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

Discover rustic interior vibes at Habitat hotel, Mykonos

rustic coffee table and leather armchairs at hotel Habitat

How many times have you walked into a hotel and thought, ‘I want my home to look like this?’ Hotel interior designers know exactly how to create that relaxed-yet-refined ambience and when it comes to gathering inspiration for your home, we think a beautiful design-led hotel captivates the imagination.

In a new regular monthly feature, Modish Travels, we roam the globe to discover some of the most inspirational and beautifully designed hotels that capture the essence of easy rustic living with a dose of luxury.

We start our journey at Habitat, a new hotel on the island of Mykonos. Not short of luxury hotels, the party hub of the Cycladic islands knows how to spark an unmistakable sense of escapism and Habitat captures the laid-back rhythm of Mykonian life wonderfully with its modern bohemian style.

Effortlessly mixing simple, rustic details with contemporary comforts, all elements of nature are visible around the hotel and within the luxury suites. Handmade rustic furniture, plush linens and unique materials exude understated elegance and a feeling of total relaxation.

Habitat Suites are an inspiring mix of earthy tones, natural materials and rustic wooden details. The earthy indoor colour palette matches the surrounding landscape, respecting local architecture and maximising the resort’s feeling of escapism.

Get the look

If you’d like to stay at Habitat, Mykonos, visit its website habitatmykonos.com for more information and inspiration. Or to shop the look, browse our stunning collection of rustic and reclaimed wood furniture at Modish Living. All images courtesy of Habitat, Mykonos.

Loved this?

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and it’s inspired you to add a rustic vibe to your home. If you’d like to read more about how to achieve that rustic style, visit our Ideas and Inspirations.

6 essential tips for buying the perfect dining table

solid oak dining table with wooden spider leg and grey faux leather dining chairs

How long have you had your dining table? A good dining table, whether that’s rustic, oak or a reclaimed dining table should last between 5-10 years, so it is important to make the right choice to avoid needing to replace your table too soon. As with any investment buy, you want to get it right, but what do you need to consider when buying a dining table? Here, we offer our essential tips to help make purchasing a dining table just that little bit easier.

1. Measure the space

It’s all too easy to go shopping and fall in love with the perfect rustic dining table thinking it will fit in your dining room, only to discover it is too big. In order to avoid disappointment, your first step to buying the perfect dining table should be to measure the space that you have before you even begin shopping.

A workable dining space is calculated by measuring the available space and then deducting 80-100cm from each dimension. This is to give sufficient room around your table for access and for people to sit comfortably. It’s also good practice to create a “mock-up” of your room by drawing the room to scale and add your existing furniture. Then, you can create templates for table sizes to see how they fit.

2. Which shape is best?

Whether you are considering a farmhouse table or a reclaimed wood dining table, the shape of your table will be important. If you have plenty of space then any shape will work well, although an oval dining table has all the sociable qualities of a round table but the additional length that is better suited to a longer room. If you are short on space, a rectangular or square dining table may be more practical and can be pushed up against a wall when not in use. A wooden dining bench can be a popular choice with this type of table in a smaller room as it fits snugly under a table when not in use.

Read more: The pros and cons of a round dining table

3. Consider its use

This may sound an odd question to ask yourself, it’s a dining table, right? But, will your table be just for eating or is there a chance that it will also double up as a workstation or somewhere for the children to do their homework? You should also think about whether it will be used every day or in a dining room that will only be used occasionally. These factors will have an influence on the type of material and finish you should consider for your dining table. See our next tip for more on this….

4. What material?

If you are considering a wooden table and chairs, then you should think about whether you prefer a rustic or reclaimed look or a smoother wood finish for your table. You may also want to consider a glass table or even a concrete one; quite often the type of material you choose will be something sympathetic to the rest of your décor. You may also want to consider whether you would prefer a fabric dining chair or a wooden one.

5. How many seats?

The type of table that you opt for may well depend on how many people you want to seat at your table, both on a daily basis and when you have guests over. Think about whether you want your dining chairs to be pushed under the table when not in use – this can give more space in the room – or if this isn’t an issue. If it isn’t, a dining chair with arms offers both style and comfort.

6. What type of base?

The final aspect to consider is the type of base that will work best for you. It often comes as something of a surprise to people to discover that not all tables come with legs just at the corners. A central pedestal for example gives great leg room. Spider legs also give good leg room and allow for chairs to be pushed fully under the table for better storage. A trestle table with an end overhang is a great option if you want the possibility of more seating.

Let us help you pick your perfect table

Check out our gorgeous collection of reclaimed and rustic dining tables or for more tips and ideas, take a read of our blog. If you have questions, leave a comment below or email us and we’d be happy to answer your questions. about our collection of dining tables.

Our styling tips for a leather sofa or armchair

If you love the look and feel of a leather couch or armchair, but are not sure how it will blend with the rest of your living room furniture, you’ve come to the right place. With investment furniture pieces such as these, it’s important to know how to keep it relevant as interior trends come and go to avoid them falling into the outdated trap. To make sure your leather seating looks the part season after season, read on for our top styling tips.

Why we love leather furniture

Hard-wearing and versatile

An armchair or sofa upholstered in leather is bursting with benefits. Aside from its luxurious style and versatile design which can complement almost any interior, it’s truly one of the most hard-wearing and durable fabric seating options. Leather boasts longevity and over time it will only ever look better with age. General wear over the years adds to the furniture’s character, the common creases and natural changes in colour help create a beautiful, unique patina. It’s handy to know that leather can also withstand most food and beverage spills, repel the collection of dust mites and pet hair and won’t absorb smells the same way other fabrics will, reducing maintenance and keeping your living space both looking and feeling fresh. What’s not to love?

Adds instant warmth and personality

If you have a modern home, a leather armchair is just what you need to give your space character. If your living room is lacking personality, bring home a touch of the countryside-chic with a weathered brown leather armchair paired with some rustic furniture for a warm and comforting feel. Weathered leather, also known as aniline leather, is rich with natural features, bearing all of its original markings and scars. Unlike printed reproductions, the authenticity showcases the leather’s history making this the perfect addition to add some character to your home. If the farmhouse style isn’t your vibe, you can also use leather seating to add mid-century charm, an industrial loft-living look or a classic revisited feel to elevate modern homes.

Best colours to pair with a brown leather sofa or armchair

If you’re wondering what colour interior goes best with your leather seating, white and neutral walls will always create a sophisticated, clean lo ok whilst giving your leather seating centre stage. The minimalism will really bring the leather to life and create a visually interesting focal point in your living space. Leather also looks fantastic with a lick of colour. Olive greens and watery blues are commonly seen with brown in nature, which explains why they create such an inviting environment when paired with a dark brown leather sofa.

Turn up the heat with vibrant reds, yellows or oranges, the warmer side of the colour wheel can look great when paired with dark leather seating. Light to medium leather however can look outdated if overwhelmed in warm tones, so be sure to mix it up. To make a statement, pair a black or dark brown leather sofa with a citrine yellow feature for a striking yet modern contrast. If a dark interior is more your mood, be cautious not to drown out your leather couch, especially if it’s on the darker side of brown. Balance darker leather with lighter accents, such as cushions or mango wood furniture to ensure your seating doesn’t get lost in its surroundings.

Bring in texture and fabrics

Mixing your leather seating with different fabrics and textures will break up the monotony and help create balance throughout your space. A room full of leather will feel overwhelming, try styling your seating with natural linens, sumptuous velvet pillows and a traditional pale rug to soften the leather and stay on-trend. If you are thinking about mixing and matching fabric and leather seating, pairing modern fabric sofas with a leather armchair will instantly create a comforting and welcoming room, the contrast of fabrics and textures will inject the perfect ratio of style, warmth and charm into the space. If you’re feeling adventurous, introduce a splash of the exotic with a traditional Moroccan-style throw. The abstract pattern will help create more depth and be sure to catch your guest’s eye.

How will you style your brown leather sofa or armchair? Leave a comment below and let’s start a conversation! To discover more interior styling tips take a look our Ideas & Inspiration or if this has tempted you to buy a brown leather sofa or armchair, visit us at Modish Living and browse our collection.

Best storage ideas for small living rooms

For many people, the living room can be the hub of the home; the room that you all meet in to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Of course, when you have a small living room then space is at a premium, so it is especially important to pay particular attention to your storage solution if you want to maximise the full potential of your living room.

When you plan carefully, a compact living room can still have plenty of space for both relaxing and storage, so let’s take a look at how you might achieve a harmony between the two.

Utilise your window recess

Window recesses and bay windows are often very underutilised areas, particularly in a small living room and they really shouldn’t be. Maximise this space with a clever storage solution A built-in seated area with storage underneath is an obvious option or perhaps use a rustic coffee table, a blanket box or even a console table? Consider the size of the space when selecting furniture to ensure that you still have clear access to your blinds, shutters or curtains.

Use vertical space

Using the space that you have to its full potential means not just finding ways to fit in storage at floor level but also considering taller storage solutions as well. A wooden bookcase is a great way to provide vertical storage in a smaller living room and remember if you don’t actually have a lot of books, you can also use it to display ornaments as well. See our blog with Scandi wall art experts, Desenio on the best ways to style a bookcase with frames and print.

Make something of your alcoves

Alcoves make great storage areas but can also pose a bit of a problem when it comes to finding the right storage solution. If you are fortunate that the dimensions allow for a piece of ready-made storage such as a small sideboard cabinet or bookshelf, then that’s great. If this doesn’t work for the space you have, consider asking a local carpenter to make bespoke storage – this will give you the advantage of being able to fit something in that uses all of the space both vertically and horizontally to maximise storage.

Opt for a coffee table with storage

Whilst a simple low coffee table can look wonderful in any living room, when you are furnishing a room with less space a coffee table with drawers will work much better. It can provide you with some of that much-needed storage space. Maximise the storage space even further with a hardworking storage coffee table like the Skandi 2 Drawer Coffee Table. This rustic chest is big on storage space and style giving your living room a wonderful focal point as well as a place to store sofa throws, cushions and other accessories you want to have handy.

TV storage

Finally, we know it can be tempting in a smaller living room to wall mount your TV, but this is actually a wasted opportunity and far from helping to make a room look bigger can have the opposite effect. A good use of space is to build bespoke TV storage cabinetry that will not only house your TV but make the most of the space you have and provide you with storage. If you prefer to go with something that isn’t “built in” then an industrial TV unit with drawers, shelves or both will work well with a smaller space too.

For more styling tips for small spaces see our Ideas & Inspiration.

How do I add glam to my living room?

white fabric sofa with large pampas grass

If you are considering glamming up your living room, then you have some big design choices ahead of you. This is especially true if you want to give it a makeover with just the right amount of glam without going over the top. If you thought that all you need to give your living room that more luxurious look is some new fancy expensive furniture, then you may be interested to hear that this isn’t always the case and that you can give your living space the high-end look you are after in other ways. With a few clever design tricks, and of course, the right pieces of rustic furniture, giving your living room a glamorous makeover -particularly if you favour a more rustic furniture style – has never been easier.

Go big on the furniture

Oversized furniture is a great way to add a really glamorous touch to your living room. The quickest way to do this is to opt for a single statement piece of furniture this could be a large sideboard or Oswald 2 seater sofa. Maybe even a characterful reclaimed wood coffee table a mango wood coffee table with gold accents or an edgy industrial coffee table. The trick here is to think impact, something that makes you go ‘wow’ as you enter the room.

Dazzle with stunning lights

When it comes to ‘zhuzhing’ up your living room lighting, go big. Look for ceiling lights that will make a real impression on anyone who visits your home. Large light shades, modern crystal chandeliers or even light fittings with multiple drops can create a really glamorous effect. Do not just limit yourself to one type of lighting in your living room either. Introduce a couple of large table lamps on a rustic sideboard so that you can change the mood of your room or layer your lighting at night. An oak console table also makes a great place to sit an impressive table lamp for maximum effect.

Remember your ceiling

When we decorate a room, the ceiling is an area that is often overlooked. Make a real statement with your ceilings through the use of colour or even patterns. The right choice of colour could really help to offset your glamorous light fitting whether you have high or low ceilings. If you have rustic beams, make them a highlight or paint them in the same colour you have chosen for your ceiling. For an all-out glam statement, what about silver or gold leaf? This would look stunning against a dark blue wall with a brown leather armchair.

living room with green painted panelled ceiling

Luxurious textiles

When it comes to the textiles that you add to your living room; throws, cushions and even your window dressings opt for luxurious textiles. Billowy cotton drapes, velvet, silk and good quality faux fur will all help to add a hint of dramatic glamour to your room. Shop around to find shades that complement your colour scheme.

Less really is more, and size does matter!

When it comes to the accessories you put in your living room, less really is more. Don’t overcrowd your room or it will look too cluttered and not at all glamorous. Choose your accessories wisely but go big with those items that you do opt for, think big rugs, a single big piece of artwork, large mirrors, and even big pieces of rustic or reclaimed wood furniture – all of these will make a memorable statement in your living room.

Key accessories

Finally, choose your accessories wisely, again to up the glam less really will be more. Silver, bronze and gold accessories will add instant glamour to your room but don’t go overboard with the golden trappings otherwise you risk the space looking gaudy. We think a set of round nesting tables with a gold or silver frame brings in just the right amount of shine whilst also providing an ideal spot for the placement of a silver photo frame, vase or some other metallic accessories.

How are you going to bring some high-octane glamour to your home? Don’t forget to visit our Ideas and Inspiration for more great ways to improve your home. Or sign-up to our newsletter below and get a weekly dose of inspiration to your inbox.

Pro tips to style a sideboard by interior stylist, Kate Hill

mango wood sideboard with gold accessories and thumbnail print of Kate Hill

How often do you look at homes in a magazine or online and think, “I wish I could style my furniture like that?” There’s a skill to making reclaimed or rustic furniture look fabulous in a home and professional interior stylist, set dresser and scenic artist, Kate Hill, has mastered that art.

The beauty of a wooden sideboard is not to be underestimated, and the same applies to any type of furniture with a surface area. Whether you have a rustic sideboard that is deep and long, a rustic console table or even an industrial coffee table with reclaimed wood and black steel, they offer the perfect stage to make a statement and add personality to a room.

Here, Kate shares with us some of her styling secrets that will help you create an effortless look every time.

Kate’s furniture styling secrets

Play with heights and layers

The trick here is to create a grouping of accessories in a variety of colours, textures and shapes that complement and contrast with each other. It can be one group across the entire surface or smaller separate ones. An easy recipe for dressing a wooden sideboard, console or side table is to choose three colours – say green, grey and terracotta. Choose items in different shapes and heights for each colour. Make your choice in different textures too – say glass, ceramic and metal. When you lay the items out on the surface, you are looking to spread out the colours amongst each other and because you have chosen them in different heights, shapes and textures, it will automatically create an interesting display.

Books and Magazines

I sometimes buy a book purely for the beauty or colour of its front cover and use it to add interest to a coffee table. Stacks of books and magazines are also a great prop to add height to a surface that you want to dress creatively, but they should be colour-coordinated with your room. Neutral or muted colours that blend and don’t stand out work really well together. Green, white, grey and black are all good staple colours. Stack some of the books and place an object, such as a bowl, small plant or candle on top.

Trays and baskets

These are great for creating a home to display collections of objects such as candles or small plants. A wood or metal tray, plate or shallow bowl filled with candles always looks elegant and stylish on a reclaimed wood sideboard. You could add mini succulents, crystals and other treasured objects too.

Green Glassware

I love green glassware! It looks great with any style of furniture, but especially with rustic and reclaimed wood furniture. Choose plain or ribbed green glass and play with different heights; you’ll see how it gives the room a fresh lift. It also looks stylish combined with white and clear vases and glassware too.

Plants

Whether you prefer real or fake, plants…and more specifically trailing plants, will soften hard edges. They are the finishing touch that add natural colour and organic shapes to bring a room alive. Dried flowers and leaves in oversized vases are another trick for adding interesting texture and shapes to the space.

A bit about Kate

Kate has worked as an interior stylist and writer for 20 years, creating room transformations for magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Ideal Home and House Beautiful. In recent years she has also become a set dresser, transforming venues for events and parties, including the BAFTA awards dinner and Royal Ascot. She also styles for the TV show, Interior Design Masters. Check out @katehillstylist for more inspiration from Kate.

6 styling tips for a feel-good bedroom

We might spend about a third of our life in our bedrooms and in our beds, but this is often a overlooked room in the home when it comes to decorating, and it really shouldn’t be. Whilst personal styles may vary from one person to another, there are a few unwritten rules that you should follow when it comes to creating a feel-good bedroom. So, put a smile on your face both at the start and end of the day with our styling tips for that all-important bedroom that is a pleasure to spend time in.

1. The most important piece of furniture

Go on, take a guess! You got it, your bed is the most important piece of furniture you will pick for your bedroom and one that will spark the most joy. Whilst choosing the right mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep, don’t forget to give plenty of consideration to the type of bed frame that you pick. A statement bed is a great place to start when styling a bedroom and a wooden bed with storage dressed in your favourite colours and cushions will make a real impact.

2. Consider your colour palette

The colours you choose for your bedroom will influence on how calming and relaxing a room it is, so look for colours that make you smile and, quite literally, feel good. These colours should be soothing as well, so if you like pink, then opt for a more muted and pastel shade. Darker shades tend to be more cossetting and protecting, rather than uplifting, so keep deep hues to accent walls or in the decorative details to keep the room light and airy.

3. Keep things tidy

There is nothing worse than clutter for destroying the feel-good factor of your bedroom, so make sure you keep the muddle and mess to a minimum. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have personal belonging in your bedroom, however. Just consider some storage options that will help you keep a clutter-free space. A large bedside table with drawers, for example, is a great place to store bits and pieces you want close to hand but out of sight.

4. Add some personal touches

As we mentioned above, keeping an uncluttered bedroom doesn’t mean avoiding those personal touches that really make it your space. A wooden dressing table makes a great place to put some photos of loved ones, whilst the wall opposite your bed is the perfect spot to hang some artwork as well as adding a splash of colour. Reclaimed wood furniture works really well in the bedroom as it adds instant personality and individuality.

5. Is there room for a seating area?

Having a spot away from the rest of your household to sit, relax, read or listen to music is a great way to tap-in to those good vibes. If you have a larger bedroom, then consider adding a small seating area. A window is a great place to do this, especially on a sunny day, and if you don’t want to add a more permanent window seat then a wooden blanket box with cushions or a comfy accent armchair can add the perfect touch.

6. Consider bringing the outdoors in

If you live in a more urban area then why not consider adding some greenery to your bedroom. Studies have shown that house plants reduce stress levels and boosts your mood, so you could either opt for some easy to care for plants, fresh flowers or even faux plants. This will not only add scent and life to your room, but also help to soften the lines of your furniture. It’s a great way of bringing the outside in, especially if you can’t see much green from your bedroom window.

So, there you have it, some tips and tricks for making your bedroom the feel-good haven it’s meant to be! What additions have you made to your home to give it a happy and uplifting vibe? Leave a comment below and share your ideas or follow us @modishliving for some interior inspiration.

How to create a boho bedroom

The terms boho and boho-chic are ones that have become increasingly popular in the last few years. From clothing to interior décor, boho as a style can be found everywhere. Its carefree style works breezily in a living room, but it can also bring a wonderfully relaxing mood to the bedroom. If you are looking to bring a touch of boho style to your bedroom, then we have put together some tips that will help you.

What does boho style mean?

Boho, or bohemian style, is a free-spirited one that can be incredibly colourful or monochromatic. Its roots are deeply embedded in the Romani culture, seen in oriental designs and over the years, it has been influenced by hippies through the use of romantic floating fabrics, lace, florals and a sense of freedom. In essence, there is no one set of rules that govern what constitutes a boho style. It is more about the ability to mix colours, textures and a range of items into one cohesive look. Rustic furniture in particular makes a great start to any boho design.

When it is done well it can create a relaxing space with a hint of travel and adventure, yet somewhere cosy enough to relax at the end of a day. This is what makes it a great choice for a bedroom.

The boho bed

As the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom, the bed is particularly important when it comes to tying a boho design together. First and foremost, it should be made with natural materials – a solid wood bed frame, preferably in reclaimed wood or rattan lends itself well to this style. The boho style also fits well to a bed with a low profile with or without a wooden headboard, and look for curvy and tactile shapes, dressed in natural linens.

Boho bedroom furniture

When it comes to the rest of the furniture in your boho bedroom, the only rule you really need to follow is to keep it natural. Because the boho style is often a mixture of different, and sometimes eclectic items, you can actually blend different styles of furniture to create a harmonious mood. Whilst you should stick with wood for your bedroom furniture, your bedroom chest of drawers and rustic wardrobe do not need to match the exact style of your bed to make this look work.

Think about layers

For bedding, soft furnishings and textiles in your room, layers is a must to bring the boho look together. A throw on the wooden bed, piles of cushions, several rugs on the floor, macrame and hanging baskets or planters crafted in rope. Both cotton and linen are great choices for bed linen and window dressings; soft, romantic and floaty. Jute is another great option for the floor, whilst tassels also work well both on cushions and as things like curtain tie-backs. Boho bedroom decor is relaxed and unconventional, so mixing colours, patterns and textures will bring your boho bedroom to life.

A boho colour palette

For your base colour, earthy and neutral shades such as white, off-white, browns and yellows should be introduced. These warm hues are also a great complement and canvas for natural wood furniture. If you want to add a splash of colour opt for pops of jewel shades, such as grass green, azure blue and fiery red, even pastel pink can work, especially in the bedroom. Another popular bohemian colour accent is black or natural brown. Add in the way of accessories or patterns on textiles.

For more interior decor trends take a look our Ideas & Inspiration or to buy the look, visit us at Modish Living.

Will outdoor furniture get ruined by the rain?

With the arrival of summer and warmer weather (at last!), many of us will be jumping at the chance to spend as much time in our outdoor space as we possibly can and put our new luxury outdoor furniture to work. Most outdoor furniture is built to sustain the twists and turns of the British summertime, but that doesn’t mean its bullet-proof. To make yours last season after season, check out our top tips for protecting your wood, iron or faux rattan garden furniture from the rain or whatever mother nature decides to throw at it.

Protecting wooden outdoor furniture from the rain

When it comes to wood furniture, we recommend looking for a hardwood for its density and hardiness. Our Exeter patio table and chairs crafted in acacia wood is a great choice for your garden as it’s rich in natural oils that help prevent rain and moisture from causing damage. However, acacia wood has been known to warp in extreme heat, so be sure to use the handy parasol hole on the hottest days to keep the wood and yourself protected from the sun. Oh, and if you have any furry friends, acacia wood is extremely scratch resistant, making it the perfect pick for pet and wildlife-friendly spaces. Eucalyptus wood furniture is also a great pick for similar reasons, as is teak wood. A teak garden table is also fantastic option for outdoor furniture due to its density and sturdiness, meaning you won’t need to anchor it down on windy days and it can be left outside in pretty much all weather conditions. We would however recommend using a cover once summer is over, so that when the sun does comes back out to play, your garden dining table is looking its best at your summer social gatherings.

Caring for metal garden furniture

If you prefer garden furniture with a contemporary vibe, iron, aluminum or metal garden furniture gives your garden that industrial edge. Iron is weighty and durable, however a weakness is that it can be susceptible to rust if regularly exposed to the rain. To prevent rust, we recommend covering during wet months and the winter. Apply WD-40 or opt for powder-coated iron furniture such as our Poole Outdoor Dining Table and matching seating. The powder coating creates a clever barrier preventing corrosion to the iron. For smaller spaces, a metal bistro set would be a fantastic addition as balcony or patio furniture – the lightweight nature means it should need to be stored away during windy weather.

Keep faux rattan outdoor furniture looking its best

As beautiful as natural rattan is, it can’t cope with our unpredictable and typical British weather conditions. Natural rattan can become brittle when exposed to heat or moisture, so it’s best to save it for your conservatory or indoor space. PE (Polyethylenerattan) rattan outdoor furniture is man-made and won’t degrade like natural rattan. Our PE rattan Torquay Rattan Cube Dining Set is the epitome of luxury, with showerproof padded cushions you wont need to worry about being caught in an unexpected shower. To prevent any staining, we recommend bringing the cushions inside and placing a cover over the faux rattan frame when it’s not in use to protect it from natural elements, including bird droppings that are stubborn to remove on fabric.

See our fabulous collection of garden furniture, including a wide selection of PE rattan sofa and dining sets.