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

How to tidy up your dining space

industrial kitchen with glass cabinet and sideboard

The dining space is an important part of every home, whether you dine in the kitchen, have your table in the living room or have a separate room, it’s a place where the whole family comes together to chat about their day and enjoy a hearty meal. It’s also a place where we are most likely to entertain guests which makes this space the heart of every home.

For these reasons, storage is vitally important. Here we have a look at different reclaimed wood cabinets that will provide storage solutions whether you like clear and clutter-free, if you like a few select items on display or if you prefer the homely feel of having your prized possessions in full view.

Is a sideboard for you?

A low-level sideboard is the most popular choice, there will be a style and size on the market to suit your needs perfectly. We love a reclaimed wood sideboard with doors and drawers to keep table linen, cutlery and serving dishes in.

A great place to start is to work out what you need to store in it and how much room you have to place one, of course allowing plenty of room to walk past it and to pull your dining chairs out. You can dress the top of a solid wood sideboard with candles, houseplants and ornaments, add a picture above it, or a mirror if you want to brighten the space. This will also provide an extra surface to place serving dishes and save your dining table becoming cluttered up when you have a houseful.

Would you prefer a display cabinet?

This is another popular choice for a dining space, in this, you can display your finest wine glasses, decanters and other dining room essentials, whilst keeping them all dust-free and ready to use. The Standford reclaimed wood display cabinet is a firm favourite of ours. Handcrafted from reclaimed wood with nail marks still visible and the natural beauty of the wood left to shine through the finish, it looks amazing in a traditional as well as a modern room.

Is a drinks cabinet the most useful option?

Drinks cabinets are becoming increasingly popular. A must-have for any amateur bartenders. Fill it with your favourite tipples, cocktail glasses, a shaker and a mixing spoon and you have everything to hand to entertain your guests without trips back and forth to the kitchen. An oak drinks cabinet will last you a lifetime making it a great investment if you enjoy stylish entertainment.

5 ways to style your bed like a pro

reclaimed wood bed with white bedding and throw

We no longer consider our bedroom a “tucked away” room in our homes. A bedroom can be a refuge in a busy household, a place for a bit of quiet time during the day as well as a relaxing place to wind down before sleeping. Here we have a look at how the pros style a bed and get it looking so inviting.

1. Add a throw to your bed

Adding a throw to your bed is a quick way to give your room a new look. Choose a heavier one for autumn and winter, such as a faux fur or a rich velvet to give a warm and cosy feeling. In spring and summer, you can choose a lighter and brighter cotton, or satin for a more airy and cooler feel. In a neutral coloured bedroom you can play with different colours as well as different fabrics. A reclaimed wood bed is a natural and neutral piece of furniture offering you a great base to play with your style.

2. Scatter cushions

Cushions are a great way to add style and interest to your bedroom. You don’t even need that many to get the look, three is a good amount for a king size bed. Just buy good quality cushions and then swap, mix and match cushion covers made from different fabrics like satin, faux fur and leather, velvet, cotton and linen, to give your room different looks. You can choose different shades of your main colour or add some eye-catching accent colours or striking patterns.

3. Layer like a designer

We all agree that layering on beds just looks so wonderful in all those designer images. This look is actually really easy to achieve. Start with a plain bottom sheet on your bed, a reversible duvet set is definitely a good starting point for this look, pop it on your bed and fold the top end back and you already have some layering happening. Now add a folded back throw to the bottom half of your bed and for the finishing touch simply add a few scatter cushions.

4. Under-bed storage

A storage drawer under a rustic wooden bed is a very practical way to make your bed look complete, a perfect way to add storage and style! These can be used to store so many things – seasonal clothes, spare bedding, towels…. all these items can be tidily tucked away in an otherwise unused space.

5. Create a theme or colour palette

Think if you want a theme to your bedroom before choosing your bedroom furniture. Do you like the light and airy Scandinavian style? Are you a nature lover and want natural fabrics and living plants in your bedroom? Do you like vibrant bold colours or an ultra-modern look? Reclaimed wood bedroom furniture is a great choice, giving you a versatile product which is easy to base a modern, rustic or traditional bedroom theme on.

5 best wardrobes to keep your bedroom looking tidy

We all have so much to store in our bedrooms, making the right choice in storage options is paramount to creating your ideal place to wind down and relax in.

Below are 5 important things you might want to consider when choosing the perfect wardrobe for your bedroom. Of course, this is also the perfect time to give the items you no longer need, or wear, to a charity!

1. Choose a wardrobe with drawers

A wardrobe with drawers is always a great choice. This will present you with valuable extra storage space especially in a small room if you don’t have enough space for a chest of drawers as well…. A light coloured wardrobe would be the perfect choice for you. Drawers also save on hanging space in your wardrobe – socks, vest tops, thick jumpers and items that don’t crease can all be popped away in them. A drawer organiser will help you keep them tidy and ensure that your clothes are quickly and easily found when you need them!

2. Brighten your room with a white painted wardrobe

If you like minimal clutter and clean crisp white in your bedroom then consider a white painted wardrobe to reflect light and brighten the space. Add coordinating reclaimed wood bedroom furniture to bring your room together. A white-painted reclaimed wood wardrobe works wonders to brighten a dark room and gives a small room the feeling of more space.

3. Add character with reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood wardrobes come in many styles, shapes and sizes – From a natural finish to white painted, to a dark retro/ antique look – there are plenty to choose from that will suit your style. A reclaimed wood wardrobe oozes character, their history is there for all to see in the old nail holes and in the beautiful undulations of the wood. Rustic wardrobes offer versatility, blending as perfectly in a modern room, filled with bold and vibrant colours as they do in a farmhouse style or neutral colour scheme.

4. Open hanging

Not everyone wants to hide their favourite clothes away in a wardrobe! An open wardrobe adds a light and elegant touch to your room, a sort of traditional Provençale farmhouse feel. With a shelf for storing folded items and shoes on, it could be all you need! These are also great in the hallway for hanging coats on and a brilliant idea for your guest bedroom.

5. A touch of Nordic rustic

When discussing wonderful wardrobes we could not overlook the hugely popular Scandi furniture trend! Natural light, clear and clutter-free spaces, clean lines and neutral colours are a great foundation to style the perfect bedroom. A solid wood wardrobe would tick all these boxes, offering storage as well as style. Pair this with other reclaimed wood furniture, soft rugs and light and natural fabrics to create a room that will be hard to leave in the morning!

Create Your Own Beautiful Dinner Party Table

Just A Little Build founder, Sarah-Jane, shares her dinner table style

We’ve been lusting after the interior style of Sarah-Jane, the stunningly gorgeous and oh, so talented lady behind Just A Little Build, since she completed her build and renovation project back in February 2019. Documented on her Instagram and blog, her honesty, enthusiasm and love of interiors shines throughout, but it is her stories of family life (she’s a full time mum of three with a menagerie of animals and a career of her own) and how she juggles this with her wonderful style and design that makes us ‘just a little’ bit obsessed with Sarah-Jane.

With her love of entertaining and attention to detail, when it comes to creating a show-stopping dinner party table, Sarah-Jane is the lady to ask. So, we did just that.

Here are her style secrets for a dinner party to impress….

Fresh Flowers: never underestimate the impact fresh flowers can give to your table decor. Not only do they instantly lift the mood of the room, but they also lift the eye, creating height and interest.

Use seasonal blooms to add colour to your table or for an understated elegance, simple green foliage, such as eucalyptus, are a wonderful way to add a stylish bit of substance. Just be careful that they don’t obstruct the natural eye line, so you can still see your guests!

Accessories: when sourcing plates, placemats and glasses etc. for the table, I use the same design process I would for a room. It all comes down to the styling and what materials, colours, heights and textures work together. I coordinated the smoked grey water glasses to mirror the frames of my sliding doors and blue bottom wine glasses to match my kitchen island and cushions.

Placemats: these can play an integral role in helping frame the plate and tie in your colour scheme. Here I have layered two different styles to add texture and contrast. The silver woven mat ties in with the cutlery, whilst the smaller slate placemat on top brings out the smoked grey of the water glass, as well as highlighting the stunning natural cracks and grooves of the wood in the reclaimed wood table. I love how the varying sizes and contrasting materials add interest and dimension to the table.

And lastly, the final piece for a heavenly table setting is lighting, or more specifically, mood lighting. To make a dinner party special I love to bring in a bit of sparkle and atmosphere to the room. I do this by placing tealights in small glass votives along the table or by adding tall candlesticks with long candles. You can also introduce a small wired string of LED’s for a festoon of light. Weave the lighting amongst the foliage or flowers for a stunning table setting. And, don’t forget the rest of the room. I like to add additional candles for a subtle glow and floor and side lamps to layer the light.

Who would be on your ultimate fantasy dinner party guest list?

Michael McIntyre – for happiness and laughter; Prince Harry – to find out all the goss!; Bradley Cooper – my celebrity crush; Jennifer Aniston – I think she’s just fab!

What’s your signature dinner party dish?

A good one which I used to cook and was originally passed down to me by my mum is chicken breasts stuffed with Stilton cheese, wrapped in parma ham and served with a cream and port sauce. However, as I no longer eat meat I tend to serve fish these days – I love pan-fried sea bass with cider braised mussels.

Summer BBQ or cosy winter supper?

Summer BBQ – I love cooking with marinades and you can do so many lovely fish dishes on the bbq. A favourite of ours is this Sunshine Tuna recipe; tuna steaks marinated with orange juice, fresh coriander, chili, garlic and then barbecued – pure summer on a plate!

What’s your food guilty pleasure?

I love a Gu Hot Chocolate soufflé – with raspberries pushed into the middle!

Woman leaning against kitchen island with dog

When you’re not being a mum, blogger, Instagrammer, brand consultant, holiday rental manager and events organiser (phew!!!), what do you do to relax?

Ha! For me, a quiet night in with a lovely candle burning, some mindless tv and some sweet and salty popcorn is pretty much the ticket!

For stunning dining tables to create your perfect dinner party, take a browse through our wonderful wood dining table collection. It includes Sarah-Jane’s stunning reclaimed wood dining table.

Which is for you? Maximalist, Minimalist or Meditative

home sweet home plaque with dried lavender

Do you live for vibrant colours and bold, eye-catching patterns? Maybe you prefer a blank canvas with clean crisp lines and clear white surfaces? Or do soft neutral colours and touches of nature make you happy?

Whatever interior style tribe you belong to, reclaimed wood furniture will elevate your scheme. We look at each tribe and what reclaimed wood furniture fits…

white kitchen with reclaimed wood table and sideboard

Maximalist

Bold colours, rich fabrics and patterns are just begging for an aged reclaimed wood table or sideboard. The tapestry of life visible in the natural grains of wood will complement rich fabrics and bright colour schemes, by adding a focal point for the eye to rest on. You can also introduce a “bold and bright” element to an otherwise neutral room, by simply adding accent chairs around a reclaimed wood dining table. Consider a velvet dining chair to create a warm and sumptuous atmosphere.

Minimalist

Decluttered, clear surfaces, minimal colour and furniture are what the minimalist loves. This may risk looking lifeless and soulless but adding reclaimed wood furniture adds life to a minimalist home. Keep the wood light or white painted to blend in with the scheme and a natural wicker light fitting for additional texture and warmth in your room. Bedrooms are particularly suited to minimalism. Create a calming and tranquil space by adding reclaimed wood bedroom furniture to your blank canvas, just a few, well-chosen decorative items, will complete a personal and welcoming haven.

Meditative

Linked closely with biophilic design this is a mix of fresh, neutral colours that make the most of natural light and the colours of nature. Natural reclaimed wood really is the obvious choice to complete this theme through your living space. Consider reclaimed wood shelving as a way to display houseplants by adding height and plenty of space, to really embrace a meditative decor style. A reclaimed wood sideboard is not just a place to stand your houseplants on but it also provides handy storage space.

houseplant display in front of large window

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Big Ideas for Small Urban Outdoor Spaces

Clay coloured garden bistro table and chairs

Living in the city comes with a whole host of benefits, but outdoor space is not usually one of them. Having an outdoor area, no matter how small, is something to cherish, and with summer on our doorstep, now’s the time to make the most of your patch. Here are some creative ways to create an urban oasis in the heart of the city. Your neighbours will be green with envy…

Go Vertical

Vertical planters and ‘living walls’ are a clever way to bring greenery to outdoor areas without taking up too much room. By planting upwards, instead of outwards, you maximise the space you have for an outdoor table and chairs or a rattan sofa maybe, whilst giving you the chance to be as green fingered as your country cousins. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be expensive. DIY planters made from everyday objects or a simple trellis is a wonderful way to add plant life to your urban pad.

Mirrors

It’s a tried and tested interior design trick to use mirrors to create the illusion of space inside our homes, but did you know the same principle can be applied outside? Cleverly placed mirrors in small gardens, especially walled ones, help to bounce light into dark corners, giving the illusion of depth and space. It also adds a focal point to your courtyard, balcony or terrace. Just be sure to place the mirror with care and out of direct sunlight to avoid any glare and potential fire hazard.

Create Flow From Inside Out

Taking the floor level inside straight out into the garden or outdoor space is a proven strategy to create a sense of one bigger space. The natural flow from inside to out is achievable by using the same flooring and wide open doors or bi-folds. Another top tip to help make your balcony or courtyard feel like a natural extension of your living space is to position a pot with a tall plant right inside the doorway to your outdoors. It helps create a strong indoor-outdoor connection, making both appear more spacious.

Create some privacy

By adding a choice of tropical evergreen plants, you can create a lush secret haven in any type of small urban space. Bamboo is ideal for privacy and as it’s hardy and fast growing, you don’t have to be a master gardener to make it work. Place in a large container to not only contain its size (as we said, it’s a grower!), but a large planter will make your urban space look grander. Style with rattan furniture or a bamboo bench, such as the Hampstead Outdoor Bamboo bench or Bamboo armchairs for a classic colonial feel.

Go natural

To truly enjoy your outdoor haven you need somewhere to sit and relax. Keep it simple with natural reclaimed wood furniture or a rattan outdoor furniture; the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle on your doorstep. For small patios, terraces and even roof tops, a laid-back garden sofa set with a low table or footrest, is ideal for lounging.

Or how about a sleep-inducing hammock for a real castaway mood? If space really is on the tight side, keep it super simple and create a cosy corner with a floor cushion tucked into a corner. The cushions can be kept inside and brought out when needed for added flexibility. A garden bistro set is also a great option for small areas as they can be folded away when not in use.

Whatever outdoor space you have, summer in the city has never looked so good. Don’t you think?

Create a Bedroom Both You And Your Teen Will Love

Teenagers can be a tricky bunch, and not just because of their general untidiness and moody tendencies. Not quite adults, but fiercely independent, they are starting to carve their way in the world and a demonstration of this new individuality often starts with claiming their bedroom space.

When it comes to designing a teen’s bedroom there are several factors to consider, but the most important thing is that it has to be a space they enjoy spending time in and is personable to them. It’s their space, not yours and although it is you who will be paying for it, going against their likes and dislikes is a false economy – you’ll only end up redecorating anyway!

Industrial furniture has everything a teenager could want in a bedroom. Natural reclaimed wood furniture with black steel and metalwork gives a Shoreditch loft vibe that teens and parents alike will love. Check out our guide to creating a space where your teen can sleep, study, socialise and just be themselves..

Space to sleep

Sleep is important to all of us, but for a teenager, it is more important than life itself! Jokes aside, during teenage years sleep is vital for their development, and therefore, the right bed is not only central to the design scheme, but to their growth.

Picture features: Standford High Reclaimed Wood Bed

If you have the room, a double bed is a win and for a double win, make that a bed with storage. A reclaimed wood bed frame is ideal, especially for an industrial look; solid enough to withstand a strapping teenage boy, yet soft and warm to blend with a prettier scheme if desired.

And, don’t forget blinds or curtains. Blackouts are the best way to ensure natural light is blocked out as much as possible.

Incorporate a study space

A personal work space will come in very handy over the teenage years. Like it or not, they will be spending a lot of time at their desk and if it can be an area that helps them be more productive, they’ll thank you for it.

Picture features: Oldman Industrial Reclaimed Wood Desk

A slim reclaimed wood desk or even a shelf against the wall can be all that is needed. Pick an industrial desk with black metal detailing for a utilitarian feel and don’t forget space for organising notes, books and pens. Desks with drawers are great to help corral everyday study essentials or consider industrial shelving, a small bookcase or wall-mounted storage if space is tight.

Say yes to savvy storage

Picture features: Zinc Top Architects Cabinet

Of course, the end objective as a parent is for your teen to keep their room tidy. A losing battle perhaps, but storage is key to helping them at least attempt to keep their bedroom tidy. As well as hidden storage under the wooden double bed, doors and draws are the trick here or any closed storage for that matter. A small chest of drawers, wooden blanket box or wooden wardrobe will help keep items out of sight and tidy habits encouraged.

Flexible furniture

Teens can be fickle and prone to change, so furniture that can be moved or used for other functions is a wise choice. Built-in furniture is perfect if the room is a tricky shape, but isn’t so great when a teen’s quest for change kicks-in. A reclaimed wood wardrobe with black metal feet can be moved to the other side of the bed should a teen decide on a different look, whilst an industrial desk can be used as a dressing table or gaming station at the weekend.

Picture features: Dulwich Reclaimed Wooden Wardrobe

Personal touches

A teenager’s bedroom is the perfect place for them to show off their style and spend time with their friends. Adding elements that make it easy for teenagers to take ownership of the decor will help ensure they are happy with the end result. Notice boards or wooden shelves to display photos, old festival tickets and wristbands and holiday memorabilia works well in a teen room.

Grooming station

Grooming and cleansing may not be high up in an early teens priority, but as they progressive into teenagedom, this is going to become a well-used spot. Not only to ensure the rest of the family gets an opportunity to use the bathroom, adding an area for a teen to get themselves ready gives them a personal space to experiment and express their identity in private. A modern dressing table will be a welcomed addition or simply adding a floor mirror or round wall mirror will help create a zone to get ready.

Final tip

Don’t ever use the word ‘cool’ or ‘hip’ to describe any part of the room or piece of furniture; teens are likely to instantly disown it (and most probably you)!

6 Tricks to Turn Your Garden into an Extra Room

Rattan corner sofa with matching coffee table and white cushions

We could all do with some extra living space, right? And with the sun shining and most of us spending more time at home, why not take the opportunity to organise your outside space and take your living and dining rooms outdoors? Whether you have a humble balcony, small patio, sunny courtyard or large garden with these tips you can create somewhere calm and beautiful to while away your days and nights. Let’s take it outside…

Work with what you’ve got

If you have a favourite tree, flower bed or even a potted plant, you want to make it part of your outdoor living room and arrange your furniture around it.

A garden sofa set under a tree will enjoy dappled sunlight or how about an outdoor corner sofa or rattan bench next to a large terracotta pot filled with lavender on a patio for a Mediterranean touch?

Zone your space

Just as you would in your kitchen, dining room or living room, use furniture to create a comfortable and sociable area to relax and dine.

An L-shaped settee or garden corner sofa has multiple benefits – ideal for seating a large group or lazing about on your own. Add a pair of armchairs, a matching coffee table and anchor with an outdoor rug and you have an instant outdoor area.

Keep it simple

An outdoor sitting room doesn’t have to be grand and elaborate or cost a fortune. A modest corner can be made into a snug hideout, whether that’s in a suburban garden, a sunny terrace or small city balcony. Create a cosy nook with soft throws and piles of cushions, and add a hanging pendant light or a simple string of fairy lights to take your space from day to night.

Create a ceiling or canopy

For a romantic and bohemian vibe outdoors, nothing is more dreamy than an overhead covering shading an area. What’s more, it can work in whatever size outdoor space you have, be it a balcony, patio, decking or lawn. If your outside space is lacking colour, choose a bright fabric or for an exotic Bedouin style covering, a sheer muslin drape gently blowing in the breeze will transport your imagination to faraway destinations. A natural slatted wood ceiling gives a beautiful dappled light – paint white for an instant Balearic vibe.

Go au naturel

Wicker and rattan is a favourite for garden furniture, and not just because it’s super durable and easy to look after. The natural texture works seamlessly in both classic and modern settings, blending in with the natural surroundings rather than competing with it. Another natural and sustainable alternative to wicker or rattan is all-weather bamboo and reclaimed wood furniture. Style with soft, neutral cushions, throws and table linens to achieve a chilled yet elegant atmosphere.

Dine al fresco

From long lazy lunches to dinners lasting late into the evening, nothing feels more like summer than eating al fresco. A stylish garden dining set instantly transforms your outdoor space into an elegant dining room and with a few added touches, it could well become your favourite room in and out of the house. Apply the same level of detail to your outdoor table as you would to your dining table indoors. Dress with natural linen, style with jugs filled with fresh flowers and accessorize with pretty festoon garden lights or hanging lanterns for a cosy, rustic look.

If space rules out an outdoor table and chairs, how about creating an outdoor drinking spot with a bar table? For a chic outdoor bar, add a high reclaimed wood table with an integrated ice bucket, like the St Mawes Bar Table, and a set of wooden or bamboo stools to bring happy hour to your outdoor space any hour you please.