in a hallway that the only solution is to paint it a light, neutral colour or opt for wallpaper that uses only light colours and tones.
But, you can add a depth of colour to the walls – why not a dark, forest green or a moody, elegant navy? Because when you add mirrors, you instantly maximise the light in the space, doubling the effects of the warm glow of your pendant.
Just look at what a contemporary wall mirror could add to a hallway.
The Console Table
The hallway is the traditional home of the console table. Bijou, narrower, sometimes with drawers, sometimes with shelving, the console table was the must-have piece of furniture. It was the table on which the house phone sat, car keys were kept and other smaller but important items.
We may keep the phone and the Wi-Fi router in different places in modern times but, the console table is still a stylish and much-sought-after addition to the hallway.
Choose from a range of styles and designs. Opt for the traditional or the clean lines of minimalism. There is also the industrial console table, sleek and understated, its exposed frame and elm top sit perfectly in any hallway, any size.
Lights that Cast the Smallest of Shadows
You don’t always want the main hallway light ablaze and yet, you don’t want it in complete darkness either. With an electric table lantern, you get the best of both worlds. A soft glowing light housed in a stylish lantern, without the concerns of candles.
Opt for one, or buy a collection so that your console table looks divine in their glow.
These changes are affordable, yet their effects instant. How will you add style to your hallway?
Metal garden furniture: how to choose and clean it
Just like in the home, there are trends for garden furniture too. If you are seeking out comfortable, affordable and stylish garden furniture then the first thing to do is read our guide to metal garden furniture.
Trends for the Coming Year
If there is one word that sums up trends in metal garden furniture for the coming summer season it is this: bold.
Bold in colour and in shape, opt for garden furniture that makes a statement. And rather than just thinking dining sets, consider adding a slouchy day bed to the garden or an informal, yet stylish hammock.
Garden Bistro Set
Top of the list is a quaint and bijou garden bistro set. Perfect for keeping on the patio or close by the house, a bistro set is ideal for summer morning breakfasts and brunches.
By nature, they are slimline and compact, a form of informal al fresco dining. This metal garden furniture comes as a two-seater set or a four-seater dining set.
Colour
The garden can be awash with colour and that’s no bad thing. Pretty blooms, their colourful heads bobbing in the summer breeze is the perfect backdrop for the al fresco small round table and chairs.
In terms of colour for metal furniture, you may want to consider your choice carefully…
- Stand our colours – if you want your garden set to stand out, choose white or even this clay coloured garden bistro set. Surrounded by colour, especially green, lighter coloured garden furniture can really stand out.
- Meld into the garden – if you don’t want ‘stand out’ colours, opt for colours that blend or complement the green of the garden. Darker colours work well, with black being a favourite.
Convenience, versatility and ease of storage
It sounds a great idea having an al fresco dining set, perfect for all the family. Great for entertaining, there is no denying that well-chosen and stylish garden furniture is ideal.
But, it comes at a price – space. No matter how big or small your garden, then is no denying that at times, garden furniture gets in the way. Also, when the colder months of winter come around, protecting garden sets and furniture from the weather and sub-zero temperatures can prove problematic.
Not with metal garden furniture. All our metal garden bistro sets are lightweight, ideal as they are prime examples of the versatility that is folding furniture, allowing you to put them in an outdoor storage box of some sort. When not in use, fold away and either store in the garden, the garden shed, the garage, the garden storage box or pop it in the boot of the car to enjoy a picnic on your next day out.
Add Style
As well as furniture, there are also all kinds of accessories you can add to your garden to give it an extra zing of style.
Create a pretty dining area al fresco with sweet-scented climbing plants, as well as potted plants adorning a wooden shelving ladder. Leant against a wall, it can be used to show off tea lights as well as a place to store other outdoor items and equipment.
Keeping Metal Garden Furniture in Great Shape
Storing through the winter months ensures that the weather doesn’t corrode or damage your metal furniture. Maintenance is simple and straightforward – all you need is a few spare minutes and a bucket of warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
Wash the chairs of debris and grime and leave to dry in the sun… they really need nothing more.
5 ideas for the under stairs space
In many homes, there is one part of it that is often forgotten about and under-utilised – the under the stairs space can be surprisingly large but awkward in shape to fit anything of real use there. This makes using it an awkward space to use, as well as style. However, with our under the stairs ideas, you could create a whole new space, perfect for all the family.
Create a Bar Area
If you entertain or just enjoy kicking back with a cocktail in hand, having a dedicated space to mix your drinks sounds almost too good to be true. Under the stairs space is the perfect spot. No matter how big or small the space is, it will easily accommodate a bar like this Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Bar Table – and finished with a couple of stylish bar stools or an industrial bench to perch on.
Create a Home Office
Working from home is increasing in popularity but space can be pressing in a busy house. An under the stairs office can be the ideal, distraction-free working space.
But don’t think this means working in a small, badly-lit ‘hole’. Our Office Desks offer the ideal solution. Made to measure and with a choice of finishes and options, you can create a stylish under the stairs work area, with everything that you need.
Create an Art Gallery and/or Relaxation Space
Fantastic wall art is not just for the hallway or the lounge. Sometimes, finding a quiet spot to meditate or to contemplate the bigger picture can be tough in a busy house. Creating your own ‘relaxing space’ using the space under the stairs is the obvious solution.
Contemporary art is, we think, simply beautiful, packed with colour and detail. For a quirky but not completely off-the-wall style, add different shapes and sizes of clocks that will add detail and depth without the drama.
Storage Heaven
If there is one thing that the modern home could do with more of, it is storage space.
With so many things needed to hand every day, finding the right storage solution seems to keep slipping through our fingers. Quite often, the issue is not just lack of space but solutions that allow us to store and access our things quickly and easily. And this is where our reclaimed wood storage chest comes in to its own. Beautifully and lovingly crafted from reclaimed wood, the dents, scratches and scuffs are all part of its unique story and history.
Shop Reclaimed Wooden Blanket Box
Thoroughly waxed by hand to give an even finish, this reclaimed wooden storage chest is versatile, fitting with most interior design scheme in your home but perfect, we think, for being an under the stairs storage gem.
The Reading Room
Reading is an activity many of us use to shut down the hubbub of the day, slowing our whirling minds from the reality of everyday life and transporting us to a land of infinite possibilities.
But again, with the TV on, people tap-tapping on tablets and smart phones, finding a space that is truly relaxing and perfect for reading the latest best seller is not always possible.
So how about squeezing in this Oswald 2 Seater Sofa Vintage Brown Leather under the stairs? Add a not-too-bright reading floor lamp and while away the hours with your favourite novelist and a chilled glass of wine.
How will you create your haven under the stairs?
How to style a sideboard to look at its best
A sideboard really is a staple piece of furniture for dining rooms and living rooms offering both style and valuable storage space for all the items you want to keep tucked away. However, it also provides a perfect surface for the things that you do want on display like lamps and candle holders or for hanging canvas paintings and clocks above.
Which sideboard to choose?
With any large piece of furniture, white works beautifully to keep your space looking bright and open. In terms of colour, a white contemporary sideboard also offers a wonderful blank canvas for creating a contract against colour and other pieces of furniture. Go for all white furniture for a sleek, coordinated look or try a rustic reclaimed wooden sideboard for a more industrial look.
How to style a sideboard
The beauty of a sideboard, particularly a white one, is that it can be paired with whatever contemporary home decor your heart desires. Go for something simple or dramatic – either way, a sideboard is the perfect accompaniment to any room.
For a glamorous finish, add a stylish table lamp with a large luxurious shade. If you are looking for understated style, you can leave it there but you could also add more light by adding candle holders and tea lights.
There are also plenty of options for on the wall above your sideboard. A canvas painting or contemporary large clocks are a great choice to create a focal point in your room. A large wall clock is a great statement piece for any room. If you go for a white sideboard, a dark grey or black metal frame will create a stunning contrast and is bound to be a talking point – the perfect blend of classic and contemporary, industrial style.
Alternatively, a gorgeous canvas will look fantastic for a more classic look. Our collection of canvases come in a range of style and would look fantastic in any colour scheme. With a large sideboard, you could even place two smaller canvases side by side.
To find the perfect white sideboard for your living room or dining room, shop the sideboards collection at Modish Living or get in touch with our team.
The Perfect Garden Party Furniture For a Small garden
With the Bank Holiday coming up, get your garden ready for an early summer party. If you have a small garden, there is no need to worry! These ideas will get your garden party ready in no time.
An large dining set is the perfect option to entertain guests in a small garden. The Poole Large Outdoor Dining Table is proof your outdoor space can be just as stylish as your indoors. It’s perfect for catering a garden party.
Alternatively, if you are really short of space, a small bistro set looks fantastic. This way you and your guests can chat outside and just need to move inside to eat dinner. A couple of matching chairs placed beside the table is great for both parties and chilled summer evenings when you just want to sit outside with a drink.
When it comes to food, a BBQ is normally the way to go as soon as the weather is warmer. But why not go for a Mediterranean inspired menu. Colourful skewers look great and are easy to pair with anything you like.
Your party doesn’t need to be completely outdoors. Open the door to the garden so the space will be maximised by having the dining area and the garden for entertaining. If it’s a colder evening, or you are having a more formal dinner inside, its nice for guests to have a space to flow into outside for before or after dinner with a glass of wine. If you have a smaller open plan kitchen diner, it’s also easier to keep your guests entertained outside whilst you finish off the food.
This works fantastically if you have a garden sofa for a cosy night with some throws. Drape them over the ends of the sofa and stock up on plump cushions for a comfortable and welcoming space to chill. To maximise the effect, add tea light holders or hang lanterns for a summer evening haven.
Shop the Alum Bay Grey Rattan Garden Furniture Set with Rising Table
To find the perfect party garden furniture for your outside space, take a look at the Modish Living website or get in touch with our team.
How to create the perfect study space in a new home
Creating a study space is similar to creating a home office type of space where you can work undisturbed. But, all too often, we ‘settle’ for a dark corner or a gloomy desk facing a wall.
This is how to create the perfect study space at home…
Choose the Space Carefully
You may be fortunate enough to have a spare room – an ideal location for a study or home office. At the end of a working session, you power down the PC, switch off the printer and shut the door.
Or, you may struggle for space. The good news is that even in small spaces, you can create an amazing home study space with a reclaimed wood desk and comfy chair. Choose a space that is free from distractions, and in a quiet location, and that’s half the battle.
Bring in Light
No matter what work you do, in any working space, the right lighting is essential and industrial style lights are a great choice for the modern office or study space.
- Pendant lighting – this is the main central light and although there are many stylish options, if you are working with the light behind you, you will be working in shadow.
- Desk or table lamps – excellent for adding on-the-desk luminosity and prevents you from working in shadow. Be as bold as you like with design and style.
- Floor lamps – movable about the space, floor lamps can add height and texture to a room. Consider a floor lamp that could act as a spotlight too.
The Desk
Your work is important and this, the working platform at which you will sit for often hours at a time needs to be able to accommodate everything that you do. But this does not mean throwing style out of the window. You can be as stylish and as vibrant with your choice of desk as your budget and imagination allow.
Of course, you will want a desk that matches your style, whether that is an industrial style desk or a rustic inspired table. There is no reason why you can’t be quirky with your choice either. This is why the Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wooden Desk is possibly one of the best buys when it comes to study desks and spaces.
Shop Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wooden Desk
The Chair
Ergonomics is the study of everything that makes life easier and more comfortable. If you do spend hours at your desk, it needs to be the right height. Your bespoke leather chair needs to support you, especially in the lumbar region.
Shop Standford Grey Faux Leather Office Chair
But again, this doesn’t mean opting for the ‘plain’ or the ‘normal’ office chair. The Standford Grey Faux Leather Office Chair is on castors, perfect for wheeling yourself about the to fetch books or notes from around the room.
There is no reason why you cannot create a study space that inspires and enthrals. Why wouldn’t you want a study space that is stylish, with depth colour and texture?
Keep an eye on the time with a wall clock whilst being surrounded by appealing items such as contemporary candle holders or even a wall or floor mirror to maximise light in the study. Or, add an industrial bookcase to keep things organised. The addition of an urban modern rug will add a softer tone to your space that may make it feel a little more relaxed if that helps you study better.
How will you design your study space?
How to achieve an industrial style hallway
Industrial style has been a huge trend in home decor for a number of years now. But what does ‘industrial style’ really mean? The idea with the industrial style is to take inspiration from beautiful old factories and stripped back architecture. It’s all about seeing the beauty stripped back architecture and using unexpected materials typically used for building for furniture. Find out more about the industrial style on our blog here.
Industrial style meets the hallway
Hallways are often a little neglected when it comes to decor. However, in terms of setting the tone for the rest of your home, getting the style of your hallway right is really important.
Your hallway can be seen as an opportunity to make an impact as soon as your guests walk through the door and is the perfect place for being a little more creative when it comes to decorating. Industrial style is great for this – with clean style and plenty of personality, it is the perfect option for any stylish, contemporary home.
Add a console table
A console table is a staple piece of furniture for any hallway, perfect for maintaining a clutter-free space and providing storage for smaller items for grabbing on your way out of the door.
A reclaimed wood console table will stand the test of time and provide effortless style. Try and find a design which blends reclaimed wood with metal elements for a sleek yet charismatic finish.
Alternatively, we offer a bespoke sizing service, so you can find a style perfect for your space. Have a look at our Standford collection.
Shop Knightsbridge Reclaimed Oak Console Table
Large statement pieces
A huge mirror is a great option for any hallway as a way to open up your space. Go for a reclaimed wood frame or one with a simple metallic frame, perfect for pairing with the steel framing on industrial style pieces.
Statement light shades are another way to amp up the style of your hallway. Alternatively, if you’re not sure about going for full-on industrial style, gorgeous industrial style lighting will give a subtle nod to the decor trend.
Experiment with colour
An industrial style is a great option because it allows really allows flexibility to go with any floor and wall colour. For an understated take on the industrial style, go with light neutral colours on your walls and beautiful wooden flooring.
Alternatively, you could create more of a statement with a bold paint colour like navy or a darker grey. If you do go for a darker colour, make sure your hallway has a window or some way of bringing light into your room.
To get more inspiration and achieve the industrial hallway of your dreams with bespoke furniture take a look at our website.
How to make your small home office stylish
The way we work is changing. Increasingly, more of us are choosing to work flexibly and from home. This means you may be looking for small home office ideas to create a work space at home that is comfortable, ergonomic, suitable and stylish.
Shop Chelwood Reclaimed Wood Desk
Finding the Right Space
What is the right space for some, may not be for others so this is a personal choice. You are, however, looking for a space that offers:
- Plenty of space to work and store a few things – being too cramped means an uncomfortable home office that you won’t be able to work in for longer than a few minutes.
- Good light – natural is, of course, best but ambient lighting is also needed. Don’t work in shadow as poor lighting leads to eye strain.
- Minimal distractions – you may love looking out the window and this is all well and good but if the habits of the garden birds because all encompassing then your workload will suffer.
Creating a Bespoke Space
Working from home means taking on the exciting project of re-modelling a part of your home to be a comfortable and stylish workspace.
Once you have decided on where you are going to locate your small home office – spare bedroom, a corner of a room, conservatory, small extension, rooms under the stairs – you can choose the furniture accordingly.
The Desk
A primary piece of kit is the desk. A flat-pack, mass produced item is not always the most practical nor ergonomically comfortable. This doesn’t mean spending thousands on a bespoke design. We love the look and character of reclaimed wood items, especially when the old wood is teamed with modern stainless steel to create an industrial desk. Take a look at our Standford range, such as this reclaimed wood desk with black steel frame.
Shop Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wooden Desk
In terms of bespoke design, you will need to consider the space you have available – thus, if a narrower desk would suffice, you can order a made to measure desk that will fit your space perfectly.
The importance of getting the right desk for your work cannot be under estimated for your comfort as well as for not swamping the space.
You need a clutter-free environment that is appealing as much as it is to keep clean and organised.
The Chair
If you work at a PC or design at your desk, then the right chair is a must to make sure your back in well-looked after.
We have a range of leather office chairs, perfect for supporting you. This Hudson vintage style chair is perfect in so many ways. Note its cleanliness and uncluttered appearance. The open frame the smaller office space from being ‘closed down’.
Shop Standford Brown Faux Leather Office Chair
We also love the fact that our office chairs look nothing like ‘office chairs’! In other words, they are robust, comfortable and stylish.
Storage
With so many documents and data kept on the cloud, storage needs for the home office are now different to how they used to be. Our bespoke bookcases can be used for styling and decor as well as storage, perfect for keeping those smaller things that don’t need to be used on a frequent basis.
Shop Colette Reclaimed Wood Metal Open Display Unit
What tips do you have for creating the perfect small home office?