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

Silo London – the zero-waste revolutionary

Bar area of Silo London with wall lights and cream bar stools

Back in 2014, Douglas McMaster opened the world’s first zero-waste restaurant in Modish Living HQ’s hometown: Brighton. Called Silo, the eco-chic restaurant focused on ‘closing the loop’ in the food production process. It became known for serving drinks in jam jars, using upturned crates as seats and, of course, offering a delicious menu of locally sourced produce, long before upcycling and sustainable living was a hot topic.

Fast forward to 2019, the award-winning chef has taken his revolutionary concept to Hackney Wick in London where he created an innovative evolution of Silo Brighton. McMaster’s vision was conceived from a desire to innovate the food industry whilst demonstrating respect: respect for the environment, respect for the way our food is generated and respect for the nourishment it gives our bodies. This means creating everything from its whole form, cutting out food miles and over-processing, together with preserving nutrients and the integrity of the ingredients in the process.

“we’re constantly raising the bar when it comes to up-cycling and zero waste”

Douglas McMaster

McMaster and his team work directly with farmers and compost any leftovers using the kitchen’s own compost machine. The continually changing menu includes inventive dishes such as grilled fantail squid, white kimchi and Douglas fir; Jerusalem artichokes cooked on fire and served with Cashel Blue and ruby kraut; and blue potatoes, barbecued sea kale and caramelised whey. Wines are British, sourced from artisanal producers including another Modish Living neighbour, Tillingham in Sussex, which specialises in biodynamic, zero-sulphite wines.

For something a little stronger, the cocktail list, made in collaboration with award-winning bartender, Mr Lyan, is thoughtful and interesting, as is the craft beer from Silo’s partner, CRATE Brewery.

But what of the interior? As you would expect, the design and furniture mirrors the restaurant’s ethical and sustainable approach, where less is more. Created from a desire to re-use, the open space was designed by Nina Woodcroft of Nina+Co, who softened the building’s original industrial features by using a few pioneering high-quality materials that are biodegradable. For example, the entrance pendant light is moulded from foraged seaweed, while the natural cork flooring is carbon negative. The dining tables were crafted using sustainably sourced English ash and the cocktail lounge furniture was grown to order from a fungus called mycelium. We also love the dining bar, which is wrapped in recycled leather and topped with a counter made from reconstituted food packaging.

As champions of sustainable and reclaimed wood furniture we applaud Silo London for its pioneering approach. Long may creativity and sustainability continue to thrive in all that we do!

How to avoid the twee trap! Tips for a pretty farmhouse bedroom

Wooden double bed with matching bedside table with white vase and flowers

The farmhouse style is deliciously romantic, and one that is familiar and comforting. But there can be a problem with it – adding floral patterns risk tipping it from pretty to twee. If this is something you want to avoid, embrace the modern farmhouse style with its natural hues, wood accents and reclaimed wood furniture with both romance and cleanliness. Here’s how…

Ditch the floral patterns

No matter how tempted you are, ditch the busy type of floral patterns. There is a fine line between the vintage farmhouse look and the style tipping over into ‘twee’. You may be tempted by ditzy floral prints or even bold flora and faunas patterns against the rustic furniture but unless you can incorporate them confidently in the scheme, best stay away from them.

Steer clear of matchy-matchy

Whilst still on the subject of patterns, it is worth mentioning the need to steer clear of matchy-matchy. This is where everything is so perfectly balanced and cohesive that it somehow lacks the character that the farmhouse furniture style is all about.

That doesn’t mean you can’t choose bedroom furniture from the same range, however. The Onslow Reclaimed Wood Bed frame, for example, nestles nicely alongside chest of drawers and wardrobes from the same range but make sure you have plenty of texture and accessories to the room to lift it from ‘show home perfection’ to ‘lived in heaven’.

Add luxury with cushions, rugs and throws

If you love a sumptuous looking wooden double bed full of plump cushions and warm throws then this is the style for your bedroom. Rustic furniture boasts a warmth all of its own and when you combine this with bedroom rugs, cushions and throws, you have the sumptuous backdrop you crave but…

… don’t go overboard with the accessories

There is a fine line between adding extra details and swamping the room. Choose well and the items will do all the work themselves. Leave ‘fluff’ behind, opting for short pile bedroom rugs and linen textures for cushions as well as wool throws on your luxury bedding.

Add modern accents

The farmhouse bedroom style retains its comforting link with the past but by adding modern touches, you create a pleasing blend in the room. For example, alongside a traditional wooden blanket box nestling at the foot of your king size wooden bed frame, you could add a modern floor lamp. Or, on the bedside tables add a recycled glass table lamp and for the central light, consider a pendant light with wicker shade.

Keep the colour scheme restful

The idea behind any stylish additions to the bedroom is to create a restful where the energy of the day melts away so that sleep is restful and rejuvenating. The farmhouse bedroom style is perfect in so many ways because if it does one thing, it oozes comfort and relaxation.

Maintaining a restful colour scheme also allows the oak bed and bedroom furniture to shimmer, casting the warm glow of wood around the space. There is nothing more pleasing than the sight of wood in a room, especially one where you want to relax. And without a floral pattern in sight, this scheme is big on farmhouse and far from twee.

6 ways to give your bedroom an industrial makeover

Bedroom with exposed brick wall and pink pillows

Exuding calmness and coolness, an industrial style bedroom is a vista to behold. Despite its utilitarian look, it encapsulates everything you need in the bedroom to make it both the restful space you yearn for at the end of the day and the ideal place to prepare for yet another busy day in the morning. Injecting the industrial furniture vibe in your bedroom is simple with these easy tips…

1. Don’t be too perfect

Neat, clean lines with a manicured finish have their place, however in the industrial bedroom be prepared to embrace the less-than-perfect but still stylish look.

That means welcoming exposed brick as well as not-so-smooth plaster, along with other materials that have a pleasing appeal to them. For example, reclaimed wood bedroom furniture with its small and barely noticeable scuffs and dents is ideal.

From a small bedside table to a reclaimed wood bed frame, use reclaimed furniture in the bedroom against a backdrop that retains an empathy with the building itself. Solid wood wardrobes would work perfectly in this type of space.

2. Add soft textures

The industrial look doesn’t have to be sharp and angular, although many still believe this is the only way for the industrial style to be.

Soften the edges with beautiful throws for the bed along with scatter cushions that give it a sumptuous air. And for the floor, a rug for the bedside that frames both the bed and small bedside table is ideal for warmth underfoot. Choose a lightly patterned rug for the industrial bedroom, and one that has a pop of understated colour to it too.

3. Layer the lighting

Like any room of any design, the industrial style bedroom needs layers of light so that you have both practical lighting, but also softer lighting for morning and evening.

But think about their styling too. Opt for bare lightbulbs – there are light fittings, both pendant lights and bedside table lamps, designed specifically for the industrial look in mind.

If you do opt for shades, keep them minimal and unpretentious. Glass works well to diffuse the light around the room, with recycled glass also making a great lamp base too. There are also sustainably sourced woodchip pendant lights, perfect for adding an interesting touch to the lighting scheme in any room.

4. Add personal touches

The key, so they say, to a happy home is to have personal things around you that make you smile. This includes photographs of loved ones, your pets as well as accessories and other items that hold important memories for you.

In the industrial style bedroom, cluster photographs and important items on a reclaimed console table. Opt for one with drawers and you have the perfect small dressing table.

5. Choose colours wisely

For the industrial style bedroom, you want colours that are synonymous with the look – get it wrong, and they’ll jar against each other. White will get you out of trouble but if you feel you need colour, opt for light, barely-there shades such as blue. If blue’s not for you, cream or beige are both colour touches that are calming and restful for the bedroom, but also ideal to use with the industrial style.

6. Add a plant or two…

… or even flowers. The industrial bedroom should, like all bedrooms, be quiet, restful and peaceful. Adding a plant or two next to your rustic furniture brings together the room into one cohesive, restful space.

How To Soften Your Industrial Space

Industrial living room with black metal staircase and grey fabric sofas

The industrial style is loved by many. Clean and unpretentious, there is a pleasing sparseness that makes it a simple and elegant scheme for any room in the home. But for many, the industrial style lacks prettiness and softness. However, if you think that the industrial style cannot be ‘prettified’, think again. We show you how to add the small touches and details that give it personality without compromising on its industrial character.

In the industrial kitchen and dining room

The kitchen and dining space are important, busy spaces in any home and so the industrial furniture style is the ideal backdrop with the reclaimed wood dining table taking centre stage.

Make the industrial dining table special – with all the gifts that the industrial style has, our Sussex oak parquet industrial oval set is the perfect choice. It boasts the timeless combination of steel against reclaimed wood, but the patterned tabletop of this industrial dining table gives is that extra ‘something’ you are looking for.

Reclaimed wood dining table with spider legs

Add fabric dining chairs – adding upholstered dining chairs to an industrial dining table softens the edges and gives it a wonderful unique look too. Cream fabric dining chairs make the perfect complementary addition.

Hanging pendant light with reclaimed wood dining table and upholstered chairs

Spice up the lighting – functional it may be but that doesn’t mean the industrial kitchen and dining room cannot enjoy a sumptuous elegant addition in the way of lighting options. Pendant lights are just one solution and our Bordur white woodchip pendant light is a brilliant choice. Directing light onto the work surface, its practical function is not lost but the unique shade makes it an interesting choice.

In the industrial living room

The practical functional appeal of the industrial look is what attracted you to it in the first place, but it can have a touch of coldness about it. This is because many people leave out textures, assuming that rugs and cushions will add clutter to a style that does not welcome it.

The industrial glamour look is one aspect you could adopt for the industrial living room…

Rugs – a staple of any design scheme, for the industrial living room, opting for soft beige living room rugs will make all the difference. You get warmth underfoot, you get the warmth from varying texture in the space and you get colour without it jarring against the style.

A velvet armchair – against the industrial backdrop, the leather sofa is the ideal companion but if it all feels a little flat, adding texture in the shape of plush velvet is one solution for ‘lifting’ the room from the page. Plush green velvet armchairs will marry seamlessly with your sofa, leather or fabric, and will also add the hint of glamour and sumptuousness that we seek in the living room.

The industrial bedroom

Cool, calming and welcoming, the industrial style bedroom is a haven for de-stressing and unwinding at the end of the day. The industrial style bedroom oozes everything you need but for texture and warmth, you could…

Opt for reclaimed wood bedside tables that are made from lighter colour woods – beech is a beautiful light but warm wood that works well in the industrial style.

Use mirrors to reflect light in the room – mirrors are always a welcome addition to the bedroom, both floor and floor standing mirrors.

Don’t forget lighting for the bedroom too – our Sassa wicker bedside table lamps introduces the natural fibres of wicker, with a hint of both pattern and colour.

How To Choose Your Family Sofa

legs of two children and a dog sat on grey sofa

It’ll be the piece of furniture that the family will snuggle and sit on for many years to come so getting the right one is essential. Just how do you make the choice of the right family sofa?

1 Measure, measure, measure

Before we plunge into the long list of ‘what to consider’ we need to start with THE most important aspect of choosing a family sofa – size.

You need to consider the dimensions of the space in which it will sit and what arrangement will work best for your family AND the room.

For example, would two smaller sofas work better in your living room than one large three-sofa? What about a small leather sofa and armchair combination?

Consider all the options before you order a large, L-shaped sofa that seats 10 because the smaller sofa and armchair combination could work just as well, if not better in terms of versatility and style.

2 Do consider fabrics and colours

Patterned fabrics will hide a myriad of stains and spills whilst a block colour can be a little more unforgiving in this aspect.

You might also consider that a brown leather sofa would work best, especially as it can be wiped over with nourishing leather wipes from time to time to keep blemishes at bay.

Leather also ages beautifully, and so the brown leather sofa you choose now could well last throughout the entire childhood and teenage years of your children and still look just as fabulous!

Fabric, on the other hand, can give a very sumptuous and plush look to a room. Some fabrics can also be pre-treated with a stain-repelling substance so that any spills in the early years of its life won’t affect the look of your modern sofa. And don’t forget you could reupholster the sofa, leather included, if the frame remains in good condition.

3 Don’t choose fabrics that date

Colour and pattern are fantastic in any living room, but they are subject to the whim and changes in interior design trends.

For example, a mustard yellow upholstered fabric sofa may look fantastic and on-trend now but what about five- or 10-years time? Will it look old and jaded, clearly belonging to another era?

Choose colour wisely, maximising the longevity of your sofa for years to come by choosing a colour, pattern and style that is modern and in keeping with your taste but is not too specific or tied to a certain trend.

Having said that, there are some trends that last the test of time. A plush velvet armchair or sofa, for example, will always remain at the height of glamour and sophistication with both dusky pink with gold-effect frames remaining in vogue as too will dark green velvet.

4 Extend legroom with a footstool

All too often we are so fixated on buying the sofa that we forget the other important components of relaxing on it – stretching out our legs.

This is impossible to do when you have family sitting with you but if you need to stretch your tired legs, it makes sense to opt for a matching footstool.

Some designs are bijou and compact – the small leather footstool is ideal for most people – although there are other much larger footstools that can, if you want, also act as a ‘coffee table’. Simply balance your tray on its vast top and you have a piece of furniture that is both comfortable for your feet and also ideal as an occasional table. Why not consider a leather sofa set, for example, that includes both stylish sofa and matching footstool?

Discover the timeless elegance of the wingback chair

Brick wall with electric blue velvet armchair and yellow cushion

It’s not a new shape by any means but the winged armchair never goes out of fashion. No matter what interior décor style you opt for, there is a place for this iconic armchair amongst your reclaimed wood furniture. And we’ll show you how to use it.

In the bay window

The bay window gives a sweeping curve to any room and whilst you may have fallen in love with it, dressing it can be problematic.

A sofa is too straight across it, swallowing too much floor space and other pieces of furniture are a mismatch too.

But now imagine two modern-shaped velvet winged back armchairs, with a reclaimed wood coffee table between them, complete with a pretty lamp and a rug to pull it all together. Wouldn’t that make a fantastic space to sit, to unwind, to chat, to relax, to read…?

Sofa companions

In many living rooms across the country, the living room furniture is placed to revolve around the TV. An important piece of equipment it may be but shouldn’t the living room space be about you, your family and the time you spend together.

If the have the room, remove the TV and make the living room seating area into a space where you re-connect.

With a large wooden coffee table as the centrepiece, place two leather winged back armchairs directly opposite your brown leather sofa. Immediately, you have created a seating circle.

If you don’t want it to look too matchy-matchy, stick with the same style of armchair but opt for fabric armchairs instead.

The statement piece

The high back armchair, as humble as it may be, can be the statement piece. And so if you want to create a space that draws the eye, a leather winged back armchair with generous proportions is a perfect choice.

Frankly, it will fit in any space in any room but there is something imposing about a single leather armchair in the office or in the reading nook. Emphasise its proportion with a small side reclaimed wood side table and a generously sized rug that will balance the setting. To give it warmth, add texture with a soft throw or a scatter cushion or two.

Remember – opposites attract

All too often, we are guided by designers and stylists to bring cohesion and style to a space by opting for items that are the same.

Whilst this can be pleasing to the eye, it can all look a little predictable. Or maybe your style is eclectic, the marrying of pieces into a combination that is stylish yet individual, balanced yet exciting.

And so fabric winged back armchairs playing against your leather sofa would work a treat as too would mixing styles. A modern, sleek sofa for example with the traditional-shaped fabric armchairs would be a case of opposites attract.

A worthwhile investment

There are some pieces of furniture that we invest that stay with us for years. No matter how many times you move home or change the décor, there is one piece that always seems to be fit in. The wingback armchair is one of those.

Top 3 Reasons Why a Round Dining Table is a Great Choice

white oval dining table with wood chairs and eucalyptus leaves in glass jar

The dining table is an important purchase and so it’s no wonder that you want to make the right investment. A round dining table may not be your first choice, but it ticks many boxes. Here are just three top reasons why a round dining table is the table of choice in your kitchen or dining space.

1 Because the dining room is square

Isn’t that like hammering a round nail into a square hole, you may ask? Go with it; there is a method to this madness.

A square room and round dining table combo are perfect in so many ways. The combination of two different shapes sitting with each other can make for a pleasant aesthetic appeal to a room. With an angular room decorated with a strong nod to the industrial style, for example, a round industrial dining table can ‘soften’ the edges.

2 Because you can squeeze more people around it

Some of the best dinner parties and get-togethers are those that happen by accident. Is there anything better than a group of friends or your extended family dropping on by and staying for something to eat?

It’s the stuff of memories and although we would love to have a dining table around which everyone will fit, it is neither possible nor practical in many cases.

But the round table – or even the oval dining table if you want to switch up the shape a bit – is perfect for these happily-accidental drop-ins, because you can easily squeeze more people around its perimeter.

Even better, you can invest in an extendable round dining table, just so you have extra space on standby for such occasions.

3 Because a round dining table is something different

For many of us, the dining table is either a café style small dining table that fits neatly into the corner or a large rectangle farmhouse dining table that is stylish but possibly a little imposing.

There’s nothing wrong with this, in fact it fits in many a home, but if you want to ring the changes with your next dining table, opt for a round one. For the smaller space, a round small dining table is perfect. Or maybe an oval table would be just right, a sumptuous and elegant piece of reclaimed wood furniture if ever there was one.

How to choose the right dining table, no matter the shape

If your curiosity to go full circle has been ignited, there are a few factors to consider when choosing your dining table, round or otherwise…

Don’t forget to measure – measure the space you have and then with tape, mark out on the floor the dimensions of the dining table. Is there room to walk around the table and move the chairs too?
The 1-metre rule – there should be at least one metre between the back of the dining chair when you are sat on it and the nearest wall or object behind the chair. Any less and taking your seat at the dining table will be difficult.

Ready to make the change? Browse through our collection of round dining tables and find the perfect match for your home.

Find the Right Statement Dining Chairs

Three wooden dining chairs with white painted chair

You’ve found the perfect reclaimed wood dining table and all you need to do now is find the right statement dining chairs. It can be more difficult than you think, especially with so much choice laid out before you. How do you make a choice? Here’s a few key areas to think about…

Choose the right size

Chairs that look too big for the table and the dining room will simply swamp it, not a look that you are going for! Start by measuring the dining room and the space you have around the table, as well as between the table and the wall. You need a clear metre from the back of the chair to the wall for easy movement. You also need ‘elbow room’ between diners.

Dining chairs come with different dimensions, so check the height, width and depth of your chosen chairs. Check the table height too.

Oak dining table with matching oak dining chairs

If you are seeking the modern farmhouse style for your dining space, oak dining chairs have the perfect dimensions for the farmhouse table.

The comfort and function factors

How often you use the dining table and chairs will also play a part in the style you choose. For a more formal dining room that is used less often, high-backed upholstered dining chairs will nestle perfectly against your reclaimed wood dining table. You could opt for the glamour of grey velvet dining chairs, for example.

Cream velvet dining chair with button back detail

Button back detailing on velvet fabric dining chair

For the kitchen table, statement pieces in the shape of kitchen chairs wouldn’t go amiss, similar to the aforementioned oak dining chairs.

Use

It’s the chair on which you sit while eating at the table. Style choice will also depend on who is using your chairs and dining table.

A formal setting with adults means that velvet or fabric dining chairs would be perfect but at the family dining table, you will look for other practical elements. Wipe-clean chairs, for example, are a must in the family home.

As well as wooden dining chairs, you may want to consider leather dining chairs. With older children, the fabric choice is perfect. Wipe clean with leather wipes and you can expect many years of robust wear from a naturally strong fabric.

The leg frame

Shape, material, dimensions and colour are all important but if you feel that some of these options are still too ‘fussy’, there are other means of choosing statement dining chairs that have a look-at-me-detail – the legs.

The right leg frame makes a huge difference. It can give you more leg space and also give a hint of unexpected detail. Pedestal legs give more legroom and also contribute to the room feeling bigger too. Sleigh legs, on the other hand, open up the space too and add a little hint of decadence.

You also need to consider if the legs of the dining chairs allow them to be neatly pushed under the table when not in use. If this is something you need, there will be nothing more annoying than chairs sticking out…

Your style

And finally, there are your likes and dislikes, as well as choosing a style of dining chairs that complements your chosen décor and style.

There is the glamorous appeal of velvet upholstered dining chairs, as well as functional wooden dining chairs. There are the beauty and elegance of industrial leather dining chairs to the Scandi style, mid-century style, and more. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to be able to find an option that suits your taste, as well as your space.

Our Endless Love of Reclaimed Wood Furniture

On this international day of love, we think there is no better time to declare our endless love for reclaimed wood furniture than today.

Reclaimed wood furniture is unique, different, stylish and warm. There is a simplicity to it and yet, it has a complexity that also makes it a must-have for the home. For any room, from the hallway to the kitchen, the dining room to the living room, to the bedroom, reclaimed wood is a beautiful material. But why do we love it so much?

Emotional connection

The wood used in a reclaimed wood dining table, bed frame, coffee table and more is usually a slow-growing hardwood – in other words, too good to waste. Some are native to the UK and others from further afield, their qualities well-known.

In its previous life, the timber performed a range of functions, possibly structural such as oak beams or in another guise, such as doors. It may have been used outside too, such large heavy railway sleepers.

When it is no longer useful, it is reclaimed and given a new lease of life. And so a structural beam that was part of the strength of a building becomes a reclaimed wood coffee table, for example.

Unlike brand-new furniture made from recently felled wood, it is not pristine. It has marks and scuffs. There are dents and knots. Without compromising its strength and integrity, reclaimed wood brings the romance and the story of its past life to furniture for the home.

For us, that is simply perfect, wouldn’t you agree?

Unique and beautiful

You can tell by the expert craftsmanship of reclaimed wood furniture that the artisan’s heart and soul has been put into each piece. Specialists in reclaimed wood work it into a new shape and form guaranteeing it is genuinely unique.

It is this uniqueness that many people covet. No two pieces of reclaimed wood are the same. There will be scuffs in different places, the grain will hold a different pattern and the wood itself will hold its own different secrets too.

We may want something different, but we also want beauty and style too. More often, when something is ‘different’, it is made to stand out. We don’t always want that.

We want a reclaimed wood bed frame, for example, that looks like wood, feels like wood and behaves like wood. We want style and beauty with a hint of uniqueness, but we don’t want it to stand out for all the wrong reasons.

This is another reason why we love reclaimed wood – its subtleness and the fact that every piece is different and beautifully unique.

Across the home

There is nowhere in the home that reclaimed wood furniture cannot be used. brought back to life, it still has so much to offer…

… a functional reclaimed wood bench alongside a rustic dining table is a match made in heaven. Or, if you prefer the Nordic style with its clean lines and light textures, reclaimed wood can be that too.

… a reclaimed wood bed frame is as unique as relationships and family. Alongside bedside tables, chest of drawers and wardrobes, create your own exclusive boudoir in the style that you want.

Find out for yourself

We could go on and on about reclaimed wood and what it feels like to allow the palm of your hand to drift across the history contained within its grain, but that would be taking it away from you. Why not discover the beauty of reclaimed wood furniture for yourself?