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

Old meets new in Finland: hotel interior design ideas

While many of us want to bring a touch of chic hotel design to the interior decoration of our homes, most hotels strive to create a luxury home-from-home look to their interiors. One such hotel that has achieved this beautifully, is RUNO Hotel in the historic coastal town of Porvoo, Finland. In our regular series of interior design ideas from hotels around the world, we explore the stylish interior of this rustic-meets-modern masterpiece.

With its soft neutral palette, understated style and proclivity for salvaged materials that stand the test of time, the RUNO Hotel is a wonderful example of how to transform a historic building into a laid-back modern space without losing its heartbeat. Many of the original features of the building, such as the majestic staircases, fireplaces and external reliefs, have been retained and lovingly restored using a blend of contemporary Nordic design and classic Scandinavian furniture.

Celebrating reclaimed furniture

Much like the reclaimed wood furniture we love, the theme of reborn is seen in every detail of the hotel. From the repurposed traditional textiles and locally handcrafted pieces of rustic furniture, some of which were crafted from centuries-old reclaimed floorboards or salvaged wooden hay sticks, the hotel respects the old while searching for the new.

The large open contemporary ground floor space that houses the lobby, lounge and restaurant combines a mix of Shaker-style furniture and modern classics including Hans J. Wegner’s iconic J16 rocking chairs and Space Copenhagen’s Spine lounge chairs with a harmonious colour palette to create a warmly inviting and homey atmosphere.

In the Runo Kitchen modern Finish food is served on contemporary wooden table and chairs or wooden trestle tables.

The neutral colour scheme is carried through in all of the 56 bedrooms, where an abundance of natural light gives the feature wooden furniture a natural warming glow.

Get the look

Farringdon Reclaimed Wood Trestle Dining Table

Eastwood Mango Wood Console Table

Want to find out more? For more information visit RUNO Hotel Porvoo at www.runohotel.com. Or to get the the look, see our collection of rustic and reclaimed wood furniture at Modish Living.

Get more home decor ideas

Check out our Modish Travels series of blogs for more designer hotels from around the world or visit our Ideas and Inspirations for home interior decor tips and inspo.

Small kitchen ideas – we’ve got you covered!

The kitchen is the hub of our homes, and let’s be honest, the one room we spend most of our time in, but we’re not all blessed with a large and flexible space. But, just because you have a small kitchen it doesn’t have to feel small, and it certainly doesn’t have to be any less stylish than the rest of your home. From kitchen storage ideas to a compact dining table, our small kitchen ideas will help you max out every inch of space and have the kitchen of your dreams.

10 Small kitchen design ideas

1. Small kitchen layout

Whether your style is modern, minimalist, classic, rustic or modern farmhouse, the first step in your small kitchen design is the layout. This has to be carefully considered and every corner of space should be utilised. Think about your lifestyle – if you hate cooking and eat out lots your kitchen space is unlikely to see much use and can be simply functional. However, if you love to host at home you will want your small kitchen to be a place where you can cook and entertain at the same time, so will need to factor in options for dining and seating.

A good starting point is to look at how you will use the space and the journey – it also pays to know about the all-essential triangle plan. The kitchen triangle refers to the ideal layout of the three main work areas in a home kitchen – the sink, fridge and cooktop – to achieve maximum functionality. The good news is that when it comes to small kitchen ideas, the triangle is easier to achieve. Try to position your cleaning, cooking and prepping areas into three zones even if the space between each is small.

When considering the layout, kitchen company, Magnet, recommends a galley or u-shaped kitchen to maximise storage and work surface space. It also suggests featuring both upper and lower cabinets, as well as corner cabinets with carousels to make the most of corners.

2. Get creative with colour

White and neutral colours reflect the light more than dark colours and will help increase a sense of space, but that doesn’t mean your small kitchen has to be cold or unwelcoming. Small kitchen ideas may have to be more inventive, but they can also be more daring. Add colour with a brightly painted or tiled splashback or to max out and reflect the space even further, how about a coloured mirror splashback?

If you’ve had your eye on a deep green, earthy brown or dark grey kitchen, you can still incorporate this in a small kitchen design – in fact, a darker palette can make more of an impact in a small space. Dark colours may absorb the light, but they also blur the lines between walls, adding depth and dimension to a room that helps it appear bigger. Another trick is to paint the ceiling to naturally lead the eye upwards.

3. Add luxury details

The benefit of a small kitchen is that you won’t be spending much on cabinet doors, which means you have more to spend on other areas. Invest in luxury details, including statement lighting, a knock-out work surface or eye-catching handles. You may want to spend more on a certain brand of appliances or maybe that boiling water tap you’ve had your eye on – it will save space by removing the need for a kettle.

4. Work-in a small dining table

Beam Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

All too often small kitchen ideas prioritise storage and cabinets over a space to dine and socialise, but you don’t always have to choose. You can still make a dining table work in a small kitchen design, you just have to pick the right table. A small narrow table no more than 140cm in length and 90cm wide with a wooden dining bench will fit in even the smallest of spaces, especially if it can be pushed up against a wall when not in use. If you have an empty corner, a round wooden dining table is the perfect small dining table option to fit snugly into the space.

Standford Round Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

A compact dining table isn’t the only dining option in a small kitchen. Swapping a kitchen table for a breakfast bar table is the ideal alternative for a casual dining space and will complement a busy social kitchen. Add a pair of wooden bar stools with backs and you have a space to work, rest, dine and play.

Industrial Lansdowne Rustic Wood Bar Table

5. Create a small peninsula

If a galley kitchen is the best option for your small kitchen design, adding a small peninsula at one end has a number of benefits. Of course, it will create extra storage, but add a kitchen stool and it becomes a spot to sit with a morning coffee or early evening drink. Another benefit is that it will help zone the area, which is especially useful if you’re looking for kitchen ideas in an open plan space.

6. Go for drawers over cabinets

When researching small kitchen designs, you may want to consider large drawers. According to Wren Kitchens, large drawers are an effective alternative to cabinet doors. Oversized drawers are easy to access and can even be wide and deep for storing pans and big items, such as slow cookers away from the worktop surface. Wren Kitchens also recommends looking for narrow shelves and cabinets for small kitchens, together with uninterrupted kitchen worktops to help create the illusion of more space.

7. Add a kitchen trolley or wooden butcher’s block

Multifunctional is key when it comes to space saving kitchen ideas. A portable kitchen island trolley or butcher’s block can be moved around the space giving greater flexibility, whilst also providing additional storage and an extra work surface to prepare food. A solid wooden butcher’s block will also bring a wonderful rustic feel and warmth to a small kitchen.

Colette Reclaimed Wood Butcher’s Block

8. Combine open and closed shelving

You would be forgiven for wanting to squeeze in as many cabinets as possible, but a wall full of cupboards in a small space can feel overwhelming and overcrowded. Of course, storage is key, but by combining cabinets with open shelving, such as a wonderful rustic shelf, you can bring some character to the room and add an open feel to your kitchen. Glass fronted cabinets will also break up the space whilst bouncing the light around the room.

9. Go big in a small kitchen design

Here we’re referring to the floor and more specifically, floor tiles. Larger tiles in a small kitchen will trick the eye and make the room look bigger as there are fewer grout lines. Pick a grout colour the same shade as the tile to enhance the illusion further. In contrast smaller tiles with lots of grout lines will enclose the space, so avoid where possible.

10. Think smart appliances

Help your small kitchen run smoothly with space-saving appliances that are multipurpose, such as an oven with an integrated microwave or a built-in coffee machine. If you didn’t think there was room for a dishwasher, think again. A slim narrow dishwasher fits in even the smallest of spaces, you can even source slim fridge freezers to make room for more storage.

Home decor ideas: Santa Monica Proper Hotel

Our interior design ideas from around the world this month take us to the sun-drenched technicolour shores of Los Angeles to soak up the easy luxury coastal vibes of hotel Santa Monica Proper.

Occupying a 1920s building in the beachside neighborhood of Santa Monica, American interior designer, Kelly Wearstler, created a relaxed and eclectic aesthetic using a mix of contemporary furniture and rustic furniture with vintage influences. The public spaces and bedrooms are inspired by the local coastline and have been designed to help guests relax. Curved, organic and heavily textured materials and finishes blend with sandy palettes and natural elements, such as grasscloths, oversized plants and of course, palm trees.

Interior decoration: tactile wood

Wood and wood tones feature dominantly in the hotel. From the patterned hardwood oak floors and custom-made reception desk to the wood-effect wall cladding and warm brown patinas throughout, Wearstler worked with local artisans and artists to create a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere that embodies Santa Monica’s iconic beachside identity.

Bedroom interior design

The organic tones and sandy hues continue into the suites and bedrooms. Curved fabric headboards and warm wooden furniture glow in the natural California light that spills into the space through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Get the look at home

Photo: Serenity Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

Photo: Cleo Faux Leather Dining Chair

Want to stay here? For more information visit Santa Monica Proper. Or to shop the look, browse our collection of rustic and modern furniture at Modish Living. All images credit The Ingalls.

Get more home decor ideas

Take a look at Modish Travels for more design-led hotels from around the world or visit our Ideas and Inspirations for interior tips and inspo.

5 Cosy dining room ideas for winter

It’s that time of year when we start wanting our homes to feel cosy. The nights are drawing in and the weather is getting colder, so we retreat inside and hunker down for the winter. A big part of this hibernation revolves around eating with hearty stews and Sunday roasts forming the backbone of many meals. Whether it’s a romantic supper or a family dinner, your dining room decor should be cosy, inviting and welcoming to complement the season.

Here, we share some cosy dining room ideas from a reclaimed wood dining table to soft lighting, candles and warming colours to make the most of your room and ensure eating together is a pleasure to be savoured as much as the food itself.

1. Open-plan kitchen and dining room inspiration

The trend for open-plan living doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon. But, how can you make an open living and dining room feel cosy? Creating a coherent look and feel between your kitchen and dining area can help to make the room more intimate. Use the same material for your kitchen worktops and your dining table – something like solid oak wooden worktops and a reclaimed wood or rustic dining table will always be in style, whether you want a contemporary or more rustic aesthetic.

The use of plants and greenery can also make an open space feel more enclosed and inviting. Bringing the outside in is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it can also have practical benefits to mental health and wellbeing. Following the theme between your cosy dining space and your kitchen – maybe even with the use of growing indoor herbs that can be used in your cooking – will make the space cheerful, fresh and snug. If a living room is also attached to your dining room, a colour scheme or matching soft furnishings will all bring together a feeling of calm and restfulness.

2. Comfy and stylish rustic furniture

The most important part of any dining room is the furniture. Dining room sets can be bought as one, containing matching tables and chairs, or you can mix it up with a solid wood dining table and separate cosy dining room chairs that offer comfort as well as style. Soft leather, faux leather or sumptuous velvet chairs instantly make any room feel cosy and luxuriant.

Add a wooden dining bench, sideboards or cabinets to bring the space together, whilst adding essential storage. Darker wood will help make a space feel more enclosed which, in turn, creates a cosier atmosphere, whilst a lighter finish will bring in a Hygge kind of mood to cocoon and separate you from your outside surroundings.

3. Light up your room

Lighting can make or break any room, and your dining room is no exception. You want to make sure you can see what you are eating and drinking, but for a cosy dining room, you could consider dimmable lights or table lamps. Or maybe combine the two and have a feature light above your dining table, but opt for softer lighting for when you want a more atmospheric setting.

If you use your dining room as a space to work from home, or for kids’ homework, then a brighter light may be useful. The area can also be zoned with a row of spotlights or even some dramatic pendant lighting for maximum effect. Choose a timeless design that is made to last or for something completely unique find a craftsperson who will make a purpose-built light fitting just for you and your dining space.

4. Add a splash of colour

Don’t be afraid of colour, particularly when aiming for a cosy dining room. This could be a fully painted room from skirting boards to ceiling – go for deep jewel colours for added drama – or add a feature wall using colour or contrasting wallpaper. Make a statement with your soft furnishings such as cushions, tablecloths, curtains or blinds and enjoy playing about with different shades to see what works for you.

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to colour. Be as creative as you like to get a room that works for you. Dress it up for a maximalist effect that suggests a feeling of envelopment with lots of different colours, styles and textures. Alternatively, opt for something more minimal with subtle touches for a relaxing habitat that exudes tranquillity.

5. Unique dining room decor

Asides from colour or wallpaper, what you put on the walls of your dining room should not be forgotten either. Why should a dining room be any different to a living room or bedroom when it comes to interior design? Accessorise with hanging decorative plates, bowls or woven baskets on the walls or for something unique, create a piece of artwork using old cutlery to create a talking point. Don’t feel you have to be dining-focused though, anything goes. Let your creativity flow!

As well as focusing on your wall decor, make a feature of a cabinet or wooden sideboard to help zone and enhance certain areas. Frame family photos for a display of memories, use it as a treasure trove for holiday souvenirs, or have a bookcase full of books and include a comfy armchair in the room for a multi-purpose space. It is your room; make it as unique as you are.

Final cosy dining room ideas

Creating a cosy dining room will likely mean that your family will be more inclined to linger at the dining table to chat and spend quality time with each other in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, rather than rushing off to carry on with their usual daily lives. Meals will be more of an event to enjoy – using decorative and interesting crockery and serving dishes will make the experience feel more special.

Our handcrafted reclaimed furniture is just the first step in designing a cosy dining room to be proud of. Discover our full collection for further inspiration.

Kelly Edwards is an interior designer and home improvement specialist with 15 years of experience in the industry. Alongside numerous projects, Kelly enjoys writing in her free time to shine a light on the importance of sustainability. Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: @KellyEdwardsInterior.

The Feng Shui bedroom: how to achieve it

Bring in a zen-like vibe with a feng shui bedroom and create a stylish space flowing with positive energy, balance and a sense of calm.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice centred around balance and positive energy flow. It’s rooted in the belief that every element channels the earth’s energy, or chi, and in order to bring the right balance to a space, the yin and yang needs to flow in the right direction. In the home, it’s believed that if the positioning of our interiors, furniture and colours are aligned in a room it allows positive energy to flow and keep negative chi away. According to feng shui, the bedroom is a peaceful ‘yin’ space and a place to relax and recharge energy. Read on for tips and ideas on how to master a feng shui bedroom and zen the life out of your bedroom.

1. Clear the clutter

De-cluttering, organising and creating space is a fast-track way to ensure that energy is flowing freely. Cluttered surfaces, clothes hanging off of furniture and ‘stuff’ jammed under the bed will not make a happy feng shui bedroom. Keep the room neat by having a clear out, keeping only the things you need and putting everything else in a large chest of drawers or double wardrobe with drawers.

2. Feng Shui bedroom layout

The position of your bedroom furniture is a key factor in feng shui to allow energy to flow freely. Make sure your bed is in the ‘commanding position’, a foundational concept in feng shui that refers to placing important objects facing the door, but not in line with it. When you are in a commanding position you are in control of your life, so place a solid wood bed in sight of the door without being directly opposite it to optimise the positive energy and find peace.

3. Go natural and neutral

Unsurprisingly, nature is big in the feng shui bedroom, connecting us with life’s innate energy. Neutral or muted earthy colours are soothing and are the best shades to choose from as they won’t overstimulate the energy of the room, whilst tactile materials, such as wood or reclaimed wood furniture represent growth and life, adding an instant natural element.

4. Serene symmetry

As we’ve already touched on, balance is fundamental in feng shui to maximise chi levels and a great way to create instant symmetry and balance in a bedroom is with bedside tables. Consider placing a bedside table on either side of the bed and enjoy a more harmonious and soothing space.

5. Hide electronics

To create a space that promotes a restorative night’s sleep you have to literally unplug from the world. Lap tops, phones and TVs are known disruptors of our circadian rhythms, but they also go against the core principles of feng shui, which is based on the natural world. Leave tech in another room or hide it away inside a bedside table with drawers when you turn out the lights.

5 ways to help make your home more energy efficient

green leaf with save energy sticker for 5 ways to help your home be more energy efficient blog

Whilst we love getting cosy with the best of them, the closer we get to the colder months of the year when the nights are longer and we spend more times inside our homes, we can’t help but worry about the amount of energy in the home we’re going to be using. With even higher energy bills predicted to come, it’s wise to start looking now at how we can make our bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms more energy efficient to save power and money. Here, we offer some tips and tricks to improving the energy efficiency in your home.

1. Start with the heating

Turning the heating on this winter may be scary for many people, but higher bills doesn’t mean turning off the heating altogether. Simply dialing down the thermostat by just one or two degrees equals an instant reduction in your fuel bill. The Energy Saving Trust believes you could see a 10% saving for every degree you turn down. A smart thermostat, controlled through a phone app, is a great way to help energy efficiency as you can adjust it to only heat the rooms being used.

If it’s not feasible to turn down the heating, consider investing in thermal curtains to retain heat, and for the ultimate in cosiness, keep warm blankets in a wooden blanket box in the living room for an extra layer of warmth whilst sat on the sofa on colder nights. Try making your home as heat-retentive as possible in other ways. For example, choosing environmentally sustainable reclaimed wood furniture or a large solid rustic sideboard to help plug gaps in floorboards and keep drafts out could help keep a room warm.

Thick rugs or carpets are also a great way to help retain heat in a room, and the addition of a stylish industrial coffee table as well as a large rug will instantly elevate the look of the room, as well as the warmth.

2. Switch to LED light bulbs

With nights getting longer, we are going to be switching on the lights earlier. Nobody wants to spend the winter sitting in the dark, so consider swapping to LED bulbs, which are more efficient and long-lasting than the old-style incandescent bulbs or the newer fluorescent bulbs. They are easy to fit, don’t need replacing very often and can be used as spotlights or in dimmable lamps. Replace the bulbs in your table lamps on your wooden display cabinet or rustic sideboard for instant, money-saving impact.

3. Switch off!

It may sound obvious, but get into the habit of turning off lights and appliances that aren’t in use. TV’s, game consoles and computers or laptops all use energy even when in sleep mode, so try to remember to shut down and switch off!

4. Insulate, insulate, insulate

Any heat-saving measures will be lost if you don’t take steps to insulate as much of your home as possible. Start with the loft and cavity walls. Whatever the age of your house, any original insulation material may well have deteriorated, so have an insulation specialist check yours out. Proper insulation can help to reduce your home’s carbon emissions as well as save money on your energy bills. Check here to see if you qualify for a home insulation grant from the government.

Other insulation best practices is to look around all the windows and doors and fill any gaps where possible using a caulk seal or for larger gaps, expanding foam may be a better choice. A simple way to plug under-door gaps is by using a draft excluder, whilst double-glazed or triple-glazed windows will trap more heat inside the home than single-glazed windows and could save you around £175 per year.

5. Consider a new boiler

A new boiler may be expensive depending on the size of your home, but it will be a good investment as you could save around £300 per year on heating and hot water with an A-rated boiler. Swapping your old appliances for new A+ rated one will help save money in the long run.

We hope all these tips will help you save some energy and keep your home cosy and warm as we head into the cooler months. For more handy tips and home interior ideas, sign-up for our weekly newsletter below.

What is Nordic furniture style?

Simple and striking in design, Nordic furniture has a functional design and look that is appealing to many people. There are many ways to incorporate the Nordic style in your home, from the right flooring solutions to a mix of materials to give them a Nordic look. Here, we take you through the 10 most important design features to consider when using Nordic style furniture to create this timelessly popular interior scheme this season.

The Floor

Wall-to-wall carpets are a rarity in Scandinavian countries, so team your Nordic furniture with wooden floors, finished in a light colour.

Colour

White walls, mixed with blue and grey fabrics and rugs are perfect for creating a laid-back Nordic ambience in your home. We love the Nordic look of a deep, earthy leather armchair sitting alongside a light-coloured floor, with light blue throw to add texture to the scene.

Materials

Natural materials are a must. There is nothing contrived with Nordic furniture – nothing that works too hard to be noticed or separate in the design scheme. Opt for wood – and plenty of it – with leather for seating and other well-placed accessories.

Form

Clean lines are key to an interior design taking its cue from Nordic inspiration. For example, opt for a leather armchair in black or tan that is uncomplicated, with smooth flowing lines and generous curves.

Function

Every room in your home needs to be practical and functional. Nordic homes have a minimalist design, without being devoid of character. Function is vital however, and that applies to everything, from every piece of Nordic furniture to every accessory you choose.

Furniture

Eye-catching yet pulled together – this is how you need to be able to describe everything in a Nordic style interior. This style can be a rustic dining table with the character of the wood on display or a smooth small oak sideboard with a arm chair in a soft leather.

Fireplace

Scandinavian winters are harsh and therefore an open fire is a must. In the UK we make the fire the focal point of the room, often in the centre of a wall, but Nordic tradition places them in the corner of a room. However, modern Nordic fires, whether they are more traditional simple columns or a modern black metal wood-burner, are a design statement, adding both warmth and style to a living room.

Eco-Friendly

The Scandinavians have been quick to embrace environment-saving technology and processes. Triple glazing, superior wall and roof insulation, ground source heat pumps… all are more or less standard and should be considered wherever possible to complement the furniture and style in your home.

Inside/outside room

Nordic countries love embracing nature – it may be cold, but an inside/outside room can be idyllic and with the right heating system. Having an inside/outside dining room or living room means you too can enjoy the beauty of winter without feeling the cold.

Minimal accessories

Declutter! There is no need for stacks of ornaments, books or a sculpture on every surface. Choose key accessories wisely and use them sparsely across the home.

Nordic furniture boasts an interesting, simple, and elegant interior design style. Sit back in a sumptuous leather chair, enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire, gather around an oak dining table and enjoy the peaceful ambience of your Nordic inspired home.

Get the look you want

Derby Reclaimed Wood Extending Dining Table

Study room ideas for kids that hate to study

Most parents know that getting their children to buckle down to their studies can be a challenge, but there are some tips and tricks you can deploy to provide encouragement. The first step in creating a study area is to start by carving out a comfortable work area for them. If they have one which is solely theirs, this will allow them to maintain concentration and focus on their studies, making life so much easier for everyone! A dedicated study area filled with everything they need, and preferably free from distractions such as the TV, is possible to achieve even within the smallest home. Let’s look at how best to achieve this.

It has to be comfortable

It is so difficult to concentrate on anything when you are uncomfortable, especially if you have a fidget in the family, so let’s start by setting up a comfortable workstation. A comfy desk chair is essential, as, of course, is the right desk. The desk should be big enough to fit everything your child needs for their studies but not too big that they fill it with clutter. A reclaimed wood desk adds style and will blend in with most interior schemes or for a slightly edgier and cool look, an industrial desk will fit the bill.

Read more: 5 of the best home office chairs

Cut the clutter and distractions

A cluttered desk or a cluttered room leads to a cluttered mind or so the saying goes, so whether your child has their own study room or just a corner somewhere, it is vital to keep this area tidy. That means no TV, video games consoles or phones unless it’s necessary for their study subject. It is down to you as the parent to take the lead and find somewhere to hide any gaming consoles or devices that will distract your child from studying.

The desk should also be free of unnecessary clutter so that it is easier to find whatever is needed all the time. A set of office drawers or a small desk with drawers will provide a neat way of storing away books, files and other essentials and will give the child a sense of their own private space for their personal items. If there is limited space, adding a slimline bookcase or cabinet for storage is another good option.

Nice stationery for motivation

Multiple sheets of paper or post-it notes are all very well, and often important, but to promote a sense of organised tidiness, suggest they use a set of single-line notebooks with a cover showing a favourite picture along with a matching set of pens and pencils and cheery containers to keep them in. While you’re about it, add some motivational messages (or even bribes!) to keep their spirits and morale up. Allow them a couple of personal touches to brighten their study space, such as a favourite photo or colourful wall art.

Read more: Tips to create a revision-friendly space

Choose lighting and colour scheme carefully

Any colour scheme should be neutral for the best effect. Bright colours are likely to be a distraction and risk sensory overload. Keep it cool and neutral but not boring. The right lighting can help your child to focus and keep working for longer, so a compact LED desk lamp is ideal as LED throws a cool, bright (but not too bright) glow. This means it won’t get hot as well as some old style bulbs can.

Hopefully, these tips have given you a little inspiration as to how to make this next school year your child’s best yet. What tips do you have for encouraging your child to study? Let us know in the comment box below or see our Ideas & Inspiration and home office tips for more inspo. And to buy the look here at Modish Living.

What to do with your outdoor furniture after the summer

This summer has seen a run of lovely warm, and often hot, weather and this prompted many of us to invest in new patio furniture to take full advantage of the season and enjoy a more alfresco lifestyle at home. There’s no doubt that new luxury garden furniture in whatever combination does much to enhance a garden, but what do you do with it once the summer is over? Here are a few ideas on how you can keep your outdoor furniture looking its best, so you can use it again and again for many summers to come.

Bring it inside

If you are lucky enough to have a conservatory attached to your home, or perhaps a garden room or summer house, the ideal solution would be to move your outdoor furniture indoors to protect it over the winter months. A rattan garden furniture set looks just as good indoors as it does outdoors and makes perfect conservatory furniture. Style it with some extra cushions and blankets that fit with your interior style and bring the outdoors in.

Clean and treat

If moving your garden furniture indoors isn’t possible, before the worst of the autumn and winter weather sets in you should do all you can to protect your furniture to ensure it emerges next spring still looking fresh. Garden furniture comes in a variety of materials which need different methods of cleaning and protecting. Whether you have teak garden furniture or other wooden garden table and chairs, you’ll need to take extra care to protect these from the elements. And furniture made from aluminium or other forms of metal need to be cleaned using non abrasive materials, cleansers or bleach.

First of all, no matter what your outdoor furniture is made from, you will need to get rid of all dust, cobwebs and debris before you start a deeper clean. Remove any cushion covers and clean these separately before storing them neatly away. Use a soft brush to sweep all dust and dirt from every part of the furniture from the top down, and make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies. Rattan furniture, in particular, will benefit from a thorough vacuuming to get right into the weave.

Clean and treat: Wooden furniture

Wash wooden furniture using just a soft brush and warm, soapy water (a small amount of washing up liquid will be adequate). Then let it dry before the starting the next stage. Because maintaining the colour of the wood will prolong its life, it will benefit from an appropriate wood stain or preservative. Lightly sand down the wood before applying the stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it dry completely before storing the furniture away.

Clean and treat: Metal furniture

Clean and wash metal furniture with warm, soapy water as above, then rinse and dry completely. Look for any rust spots or holes in the metal. Gently sand rust off with steel wool and fill any holes with epoxy filler. Then repaint and let it dry.

Clean and treat: Plastic furniture

Wash using hot water and a detergent to remove any staining. You may even be able to use a bleach to really brighten it up, but always check manufacturer care instructions first. Finish off to a shine with a coat of car wax and it will look as good as new next year.

Cover it

Once clean and dry, your garden furniture can be stored away until next year or covered over for outdoor protection. Covers should be waterproof and include UV protection and must be the right size and shape to completely cover your furniture so make sure you measure with a tape measure before buying. Don’t forget to measure chairs tucked under the table and ensure that the covers include heavy duty security ties to protect from the wind, rain and any type of weather the elements may throw at it!

We hope we’ve helped you understand how to take care of your garden furniture to ensure it’s in tip-top condition for next year. If you’ve enjoyed reading this, check out more outdoor garden ideas or follow us @modishliving.