Author: katie.lacy@letsgetcoffee.co.uk

6 tips to help you create a more eco-friendly bedroom

6 tips to help you create a more eco friendly bedroom

white bed with hanging green plants

We all want to try and make eco-friendly choices in our day-to-day living, from the household goods we buy, what car we drive and where our groceries come from, but with climate change a real problem, we want to take this further and instill more eco-friendly elements into every aspect of our lives, including the home we live in. With this in mind, looking long-term, we really should be moving away from our easy come easy go, throw-away society. Purchasing new rustic furniture for your home should be a long-term investment rather than a quick swap and quality furniture with heaps of character that will stand the test of time is a great environmentally-friendly choice.

In this blog, we look at how you can create an eco-friendly bedroom – so you can rest and relax with a completely clear conscience.

1. Choose reclaimed wood furniture

We know we would say that, but it’s true! Sustainable furniture is a great way to get the eco-ball rolling. There are so many options now, from a reclaimed solid wood bed frame to mango wood furniture. One of our top bedroom furniture picks is the British made Beam collection, handcrafted from reclaimed wood right here in the UK – it’s hugely popular with our eco-conscious customers. 

dark bedroom with mango wood chest of drawers

2. Embrace eco paints

Opting for eco-friendly paints in the bedroom is also a great swap you can make. Many paints contain toxins that you really don’t want in your bedroom anyway, so choose low, or no, VOC paints. These are very readily available now from companies like Earthborn, Little Greene Paint Company and Cornish Milk Mineral Paint Co to name just a few. Another bonus is that using these paints is good for the planet as they are also produced with as little impact on the environment as possible.

small paint pots with blue paint and brush

3. Toxin-Free bedding and mattress

Did you know fabrics and mattresses can contain all sorts of toxins? To avoid falling into the toxin-trap, look for organic and fairtrade cotton bed linen which is sustainable and ethically made. There is also a vast choice of eco-friendly options when it comes to which mattress you choose, from a hemp, bamboo or cotton mattress to curl up on. We spend around 33 years of our lives sleeping so it’s important to make the right choice, right?

4. Electrics

For a better night’s sleep, many of us are aware of the benefits of keeping electrics in the bedroom to a minimum, especially phones and TVs. But if you prefer to keep them nearby, we can at least think sensibly and reduce the environmental impact they have by not leaving the TV on standby and unplugging any phone chargers when not in use. It’s also a good idea to switch to energy-saving bulbs as well, not only for the environment but you’ll be doing your pockets a big favour too.

5. Eco-friendly window dressings

Look online for companies that offer eco-friendly window blinds like Greenscreen Sea Tex who actually collect rubbish that washes up on the shoreline and turn it into stylish blinds. As with bedding textiles, look for organic curtains made from cotton, linen and hemp.

sheer curtain with shadow of plant for 6 tips to help you create an eco friendly bedroom

6. Bring in plants

We are great believers in having houseplants in every room!! So you should definitely have some in the bedroom – not only are they good for the air but they will lift your spirits too. Studies have shown that house plants can reduce depression, improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Place one on your nightstand so it’s one of the first things you see in the morning….much better for you than a mobile phone!

Share your ideas

Will you be using any of these eco tips in your bedroom? Share your ideas in the comment box below or join the conversation @modishliving.

4 simply ways to maximise a small bedroom

small bedroom with white painted bed and matching bed tables
small bedroom with peacock wallpaper and grey covers

A small bedroom can be challenging, but for lots of interior designers, it offers as much potential as its bigger cousins. Many modern houses often have a small bedroom, usually given to the youngest child or used as a guest room or home office. One of the main considerations is what exactly you will use the room for – if it is going to be used as a guest room make sure it is kept as a guest room and not an overflow for household storage! There are many tips and tricks on how to maximise space and create a bright and airy room, despite its size.

1. Work out what you need in the room and how it will be used

If it is going to be a child’s bedroom decide now if they will need a desk – or if they will need one adding in the future. You will need a bed in there, of course, but is a wooden wardrobe essential, as well as a rustic chest of drawers and a bedside table?

When it comes to storing clothes, it’s worth thinking outside the box in a small bedroom. Do you need to store clothes in this room or can you use a small wardrobe and make additional space by storing out-of-season clothes in another room? For a teenager’s room, you might want to consider creating a small sitting area or cozy nook for them to escape to. This privacy may be a more welcomed addition than a chest of drawers.

wooden bunk bed with seating area

2. Use colour strategically

Many interior designer suggest using a feature wall to frame the bed. Leave the rest of the room neutral and add a colour or pattern around the bed to help create a cosseting centered feel. It is often believed that small bedrooms should be decorated in pale neutral colours so as not too overwhelm the space. Yes, neutral colours do work well, but don’t be afraid to add an accent colour – a rich and warming shade will give the room a focal point and create that lovely cosy feel we all want in a bedroom.

solid wood bed with dark grey painted wall

3. Get clever with storage

It is vital that you make the most of every nook and cranny in the smaller room. One area that is so often overlooked is under the bed. More than just a place to hide in a game of hide and seek, there is so much storage space under there that can be utilised. Choose a bed with integrated storage or a wooden bed with storage drawers that slide underneath. Coordinate this with a light painted wardrobe with bottom drawers for extra storage and a wooden chest at the foot of the bed for seating and storage and you have three pieces of rustic furniture in your small bedroom that offer multiple functions.

painted wardrobe with drawer and white solid wooden bed

4. Hang out

Another smart designer trick is to minimise the amount of items that sit on the floor. A floating wooden king size bed or wooden wardrobe might not be an option, but making the most of the walls and ceiling for other furniture and fittings is possible. Fit an open shelf on the wall above the bed with floating bedside tables and rather than bedside table lamps, fix two hanging pendant lights from the ceiling either side of the bed. This will increase the sense of space and keep the floor feeling uncluttered.

You might also enjoy How to get that hotel pristine bedroom look at home

Share your ideas

Will you be using any of these tips in your small bedroom? Share your ideas in the comment box below or join the conversation @modishliving.

6 super stylish ways to decorate a bay window

6 super stylish ways to decorate a bay window

The bay window is a classic piece of British house design. Dating back to the English Renaissance period, the word ‘bay’ comes from the French word ‘baee’, meaning open. Typically found in grand houses and mansion full of decadent furniture, the bay window is now a wonderful feature found in many homes, both period and modern. If you’re lucky enough to have a bay window, you’ll want to make the most of it. And, although a bay window comes with a host of benefits – more natural daylight, a greater outside view and more space, to name just a few – they can be a tricky area to work with.

Here we look at 6 stylish ways to style a bay window, whether that’s in the living room, dining room or bedroom.

6 super stylish ways to decorate a bay window

1. Build a window seat

A bay window is an excellent spot to create a window seat. This will naturally be a lovely bright area with daylight streaming in from all angles. Perfect to sit and bask in the sun, watch rain or snow falling, catch-up with friends or just relax, a built-in boxed seating area is a classic way to make the most of the space. Add a seat cushion and pile up some scatter cushions for comfort and colour.

Tip: make the most of the space under the seat by adding some hidden storage.

built in window seat in kitchen for 6 super stylish ways to decorate a bay windowcredit: @aconstantdreamer

2. Create a social seating area

If you want your bay to have flexibility, you can create a seating area using a couple of charming small armchairs in an accent colour or even a small 2 seater sofa. This way you can move the chairs and rearrange the space quickly and easily. You can create this no matter what size your bay is or whether it’s in the living room, dining room or even the bedroom. Simply add a small side table and other accessories, such as a plant or table lamp to help pull the look together.

green velvet armchair in bay window for 6 super stylish ways to decorate a bay windowCredit: @maxinebradystyling

3. Make a dining nook

In a kitchen, a bay window gives you the perfect opportunity to create a dining area. To make the most of the space, let the size and shape of the bay dictate what table is best – a small rectangle table or a small round dining table should fit. Add four upholstered dining chairs or a small wooden dining bench and you can make good use of the area as a cosy dining space.

4. A space for eye-catching window dressings

You can really go to town to dress the windows especially if you want to create a beautiful frame for a gorgeous view through your bay window. You can use a mix of blinds and curtains – keep with the colour scheme the same as in your room or use the opportunity to introduce an accent colour. Alternatively, white shutters are a classic way to frame a bay window and a look that will never go out of style.

bay window with white shutters for 6 super stylish ways to decorate a bay windowCredit: @bellwayhometorhead

5. Add a reading nook

Whether your bay window is in the bedroom or living room, it makes an absolute perfect spot in which to create a reading nook. You can either arrange an armchair and a small wooden side table for a reading lamp or make a window seat with shelving for books below to make good use of the space.

armchair in bay window in bedroom for 6 super stylish ways to decorate a bay window

6. Put nothing in it!

You can just leave it empty – this will give the impression that your room is bigger than it actually is – keep the curtain and blind colours neutral to make the space feel as bright and airy as possible. If you feel it would look better with just a little something there then add a houseplant at the edge- this will help to tie in any greenery outside.

Check out more of our home styling tips and inspiration such as…

How to mix metals in the home 

mango wood sideboard

Gold, brass, silver of black steel, we show you how to get heavy on the metal in your home.

How to style chairs with your industrial dining tableindustrial style dining table with wooden dining bench and faux leather dining chairs

Do you stick with an industrial theme and go reclaimed wood or soften with velvet dining chairs?

Discover more

 

 

Broken-plan v Open-plan: What’s the difference?

Four wooden bar stools in front of a kitchen island in an open plan home

open plan living room and kitchen with rustic furniture

We’ve all heard of open-plan living. It became the architectural style of choice in the 1970s when the trend for building homes with fewer interior walls became a thing. It resulted in a surge of knocking down walls and joining rooms in period homes to create a better space for the way we live today and is still one of the most popular designs to dominate interiors. For some, it is the epitome of style and luxury, but the latest buzzword in interiors is broken-plan. Have you heard of this? Is this a style that could suit you?

We absolutely love open-plan living as a nation, but it is not always the most practical option bearing in mind the various activities that have to take place in this space. So, in came another option which is the “broken-plan” space.

What is broken-plan living?

A buzz-word that has been around for a while, broken-plan is the clever use of space in which the open floor is zoned into areas by the use of various floor finishes, split levels and semi-permanent partitions such as a display unit or bookcase.

These subtle divides give a sense of division to a room without closing down the open space. It gives a semi-private feel to some of the zones, something that can be important for families today.

Why did people fall in love with open-plan living?

Modern lives are busy and multitasking is an everyday necessity. Light and spacious, open-plan living promotes flow and fluidity in a home, but also allows us to perform different tasks at the same time. Preparing supper while supervising the kid’s homework or being part of the conversation when friends are over and sat around the dining table, rather than stuck in the kitchen alone.

But, some people find open-plan living too ‘open’ with a lack of privacy. It also tends to be noisier. Contrary to what you may think, dressing and styling an open space can be hard too; even gargantuan sofas can look timid and lost in such a cavernous space. A completely open-plan room can look devoid of character and be hard to make cosy and inviting. Most people want their living space to be relaxing and cosy. This is were broken-plan living has emerge as a compromise.

open plan living room with brown leather sofa

How broken-plan living differs

Broken-plan attempts to retain all the good things about open-plan – fluidity, light and space – while bringing in elements based on a room-by-room basis. For example, you can retain a large open-plan seating area, but use various pieces of reclaimed wood furniture, ceiling pendant lights and an accent armchair to create a small nook for reading or listening to music.

No doors or walls

Just like with open-plan living, there are few doors and permanent walls in a broken-plan living scheme because it relies on semi-permanent structures instead. In other words, when the need for change arises, you can move the items of rustic furniture to create new spaces and zones.

What can you do to achieve this?

  • Different floor levels – this is a great way to instantly define different zones of a room. Create a step up from a seating area into the dining space to it a more intimate feel or add a floating floor to denote a different space. you don’t have to use a rustic bookcase or display unit as a partition on their own. You could use them in tandem with a change in floor level. A floating floor is simply a step up but instantly denotes a different space.
  • Half walls – partitions don’t have to be full height. If you find open-plan living too noisy or soulless, a wooden sideboard makes the perfect alternative. Place a rustic sideboard at the back of your sofa with some tall plants or dried grasses to create a natural division as well as extra storage and privacy.

rustic sideboard in reclaimed wood

Is there a future for open-plan living?

There will always be a place for the open-plan style, just as there will be fans of the new way of doing things, broken-plan living. We’re in favour of both. What do you prefer? Leave a comment below or start a conversation @modishliving.

How to create the red thread in your home

King size bed with pink wall for How to create the red thread in your home blog

Have you heard of the red thread? No, we’re not talking about a new movie or Netflix series, but the holy grail of successful interior design! The red thread, also known as the throughline, is an essential guide interior designers follow to achieve cohesion and consistency in the home by binding living spaces together. The trend focuses on one design detail of high importance, such as colour, shape or texture, which becomes a common thread throughout your home. The good news is that many of us will do this automatically, however if you are struggling to find continuity, these tips will help you find your own unique red thread to seamlessly unify your home.

king size bed frame against pink wall and dark grey painted wardrobesPhoto credit: Dulux Heritage

Colour

Colour is a popular red thread used to link rooms together. Focus on finding the most prevalent colour in your home, or simply pick your favourite. This can be found within subtle hints of your decor or in statement furniture pieces. When continuing these colours throughout your home, you can also maintain the thread by using variations of the hues. For example, splashes of gold can be carried through the thread with the warm and golden tones of a rustic oak sideboard or coffee table. You’ll be pleased to know that your key colour doesn’t have to match each room’s colour palette either. You can incorporate the boldness of your classic blue velvet dining chairs within your dining room through to your sophisticated living room by using blue accents in the way of comfy cushions, throws or a rug. If you have an open-plan home, colour is considered increasingly important to bear in mind as it helps your space flow.

mango wood dining table for how to create the red thread in your home blog

Texture

You can also use primary textures as the red thread in your home. These can be shiny metals, patterned textiles or coarse and earthy reclaimed wood furniture. As an example, to create the thread within a bedroom, a king size wooden bed frame is a beautiful piece of furniture to start with. Complementing furniture, such as reclaimed bedside tables or a wooden wardrobe will create the DNA of the thread. However, make sure you pay attention to the pattern and finish of the wood. The beauty of reclaimed wood is that it’s totally unique, but the finish, knot or grain of the wood will alter the aesthetic and texture of each piece. When continuing the theme throughout your home, the nature of rustic furniture is versatile. If you have a traditional living room but a contemporary kitchen for instance, you may consider a rustic dining table or solid wood sideboard as a contrast to modern units and hi-tech appliances, creating a sense of harmony between the two spaces. To establish the thread without investing in new furniture, reclaimed wood shelves or wooden photo frames are another gorgeous and authentic additions for creating consistency.

rustic bed with matching rustic bedside table and wooden blanket box

Shape

Focusing on the shape of your furniture and decor is an interesting yet exciting way to allow your living spaces to flow. Shape is extremely powerful and can be used within your home to evoke all different kinds of feelings and impressions. Whether you embrace the popular trend for minimalist and contemporary round furniture or the bold and angular art deco feel, maintaining these shapes within each room, and not just in isolation, will help create a consistent feel and look throughout your home. If you have curved furniture, the soft outline of your sofa can be echoed within the smooth edges of a round rug or a circular and organic shaped mirror hanging on the wall to achieve a calming and fluent space. For bolder and straight-edged furniture such as a square coffee table with a linear design pattern, you can convey this theme throughout your home using geometric accessories or the sharper points within intricate line art to achieve a decadent yet harmonious home.

industrial square coffee table with grey fabric sofa

Get more interior design tips and inspiration….

How to style a chic Easter dining table

How to style a chic Easter dining table blog

Pink and blue Easter themed dining table

Are you hosting a casual spring lunch or a formal Sunday dinner this Easter? Styling your rustic dining table can sometimes leave you short of ideas when there are so many seasonal decor trends about. Whether you prefer a minimalist spread with subtle Easter accents or a solid wood dining table that’s full of character and colour, these styling tips will help you find your theme and impress your loved ones this bank holiday.

5 Chic ways to style your dining table this Easter

1. Pretty Pastels

pastel painted eggs and natural linen cloth on rustic dining table

To achieve a fresh and joyful spread, pastels are your go-to this Easter. Think soft-hued pinks, purples, greens and yellows when styling your reclaimed wood dining table. To create the foundation, consider a light grey fabric cloth to draw attention to the pretty pastels and add a contemporary edge to the spread. Alternatively, if you have whitewash rustic furniture, white will also effortlessly complement the decor. For your centrepiece, choose dainty spring flowers such as pink and white tulip arrangements to make beautiful focal points of your spread whilst harmonising with the rest of the table. If you want to keep it minimalist, you can create a monochromatic style table using one or two pastels and by layering your plates to mix and match the different hues. For an ‘egg-citing’ touch, finish your table using pastel egg cups as candle holders or trail a pastel egg garland winding through the centre of your tabletop.

blue dinner plates and Easter decorations on wooden dining table

2. Look to Nature

Not all Easter spreads have to be sweet and conventional, you can adopt a neutral colour palette and incorporate elements of the outdoors. For a subtle take on the trend, drape faux or authentic green vines along a white table cloth runner and arrange your favourite seasonal blooms within a clear vase as the centrepiece. The detailing in the vines and exposed stems will pair perfectly with the unique markings and character of a solid oak dining table. Mount your plates upon rattan placemats and your cutlery on rumpled linen napkins to maintain this natural and raw theme. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not create your own Kokedama with an Easter twist. To make this Japanese garden art, create your own moss covered decorations using small seasonal flowers and intertwine within the vines for an earthy and untamed look. Finish with some woodland decoration including birds nests and speckled eggs to give a rugged edge.

rustic dining table with white plate and Easter decorated tablemat

hanging decorative kokedama balls

3. Sunshine Yellow

Sunny yellow oozes Spring, so why not celebrate this cheerful Easter hue when styling your Easter spread this year? For a cooler feel, consider mixing yellow with aqua blue tumblers for a coastal-style look to your table or duck egg blue embroidered napkins for more of a farmhouse feel. Fresh daffodils in blue mason jars or rustic blue watering jugs make the most beautiful centrepieces to tie this all together. You can also mix yellow with rusty or bright and bold oranges to achieve a warmer feel. Zesty Easter cakes make mouthwatering features, place on orange tiered cake stands for a centrepiece which looks as good as it tastes. To go all-out yellow this spring, our Clara dining chairs in sunset yellow with warm orange piping make the perfect fabric dining chair to elevate your table with festivity to the fullest.

daffodils and nest of painted eggs on rustic dining table

4. Vintage Charm

Vintage touches can give a magical and whimsical feel to your rustic furniture. Hand-me-down china tea sets are kitch and timeless, pair with matching or mix-and-match cutlery to create a magical and enchanting look. Alternatively, a vintage drinks cooler to chill the beverage of your choice is also a charming option. When choosing your centrepiece, think outside the box. Vintage bird cages, or old-fashioned scales topped with floral painted eggs will create a captivating Alice in Wonderland feel to your reclaimed wood dining table which is bound to spark a conversation. For the maximalists amongst you, finish the scheme with antique trinkets such as pre-loved salt and pepper shakers or grandmas condiment jars.

vintage bird cage filled with pained eggs on rustic dining table

5. Glorious Gold

If you prefer to steer away from bold and bright colours of spring, but want something sparkling, gold will add a layer of luxury to your table whilst maintaining a celebratory feel. Bring in subtle gold accents, such as details on neutral plates, napkins and placemats to evoke glamour and opulence without appearing gaudy. Glorious gold accents can also elevate your seating with goldembellished cushions or throws adding a sophisticated touch together with an element of comfort to a wooden dining bench. For your table centrepiece, opt for something a little unconventional and chic, such as multi tea light holders or for a more traditional touch, opt for serene white lilies styled in a slim and elegant gold vase.

reclaimed wood dining table with gold bunny rabbit ornament

Get more Easter inspiration for your home…

3 reasons why faux rattan garden furniture makes sense

3 reasons why faux rattan garden furniture makes sense

An outdoor sofa set is a bit of a must-have right now. The way we use our gardens has changed – we want it to be an extra room of our house (well it has needed to be over the last couple of years) and an attractive living-room-like space with sofas, dining areas, coffee tables and fire pits or patio heaters where we can socialise and make our time outside as comfortable as possible. But what we put in our garden also has to look natural and blend harmoniously with our outdoor space and keep looking good whilst being out in the elements. This is why faux rattan is a great choice for your garden.

As beautiful as it is, natural rattan is best kept inside in the conservatory – it really isn’t hardy enough to withstand our wonderful British weather and will quickly damage and rot if left outside. Just as damp and wet is detrimental to it, the sun is too – UV rays will fade and weaken it pretty quickly….and this is where poly, also known as PE, rattan comes in.

1. It looks great!

There’s no denying that poly rattan can look like the real thing – good quality PU rattan furniture is handwoven around powder-coated aluminium frames to look as natural as possible with an authentic look that blends in with the natural colours of the garden. Plus, with showerproof cushions a rattan sofa set brings an instant living room style to your outdoors – throw a contrasting blanket over the back of your grey rattan corner sofa for chilly evenings and add a stylish cushion or two for a designer look. In addition, a coffee table is often included with a rattan garden sofa set and can be styled as you would indoors with outdoor candles and lanterns or other decorative pots and plants.

2. It’s hardwearing and long-lasting

close up of PE rattan sofa set

A poly rattan garden sofa is very hard-wearing and with just a little TLC will last for many years. Because of its longevity, it makes buying poly rattan a very sustainable choice – you are not buying ‘throw-away’ garden furniture that needs to be replaced after two to three years, but one that can be enjoyed for years to come. Whereas a natural rattan garden set will need oil applying to help preserve it, a poly rattan one won’t.

3. It’s low maintenance

Looking after your faux rattan garden furniture couldn’t be easier. Simply brush your poly rattan table and chairs down regularly to stop a build-up of dirt, dust, leaves and debris and bring the cushions in during heavy rain – it’s that simple. Despite being hardy, we still recommend you cover your rattan garden furniture to prolong its life and during winter months when it’s not in use, it’s a good idea to store in a shed or garage.

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

You might also like….

New for spring: Be inspired by our new garden furniture collections

rattan garden sofa set in grey

outdoor furniture collection

As we enter April, our thoughts turn to the great outdoors and making sure the garden is ready for some summer fun! This is the favourite time of year for many as we move lunches and dinners alfresco and take our relaxation time outdoors, so what better time to upgrade your garden furniture than now! We are very excited to launch a brand new outdoor furniture collection with everything you need to sit back and enjoy the warmer weather in comfort and style! From a rattan corner garden sofa and an L shaped garden sofa to wooden garden table and chairs, here we pick some of four of our favourites from our new modern garden furniture available to buy now.

1. Falmouth outdoor corner sofa set

rattan corner set

This really is one for an elegant garden. Comprising a 3-seater chaise sofa, an armchair and a coffee table, this would look stunning on a patio area or in a corner of the garden with some trellis behind it covered in fragrant flowers to create a relaxing seating area. Perfect for afternoon or after-dinner drinks, the set is crafted from a premium powder-coated aluminium frame and all-weather PE rattan in a choice of natural or grey, whilst the matching deep cushions on the seats and backs are made in a showerproof material, ideal for the unpredictable British weather! It also comes in an option of a 2 seater garden sofa with two armchairs and a rectangular coffee table.

rattan corner sofa set

2. Southport patio table and chairs

For a modern Scandi look in your garden, the Southport collection comes with a cool and sophisticated edge. Available in two sizes, this garden dining set is perfect for smaller patio areas or balconies. The 2 seater bistro set with its small powder-coated aluminium coffee table and two chairs will squeeze into the tightest of spaces, whilst the rope weaving design of the chairs give them a lightweight appearance that is also perfect for smaller areas. For bigger spaces, the 4 seater patio set features a similar design, but includes a square dining table and four dining chairs. These patio sets come in a chic charcoal with grey padded showerproof cushions guaranteeing both style and comfort.

patio bistro set with two chairs and small side table

3. Poole teak garden furniture

If you love the look of industrial furniture inside you’re home, you’re going to be tempted by this outdoor dining table and chairs. A solid teak tabletop with a faded finish sits on thick powder-coated industrial style iron legs, whilst the contemporary dining chairs are crafted in the same powder-coated iron, but featuring a modern rope weave back in PE rattan and a slatted teak seat. For extra seating an outdoor stool is also part of the collection, perfect for when the party gets going!

wooden garden table and chairs

4. Alum Bay sofa set with rising table

We love PE rattan for its versatility and durability, and this poly rattan sofa set is the perfect solution for garden patios that want to combine dining with lounging. And why not? Outdoor living is for relaxing, right? This clever set looks like a stylish rattan garden sofa set, but the coffee table can be adjusted and raised so that it doubles-up as a dining table. Available in a grey or natural colour and three different designs, including two corner sofa sets, one with a square rising coffee table and the other a rectangular, together with a 3 seater sofa and two matching armchairs, you can be sure to find the right seating configuration for your space with this set.

rattan garden sofa set with rising coffee table

The Allum collection also includes a luxurious sunlounger with a reclining backrest that wouldn’t look out of place poolside in LA.

garden sun lounger next to swimming pool

Discover more from our NEW luxury garden furniture collection and take the fun outdoors.

Meet Loma-Ann Marks, Editor-in-Chief of Reclaim

Loma-Ann Marks

Loma-Ann Marks, editor of Reclaim magazine

One of our favourite times of the month here at Modish Living is when our Reclaim magazine arrives. This treasure trove of all things reclaimed, upcycled and vintage shows just how wonderful reclaimed wood furniture can look in our homes with inspiration and advice from interior designers and master craftspeople. We had the honour of speaking with Managing Editor, Loma-Ann Marks, to find out more about what goes on behind the scenes at our much-loved magazine.

Hi, Loma-Ann. Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us a bit about you? Have you always wanted to work in magazines?

I have always loved magazines, and actually did four weeks of work experience at Smash Hits* when I was 15 [for any readers under the age of 30, Smash Hits was an iconic British pop music magazine for teens]. But I came back to them in a roundabout way, via writing theatre and dance reviews, then working on national newspapers, freelancing for brands, starting my own arts and culture website and now Reclaim.

What’s does a typical day as the Editor of Reclaim look like?

Well, I’m also managing editor, plus I oversee our socials and advertising so no two days are the same. My priority though is the print version of the magazine and I spend a lot of time commissioning features and liaising with writers and photographers, forward planning the issues, setting up partnerships and checking copy and images when they come in. We’re a small team and I work closely with our designer, sub and contributing editor.

We’re big fans of the magazine and particularly loved the January 2022 issue featuring @sophie-mumford-interiors home and your decorating trends. Do you have a favourite issue?

I have two. We did a complete re-design at the end of 2018, and for the launch of the new look I put together a cover shoot, featuring Jay Blades, Sonali Shah, Jo Wood, James Gooch and Sara Morel. I approached them specifically as each represents one of Reclaim’s five pillars: upcycling, salvage, vintage, antiques and eco. Plus they look beautiful together; always good for a cover!

front covers of Reclaim magazine

My other favourite was the May 2020 issue, created during lockdown. Everything was so worrying, but the positive I felt at the time, and wanted Reclaim to reflect, was that people were pulling together and helping each other. I added ‘Soft Power’ as the main coverline as it not only suited the gorgeous feminine home we featured on the cover, but is what we were all showing. Lots of the content already planned had to pivot to everyone’s new circumstances, and we covered everything from virtual stores to updating your home office and I’m proud of what we achieved.

What is it about reclaimed, sustainable and upcycled furniture that makes it so popular?

Because everyone is much more aware of how important it is to live sustainably. Reclaim has always reflected eco, reclaimed and upcycled furniture – now the mainstream has cottoned on. Also, upcycling is very creative, it’s cost-effective and the finished piece is unique.

With this desire to live more sustainably, how do you think reclaimed wood furniture and eco-interiors will evolve?

It will become even more mainstream, and larger brands will have to catch up and be clear about the provenance and supply chains of their pieces. Also, indie brands will become ever more popular as people buy into one-off, carefully made and curated ranges with a personal service.

reclaimed wood sideboard with barn style doors

What should people look for when buying reclaimed, vintage or rustic furniture?

Quality – most older pieces are very well made, as are new pieces using reclaimed materials, but it’s important to check that vintage furniture isn’t riddled with woodworm or immovable stains; or that reclaimed wood furniture has been properly treated, sanded and hasn’t got any splinters.

Is your home full of beautiful reclaimed and vintage pieces?

It’s a mixture of old and new, but the new tends to come from independent makers or brands. I’ve always loved vintage homewares, clothes and finding one-off, unusual pieces – my mum always said if something stands still for too long I’d put an old lace doily on it.

Do you have a favourite room in your home?

Currently my bedroom, which I completely redecorated during lockdown.

We love a bedroom makeover. Tell us more…

It’s very calm, pink and green, with two oversized prints by Swedish photographer, Dan Isaac Wallin, whose work is very dreamy and feels quite spiritual. The space also has a gallery of mirrors, fairy lights and a dresser that I gold-leafed – it catches the afternoon light and early evening light, which makes it very pretty.

artwork by Dan IsaacPhoto by: Dan Isaac Wallin / danisaacwallin.com / @danisaacwallin

What would be your dream property?

A Georgian mansion with wisteria in the garden.

white house with purple wisteria

Aside from your family, what three things would you save if our home was on fire?

A box of letters from my mum, my favourite ceramic swan from my dad and as many of my books as I could carry.

We think we already know the answer to this, but would you rather have a large master bedroom suite or a large home office?

Master suite, 100%. Relaxing is more important than work!!

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