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Our contemporary approach on the classic farmhouse table

Hoxton Oak White Farmhouse Dining Table and Chairs

As you would expect, the farmhouse style contains many nods towards the farmhouse of old. The milk churns, the wire baskets, the summery yellow and the hint of floral charm on soft furnishings and window dressings.

Farmhouse or Classic Farmhouse – Is There a Difference?

There is detail, but there is also a more than a hint of the practical, simply because it needs to be. After a hard day tilling the land and tending flocks, no farmer nor their family wants to return to a home that is devoid of function or warmth.

But if the quaintness of the style doesn’t quite sit easy, there is an alternative. It retains much of the farmhouse charm but there is a refined elegance in the classic style within the confines of the farmhouse style. Slightly sleeker but nowhere near minimalist, there is a welcome dose of the modern, hence it is the ideal choice for many a home.

The Heart of the Home

The kitchen in any home is the heart of the home but in the farmhouse, it was the ‘main’ living area, probably because it was the warmest. But this doesn’t mean the modern farmhouse table has to be huge and overbearing.

Choose a modern dining table that pays homage to the farmhouse style – the painted white legs, the wood top – and you won’t be disappointed. The Hoxton oak dining table is ideal or for a little more detail and panache, why not opt for the ample proportions of the rustic trestle table?

The farmhouse kitchen of old was the place family and friends gathered, and was the venue for many a social event and get together. Your kitchen is likely to be the same, with friends and family welcome at any time. This can mean that even the biggest of farmhouse table is under pressure in terms of space for diners. Thus, the extendable farmhouse table is the solution.

Of course, seating is important too and again, there is a practical element to the farmhouse style. For example, dining benches are often used, doubling up as storage space too in many a busy kitchen.

Then there is the iconic farmhouse style chair, with wooden spindle backs. But this doesn’t mean you cannot add a hint of texture with upholstered dining chairs. To give fabric dining chairs the best chance of effortlessly taking their place at the table, keep colours neutral and the fabrics natural. The off-white linen effect of these delicately detailed upholstered dining chairs is perfect with the class style farmhouse table. Or, if you want to bring the look right up to date with colour, then you can’t go wrong with grey dining chairs.

Complete the Look

The display cabinet – as a classic piece of farmhouse furniture – is as synonymous with the farmhouse kitchen as the large dining table is. The white display cabinet still has its place and its uses, bringing both grandeur and practicality to any busy kitchen. Opt for the statuesque, single white display cabinet or, if space allows, the double display cabinet, with glass doors and pristine white exterior won’t go amiss. Or, if space is pressing, the white painted sideboard is the ideal addition that doesn’t consume space.

The farmhouse style is a charming style. Robust yet heart-warmingly charming, it will work in any home, including yours.

How do you prefer a display cabinet: with or without glass?

It was a big question. But we asked it. And you answered.

It was a dead heat. Half of you who responded to the question “how do you prefer your display cabinet, with or without glass?” said with glass and the other half were clear in their conviction: the only way forward is without glass.

With this in mind, we examine the pros and cons of glass display cabinets with those without glass.

With Glass

There is something undeniably beautiful about glass, whether it is as a glass door on a display unit or a shelf. Why do we love glass display cabinets so much?

Reflective – glass is a reflective material and so in any room, large or small, it allows natural and ambient light to play.
Elegant – this reflective ability means it adds a sense of elegance to any space or any interior design scheme.
Versatile – glass fits any interior design scheme. There is the traditional appeal of the farmhouse style display unit or the non-fussy finish to the modern style.
Protective – glass doors (any doors from any material) mean an extra layer of protection to the items inside. This is why most farmhouse or rustic style cabinets and dressers will have at least one section with glass doors.

The Con

We struggled to think of any, but we did come up with one…

The Glass Cleaning Dilemma – the smears, the annoying bits of dust and fibres left behind, the sticky finger marks… we could go on, but this is the only real bug we have about glass. And yet, it is not a ‘real’ one, is it? As well as homemade glass cleaning remedies (warm water with white vinegar, a lint-free cloth) or high-quality shop bought glass cleaners, keeping the glass doors of the display sparkling takes no more than a few minutes, if that.

Without Glass

Of course, we recognise that there are times when a cabinet without doors is the order of the day but what pros do these open display cabinets bring to a room?

Functional – there is a pleasing sense of utilitarianism about an open display cabinet. You can see its structure, the skeleton of the pieces that is just as beautiful as the reclaimed wood shelves of the industrial-style cabinet.
Openness – for many, it is the openness of the shelving that is appealing. Items are not hidden away behind door frames and glass but allowed to shine in their own right. In some ways, this is a testament to the history hidden in reclaimed wood furniture. Why wouldn’t you want to see it and admire it?
Easy to Access – and for many, it is the fact that when you need something, you can grab it off the shelf. No need to open doors and shut them again; a case of ‘grab and go’, perfect for when you need things quickly and frequently.

The Con

Again, we struggled because it is a personal question of style, likes and dislikes…

Look too bare? – depending on your style, likes and dislikes, the utilitarian feel can be too much. It lacks character, some might say but we think that in the right setting, with accessories to bring it out of its shell, the open shelving of a display unit come to life.

The Answer?

It depends on your style and what statement you want your display cabinet to make because with or without glass doors, both types pack a stylish punch.

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.

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.

Get the perfect farmhouse table for your party

The chill of December tells us one thing: winter is coming. Darker evenings and shorter days may spell doom and gloom for some but for us, it means party season.

And there are plenty of options from the spooky party for Halloween to apple bobbing on Firework night to informal get togethers as the festive season arrives in December, followed by late night revelry to welcome in the New Year.

Most parties revolve around the kitchen and the food which is why this handsome and stylish Eastwood Rustic Oak Dining Table is a must. This dining area looks fresh, bright and inviting – but how do you get the look?

To Extend or Not to Extend, that is the Question

Not quite the correct Shakespearean quote but near enough. The Eastwood Dining Table is versatile – just look at the chunky legs and sturdy frame, with the smooth oak table top – seating six to eight diners.

The Eastwood Dining Table doesn’t extend. But it does, however, tick all the boxes, especially if you love oak, complete with a story all of its own.

Seating

Now you have the table in place, you need to set about creating the perfect dining space. Ambience is set by lighting, atmosphere by your hosting and appeal by the style you choose to use in the space.

For a room to look and feel warm and inviting, which is why the hardness of wood for the dining table is perfectly offset by the tactile nature of fabric dining chairs.

There are many options when it comes to style (and colour). The Skye Dining Chair with Arms are simply delicious, even if we do say so ourselves. There is something simple, yet appealing about the high, straight back of the chair. There is support and comfort, perfect for your diners to enjoy the delicious meal about to be served.

Another great option if you want more detail but without clutter are the Dawson Dining Chairs. With sumptuously padded seat and back, adorned with chic square paneled stitching for an extra touch of sophistication, they offer the same support and plushness, with a little extra detail.

The Background

The table is set, the chairs look magnificent – you just need something extra. From bespoke artwork on the walls to a colour-enhancing rug, you need another piece of furniture that brings yet more glamour to the room. Understated, yet essential, the Windsor large glass white display cabinet is perfect.

And that is all it takes to recreate this beautiful, stylish dining room – perfect no matter what the party!

Is the formal dining room becoming extinct?

Mary Berry, the former judge of The Great British Bake Off, has courted controversy by publicly declaring she has ‘ditched the formal dining room’. Whilst many have thrown their hands up in horror, it is easy to understand why.

But, we need to dig a little deeper because whilst Mary – and others, it has to be said – have rejoiced in the demise of the formal dining room, they are not suggesting we all invest in lap-top trays and eat dinner, hunched over our plates whilst watching the TV.

So, who is right? Should the formal dining room be consigned to the history books or is there still merit in a separate room?

The Jury is Out…

We did a quick straw pool on Instagram and we found that 50% ate at the kitchen table and 50% of our audience ate in the dining room. It is not so much that people are against the ‘formal’ dining room, maybe it is the perceived notion of how this space should be used that concerns people.

The dining room style and use has changed of late and for busy families, eating together in the kitchen has advantages. But is there merit to still having a separate room?

Not just for formal occasions…

People surveyed by us through Houzz said that they only used their dining room when there was a formal occasion such as a dinner party or Christmas dinner. Rather than seeing the dining room as hallowed ground, wrest control back and make it a fun space.

Seating

The dining table doesn’t have to be a large, dusty expanse of coldness: warm the dining table with brightly coloured upholstered dining chairs, perfect for adding texture and warmth to a space.

The seating can also be far less formal than the straight-backed dining chairs or overly-ornate wooden dining chairs that many of us grew up with. Kitchen chairs are sturdy practical simple yet have enough style to make them pleasant items to have in the dining room.

Size

Size is not always important either, with a small kitchen table being just the right size and space for the family to re-connect after a long day at the office and at school.

Material

Be practical in your choice of dining table too. We all remember the fear of placing something on the dining table that would cause a scratch mark or a water ring that would forever destroy its veneer! Modern day wood dining tables are perfect for any home as they have a much better resistance to heat and moisture, a far better and more practical option.

Accessories

Soften the edges further with stylish salt and pepper pots, as well as pretty accessories that make eating in the dining room a pleasant affair, such as the gentle flicker of candles in lanterns.

And don’t forget, the dining room doesn’t just have to be a place to eat. It can be the place that homework is done, a best-selling novel is written, friends gather…

Tell us about your dining room and how you use it. Do you use it just for formal occasions or is it the extra room that you need for other activities?

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 style the best seller: The Kensington Reclaimed table

Luxe Kensington Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and chairs

Let us admire it, just for a moment or two – the Kensington reclaimed wood dining table is glorious in all its industrial inspired style. This autumn, the trend, interior designers tell us, will be the industrial furniture look. But if you think this means cold steel and little overall warmth and appeal, prepared to be surprised because this is not what the industrial style is all about.

Rawness, but with warmth

There is something essential raw, yet appealing and warm about the industrial look and that is down to the wood used in the scheme. But how do you pull off this look with success and aplomb?

For the look to work (for any style, in fact), there needs to be a connection between all the main pieces:

The Kensington dining table with its reclaimed wood table top and the metal leg frame works with a variety of dining chairs. In the below dining room scene, it is the legs of the table, the ever-popular Gustav industrial dining chairs and the Barclay sideboard that pull all the pieces together in one cohesive look.

Choose an element of the industrial style, whether that is wood or metal, and use that throughout the room. And keep the colours similar too – in the above dining room, the metal legs are black, perfect for promotion harmony to the eye.

Ring the changes by using dining chairs that contrast with the heady rawness of the table. The reclaimed wood table top of the Kensington industrial dining table is unfinished in its appeal thus, teaming it with the more refined wood of cream dining chairs, such as the Roxy upholstered dining chair.

In this case, the cohesion is provided by the neutral colour palette with the warmth of the reclaimed wood sitting well with the cream upholstery. The natural warmth of wood is not lost in this instance either and choosing all-natural materials also helps to pull it all together.

Don’t be frightened of colour in an industrial style dining room. The industrial look is synonymous with earthy colours, those that you would find in an industrial setting but that doesn’t mean a hint of colour is ‘not allowed’. Far from it! The Luxe Macy Grey dining chair, available in blue or grey, as well as rich Bordeaux red and sea green, is a perfect choice.

When not in use…

The table doesn’t need to be kept bare because with its striking table top, why wouldn’t you want to touch it or admire each time you pass?

And when not in use, soften the edges and enhance the appeal of the industrial dining table with fresh flowers and accessories that are stylish. Take a look at grand, statuesque candle holders as well as table and industrial floor lamps that also hint at the industrial style.

Materials are key to getting this look ‘right’. From fabric dining chairs to bringing cohesion to the space by matching details such as legs on chairs, sideboard and table, the industrial look is not cold and detached, but warm, stylish and ultimately a practical style for any home.