kitchen Archives - Page 6 of 12

Where Does Reclaimed Wood Come From & How To Care For It?

Man walking on wooden railway in the middle of a forest

Reclaimed wood furniture is a phrase you will often see and not just across our website but others too. When manufacturers, retailers and suppliers talk of ‘reclaimed wood’ what are they referring too? And, when you invest in a piece of stylish and beautiful reclaimed wood furniture, such as a reclaimed wood desk, how do you care for it so that it gives you many years of service and joy? These are questions we hear all the time and love answering!

Reclaimed wood is timber that has been given a new lease of life, serving another purpose to the one that it had done previously. Most reclaimed wood furniture is hardwood, a timber from slow-growing trees such as oak.

Hardwood is very dense and strong, which is why it was favoured for all kinds of different purposes from furniture to wooden beams that formed part of the structure of a property. But when these items and structures are no longer required, the wood was often either thrown on landfill, used as firewood, or even left to rot.

As you can imagine, a lot of these options are wasteful as hardwoods have a lot more to offer, despite their age. In fact, it’s the age that gives it a uniqueness that new wood simply can’t compete with. With assessment as to its inner strength and skilled crafting, what was once an English oak beam can become a stunning and reclaimed wood oak dining table, like our Hoxton Oak Farmhouse Dining Table , that will last a lifetime.

And it’s not just dining tables either. Reclaimed wood can be used for all kinds of pieces, from home office desks to display units, drinks and coffee table with storage, even beds like the Beam Henley Reclaimed Wood Bed.

Where is reclaimed wood found?

As we’ve already touched on, wood is found in many older structures. Today, in modern builds, the frame tends to be made of steel with concrete infills, a fast and efficient way of building. However, old industrial buildings will often have wooden beams, for example, and wood is often reclaimed as railway sleepers, in old barns and factories. Even old hardwood floorboards have a new role to play too!

Other reclaimed materials

Other materials can also be reclaimed and reused in furniture, including scaffolding boards. Used to provide a platform to safely climb up tall buildings in need of repair and similar projects, these heavyweight planks of wood have a working life of approximately 25 years. Although no longer used by scaffolders, it is possible to re-use these boards for tables, chairs and an office table, such as our Oldman industrial desk.

How to look after reclaimed wood furniture?

Tough and hardy it may be, but your reclaimed wood shelves, dining table, coffee table, office desk and so on will need a little care from time to time.

As do most special pieces of furniture, it appreciates being kept clean, but a simple wipe with a soft cloth is all that is needed. Some reclaimed wood items are coated with oil or varnish to nourish the wood, so heavy scrubbing would wear this away.

You can also use coasters for hot drinks and dishes on your reclaimed wood dining table to prevent ring marks in the varnish or stain, but because of the natural imperfections of the wood, further scuffs only add to its beauty.

It’s worth bearing in mind, that as a natural product, wood will ‘breathe’. Wood reacts to moisture in the air. For example, during warm months there tends to be higher humidity which can cause wood to expand, but in cold weather, wood can contract. And it will continue to do this even in the confines of your home.

Reclaimed wood furniture adds a unique character and warmth to a home. And with the hidden story behind it, it has a wonderful hint of romance that will be loved for years to come.

5 Ways to go eco-chic in your kitchen

Rustic living room in earthy colours with a wooden dining table

We all know that we have to play our part in slowing climate change. Take a look at your lifestyle and habits, and you’ll be amazed to discover just how wasteful and environmentally unfriendly even the most mundane of everyday tasks can be! The eco-friendly kitchen is a great way of acting on climate change but how?

1 Opt for products made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials

When plastic was invented it revolutionised our lives, so much so that today we don’t blink when we buy plastic utensils for the kitchen. Cheap and robust, they may last a lifetime, but unfortunately they take a lot of energy and natural resources to make.

If replacing items in the kitchen is on the horizon, why not look for;

Crockery made from recycled materials or made from ‘waste’ materials such as offcuts
Reclaimed wood furniture in the kitchen is just as robust, strong and stylish and something ‘brand new’
Stick with sustainably sourced materials from wooden spoons to a reclaimed wood dining table
Reclaimed wood is used for all kinds of furniture including the kitchen bench, wooden dining chairs, coffee tables and more.

2 Opt for natural materials

Again, the issue many of us have is that synthetic materials tend to be not only cheaper, but more readily available. Like plastic, many synthetic materials are made using a huge amount of energy and natural resources, such as oil. You’ll also be surprised at just how many things contain plastic without realising.

Natural materials are strong, easy to look after and like reclaimed wood furniture in the kitchen, are stylish too.

Why not try…?

Linen – table linens come in all shapes, sizes and colours, perfect for adding warmth and colour to your reclaimed wood dining table. White napkins, for example, instantly transform a reclaimed wood dining table into a chic vision, perfect for everyday meals and when entertaining too.
Bamboo – an underrated material until now, bamboo is made from the tall fronds of leaves from a fast-growing plant. Grown in tropical climes, bamboo is sustainable and with many manufacturers who use bamboo part of fair trade deals too, you know that your bamboo pendant light hasn’t cost the earth nor a community to make.

3 Be more aware of the products you use

We mentioned earlier about how plastic can be in things we never thought it would be. Some pan scrubbers, for example, have tiny beads of plastic within them, which when used are released into wastewater. These beads can make their way into the ocean and rivers too.

Consider swapping from your usual products to those that are certified as environmentally friendly. You might also want to consider reducing the number of chemical-based products you use too.

4 Reusable food storage

Ditch plastic film and other products for reusable and resealable food storage; a much more environmentally friendly way of storing food and cheaper for you too!

5 Compost and recycle

And finally, if you are not doing so already, compost food waste (or place it out for kerbside recycling) and make the most of the recycling facilities on offer in your area.

5 Ways to go Eco-Chic in your kitchen

Farringdon Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and chairs

We all know that we have to play our part in slowing climate change. Take a long hard look at your lifestyle and habits, and you’ll be amazed to find just how wasteful and environmentally unfriendly even the most mundane of everyday tasks can be! And the eco-friendly kitchen is a great way of doing your bit towards climate, change but how?

1. Opt for products made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials
When plastic was invented, it revolutionised our lives so much so that today, we don’t blink when we buy plastic utensils for the kitchen. Cheap and robust, they may last a lifetime but they take a lot of energy and natural resources to make.

If replacing items in the kitchen is on the horizon, look for;
– Crockery made from recycled materials or made from ‘waste’ materials such as offcuts
– Reclaimed wood furniture in the kitchen is just as robust, strong and stylish and something ‘brand new’
– Stick with sustainably sourced materials from wooden spoons to a reclaimed wood dining table
– Reclaimed wood is used for all kinds of furniture including the kitchen bench, wooden dining chairs, coffee tables and more.

2. Opt for natural materials
Again, the issue many of us have is that synthetic materials tend to be not only cheaper but more readily available. Like plastic, many synthetic materials are made using a huge amount of energy and natural resources such as oil. You’ll also be surprised at just how many things contain plastic without realising.
Natural materials are strong, easy to look after and like reclaimed wood furniture in the kitchen, are stylish too.

Why not try…?
– Linen – table linens come in all shapes, sizes and colours, perfect for adding warmth and colour to your reclaimed wood dining table. White napkins, for example, instantly transform a table into a chic vision, perfect for everyday meals and when entertaining too.
– Bamboo – an underrated material until now, bamboo is made from the tall fronds of leaves from a fast-growing plant. Grown in tropical climes, bamboo is sustainable and with many manufacturers who use bamboo part of fair trade deals too, you know that your bamboo pendant light hasn’t cost the earth, nor a community to make.

3. Be more aware of the products you use
We mentioned earlier how plastic tends to be in things that we never thought it would be. Some pan scrubbers, for example, have tiny beads of plastic within them which when used are released into wastewater. These beads are found in the ocean and rivers too.
Consider swapping from your usual products to those that are certified as environmentally friendly. You might also want to consider reducing the number of chemical-based products you use too.
4. Reusable food storage
Ditch plastic film and other products for reusable and sellable food storage, a much more environmentally friendly way of storing food and cheaper for you too!
5. Compost and recycle
And finally, if you are not doing so already, compost food waste (or place it out for kerbside recycling) and make the most of the recycling facilities on offer in your area.

Peep inside our customers homes!

You don’t need to convince us of the beauty of reclaimed wood furniture and other homeware we offer here at Modish Living, and when we see our customers tag us on social media with their purchases looking beautiful in their homes, we know we aren’t the only ones who are smitten. Here we take a look at some recent items snapped up by our customers and see just how wonderful they sit within their homes.

Beautifully styled kitchen/diners

The kitchen, as we know, is the heart of the home and so a beautiful reclaimed wood dining table around which family and friends can gather is an important purchase. Add to this dining benches and fabric dining chairs for extra luxury, and you can have a perfect dining space.

Effectively, this is what one customer created recently with their purchase of the Lansdowne table, a delightful example of a rustic industrial dining table if ever there was one.

@the_house_the_plummers_built has a beautifully elegant style – a true fusion between the industrial and the rustic.

The Maddox Elm industrial dining table has its roots in the industrial style – the combo of metal and reclaimed wood – but this dining table has a stand out feature in that the mirrored metallic legs of the table give it the stand out luxurious hints that so many of us hanker after.

@thetownhome has captured this essence beautifully and rather than fight against it, has embraced the sparkling surface by reflecting this with fabric dining chairs with the same legs. Continuing the theme throughout the space, this customer has created a truly luxurious feel to the space that also boasts balance and symmetry. Just look at how the pendants add cohesion along with the clever addition of two wall mirrors in the space!

As well as looking inside our customer’s homes, in recent months, we have also blogged about how our reclaimed wood furniture would make fantastic additions to Airbnb rental properties. @stonehouse_living has shown the way with this bespoke oak dining table in their beautifully styled Airbnb property. Not overly large in the space available, this 6 seater dining table will be well used by anyone staying at this delightful rental property.

Practical and stylish, the dining chairs make for great partners to this table, as well as the rest of the dining and kitchen area, fusing together effortlessly in terms of style. Of course, the more effortless the space looks, the more detail and thought has gone into the space. In this case, we particularly love the black pendant lights and how this accents the black detailing in the space, without making it overbearing.

Dining chairs delight

Occasionally we come across an item that we add to our collections knowing that its sheer elegance and simplicity will make it a must-have with our customers. We felt that way when we saw the stud detailing and handle of the Florence fabric dining chairs.

@homeatmillfield also saw the versatility of the style, colour and fabric of these chairs, using them in its beautifully styled interior. With flecks of country house style about the place, you can see how the plush upholstery of these dining chairs fits right in against the beauty of the kitchen. In our eyes, upholstered dining chairs are sublime with any interior design style.

Kitchen storage steals for rustic homes

Dorset Reclaimed Wood Medium Sideboard in dining room

The rustic style kitchen is a delight to behold. But as with all kitchens, you need plenty of storage options. However, choosing the right furniture solutions can be tough, from the reclaimed dining table to the choice of seating, especially if you want to stick with the context of the style you have chosen. In terms of the rustic furniture style, it is possible to borrow elements from the farmhouse kitchen style too.

Dresser or sideboard – which would you choose?

There is a range of options but when it comes to reclaimed wood furniture, there are two particular options that fit beautifully – the kitchen sideboard and the kitchen dresser.

The sideboard

Pert and delightful, the sideboard is a great option the smaller rustic kitchen. There is either the two-door cabinet to choose or for more storage versatility, opt for a combo of drawers and cupboard space.

Great for your prized dinner service safe, a sideboard can also make a great drinks cabinet in the smaller kitchen (or dining room).

The combination of white painted furniture with a bare wood top is a classic rustic furniture style and a small sideboard won’t close down the space either.

Lighten the space further with bamboo pendant lights and opt for a linen white tablecloth, all of which helps pull the modern rustic kitchen and dining area together.

More space? How about a rustic dresser?

Synonymous with the farmhouse style, the kitchen dresser will not be out of place in the modern rustic kitchen either. If you have an expanse of wall, then the versatility that the dresser can offer the rustic kitchen knows no bounds.

Reclaimed wood furniture is charming in any guise but the combination of storage solutions from a kitchen dresser is a double win. The Chelwood reclaimed wood dresser has both cabinet and cupboard space as well as an expanse of top, perfect for showcasing some of your prettier kitchen tools and accoutrements.

Again, keep the surroundings neutral but warm in shade, with white tablecloths and napkins to meld with the lightness of the dresser.

Refined rustic appeal

The rustic style is often known as having a rawness to it but it can have a refined edge too. If you feel that a white dresser will be too stark for your rustic kitchen, opting for a warm shade of cream will be the ideal solution.

There is a soft elegance to the cream shade of the Worcester large kitchen dresser, and the combination of painted wood and bare wood means it is the ideal piece for adding a range of storage solutions to the kitchen too.

For items you want on show, why not consider a cabinet with glass doors for storing your dinner service. The six small drawers are also perfect for cutlery and other smaller items. As an investment, you can’t go far wrong with a kitchen dresser.

Which would you choose – a sideboard or a kitchen dresser?

Turn your small kitchen into a beautiful space

Lansdowne reclaimed Bar Table and Grey Faux leather bar stools

The industrial style is a combination of raw materials such as stainless steel and iron with exposed brick and reclaimed wood. What sets it apart is a bohemian spirit, a dash of character that lifts it from the glossy pages of a magazine to be your home. Uncluttered but with detail, the industrial style is perfect for the small kitchen and when it comes to function, a bar table in the kitchen is perfect too.

Why choose a bar table for the small kitchen

When space is limited, you need to be clever not just in the choice of furniture but in how you style and dress the space. When it comes to a small kitchen, function and practicality are at the top of the list.

For these reasons, choosing a piece of reclaimed wood furniture that fits right into the industrial style and the space you have available come in the perfect dimensions and appeal of the kitchen bar table.

It allows for comfortable dining for yourself and a few guests, as well as being a practical space for food prep too. Is there another piece of kitchen furniture that delivers like this?

Add bar stools

The second ingredient in this perfect small kitchen industrial style recipe is the barstools to complement the kitchen bar table.

There are, as you would expect, numerous choices. Don’t forget that a key essence of the industrial style is marrying the practical with your notes of added character which is why these two ideas for bar stools are ideal…

Bar stools with back are undoubtedly more supportive for the lumbar region and with faux leather bar stools you get an added dash of practicality with wipeable seats without compromising on warmth and texture.

Another choice when it comes to a bar table and chairs are the lithe, elegant proportion of bar stools with backs in dark grey faux leather, completed with splayed legs. There is a certain understated glamour to these bar stools that makes them a firm customer favourite.

Adding spice

And now you need to season the small kitchen industrial scene with additional details that add flair and spice.

Reclaimed wood furniture is an integral and accepted part of the industrial style and this is no different in the kitchen. Oozing in style and function, a small reclaimed sideboard would be the perfect addition.

Add hints of steel and iron with a large metal wall clock, perfect for framing the kitchen bar table and stools by hanging it above it and in the centre. By doing so, you attract the eye which then drops and lingers on the kitchen bar with its complementing and stylish bar stools.

And finally, add another focal point with pendant lighting, perfect for illuminating the small kitchen table. It is possible to add detail without clutter as this bamboo triple pendant light clearly shows. By using bamboo, a natural material, you are staying true to the roots of the industrial style but adding your own dash of bohemian character.

Styling tips for an industrial round dining table

Standford Round Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Leather Chairs

A round table is ideal for any living room but if you want to bring a hint of industrial style to the dining room landscape, follow these styling ideas to create a contemporary setting that will work in the dining room and kitchen.

Start with a dining room rug

It may be functional but that doesn’t mean the industrial style can’t have hints of luxury. The best way to add a sumptuous note is with texture, so start with a beautiful blue rug to act as a soft platform on which to style the round industrial dining table.

Choice of round industrial dining table

There are many tables from which to choose including a large round dining table, perfect as a versatile 6-seater dining table for the dining room or kitchen diner. However, on this occasion, we’ve opted for the elegant proportions of the industrial reclaimed wood dining table . If there is one genre of style that reclaimed wood furniture comes into its own, it is the industrial style.

The beauty of brown leather dining chairs

There is a cool, elegantly sumptuous feel to leather upholstered items whether it is a brown leather sofa or these delightful brown leather dining chairs, and they make the perfect accompaniment to the industrial round dining table. Adding detail without clutter – the mantra of the industrial style – they bring just enough pizzazz to the setting.

Supporting players – the drinks cabinet

The industrial style brings pared-back elegance and luxury to any room. There are plenty of opportunities for sumptuous notes of detail – in other words, the industrial style is far from boring. If there is one piece that brings decadence it is this attention-grabbing cocktail cabinet. The height brings a layer of drama, as does the design of the front doors. Reminiscent of the decadent 1920s, nothing says old-school glamour more than a cocktail cabinet, don’t you think?

Statement pendant lamp

Too much sparkle and glitz would jar against the essence of the industrial interior design style, which is why we’ve opted for the black bamboo pendant ceiling light. Bamboo may not be an ‘industrial’ material, but it is a natural one. Sustainably sourced, bamboo has industrial qualities about it – long-lasting, lightweight with a cool beauty of its own. Create a style synergy with the bamboo pendant light paired with lush green plants nestled in bamboo pots in the dining area.

Dress the table

From white crockery to black cutlery, dressing the table with an industrial tinge is more than possible. Consider using a linen tablecloth for more formal occasions but when the atmosphere is relaxed, add softness (and practicality!) with blue linen napkins, an ideal connection with the beautiful blue rug we started with.

With white walls as a blank canvas backdrop, everything in this setting is given the opportunity to shine at certain points. With so much layering of detail, it really is the perfect industrial style dining room setting.

How to choose the right pendant light for your home

Large Woodchip Pendant Light above dining table

Choosing a pendant light that dazzles with style but is also functional can be tough, especially when there are so many on the market. As lighting styles go, there is nothing better for accenting your reclaimed wood furniture than a pendant light but how do you go about choosing one that fits right in with your dining room or over the kitchen island?

What’s the purpose of the pendant light?

The thing about pendant lights is that they can be both a stylish feature with an added note of ambient lighting or they can be practical lighting solutions over the kitchen island. In this sense, the light you choose to hang over the reclaimed wood dining table will be different from a kitchen pendant light.

What style of pendant light will work best?

Style is important. You’ll need kitchen pendant lighting to be uber practical whereas you can afford a light with a little more flourish over the dining table. A wicker pendant light ticks many boxes and suits most interior design styles.

How many pendant lights would you opt for?

From one pendant light in the dining room to several clustered over the kitchen island, when it comes to how many, only space and budget limit your final choice. It is not uncommon for customers to opt for one statement pendant light over the dining table – why not opt for large pendant lighting to really make a statement? – and to opt for more above the kitchen island. It’s your choice whether you opt for even numbers or odd numbers of lights, although there are some clustered pendant lights that hang as one fitting but with three shades.

What about the size?

You want the light to add to the room but not detract from it and that means getting the sizing right. Too small and it won’t have an impact but too big, and it will swallow space in the eyeline of the room making it feel smaller and more cluttered than it is. The same is true for the style and detailing of the shade or light itself. A bamboo light is perfect for adding a hint of detail – bamboo pendant lights fit in with a number of styles of décor, but a statement pendant light can add a big note of interest, forming a focal point in the room too.

How tall is the ceiling?

What you don’t want is having to duck or bend around the pendant light because it hangs too low from a ceiling that is also low. But what makes this style of lighting different from others is the fact that it usually hangs lower than normal ceiling lights or fittings. It is possible to adjust the length of the fitting on some pendant lights but not others. If you have low ceilings, consider a wicker pendant light that has a smaller shade or presence in the room too.

How will the pendant light style fit with your décor?

Whether you have a modern kitchen or a rustic-inspired dining room, there is a pendant light to suit. A black wicker pendant light would be perfect for the rustic style dining room or woodchip shaded lighting would work well in the Scandi-inspired kitchen.

The beauty of pendant lighting is that there is something for every style and every budget.

Round dining tables that won’t cramp your kitchen

Wycombe Oak Round Dining Table and Chairs

The round dining table is perfect for any kitchen but when you are short on space, it comes into its own. Allowing you to move easily around the space, a small round dining table offers diners plenty of space. Bid goodbye to the awkward banging of elbows with these three ideas for the small kitchen dining area.

Make a statement with an oak round dining table

Just because space is tight, it doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t make a design or style statement with your chosen round kitchen table. This is exactly what this oak dining table delivers – a statement, without sucking space. The central pedestal leg with its four splayed feet adds to its beauty, as do your choice of dining chairs. Brown, faux leather dining chairs are ideal with this oak round dining table, don’t you think?

Sleek Scandinavian round dining table

In the smaller space, too much detail simply adds clutter, and this means paring back on the detail to create an unfussy, yet welcoming space. This can be hard to do, especially if you are not a fan of the stark, minimal look.

Breathe life into a smaller space with the Scandinavian style, characterised by light woods with a smooth finish and rounded edges. There is a warmth and elegance to this style that makes it perfect in so many settings

For the smaller kitchen, it is more than ideal.

A small round dining table in the smaller kitchen makes sense – it offers the same dining space without swallowing floor space – and with the minimal, yet warm tones of the Scandinavian style, the softer corners and lithe legs also contribute to this lighter look.

Team this table with beautifully crafted wooden dining chairs to create a sense of cohesion and symmetry.

A round dining table that grows when you need it too!

A round extendable dining table is surely one of the best investments anyone can make. We all know there are times when the reclaimed wood dining table needs to be much bigger than what it is. The same is true of the dining table in the small kitchen.

Round dining tables are popular for many reasons – many people, for example, admire its curves and lack of sharp angles. Others opt for a round table for one reason and one alone: it’s a social table.

There is no ‘head of the table’ seat. Every diner is equal to the next and no matter where you sit, you can see everyone else.

But we think this round extendable dining table is just amazing. In its ‘smaller’ format, it is the ideal round dining table for 4. But start to crank it open – and you really do! – this small round dining table starts to grow, become a beautiful elliptical shape for your next dinner party.

Perfect as the extendable round dining table may be, you need dining chairs to match. Add yet more layers of detail with grey upholstered dining chairs with just enough detail that doesn’t crowd or cramp the space.