rustic Archives - Page 39 of 45

It’s almost time! Order now to get it in time for Christmas

Order before 20^th November to get any item from our English Beam Collection in time for Christmas.

The festive season is nearly upon us. From counting down the sleeps to the night Santa comes with the children to lamenting how, once again, you are running out of time to get everything done, there are some things that need to be ordered well in advance of the big day.

For any item from the Beam Collection, the last day for orders guaranteed for Christmas delivery is November 20^th. With this in mind, we thought we would take a look at this exquisite collection of reclaimed wood furniture, made from the finest beams and reclaimed wood.

The Dining Table

Christmas revolves are the dining table. It is the place where family and friends gather. We have a few examples of fantastic dining tables and sets to choose from, but this extendable reclaimed wood dining table is superb, not just for Christmas but all year round.

Team it with any of our dining chairs – leather or upholstered – for an elegant finish to the dining room. If you regularly entertain, how about a reclaimed wood dining bench? Soften it with throws or a luxuriously deep pile sheepskin rug for a comfortable and warm base.

In the Living Room

There are so many items that are essential in the living room that it is hard to know where to start. But gathering around the TV to watch the latest blockbuster or the end result of a soap opera’s Christmas storyline, our reclaimed wood TV unit is ideal no matter how large or small your TV.

Then there is the coffee table, an essential piece of kit for anything from magazines to coffee mugs, to champagne flutes and nibbles are your Christmas get-together. As you would expect, we have an amazing range of coffee table, with the Beam Collection not disappointing either.

We are all for mixing charm and practicality which is why reclaimed wood blanket and toy box works well – doubling as a coffee table, all you need is a cluster of pretty accessories and this practical piece of rustic furniture shines.

And don’t forget, our units and reclaimed wood shelves are ideal for showing off accessories and sculptures, adding atmosphere and ambience to the living room.

The Bedroom

The place we retreat to at the end of a busy day and the place we collapse after yet another evening of partying and socialising! You need it to be a haven of calm and tranquillity throughout the year which is why the solidness and robustness of the Lazy Days high backed reclaimed wooden bed from the collection is the ideal choice.

But Don’t be Disappointed…

There are many more items in the English Beam Collection that will add grandeur and elegance to your home. But they are not off-the-shelf pieces – they are unique with each piece having their own story to tell. At it is this uniqueness that makes it a popular collection.

But if you want it for Christmas, you must order before 20^th November. Don’t leave it too late!

The bright alternative of the classic rustic

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

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.

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

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 Room

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.

The best restaurants to try in London

Eating Out Week encourages us to sample the culinary delights of cafes, restaurants, pizzerias and eateries, and so now is the time to turn our attention to the finer things in life – and that means looking at some of the best restaurants to try in London. There may only be three restaurants on our list – we are sure you can add many more – but we think we have all tastes covered with these choices.

Top End Luxury – Food and Surroundings

The area of Vauxhall in London was centuries past, the place where people went to be seen. It was the place you went for enjoyment, listening to the music at the bandstand and the colour in the gardens. It was also a place where suitors staked their claims to young ladies and gentlemen showed their wealth with their latest purchase and ladies admired the fashions.

Brunswick House describes itself as ‘crumbling splendour’ although there is nothing crumbling about it. Surrounded by the grandeur of yesteryear, you can enjoy a bespoke dining experience at the elegant wood dining table and sumptuously upholstered dining chairs, marvelling at what it must have been like all those centuries ago. Who knows, maybe your ancestors met here?

A Taste of the Orient

London is a mix of cultures, meaning there is a vast range of culinary delights from across the globe. If you want to try ‘something different’, enjoying a cacophony of taste experiences on the tongue, look no further than The Begging Bowl.

Serving Thai dishes for lunch and dinner, this quaint restaurant has a backdrop that is more than delightful. It embraces the ‘communal’ feel in which diners are encouraged to sit at larger, communal tables because, as we know, food brings people together. It is a bright white space with colourful reclaimed wood slat on the walls and pretty patterned china bowls for the sticky rice dishes and stir-fries. Why not wash it down with a cocktail or two?

Pizza Anyone?

There are times, however, when eating out needs to be a less complicated and fussy affair. Luckily, we have the solution in the shape of Pizza East, a pizzeria on Portobello Road.

Of course, Eating Out Week is not just about dinner, but any meal. And guess what? Pizza east serve breakfast! Pop in for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, or enjoy the delights of brunch. Enjoy ‘mac’n’cheese’ out of the wood oven or stick with pizza, choosing for all kinds of toppings to make a bespoke pizza experience that is all yours.

With a rustic style, the interior of this eatery is awash with ideas of how reclaimed furniture can be used, breathing new life into a space that everyone gets to enjoy.

Your Recommendations

Of course, these are just our ideas, catering to our tastes. We love fine dining, as much as we love stretching the dough and layering pizza topping combinations that are unique to us. Where have you eaten in London? Which stylish restaurants have you come across?

Take advantage of our Limited Edition collection

Are you looking for a truly unique addition to your home? Our stunning collection of limited edition furniture will only be available until the end of the year, so act fast to get your hands on these truly beautiful designs. Here are a few of my favourite pieces from the collection.

Solid oak furniture is the perfect choice to add an elegant, timeless style to your home. Create the perfect centrepiece in your dining room with the gorgeous Hoxton Oak Normandy A Frame Dining Table. The natural wooden markings of the oak dining table are complemented beautifully by the chunky, A-shaped base creating a style perfect for pairing with rustic oak furniture.

To add personality to your kitchen or dining room, a reclaimed wood dining table is a fantastic choice. The Abbey Round Reclaimed Wood Dining Table is a gorgeous take on the classic reclaimed wood table, with the rounded shape and truly unique base. The statement base has been given a fresh white finish, perfect for creating a glamorous, rustic finish in any dining room which is perfectly contrasted against the natural markings of the table top.

Alternatively, take advantage of the hugely-popular industrial furniture trend by investing in a wonderfully unique industrial dining table. The Hoxton Industrial Double Cross Oak Dining Table features a gorgeous solid oak table top which creates a charming, rustic look. Contrasted against the solid steel base with a unique double cross design, the industrial table has been given a sophisticated twist which will look fantastic in any contemporary or rustic home.

The collection also features a fantastic array of dining room storage. The Windsor Large White Sideboard has a stylish and elegant finish which would work wonderfully in any dining room or kitchen. Complete with two double cupboards, and four good sized drawers, the sideboard also offers plenty of storage space.

Alternatively, the Windsor Large White Glass Cabinet will create an opulent finish in your dining room, giving you extra storage behind the stylish painted glass doors.

Have any of these pieces caught your eye? View the Limited Edition collection here.

Get the look: Create a bright dining room with painted furniture

The above dining room is simply delightful. Everything compliments and contrasts perfectly. There is an ambience to the room, created by the items within it and the colour palette used. It is palatial without being ostentatious. So how do you get the look?

The Dining Table

The Abbey oval dining table is the undisputed centrepiece of this dining room, helped by the single, bulbous pedestal leg. You would think it would swamp the piece, but it is the perfect balancing act. The eye is drawn to the white ball leg, contrasting perfectly with the wood table top. There is something mysterious about a reclaimed wood dining table: the stories it could tell, but chooses not to.

The Dining Chairs

To supplement the beautiful table you need beautiful dining chairs and these Luxe upholstered grey dining chairs, seen here in the photograph in cream, do not disappoint. They have detail – the elegant stud work and the ‘door knocker’ handle on the back – and yet somehow, they are not fussy or swamping the space. The eye remains drawn to the stunning reclaimed wood table, with the detail on the dining chairs appreciated too.

The Sideboard

The white painted sideboard to the rear of the dining table is a practical addition to the dining room, the ideal space for holding elegant crockery and utensils for the next dinner party. It also allows accessories to be shown off and there is no doubting the ambience created by the mesmerising flicker of candlelight. Again, the wood top and painted base give a pleasing, rustic feel to the room.

The Display Cabinet

The Kingbridge large display glass cabinet also complements the space perfectly. Display cabinets can often look imposing and unwieldy and yet, in this space, it doesn’t. This is a question of balancing dimensions. In this case, the three main furniture items – the grand dining table, the stylish sideboard and the statuesque display cabinet – all pull together in perfect harmony.

The Artwork

Artwork should add detail and not detract from the rest of the room. Perfectly placed, it adds depth and texture too. Consider the subject carefully – what would appeal in a dining room styled along rustic lines? Nature at its quirky finest, we think.

Kitchen/Diner Perfection

Not every home is blessed with a separate dining room and if you are not, you can still get this great look. The furniture is not prissy or spindly, there is a satisfying robustness about it that makes it the perfect style for the kitchen/diner and everyday use.

Maybe you would prefer a change of dining chair, such as the lower backed Jacky fabric dining chairs? Or why not really push the boat out and create something unique, something that fits you and your style exactly? Customised dining chairs are not out of your price range, you know.

But what we think really works about this dining room is that it can be an everyday dining space but, with a dimming of the lights and a beautifully set table, it can be the perfect dinner party setting.

Things homeowners with cats know to be true

They stalk in when it pleases them. They will eat when it pleases them and you will serve what they desire. They will snooze where they like and when they like. Every cat owner knows the truth of the situation – the cat owns you! But you wouldn’t be without your feline friend simple because there is nothing better than a home with a pet – and a home with a cat or cats is a very rich one indeed.

But science has got in on the act, confirming what cat owners have known all along…

1 Cats lower your stress level

There is a whole load of research that suggests being with and around pets, cats included, lowers blood pressure and ‘stress levels’. The simple act of stroking your cat and cuddling up with them on an even in front of a roaring fire on a wingback armchair or modern sofa is rejuvenating for mind, body and soul.

2 They are great with kids

Cats and other pets, dogs included, are great for a household with children. As well as teaching responsibility, compassion and how to care for them, cats and other pets play an important role for children with additional needs, including autism. The change in autistic children around pets is unbelievable, helping them to gain the social interaction skills some children struggle with.

3 Cats heal

Purring is a wonderful sound, isn’t it? It shows that Tiddles is content and you feel a sense of well-being too. But did you know that there is therapeutic value to their purring and healing? Studies have found that the gentle vibration of purring at 18 to 35 Hz has a positive effect on joint mobility, especially after injury. There are all kinds of studies ongoing that hope to find out more about how cats purring help to heal bones, muscles and ligaments in humans.

4 They fuel romance

You’ve enjoyed a romantic meal, the candles are flickering and along comes Tiddles to share the sofa with you and your beau. But don’t throw your feline friend out as there is research to suggest that potential partners find the presence of a cat in the home a welcome one.

5 Your kids are healthier

It may be the bane of your life but cat hair all over the house and feline paw prints on the surface of your reclaimed wood furniture are actually great for boosting your immune system and that of your children too. Because your kid’s immune systems are tackling dirt, detritus and cat hair, it is stronger and more able to ward off common germs.

6 Allergies are kept at bay too!

Of course, if you are allergic to cat or dog hair, then this is not good news but research has shown that the common day trend for keeping everywhere scrupulously clean is harming our ability to fight off allergies. And so yes, those pawprints across the wooden furniture and the fur left on a Harris Tweed sofa are all doing sterling things for your immune system.

7 Cats are great for mental health too

Mental health is a hotly debated topic at the moment, great for increasing exposure and changing attitudes towards this common problem. Cats have it sussed – when they curl up on your lap or walk across your laptop keyboard, they are sending an important message: let’s cuddle and let your emotional well-being receive a boost. The repetitive act of stroking your cat, its purring, its cuteness and its warmth all help your brain and mind to unravel and slow down.

8 Don’t have a cat? Cat videos are the next best thing!

It was a huge study of over 7,000 participants and the findings cannot be disputed: after watching cat videos, people said they felt better, they had more ‘mental energy’ and positive emotions. So yes, watching those endless cat videos online all in the name of procrastination is doing you some good.

Why a sheepskin is the best winter warmer

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

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

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

There 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

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.

How to choose the perfect coffee table

Hudson Living Kielder Oak Nest of Tables

The coffee table – a piece of furniture that has to be all things to all people. It has to balance tea and coffee mugs, nibbles for film night, as well as serving as an impromptu art and office desk for members of the family. It also doubles as a footstool too…

It is no surprise then, that when it comes to choosing a coffee table, we can feel overwhelmed by the choice on offer. With so many functions, just how do you choose a new coffee table?

Step 1 – Know your style

First and foremost, knowing your interior design style is key. For example, if you enjoy a rustic appeal to your home, then choosing a rustic coffee table that complements your existing furniture is key. The coffee table is also ideal if you want an item with a hint of character, like this reclaimed wood coffee table on wheels – makes a change from the usual casters…

Step 2 – Be bold

The coffee table is one of those items that is not usually a talking point, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be! Look for details that will set it apart, such as the beauty and impact of this oval industrial coffee table. The large trumpet base is perfect for adding detail and glamour to any room.

Step 3 – Size IS important

Frankly, too small for your needs and it is not worth the investment but too big, the coffee table could swamp the space, impeding travel between the sofa and the rest of the room. There is a ‘rule’ that can help you out with this: the coffee table should be no longer than your biggest sofa so that it frames the coffee table (and not the other way around). It should also be no smaller than half the length of the sofa, a great way to stop the coffee table from looking ‘lost’.

There are many examples of stylish large, medium and small coffee tables that could suit your room or why not invest in a custom made and sized reclaimed wood coffee table? Made from reclaimed English beams, there is something satisfying about the presence of this rustic coffee table in any lounge or living area.

Step 4 – Be practical

The coffee table is a practical piece of apparatus for the busy home, as well as a showpiece and a platform for showing off a graceful sculpture and vase of flowers. In the busy family home, why not invest in a coffee table with drawers? Ideal for hiding away magazines and other ‘stuff’, as well as a handy place for keeping the myriad of remotes from falling down the back of the sofa. A wooden storage chest works great as a coffee table too but also as a toy box, blanket box and more!

Step 5 – ‘Divide and Conquer’

Some styles and purchase decisions become so entrenched that we assume they are the only solution. So why buy one coffee table? Why not buy three?

Of course, your budget and floor space may not stretch to that so instead, consider a nest of tables. Versatile chic and stylish, they can be used to frame the armchair in its position (along with a beautiful rug), as well as used as handy side and occasional tables the next time you have a soiree. Again, choice and styles are vast, for example, this cubed oak nest of tables is perfect for the modern pad.

Follow these five steps for a stylish, versatile coffee table that will be the ideal investment for your home.

How to bring autumn style into your home

Autumn is a delightful season, even though it is a time of golden colour, the nights drawing in are a signal to the onset of winter. The wind and rain have a chillier edge to them, and we consider bringing out the warmer coats and the throws for snuggling on the sofa of an evening.

The time has come to bring a cosy feel to your home. And here’s how:

Refresh with a Rug

Dressing your home for autumn (and winter too) is not just about adding autumn colours – deep reds, golden yellows and rich orange – but about adding texture too. With a rug, you add the both colour and depth of texture so why not add a zing of colour and an extra layer of warmth with wool rugs? Add to the living room, the dining room, the hallway and the bedrooms: the choice is yours.

The gentle glow of candlelight

Light becomes important in autumn, especially with the shorter days. But this doesn’t mean you want bright light all of the time. Banish dark hallways and corners with beautiful, soft glow ambient lighting as well as the romantic flicker of candlelight. For safety, keep candles well cocooned in suitable vessels such as a lantern or large candle holders.

Keep lights and shades soft in colour and opt for curves rather than harsh angles and bright bulbs. The Sassa bedroom lamps are an ideal addition to any bedroom but work well on the hallway console table too.

Warmth in textures too

As well as staying warm with heating and the fire, the materials used in a space add depth and warmth too. The best materials are those that are natural, such as wool rugs, wool throws and wooden furniture and accessories.

The log burner will no doubt be throwing out serious heat over the coming chilly days and nights, and the log holder baskets made from fast-growing rattan are the ideal carriers. It is the colour and the natural material that make these the ideal choice for the farmhouse or rustic styled interior.

Small accessories: Big difference

Autumn affects every room in the house including the kitchen. This wooden ladder is perfect for keeping throws in the living room or a convenient piece of furniture for the bedroom.

Accessories such as decorative mirrors are not to be forgotten either. In fact, the humble mirror is ideal for the autumn home as it helps to bounce flickering candlelight about a space, giving them an even warmer, softer feel.

Colour, texture & material

When autumn comes knocking at the door, your home becomes your sanctuary and feeling warm is not just a physical thing. Warmth to the eye is important too and that means creating a space that feels and looks warm and appealing. As well as colour, add texture with natural materials and enjoy your home this autumn – even if the autumn rain is lashing at the window.