katie.lacy@letsgetcoffee.co.uk, Author at Modish Living

Achieve the rustic dining room of your dreams

Grey Highlander Canvas Wall Art Painting for Dining Room

The dining room is a multi-functional space. From informal dining to entertaining friends and family, the dining room needs to be stylish, yet comfortable and practical. The rustic style is essentially about raw materials, exposed brickwork, fantastic masonry on show and wood of all shades and hues. Reclaimed wood is a great choice because it comes packed with character and history.

If you are considering updating your dining room, the rustic style is easy and simple to accomplish, as well as being a classic, yet affordable look in your home. But how do you achieve it? Here’s how to achieve a rustic dining room look.

The Dining Table

Firstly, the centre of attention in the dining room must be the dining table. Rustic tables add an immediate impact. However, they come with all the trimmings that ‘modern’ dining sets offer such as an extendable reclaimed wood trestle dining table that will work perfectly with any dining chair you choose.

Dining Chairs

Secondly, you need to add the dining chairs. In a modern family home, large and wide dining chairs can be too cumbersome, and take up too much space. Although they may look practical, the feeling is that they clutter the dining room, making the flow of life difficult in one of the most important rooms in the house.

Shop Dorset Reclaimed Wood Dining Chairs (pair)

The charm of these slatted-back rustic chairs is that they offer rustic charm and appeal to the space. Use these with any of our dining tables or enjoy the delight of its matching rustic dining room table counterpart.

The rustic style can also be an opportunity to dispense with over-formality. We love the idea of using non-matching dining chairs or, a perfect solution for a busy, family dining room a reclaimed wood dining table with bench. Note the practical cutlery draw too.

Rustic Interior Design – Colours and Accessories

Supporting your rustic dining table, chairs and bench will be the remainder of the room. Accessories are the spotlights a room needs to place the emphasis of the key players.

As well exposing brick or stone work (seal it with a clear sealant to prevent excessive dust), introduce a range of accessories including a practical rustic sideboard.

Shop Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

Keep colours neutral. Whitewash walls in a practical, easy to keep clean white. Frame the room with fantastic rustic-style art that complements the theme, as well as injecting a little fun into the space.

For a hint of colour, not too strong nor overpowering, invest in a rug – contemporary or classic – that easily accommodates the reclaimed wood dining table and chairs.

The use of reclaimed wood furniture is an addition that is sure to create the rustic appeal you want, but without compromising on practicality or quality.

There is something delightful, familiar and appealing about the presence of wood in any room in the home but in the dining room especially. The rustic styled dining room lends itself perfectly for a Friday night take out and yet, it easily hosts a formal dinner party on Saturday too – allowing you to have a versatile and well styled space that works for you every day of the week.

Easy tips to create a rustic hallway

Wall art painting by Ant Fox for Hallway

A modern rustic vibe is an often-used term, so much so that you can be forgiven for wondering exactly what it means. Does it mean everything that reminds you of a farmhouse, or is it something different? The rustic style is not so much farmhouse but the use of raw wood, matched with stone or uncovered brick work.

It means neutral, simple fabrics matched to wood furniture with texture and warmth. It means layering different coloured woods. It means simplicity, but with warmth.

Here are some tips on how to create a rustic hallway.

A Rustic Styled Hallway

The hallway is a busy space. You want it to be stylish and uncluttered, but still have a practical feel.

Console Table

The console table has, for a long, time held a favourite spot in our hearts because it provides storage for the smaller things such as keys, letters and other little bits.

An investment, a rustic console table is one that will outlast all modern trends and fashions, providing practical space combined with a classic, endless style.

Shop Worcester Reclaimed Wood Console Table

Use a Range of Woods

The rustic style is essentially about wood, a material that was in plentiful. Fast growing soft woods are popular in many styles but slow growing hard woods are the most coveted.

However, we use them quicker than they can grow and this has led to a welcome resurgence in using repurposed or reclaimed wood. To get the true rustic style, mixing the different weathered woods is a great way to pay homage.

There are many ways of doing this, including adding a reclaimed wood mirror. Great for bouncing light and ambient light about the space, this mirror introduces another depth of colour too.

Animals and the Landscape

An original rustic styled home would look to nature for the answers in all facets of life. Art was also part of the look of a rustic home, from hand drawn pencil sketches to magnificent water colours.

For your rustic hallway, why not take a look at a rustic canvas painting to add detail to a space? Seeing as it is spring and we are so close to Easter, a mad March Hare seems the perfect choice!

Large ‘Statement’ Pieces

The rural home was practical in every way which is probably why it is a popular styling option for the home today.

The hallway can be a great place to have a statement piece to draw attention to one spot in the hallway. We love the idea of adding a large rustic wall clock – perfect for timing the school run just right – or maybe a grand light fitting that adds a touch of glamour.

Add a Bench

Key to a rustic style is adding a bench to the whole scheme. In the hallway, what could be better?

The perfect platform for storing school shoes and bags, as well as for little people who need help with their shoes in a morning, the reclaimed wood bench offers practicality, as well as the warmth of wood.

Shop Elton Rope Bench

The rustic look is popular, classic and timeless – perfect for any space, in so many ways. Why not incorporate it into your home?

Find out more about the Rustic Style.

Make a big impression with a big clock

Summer is the perfect time for a little decor overhaul with a statement such as a big clock. An oversized clock is great for creating a sophisticated feature on your walls and is handy for timekeeping too!

Clocks are fantastic in any room, but look especially great in rooms you probably spend a lot of time in, like your living room, kitchen and home office.

In your living room, use your wall clock as a fantastic, classic decor piece, instead of art on one of your walls. In a black and white living room, an extra large black metal wall clock would look fantastic. The industrial style and open design would make a wonderful vintage addition to a stylish, contemporary space.

Alternatively, the strong style of a black metal wall clock would look great in a bright white Scandinavian inspired space with injections of soft pastels.

In a glamorous living room, with a gorgeous brown leather sofa, like one of our classic Oswald 2 seater sofa’s, the large metal and gold wall clock would create an opulent finish. The blend of the slim black metal frame with the golden numerals is fantastic for a stunning injection of industrial style.

Zinc looks great in the kitchen. The elegant style of a large zinc effect wall clock is perfect for placing in any contemporary kitchen, especially if you create a strong contrast against glossy worktops. The simple zinc effect frame is perfect for blending with any colour scheme but with a mix of mid-grey walls and reclaimed wood furniture, it would look simply stunning.

For an old-style home office, go for a vintage-inspired design like a large rustic metal and gold wall clock. The subtle colour of the bronze effect frame and vintage style golden clock hands would make a wonderful addition to a neutral colour scheme. Keep the rest of your furniture and decor simple to make your clock the star of the show.

How to style a brown sofa

How to easily style your brown sofa - Modish Living

Leather or fabric, a brown sofa is a perfect addition in all households, from the busy family home to the uber-stylish bachelorette or bachelor pad.

Buying the right sofa depends on the shape, style and the space you have. Buying your ‘forever sofa’ is easy when you opt either brown leather or fabric and here’s why – it is a colour, whether the sofa is light in shade, a mid-brown or dark, that can be teamed with all kinds of décor and colour choices. Whatever type you choose, here are some tips on how to style a brown sofa with ease.

Blues of All Shades

Blue is a fantastic colour, adding light and detail to a space with light blue or in the case of navy, depth and drama.

A brown leather sofa works well with any shade of blue but we think a dramatic navy feature wall, with a brown leather sofa – dark brown leather works really well – is a fantastic way of adding depth and texture, as well as showcasing a fabulous sofa.

Add even more drama to the room with a unique contemporary blue rug to draw the whole scheme together.

Brown, Gold and Brass

A strong interior design trend for the coming season is to ditch silver accessories in favour of gold or brass. When it comes to a brown leather sofa, gold or brass is the perfect pairing.

Marry the Otto industrial 3 seater Chester club sofa with gold and brass accessories, including gold-framed mirrors and wall clock, as well as exquisite table lamps on either side.

White and Cream

A neutral palette is a fantastic way for your brown leather sofa to be the star of the show. Adding a dash of cream or beige to a space stops it from feeling too stark and devoid of any colour or depth.

Lighten the space even more with a white sideboard, adding the drama of black candle holders and plants to provide points of interest in the space. But don’t draw too much attention away from your sofa.

Grey and Teal

A refreshing colour scheme if you don’t fancy the neutral tones of white and cream, but without the depth and drama of darker colours. Grey and teal work well with any of our brown leather sofas.

Use a warm grey on walls, and teal for scatter cushions and rugs, as well as a throw or two for when keeping warm of a cold evening.

It can be a colour scheme that looks ‘cold’ however, thus adding dashes of warmth means adding texture. And there is no better way of adding texture than reclaimed wood, such as the Farringdon reclaimed wood coffee table with notches and scars of life from long ago.

Shop Farringdon Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

For a touch of glamour, add a table lamp with neutral but appealing shade and consider adding a side table or two to frame the sofa in its position.

With these ideas, you can have your ‘forever sofa’, enjoying the look of a brown leather sofa in your home.

Browse the beautiful collection of sofas at Modish Living.

Reclaimed Wood Furniture; How To Make It Work In Your Home

Today marks International Day of Forests, a day used to enjoy everything that is green, lush and from the forest – and this includes the repurposing of wood.

Using reclaimed wood gives furniture a unique look – and we really mean that! There are stories etched into the surfaces of tables and other items. Notches, twists, dents and scratches all add to the beauty of the piece and that is why reclaimed wood furniture is our passion.

Take a look at these great ideas on how to use reclaimed wood furniture in the home – and no, it doesn’t mean a rustic-only style…

Dining at Its Best

Dining tables are the places around which you will have many years of laughter and tears. If you don’t have acres of room in your dining space, this extendable reclaimed wood dining tabl e is a perfect choice.

Shop Medium Farringdon Reclaimed Wood Extendable Trestle Table

Frame the dining table with bright white walls, and a few well-placed accessories and candles and let the dining table be the star of the show.

And don’t forget, reclaimed furniture doesn’t have to stay inside. This reclaimed trestle table would be just as good for al fresco dining on the patio.

But, possibly the easiest way to add reclaimed wood into your home is with these wonderful Dorset Reclaimed Wood Dining Chairs.

Shop Standford reclaimed wood dining chairs

Upholstered, they add warmth and character to the dining room without feeling or looking too chunky but not too lithe looking that they are too fragile for robust family meetings at meal times.

In the Bedroom

There is something incredibly romantic about the Winchester reclaimed wood bed. Again, for it to stand out, pair it with with crisp white walls and high quality, white bed linen. If you want the reclaimed wood bed look but without the chunkiness, choose a slatted headboard and a bed with less of a frame.

Shop Winchester reclaimed wood bed

Accessorise to Your Hearts’ Content

Whether you have a library worth of books or a mixture of fine sculptures and plants, reclaimed wood shelving works well in any interior design style. Clearly fitting with a rustic look, this bookcase with cubed shelves is also fantastic in the industrial design too.

Staying with the storage theme, we love a reclaimed wooden blanket box. Ideal in so many spaces, this is an investment in a box that will perform a myriad of uses over the years, from kids toys to woolly blankets.

Untreated reclaimed wood can be washed in white oil, to bring out a Scandinavian flavour. If ever there was a piece of furniture ripe for this, it is this useful and practical wooden box.

Shop Chelwood Reclaimed Wood Blanket Box

Coffee Table with Character

In the lounge, welcome the Scandi-style into the space with a well-made, stylish reclaimed wood coffee table. Slightly white-washed, this finish works well in any room but for lazy evenings in front of the fire, this coffee table is the perfect addition.

There is a romance to reclaimed wood. Why not take a look to see if you can fit it into your space?

Dining table benches: How to seat more people using them

When you’re hosting a large dinner party or having the family around for an occasion, finding enough chairs to seat everyone around the dinner table can be harder than deciding what to cook. Our suggestion is to think beyond the dining chair and consider using dining table benches instead. The beauty of a dining bench is that they work with all styles of dining tables and suit any type of gathering, whether that’s a formal or a casual get together. Here, we take a look at how to seat more people using dining table benches in comfort and in style.

Shop Large Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

One of the main advantages of using a dining bench is that it takes up far less space than dining chairs to sit the same, if not more, amount of people. A wooden dining bench can also be neatly tucked away under your table when it’s not in use, saving important floor space in your dining room or kitchen diner.

There are two main considerations to think about when finding the perfect dining table benches for your home; how long you want your bench to be, and how tall it is. If you have a low table, be careful with the height of your bench – you don’t want your guests to struggle to fit underneath it. When it comes to length, try to find a dining bench that is as close to full length as you can to create balance and pay close attention to where your table legs are. For example, if you have table legs on the very corner of your table, you may wish to find a slightly shorter dining bench that will easily tuck underneath. A central pedestal or spider leg is ideal for seating more people using dining table benches as you can use the full length of each side of the table without worrying about the corners.

If you have a reclaimed wood dining table, the simple style of the Chelwood Reclaimed Wood Dining Bench is fantastic. The slim design of the wooden dining bench is perfect if you have a smaller space to keep it looking clean and elegant.

Wooden dining bench and matching rustic dining table

The Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Bench is perfect for pairing with any contemporary or industrial dining table. The bench features a wooden top crafted from 100% solid reclaimed wood which features natural markings for a gorgeous, charismatic finish and this is contrasted against the striking black metal base. A wonderful statement piece for any kitchen or dining room.

Shop Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Bench

You can even find designs which pack even more storage into your home. A storage bench like the Rattan May Wicker Storage Bench would look great paired with any wooden furniture. The rustic rattan basket is made from the highest quality rattan and opens to reveal a large space perfect for storing anything from dining accessories such as table cloths to blankets. A sophisticated addition to any classic or contemporary space.

Shop Rattan May Wicker Storage Bench

Modish Living also offers a number of wood dining table sets. The simply stunning Dorset Reclaimed Wood Trestle Table Dining Set is perfect for a contemporary twist on classic reclaimed wooden styles. The blend of natural, light reclaimed wood and distressed white paint looks great in any colour scheme. Not only this, the set comes with a mix of dining chairs and a dining bench for the best of both worlds.

Shop Dorset Reclaimed Wood Trestle Table Dining Set

See the full collection of dining benches available at Modish Living, and contact our team for more information.

How to achieve a timeless Scandi bedroom

Hudson Living Marlow Solid Oak Bed King Size in Bedroom with white walls and bedside table and small round mirror

The classic Scandinavian bedroom is a timeless interior design that works in both modern or more rustic homes. The pale colour scheme, Scandinavian furniture and non-cluttered approach creates a calming and relaxing space, free from distractions, all of which help to create an environment perfect for a good night’s sleep. But how can you emulate the Scandinavian design? Here, we share some simple design ideas to help you create the perfect Scandi bedroom…

White: the all important Scandi colour

Simplicity is key to all Scandinavian interior design whether that’s in the bedroom or any other room and so, invest in a good quality white paint – and plenty of it. Paint the walls and ceiling white. If your skirting boards are painted, these should be white too. If they are exposed wood, leave them in their natural state. You may not think that painting a room completely white is a bold move but, the secret to the style is to be as bold and bright with as brilliant a white paint as you possibly can.

The warmth in an all-white bedroom is provided by the natural wood of Scandi furniture, the wooden floors and other small, but key details.

Key Scandi details

To maximise the Scandi style, you should focus on the key influential details of the scheme. We’ve already mentioned the importance of wood and the colour white, but the other key feature of the Scandi bedroom is black accents. Monochromatic shades are the basis of any Scandinavian design, so to get the look think white walls and ceiling paired with pale wooden or rustic furniture with chic black details, such as a wooden chest of drawers with black metal handles and feet.

White, black or grey

Whilst a Scandi bedroom is highly desirable, for some, the sheer brilliance of whitewashed walls and ceiling in the bedroom is too much. The lack of colour is something many of us are not used to and as such, you may need to balance out the white without compromising the fundamentals of Scandi style. If you are not ready for the complete white look, even with black accents, then choose a softer neutral or pale grey. Natural grey walls or layered grey textures, such as curtains, rugs and furnishings are the perfect alternative for a Scandinavian bedroom.

Related: Learn about interior lighting from Scandinavian design

Clean lines of Scandinavian furniture

Scandinavian interior design had a big influence on mid-century interiors and furniture styles across the globe. Hence, it may be possible to find both period pieces, reclaimed furniture and modern furniture that fit right into the design scheme in the bedroom. Scandi furniture is minimalist and practical. Natural materials such as wood, leather or faux leather feature predominantly, softened with cosy textured accents.

Be tidy and declutter

We don’t want to lecture you about keeping your bedroom tidy, but it must be said that the Scandi style is minimal in clutter. And that means learning to live in the space in a way that is tidier than what you normally may have been, up to now at least! It also means knowing how you arrange things too. If clothing is on display, for example, cut the clutter by placing same-coloured items together. The best solution, of course, is bedroom storage. A wooden wardrobe and solid wood chest of drawers in a pale or textured wood will help you order your things so the room flows and fits together.

Accent with black

Every space and interior design style needs an accent colour and as we touched on earlier, for the Scandinavian bedroom, that colour is black. Use it well and it will complete the look to your bedroom perfectly.

Shop all style of furniture for the bedroom at Modish Living and choose your favourite wooden bed and bedside table to go with it.

Guest bedroom ideas: furnish it like a pro

Cotswold reclaimed wood bed and reclaimed wood bedside with table lamp in bedroom

When it comes to decorating your home, the guest bedroom can sometimes be left behind. However, a great guest room is a wonderful addition to any home – perfect for making your family and friends feel right at home whatever time of year. Now is the perfect time to get your spare room ready for visitors, and with our guest bedroom ideas, you can turn it into a welcoming and stylish space.

Stylish spare bedroom ideas

You don’t need lots of rustic or modern bedroom furniture in your guest room; just keep it simple and practical. At a minimum, a reclaimed wood bed and a reclaimed wood wardrobe or a large chest of drawers to create a comfortable and welcoming space. On the bed, create a plush environment with fresh, clean bedding, a thick duvet and lots of fluffy pillows in the winter and a crisp sheet with a luxury bedspread in warmer months. Make sure to hang some extra hangers in your wardrobe so your guests have a place to hang their clothes.

If you have a little extra space to play with, a wooden box would make a fantastic addition. A large wooden box is a great guest bedroom idea to store extra blankets and towels so friends don’t need to worry about asking for bedding if they are cold and to make them feel at home. A wooden box would also make a great spot for guests to store luggage so it is out of the way.

Winchester Rustic Reclaimed Wooden Blanket Chest

Shop Winchester Reclaimed Wood Rustic Blanket Chest

An industrial bedside table is also fantastic for storing the essentials, whilst bringing an urban and rustic style to the room. Keep it simple with a table lamp so your guests can relax and read – some fresh flowers is lovely guest bedroom idea for adding a personal touch. You can even pile a couple of your favourite books and magazines on the bedside table to give your guests a chance to wind down.

Shop Standford Industrial Side Table

A sheepskin rug is a classic addition to a guest room, especially if you have wooden floors. Placed beside each side of a solid wooden double bed, a sheepskin rug is great for adding comfort and warmth to any bedroom, not to mention a touch of glamour and sophistication. Or what about an extra large rug under the bed to create a softer surface to step onto.

Spare bedroom ideas are not complete without accessories. Give your guest room a little more personality with some contemporary art and a few simple accessories.

Alternatively, add a rustic wall clock. Not only do they look great, if your guests have to catch a flight or train, they also don’t need to worry. The simple colouring of the Pale Grey and Off White Vintage Metal Wall Clock works with any interior scheme and makes a great statement too.

Another guest bedroom idea that would make your visitors feel at home is to add a mirror, so they can check how bad their bed-hair is before coming downstairs in the morning. Our choice is a stylish wooden floor mirror or if space is limited, a large wall mirror will not only be useful, but will help create the illusion of space.

Make your guests feel welcome every time they visit and get your guest room ready with reclaimed wood furniture and modern bedroom furniture available at Modish Living, including a stylish wooden beds collection. Or for more guest bedroom ideas, have a browse at our bedroom blogs for inspiration.

A mirror for your mum on Mother’s Day

Solaris Stainless Steel Round Wall Mirror for Bedroom or Living Room

This year we celebrate Mothering Sunday on 26^th March. You need to choose a gift for the important woman or women in your life that show thought, consideration and character – but within your budget.

Guaranteed to fit with any interior design scheme in any room in the home, buying a mirror for your Mum, Gran, special Aunt etc. this Mother’s Day is the perfect gift.

Something Different

Brass is the must-have colour and accessory this season and so it’s no surprise that the brass decorative wall mirror is the perfect choice for the stylish Mum. This mirror with decorative border is perfect for the adventurous Mum, always looking for the next new thing to explore.

Art Deco Delight

Art Deco was a popular design style across Europe in the 1930s. Clear lines, angles and minimal fuss still make it a popular style choice today. For the Mum that loves symmetry and clean lines, bring out their hidden architect with these delightful Art deco inspired square wall mirrors. Available in two sizes, it’s the perfect mirror for the perfect home.

A Social Butterfly

Is your Mum a person who hosts dinner parties that are talked about for weeks after? Does she host occasions and celebrations, all with minimal effort and fantastic small talk?

If so, your social butterfly mum will love this geometrical wall mirror. With a heavy nod to the Art Deco style and complete with brass finished frame, it is sure to be the talking point of Mum’s next soiree.

A Celestial Being

What do you admire most about your Mum? Is her strength and tenacity to shoulder whatever life throws at her? Is it her ability to be able to see the good and the positive, even when storm clouds are gathering? Has she taught you there are no rainbows without rain? This celestial gold mirror is the perfect gift for Mum, Gran or Aunt who hold a special place in your heart.

As Big as Her Heart

Mums have big hearts, don’t they? They love and protect us, believe in us and support us, even when the chips are down. For a mum who is stylish, warm-hearted and charming, this English beam floor standing mirror is a delight, a perfect addition to her bedroom to check that no hair is out of place before she faces the day.

Out of This World

Quiet, yet warm. Open, yet mystical. Inspiring, with out of this world wisdom. Is this how you would describe the lady who has played Mum in your life? If so, you need an out-of-this-world gift that encapsulates all her mysticisms. The Solaris contemporary wall mirror is the perfect gift. A statement piece, without swamping a room, it offers just the right amount of detail. For a Mum who enjoys not being the centre of attention, but enjoys being part of the party, this is the ideal gift.

Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day with a gift that perfectly captures her personality, character and infinite love – and allows her to see herself as you do with a mirror that gives a true reflection of how much she means to you.