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

How to decorate with round tables in dining and living room

Angles and straight lines are all well and good – they give the dining room and the living room a pleasing order to the eye – but, if it all feels a bit too strict and 90° angles, the time has come to introduced some curves.

Circles and curves are welcoming. When you have guests round the dinner table, the roundness of it is ideal for no one person being ‘in the hot seat’ or at the head of the table.

But as we will show you, introducing curves into your home is not just about round dining room tables…

Invest in a Classic Piece

The dining table is an investment that you will use time and time again over many years and so it pays to make a considered purchase.

Invest wisely, and your round dining table will fit any interior design style but, more importantly, it will be versatile enough to sit with your signature style.

We love…

Dining Tables

Classic white frames and wood table top – great in any design for adding freshness to a dining room. This Elton Round Dining Table works really well in the farmhouse or rustic style dining room or kitchen.

For something a little edgier, the Parquet Round Dining Table is ideal for an ‘industrial’ inspired scheme.

We love the circular base of this small round dining table, complete with reclaimed wood top. Fantastic for when you want to make a statement to your guests. The Kendrick Round Table also extends.

Curves in the Living Room

We love…

Coffee Tables

With no sharp edges to knock your shins against, a curvaceous coffee table or side tables are ideal for helping the ‘traffic’ in a living room to flow.

For a modern and minimal appeal, we love the cool-to-the-touch Kensal marble top coffee table. Choose the leg material – polished stainless steel, brass or matte black – so that it truly complements your living room style.

As well as a round table top, introducing a series of curves into an interior design style brings conviviality to a space too.

This round metal coffee table has a delightful series of interconnecting circles as its base and is very modern.

Side Tables

As well as coffee tables, side tables are ideal for the living room. As well as adding a pleasant note of interest to a room, they are also a handy extra surface that we all need occasionally in the living room.

To keep a sense of cohesion, choose two or three items from the same range. For the industrial look – think exposed brickwork, metal and wood dancing in harmony together – the Oldham range has it all.

For a smaller side table, the reclaimed wood table top can be finished with an optional glass ‘cover’ if you feel it needs it.

But you don’t want the living room cluttered with tables here and there which is why a nest of tables is an ideal choice. However, drag yourself out of the 1970s and ditch the set of 3 nesting tables made from MDF. Instead, opt for the thrill of matte metal bases and the mango wood tops of the Melbury Industrial Nest of Tables.

Curves are friendly, inviting and welcoming – and they sit alongside the straightness and pleasingly formality of angles and straight lines in both the dining room and the living room. Why do you love curves so much?

Why dream of your perfect armchair? Create it!

bristol leather and harris tweed armchair for living room

Armchairs are the perfect accent chairs in any living room, and their size allows them to be fully versatile. If you have more space, create a reading nook; in a bay window, place two next to each other with a side table and a pretty lamp in the centre; place on either side of your fireplace for a classic, cosy finish; or place one facing your sofas as an accent chair.

Given how versatile they are, you probably want to look for the perfect one for you home so you can get as much enjoyment as you can out of it. At Modish Living, our bespoke design option means you can customize each part of your chair and make it exactly how you want.

When it comes to living room chairs, you have two options – go for a classic design which will work in any colour scheme, or go for a bright colour to add a pop of colour and a real statement.

High back armchairs are great. The Preston Armchair is a true beauty and the perfect fabric chair for your home.

If you are looking for a leather armchair, the classic style of a brown leather armchair, like the Edward Leather Armchair is perfect for any room. The stunning leather gives it a real stylish vibe.

For a different take on leather, go for the extraordinarily special Oswald Armchair Vintage Brown Leather which offers all the elegance and comfort. Wherever you put it, the Oswald Armchair is sure to turn heads.

To find out more about our bespoke design service, get it touch with one of our team members or find the perfect armchair for your home here.

How to instantly make your old dining room look luxurious

Your dining room is one of the most important rooms in your home.

But getting the right look, style and feel to the dining room can be difficult. The dining table and chairs can look cumbersome, the décor tired and if storage is an issue, it can look cluttered too.

The answer is to revamp the dining room but what about the budget?

The good news is that with small changes that cost very little, you can have the luxurious dining room you crave.

New Chairs, Same Table

The easiest and most affordable way of instantly updating the look of your dining room is to change the chairs.

There are many ways of doing this;

These black velvet dining chairs with lion knocker detail to the back of the chair add a certain elegance to a dining room. Black is a dramatic colour, velvet a sumptuous fabric to feel and the silver bead edging make these black dining chairs ideal focal points in a room.

These grey velvet dining chairs have a subtle feel. There is something beautifully chic about these grey dining chairs. Lower backed, they are no less comfortable. The wooden legs and frame are ideal to match an oak table or similar reclaimed wood dining table.

Smaller dining rooms can feel crowded, especially if you have dining chairs with high backs and armrests. These modern upholstered dining chairs, with their mirrored legs, are ideal for adding a modern feel to a dining room, but the elegant grey coloured fabric of these modern dining chairs adds depth and texture too.

Top tip: look for the smaller details on a dining chair are as well as style, fabric and colour. The lion knocker on the black dining chairs, for example, or the mirrored, classic leg of the armless, upholstered dining chairs mentioned above are the details that add a layer of luxury to a room.

Paint the Walls

Of course, giving the dining room an updated feel is not just about the wood table and great chairs. Any furniture is given a different appeal when the colour of the walls changes.

Keep the drama with a dark coloured ceiling but only if you have the height in a room. For smaller rooms, stick to neutral tones and colours on walls and ceilings.

Using wallpaper in the latest pattern and colours also make a for a great feature wall, an ideal way to pull out focal points in the dining room such as a fireplace.

Or add a focal point with fantastic wall art. Mirrors and other wall accessories work really well too. Large wall clocks, for example, sit well with any interior design style but for a rustic dining set or a solid wood dining table, there is a certain harmony between it and the over-sized roman numerals.

Accessories

As well as dressing the walls, adding small details to existing dining room furniture will also give it a new lease of life. It can be something as simple (and affordable) as clustering tall, elegant candlesticks on a sideboard.

Accessories also add a hint of sparkle and luxury and again, work well with any interior design scheme. If you are nervous about adding ‘permanent’ detail to a room, ornate serving ware is the ideal choice. You can use any piece you choose when you want.

Updating your dining room doesn’t mean buying an expensive dining table and chairs set. What have you got to work with?

What your first dining room must have

dorset trestle table with dining bench and chairs

It is a moment unlike any other. The day you have the keys to your first house dropped into your palm will fill you with equal measure of excitement and dread.

You have what feels like acres of space to fill with furniture and stylish accessories. But with money in short supply, creating a functional and stylish space is a daunting task.

Friends and family will rally round and before you know it, you have more pans and tea towels than you will ever need.

Reclaimed Furniture and Gifts

Re-claimed furniture, along with mismatched wooden dining chairs give your dining room a pleasing stylish look. It may be eclectic, but it is yours.

Don’t refuse all furniture as some of it with sanding down and a coat of furniture paint can actually make a for a stylish stop-gap until you can afford the items you want.

Choose a Style

Important rooms like the dining room look chaotic in style when there is no obvious or overriding style. There are various looks you can opt for but what can work well because they are fresh and versatile are the Scandinavian or the rustic style.

Both use a lot of wood and other natural materials. Rustic furniture is all about texture, the roughness of raw wood, the exposing of brick and other materials.

The Scandinavian style is equally as appealing – use lighter woods with a smooth finish and choose natural fabrics, such as wool, to finish the look.

Creating the Look Without the Price Tag

You want your house to look like a home, your home. And there are ways of getting your hands on stylish pieces of furniture without breaking the bank.

Look for ex-display items for sale! These can be at a great knock down prices. Check for dings, dents and colour bleaching – remember, you are buying ex-display items as seen, so inspect the piece thoroughly before you buy.

A bargain on one piece means you can splurge a little on another. Don’t forget, dining room furniture items are some of the things that will be with you for years to come. This pleasingly solid wishbone chair, for example, could be the piece you pass on to future generations.

It’s Not Just the Dining Furniture

The final look to your dining room is not just down to the Scandinavian dining table or the exquisite ex-display fabric dining chairs – it is about the accessories too.

And here’s the good news – the majority of these items are stylish AND within budget. Better still, they are versatile so when you change your style in a few years, they simply slip into their new place within it.

Wall art – you can opt for ultra-modern pieces or enjoy canvases that look stunning. These animal art canvases are bound to be conversation pieces, especially the ‘Laughing Donkey’.
Mirrors – great for adding light to a space, mirrors make a statement too. Opt for ornate celestial mirrors or for maximum impact, choose full-length mirrors.
Serving pieces – they will be invaluable at your first dinner party and great for adding detail to the dining room. Choose from stylish salad bowls to dip bowls for informal parties.

Choose key features of an interior design style, such as Scandinavian chairs for the dining room, and build the rest of the room around it. And remember, unique furniture is part and parcel of buying your first home…

How to throw the best garden party: Wimbledon style

Wimbledon will always be part of a quintessentially British summer. Make the most of it this year by throwing a Wimbledon style garden party in the comfort of your own garden.

Wimbledon is the oldest grand slam in tennis and the grounds boast a fantastic history. For example, during World War II, tennis was halted at Wimbledon, however, the grounds remained in use for civil defence by the fire and ambulance services and the Home Guard.

And what about the trophies? Have you ever noticed the pineapple on the top of the trophy? Yes, there really is a pineapple, and there’s a really good reason why. Back in the 17th century, pineapples were very rare in England and consequently very expensive. Because of this, they became a symbol of significant wealth as the crowing fruit of only the most extravagant feasts. The women’s trophy on the other hand is the rather beautiful Venus Rosewater Dish, which doesn’t have a pineapple on it and instead looks like the most luxurious piece of serving ware.

Preparations

Before your garden party, make sure to get your garden looking beautiful. The green grass on the Wimbledon courts takes months to prepare, so whilst you may not have that long, get the lawn mower out.

For decoration, keep it simple. Traditionally, players would wear all-white, however whilst that rule has now been relaxed, it would certainly be a good way to go with decoration. Make sure to add some summer colour too with yellow and green.

If you fancy, you could even have a dress code. Dress like the Royals on Centre Court with summer dresses and suits for a posh garden party. Or, you could get your guests to come dressed in all white or sports luxe clothing.

Food and Drink

Try and keep it simple when it comes to food and drink so you can spend as much time socialising with your guests, and watching the tennis. The classic summer drink of Pimms is always popular at Wimbledon, so is a must-have for your garden party. Serve with lemonade and lots of fresh fruits like strawberries and cucumber for a refreshing tipple.

Gin is another favourite at Wimbledon so keep the gin and tonics flowing. You could even serve a gin cocktail to your guests if you fancy. But if you’re doing a party during The Finals, there’s only one thing to serve, and that’s champagne!

When it comes to food, whatever you choose to serve your guests as a main meal, make sure you don’t forget the strawberries and cream for dessert. Over Wimbledon fortnight, an incredible 28,000 kg of strawberries and 7,000 litres of whipped cream are are consumed. Chop your strawberries in half and serve with lots of whipped cream. You could even crumble up some meringue to make a quick and easy Eton Mess.

The Perfect Set Up

At any garden party, you need the right outside furniture to make your guests comfortable. An outdoor table is a staple in any garden, especially if you love to entertain. Try and find a table which is big enough for the typical number of guests you would be serving outside. However, at a Wimbledon garden party you may find guests wondering off to watch the tennis and not sat at your beautiful new table at all!

When it comes to outdoor seating, invest in a beautiful outdoor sofa which is perfect for garden parties. Not only do they add sophistication and comfort to your garden, but they are also really practical too when you have a lot of guests. A rattan sofa is a great idea as they are weatherproof and look super stylish. Allow your guests to relax and with a glass of Pimms in hand whilst you finish off in the kitchen, or at the BBQ.

You could even go all out with a garden sofa set for all your guests to sit and chat, which is made even better if the position means you can see the Wimbledon action on the TV! If this isn’t an option, bring your laptop or tablet into the garden so you can sit outside without missing out.

For more inspiration, take a look at the garden furniture available on the Modish Living website, or get in touch with one of our team members for more information.

Celebrate Independence Day with a huge garden party

Lodsworth Rattan Corner Sofa Set in garden

As a nation, we no longer live in a vacuum and as such, national holidays and celebrations from other countries and cultures become part of our calendar of events too.

What is Independence Day?

Not to be confused with a film of the same name, Independence Day – also referred to as the Fourth of July – is no exception. It is a federal holiday Stateside (the American equivalent of a public or bank holiday here in the UK) and is the day that Americans celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4^th, 1776.

The thirteen American colonies were forming a new nation, the United States of America, and were no longer part of the British Empire.

Associated with parades, fireworks, carnivals, picnics and BBQs, it is the perfect excuse to team up with family and friends, and celebrate American Independence Day with a huge garden party.

Hosting an All-American Party

Americans celebrate Independence Day in style – the bigger, the better! So, if you have plans to host a garden party, you need to go large.

Get the Garden Party-Ready

Firstly, before you start ordering bunting, you need to make sure your garden is in order.

This means a quick tidy up along with pruning shrubs into shape and, most importantly, making sure you have enough outdoor rattan furniture and/or patio chairs for people to relax and enjoy the celebrations.

A quality outdoor table and outdoor chairs are a great investment. As well as hardwood products, consider metal garden furniture – colourful and long-lasting – along with rattan chairs and so on are all great additions.

For something different, but equally as hard wearing, opt for reclaimed garden furniture.

The style is important too. As well as outdoor dining sets, consider the more informal approach of an outdoor sofa. A rattan sofa set is ideal for a busy garden and not just Independence Day celebrations!

Dress Up the Garden!

With seating in place, you can begin to set the tone for your celebration garden party. Here are a few ideas;

Bunting and Flags – red, white and blue, stars and stripes are all a must. Because Americans do everything bigger, don’t scrimp on the flags and bunting.
All-American dishes – Americans love their food and we have welcomed some of their dishes into our culture too. Enjoy American hot dogs with lashing of mustard. Burgers are great on the BBQ too, along with chicken wings and legs. Don’t forget muffins, savoury and sweet, for sweet treats after the fries and burgers.
Glow sticks instead of fireworks – the lighter nights and the close proximity of your neighbours mean that fireworks can be a bit of a faux pas. Substitute for glow sticks and plenty of solar panelled garden lights
‘Party Favours’ – as you bid your guests farewell, a party bag with cake and a few small gifts are ideal, especially for the children (and big kids!).

There is an amazing range of party retailers online who have everything you need for an American Independence Day garden party. All you need now is sunshine…

Ways to boost your self-confidence with a mirror

Yoko Ono said “smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life”.

A mirror has so much more potential than a decor piece hung above reclaimed wood furniture for getting ready and doing the final check of your appearance before you rush out the front door. Use your mirror to your benefit to build self-confidence, become more positive and take full advantage of everything life throws at you.

So, what is the ‘mirror technique’?

It is all about starting to believe in yourself, and your potential. Stand in front the biggest mirror in your house and let the weight of your body be evenly divided. A free standing mirror is a great idea if you have the room for it, as they are often full length, which allows you to see all of yourself, and get the most out of the exercise.

Straighten your back, take a deep breath with your chest and put a light smile on your face. Then, talk to your reflection with positive affirmations like “I can” or “I believe in myself”, or add what you love about yourself and achievements so far, and continue to do so for 5 to 10 minutes. Think about the things you want to achieve and focus on only generating positive statements and thoughts. Try to do this everyday, in the morning if you can, so you start your day with confidence and energy.

Other ways to use your mirror to your advantage.

Write a mirror message on your mirror; use lipstick or a post-it note to write an inspirational quote that you will see when you look in the mirror. When you are getting dressed, or doing your hair, repeat the encouraging words to yourself. Change the mirror message everyday few days, or even every week for some new inspiration.

Improve your body language. When we are not confident, our body language shows it. However, to change that, sometimes it is as easy as looking in the mirror. Sit or stand in front of the mirror and look at how you naturally stand – are you standing up straight? Do you cross your arms? Where are your hands? Examine your body language and see if there is any small changes you can make to come across in a more positive light.

Look in the mirror with a friend or as a couple and hear what they have to say. Often, we would probably be surprised, and it may challenge you to think differently, and more positively, about ourselves. Share what you both see when you look in the mirror and then tell each other what you see in each other.

And finally, what about the best placement of your mirror?

If you have a full-length mirror, the most sensible spot is probably in your bedroom. But if you have the space, they can also look stunning in your living room or hallway.

The one thing to bear in mind is to try and find a quiet spot in your home where you won’t be disturbed. A reclaimed wood mirror over a rustic console table in your hallway may look beautiful, but if you have other family members going to work, or kids running out the door to school, having it here may not be particularly practical.

For more inspiration browse our mirrors collection or if you have any questions get in touch with one of our team members.

How to get the Scandinavian living room

black and white leather armchair for living room

Clean and uncomplicated, the Scandinavian living room look is a popular choice.

A design of this kind if characterised by using light, neutral colours alongside natural materials. Think wood, not MDF. Think metal, not plastic. Fabrics are natural too – the warmth of wool and the smooth touch of cotton.

It is a look you can have in your living room, and here’s how;

Neutral Walls are a staple of the Scandinavian living room style

Don’t opt for dark colours, but keep the shades light and carefree. White is favourable but if you find it too stark and clinical, used soft, soft greys and barely-there beige and cream.

Flooring considerations for a Scandinavian living room

Natural wood flooring is ideal. Seal and varnish but love its impurities, dents and scuffs as you love an old cardigan that answers so many needs. Add texture and notes of warmth with rugs, but remember natural materials are essential.

This grey rug would add tone to a room, perfect for complementing white walls. For between-your-toes luxury, this white sheepskin rug is the epitome of luxury.

Living Room Furniture for a Scandinavian living room

Sofas and Armchairs

Scandinavian living room design doesn’t mean a trip to a well-known Swedish store. There are other options.

For a Scandinavian sofa, this Harris tweed sofa is ideal, especially with the wooden legs to complement the wooden floor and white sheepskin rug.

Add a pop of the modern with this black and white leather hide club chair. Imagine sinking into its welcoming, comforting depth at the end of a busy day, fire roaring, drink in hand.

Now that you have the sofa and chairs in places, you need to add furniture for storage and style. But don’t overfill the space. Not every inch of the living room’s floor space and perimeter needs to be filled.

Sideboard – a painted sideboard is an ideal storage unit and they come with various designs and detailed features that work well in a Scandinavian interior. This oak sideboard is ideal or for when you want height, storage and display space, this oak display cabinet has the right look, without the clutter or the busyness.
Ladder shelving – again, adding just the right amount of detail, these oak shelves is ideal for a Scandinavian interior.
Coffee tables – Scandinavian design is about dimension too. Coffee tables should frame your sofa, not overpower it. Thus, choose a – preferably white – coffee table that is simple in design, affords storage and other practical elements but is smaller than your sofa.
Nest of tables – no longer assigned to the past, there is a simplicity with a nest of tables that means they fit perfectly within a Scandinavian design. An armchair should be part of three items – a small table and a rug – means it is framed within the larger setting of the living room. To ring the changes, a white round coffee table is an ideal element in this design scheme.

Finish the space to complete the perfect Scandinavian living room

To accessorise the space, add key elements such as plants – one large floor plant or sets of three, smaller pot plants on your oak shelves work well.

Throws are great for the sofa but don’t opt for heavily coloured items. Instead, stick to light colours and patterns such as plaid or tartan.

Now all you need to do is enjoy and relax.

Spend quality time with your children in the garden

With the summer months comes warmer temperatures and hours of glorious sunshine – or so we hope! – and that means getting out in the garden, enjoying the space it has to offer. This becomes all the more enjoyable with the comfort of one of our garden furniture sets.

Spending quality time with the kids in the garden is ideal for the summer months stretching out before you. There are many outdoor activities, from messy play to trampolining, that are suitable. And one great idea is cooking and eating outdoors with your kids.

Eating Outdoors

Eating together as a family brings many benefits. But preparing and cooking together is also a great bonding activity.

It is also a great way to teach kids where their food comes from and encourage them to try new things. Here’s some ideas.

Deconstructed Cheese Burger

Kids love burgers but the same old thing over and over again gets boring. Encourage your children to look at food differently with this deconstructed cheeseburger salad;

Enough burgers per person – grill or oven bake. Or, BBQ them. Whilst they cook, make the salad…

You will need:

Salad leaves – you choose! Watercress adds a peppery note, as do rocket leaves to a salad. Iceberg lettuce is great for any salad base and is light and refreshing. Chop and tear the leaves to create a luscious green bed of leaves.
Salad ingredients – add anything you like from chopped tomatoes to ribbons or carrot and kernels of sweetcorn.
Cheese slices or cubes – add these to your salad

Once the burgers are cooked, chop them into cubes and add to the salad. You can eat cooked burgers cold so you can bake the burgers earlier on in the day and make the salad for lunch or tea.

Pitta sandwiches

Another quick and easy lunch is to make your own sandwiches and enjoy a picnic in the garden.

You will need:

Fresh bread or ring the changes with pitta bread pockets.
Instead of butter, use a light cheese spread and have a range of options for your kids to try.
Grated cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives… you name it, entice your kids to try it. Include meats and fish, like tuna or smoked mackerel for a zap of flavour.

Alfresco Dining

Eating outdoors is such a wonderful way to enjoy the sunshine, especially with one of our beautiful garden furniture sets. Of course, if you don’t have garden furniture, you can also enjoy a picnic on the grass.

Get your kids to choose their favourite spot in the garden and set up your picnic or garden furniture there.

Bring out a blanket, cutlery and your favourite board games and enjoy an outdoor afternoon.

To encourage more alfresco dining, why not invest in high-quality outdoor seating and garden furniture sets.

It’s important to buy garden furniture that fits the needs of your family but bear in mind the dimensions of the garden too.

A small garden table works well for smaller gardens but also for creating a zoned dining area too.

Bistro garden furniture – available in different colours and seating formats – are ideal for any garden space, perfect for impromptu brunch.

Don’t forget to accessorise the outdoor dining area too. Solar lights are ideal for adding notes of interest (and much safer on an outdoor bistro set than candles!) and some can be incredibly bright too. Or enjoy plants in pots and other garden accessories on the garden ladder shelving.

Explore our full outdoor furniture range and get inspired!