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

Create a warm and cosy living room for autumn

a rustic living room full of autumn warmth

The living room is one of those places that we like to feel safe, warm and cosy – the rustic style lends itself to this perfectly. Of course, rustic furniture will help set a theme but there are many other little things you can do to bring in a warm and cosy feeling as the nights get longer and colder.

The walls and ceiling

Make the most of any features you may already have in the room. Accentuate ceiling beams with clever lighting. If you have an alcove area by a fireplace then consider a rustic bookcase for your book collection or simply use it for showing off your favourite decorative pieces. Wooden wall cladding is also an option, you can go halfway up the wall all fill the entire walls – natural wood is always a good bet to warm up the room.

The floor

Rugs are the way to go if you want to cosy up a floor! Have a go at layering rugs on a wood or stone floor – not only will this bring in extra insulation but it looks great too. Start off with a large plain floor rug – a natural jute rug is perfect for this and then add one or more smaller rugs over the top. You can also use rugs in this way to zone your room and draw the eye to any features you want to highlight.

The fireplace

A fireplace is undoubtedly one of the most warming and cosy features you can have in a living room – make it a standout feature! If you are lucky enough to have an open fireplace then dress it up – paint the chimney breast a bolder colour or clad it in stone. Stand a basket of logs near it and of course put a rug in front of it – add one or two fabric armchairs to the sides for an instant cosy feel when you enter the room. If you prefer not to have an open fire in your house then consider a wood burner with a glass door and if that doesn’t work for you maybe an electric one will – there are so many choices out there now!

The furniture

Think about rearranging the furniture in your room to make it more cosy by pulling the leather couch up closer to the fireplace. Warm up a tan leather sofa with a selection of scatter cushions and throws, use warm colours like orange, red and burgundy in heavier fabrics like corduroy, tweed, velvet, wool and faux fur. A rustic TV stand, coffee table or wooden sideboard that has been produced from reclaimed wood will bring another homely and earthy element to the room.

The finishing touches

Dim lighting is another quick trick to creating a cosy room. If you don’t have dimmer switches then bring in a floor or table lamp. Fairy lights around pictures or mirrors are soothing and flickering candlelight is also an option. As we are talking about the senses you can also consider scented candles or use a diffuser to bring in a cosy autumnal or winter scent.

What do you add to give your living room a cosy feel for autumn? Leave a comment below and share your ideas.

Everything you need to know about rustic style

Rustic style is here to stay and is the type of interior scheme that evolves with time and will never go out of fashion. It incorporates casual, natural, rugged, rough and aged elements which can be influenced by styles originating anywhere from a Tuscan farmhouse or Gothic castle to a beach house on the English coast. The beauty of the rustic style is that nothing should be new and perfect looking! Rustic style suits farmhouses and country cottages but it can also work in the newer home by adding in character and rustic features. In this blog, we look at some key elements to embrace a rustic look in your home.

Wood

Wood is the main element when it comes to creating a rustic interior. Especially reclaimed wood – it tells a story, it gives texture to your room as well as history and individuality. If you have a wood floor you can sand and stain it, or look at installing a wooden floor – there are many different types and styles to suit your home. Whether you opt for antique furniture pieces, upcycled items or reclaimed furniture, the addition of wooden pieces will bring in bundles of rustic charm. A great example of this is the Chelwood Reclaimed Wood rustic coffee table and side table below – it’s the perfect addition to a living room bringing with it style as well as some handy living room storage.

Natural elements

Accentuate any natural features you have in your home, such as exposed beams, natural brick walls, stone floors or an open fireplace. You can also bring in other natural rustic elements in the form of houseplants in wicker baskets or old metal buckets. Something as simple as a dried flower display on a farmhouse table or kitchen sideboard will help give a warm rustic vibe to your dining space.

Textured and organic textiles

You can bring in a variety of textiles when accessorising your room. Natural fabrics in neutral or muted colours work best. Mix textures, for example, a selection of scatter cushions and sofa throws in different fabrics on your sofa, a floor rug or curtains in natural cotton or linen for the windows. Leather chairs add another natural element to the space, tapestry is also a top choice when it comes to a rustic interior.

Metal

Shiny metal gives a room a touch of glamour and bling, so for a rustic look you want to be introducing burnished metals. Matt black hinges and door furniture and furniture with an industrial element add a whole bunch of rustic charm. The Standford reclaimed dining table makes the perfect centrepiece for your dining room – pair it with a wooden dining bench for a truly rustic look.

For the larger dining space, the Soho Dining Table will make a big and bold eye-catching statement pair this with sumptuous and luxurious velvet dining chairs to add contrast to your room.

Any size room can have a rustic influence, even small bedrooms. If you’re wondering How to Get a Small Rustic Bedroom Right take a look here.

Dulux Heritage: the perfect match for reclaimed wood

Earlier this year Dulux launched its new Heritage range of luxury paints. These modern interpretations of classic shades from the history of British architecture and design, were brought up to date by the Dulux colour experts to make them completely at home in modern Britain, just like the beautiful reclaimed wood furniture and rustic pieces we curate here at Modish Living.

Drawing on 90 years of colour expertise the Dulux Heritage paint choices pair beautifully with our reclaimed wood furniture, some of which is crafted using wood that is over 100 years old. The texture and characteristics of the rustic wood will contrast beautifully with the unique ‘Velvet Matt’ finish, which has a silky and soft feel to the touch.

On the new collection, Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, says, “Dulux has such a rich heritage in decorating and since 1931 our colours and paints have helped to define the way we live and the way we feel about our homes in the UK.”

“With the Heritage range, we have combined the finest colours from important periods of decorating history with the most stylish contemporary hues to create a truly gorgeous collection that adds beauty and luxury to every kind of home.” Marianne Shillingford

It’s easy to visualise our pieces with the Dulux Heritage paints. What a backdrop Dulux Heritage Cherry Truffle pictured here with its deep bitter chocolate with a hint of red warmth would make to our Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table.

Our Chelwood Reclaimed Wood collection of living room furniture would create a beautifully calming and restful mood next to walls painted in the crips, off-white hue of Romney Wool below.

In the hallway we would pair our rustic Rattania Bench and matching Skandi Console Table with the welcoming deep grey/green shade of Waxed Khaki shown here. We love the contrasting aquamarine door painted in Midnight Teal too.

And for the bedroom, we can imagine our Winchester Reclaimed Wood Sleigh Bed sitting peacefully with walls painted in Potters Pink and woodwork in the contrasting Mud Lark as seen here.

Discover the full Dulux Heritage collection and see our Inspirations & Ideas for more interior style tips.

All images by Dulux Heritage.

How To Get That Hotel Pristine Bedroom Look At Home

We have all been impressed by the luxurious look of a 5 Star hotel room. The beautiful décor, stunning view, and elegant furnishings have given many homeowners reason to start planning their next holiday right from the hotel room they are currently in.

One of the best features of that luxury hotel room is the bedroom, of course. Many luxury hotels will choose interior furnishings from some of the biggest names in home fashions and then go over the top when it comes to comfort. If the average thread count is 1200, they will go 2000. When other hotels are creating smaller spaces with minimalistic sized beds, luxury hotels will offer a massive wooden king size bed that seem impossible to even get up to the room, let alone in the door. Then you have the myriad of pillows, linens, cushions, and throws that add to the opulence and make it one of the most comfortable places in the world to be. That is, until you design your own bedroom.

Turning your bedroom into something mimicking the finest hotels is no small feat, but it can be done. With some helpful tips and a selection of stylishly designed home goods, you can get that hotel pristine bedroom look at home.

Let’s take a look:

How To Get That Hotel Pristine Bedroom Look At Home

Making The Bed The Centrepiece- your bed should be the focal point of the room and it should stand out. Choose a bed that is large and stately, then either panel the area around it or frame it with an equally impressive wooden headboard. A solid wood bed frame always makes a statement and adds a luxurious warmth to a bedroom.

Dress The Bed Properly- using a selection of colour coordinated cushions, pillows, and throws, you can create a comfy space that rivals just about any 5 Star hotel.

Choose The Right Paint- the right colour for your wall depends on your own specific style and the mood you are trying to create. Choose modern colours including shades of grey or similar hues in blue or taupe.

Add Stylish, Modern Décor- once you have your furnishings in place and have chosen your wall colours and the linens you like, it’s time to finish the space with stylish, modern décor. This will give your room character while filling in those empty spaces.

Make It Your Own- one of the best ways to create a truly beautiful space in your home is to personalise it. Making your room your own with décor items that are special to you or that have been handed down throughout generations in your family will make your space even more beautiful and unique.

Contact Modish Living

To learn more, contact Modish Living today and shop our wide selection of stylishly designed home goods for your modern home.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media sites.

What should I put on my dining room table?

spider leg dining table with grey runner

We see image upon image of stunning table centrepieces on various social media platforms all styled to perfection! In this blog, we look at some gorgeous centrepiece ideas to make your reclaimed wood dining table Insta-worthy….

Candlesticks

Candlesticks are a classic table centrepiece that never loose their style. Historically essential as the main source of light for diners sat around the table, we now tend to use candles to bring atmosphere and ambience to the room. They make the perfect centrepiece for any dining table with so many different styles and colours available you are bound to find just the right thing for your table

Fresh or dried flowers

A floral table display is another classic dining table decoration – some believe the origins of using flowers to decorate a home goes right back to the Romans who used them to scent their home and of course they look pretty too! Your floral table decoration can be either fresh cut seasonal flowers, or for something more permanent, you can opt for a dried bouquet. Dried flowers look particularly good on a reclaimed dining table and are just perfect for a farmhouse table. Before going out and buying the biggest bouquet for your dining table think about how it will sit on the table with your serving dishes and of course your diners. If you pass platters around then consider a lower level decoration – if you have a long table or a wooden extendable dining table consider two or even three smaller arrangements to place along the middle of the table.

A cluster

A cluster decoration would look great on a round table – designers like using odd numbers so go for three or five coordinating or contrasting items to create interest on your table. You can use a mix of vases, candlesticks, serving bowls and small houseplants.

A table runner

Although the wood on a rustic dining table is already stunning on its own, a linen runner can add contrast and an anchor to ‘frame’ your centrepiece. We have opted for industrial themed table decorations in grey and black which are displayed here on the Lansdowne industrial dining table. The industrial look can be softened by adding coordinating cushions and houseplants.

A tray

If you like a practical centrepiece for your table then you can simply stick to dining table essentials – instead of the table looking cluttered with little bits and bobs then arrange mats, coasters, cutlery, salt and pepper pots on a tray that will sit in the centre of your table. Using a tray makes the centrepiece look like one item on the table, it will also keep these items together when they’re not in use.

Seasonal fruit

A fruit bowl is always a good display item – remember those plastic fruits we all went mad for in the 70’s and 80’s?!! Well now we all want to eat more fruit it is a great reminder for all who walk past the table – especially for kids! Or go for something more decorative with interesting looking fruits and vegetables in a bowl – it will get the conversation started, for sure.

The pros and cons of a round dining table

It’s the time of year where our thoughts turn back to indoor improvements after spending summer focusing on the garden and other outdoor spaces. So read on if you’re thinking of replacing your main dining table or round kitchen table. In this blog, we look at the pros and cons of opting for a round reclaimed dining table.

PRO Perfect for a small space

A small round dining table is perfect for a more compact dining space…one reason they are so often found in the kitchen for less formal dining areas like breakfast and lunch! They fit well into a dining alcove or corner in an open plan living and dining space and with rounded edges, they do give the illusion of taking up less space.

PRO More sociable and great for families

A large round dining table is ideal for families who like to wind down together for mealtimes, playing cards and board games. They are also much more sociable as diners can easily make eye contact and engage in conversations with others around the table.

PRO A round table with a pedestal base

This is a good choice if you like to entertain, without legs and corners, it is easier to seat more at the table.

PRO A good choice for homes with small children

A round dining table has no sharp corners – this may be a consideration for those who have young children and toddlers in the home – they are much less likely to bang their eye or head on a sharp edge.

Now you know about the pro’s, let’s look at the other factors you need to consider before you decide between a rustic dining table or opt for a round dining table.

CON A dining bench will not work

One downside of a round dining table is the fact that a bench will not work with it. This is a shame as we do love how a wooden dining bench allows you to squeeze up and fit more people around the table – they’re perfect when you’re entertaining and for larger families.

CON It could be too big or too small

You need to get your measurements right with a round dining table and make sure you have enough space all around the dining table to pull out your dining chairs.

CON Less space in the middle for serving dishes

Yes, a round dining table does give you less space to place your serving dishes in the middle of the table – however, if your dining space is big enough you can team it up with a wooden sideboard or a console table in a smaller space. Both these will give you some hidden storage too!

Ideas to create a warm and cosy rustic bedroom

rustic bedroom with wooden bed and bedside table

Autumn is fast approaching so it’s time to start looking around our home to see where you can make small improvements to create a cosy, warm and welcoming home. Here we take a look at the bedroom to see how bringing-in a rustic mood can turn your bedroom into a cosy retreat ready for when winter rolls in.

A wooden headboard

Simply adding a wooden headboard to your bed will make a real rustic difference, especially if it is made from reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood furniture brings shade variations that create depth and different textures that adds interest too. You can bring reclaimed wood into your bedroom in other ways too – add a wooden blanket box at the foot of your bed or as a storage seat under a window, a wooden bed with storage drawers will also keep your room feeling uncluttered and relaxing, whilst providing perfect hidden storage spaces for all that spare cosy winter bedding.

Exposed brick

If you are lucky enough to have an exposed brick wall then use it to create a rustic feature in your bedroom, even just a couple of square metres over the bed or a whole wall gives that lovely natural mood. Another option is to add rustic wooden panelling for a quick and easy rustic touch.

Add reclaimed wood furniture

If you feel your room needs a complete rustic revamp then you have to consider opting for reclaimed wood furniture! It is the eco-conscious way to furnish your home – not to mention incredibly stylish too! Warm reclaimed wood will work with any colour scheme you choose and will blend with a more traditional style as well as the contemporary home giving it a shabby chic look. Think a reclaimed wood bed and a rustic chest of drawers or if you want just a few rustic accents, add bedroom side table in reclaimed wood.

Snuggle down with blankets and cushions

Go overboard with textured soft furnishings. Yes, pile scatter cushions up on your bed, layer some throws which can contrast or complement each other. See if you can add warmth to the window with some thick warm curtains. Choose sumptuous fabrics for your bedroom like velvet, corduroy, wool and tweed. A rug on the floor will also add instant warmth even if you already have a carpet.

Upcycle and re-purpose

Other quick and easy things you can do to create a rustic room is to look at what furniture you already have around the house, you can also look online or in second-hand shops to find used rustic furniture that you can use as-is, upcycle or make minor adaptations to. Choose warm shades of wood with hints of red in it to reinforce warmth.

Ways to use your child’s old bedroom

double bed frame with pin and green covers and industrial bedside tables

It is often an unsettling time when your “child” moves out of the family home to start university. This is probably the first time they have moved out and it will take some time to get used to the quietness they leave in the family home. Looking on a brighter and more practical side, you now have a spare room in the house that you can decide what to do with!

First off check with your child what they are happy with…much better than starting to move their room around on the day after they head off! They may be more than happy for you to completely change the room or they may prefer some time to get used to leaving the family home themselves first – moving out of the home is a big move for the entire family.

Here are some ways that you can make use of this new space.

Have a good sort out

This is best done with your child before they leave, but they may have been too busy getting ready for their new uni life rather than spending time sorting out their bedroom. You can probably declutter and put some things in storage for now – ready to come back to when they are at home again. They may want you to just leave their room exactly as it is for now, especially if they initially plan on coming home for weekends a lot.

Create a space that you and your child are happy with

This could mean a bit of compromise for both. If you don’t have a guest room and would really like one, you could probably make some small changes to their room making it suitable for guests as well as your child. Maybe add a new double solid wood bed and move their stuff to one side add some rustic furniture like a new rustic wardrobe or a wooden dressing table. This dressing table could also double up as a desk if they are at home and need to study or write an essay. The Chelwood desk would be perfect for this!

Create an office space

If your current office space is the dining room table, you could make use of the new space and create an office in their old room. Design it so that it can easily be switched to a bedroom when your child is home or guests come to visit.

Swap rooms around

If you have a younger child still at home in a smaller bedroom you may want to move them into the larger room. This can be a simple room swap or you may want to redecorate the rooms before the switch.

Use the room for storage

If your home needs extra storage then you can invest in some attractive furniture that will help you get, and stay, organised. You can use this room to store out-of-season clothes in a solid wood chest of drawers, your child’s belongings that they have not taken to uni, music and book collections or anything else you want to keep but have nowhere to store. Of course, this room needs to have decent furniture to accommodate all these belongings but it will still make the perfect guest room when needed.

How to create homely student digs

Students will be heading to their digs or to campus soon – some for the first time ever and some returning for another year of study. Most students enjoy their creature home comforts and don’t relish the idea of a impersonal and stark student room. Here we look at a few ways to cosy up and personalise a student space.

Bring loved ones into your room

Do something many of us don’t do anymore and print out some favourite photos of friends and family. You can get cheap picture frames to hang on the wall or stand on a desk, maybe even pin some on a corkboard.

Make the lighting less harsh

If the room has just a ceiling light without a dimmer switch then add a floor lamp to stand next to a small armchair. This will provide an alternative place to sit when reading or revising – a more cosy and comfortable place rather than at your desk on a study chair. Or stand a small lamp on a bedside table or white wooden chest of drawers.

Add some homely accessories

A rug, some scatter cushions and a bed throw will all make a room feel a bit cosier, plus they will add a bit of colour and some interest to the room. Consider an outdoor rug that is waterproof and wipeable for any unwanted spills!

Add a comfy armchair

An accent armchair in a corner or by a window will always make a room look much more cosy and stylish. On a practical side, it will also provide another place for friends to sit. Add a throw and a cushion to bring in even more homeliness!

Get clever with storage

Most rented places will have the bare minimum of furniture so you may have to add some pieces. A wooden chest of drawers is a perfect choice, plenty of drawer space for clothes as well as books and stationery. This will also give you an extra surface for those family and friends photos or a TV.

Consider reclaimed wood furniture

A reclaimed wood desk will bring instant warmth and homeliness to your room, not to mention some Insta-worthy style. The Standford range offers the perfect industrial style desk combining reclaimed wood with an industrial metal frame. It’s a perfect size to fit in a smaller room and with two drawers you will have space to keep the essentials close by.

Add houseplants

Houseplants are a great way to bring warmth and homeliness into your student room – a few small ones on the window sill or a wall shelf will brighten the room. It’s also proven that having plants and elements of nature in your home provides a wellness boost. You can cheat a little here if you’re likely to forget to water them by using fake ones instead!! They will still have the same homely and uplifting and effect! See our blog on Home Improvements to Improve your Wellbeing to find out more about mood boosting interior design tips.