How to choose a bespoke children’s desk

Oldman Reclaimed Wood White Bespoke Desk

A small wooden desk is a common sight in homes across the country. A desk and chair is an important addition in a child’s bedroom, play space or anywhere in the home. But, how do you create a bespoke children’s desk that will last the test of time? And can you really find one that goes with your other industrial reclaimed furniture?

Reclaimed Wood Desk bespoke Oldman

Ergonomics

You will have heard about ergonomics. Ergonomic design is about creating a space that flows and one that fits with those people that are using it.

Creating and choosing a bespoke children’s desk for your child is no different. In fact, in terms of ergonomics, it is vitally important you get it right for a child’s desk. Your child will grow, meaning that the desk that ‘fitted’ them perfectly last year could be too small for them now.

Style

Children like to be involved in exciting projects, especially one that benefits them! A bespoke design for a child’s desk should be stylish and versatile, such as a reclaimed wood desk or one with a contemporary design.

Colour is important in your child’s development, so choosing the right colour is essential. Red for example, is associated with passion and strong feeling with yellow being the sunshine colour, and is ideal for use in a study space.

Green helps children to relax, and pink is known to lower heart rate. Purple is a popular, attention-grabbing colour, and orange has been known to enhance critical thinking skills.

Choose the colour of the study space, children’s desk and chair so that it enhances your child’s study experience.

The Correct Size

We have referred to ergonomics, the science that impacts on the flow of work in a space but size is everything.

When the desk and chair is the right size, it is comfortable to sit at. When a child is focussing on a creative or developmental task, having to constantly change position to get comfortable will intrude across their study and work.

Our team can help you determine the right height for your children’s desk, and match it with the right height chair too from our Oldman desk range.

Function, Function, Function

Remember, this is not an office desk, where the child will be shuffling paper and stapling – it is a platform on which they will create and study, play as well as work.

Storage is key in any children’s desk. Storage solutions need to be instantly accessible – too much effort means important things don’t get put away.

Accessible, simple storage solutions also help children to learn about keeping work areas tidy, essential if you want to innovate and create at a desk. An industrial reclaimed desk could have in-built cubed shelving and pen pots, for example.

Other Practical Considerations for children’s desks

  • Material – desk material needs to be robust and sturdy, and easy to keep clean. There are many materials that offer these qualities, as well as being uber-stylish, important for any child’s bedroom or teenage study space. Steel and wood desk designs go with almost any décor.
  • Position – a child’s desk should be bathed in light, therefore positioning it near or close to a window is a great position. If natural light is in short supply, focussed light, not too bright as to make the desk area ‘startling’ is a welcome addition.

There are many styles of children’s desk, from contemporary to the industrial furniture look. It is important to get the right desk that fits your child, as well as looking great in your home.

The myths and marvels of reclaimed wood

Luxe Kensington reclaimed wood dining table with glass
Luxe Kensington reclaimed wood dining table close up sleeper

Reclaimed wood has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Here at Modish Living we supply some truly exquisite examples; we feel privileged to be working with such an exceptional material and we’re always happy to discuss the merits of reclaimed furniture.

There are a few well-held myths about reclaimed wood, and we feel it’s important to refute many of them, but first it may be useful to clarify the meaning of reclaimed wood in the furniture industry. If you’re buying a reclaimed wood dining table, for example, you’re not buying an original dining table that has simply been restored. Instead, you’re purchasing a brand new piece that’s using reclaimed wood that has then been turned into your table.

Myth number one: Furniture using reclaimed wood is more expensive

This isn’t necessarily true at all, and in fact some pieces may be cheaper. Reclaimed wood contemporary furniture can take a great deal of work, because the wood has to be de-nailed, cleaned and specially treated, so it’s not an easy process. The overall cost of many items, such as a reclaimed wood desk, may be cheaper than you would think.

Myth number two: Reclaimed wood is dirty

All our reclaimed contemporary furniture pieces are thoroughly cleaned by our craftsmen using tried and trusted techniques, and only after they have been deemed suitable does the major work begin. Reclaimed wood is often taken from old houses, so the environment may not be clean, but once the wood has been treated it is more than usable.

Myth number three: Reclaimed wood is not pretty

One look through our website will convince anyone of the sheer beauty of our reclaimed wood items, including our superb choice of living room furniture pieces. The wood that’s been used has a story to tell, and each piece has its own unique character. It may not feature the clean lines and sterile feel of brand new wood, but of course it’s not supposed to. Reclaimed wood is, in our opinion, utterly beautiful.

Myth number four: Reclaimed wood doesn’t need maintenance

Clearly this isn’t true at all. Every item of wooden furniture, including brand new wooden pieces, needs to be maintained. Wood, by its very nature, is strong, robust and can last for a lifetime and beyond, but only if it’s well looked after. Our rustic furniture will always look impressive if it’s maintained properly. If you purchase an English beam table, for example, from Modish Living you will receive information about proper care for the wood.

Myth number five: Reclaimed wood is poor quality

Our craftsmen select only top quality wood before creating heavenly pieces of furniture. Reclaimed wood is more dense than new wood because it has been allowed to grow naturally, and of course using reclaimed wood is better for the environment. It’s solid, dependable and extremely attractive.

Myth number six: Reclaimed wood makes a room look old

Reclaimed wood can be used to create many different styles, so it depends on how it is used. We supply many examples of iconic industrial furniture, for example, which use reclaimed wood to showcase modern styling. Of course, other themes such as rustic and contemporary can be created using reclaimed wood, so it’s worth remembering that it can be used to make rooms look old or new.

How to choose the TV cabinet of your dreams

Modern TV stand

reclaimed wood tv unit with two drawers

We all enjoy a night in front of the TV at times, but your evening can be utterly wonderful if you choose a modern TV stand that matches your dreams. There are a number of styles to choose from, so whether you have a contemporary living room or you favourite rustic living room furniture, Modish Living have the perfect piece to add elegance to any quiet night in.

It’s important to measure the TV and other items, and perhaps to map out your project with sheets of newspaper before placing an order. Decide upon the location by placing newspapers on the floor to measure the space you have available if you would have to move around. You don’t want your sofa or footstool to be in the way when someone needs to go in front of the TV.

On the other hand, you don’t want your TV too close to your sofa, so by placing newspapers, you can simulate the location of your TV unit and how things will flow around it. Also, it will help you to determine the length and height of your TV unit, especially if you need a bespoke size for your living room.

You should also consider the need for storage space and shelving, perhaps to hold DVD players, satellite boxes and a veritable spaghetti junction of wiring. If you’re choosing a bespoke item such as the iconic Beam One Door Reclaimed Wood TV Stand, you can be flexible with size options.

Choose a size, choose a style… then choose a night in

The beautiful Beam Cube Reclaimed Wood TV Stand offers eye-catching design and a sumptuous finish. Reclaimed furniture has a style all of its own, and this is an example of solid wood furniture at its very best and full of character.

Modern TV Stand

There has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of industrial furniture in recent years, in part because it allows for unique home designs that enable owners to put their own personal stamp on the design. The sublime Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood TV Cabinet is an excellent example, with its clean lines and its use of solid steel legs to complement the reclaimed wood top.

Standford TV unit

If you’re looking for a wide cabinet with unique natural design, the Derby Reclaimed Wood TV Unit could be the one for your large living room. Farmhouse furniture is always popular, and the stunning Dorset Reclaimed Wood TV Stand is a particular favourite thanks to its distressed paint finish. Alternatively, why not explore the beauty of the new Soho Reclaimed Wooden TV Cabinet instead?

Reclaimed wooden tv unit

There’s so much choice, so by measuring your space and deciding on a style, you can take your TV viewing experience on to a whole new level.

Rustic wedding decor at home

Bramble Flower Wooden Salad Bowl with Servers as Wedding Gift

There is no doubt that rustic weddings are more popular than ever these days, and it’s not difficult to see why, rustic wedding decor is just beautiful! We can’t get enough of it. Aside from personal preference, one of the main reasons for the rise in popularity is the fact that such occasions allow greater artistic creativity, in part because they are not prone to the more rigid traditions and obligations of church-based celebrations.

Shop Derby Reclaimed Wood Extending Dining Table

And while many choose to base their big event in historic large barns, there are some who prefer instead to use their homes. Reclaimed wood furniture such as the sumptuous Derby Reclaimed Wood Extending Dining Table, accompanied perhaps by the Derby Reclaimed Wood Bench, will provide a spectacular centerpiece on the day, and a natural gathering point for all the guests for your rustic wedding.

Natural Cable Knitted Throw

As well as a splendid rustic dining table, the overall theme can be underlined further with rustic wedding decor throughout the house. Items such as the Kilburn Scott Natural Glencoe Throw or maybe the Natural Cable Throw can be used to add extra warmth to the look of the place. The combination of luxurious soft fabric and gorgeous wooden furniture can be a powerful one.

Rustic Wedding Seating For All

One of the issues facing planners of home-based weddings is the need for adequate seating, but this can be remedied with stunning rustic wedding furniture from Modish Living. Raw Light Oak Small Stools and Raw Light Oak Tall Stools will not only give everyone a seat, but they will also make the room itself more eye-catching when guests first start to arrive.

Rustic Inlay Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

When you have a rustic table like the excellent Rustic Inlay Reclaimed Wood Dining Table, it can prove perfect for when guests wish to sit down and eat, or it could conceivably be used instead to hold the wedding gifts. Thanks to the natural beauty of this particular piece, it would look just as good unadorned as it would when covered with a luxurious throw.

Bramble Flower Wooden Salad Bowl with Servers

If you receive an invitation to a rustic-style wedding, you may want to give a gift that is in keeping with the theme of the big day. The good news for all guests is that there’s a number of high-quality rustic wedding decor options to choose from, including the delightful Bramble Flower Wooden Cheese Board, a wonderful addition to any dinner party. The matching Bramble Flower Wooden Salad Bowl with Servers is also an excellent choice. When you see the beauty of these items, you realise perhaps why more and more weddings are going down the rustic route.

A mirror in your kitchen? Why not! All you need to know about mirrors in kitchens

Celestial Round Silver Mirror for Kitchen

Mirrors are an accessory that we use in every room and space in the home, so why not the kitchen as well? Just like in other rooms, thoughtful and strategic placing of a mirror in a kitchen reflects available light and opens up the space to make it look spacious, light and airy.

So, how do you use mirrors in a kitchen? Are there hard and fast rules to follow?

Strategic Positioning

Thankfully not, but strategic position helps the mirror to pick out the details you want it to.

If you do nothing else, use a mirror in a space that reflects an interesting view. This could be to reflect the striking pendants lights hanging above your reclaimed wood kitchen table, for example.

You also need to consider the best aspects of your kitchen – is it the well-chosen and stylish pieces of kitchen furniture or the bi-folding doors that open out onto your pristine garden?

Practical too

Reflecting light is a happy by-product of mirrors in any space, but they also hold a practical function other than this.

For example, some busy households use the ‘back’ door into the kitchen as their everyday entrance and exit – what better place to hang the Elmer Rustic Window Mirror to check that nothing is out of place before the morning dash to work?

Above the Stove

Feng shui principles dictate that mirrors symbolise water which clashes with fire and that a mirror above a stove is great for the family chef to see who or what is behind them. It is also a way of adding light into what can be a dark space.

However, don’t hang ‘ordinary’ glass nor hang mirrors too low as they may crack with the steam and heat. Depending on your style, this reclaimed wood mirror ties in well with the reclaimed wood kitchen style or the farmhouse kitchen look – two styles that are proving popular this year.

Adding Detail

Many family homes have a combined kitchen and dining area and this gives you even more scope for using mirrors. Don’t think that a mirror must be plain, practical and functional in the kitchen – it can add a pop of delightful detail. Shape can add detail to a space and that why we love this silver, round wall mirror with an elegant Art Deco style for the kitchen.

For an edgy, but not-overly-quirky detail the Skandi Round Mirror adds a level of detail that stops the space looking too utilitarian.

Add More Than One

The benefits of a mirror in the kitchen are many and varied but the one thing we are loving this season in interior design designs is the use of more than one mirror in the space.

We also love the way that the kitchen mirror is taking on a personality all of its own, like this Rowina Large Industrial Window Mirror that brings a certain something to any space that it adorns but, in a kitchen, it will be the talking point of any party…

Our latest obsession: clever storage ideas

Zinc Top Aldsworth Outdoor Storage Box for garden tools and furniture

We’ve all been there – scrambling around to hide clutter and mess when unexpected visitors call. And how times have you felt like tearing your hair out when it seems there is nowhere to put (hide!) anything? This is why clever storage ideas are our latest obsession – because the right containers, offering the right solutions in the best style for the space are essential.

reclaimed wooden storage chest open

We find the most effective storage solutions lay in pairing the right type of storage furniture to the items that need to be contained – and that means taking a room by room approach. But, as you would expect, no matter what option suits you best, it should always be stylish as well as practical.

Hallway storage ideas

Shoes, boots, wellies, coats, hats, scarves, umbrellas… there are a plethora of things that need to be on hand yet stored away in the hallway. With so much already going on, it’s hard to know which storage option to plump for to minimise the clutter.

reclaimed wood storage bench in grey with rattan baskets

We have a collection of clever storage ideas solutions in the form of chic, rustic and quality rattan furniture such as the Rattan May Wooden Storage units with rattan drawers – super handy for separating family things to help that morning school and work routine run more smoothly. Another fantastic storage solution for the hallway is to add a rustic style Winchester wooden trunk, perfect for throwing in shoes and bags to keep the hallway clutter-free.

Bedroom storage ideas

Again, there are several items that routinely need storing in the bedroom that you need quick and easy access to from time to time, but you don’t want cluttering the space, especially if you’re looking for small bedroom storage ideas.

Cotswold Reclaimed Wood Blanket Box for bedroom or hallway

Anything from blankets and bed linen to towels and even clothes can be stored in this stylish wooden blanket box. Crafted in solid reclaimed wood and chunky in style and appearance, there is a satisfying quality to reclaimed furniture, and what’s more, high quality wooden bedroom furniture that will last a lifetime is the best investment you can truly make.

Living room storage ideas

The living room is the place where you go with visitors and guests to relax and enjoy each others company and so storage solutions in here need to be both practical and stylish. If you love the warm and welcoming qualities of the modern rustic style – plenty of wood and exposed brickwork, beams etc. – then rustic furniture with a modern edge, such as contemporary coffee tables will fit into your design scheme beautifully.

reclaimed wood coffee table with drawers

The Farringdon range of reclaimed wood furniture also offers storage perfection. The reclaimed wood coffee table is the perfect platform for drinks and nibbles, whilst having spacious drawers for all kinds of clutter to be thrown into and hidden from view – it’s great for storing the remote controls, drink coasters and magazines too.

Garden storage ideas

The outdoor space of your home should not be overlooked and has much paraphernalia that needs to kept tidily away both during the summer and winter. Whether you’ve been lounging on your rattan outdoor chairs or busying yourself with the bedding plants, you are no doubt looking for garden storage ideas beyond a shed.

An outdoor storage box crafted in faux rattan is an ideal solution. Weather can damage outdoor furniture even those made from the hardiest of plastic, metals and wood, but a faux rattan cushion storage box is hardy and can cater for much more than just cushions. Gardening gloves or smaller gardening implements like a hand trowel can be safely stored so you know exactly where to find them when the time arrives.

faux rattan outdoor storage box

Storage doesn’t have to be boring – take a look at our range of stylish storage furniture options available and have your home clutter free and stylish in no time!

Add a Stunning Woven Texture in Your Home With Rattan Furniture

Rattan dining chairs with reclaimed wood dining table in dining room

For anyone keen on styling their home, an understanding of the seven principles of interior design is essential. Space, line, form, light, colour, pattern and texture emphasise the focal point in a space. That means adding a key element that draws attention to itself.

Chilgrove PE Rattan Garden Sofa for outdoors

Texture is an easy way of adding emphasis to a room or space, both in the home and in outside areas too.

Rattan Texture

Rattan is a fast-growing plant that is sustainable and once dried and woven, produces furniture and other items that is not only of exceptional quality but superior strength too. It can have a smaller, more delicate weave or pattern or, as in some cases we illustrate below, it can be larger, chunkier and more robust in its finish.

Rattan Furniture For Outdoors

Because of its strength and ability to withstand all kinds of weather, rattan garden furniture is an increasingly popular choice in garden furniture across the country.

Trends for the outdoor space for the coming summer season is for a laid-back approach to rattan garden furniture – opt for loungers or hammocks, bringing a relaxed approached to seating in the garden.

Marden PE Rattan Garden Corner Sofa Set

The rattan sofa, both stylish yet neutral, will work well on the patio or in the conservatory, with the weave of the rattan inviting people to take a seat and relax a while too.

For a higher chair that is both relaxed seating and perfect as an al fresco dining chair, there is a range of rattan garden chairs that fit the bill. As well as texture, rattan pieces tend to bring earthy yet neutral tones to a space, perfect for any garden space. We like to think of rattan furniture as deceptively simple.

Chilgrove PE Rattan Garden Chair with Cushion for Outdoors

Perfect For The Conservatory

Rattan is a material commonly associated with the conservatory. Deceptively lightweight but brilliantly robust, rattan doesn’t warp or weaken with heat hence, a firm favourite for the conservatory or the orangery.

rattan garden chairs

Dining in Style

Rattan isn’t just for the patio or the conservatory. As a material, it is a stunning addition around the dining table.

No matter what your style – contemporary, rustic, industrial or farmhouse country chic – the wood dining table, complete with large weave rattan high-backed dining chairs and soft, cream coloured cushions is simply perfection. Where else will you find a dining table with such character?

Rattan in the Bedroom

Want something different but still within budget? Want a bed frame that makes a statement, packs a punch but without being overly quirky or so eclectic that it is a bespoke piece that is too individual to be part of any design scheme other than its own?

A rattan bed frame is the ideal solution – different without being ‘odd’, it has a warmth to its appearance, as well as being stylish and the centre of attention.

In our minds, there is no doubt that rattan is one of the best materials for use in and outside of the home, offering an elegance, stylish woven texture that is perfect, no matter the design or trend.

Achieve the rustic dining room of your dreams

Grey Highlander Canvas Wall Art Painting for Dining Room

The dining room is a multi-functional space. From informal dining to entertaining friends and family, the dining room needs to be stylish, yet comfortable and practical. The rustic style is essentially about raw materials, exposed brickwork, fantastic masonry on show and wood of all shades and hues. Reclaimed wood is a great choice because it comes packed with character and history.

If you are considering updating your dining room, the rustic style is easy and simple to accomplish, as well as being a classic, yet affordable look in your home. But how do you achieve it? Here’s how to achieve a rustic dining room look.

The Dining Table

Firstly, the centre of attention in the dining room must be the dining table. Rustic tables add an immediate impact. However, they come with all the trimmings that ‘modern’ dining sets offer such as an extendable reclaimed wood trestle dining table that will work perfectly with any dining chair you choose.

Rustic dining table

Dining Chairs

Secondly, you need to add the dining chairs. In a modern family home, large and wide dining chairs can be too cumbersome, and take up too much space. Although they may look practical, the feeling is that they clutter the dining room, making the flow of life difficult in one of the most important rooms in the house.

Dorset Purbeck Reclaimed Wood Extendable Trestle Table

Shop Dorset Reclaimed Wood Dining Chairs (pair)

The charm of these slatted-back rustic chairs is that they offer rustic charm and appeal to the space. Use these with any of our dining tables or enjoy the delight of its matching rustic dining room table counterpart.

Dorset Purbeck Reclaimed Wood Dining Chairs

The rustic style can also be an opportunity to dispense with over-formality. We love the idea of using non-matching dining chairs or, a perfect solution for a busy, family dining room a reclaimed wood dining table with bench. Note the practical cutlery draw too.

Rustic Interior Design – Colours and Accessories

Supporting your rustic dining table, chairs and bench will be the remainder of the room. Accessories are the spotlights a room needs to place the emphasis of the key players.

As well exposing brick or stone work (seal it with a clear sealant to prevent excessive dust), introduce a range of accessories including a practical rustic sideboard.

Large Dorset Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

Shop Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

Keep colours neutral. Whitewash walls in a practical, easy to keep clean white. Frame the room with fantastic rustic-style art that complements the theme, as well as injecting a little fun into the space.Grey Highlander Canvas Art for Wall

For a hint of colour, not too strong nor overpowering, invest in a rug – contemporary or classic – that easily accommodates the reclaimed wood dining table and chairs.

The use of reclaimed wood furniture is an addition that is sure to create the rustic appeal you want, but without compromising on practicality or quality.

There is something delightful, familiar and appealing about the presence of wood in any room in the home but in the dining room especially. The rustic styled dining room lends itself perfectly for a Friday night take out and yet, it easily hosts a formal dinner party on Saturday too – allowing you to have a versatile and well styled space that works for you every day of the week.