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Our Endless Love of Reclaimed Wood Furniture

On this international day of love, we think there is no better time to declare our endless love for reclaimed wood furniture than today.

Reclaimed wood furniture is unique, different, stylish and warm. There is a simplicity to it and yet, it has a complexity that also makes it a must-have for the home. For any room, from the hallway to the kitchen, the dining room to the living room, to the bedroom, reclaimed wood is a beautiful material. But why do we love it so much?

Emotional connection

The wood used in a reclaimed wood dining table, bed frame, coffee table and more is usually a slow-growing hardwood – in other words, too good to waste. Some are native to the UK and others from further afield, their qualities well-known.

In its previous life, the timber performed a range of functions, possibly structural such as oak beams or in another guise, such as doors. It may have been used outside too, such large heavy railway sleepers.

When it is no longer useful, it is reclaimed and given a new lease of life. And so a structural beam that was part of the strength of a building becomes a reclaimed wood coffee table, for example.

Unlike brand-new furniture made from recently felled wood, it is not pristine. It has marks and scuffs. There are dents and knots. Without compromising its strength and integrity, reclaimed wood brings the romance and the story of its past life to furniture for the home.

For us, that is simply perfect, wouldn’t you agree?

Unique and beautiful

You can tell by the expert craftsmanship of reclaimed wood furniture that the artisan’s heart and soul has been put into each piece. Specialists in reclaimed wood work it into a new shape and form guaranteeing it is genuinely unique.

It is this uniqueness that many people covet. No two pieces of reclaimed wood are the same. There will be scuffs in different places, the grain will hold a different pattern and the wood itself will hold its own different secrets too.

We may want something different, but we also want beauty and style too. More often, when something is ‘different’, it is made to stand out. We don’t always want that.

We want a reclaimed wood bed frame, for example, that looks like wood, feels like wood and behaves like wood. We want style and beauty with a hint of uniqueness, but we don’t want it to stand out for all the wrong reasons.

This is another reason why we love reclaimed wood – its subtleness and the fact that every piece is different and beautifully unique.

Across the home

There is nowhere in the home that reclaimed wood furniture cannot be used. brought back to life, it still has so much to offer…

… a functional reclaimed wood bench alongside a rustic dining table is a match made in heaven. Or, if you prefer the Nordic style with its clean lines and light textures, reclaimed wood can be that too.

… a reclaimed wood bed frame is as unique as relationships and family. Alongside bedside tables, chest of drawers and wardrobes, create your own exclusive boudoir in the style that you want.

Find out for yourself

We could go on and on about reclaimed wood and what it feels like to allow the palm of your hand to drift across the history contained within its grain, but that would be taking it away from you. Why not discover the beauty of reclaimed wood furniture for yourself?

A Match Made in Heaven

Mathematical calculation drawn in the sand for love

With Valentine’s day near, it can mean only one thing – love is in the air! And for us, that means celebrating the partnerships that stick together through thick and thin. In the world of furniture, there are many and our love for them is as strong as ever…

Armchair and side table

Is there anything better than sinking into the warm folds of an armchair after a long day or when you need to escape real life for a while? We think not, which is why the partnership between armchair and small side table is as strong as ever.

For an armchair to be truly useful, it needs its trusty sidekick of a side table or if space allows, a rustic coffee table to perch your feet, coffee cup or wine glass. One ties in with the other…

Dining table and chairs

… which is exactly how the companionship between a reclaimed wood dining table and chairs can be described. Both have their uses separately but they are better together. Whether you opt for wooden dining chairs or the plush fabrics of upholstered dining chairs, the chemistry between both is the ultimate love affair.

Bed and bedside table

No matter the dimensions of your reclaimed wood bed frame, without a bedside table it offers little apart from a place to lay your head. Taking care of everything from your alarm clock to bedside table lamp, this small but mighty piece of bedroom furniture has one of the biggest hearts and is a must in any bedroom. There is an undeniable connection between the bed and bedside table that is set to last for all eternity.

Kitchen island and pendant light

No man is an island, a saying that shows we all need some kind of emotional connection in our lives. The same could be said of the kitchen island and the relationship between it and the hanging pendant light. Casting light where there is shadow is its number one priority and catching the light when it falls is the kitchen island’s job. When you are working, eating or sitting at the kitchen island, you need light, something that our stylish pendant ceiling lights offer. The only problem is deciding which one…

Console table and mirror

Another couple that every could benefit from having it its life is the console table and mirror. Commonly found in the hallway, this must-have combination is so stylishly versatile it can lend itself to anywhere in the home. The slimline features of a narrow console table give it an elegant style and with handy storage solutions combined, it’s no wonder so many of us choose to have one in the home.

And with a mirror hanging above it, reflecting light in what can sometimes be a small space, you see how the two personalities complement each other.

Coffee table and rug

Both have a streak of independence but that makes their partnership even more wonderful. The rug provides the colourful, patterned platform that the coffee table needs to shine. And if there is one thing that makes any relationship a success, it is the mutual support that one offers the other.

Spread the love if you can you think of other furniture combinations that are perfect together.

What Dining Room Table Shape Should You Choose?

Rustic dining table and chairs with white soup bowl

The dining table is a piece of furniture that will be in your home for years. It will be the place where homework is completed, where meals are shared and where family meetings take place. Getting the right one is, therefore, of paramount importance. As well as style and size, you also need to consider shape. So which shape of dining room table is right for you?

The shapes of dining tables

There are four shapes from which you can choose – oval or round, square or rectangular, with all offering something different.

The round dining table

If it is inclusiveness you want, then the round kitchen table could be the perfect option. No matter how big or small the round dining table, you can see everyone sat around it.

There is also no ‘head of the table’, something that you may decide is important. In fact, in boardrooms, negotiations often flow better around a round table which is why many people opt for the circular shape.

There is also one other benefit to opting for a round dining table and that is space. It affords plenty of dining space but doesn’t swamp the room.

The oval dining table

Another great and sociable shape is the oval dining table. Effectively, a circle has been stretched between two points to create a shape that is wide at its middle, but less so at either end.

Like its cousin the round table, this shape is perfect if you prefer a friendly and all-inclusive dining space.

There is also an elegance to this shape that marks it out as something different. In a formal dining room setting, it has a splendour all of its own. It can also work in the kitchen diner, especially as its shape makes the best use of space too.

Having said that, many oval dining tables tend to have generous proportions, so take care not to swamp a small space or room. If you want a statement dining table, the oval shape ticks both of this box.

The square dining table

Simple, elegant, functional – there are so many ways that the square dining table could be described. Its sharp corners and pleasing angular shape makes it perfect for ‘fitting’ into a space.

For example, if you want the table to sit against a wall, the square shape is the better option. Its symmetrical qualities are not its only selling point, either. Available in a range of sizes, you can have a small square dining table in the kitchen/diner that still offers plenty of dining space.

Again, they are available in a range of styles and sizes. Pair with detailed and sumptuous dining chairs and you have a dining table that offers everything that you need.

The rectangular dining table

The stretched version of the square table, the rectangular dining table is a popular choice. You could choose a modern dining table in the kitchen or industrial dining table in the formal dining room. Whatever your choice of style, it delivers.

The beauty of this shape is that as well as opting for dining chairs, you can also opt for a dining bench along the longer sides, great for squeezing in guests at an impromptu gathering.

With a range of leg options, you can emphasise the space you have available too. There are smaller versions as well as extendable dining tables that afford more flexibility.

Have you made your choice? Which reclaimed wood dining table from our range would fit best in your dining room?

At home with Lorraine Pascale

TV chef Lorraine Pascale with two dishes

During these dreary winter months, what better way to brighten up your day than with the lovely Lorraine Pascale. TV chef, speaker, author and emotional wellness advocate, Lorraine is devoted to helping us live the best life possible and her wellbeing advice and delicious recipes certainly feed our soul as well as our stomach.

One of our favourite go-to recipes at Modish Living HQ is Lorraine’s Blackened Honey and Paprika Salmon with Garlicky Kale and Peas – the perfect feel good dinner for these long dark nights. See her recipe below and after a cold winter’s day, gather around your reclaimed wood dining table and enjoy this quick, healthy, life-affirming and delectable supper….

“If it’s healthy and it feels good for your soul, do more of it this weekend”

Lorraine Pascale

Lorraine Pascale’s Blackened Honey & Paprika Salmon with Garlicky Kale & Peas

Serves 4
Ingredients
4 Salmon fillets
1 tbsp paprika
3 tbsp honey
Salt & pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice 1 lemon or 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
5 sprigs thyme
150g frozen peas
150g kale – broken into bite sized pieces
1 clove garlic finely chopped
80g pomegranate

Method

Preheat the oven to 200c. Put some oil in a frying pan. As this heats up, season the tops of the salmon with salt and pepper and sprinkle with half of the paprika.

Place the salmon fillets upside down in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes or until the salmon is blackening on top.

As this cooks, mix together the other half of the paprika with the honey, salt and pepper, olive oil and lemon juice or balsamic vinegar and set aside.

Once the salmon is blackened, place it on to a baking tray, right side up and brush well with all of the glaze.

Place the baking tray into the oven with half of the thyme scattered over the top. Cook for about 10-12 minutes.

As this cooks, prepare the vegetables. Carefully wipe out the salmon pan, so there are no burnt bits in there. Drizzle some more oil in the pan, add the peas and let them sit over a medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until they blister and go brown. Then throw in the kale, garlic and rest of the thyme.

Keep the pan moving so the garlic doesn’t burn. Season with salt and pepper and when the kale has softened slightly (about 2 minutes), set the pan aside.

Once the fish is cooked, serve with the vegetables and spoon over any of the glaze remaining in the baking tray and sprinkle over the pomegranates.

Recreate Lorraine’s interior dining style

A fan of reclaimed wood furniture, Lorraine serves her delicious home cooked meals on our gorgeous Stanford Extending Reclaimed Wood Dining Table with matching Stanford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Bench. Style with natural table linens, bamboo pendant ceiling lights and plenty of houseplants.

Stanford Extending Reclaimed Wood Dining table & Bench

Photo credit: @lorrainepascale, Table: @modishliving, Skillet pan: Utopia

Top tips to add character to a new kitchen

A white and sleek kitchen with light wooden flooring

A new contemporary kitchen is a wonderful thing to behold. Smooth, clean surfaces, gleaming tiles and backsplash… but there is something missing. As beautiful as it may be, if your new kitchen is lacking character, it can feel soulless. Here’s how to add that little extra something to your fabulous new kitchen.

1 Add a plant or two

Any room, from the kitchen to the hallway, is given an immediate uplift when a plant is added. Clearly, in the kitchen, you’ll need to add a variety of plants that enjoy heat, so opt for evergreen plants, such as Aloe Vera (also great for the bathroom). These types of plants flourish without too much fuss and care, apart from the occasional watering. Place one on a reclaimed wood dining table as a centrepiece, or on the windowsill.

2 Layer the kitchen lighting

We often see the kitchen as being only a functional space but in truth, it is an important room with a variety of functions. This is especially true if you have opted for a kitchen/diner.

Layering lighting in the kitchen needs as much considering as it does in any other room. That means as well as bright lights that you can work under, you could choose softer lighting, such kitchen pendant lighting hanging above the kitchen table and chairs, for when you are eating or entertaining. Different light levels can also be important, as the kitchen table is often the place that homework is done and other important work. A rattan pendant light might help to add texture too.

3 Add wood accents with freestanding kitchen furniture

When designing your new kitchen, you may have assumed that the more everything is fitted and streamlined, the better. Whilst in some kitchen spaces this is the better option, if you have a larger kitchen, freestanding furniture can be a workable alternative. Consider reclaimed wood furniture as a contrast to the modern kitchen design.

From a large kitchen sideboard to a wooden kitchen dresser unit, adding freestanding kitchen furniture that complements the overall design will be simply perfect.

4 Make a feature of the dining table

A kitchen/diner is a popular choice and that means the kitchen table becomes the focus of attention with style being the main ingredient. For example, a rustic dining table is not only functional but stylistically dramatic. Team this with functional and equally dramatic rustic styled chairs and you have an immediate focal point.

5 Add pattern and colour

The easiest way to lift any room is to add hints of colour and pattern. Colour brings a homely feel to the space and pattern is perfect for giving it a lift.

Choices of both depend on the style you have chosen for the kitchen. Popular pattern choices can work well with most styles but with some, you need to make careful choices. Choose a neutral and muted palette for the industrial and Scandinavian styles, sticking with natural colours for the farmhouse style. For a modern look, any colour and pattern will work although geometric patterns are on-trend.

Make it YOURS!

An important room, you will spend a lot of your time in the kitchen, cooking and eating with family and friends. In our drive for style, we can sometimes leave out the important things – us. And so those small personal effects, such as photographs and your children’s paintings are never out of place, even in your new contemporary kitchen.

Come out of the dark – how to incorporate dark wood

Are you afraid of the dark? Dark wood furniture, that is? For too long, we have seen it as imposing and difficult to handle but there is a growing resurgence in love for dark wood furniture. It is possible, however, to welcome darker tones of furniture into your home without it being too imposing. Here’s how…

1 Bright lights and dark wood

The monochrome design – contrasting a very dark shade such as navy or black with white – is a design option that has always been, and always will be, popular. You can emulate this with dark reclaimed wood furniture nestled against a crisp, white backdrop. You can’t argue that the enhanced proportions of a dark reclaimed wood dining table would look out of place in a bright and airy dining room.

2 You can add colour too

Of course, for many, bright white walls simply do not fit well with their home or their style and so you may think that using colour with dark wood furniture is something that should be done with caution. However, adding flecks of colour is possible and welcomed too by furniture with a darker timber.

Dark furniture can be dramatic both in colour and texture, similar to this beautiful but practical reclaimed wood TV unit from the Luxe Kensington Collection. Add the colour of your choice to bring out the depth of its beautiful patina and texture.

3 Dark + dark = perfection

The one thing about a piece of dark furniture that many people are uncertain of is the fact that it will stand out. Enter a room and a dark piece of furniture, no matter how small, will hit you between the eyes. If you want dark furniture but don’t want ‘the-only-thing-that-stand-out-in-a-room’ effect, this is what you need to do: match like with like.

And that means standing a piece of dark furniture against a dark coloured wall. A dark reclaimed wood desk, for example, sat against a dark forest green wall would bring a welcome Victorian style to a space, showcasing its elegance without it being uncomfortably stark or stand-offish.

4 Choose more than one piece of dark wood

We know the rule – dark colours close down a space – but sometimes, we just need to embrace the obvious and dress it so that it becomes an elegant, stylish and comfortable space.

Choosing more than one dark piece of furniture brings cohesion and symmetry to a space and when you opt for pieces from the same collection, you also promote a balanced feel to a room. Take a look at the Luxe Kensington Collection, for example. With its darker shade matched with the reflective chrome legs and frames, it brings a heightened drama to a room.

5 If you have a large room, go for it!

If you are blessed with a larger space, there is no denying that dark wood furniture is simply perfection. You could deck out the whole room in dark furniture from the same collection that brings instant symmetry and drama to a space.

If there is one thing to learn it is this: there is nothing to fear from dark wood furniture.

Wood Trends – Discover latest Textures & Styles

Rattan chairs positioned around wooden stools and tables in a bohemian cafe

Wooden furniture has been around for so long, that we could all fail at times to recognise its real beauty. Wood is a versatile material and can be made into so many different shapes and styles of furniture that there is a different texture, finish and style for every room in the home and any design style. Let’s take a look at what is trending in the world of wood right now…

Geometric heaven

Top of our list is the texture and pattern that can be created with wood, including timbers used in reclaimed wood furniture. The geometric shapes included in the reclaimed elm large sideboard from the Glasgow Collection, for example, showcases the true versatility of wood but also the warmth and detailing it brings to a room. What stories could this piece of reclaimed wood furniture tell?

The elegance of parquet

Who would have thought that rectangular wooden tiles laid in a fishbone pattern could be so elegant and, in the 21^st century, coveted by so many? Oozing sophistication, the parquet design can be used to good effect on tabletops such as an oval dining table and a reclaimed oak coffee table.

The beauty of rattan

Rattan, like wood, is a natural material, taken from fast-growing vines in countries with tropical climates. Once cut and dried, the strips are incredibly strong, more so when woven together. Some people consider rattan a ‘wood’ or a timber because it has the strength and versatility of wood. As well as rattan dining chairs, it can also be used in light shades too, perfect for a pendant light over a reclaimed wood dining table.

Texture and warmth

A smooth surface is delightful and the less polished texture of the rustic styles are equally as appealing and popular. But when you want to ‘lift’ a piece of furniture so that it stands out from the rest of the room, texture is the means by which you can do it. The panels created by wood and exquisite craftsmanship on the head and footboard of a reclaimed wood bed, for example, are perfection as too, is the texture of such as a reclaimed wood sideboard. As well as the grain, there is the dimples and scarring of its previous life to add to the overall appeal.

A 3D effect

Building on the idea of panels and textures is when the wood itself is worked so that it has a raised, three-dimensional effect. The beauty of this is shown to its maximum in the large oak industrial sideboard from the Mitcham Collection. Ever popular, it is the panelled details that make this piece a really ‘stand out’ piece of furniture for the dining room, the living room or even the hallway.

Curved edges

Corners and angles don’t have to be sharp. In fact, a curved edge is so much friendlier and brings more than a hint of refinement to any wooden piece. From the oak dining table to the oak carver dining chairs to a hallway bench, these pieces are perfect for any home but, if you enjoy the simplicity and warmth of the Scandinavian or Nordic style, these are a must.

And, on top of all this, you have different timbers giving different colours, from dramatic dark furniture to light oak and elm. Our world would be so much less vibrant without wood, wouldn’t you agree?

5 Brilliant Need-to-Knows about Reclaimed Wood

A reclaimed wooden coffee table with bowls of food and a plant

We have been using wood for hundreds of thousands of years. Even before early man discovered fire we were using wood to make tools, implements and weapons and our long love affair with this magnificent material is as strong as ever.

Despite modern breakthroughs, wood is still considered the most versatile and beautiful of materials for making furniture. Resilient and adaptable, it can have multiple lifetimes and although you can use any type to make furniture, not all woods are equal. In fact, every piece is different, which is why we love it so much, but that does mean it’s important to understand all of its amazing intricacies to make sure you choose the right furniture for you.

This is why we’ve put together our Top 5 brilliant need-to-knows about reclaimed wood.

HAPPY HISTORIES – AGING GRACEFULLY

If only wood could talk, what stories it could tell! You can’t beat the history reclaimed wood furniture brings. Reclaimed wood is experienced, grounded and wise – qualities that are as invaluable in furniture making as they are in life. Some wood can be as old as 200 years and still look better than its younger counterparts!

YOU OLD CHARMER – FULL OF CHARACTER

One of the things that we like most about reclaimed wood is that it is full of character, and by character, we mean imperfections. Much of this comes from its age and history – nail holes, bolt holes, bug holes, staining, open knots and even scratches We love the process of finding ways to use reclaimed wood to create unique furniture and give it a new story to tell. For example, old scaffolding boards with tall stories crafted into a modern office desk ready for a new and very different career ahead.

EACH DIFFERENT, EACH UNIQUE

Reclaimed wood furniture is genuine and comfortable in its own skin. It has evolved over the years to become what you see today and its proud of how it looks. And just like us, no two beams, planks or boards are exactly alike. We love this about reclaimed wood and think it adds to the excitement of buying a reclaimed wood dining table or reclaimed wood bed frame, but it does come with its surprises. Those wonderful cracks, nail holes, knots and tones differ from wood to wood and furniture to furniture, so when you’re buying reclaimed wood furniture you need to be prepared to expect the unexpected. There will be slight differences in tone and texture, all of which add to its individuality. If you’re looking for furniture with personality, warmth and one that will keep improving with age, you’ve found a friend for life in reclaimed wood.

SUSTAINABILITY – GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK

As we become more socially and environmentally conscious, sustainability is becoming a key driver when it comes to home furniture. Reclaimed wood will not only make your home beautiful, it will benefit the planet and help you stay the right shade of green as it’s, by default, recycled and repurposed. It also preserves natural resources by reducing the need for logging; less trees being cut down equals more time to grow. Go on, give it a hug.

REMEMBER, IT’S ALIVE!

Even after wood has been cut down and turned into furniture, it continues to be a living, breathing matter that responds to its environment just like a tree in the forest. It expands and contracts with changes in humidity, and can also change colour over time as it’s exposed to air and sunlight.

Learn how to Zone

A rustic living room with a wooden desk and upholstered chair

Many of us crave larger rooms and yet, one of the most difficult spaces to style and dress is a large space. Items of modern furniture can look lost and small and with no clear definition and an open space can soon look jumbled and incoherent. Zoning makes sense, but you don’t want to cut out light or restrict its flow. How do you achieve this?

1 Sofas

A large sofa can be perfect for creating the boundary between the dining area and the social zone. To maintain the sense of flow between different areas, don’t opt for a high back armchair or sofa, keeping their height lower to maintain a clear vision of the space.

2 Side tables

The often unsung hero of any room, side tables are perfect for clustering together to create a clear definition between one area and another. Sleek and versatile, they can be easily moved when you want to open up the space, such as when you are entertaining.

3 Dining sets

Uniformity is the key to symmetrical balance in open-plan living and so a clearly defined dining area with a dining set makes sense ‘to the eye’. No matter your style, opt for a dining table with chairs or dining bench that has a clear connection. For example, an industrial dining table with dining bench and complementing chairs is one option, or upholstered chairs could add a hint of luxury to a reclaimed wood dining table. Coordinate the upholstered dining chairs with any other seating in the kitchen, such as the bar stools for an effortless stylistic connection.

4 Upholstered dining bench for a cosy corner

If your dining area is in a corner, you can create a cosy nook with high-backed, upholstered dining benches. Once again, balance and symmetry are key, so make sure there is a clear connection between the benches and the dining table and other items in the kitchen area, otherwise they’ll look like an afterthought.

5 Shelving

Open shelving or display units add semi-privacy to an area and can also help to reduce noise in an open space too. As they are easy to move, shelving gives many future options for creating corners and zones in the space as your family and needs change.

6 Sideboards

Opting for long or large sideboards is also ideal for creating smaller space in the room. Coordinate your choice with the shelving units you have picked for a balanced and stylish appeal.

7 Console tables

The console table, a narrow but tall table, is not just for the hallway. In the open-plan setting, they make the perfect addition. They don’t have to stand alone either. Place them at the back of the sofa in its centre to give a more definitive edge to the seating area.

8 Rugs

A change in the flooring also denotes a change in the zone and so a large rug in the seating area serves a dual purpose – a change in pace in that space but also adds texture and colour. Smaller wool rugs can also be helpful but keep the pattern, styling and colour similar so that there is a hint of cohesion.

9 Colour

It’s tempting to paint different walls and sections in contrasting colours but that can be too obvious and jarring. Opt for one base colour that filters throughout the space with colour afforded by upholstery and rugs in bold prints and patterns. Choose pendant ceiling lights that set off your zones to perfection.

Zoning larger rooms will not make your space look smaller; rather, it will give you an open-plan feel but with structured areas for different uses of the same space.