How to create a calm feel in your home

Wycombe Oak Bench

White Bedding Bedroom

A deep sense of worry, pounding headaches, being unable to control breathing, an uncontrollable fear… there are many triggers to someone’s anxiety, the symptoms of which also vary from one person to another, from one ‘attack’ to the next.

Home should be the space in which anyone should feel safe and for someone battling to control anxiety, it is imperative it is designed and maintained along lines that really do make them feel safe and calm.

It is known that design plays an important role in helping people to leave anxiety at the front door and so with this in mind, we looked at styling tips to help people with anxiety to feel exactly that: calm, in control and safe.

Space and Light

For some people feeling closed in, in small dark spaces can be a trigger for feeling unsafe. And so, ensuring that your home has as much natural light as possible and an open plan design is a clear winner when it comes to helping allay anxiety and fear.

OR

But for others, this is a nightmare scenario. Similar to agoraphobia, all that ‘openness’ can lead them into a world of feeling exposed. Using moveable reclaimed furniture and accessories, such as display cabinets to ‘shorten’ the space can help.

Living Room Sofa and Coffee Table

Top tips:

  • Choose neutral colours with a warm undertone such as creams and beige
  • Neutral tones furniture works well too to create a sense of cohesion and order; for example, cream dining chairs will add texture to the smaller dining room and look great with any style of dining table and furniture
  • If natural light is an issue, choose soft glow bulbs and lighting solutions throughout the home, but especially when it comes to living room lamps.

Declutter

It is an emotional journey but there is no doubt that decluttering, freeing space and bringing in order and light can be a useful (but sometimes painful) task for anyone suffering anxiety.

Decluttering is not just about ‘throwing things away’, it is about creating a storage system that works so that clutter doesn’t accumulate. It is a way of changing how you live in your home so that you maintain it as the space you want it and need it to be.

  • Create a storage system that you know you can stick too
  • Pretty boxes and furniture with ‘hidden’ storage such as a blanket box for a coffee table in the living room are also great solutions

Whiteleaf Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

    Which Style Works Best?

    Of course, you need to style your home according to your taste and budget, from oak bedroom furniture to glossy cupboards, but the Scandinavian style is one worth considering. A seamless blend between warm, natural materials, its modern feel also works well for those that prefer a more traditional approach, slimline, without sharp angles, it is a popular styling choice for the home and your workspace.

    Wycombe Oak Bench

    Anxiety – a Hidden Issue

    It is not something that people have commonly shared, preferring to keep their anxiety locked away. But in recent times, we have seen a changing attitude toward mental health and how issues, such as anxiety, a more common than what we think.

    We often think that we are the ‘only one’ and that others will deride it as being something we ‘just need to get a grip on’. Our surroundings play a big part in helping us to deal with anxiety and other issues. Make this the year you style your home that gives you not only pleasure but the safety and control you crave.

    Our favourite customer comments of the year

    Feedback Customers at Modish Living

    Feedback Blackboard

    As we wave goodbye to 2023, we became reflective of what a great year it has been. We have had amazing opportunities come our way and faced challenges that have made our business better and stronger.

    We have fantastic products and a customer service that is really beginning to shine above customer expectations.

    We didn’t realise the difference our business and products make until you started to tell us just how happy our quality reclaimed wood furniture, from the king bed to the sideboard makes you.

    Products

    For example, a recent customer was so delighted with their Winchester Reclaimed Wood Bed – [it] is the single nicest piece of furniture we’ve ever had, absolutely love it – that they took time out of their busy day to email us.

    We’re are delighted that our products, customer service and delivery make you smile and the emails have been flooding in.

    Claire from Pontefract loved her Derby Reclaimed Wood Extending Dining Tableamazing table with really thought-out details that reflect the quality of the workmanship. I’m delighted with it”.

    And Jasmine was head over heels in love with her delivery and we were pleased to note thatthe furniture was exactly as it appeared in the picture and great quality”

    We choose all our pieces carefully, making sure we get the best reclaimed wood and by using skilled craftspeople, we know that the design and the final product will be of the highest standards. What we have changed over the year is the way we photograph our range.

    We want the best reproductive quality for our photos not just because they look good, but because this is the best way for our online shoppers to get an accurate idea of what they are ordering.

    Customer Service

    Nina is a recent addition to our team and with many years’ experience in customer service, she has set about improving our service to you. And it’s been working…

    “What really stands out about this company is their excellent customer service”

    We pledge to always ‘go out of our way’ to make everything about buying from us one of the best retail experiences you will have.

    So when you order from us in 2024, why not leave us a review and better still, email us photos of the piece in your home, complete with your own stamp and personality on it.

    Delivery

    A big part of what we do is making sure that what you have ordered, whether it is one of our small wooden sideboards or one of biggest reclaimed wood dining table get to you in perfect condition. And that means a delivery team that know exactly what they are doing.

    And it seems we have been getting it right…

    “The delivery guys were really excellent – punctual friendly and careful moving stuff in. We’ve had some terrible delivery experiences recently, but your guys were perfect”

    “The delivery men were on time and really friendly.”

    “The delivery gents were exceptional, well-mannered and assisted in carrying all furniture to the correct rooms. Fantastic!”

    We’ve had so many great comments over the last year that we can’t include them all but we want to finish with this one…

    Nothing has been too much trouble and Katie has gone out of her way to make sure we were happy. Thank you, Modish Living!

    The most popular decor trends of 2017

    Pantone Colours

    Pantone Colours

    As we bid 2017 goodbye, we often look forward to the coming spring trends of 2018. But it wouldn’t be fitting to wave adieu to 2017 without taking a look back at what the year offered in terms of décor trends. What did we love and what didn’t catch on?

    Sophisticated Pastels

    A definite win was the palette of sophisticated pastels that suit any room in the home. But think beyond sugary pinks and watered-down blues. The must-have colour was Millennial Pink, a colour described as ‘very now, but timeless’.

    Pink Baubles

    It was and is a beautiful colour, perfect for bedroom decorations. Think of a ‘grapefruit shade of apricotty salmon’ and you are there. Not too sugary, not too dark, a perfect balance between introducing a colour to a space but just enough to not be too light that it is a mere whisper of a colour but not too dark that it looks like a bedroom of a princess-obsessed little girl.

    Will it stay? Possibly but there are also some stronger colours making their way into the home this coming year, although we are yet to see what the Pantone Colour of the Year 2018 is yet…

    Local Materials

    The other trend that we loved was the growing movement to buy local, whether this was from smaller artisan craftspeople or sourcing companies that used British designers and materials.

    English Beam Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

    There was also a growing trend for upcycling and recycling, with our reclaimed wood furniture becoming increasingly popular too. Customers love the romance of reclaimed wood, the fact that as a table, the English beams have a story that they will never tell…

    Black-Finish Metals

    Metal is always a popular material but black-finish metal has placed industrial furniture back in the eye of the creative homeowner over the year.

    At one time, bright, polished stainless steel or aluminium was a must, and then came the brass-effect look. But 2017 saw us embrace the black-finish metal with its satisfying heaviness, without being too clunky or demanding.

    Luxe Kensington Reclaimed Wood Industrial Console Table

    The industrial style Maddox dining table is a fine example or this exquisite piece, the Luxe Kensington console table with it cross legs and reclaimed wood top.

    Moody, Jewel-Colour Interiors

    For depth, there was no doubt that 2017 was the year for strong, moody, earthy colours. And we loved the jewel tones that once again graced dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms and hallways of the modern home.

    Louis de Poortere Atlantic Ocean Green Stripes Rug

    As well as jewel-coloured dining chairs – think plush velvet in amethyst and turquoise blue, the colour of the depth of the ocean – adding coloured rugs to a space was a great way of switching things up. This striped Louise de Poortere green rug is the perfect addition to any room and any style, from the modern to the rustic.

    What didn’t quite make it…

    The signs were there but the beach effect was a difficult trend to pull off, especially in a way that was more adult than child’s bedroom. But we did love the nods to the beach or oceanscape theme with deep blue rugs and the occasional reference to all things maritime.

    What will 2018 hold for us in terms of interior décor and style, we wonder?

    Order today to get it in time for Christmas

    Allegro Oak Dining Table

    Luxury Sexto White Sheepskin Rug

    The build-up to Christmas has begun and if you plan on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere with sheepskins rug this festive season, you must order this week to guarantee its arrival in time.

    But why opt for sheepskin rugs? What do they bring to different rooms in the home?

    Ways to Use a Sheepskin Rug

    Luxury Large Grey Icelandic Sheepskin Rug

    Sheepskin rugs are perfect for introducing colour and texture into a space, and work well with many interior styles but especially the clean lines of the Scandinavian style and the warmth of the rustic style. So how can you use them for maximum effect?

    • Added Warmth

    The beauty of a white fur rug is that as a natural product, it has amazing insulation properties. Perfect for winter, they can add warmth not just for your feet on the floor but for armchairs, sofas and dining benches.

    • In the Bedroom

    Winchester Reclaimed Wood Rustic Bed

      As well as using a sheepskin rug on the floor, these rugs can be used as an extra layer of welcome warmth on the bed too. When the temperature plummets and the combination of bed socks and duvet are not keeping your digits toasty warm, layer a sheepskin rug on top. This king size sheepskin rug will add not only an ideal bedroom decoration and accessory but adds unbelievable luxury too.

      • The Hallway

      Both the rustic and Scandinavian interior design styles are about practicality and function but also about creating an impact where you need it most. In the hallway, a space often devoid of storage, a bench is a perfect addition. Soften the sharp lines and make an impact with a deep pile rug on the bench. Don’t go overboard with colour otherwise, it may look out of place. A grey sheepskin rug, for example, would add warmth without a distracting colour.

      • Dining Room Essential

      Allegro Oak Dining Table and Sheepskin Rug

        Again, for when winter comes, and you want to add warmth both in terms of texture to space and a practical element, there is nothing better than a smooth, deep pile sheepskin rug for dining room seating. Perfect for both upholstered, leather and wooden dining chairs. In fact, in the dining room, using a rug in this way is part and parcel of the Scandinavian style.

        • The Office

        If you spend hours at your desk, you will know the discomfort that being seating for long periods brings. Why not soften the blow with a sheepskin rug? Use a rug that is large enough to cover the whole chair as it will bring warmth to your back too.

        • A Reading Corner

        There is nothing better than getting lost in a good book but what improves the experience is having a space that is all your own. Opt for a comfortable armchair and a small table close by for the essential coffee (or maybe a glass of wine?) and to frame the space, use a black sheepskin rug for the floor. If you want to, add an extra layer to the chair, perfect for snuggling down on a winter’s afternoon.

        If you don’t order today, you won’t have this stylish rug for your home in time for Christmas…so why not browse now to order yours? View the sheepskin collection.

        Do you think dark wood is becoming fashionable?

        Winchester Reclaimed Wood Dark Sleigh Bed

        Winchester Dark Rustic Sleigh Wooden Bed in Bedroom

        On the one hand, it can look dark and imposing but on the other, dark wood furniture can look superbly impressive. But for many years, we have tended to opt for lighter tones when it comes to furniture, from light beech to painted white items.

        But is the tide turning, we asked? And once again, you gave us the answer.

        We showed our Houzz and Instagram followers the Winchester dark wood bedroom, complete with resplendent sleigh wooden bed, and matching bedside table and dark wood wardrobe. We asked for your opinion: was this too dark and imposing? Or did it have the elegance and delight of yesteryear that turned the room from ordinary to extraordinary?

        The majority agreed: dark wood is fashionable, and our Instagram followers weren’t so sure. Whilst many thought it is fashionable, there were many who believed that it should remained assigned to the past. We want to show people dark wood can look stunning and imposing, but for all the right reasons.

        The Dining Room

        A separate formal dining room may be falling out of favour, but the dining table isn’t. You want a dining table that is grand and elegant, and around which family and friends always feel welcome.

        A large dark wood dining table you may think, is fit for a certain style of home. Those with a traditional style, with nods to bygone eras such as the ornate Georgian dining room but not for a modern dining space, where rambunctious children gather for snacks and homework.

        English Beam Reclaimed Wood Dining Table Farmhouse

        For too long, we think that dark wood has been seen as too imposing, too dark and too ‘old-fashioned’. Using reclaimed wood, such as in the English Beam farmhouse style extendable dining table, you can see just how beautiful, elegant, robust and on-trend dark wood can be.

        The Living Room

        From coffee tables to nest of tables, there are all kinds of pieces that a living room needs to make it a stylish and functional space. Used well, this darker wood, industrial style display cabinet won’t cast a shadow in the living room.

        Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Display Unit

        But when we say, ‘used well’, what do we mean?

        Colours

        We know that darker colours absorb light which is why, in interior design, in smaller spaces, darker colours are used sparingly, if at all. And this is possibly why many people feel that using dark wood furniture is only suitable for larger rooms.

        But with clever use of colour, dark wood needn’t take over. In the Winchester bedroom, the dark wood bed, wardrobe and bedside are the intended focal point of the room. The wall colour – a light, pleasant, barely-there sage green with crisp white glossed door frame – supports and balances the room. It is not closed in or dark. It is open, bright and beautiful.

        The supporting colours on the bed – the taupe edged bedlinen, crisp white pillow cases and the dusky pink cushions – add further depth and tone to the space.

        Texture

        As well as colour, texture brings out the beautiful grain of the wood which is why the neutral tones rug and throw make such great additions. A white sheepskin rug, for example, would be perfect next to the bed.

        Have we convinced you? Will you next purchase be a dark wood furniture item?

        3 ways to incorporate the faux fur trend in your home

        Faux Fur by the Window

        White Sheepskin Rug on Chair

        When I think of cosy, winter living rooms and bedrooms, the first thing that springs to mind is faux fur rugs, paired with throws and an abundance of decorative cushions – all perfect for adding texture.

        On the 1st December its ‘faux fur day’ so there’s no better time to embrace this trend than now. Faux fur is perfect for most rooms in your home; add a grey sheepskin rug to a children’s room or nursery, as it’s easy to maintain, especially with kids around. Use a light grey rug to create a reading nook by the window or create a cozy space for your pet – whatever you choose to do, it is bound to add glamour and sophistication.

        Faux Fur Grey Sheepskin Rug in Nursery

        A large sheepskin rug looks simply superb beside your bed, and you’ll be thankful every cold winter morning that you have something warm and cosy to sink your toes into. Alternatively, if you have a lot of floorspace, either in a larger bedroom or in your living room where the centre of the room is often empty, a faux fur sheepskin rug can look just as stunning.

        Sheepskin Rug and Dog

        If you have light oak bedroom furniture, a darker colour is perfect for adding contrast and drama. Our quad sheepskin rug in black is the perfect choice if you are looking to make a statement. Alternatively, for something a little softer, a chocolate brown sheepskin rug is a great choice because it is easy to pair with any decor, whether is simple Scandinavian, classic farmhouse or ultra contemporary.

        Faux Fur by the Window in Reading Nook

        To really make the most of the trend, add other faux fur items such as cushions and throws to create a gorgeous cosy, log-cabin inspired look to your home. Add Scandinavian furniture with simple decor pieces like a rattan log basket full of logs and hang a large mirror with a golden frame above the fireplace, or underneath a large piece of furniture like a sofa or sideboard, to finish the look perfectly.

        How else would you use sumptuous sheepskin rugs in your home and what is your option: real or faux fur?

        Great ideas on how to use a sheepskin rug

        Sheepskin Rug

        Sheepskin Rug on Allegro Dining Bench

        With its slightly deeper pile and more relaxed appearance, the sheepskin rug is an all-natural product that adds texture and warmth to a room. A commonly-used accessory in the Scandinavian interior design style, the sheepskin rug is a versatile addition to your home decor.

        The Bedroom

        Everything about the bedroom should ooze restfulness and calmness. Furnishings should be soft, deep and sumptuous. It comes as no surprise that the sheepskin rug belongs in the bedroom. Use it to frame the room too; use the large Icelandic sheepskin rug under the oak dressing table stool or enjoy the sensuous experience of your bare feet nestling in its long, warm fibres as you leave your bed in the morning or sink into its welcoming softness of a night time.

        The Hallway

        Black Sheepskin Rug

        The hallways should not be devoid of detail and although the more fragile nature of the sheepskin rug would not marry well with the high foot traffic through the hallway, you can still use it sumptuous delights for colour. The hallway bench, a staple for keeping bags and shoes safe until the next time they are needed, would look divine with a sheepskin elegantly draped over it and would certainly make a pleasant seating point for when you need to wearily pull off your boots at the end of the day. A black rug would look so dashing and elegant in the hallway, don’t you think?

        The Living Room

        The living room is surely one of the best places for the feathery sheepskin rug to work its magic…

        • Fireplace essential – a rug in front of the fire has long been an accepted use of a rug and the sheepskin is no different. The warmth of the rug and the heat of the fire complement each other perfectly.
        • The armchair companion – the armchair is a welcoming fold of leather or upholstery but again, a downy rug of this kind allows you to sink into its softness. Softly drape it over the brown leather armchair to act as a warm layer beneath you, or enjoy its long fibres underfoot.
        • The coffee table and the rug – not a title of a book but a sure-fire winner when it comes to bringing the clean lines of the Scandinavian look to your living room. Soften the angles and edges with soft fabrics, using the larger king-size sheepskin rug as a base under the wood coffee table with a generous border for your feet too.
        • Rug or blanket – with the winter rain lashing at the window and howling gales menacing, you can always use the rug as a warm blanket for when you watch your favourite soap opera or sink into the pages of a best seller.

        The Dining Room

        There is room for the sheepskin in the dining room too, and not just on the floor. Why not use it as a soft landing for your derriere on the oak bar stools, for example? Or use it to add a layer of warmth to the dining bench.

        Where else and how else would you use sumptuous sheepskin rugs?

        The bright alternative of the classic rustic

        Whiteleaf Reclaimed Wood Sidetable

        Whiteleaf Reclaimed Wood Sidetable

        The rustic style is a popular one. And no wonder, there is a welcome simplicity and warmth to the style that works in every room in the home.

        Essentially, the key element of the rustic style is sweet wedded bliss between wood and other ‘raw’ or natural materials. Think stone, instead of brick, slate instead of tile. Think exposed beams and a colour palette that is neutral: warm creams and beige, offset by the beautiful patina of the wood. When colour is added, it takes on earthy tones – rustic greens and blues, maybe a pop of golden yellow or deep orange.

        There is a sweetness and a charm to the rustic style but sometimes, we want something different. But here’s the rub: we want something different, but within the confines of the rules. It can be tough, but we have the solution: the Whiteleaf Collection.

        A Collection for Across the Home

        Whiteleaf Reclaimed Wood Warrdobe

        Continuing elements of the rustic style throughout the home means a welcome cohesion, a chance to wave clutter and fussiness goodbye and when it comes to the Whiteleaf Collection, the same is true…

        In the Bedroom

        A beautiful piece of reclaimed furniture, the hand finish to the Whiteleaf white bed frame is simply exquisite. Finished in India, the detailing on the headboard means that there is potential for uniqueness but without the hefty price tag. The wood is still a thing of beauty, sitting well within the rustic style without detracting too much from the key elements.

        Whiteleaf Reclaimed Wood Bed frame

        The Whiteleaf reclaimed wood wardrobe is a thing of beauty too, especially when used alongside the chest of drawers from the collection, of which there are two sizes.

        In the Living Room

        Whiteleaf Reclaimed Wood TV Unit

        The main gathering space in the house can be full of love, laughter, hustle and bustle. As such, the style needs to be practical, without being bland, it needs to be charming without being fussy. And that is why so many of us love the rustic feel but ring the changes with the white TV cabinet. With handy shelving space and two smaller cupboards on either side, there is something pleasing about the detail that fits perfectly in any busy home.

        Add a white blanket box too, to serve as a coffee table, ideal for hiding clutter when unexpected guests arrive…

        In the Dining RoomWhite Wash Inlay Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Chairs

        The dining table is the place around which we gather – we entertain guests and we laugh, listen and console our loved ones – and so it is no surprise that we take so much time to choose the right one.

        The White Wash inlay reclaimed wood dining table is elegantly simple, ideal for a busy home that has no time nor need for clutter, fuss and unnecessary detail. You can always add detail with a pretty table centrepiece and candles.

        For the kitchen/diner or the large dining room is the Hoxton white dining table. The contrast between the painted white legs and the smooth, wood table top is divine. Reclaimed wood furniture has a charm all of its own so there is no need to cover it and fuss over it; let it tell its own story.

        And so, within the confines of the rustic style rulebook, you can create your own version of this simple, elegant and charming style.

        Why a sheepskin is the best winter warmer

        Winchester Reclaimed Wood Bed

        With the cold months of winter only a few weeks away, our thoughts turn to making our homes warm and cosy. The sheepskin rug is the ideal addition but it isn’t just for keeping your toes toasty warm.

        On the dining bench

        Allegro Live Edge Oak Dining Table and Bench

        The family dining table is an important piece of furniture. On cold winter evenings, it will be the place you gather to discuss the day that has been. There will be times when you have guests too and by placing a large sheepskin rug on the dining bench – or smaller rugs on the dining chairs – and you will instantly feel warmer.

        IN the bedroom

        Grey Sheepskin Rug

        If there is one place you will no doubt retreat to when the gales are howling outside the door and winter rain lashing at the window, it will be the cost sanctuary that is your bedroom. Imagine getting in and out of bed, with the delight of a sheepskin rug and its deep, fluffy pile tickling your toes?

        ON the bed

        Winchester Reclaimed Wood BedThere are nights when you need an extra layer of warmth in your Scandinavian bedroom, and the sheepskin is an ideal solution. As a natural material, complete with its hide as backing, wool and sheepskin is one of the best materials with insulation and cooling properties, making it an ideal material for all kinds of products for use all year round. The sheepskin, lightly laying across your feet on the bed will banish any chills. And it looks stunning in the bedroom too!

        ON the office chair

        Chills and draughts can reach you, no matter where you are, even if your home is well-insulated. We love the idea of spending the day, hard at work in the home office with a sheepskin on the chair to keep your legs and lower back delightfully warm. The additional soft layer also helps you take a comfortable seat too, ideal if you plan on being at your desk for long periods.

        For the dog or the cat…

        We all know how much Fido and Tiddles enjoy curling up in the warmth of the home when the worst of the winter weather is battering at the door. You may think that this is the height of decadence – a sheep pile sheepskin in front of the fire by the rattan basket log holders just for the cat and the dog – but there is a method in the madness. Again, it is the natural material of sheepskin that is ideal for the dog and cat, ensuring that they are not irritated by the ‘ingredients’ in some synthetic rugs and beds.

        A stylish accessory

        Ornamental Stag Head

        The sheepskin is, without a doubt, one of the most stylish accessories for a winter living room too, alongside the majesty of an ornamental stag head. Add statuesque tall candle holders to the mantelpiece so that you have the romance of flickering candles and you have really set a cosy scene for a winter’s evening.

        Adding warmth to a room means adding texture, as much as it is about adding colour, and the sheepskin, no matter what colour or size you choose, it simply perfect.