bedroom Archives - Page 13 of 20

Great ways to make your home look bigger

The modern home is getting smaller. Since the 1970s, the average size of the UK home has shrunk by 32%, according to The Guardian. The living room is 7m² smaller today, compared to 24m² back in the decade of flares. Bedrooms are smaller too.

Bijou homes are not sub-standard, because, with clever styling, your compact pad can feel as palatial.

Minimal colour

Paint it all white, opt for Magnolia or even a beautiful grey but the less colour you have splashed across the walls of your home, the bigger it will feel. We know that lighter colours make the most of light – natural and ambient – and so it pays to stay at the lighter end of the colour spectrum.

Lighter shades are not boring – far from it, the beauty achieved in the Scandinavian styled home proves the point – but minimising the number of changes in the shades and colour hues helps to bring cohesion across the home from the front door to the loft.

Consider this when choosing furniture. For example, a light grey sofa would suit any room with a light colour on the wall. Keep furniture light too, such as in the Scandinavian bedroom style with light oak beds, for example.

Minimise shadows

Small windows, furniture blocking the flow of light, walls in the way… you name it, there are many dense obstacles that stop the flow of light through a space. And when that happens, shadows are cast.

Make the most of the natural light that you have. Changing the style of the windows will make a difference and if you have the budget, knocking a wall down to open the space making the downstairs living room and other rooms open plan transforms a space.

Minimising shadows when it comes to ambient light too. A table lamp on a nest of tables in the ‘dark’ corner of a room changes the feel of the space.

Maximise storage

Whether you are working with a bijou bedroom or a compact living room, what instantly closes the space down is when you don’t have enough storage – and that means it becomes cluttered both physically and to the eye.

Choose clever storage solutions such as a wood coffee table with drawers or use a wooden blanket box as a coffee-table-cum-handy-storage unit.

In the bedroom, don’t be tempted to store things of tops of wardrobes as this clutters the eyeline, bringing the ceiling close. Add height to storage such as a tall chest of drawers and again, a wooden blanket box makes a handy seat as well as great for storing linens.

Minimise ‘clutter’

From those cluster of ornaments to huge vases, consider carefully the detailing you add to a room. there is a certain sense of practicality needed about living in a smaller space and that means ditching the idea that you can show horn everything in.

By maximising clever storage in the living room and the bedroom, you can store away things not currently being used but with the change of seasons, you can bring out stored items and put away others.

Maximise small prints

It’s the oldest trick in the book but any print you use in a small space needs to be minimal in size. So ditzy flower prints or barely-there geometric detailing on cushions and throws will work. Keep textures ‘flat’ too, such as a flat weave rug over a deep pile sheepskin rug.

A smaller home is a fact of life and can still be beautifully stylish.

We’re announcing our Best Sellers of the year!

With 2018 nearing its end, we thought we would take a whistle-stop tour of our best-selling products from the year. So what flew out of the door?

Chairs

From dining chairs to stylish armchairs, there were many contenders for the crown of the best-selling chair of 2018. There were two, however, that were always top of the list from the year’s start to its end;

Allegro dining chair – as leather dining chairs go, the Allegro version is stylishly simple but with plenty of character to match any of our reclaimed wood dining tables.
The Brooks dining chair – upholstered dining chairs are always popular but it seems that the detailing and rather sumptuous appeal of these upholstered dining chairs appealed to many customers.

In the dining room

The reclaimed wood dining table is, of course, the main dining room item but the items that surround it make sure that it stays the star of the show whilst offering essential storage space too.

When it comes to the dining room, is there any better storage option than a sideboard?

The Standford range with its rustic charm is always popular so it is no surprise that the large sideboard from the range is gracing many a dining room across the UK (and possibly beyond).

In the bedroom

As well as customers falling in love with our reclaimed wood furniture in terms of the wood bed frames – and the sustainable Bahamas range – this year we have noticed an upsurge in the popularity of bedside tables.

The Dorset Collection has flavours of the coast with its white frame and plain wooden tops and details. The bedside tables from this range have provided popular. Perhaps it is their beautiful simplicity that lends symmetry to a room that makes them the number one choice for our customers?

Staying in the bedroom, we come to a tall chest of drawers that customers have fallen in love with time and time again. The elegance of a tall chest of drawers cannot be denied which is one reason why this item is popular but we also think it is a sign in the change of attitude toward dark wood items.

Designers are expecting that dark wood will increase in popularity this coming year and we have noted how the Winchester dark tall chest of drawers has attracted a lot of attention this year. We fully expect it, and other items from our darker wood range, to pick up the pace in 2019.

Sleep well…

It isn’t just the quality of the mattress that contributes to a good night sleep but the bed frame, the style of the bedroom and a calm setting.

All our bed frames sell well – probably down to the beauty and patina of the reclaimed wood that we use across our Collections – but the understated simplicity of the Standford reclaimed wood bed places the others in the shade. We love its clean lines but also the height of the headboard that gives it a little more of an imposing presence.

Which of these items do you love? What else from our range catches your attention? Or will you buck the trend and go with one of our more ‘niche’ pieces for your home?

The luxurious four poster bed and how to make the most of it

There are many trends tipped for next year but the one that caught our eye was the four-poster bed trend. What is it about this beautiful bed style that catches our eye, and oozes opulence and luxury? Is it a trend you’ll opt for?

Interior design trends come and ago but there are some that hang around for a long time and when they do, their style is updated and changed to reflect our modern tastes.

Alongside minimalist bedrooms and natural materials, the four-poster bed is expected to make a comeback. But if you are thinking of the grand four-poster with ornate columns and yards of drapery, you need to take a fresh look.

The modern four-poster bed

Like the rest of our reclaimed furniture items, the 4-poster bed is the epitome of style and grace but why do we fall in love with the iconic shape time after time?

Imposing – typically, the four-poster bed makes a huge statement in the bedroom in its size. It tends to be larger – that is, taller – and more imposing on the eyeline than other shapes and styles of bed. From chunky columns to ornately carved wood, beds of this ilk are imposing but the modern version is streamlined without losing impact.
Style – there are various styles available from the huge and very imposing dark wood, carved style to the minimalist style such as our beautiful Bahamas four-poster bed. With four columns extending upright, the connecting with the side panels gives it a true four-poster quality but without swallowing the room.

Will a four-poster bed work in a small room?

It’s tempting to assume that the four-poster should only grace a boudoir with acres of space but we think this beautiful style of reclaimed wood bed can suit the smaller bedroom.

In the case of the Bahamas four-poster bed, for example, the streamlined beauty of the columns and crossbar give the overall style but without shutting down the room too much.

Likewise, the absence of heavy drapes common to 4-poster beds means that the eye is allowed to wander around the small space, with nothing cluttering it or sucking at the light.

The supporting bedroom furniture items are also important choices in the smaller master bedroom with a four-poster bed in situ. For example, opting for taller, statuesque items such as a tall chest of drawers helps to balance the symmetry. A well-placed wooden blanket box along with matching bedside tables helps to pull the room together too, ideal for a cohesive style that isn’t overbearing.

Not convinced…?

You may love the idea of a four poster bed but are unsure that it will work in your bedroom. Maybe ceiling height won’t allow it, or the dimensions or shape of the room dictate a different approach.

As well as the four-poster with a streamlined, modern edge, the interior design trends for the bedroom in 2019 suggest that the bed should be simple, with clean, elegant lines to match the uncluttered appeal of the room – just like the Standford reclaimed wood bed. Dress the room carefully and similar to the suggestion with the four-poster bed – opt for a versatile wooden blanket box and matching bedside tables with a rug of our choice to bring it all together.

What changes will you make to your bedroom décor this year?

5 Things to consider when choosing a bed headboard

A bedroom is a place of rest and rejuvenation, and one that should be steeped in style. The rustic bed, of course, is one of the main pieces of furniture – if not, the main piece of bedroom furniture – with the headboard playing an important role too. So how do you choose the right one?

1 The size of your bedroom

Top of the list for consideration is the size of your bedroom. A larger room can take a larger, more imposing headboard whilst a smaller room may need one that is smaller but no less in terms of its styling.

If you can fit in a king reclaimed wood bed but don’t want to overpower the room with a tall headboard, then consider the Winchester rustic bed is an ideal compromise. The king bed frame itself has plenty of detailing with height but is not overly imposing. Full of character, this is surely one of our most beautiful reclaimed wood bed frames.

2 The size of the headboard

However, just because you have a small bedroom doesn’t mean that a tall headboard is out of the running. Bear in mind that a tall headboard and footboard can ‘chop’ a room in half, however, there is a pleasing cleanliness to the lines of this style of bed.

It is in no way a style compromise but the Nilsson Rustica reclaimed wood king bed makes for an exciting addition to any master bedroom. With the footboard perfectly mirroring the slightly-taller-than-usual headboard, this is a delightful piece of reclaimed wood furniture with more than a hint of rustic charm about it.

3 Make it the focal point

Every room needs a focal point, the central point around which the rest of the room rotates. This allows us to ‘make sense’ of the room in terms of its style and use. The good news is, the headboard can act as this focal point.

A taller headboard standing above the rest of the items in the bedroom instantly attracts the eye. This luxury king bed, also from the Nilsson Rustica rustic furniture range, has a taller headboard that appeals to the eye.

Again, it’s clean, symmetrical lines bring a welcome sense of order to the bedroom, with a headboard that isn’t over imposing.

4 Materials

Fourth on our list is the choice of headboard material. There are some beautiful padded, upholstered bed headboards in a range of colours that fit with many different trends and styles.

Reclaimed wood is a material that is tipped to become even more popular during 2019 and so you can take your place in this with some beautiful reclaimed wood bed frames with headboards.

5 Trends and styles

As well as reclaimed wood being a hotly tipped trend for 2019, you may also want to consider some of the other trends coming our way and how that translates with your style likes.

There are many bedroom decorating ideas that caught our eye but the streamlined, minimal look is tipped o huge success. And no wonder – calming and pleasant, it gives an edge to your bedroom that is a sheer delight. If you fancy this style, choose a headboard and king bed that packs a punch but isn’t overly detailed or fussy, but still has character.

Choosing the best bed position

Where you put your bed is dictated by a number of factors, from the floor space available and architectural features, such as a bedroom fireplace or a large window. Choosing the right reclaimed wood furniture and bed position is also about your likes, as well as the look you are choosing to create. Just how do you go about it?

Place the bed before all other bedroom furniture

The bed is usually the largest piece of bedroom furniture and one that has the most impact on how the room looks when everything else is in position. Place your bed where you want it and build the rest of the room around it, from the small chest of drawers to the wooden dressing table.

The traditional spot is…

Traditionally, the bed in the master bedroom is placed on the longest wall and in the centre. This frames the room and allows the rest of the rustic furniture to come together in a sense of symmetry and style. Frame it with bedside tables and maybe a wooden blanket box at the footboard of the bed and you have the perfect set-up.

If you fancy something different, read on…

The bed in front of the window

If you are lucky enough to be afforded a generous sized window or windows in your master bedroom, the placing of a king bed in front of it can create a romantic, yet edgy feel to the room.

If you are going for the bed-in-front-of-window placement, there are a few tricks to getting it right;

This bed position works best when the window is tall and/or large so that light is not blocked too much by the bed. If the bed ‘swallows’ the light, consider if this what you want.
Framing the bed is essential so it doesn’t look like you’ve put it there because there is nowhere else to put it. This means using curtains to frame the top end, complete with matching bedside tables. For drapes, consider using a blind in the window recess.

Face the focal point

Again, if you are blessed with an architectural feature in your room, placing your bed opposite or facing this is a great way to balance the room. From facing the Victorian fireplace to facing the large, ornate window with sloping ceilings etc., if you have a fixed focal point, make the most of it.

Consider Feng Shui

It is an ancient system of creating peace, harmony and balance in and around the home, and its principles can lend itself to the placing of the bed in the bedroom too. There is a principle called the ‘command position’ which means you place your bed in relation to the position of the bedroom door.

If you can, place your bed opposite the door. However, having said that, you may feel uncomfortable sleeping in this position. Within the Feng Shui system, it is important to understand that your feelings of comfort outweigh what the rulebook says.

The two-foot clearance rule

If you are struggling to place your bed due to dimension constraints, then you may need to spend some time moving it around until you get it in the space where it looks ‘right’ and it feels ‘right’.

There is a ‘rule’ – but aren’t they made to be broken? – that dictates a two-foot clearance around the bed, the minimum amount of space needed to walk around it.

Create a festive bedroom

Christmas decorations aren’t just for the living room and the dining room – the bedroom can enjoy a touch of festive spirit too. But mindful you don’t want to clutter this relaxing space, just how can you add Christmas decorations? Here, we give away a few bedroom decorating ideas you’re sure to love.

Au naturel

Gaudy coloured baubles and brightly coloured tinsel have their place but in the bedroom, opting for a more natural feel is a great way of adding Christmas cheer. Try these ideas this Christmas;

Bedroom features

If you are gifted a bedroom with architectural features such as a sweeping bay window or a beautiful fireplace, make these the focal point of your Christmas decorations. Something as simple as a garland across the fireplace is a sheer delight, especially if you opt for an artificial one complete with tiny, twinkling lights. Or, add real-life bunches of evergreen holly with its bright red berries to top your reclaimed furniture.

Add a miniature Christmas tree

We asked our followers on Instagram and Houzz about the number of trees they have in their house and it seems that many of us are a ‘two Christmas tree household’! The main tree occupies the living room whilst the other Christmas tree will often be in the hall or the dining room.

Only a handful of people of those who responded said would consider adding a Christmas tree to their bedroom but we think a miniature tree – especially a beautiful real tree in a pretty ceramic pot – is a wonderful addition.

Christmas trees are great in kids bedrooms too. Add a timer to the fairy lights and you won’t be making midnight runs around the house switching off the lights.

Bedroom furniture
Baubles on the bed side tables – don’t throw away those old bauble missing their string or hooks. Instead, cluster them in pretty festive bowls and add to the bed side table.

Stars on the wardrobe – wooden ornaments, especially the shabby chic painted ones are ideal for adorning various bedroom furniture items but we think they look great on the small wardrobe or scattered about the rustic shelves in the bedroom.
Lights on the headboard – again, those twinkling lights will add a festive and warming touch to your stylish boudoir.
Don’t forget the window ledge – a great place for everything from candles to fir cones with lashings of glitter, the bedroom window ledge is ideal for adding a few festive touches. Cluster a bunch of small Christmas trees in pots at one end, with a pretty star at the other.

Christmas Decorations on Wooden White Window

Bedlinen, cushions and throws

Using plenty of warm colours is also a great way of adding decadence to your bedroom over winter but we also love some of the festive themes bedlinen, throws and cushions that come to the market at this time of year.

And when Christmas is passed, you can pop them into your wooden blanket box for safe keeping until next year. Opt for passionate reds or cools blues, with some of the snowflake designs being an absolute delight too.

Do you decorate your bedroom? Do you add Christmas decorations to the kids’ rooms or do you prefer your Christmas decorations in the living room only?

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.

Enhance your autumn decor with the bookcase extravaganza

An underused piece of furniture, we take a look at how this autumn, you can add interest and drama to a room by choosing one of our bookcases and pairing it with other key pieces of furniture and accessories.

The bedroom

Great for storing everything from books to smaller items, the Chalfont bookcase makes an interesting addition to the bedroom. We’ve opted for the clean, unfussy lines of the Scandinavian look because it adds plenty of texture and natural fabrics, especially important for the winter months

The lightness of this bookcase is perfect for matching the heavier framed Aviator leather armchair, perfect for the bedroom. All of this is pulled together by a light coloured Louis de Poortere flat weave rug, with barely-there colours but plenty of character.

The Scandinavian living room

The raw oak ladder shelving unit is the perfect shelving unit in a minimalist modern or Scandinavian living room. This Scandinavian furniture has an appeal all of its own and can be used as per the photo with items clustered together or leave it with less, allowing the beauty of the oak to be part of the living room.

Mustard yellow is a fantastic colour and this velvet armchair would look lush alongside a velvet sofa, a texture that is always a pleasure to have around. The Louis de Poortere grey rug is the perfect neutral colour against the golden yellow but adds a dash of colour so that there is plenty of character to the room.

The open plan room or hallway

If you are blessed with plenty of space or an open plan living room, you can add detail in clusters and with plenty of colour around during the autumn season.

Hudson oak bookcase and display unit has plenty of detail and can act as a room divider, helping to zone the room; and like the Wycombe bench in the photo, its light wood frame means it doesn’t close down the space too much.

Create an autumnal display for Hallowe’en and bonfire night with piles of squash and the obligatory orange pumpkin.

Add a large rug, similar to this light grey rug with an inlaid geometric plan, matching it to the shades of throws and cushions you have opted for.

A living room with a feminine touch

Add flecks of the feminine to a style adds instant warmth, with plenty of hidden details to in itself, adds warmth to a room.

Being feminine doesn’t mean pastel colours as this mood board shows. The industrial shelf ladder is a great starting point but soften the sharpness with the curved sofa with a hint of the Chesterfield about it.

The cream sofa is ideal will enjoy the detail of the four-drawer coffee table, as well as the pale black rug with the traditional patterning.