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

Wood Trends – Discover latest Textures & Styles

Rattan chairs positioned around wooden stools and tables in a bohemian cafe

Wooden furniture has been around for so long, that we could all fail at times to recognise its real beauty. Wood is a versatile material and can be made into so many different shapes and styles of furniture that there is a different texture, finish and style for every room in the home and any design style. Let’s take a look at what is trending in the world of wood right now…

Geometric heaven

Top of our list is the texture and pattern that can be created with wood, including timbers used in reclaimed wood furniture. The geometric shapes included in the reclaimed elm large sideboard from the Glasgow Collection, for example, showcases the true versatility of wood but also the warmth and detailing it brings to a room. What stories could this piece of reclaimed wood furniture tell?

The elegance of parquet

Who would have thought that rectangular wooden tiles laid in a fishbone pattern could be so elegant and, in the 21^st century, coveted by so many? Oozing sophistication, the parquet design can be used to good effect on tabletops such as an oval dining table and a reclaimed oak coffee table.

The beauty of rattan

Rattan, like wood, is a natural material, taken from fast-growing vines in countries with tropical climates. Once cut and dried, the strips are incredibly strong, more so when woven together. Some people consider rattan a ‘wood’ or a timber because it has the strength and versatility of wood. As well as rattan dining chairs, it can also be used in light shades too, perfect for a pendant light over a reclaimed wood dining table.

Texture and warmth

A smooth surface is delightful and the less polished texture of the rustic styles are equally as appealing and popular. But when you want to ‘lift’ a piece of furniture so that it stands out from the rest of the room, texture is the means by which you can do it. The panels created by wood and exquisite craftsmanship on the head and footboard of a reclaimed wood bed, for example, are perfection as too, is the texture of such as a reclaimed wood sideboard. As well as the grain, there is the dimples and scarring of its previous life to add to the overall appeal.

A 3D effect

Building on the idea of panels and textures is when the wood itself is worked so that it has a raised, three-dimensional effect. The beauty of this is shown to its maximum in the large oak industrial sideboard from the Mitcham Collection. Ever popular, it is the panelled details that make this piece a really ‘stand out’ piece of furniture for the dining room, the living room or even the hallway.

Curved edges

Corners and angles don’t have to be sharp. In fact, a curved edge is so much friendlier and brings more than a hint of refinement to any wooden piece. From the oak dining table to the oak carver dining chairs to a hallway bench, these pieces are perfect for any home but, if you enjoy the simplicity and warmth of the Scandinavian or Nordic style, these are a must.

And, on top of all this, you have different timbers giving different colours, from dramatic dark furniture to light oak and elm. Our world would be so much less vibrant without wood, wouldn’t you agree?

5 Brilliant Need-to-Knows about Reclaimed Wood

A reclaimed wooden coffee table with bowls of food and a plant

We have been using wood for hundreds of thousands of years. Even before early man discovered fire we were using wood to make tools, implements and weapons and our long love affair with this magnificent material is as strong as ever.

Despite modern breakthroughs, wood is still considered the most versatile and beautiful of materials for making furniture. Resilient and adaptable, it can have multiple lifetimes and although you can use any type to make furniture, not all woods are equal. In fact, every piece is different, which is why we love it so much, but that does mean it’s important to understand all of its amazing intricacies to make sure you choose the right furniture for you.

This is why we’ve put together our Top 5 brilliant need-to-knows about reclaimed wood.

HAPPY HISTORIES – AGING GRACEFULLY

If only wood could talk, what stories it could tell! You can’t beat the history reclaimed wood furniture brings. Reclaimed wood is experienced, grounded and wise – qualities that are as invaluable in furniture making as they are in life. Some wood can be as old as 200 years and still look better than its younger counterparts!

YOU OLD CHARMER – FULL OF CHARACTER

One of the things that we like most about reclaimed wood is that it is full of character, and by character, we mean imperfections. Much of this comes from its age and history – nail holes, bolt holes, bug holes, staining, open knots and even scratches We love the process of finding ways to use reclaimed wood to create unique furniture and give it a new story to tell. For example, old scaffolding boards with tall stories crafted into a modern office desk ready for a new and very different career ahead.

EACH DIFFERENT, EACH UNIQUE

Reclaimed wood furniture is genuine and comfortable in its own skin. It has evolved over the years to become what you see today and its proud of how it looks. And just like us, no two beams, planks or boards are exactly alike. We love this about reclaimed wood and think it adds to the excitement of buying a reclaimed wood dining table or reclaimed wood bed frame, but it does come with its surprises. Those wonderful cracks, nail holes, knots and tones differ from wood to wood and furniture to furniture, so when you’re buying reclaimed wood furniture you need to be prepared to expect the unexpected. There will be slight differences in tone and texture, all of which add to its individuality. If you’re looking for furniture with personality, warmth and one that will keep improving with age, you’ve found a friend for life in reclaimed wood.

SUSTAINABILITY – GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK

As we become more socially and environmentally conscious, sustainability is becoming a key driver when it comes to home furniture. Reclaimed wood will not only make your home beautiful, it will benefit the planet and help you stay the right shade of green as it’s, by default, recycled and repurposed. It also preserves natural resources by reducing the need for logging; less trees being cut down equals more time to grow. Go on, give it a hug.

REMEMBER, IT’S ALIVE!

Even after wood has been cut down and turned into furniture, it continues to be a living, breathing matter that responds to its environment just like a tree in the forest. It expands and contracts with changes in humidity, and can also change colour over time as it’s exposed to air and sunlight.

From poky to palatial – 10 tips to make a small room look bigger

An industrial coffee table with a wooden top in a bright living room with beige sofas

Few of us are blessed with generously proportioned rooms, but that doesn’t mean a room has to look small and poky. There are plenty of styling solutions that can accent key features in a room and make it look bigger. And we have 10 tips to help you!

Make more of natural light

When natural light is in short supply, a room can soon look small. Dark corners and shaded areas are not good for the small room and so making the most of natural light with minimal window treatments is a must.

Gaps and legs

If you take nothing else from this list, let it be this one. Gaps and legs are essential for helping a room feel bigger. Opting for sofas, a modern armchair and a leather footstool on legs create a sense of light and space, mainly because the light is allowed to flow through the room.

Be ruthless when it comes to clutter

Things piled on shelves and on sideboards will draw attention to the bijou dimensions of the room. That means you need to be ruthless with clutter. Opt for furniture that offers you the storage that you need, such as a small sideboard.

Multi-functional pieces

Multi-functional furniture in a small room is a gift because it offers more than one function in a busy home. A coffee table with storage, for example, is one option as too is a wooden blanket box that could also act as a coffee table. Some footstools have handy storage space too.

Be reflective

We start the list with making sure natural light pours into a space and now, with reflective surfaces and mirrors, you can ramp it up! A round wall mirror opposite the window is a great move as too is a large mirror in a dark corner for capturing light.

Don’t put furniture around the edge

The temptation with a smaller room is to make the most of floor space by placing sideboards, display units and seating around the edge of the room. Conversely, leaving a gap of a few inches between the wall and the sofa or armchair, for example, creates an illusion that the room is bigger than it actually is.

Get savvy with style and size

A small room can mean smaller furniture, so we understand why you would opt for several armchairs over one large sofa. But did you know that one large piece can also contribute to the room feeling bigger than it is? That’s because a large sofa is less cluttered to the eye than several smaller armchairs or two-seater sofas.

Light and neutral

Staying away from dark, dramatic colours also has a big impact on the feeling of space in a room. This doesn’t mean that white is the only option, however, as the neutral colour palette is awash with choice.

Put the accent on height

Hang ceiling to floor curtains to create the illusion of height. Or, if you can, leave the window completely uncovered.

Spread the light

We can’t push the point about light more! And spreading light around the room means making sure you have plenty of lights. From pendant lights to floor lamps to recycled glass table lamps, spread them evenly around the room so no matter where you stand, every portion of the room is gently lit.

Follow these tips and any small room will blossom before your eyes!

Learn how to Zone

A rustic living room with a wooden desk and upholstered chair

Many of us crave larger rooms and yet, one of the most difficult spaces to style and dress is a large space. Items of modern furniture can look lost and small and with no clear definition and an open space can soon look jumbled and incoherent. Zoning makes sense, but you don’t want to cut out light or restrict its flow. How do you achieve this?

1 Sofas

A large sofa can be perfect for creating the boundary between the dining area and the social zone. To maintain the sense of flow between different areas, don’t opt for a high back armchair or sofa, keeping their height lower to maintain a clear vision of the space.

2 Side tables

The often unsung hero of any room, side tables are perfect for clustering together to create a clear definition between one area and another. Sleek and versatile, they can be easily moved when you want to open up the space, such as when you are entertaining.

3 Dining sets

Uniformity is the key to symmetrical balance in open-plan living and so a clearly defined dining area with a dining set makes sense ‘to the eye’. No matter your style, opt for a dining table with chairs or dining bench that has a clear connection. For example, an industrial dining table with dining bench and complementing chairs is one option, or upholstered chairs could add a hint of luxury to a reclaimed wood dining table. Coordinate the upholstered dining chairs with any other seating in the kitchen, such as the bar stools for an effortless stylistic connection.

4 Upholstered dining bench for a cosy corner

If your dining area is in a corner, you can create a cosy nook with high-backed, upholstered dining benches. Once again, balance and symmetry are key, so make sure there is a clear connection between the benches and the dining table and other items in the kitchen area, otherwise they’ll look like an afterthought.

5 Shelving

Open shelving or display units add semi-privacy to an area and can also help to reduce noise in an open space too. As they are easy to move, shelving gives many future options for creating corners and zones in the space as your family and needs change.

6 Sideboards

Opting for long or large sideboards is also ideal for creating smaller space in the room. Coordinate your choice with the shelving units you have picked for a balanced and stylish appeal.

7 Console tables

The console table, a narrow but tall table, is not just for the hallway. In the open-plan setting, they make the perfect addition. They don’t have to stand alone either. Place them at the back of the sofa in its centre to give a more definitive edge to the seating area.

8 Rugs

A change in the flooring also denotes a change in the zone and so a large rug in the seating area serves a dual purpose – a change in pace in that space but also adds texture and colour. Smaller wool rugs can also be helpful but keep the pattern, styling and colour similar so that there is a hint of cohesion.

9 Colour

It’s tempting to paint different walls and sections in contrasting colours but that can be too obvious and jarring. Opt for one base colour that filters throughout the space with colour afforded by upholstery and rugs in bold prints and patterns. Choose pendant ceiling lights that set off your zones to perfection.

Zoning larger rooms will not make your space look smaller; rather, it will give you an open-plan feel but with structured areas for different uses of the same space.

Top tips to up your office recycling

The average office is thought to produce over 1,100 litres of waste per year and although recycling rates are improving, there is a lot more we can do to reduce the amount of ‘waste’ that ends up at landfill. But how can you up your game when it comes to producing less waste?

1 Opt for recycled/repurposed office furniture

The temptation is to assume that the only way to kit out an office is to opt for brand new corporate style office furniture.

Nothing could be further from the truth as there are many stylish furniture options made from recycled materials. Who would have thought, for example, that an office desk could be made from reclaimed scaffolding planks? Scaffolding planks are also used bookcases and display units too, both of which are ideal as office storage.

Reclaimed materials go beyond reclaimed wooden desks too, with shades for pendant lights being made from woodchip, the waste product from sawn timber.

Reclaimed materials go beyond reclaimed wooden desks too. Shades for pendant lights made from woodchip, the waste product from sawn timber, make for a stylish statement and is a great eco-friendly option.

Glass is also a material increasingly recycled, producing stunning pieces for the office and the home. A recycled glass lamp, for example, is ideal in the office and the meeting room.

2 Makes efforts to reduce consumption

There was a time when every task or activity in the office seemed to be paper-dependent. There was also the ink involved in printing and the energy not just in the production of the paper but in the use of office equipment and so on.

Times have changed and technology enables us to work more consciously. Overall, businesses are realising that reducing their consumptions of materials is not only better from the environment but for their profit margin too.

But where the use of paper and other consumables is unavoidable, small efforts to consider not just how much you use but where you get these materials from all make a difference. Recycled paper is fantastic quality, as too are refillable ink cartridges.

3 Invest properly in recycling

It’s one thing paying a company to remove your recycling every few weeks, but another to really invest in the system.

This means not only using a local recycling company but also endorsing the system in the office. Clear labelling of suitable containers, regular reminders to colleagues to recycle as much as they can and to reuse things as much as possible is just as important as engaging recycling contractors to empty bins.

4 Remove personal desk bins

When you have a bin next to your desk, the temptation to drop things in it is too great. Remove personal desk bins so that colleagues go to a central recycling point to recycle their waste. This is not only good practice to increase recycling efforts, but is a good excuse to stand and move, which is essential for your work wellbeing.

5 Raise awareness

Recycling isn’t complicated, but it is important to raise awareness of how we can do more of it, and how we can achieve this. We assume that everyone knows how to do it but this isn’t always the case.

When expanding your recycling system, do so with training and awareness-raising sessions with staff, as well as reminders on not just how to do it but why we’re doing it and its importance.

Recycling in the office is no longer optional but essential. How much more could you do?

Enrich Your Workspace With Biophilic Design

A man sitting by a wooden desk typing on a laptop with a green plant in the background

Biophilia is the “love of life and living things”, referring specifically to the connection humans often feel with nature. Many experts believe that when we nurture our connection with the outdoors, our creative self is enhanced. And that’s why getting to grips with biophilic design will reap rewards in your workspace.

Whether you work from home at an industrial desk or from your office in a corporate building, introducing elements of nature will help you. But how?

1 Introduce live and artificial plants

As you would expect, top of the list is the introduction of plants to the office space. We’ve long known the benefits of adding plants to a room, many of which are true for the work and office space too.

Real plants can help purify the air and also add a pleasant scent to a space too. Plants also make a space look welcoming and the great news is, you can opt for artificial plants too.

Top tip – simply clustering plants on a wooden table in the office or adding a plant to your reclaimed wood desk will add an instant welcome note of biophilic design.

2 Make the most of daylight

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real complaint that many of us suffer from at times during the drab winter months. But it can also affect us when we are shielded from natural daylight at other times of the year.

Natural daylight is a softer light for the eyes to process and so maximising this is an important part of biophilic office design.

What you don’t want, however, is harsh sunlight that makes you squint and drains the colour from everything with its harshness.

Top tip – maximise daylight in your office space by choosing office furniture that reflects light around, as well as metallic finishes that are stylish and reflective. As well as desk lamps, consider pendant lighting for darker areas.

3 Choose natural colour schemes

Decorating the office with colours we find in nature that soothe and calm are perfect for firing up our underlying creativity.

As well as muted greens, consider light blue for notes of the sea or pale yellow to bring the feeling of warmth. Avoid dark hues and shades that swallow natural light as they can also be too brash and jar the senses.

Top tip – this design is all about maximising comfort and so opting for office furniture that supports and enables your creative flow is just as important too. From choosing ergonomic office desks and storage solutions to choosing the best office chair, this design embraces the ideals of how nature supports our wellbeing in every sense.

4 Use natural materials

Using natural materials is especially important. Reclaimed wood furniture is ideal within a biophilic designed office, for example. Repurposing hardwood such as English oak beams and fashioning into desks and sideboards is ideal for supporting your endeavours to create a welcoming and productive office space.

Top tip – as well as the industrial style, consider rustic furniture for the office space too, including reception areas and meeting rooms as this style has very close ties with nature.

Want to work from home? Let’s get your home office ready!

You’ve delivered on your New Year resolution to work from home and even if this is only for some of the time, you need to create a functional, versatile and stylish WFH space. Here’s how.

The number of people working from home has doubled since 2009, according to BBC figures, with 1.54 million people working their main job from the cosy confines of their home or apartment. And the trend looks set to continue.

But, it’s important to find the right space in your home and when you do, that you create a home office that is perfect for you.

Unused nooks and corners

In older houses especially, there tends to be space that we don’t use simply because it’s in an awkward place. Don’t waste the space any longer – utilise it as your office.

As well as adding a perfectly proportioned home office desk, invest wisely in the best office chair you can afford so that you are not only supported as you sit and work, but it looks stylish in your home. Leather office chairs look and act the part and are also perfect if you have clients or work colleagues over for meetings.

Focus on light

Whether you are sat at your PC for most of the day or use other equipment, lighting is important. Avoid shade where you can, making the most of natural light (but not harsh sunlight) in the space.

You’ll need to consider layers of light in your WFH space too. As well as a pendant light, opt for a table lamp on your reclaimed wood desk and floor lamps to illuminate darker areas.

Choose your style

We spend many hours ‘at’ work and it’ll be no different when you work from home. There may be times when you spend more time at your desk to deliver a project than you normally would and so getting the right style that sparks and nurtures your creativity or focuses the mind is essential.

As well as the warm but minimal Scandinavian style, the industrial style is popular. Clean lines with a fresh, appealing look, an industrial desk is the perfect place for clever thinking.

Don’t forget accessories and office storage

Forgetting storage means that within a few days, your home office will begin to look cluttered. If there is one thing that stifles creativity and production, it is mess and clutter.

As well as choosing a home office desk that suits you and your work, you need to consider storage. A small sideboard, for example, could offer the storage solutions you need, as too could a shelving display unit and drawer and cupboard space in the desk. There are many options but which one would suit you?

Try something different

Working from home and choosing your own office furniture is a welcome change from the corporate style we are accustomed too. That means you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment. As well as reclaimed wood furniture for the office, why not consider something completely different like a leather writing desk?

Mean business – embrace the outdoors!

If you are blessed with garden space, why not consider a garden office? A fantastic addition to your garden, it may an ideal place to work. With plenty of light, you’ll have all of nature around you to inspire your creativity too. Add insulation and heat, and you have an office space ideal for all year round.

5 Ways To Bring Natural Light Into Your Home

With the days short and the nights long, daylight is in short supply. And when the sun doesn’t get to shine through the thick layer of cloud, it’s a sad reality that we live in the shadows throughout winter. Making the most of precious daylight in the home just got easier with these five hints and tips.

1 Go Scandinavian with light woods

The Scandinavian style is appealing during all seasons but in winter, it comes into its own. Using Scandinavian furniture will help to accent light in the home, but still be fetching when you want the feeling of cosiness.

Pale oak is a beautiful timber for all types of furniture, from a wood dining table to cabinets and sideboards.

2 Embrace Scandinavian design

Scandinavian design is simple yet elegant, warm and pleasing to the eye, just one of reasons why we love it.

As well as using a light wood such as pale oak, the dimensions and rounded edges of this kind of design sets it apart from other designs and styles, enhancing any room.

It is rare to see dark wooden items in Scandinavian furniture, with the lighter style still bringing the snug and comfort we all need at this time of year.

3 Embrace light that enhances natural daylight

Dimmable lights are a must as there are times when you need a little extra light to be able to see but you don’t want bright lights that block out natural light.

As well as dimmable lights, consider opting for lighter, barely-there shades for the winter months too, such as a pendant ceiling light with either a bamboo or rattan shade.

Glass table lamps on the hall console table are also ideal for throwing light into shady corners, as well as in the living room and other areas of the home.

4 Wash those windows

It may not be your favourite household chore but keeping your windows clean inside and out will make a difference to how much light penetrates your home.

There is also something very satisfying about being able to see clearly through a sparkling clean window. If you don’t have the time, there are plenty of window cleaning companies who clean both interior and exterior windowpanes.

5 Make the most of reflective surfaces

Reflecting the precious little daylight there is in the home over winter is also key to optimising its presence. And this is where reflective surfaces come in to play.

Opt for glass cabinet doors for display units, for example, as well as plenty of mirrors across the home. Place a wall mirror opposite a window to get the most out of daylight and reflect it throughout the space.

A floor mirror is not just for the bedroom either, with the hallway or landing also appreciating a wall mirror to play with the light.

Embracing natural light in our homes plays an important role in our wellbeing. How do you maximise light in the darker winter months?

Create a bedroom to boost your wellbeing

A white bouquet of flowers on a wooden bedside table next to a white bed

With the New Year – and a new decade – upon us, our thoughts turn to how we can welcome healthier habits into our lives. From making better food choices to being more active, we want to make changes that benefit our physical and emotional wellbeing. Sleep is an important factor in both of these things but how can you create a bedroom that supports your wellbeing by promoting better sleep?

1 Calming colours

Calm colours – muted shades of green, blue, yellow and pink as well as neutral hues such as cream and beige – are perfect for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere to a bedroom. Avoid colours that are stimulating and brash.

2 Choose natural materials

As well as a muted colour palette, surrounding yourself with strong hints of nature help to create a restful boudoir. Reclaimed wood furniture for the bedroom is perfect and so a wooden double bed such as an oak bed is a wonderful choice.

3 Create symmetry and harmony

A restful space is one that is pleasing on the eye and so as well as oak bedroom furniture and muted shades on the walls, you also want to introduce symmetry and harmony by using complementing pieces. Likewise, you also want the space to be functional and so bedside tables are a must, along with other essential items such as a dressing table with drawers and so on.

4 Think about lighting

With the room furnished, you now need to ‘set the scene’ and lighting plays a key role. Layer light so you have a functional option, essential for when you want to see what you are putting away in the large chest of drawers – but softer lighting when you want to bring the day to a close with restful sleep.

5 Appeal to your sense of smell too

Scent plays an important role in helping the brain to slow down and switch off ready for sleep. Scented candles are a great addition to the bedroom as are diffusers, small reeds infused with a beautiful scent of your choice. Take care with candles in the bedroom as you don’t want to fall asleep and leave the candle burning on the dressing table with drawers.

6 Add a plant (or two)

There has been a growing trend of introducing plants to interior design, a popular choice for many of us. Plants are great in the bedroom because as well as being a welcome hint of colour, they also look great alongside oak bedroom furniture and other wooden furniture in the bedroom. An evergreen, easy-to-care-for aloe vera plant, for example, will be a great addition to the large chest of drawers.

7 De-clutter and stay tidy

With the right bedroom storage in the shape of reclaimed wood wardrobes, chest of drawers and a console or dressing table, keeping surfaces free from clutter should be easy. A clean and tidy bedroom is certainly a more welcoming one than one that is cluttered and too ‘busy’.

A calming, restful space promotes relaxation and sleep. Is this how you would describe your bedroom?