scandinavian Archives - Page 5 of 7

How to style: dining set or mix and match chairs?

The dining table is an important piece of furniture so it’s no surprise that customers take time to consider all their options. From considering which shape will work best, to which style will suit their home, there is also the question of whether a dining set which gives a cohesive style to the dining room is the way to go or whether choosing chairs separately, so you can have your own unique take is the best step forward.

No one can make this decision alone, so we asked our Houzz and Instagram followers what they thought.

We showed them the Wycombe, one of our oak dining sets, complete with chairs and dining bench…

And we showed them the Maddox industrial dining table…

And we asked which do you prefer? Are dining sets still on-trend or is creating your own dining table styles with mix and match chairs the way to go?

What YOU Said

It was a close-run thing but there was a clear push for the Maddox industrial table with mix and match chairs. But why?

There was no doubting that for many, the contemporary style and fresh feeling of the Maddox industrial table with mix and match chairs were appealing. But why?

The table itself is perfection when it comes to the industrial style. The combination of raw, not overly processed reclaimed wood with the stark, cool contrast of metal is perfect. But the edginess and angles of the industrial style are softened by the lower backed velvet dining chairs with wooden legs but, more importantly, the colour of the chairs and the plush fabric adds texture and warmth. In fact, this was one comment about the Maddox dining table; the great colours and the soft look were exactly what many people wanted.

But the winning comment must surely be that the mix and match effect ‘offers so many possibilities’. If you are looking to create a unique look to your dining room that is on-trend but warm, genuine and stylish there is no doubt that the Maddox table and mix and match chairs is the style path for you.

Dining Sets – Not as Old Fashioned as You Think

But that doesn’t mean the Wycombe dining set missed out on its admirers.

Chic, modern and with a Scandinavian style, there is an understated simplicity about the Wycombe dining set. Our dining room sets come in a range of options: in this case, you can opt for four chairs, or dining benches or a combination thereof.

An oak extending dining table is, of course, also worth its weight in gold in a busy; the extending section works well with the dining bench as there is more room for guests in an instant.

Oak dining sets are also practical, something that many of our voters on Houzz and Instagram were keen to point out. There were many comments about the Wycombe set being infinitely practical but there were also clear preferences for it because of its versatility in the home.

Even though there was a clear winner – the Maddox industrial dining table with mix and match chairs – there was a respect and a big nod of approval for the Wycombe dining set too, for all that it offers. Which is your favourite?

How do you prefer your door handles: in brass or silver?

We asked, and you answered. Like some of our other polls on Houzz and Instagram, there was a clear winner on one, but a difference of opinion between fans on another page. It was a tricky question too, we thought – which handle finish do you prefer, the timeless elegance of brass or the chic of silver?

We gave you two amazing pieces to look at too – a display cabinet with painted frame and brass handles, and a large display unit, complete with silver handles.

Which do you think came out on top?

Silver Handles

On Instagram, the majority of people voted for silver handles, with around half of those that expressed an opinion opted for brass.

Silver effect finishes are an option that has been around for some time, with some trends demanding a matte silver finish, whilst other design trends championed the polished, sparkling silver look. Either way, it brings a dash of modern detailing to a room and the items within it.

A glass display cabinet with darker, pewter or silver-plated handles is perfect for so many interior design schemes, especially a modern-looking finish. And it is worth paying attention to these small details. They may not be immediately obvious but mis-matching handles on a display unit or wooden sideboards can stand out – for all the wrong reasons.

The Scandinavian style seamlessly blends warmth, character and natural materials. It is an understated interior design scheme and one that is becoming more popular in recent years. Brass fitting and detailing would be too heavy and cumbersome in this kind of scheme, too out of character and not in keeping with the seamless marriage between the different materials in the space.

Brass Handles

On Houzz, the must-have handle choice was, without any shadow of a doubt, brass. And it is no wonder…

The surprise accessory trend

Trends come and go but there was one that caught by surprise and that was the growing popularity of brass accessories. But in some ways, we shouldn’t have been surprised. With earthy tones and colours being the mainstay colours for the last year or so, brass was perfect against the darker shades of earth green and midnight blue. Great for the traditional appeal and interior design schemes, brass seems to have shed its ‘old-fashioned’ tag as remains the must-have finish for everything from handles to candelabra.

The farmhouse appeal

An interior design scheme growing fast in popularity is the farmhouse style. Similar in its appeal to the rustic scheme, the farmhouse look has a slightly more refined edge to its finish and this means that the detailing of brass handles – ornate or slimline – is a welcome addition to the living room or the dining room (or anywhere in the home). From the half-moon brass handles on wooden sideboards to ornate brass knobs on farmhouse furniture, there is a beauty to brass that is certainly not lost on our Instagram followers. With the farmhouse kitchen table at its heart, this is a scheme that is simple to replicate and enjoy in your home – and be warned: the smaller details give it the edge!

Whatever your choice of finish, we’re sure to have something to suit you – whether it’s brass or silver handles you prefer!

Order today to get it in time for Christmas

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

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

Ways to Use a Sheepskin Rug

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

Added Warmth

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

In the Bedroom

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

The Hallway

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

Dining Room Essential

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

The Office

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

A Reading Corner

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

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

3 ways to incorporate the faux fur trend in your home

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why choose a round dining table for your home?

The dining table is the essential element of the dining room or space in your home. But why opt for a round table? What are the advantages and drawbacks?

1 Room Dynamic

Every room in your home has a mood or an ambience about it. In the dining room, you want it to be stylish and welcoming. Some people find that a rectangle table is more accommodating and yet, there is something magical about a round farmhouse dining table that seems to draw everything else around it to it. Maybe it is the softly, curving lines of the round farmhouse table that is the key?

2 More Inclusive

For this point, we need heat out of the kitchen and into the boardroom. The rectangle table has two long sides and two shorter sides and at one end, the boss would sit; the person with the power and control. The head of the house would also occupy this space at the dining table but with a round dining table, there is no ‘head’. Everyone is on the same level so to speak thus, the roundness of the table is perfect for making sure that everyone is included.

3 Perfect for Parties

And this means the inclusivity of a round table makes it an ideal choice if you entertain too, whether that is a formal dinner party or an informal gathering of friends and family. Everyone can see each other, connect and interact.

4 Bunch up!

The best gatherings are those that are impromptu. The ones where someone calls as you are dishing up tea or the number of guests at your party seems to have swollen beyond the guest list. The best parties are those where people sit on mismatched chairs, footstools or balance on a beach ball. With a round dining table, it is easier for people to join in, bunch up so to speak, and enjoy time together.

5 But they extend too…

It is not just rectangular tables that extend, you know. The round table can add a middle section, changing it from round to elliptical. Better still, this is offered in all kinds of styles too such as the Scandinavian design. Who wouldn’t love the extending Scandinavian dining table in their home?

6 Consume Less Space

A round table is perfect for the large dining room, just as it is for the smaller dining room too. Because there are no sharp edges and angles, as pleasing as they may be, the roundness of the table allows for easier flow, essential for the smaller dining room remaining accessible, functional and stylish too.

7 Understated Glamour

Maybe it is the soft curving nature of the round dining table that makes it so attractive but we think there is something else. The supporting legs of the table don’t need to occupy the ‘four corners’ because there are none. And this means a pedestal leg.

A glorious column of loveliness that makes squeezing around the table so much easier and pain-free – no knocking knees against table legs! Just look at the statement the legs of the Colette reclaimed dining table make…

Is a round dining table your favourite?

Great ideas on how to use a sheepskin rug

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

The Bedroom

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

The Hallway

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

The Living Room

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

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

The Dining Room

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

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

What is your number one option: Real or Faux?

With Faux Fur Day on 1st December, we thought we would look at our customers home decor preferences: real or faux materials.

Many years ago, wearing real fur was a sign of class, elegance and money. Today, the wearing of animal skin and fur is a contentious issue. And yet, people who denounce the wearing of real fur do so whilst wearing leather shoes, enjoying the warmth of leather sofas and dining chairs…

It is an interesting debate and, so we decided to stoke the flames, asking you, our customers, which you preferred in the home: real or faux fabrics?

As always, you smashed our expectations, showing there is a delicate balance between what is acceptable and what isn’t.

Real or Faux Leather?

Leather and its synthetic equivalent are popular materials. Easy to care for and wipe clean, both leather and vinyl are able to withstand the rigours of everyday use. With this in mind, we asked you to choose between faux leather dining chairs and real, brown leather dining chairs.

On the face it, both look the same and act the same, with only a small difference in price. So what were the results? Your response was divided: our Instagram followers opted for faux leather but our Houzz audience opted for real leather.

Leather is a by-product of the beef industry, a way of using as much of the carcass as possible. Whereas once it was very expensive, it is now within reach of most budgets. But, at the same time, manufacturing techniques of PU (or ‘poly’, meaning ‘made’) leather have improved enormously and this means that all the properties of leather, including a realistic grain effect, makes it a popular option.

That said, we have noticed a considerable increase in customers buying leather-clad items, from an Italian leather sofa to dining chairs. Maybe the robustness and warmth of leather are coveted, after all?

Real or Faux Fur?

The properties of fur are well-known and yet, when we wear it, people frown upon it. But we live in an age in which we are returning to natural fabrics.

Wool, for example, has anti-allergic properties, it keeps us cool in summer and toasty warm in winter. It too, like leather, is a by-product of the meat industry. Sheep and other ‘woolly’ animals are shorn in the spring, with their wool used in a range of products from wool duvets and bedding to items of clothing.

In the home, real fur, such as sheepskin rugs, are becoming popular because they are robust and long-lasting. With high-quality, well-manufactured large sheepskin rugs, shedding is minimal and that means it stays looking superb, for longer.

But what did our poll tell us? The majority opted for faux fur, with only a small number opting for real fur. And yet, the wool industry in the UK is gathering in popularity with many of us realising that natural materials do – and always have – offer us what we need. Our sheepskin rugs, for example, all made from real wool (it is treated to straighten the fibres and make the pile even more luxurious).

Is one better than the other? Each material, real or synthetic, have their pros and cons but as with anything in your home, it comes down to your preference.

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.

Get the Scandinavian style in the dining room with these new sets

Scandinavian furniture is well known for its ability to transform any space into a luxurious, tranquil haven. This is perfect in the dining room for creating a room you’ll love spending time with family during mid-week meals and with friends at dinner parties.

Our gorgeous new dining room table sets have been beautifully crafted with oak and feature the ever-popular Nordic design influences for beautiful pieces which will receive endless compliments.

Before you add the furniture into your room, if you are prepared for a bit of work, Scandinavian spaces always have fresh white walls and light flooring to really create an illusion of a larger, more spacious room. Then, when it comes to furniture, try and keep the wood light (or white) to maintain this illusion.

This is why the Wycombe Oak dining tables are perfect. Their slim styles and elegant finishes make them the perfect choice to achieve that dream Scandinavian style.

When it comes to the perfect Scandinavian dining table, think about what you tend to use your table for. For example, if you love to entertain, a round extendable dining table may be the perfect choice. A rounded table is great for creating a feeling of togetherness, allowing everyone around the table to talk and really spend quality time together. The dining tables come with matching Scandinavian chairs to create a sleek, coordinated finish which will beautifully complement other modern furniture in your home.

Alternatively, you may have a room which is more suitable for a classic, rectangular table. The gorgeous Wycombe Oak Dining Set features the same gorgeous finish as the round table with the soft edging and slim round legs for that luxurious, Nordic style. The table is also available in an extendable style, which is perfect for large families and those who adore entertaining.

To really bring that Scandinavian style to life, think about how you can accessorise. Scandinavian design leans on the side of minimalism, so try and add interest without adding clutter or large, dramatic pieces. Add a few potted plants in white or silver pots for a splash of green and add a simple, large mirror on the wall. If you want a slightly more statement piece, a large floor rug is a great option.

For more inspiration, or to shop the new Wycombe Oak dining sets, take a look at the Modish Living website. Or get in touch with one of our team members for any enquiries.