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.

Reception Room Ideas – Revamp Time!

Kensal Round Marble Coffee Table for reception area

For any business, front-of-house is critical in creating an impression of your business that is favourable. For hostels and other hospitality businesses, the reception area is the first step people take into your business and we’ve got lots of reception room ideas to make sure your customers are excited to be with you.

Waiting Room Chairs & Seating

The reception area is when customers sign in and may need to sit to wait. With this in mind, your waiting room chairs & seating becomes so important. Leather Sofas and chairs are a popular and practical choice, you may also decide to invest in some small tables to complete the look. However, if your business is more industrial or perhaps more modern, a more urban seating area may be appropriate so keep it in mind the branding of your business when choosing office reception furniture.

Reception Area Furniture

For people who are waiting or for patrons who want to relax, sofas and armchairs are essential.

Consider an arrangement of two-seater sofas interspersed with statement piece armchairs. The classic sofa shape, complete with sumptuous cushions are inviting at the end of a long journey for most people. Choose fabrics wisely so that they can withstand more frequent use. A leather sofa works well, as does treated upholstered luxury sofas.

Shop Chester Club Leather Armchair

Team with furniture that supports the waiting area, again choosing material carefully. Wooden furniture adds warmth, whilst metal framed furniture can add a sense of the contemporary to a space. For the most perfect reception furniture collection, add an oak and concrete contemporary coffee table or go for sublime marble with this Kensal Circular Coffee Table.

Atmosphere = Lighting and Décor

The reception area should be light and airy, neutral in tone but not devoid of warmth nor welcome. There must be splashes of colour – fresh flowers add colour, and scent too – and the use of glass is fantastic for reflecting light, ambient and natural, around the space.

A glossy floor also creates an appealing feature to the room. It is streamlined and contemporary, but not devoid of character. Scatter cushions and the drapes add texture and form too.

With these reception room ideas, done right the impression of the space is nothing short of wow – exactly what you’re hoping to impress upon your visitors.

How to style your black Chesterfield sofa

Aviator Coffee Table styled with black chesterfield sofa in living room

What makes this such an appealing and pleasant living room?

The Chesterfield sofa is an iconic shape, a sign of decadence and luxury. The matching sideboard and coffee table fit perfectly within the scheme. The TV, although large, is not the centrepiece of the room. The armchair with lush, deep green upholstery adds another note of sophistication, the black lampshades and silver-edged accessories, including the mirror pulling the whole scheme together. Although the red flowers are the only red items in the room, the eye is not drawn to them immediately but to the gold-effect Roman numerals of the wall clock.

All in all, a pleasing effect, simple enough to recreate. But most of us struggle to make a space that is as harmonious and cohesive in design and appearance as this room.

So how do you get this glamorous, sophisticated look? We’ll show you how.

Black Leather Sofa

The centrepiece of the above living room is the brown leather chesterfield sofa. We are going to substitute it for an Italian leather sofa or, for added flair and glamour, the crushed velvet living room sofa from our range.

Both have an iconic, recognisable shape and delicious curves – let this shape sing in the room!

Black is a great colour to work with, mainly because it dovetails well with any other colour. However, bear in mind black accentuates other colours so a moderately bright pink cushion will be a very bright pink cushion. Dark colours will take on new depths, and pastel colours will look stronger too.

The Armchair

The armchair is this photo is a distinct colour to the sofa, great for breaking up the monotony of a colour scheme.

Depending on your colour scheme, you may want to choose a statement piece like this Cropwell Bartello Leather Jasper Wool Chair. Don’t be frightened to mix materials – this chair goes well with both the leather and brushed velvet sofa. Design your own armchair, by customizing mixing wool and leather of different colours.

Shop Cropwell Bartello Leather Jasper Wool Chair

For practicality and style, add this impossibly glamorous reclaimed wood round side table or for the industrial look, this reclaimed wood with metal frame side table is ideal. Reclaimed wood furniture works wonderfully in this setting.

Shop Luxe Kensington Reclaimed Wood Round Nest of Tables

If you don’t want to take the chance of introducing a coloured armchair for fear it will date, furniture such as this contemporary coffee table will surprise you with its versatility for sitting within any design scheme. The mirrored effect of this aviator-themed coffee table certainly adds glamour and appeal.

Lighting

The atmosphere in a room is important and it starts with the lighting, supported in its endeavours by the final choice of wall colour.

Don’t be frightened to add a mix of furniture accessories. This brass-based Martino table lamp works well with all contemporary living room furniture. Pendant lighting following similar lines and shape will also add atmosphere to a room.

Accessories and Colour

Once you have the ‘basics’ in the room, it can be tempting to add all kinds of cushions in various shapes and sizes, elegant and colourful drapes and window dressings, along with a rug or two.

But floor coverings and rugs should be neutral as like a light-coloured ceiling, a light floor helps to open up a room.

A mirror also helps to pull a room together, especially when you use more than one, using them as wall art too.

Creating a cohesive, glamorous space is about placing things together but not being ‘matchy-matchy’. It is about neutral floors and ceilings, lighting and the furniture and finally, wall colour. You too could have a beautiful living room, by just following the plan above, but with a black sofa – so how will you style yours?

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…

Why your living room needs a mirror for impact

Golden Pebbles Wall Mirror in Living Room

There are some people who think the primary function of mirrors is nothing more than to provide an opportunity to check their hair or make-up, but of course, there is so much more to them than that. A carefully chosen, thoughtfully positioned and beautifully created reclaimed wood mirror can offer a stunning addition to any room design, so always be sure to select the right one for your needs.

One of the nicest things about mirrors is they can be placed almost anywhere in the room, and they will always enhance the overall look. It’s maybe best to avoid placing them on a wall beside windows, but apart from that you have free rein to go with your heart. Whether you go for a classic wall variety such as the Lily Wall Mirror or perhaps the free-standing Amalfi Mirror is of course entirely up to you.

Mirrors placed above the fireplace in a living room will always provide a focal point for all and will add a touch of class to any contemporary living room furniture collection. In larger rooms, two mirrors will enhance the overall look and will add to the sense of space. The important thing, as always, is to add your own touch to the room, so make it all as individual as you want.

Use your imagination, use your style and use your passion!

There’s nothing wrong with a room that has been laid out along familiar, classic lines, of course, but there’s also nothing wrong with creating a look that chooses to mismatch as a theme if it can be described as that! With so many different styles of a mirror on the market, finding one to match your desires is perhaps easier now than it has ever been.

A classic Chesterfield black sofa, or perhaps a brown leather sofa with matching armchairs, will provide a traditional look, but the rest of the room doesn’t have to reflect this if you’d rather add something a little more quirky. The wonderfully different Golden Pebbles Wall Mirror is attractive, practical and beautiful, and will augment any style of the room.

As with all items of furniture for living room locations, the mirror can make a great deal of impact, depending of course on the style and the placement. If you’re looking to make the room as light as possible, place the wall or free-standing mirror in an area which will reflect the light from windows, and always be ready to try various locations before making a final decision.

5 ideas for the under stairs space

In many homes, there is one part of it that is often forgotten about and under-utilised – the under the stairs space can be surprisingly large but awkward in shape to fit anything of real use there. This makes using it an awkward space to use, as well as style. However, with our under the stairs ideas, you could create a whole new space, perfect for all the family.

Create a Bar Area

If you entertain or just enjoy kicking back with a cocktail in hand, having a dedicated space to mix your drinks sounds almost too good to be true. Under the stairs space is the perfect spot. No matter how big or small the space is, it will easily accommodate a bar like this Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Bar Table – and finished with a couple of stylish bar stools or an industrial bench to perch on.

Create a Home Office

Working from home is increasing in popularity but space can be pressing in a busy house. An under the stairs office can be the ideal, distraction-free working space.

But don’t think this means working in a small, badly-lit ‘hole’. Our Office Desks offer the ideal solution. Made to measure and with a choice of finishes and options, you can create a stylish under the stairs work area, with everything that you need.

Create an Art Gallery and/or Relaxation Space

Fantastic wall art is not just for the hallway or the lounge. Sometimes, finding a quiet spot to meditate or to contemplate the bigger picture can be tough in a busy house. Creating your own ‘relaxing space’ using the space under the stairs is the obvious solution.

Contemporary art is, we think, simply beautiful, packed with colour and detail. For a quirky but not completely off-the-wall style, add different shapes and sizes of clocks that will add detail and depth without the drama.

Storage Heaven

If there is one thing that the modern home could do with more of, it is storage space.

With so many things needed to hand every day, finding the right storage solution seems to keep slipping through our fingers. Quite often, the issue is not just lack of space but solutions that allow us to store and access our things quickly and easily. And this is where our reclaimed wood storage chest comes in to its own. Beautifully and lovingly crafted from reclaimed wood, the dents, scratches and scuffs are all part of its unique story and history.

Shop Reclaimed Wooden Blanket Box

Thoroughly waxed by hand to give an even finish, this reclaimed wooden storage chest is versatile, fitting with most interior design scheme in your home but perfect, we think, for being an under the stairs storage gem.

The Reading Room

Reading is an activity many of us use to shut down the hubbub of the day, slowing our whirling minds from the reality of everyday life and transporting us to a land of infinite possibilities.

But again, with the TV on, people tap-tapping on tablets and smart phones, finding a space that is truly relaxing and perfect for reading the latest best seller is not always possible.

So how about squeezing in this Oswald 2 Seater Sofa Vintage Brown Leather under the stairs? Add a not-too-bright reading floor lamp and while away the hours with your favourite novelist and a chilled glass of wine.

How will you create your haven under the stairs?

How to style a sideboard to look at its best

Medium and large Reclaimed Wood Sideboard for living room

A sideboard really is a staple piece of furniture for dining rooms and living rooms offering both style and valuable storage space for all the items you want to keep tucked away. However, it also provides a perfect surface for the things that you do want on display like lamps and candle holders or for hanging canvas paintings and clocks above.

Which sideboard to choose?

With any large piece of furniture, white works beautifully to keep your space looking bright and open. In terms of colour, a white contemporary sideboard also offers a wonderful blank canvas for creating a contract against colour and other pieces of furniture. Go for all white furniture for a sleek, coordinated look or try a rustic reclaimed wooden sideboard for a more industrial look.

How to style a sideboard

The beauty of a sideboard, particularly a white one, is that it can be paired with whatever contemporary home decor your heart desires. Go for something simple or dramatic – either way, a sideboard is the perfect accompaniment to any room.

For a glamorous finish, add a stylish table lamp with a large luxurious shade. If you are looking for understated style, you can leave it there but you could also add more light by adding candle holders and tea lights.

There are also plenty of options for on the wall above your sideboard. A canvas painting or contemporary large clocks are a great choice to create a focal point in your room. A large wall clock is a great statement piece for any room. If you go for a white sideboard, a dark grey or black metal frame will create a stunning contrast and is bound to be a talking point – the perfect blend of classic and contemporary, industrial style.

Alternatively, a gorgeous canvas will look fantastic for a more classic look. Our collection of canvases come in a range of style and would look fantastic in any colour scheme. With a large sideboard, you could even place two smaller canvases side by side.

To find the perfect white sideboard for your living room or dining room, shop the sideboards collection at Modish Living or get in touch with our team.

The Perfect Garden Party Furniture For a Small garden

With the Bank Holiday coming up, get your garden ready for an early summer party. If you have a small garden, there is no need to worry! These ideas will get your garden party ready in no time.

An large dining set is the perfect option to entertain guests in a small garden. The Poole Large Outdoor Dining Table is proof your outdoor space can be just as stylish as your indoors. It’s perfect for catering a garden party.

Alternatively, if you are really short of space, a small bistro set looks fantastic. This way you and your guests can chat outside and just need to move inside to eat dinner. A couple of matching chairs placed beside the table is great for both parties and chilled summer evenings when you just want to sit outside with a drink.

When it comes to food, a BBQ is normally the way to go as soon as the weather is warmer. But why not go for a Mediterranean inspired menu. Colourful skewers look great and are easy to pair with anything you like.

Your party doesn’t need to be completely outdoors. Open the door to the garden so the space will be maximised by having the dining area and the garden for entertaining. If it’s a colder evening, or you are having a more formal dinner inside, its nice for guests to have a space to flow into outside for before or after dinner with a glass of wine. If you have a smaller open plan kitchen diner, it’s also easier to keep your guests entertained outside whilst you finish off the food.

This works fantastically if you have a garden sofa for a cosy night with some throws. Drape them over the ends of the sofa and stock up on plump cushions for a comfortable and welcoming space to chill. To maximise the effect, add tea light holders or hang lanterns for a summer evening haven.

Shop the Alum Bay Grey Rattan Garden Furniture Set with Rising Table

To find the perfect party garden furniture for your outside space, take a look at the Modish Living website or get in touch with our team.

How to choose the perfect modern armchair for your living room

There is nothing quite like unwinding after a long day by relaxing in a comfy armchair in the living room. But getting the right armchair takes more than just choosing luxury seating based on looks alone. There are other factors that come in to play, especially with modern armchairs.

Purpose

It seems odd to start with purpose because surely, an armchair is to sit in?

Of course it is but the armchair serves an additional function in a contemporary living room. Consider, if you will, your lounge in a cold, dark winter’s evening. The fire is ablaze, and you and your partner are sitting enjoying each other’s company, a good book and the heat of the fire – so why not have two armchairs on either side of the fire?

These Oswald Armchairs are perfect for fireside in the winter, and next to a vast window to enjoy the summer sunshine too.

Space and Measurements

Our eyes and memory can deceive us, especially when we choose an item of modern living room furniture as important as an armchair – we can think that the space is bigger or smaller than it is. The problem with this is that the dimensions of the chosen armchair once in the space can look too big, too cumbersome, too small, too insignificant.

Before you go on the hunt for the perfect armchair, measure the space where the armchair will be. When you find the armchair, use the dimensions of it to create an outline on the floor – does it look too big or small, or just right?

Choose the Fabric

Next is fabric, and this is essentially linked to the style of your interior, as much as it is to your likes and dislikes. Leather is a natural material that takes minimal effort to keep clean and supple. Fabric can add colour, depth and texture to a space. Or, you may prefer the best of both worlds and opt for a bespoke armchair design which mixes your choice of leather and fabric – paired with modern rugs, this can look fantastic.

The Chesterfield shape is iconic, associated with sofas but also available in a comfortable armchair. We can create a truly bespoke Chesterfield designed armchair, complete with your choice of leather and tweed.

Choose the Style

Style is, of course, important. We have already mentioned the iconic Chesterfield design but there are others.

There is a style of armchair that will fit your interior design style perfectly.

Leather tub chairs are also popular. If you have trouble choosing – and who doesn’t? – you will be pleased to know that there is no interior design rule that stipulates you can only have one colour leather or fabric, or have to make the choice between leather or fabric when it comes to armchairs.

Try for Comfort

You wouldn’t buy a mattress without testing it for comfort, even if it is only for a few minutes. The same can be said for both armchairs and sofas.

Why not make an appointment and sample the comfort levels of our stylish modern armchairs?