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

Adding festive style to the living room

The festive season is the time to add yet more style and aplomb to your living room, whether you have a small one with a 2 seater leather sofa or a large one with numerous comfy armchairs and like most other things, trends come and go when it comes to festive decorations and accessories. We’ve taken a look at what some designers predict will be making their way into the living room this Christmas.

Ring the changes with the tree

We know there is better smell or look than a real Christmas tree but if you’ve had enough of battling the dropping pines on the floor, then opt for an artificial tree. Ring the changes with a coloured tree.

In the Modish Living studio this year, we are working with silver and white, opting for a lush silver tree to add decadence and festive cheer this year. We’ve also opted for classic white decorations, sticking with wooden items when we can to sit with our penchant for reclaimed wood furniture.

Silver may be our metallic of choice this year but we still have a hankering for gold and brass finishes too. The gold coloured trim and the dramatic black oak combination of the Blackbone Collection is new in and is already proving a popular collection – and no wonder with its festive tones and finish.

Go miniature

The minimalist style is popular. Uncluttered with stylish lines and a crisp white backdrop, the minimalist style you may think, won’t sit easily with the festive cheer of Christmas decorations.

But you’d be wrong. We love the idea of a tiny potted tree, perfect for the minimalist look as well as for those of us enjoying a bijou living room in our home. Sit it on the mantelpiece and use delicate fairy lightings in its tiny branches to add a pleasant detail.

You could also tie a pretty bow or two and opt for small baubles, sticking with one colour to maintain the link between the minimalist style and festive cheer. Add texture and warmth to a room with a neutral tone rug too, such as our salt and pepper rug.

Stick with recycled Christmas decorations

As well as attempting to use less single-use plastic, many of us are very conscious of things like glitter and tinsel being environmentally problematic.

Of course, the sparkle is now synonymous with Christmas so if you must have glitter, opt for the environmentally friendly stuff. Take a peek online and you are sure to find a provider.

If you love our reclaimed wood furniture, you will love the idea of recycled Christmas decorations too. From ornaments carved out of reclaimed wood to Christmas decs that have been upcycled from other materials, anything made from recycled material will look fabulous on your large sideboard or your reclaimed wood coffee table.

Buy local

We all know the pressure the high street is under – now magnify those difficult trading conditions tenfold and you have some idea of what local small businesses face. Buying local means supporting your local high street, whether that is a small village shop or a cluster of shops in your local town.

Artisans crafters create truly stunning and unique pieces, Christmas decorations that will last for years to come. Small Business Saturday at the beginning of December will hopefully remind many people to buy local, buy small and support local craftspeople.

How to make the most of your landing space

It may be a small nook but that compact space on the landing could serve you so much better. Need some ideas? Take a look at how to make more of the landing space in your home with reclaimed wood furniture.

1 Bookcase heaven

We’ve talked before of creating a reading nook in your home, a space that you retreat to when reality gets a little too real. If you do nothing else with the landing space, why not create a beautiful bookcase for your prized novels and other tomes.

As well as a more permanent fitted option, you could also opt for the industrial appeal of industrial shelving. Simple, elegant and industrial in style, you can arrange your books in colour, as well as stand some upright and others on their side to give a delightful appeal to the space.

Break it up with a well-placed accessory or two and if the landing is a little lacking in light, add a table lamp with a gentle glow.

If the landing isn’t leading anywhere, you could continue the shelving to full ceiling height, a great way of creating storage space for lesser used items.

2 A space to chill and relax

If you are blessed with a window on the landing, you could always make this into a space to sit, enjoy a book or two, or for a solitary five minutes in your very busy day.

As well as a window seat, you could add a statement chair, such as the cocoon that is the aviator wing leather armchair. Is space is very pressured, a dining bench would make a pleasant seat on the landing – add a cushion and a throw for texture.

Add detail with a reclaimed wood coffee table, maintain the symmetry between chair or bench and the window too.

3 A home office

As well as a reading nook, another space that many of us crave for in the home is a study or office space. From the occasional working-from-home day to the need to complete important paperwork and the like, the landing space can be the ideal home for an industrial desk and PC.

A reclaimed wood desk made to measure for the space makes the most of it. If you have a smaller space, why not deck it out with an L-shaped custom desk so that you really do make the most of the space and have the working space that you need too?

The industrial look is fantastic for a small space such as a landing because it has an openness that means it doesn’t close down or clutter a space. Keep lighting bright but warm and don’t forget to add unfussy textures, such as a beautiful rug, to give the space a feeling of warmth.

4 Picture gallery

If you don’t have the space to use the landing as a sitting, reading or home office space then make the most of the walls by creating your own art gallery with family photos and delightful art.

3 Great ideas to style a gold rug

Gold doesn’t have to be a difficult colour to work with but with brassier tones, you may be worried a gold rug could look out of place in your home. If you are decorating a room from scratch, start with the rug and build the rest of the room, including the reclaimed wood coffee table and other items around its beautiful hues.

IDEA 1 – Traditional, classic, super-elegant

Starting with the sandy gold rug, we love the traditional look that works so well with it.

Maintain the traditional look with the iconic shape of the brown leather Chesterfield sofa, completing the frame of three with an industrial coffee table.

The golden tones and brown hues of this traditional and industrial combination are ideal for when you want to add warmth and texture to a space.

Lighter colours open up a room and with the lighter sandy gold rug on the floor, it instantly creates a more open feeling to the room. Keep the wall colours neutral with light hints of cream or beige. We know that statement ceilings are predicted to be on trend in 2019 but a crisp, white ceiling would complement the rug.

IDEA 2 – Gold industrial glamour

Occasional, a trend comes along that everyone falls in love with and we love the fusion of gold glamour with the edginess of the industrial look.

Still warm and inviting, we love the combination of the deeper golden tones of the Columbus gold rug alongside the strands of grey.

Paired with our new arrival, the Hanbury gold linen sofa, it is a combination that shrieks delight from every angle. Continue this edginess with the beautiful side bookcase, a statement piece if ever there was one.

The final piece of this jigsaw has to be the beauty of an industrial coffee table. We’ve opted for the chunkier but still as delightful Maddox industrial large coffee table, complete with rustic reclaimed wood top.

IDEA 3 – Spicy warmth

In a larger room, a darker colour can help it feel cosier and ‘brought together’. In the winter months, we often seek warmth and comfort from darker colours, a great way to balance the grey of winter days and the chill of winter evenings.

This spicy gold rug from our collection is a great starting point for adding drama to a room and pairs perfectly with reclaimed wood furniture. Available in seven sizes, you are sure to find the correct size for your room – don’t forget, rug size is important because too small, its impact will be lost but too big, and the room will look cluttered.

We’ve added yet more spice with this beautiful velvet sofa, a deeper shade of mustard yellow that adds zing and zest to any room.

We’ve retained symmetry and cohesion by choosing two pieces from the same range. The gold-framed Belfort industrial coffee table frames the lush sofa perfectly, whilst a Belfort industrial side table on either end of the sofa would add to the beauty of this room. Top them with identical table lamps to ooze sophistication.

In our eyes, everything that shimmers IS gold. Don’t you agree?

Gold in the living room, does it work for you?

At Modish Living, we see trends come and go. Some have proved popular for a season or two, whilst others have hung around for some time, with small tweaks ensuring they stay up to date.

In most designs, there is some kind of metallic finish. Some metals add more drama, whilst others add glamour. Gold adds everything: drama, glamour, decadence and elegance. And we love it!

But we are also conscious that there are times when gold, along with brass finishes, gold leafed pieces and even gold rugs, can look out of place.

We wanted to know what you thought. Is the gold rush of late one that will last for the festive season or do you see it lasting longer?

We Asked, You Answered

We took to both Houzz and Instagram to ask our followers what they thought about the gold trend and whether they thought it would last beyond Christmas or not.

The results were conclusive – the majority of votes cast were in favour of seeing this gold trend continue beyond the festive season.

With this in mind, we wanted to make sure that you have plenty of choices when it comes to the gold trim, brass edging and gold rugs.

Glamour with an industrial edge – the Belfort Collection

Gold, no matter how you present it, has a glamour to it that other metals can only allude to. The golden hue of brass is similar but there is decadence to a gold-coloured trim that makes it a sheer delight.

The Belfort Collection is popular for its edgy appeal, the rustic finish with the smoothness of gold coloured legs and framework.

There are several items in this collection but anyone who invests in this narrow console table will be making a fantastic impression on guests, as well as a delightful backdrop for you and your family. Put it next to a velvet sofa and it’s sure to impress.

Drama with the depth of black and gold coloured trim – the Blackbone Collection

A recent addition to our oak furniture range is the Blackbone Collection, a heady fusion of dark oak wood, black tones with gold coloured trims and edging. Suitable at any time of the year, if you want to create a living room, dining room or hallway that is truly different and unique, then the Blackbone Collection is where you need to be.

Industrial chic meets glamour, a combination that is delightful. Brought together beautifully in this industrial coffee table. Just look at the pleasing cleanliness of its angles and clean lines…

If you want to make a bigger statement, the industrial dining table from this collection is the one investment piece that will keep on giving for years on end. Complement its beautiful tones of gold with equally decadent velvet dining chairs.

Light, airy with lashings of gold – the Chalfont Collection

If you prefer lighter toned wood, then the contemporary take on the industrial look which you’ll find in the Chalfont Collection with gold coloured trims is the understated allure you are looking for.

The detail etched into the wood – you can see the design in the large sideboard – and the brushed gold coloured finish gives this collection an appeal which we know our customers find delightful.

So the results are conclusive – the gold look is here to stay so how will you use this trend in your home?

Grey rugs, the perfect partner for almost any style

Grey is a fantastic colour to use and works well in every style from rustic to industrial and contemporary, just at home with an oak table with metal legs as with a reclaimed wood bed. You can just about get away with grey in the Scandinavian style too, although to stay true to its roots, keeps the addition of grey minimal. Introducing this neutral colour in the form of a grey rug also adds texture to space. Even better, a grey rug works in any room.

The dining room

A grey rug in the dining room provides a platform around which the entire room can be styled – no matter what room you are styling, always start with the rug and build around it.

What we love about grey rugs is their versatility and for the texture, they add to a room. In the dining room, you want to create a style that lends itself equally to occasional formal dinner parties as well as acting as an informal family dining room.

This patchwork patterned grey rug is a superb base, fitting well with both the formal and informal look we need.

It is a divine partner to the industrial dining table, complementing the grey dining chairs, ideal for adding cohesion. An open shelved, slim console table is the final piece that complements the industrial style dining room.

In the living room

You may want to opt for neutral colours in the living room but in a home with pets or a family home, neutral shades of beige, cream and white are simply not functional. Grey offers more leeway in terms of neutrality with the warmth of dark grey rug with a traditional pattern a sheer delight.

Add the ‘glamour look’ with the use of high shine metallic surfaces such as the Hanbury sofa, available in a two and three seater option.

Against the backdrop of cream and grey, this golden yellow velvet armchair is a sheer delight. In fact, if you are looking for a pop of colour against grey, golden or mustard yellow with deeper, earthier tones is ideal.

The golden frame of the industrial coffee table, from our new-in Blackbone Collection, makes the ideal addition too.

In the bedroom

Grey is a beautiful colour in the bedroom. We’ve opted for a blue-based grey in this lighter grey rug from the Lois de Poortere collection. Cooler and lighter in shade is a refreshing backdrop for the bedroom. Married with the warmth of a reclaimed wood bed, the appearance is not too cold or harsh.

We’ve opted from the solid wood sleigh bed from the Winchester range, a superior example of the beauty of reclaimed wood furniture. Sitting atop the grey rug, you have the perfect backdrop for moving your style in any direction – opt for warmer shades for the Scandinavian look, or pastels to bring a hint of the farmhouse, for example.

We’ve aimed this look towards the rustic adding a wooden blanket box for storage as well as this light oak small shelf ladder. Unassuming, it is an exquisite piece and one that is proving popular.

Is grey rug something you have considered? Which room do you think it works best in?

Make sure your guests feel at home this Christmas

Renovating or revamping your guest room typically feels pretty far down the to-do list. Unless you’re someone who makes use of their guest room very regularly, often giving the guest room a little bit of love can feel a little… pointless.

But with Christmas just around the corner, now is the time of year your guest room will probably get the most use. That makes it the perfect time to update your room.

Functionality

If you haven’t got much time to spare, making sure that your room is functional is the best approach. So think about the problems you have currently, and solve them.

Missing a stylish reclaimed wood bed and comfortable mattress combination for your guests to get a good night’s sleep? That’s easily solve-able. Perhaps your guests are lacking a light for reading on your bed side tables or somewhere to store their clothes, like a large chest of drawers? Whatever it might be, think about how you can make your guests’ stay that little bit more enjoyable.

Work within your budget

Christmas is an expensive time, so your guests will forgive you if your guest bedroom does not look like it’s fit for a 5* hotel. But of course, there are plenty of things you can do without breaking the bank.

Making a list of things you’d like to add/do to your room and doing a little research is the best way to ensure you do not blow the budget.

Comfort and Style

If you have the basics of a guest bedroom already, there are plenty of ways you can add a little personality and warmth to your guest bedroom without spending many pennies.

Fresh white bedding is always a good shout, as is a lovely cosy blanket or two which guests can use if they get cold overnight. Add some plump, scatter cushions which match the colour scheme of your room to create a truly inviting bed.

There are also other ways of adding colour and texture. Vintage rugs, like those from expert rug designer Louis de Poortere, add warmth and charisma to any space. Alternatively, a comfy armchair upholstered in velvet or soft fabric will be appreciated by guests. If you are lacking other storage space, this will also be a place they can drape coats and jackets. When you are not using your guest bedroom, you can always move your armchair into your living room or kitchen/diner to get the most out of your investment.

The Little Things

And of course, your room may already be almost ready to go. But there are always little things you can do to make your guests feel special.

Adding a glass and a carafe beside the bed is one of the most thoughtful things you can do (particularly after a night of Christmas celebrations). Fresh flowers also look lovely and add a personal touch.

If you use your guest bedroom for extra storage, make sure to clear a space when guests are on the way. A few empty drawers or hangers are sure to be appreciated.

And finally… top up your towels. Provide a stash of fresh towels and flannels and put there somewhere in clear view so they don’t have to spend time searching for them, or feeling awkward about asking.

Take a look at our full collection of reclaimed wood furniture and rustic furniture on the Modish Living website – a whole world of possibilities when it comes to renovating awaits.

Versatile and beautiful – How to style the reclaimed rustic table

The rustic style is ever-popular and yet it is not one that is afraid to change and morph as our likes and tastes change. This means that key pieces such as the Farringdon dining table remain a popular choice for customers, whether they are creating a formal dining room or in need of a robust reclaimed wood dining table in the family kitchen/diner.

We showcase the versatility of this dining table with these three stunning reclaimed wood furniture looks.

The family kitchen/diner

A busy space that is used for everything from family meals to snacking, homework and more, you need a dining table and chair set that is robust but still styled along the rustic lines.

The larger extending table is easily a 6-seater dining table, perfect for the busy family kitchen diner and when you opt for a dining bench along one long side of the table, you have ample space for lots of your children’s friend too.

For easy to keep clean chairs, we suggest the wooden dining chairs from the same range. A fabulous accessory would be this oversized wall clock with golden numerals, ideal for pulling together the rustic style in the family kitchen/diner.

The dining room

If you want to create a more formal look in the dining room, the Farringdon extendable dining table still packs a punch, as do most rustic dining tables with their reassurance presence.

The Farringdon dining and chairs set is a great starting point, with the grey upholstered dining chairs offering a luxurious feel to the formal dining room.

Continue the rustic style with a sideboard with wine rack combined, an ideal addition to any dining room.

If there is one room where you can add drama without limits it is the dining room. start with the floor, adding a beautiful platform to the rustic dining table with this beautiful blue rug from the Lois de Poortere collection.

Ring the changes with this simply exquisite contemporary bulbous hanging pendant light, the golden tones and uncluttered styling fitting with the rustic appeal, whilst adding a note of interest and luxury.

Everyday dining room

If you have the luxury of being able to use two dining spaces, one for more formal entertaining and the other for everyday dining, then you have double the opportunity to adopt two rustic dining tables!

The Farringdon table with chairs and dining bench set is a great starting point for the rustic dining room, ably supported by the rustic ladder shelving unit for keeping accessories and other items close by. We feel the dining bench is underrated as an ideal addition, great for informal dining and those impromptu get-togethers around the dining table.

If you hanker after drawer space in the dining room, a slimline rustic console table would fit the bill perfectly. With a shelf below and two deep drawers, this is an ideal piece for any room in the house.

Again, we have opted to add colour and texture with a beautiful rug. This beige with hints of blue traditional patterned rug being an inspired choice.

Reclaimed industrial tables – 4 Ways to style them for best effect

Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

The industrial look, in our opinion, will never age or dull in its significance. Many people like it – as we do – for its clean, almost-minimal look but enjoy the warmth generated when familiar meet and fuse. Creating a warm industrial style in the dining room is within your grasp. Here, we show you how…

The Kingsbridge Collection is stunning. What more can be said? The industrial dining table from the range makes for a stunning centrepiece, more so when flanked by velvet dining chairs. Choose grey velvet or opt for a bespoke colour to give your dining room an even more impressive feel.

The beautiful Kingsbridge drinks cabinet makes for a stunning dining room piece, and when you have accessories like the oversized wall clock and the semi-circle console table to pull the look together, you have an effortlessly chic and industrial styled dining room.

Linen and industrial chic!

The Maddox Collection is a firm favourite with customers seeking the industrial look because, with this beautiful collection, it is hard to go wrong.

Characterised by the black legs and reclaimed wood table top of the dining table, the elm used in this piece is desired by many. With its beautiful grain prominent, the texture of the linen upholstered dining chairs is the perfect foil. Still retaining an air of luxury, there is a utilitarian feel to linen that is ideal against the industrial look.

We have plenty of industrial styling tips for combining textures and colour, why not take a look?

Quiet elegance

The industrial look can be angular, with smart linear shapes and so it may come as a surprise that with a change of texture and colours, it can become a quiet, calm and elegant style.

The Raffles industrial reclaimed wood dining table exudes elegance without compromising on its industrial credentials. With the velvet or fabric Sandy dining chairs alongside, it takes on a completely different feel to the other setups we have shown thus far.

As well as using this beautiful slimline industrial console table as a partner in the room, choosing from a rug from our expansive range would also add the touch of elegance with texture and colour.

Industrial with a strong hint of rustic

If there are two styles that pair well it is the industrial feel and the rustic style, and it works well in the dining room.

As with all the other styles, it is the industrial dining table that takes centres stage, around which the rest of the room is created. An extendable dining table is a wise investment for many us – entertaining is a cinch with an 8-seater reclaimed wood dining table in the dining room – with the industrial dining bench being the perfect partner for when you want to increase seating options as the table and number of guests expand.

The faux leather dining chairs are also great options but what marries the industrial backdrop with a more rustic feel is the inclusion of reclaimed wood large sideboard. Adding more than a hint of practicality to the industrial dining room, the abundance and warmth of the reclaimed wood of this unit deliver a different not in this dining room landscape.

Four great ideas for an industrial dining room with reclaimed wood furniture. Which is your favourite?

Make room for these beautiful refectory dining tables

A refectory is a large communal dining room, the kind of which you find anywhere from the work ‘canteen’ to the large dining halls of schools, colleges and other venues. At the centre of the refectory is the refectory table, a long trestle-like table around which many people can comfortably sit. Equally, at home, an oak dining table accompanied by a dining bench to match its length or upholstered dining chairs is giving the refectory table somewhat of a resurgence.

The grand oak trestle table

Oak is a beautiful slow growing tree and the timber it gives is dense and incredibly robust.

The beauty of a large oak table is not to be underplayed and this trestle table is perfection. Two large column legs at either end, with delicious curves, give the table top a rigidity and strength.

Of course, it is the beauty that you will notice – both looks and quality – and frankly, we think sumptuously upholstered dining chairs won’t look out of place around it.

The Farmhouse dining table

Perfect for the refectory look – the long, imposing dining table at its centre – the farmhouse reclaimed wood dining table is the perfect mimic of the grand oak table.

It boasts a similar shape, complete with attractive leg columns and a reclaimed tabletop perfect for friends and family to gather around.

The farmhouse style is all about mixing function with style so why not mix it up with a dining bench down one long side of the table, and wooden and fabric dining chairs around the other long side and two short sides. You could, of course, add upholstered or even leather dining chairs, and they wouldn’t look out of place.

The appeal of dark wood

Dark wood is the ‘Marmite’ of the furniture world – you either love its drama or you hate it. We love it, especially when it comes in the superbly glorious shape of a dark wood refectory table.

Sublimely styled, it too boasts the column legs with carved detail and a glorious expanse of dark wood table top that brings its own drama to the dining room.

If there is one dining table that is the epitome of the hallowed dining halls of years past, it is this table. Retain the drama with dark wood dining chairs although we love matching velvet dining chairs in darker shades with this table.

Back to lighter oak tones

Coming full circle, we come back to the beauty of oak in this magnificent 8-seater dining table, an ideal addition to any home but if you have the farmhouse-style kitchen, you have found your farmhouse dining table.

It has presence. It has beauty. It oozes quality from every knot and grain. Slide a dining bench alongside one long edge to increase the seating space or keep it chic and elegance with neutral upholstered dining table. The beauty of cream or grey linen against it light finish allows the table to remain the important piece in the room.

Which would you choose?