dining room Archives - Page 36 of 39

How to decorate with a display cabinet

From a regal Welsh dresser to a modern, contemporary display unit, the display cabinet is a stylish means of extra display space. Whether you want to show off your prized sculptures and ornaments, or organise books and other accessories, the display cabinet is ideal. But how do you get the most out of it?

Symmetry

When it comes to displaying items, you need to ensure symmetry and connection between items. It is effectively this ordered approach that promotes harmony and stops things looking chaotic.

There is a clear pattern to how items are displayed on this Maddox industrial elm display unit, perfect for promoting harmony between items.

Complimentary Style

A display cabinet also works well when it has a connection to other items in the room. For example, the earlier mentioned Maddox unit works well with an industrial dining table. When there is a complimenting connection between styles and items, this too lends itself well to the symmetry within the room.

Open or Closed?

Modern, contemporary display units tend to be open shelving systems but there are times when you want an extra layer of protection for some items and that means opting for closed, or glass display cabinets.

Again, keeping in style with your farmhouse kitchen or rustic dining room, the large Windsor display cabinet is imposing, yet elegant and sophisticated. To help the display cabinet stand out even more, add coloured pieces to the shelves and enjoy the contrast between light and dark.

For a raw and more rustic feel, opt for Standford reclaimed wood and glass display cabinet, perfect because every notch tells a story. To tie everything together, use similar coloured pieces in the cabinet as to those in the room – for example, match pretty and delicate flower-patterned items with candle holders on the mantelpiece and so on.

Reclaimed wood furniture and crockery

And this brings us nicely onto the items you have to display. If you enjoy the appeal of reclaimed wood furniture, then you will understand the appeal of trawling charity shops and second-hand emporiums for pretty porcelain pieces. Vintage or anything of age doesn’t mean your display unit has to be twee – like mixing patterns, keep colours similar and patterns similar too, and watch them enjoy a new life on your display cabinet.

Adding Detail

You would think that all the ceramics and glassware would make the display cabinet look too cluttered and full, so why add extra details? But designers suggest that a great way of helping a display cabinet stand out is to add something ‘different’ that maybe you wouldn’t consider is in its ‘rightful’ place. For example, artwork in the kitchen or a dashing sculpture or two.

There is also an argument for adding pretty lighting to a display cabinet, such as fairy lights weaved into the mesh of lanterns or a larger table lamp to illuminate the display cabinet and its content.

In essence, adding light, items that link and connect not only together in the cabinet but across the rest of the room, along with a dash of symmetry will see your display cabinet, contemporary styled or otherwise, ooze with glamour and sophistication. Try it!

Welcome the latest industrial dining tables

How to style a Made in Britain dining table

For many consumers, buying British designed and produced goods is their way of supporting the local and national economy. And this is the movement behind the Buy British Day on Saturday, October 3^rd. And because it is the start of the festive shopping season, it is no wonder that many British retailers, designers and small businesses look to entice shoppers with festive gifts and accessories.

In our eyes, there is nothing better and more ‘British’ than the use of reclaimed wood in furniture and other accessories. And with the festive season on our doorstep, our thoughts have turned to Christmas dinner table. With a British designed and made dining table, complete with dining chairs and accessories, it is a beautiful sight and one your family and friends will admire.

But how do you create a stunning ‘made in Britain’ dining table?

The Dining Table

It is the largest piece of furniture you will invest it and you will sit around it countless times. There will be times of merriment and mirth, and with reclaimed wood, it is a chance to add to its history and story with your own memories.

The most popular by far is the English Beam extendable reclaimed wood dining table. Made from reclaimed wood also means that it is unique and although it has a character of its own, it doesn’t limit your ideas or style. Finish the look with either leather dining chairs with their own unique appearance or opt for the opulence of fabric dining chairs.

Dress it – maintain the rustic charm with platters for protecting it against the heat of plates. Use candles in ornate holders with evergreen garlands of leaves around the centre of the table. Add droplets of sparkling ‘diamond’ shaped pieces to catch the flickering candle light.

If you want exquisite detail and the feel of artisan skills beneath your fingers, then reclaimed wood furniture is a must, and the Rustic Inlay reclaimed wood dining table is a firm favourite of ours too. In fact, this table, handcrafted in the UK is the Editor’s favourite. As rustic furniture goes, this is surely one of the best examples of what can be crafted with skills developed and honed over decades.

Dress it – take care when choosing dining chairs. They make look stunning and grand but wider chairs need more space at a dining table. If the chairs are forced to sit too close, trapped fingers ensue and no one wants that at the Christmas table.

And for the dinner?

If you want something a little different or one that suits the kitchen diner, then this rough sawn Stanford dining table is ideal. Popular because it is both extendable and made from reclaimed wood, its crossed legs also give it a feature.

There is something elegant about this chunky table. It looks sturdy and solid, and yet it has a gracefulness that makes it one of the most appealing dining tables we have. Unlike the other dining tables in our range, there is a height to this and that means investing in high dining chairs, almost like bar stools if you like. But, as you would have come to expect, our bar stools are far from ordinary.

They pack their own punch when it comes to style. But better still, with the right place settings and dining table accessories, the Stanford dining table offers both formal and relaxed dining experiences.

Rustic furniture is beautiful. Reclaimed wood has a romance of its own, so which dining table will you choose?

What are the benefits of choosing a rug

Living Room Styled With Louis de Poortere Vintage Patchwork Rug

Whilst hard wooden or tiled floors are beautiful to look at and have many benefits of their own, sometimes, a carpet or rug underfoot feels like a luxurious accessory. In the colder months, it feels so much nicer to step into a thick, warm material instead of a chilly floorboard. For those who are keen to keep some of their hard flooring visible and prefer not to choose a permanent solution to their chilly toes, a rug provides the perfect solution.

Rugs help to reduce dust

Rugs absorb and retain more dust than hard surfaces, meaning a reduction of visible dust in your home. Living room rugs, and indeed rugs for any room in the home, are easy to clean and a once a week vacuum should rid your rug of any dust accumulation. Most are tolerant of damp cloths and cleaning products should a spillage occur. The moveable nature of a rug means that it can be taken outside and shaken or beaten for a deeper clean.

Rugs are great for playing

If you have ever spent time on a hard floor playing with children you will know all too well the benefits of a rug. A cosy surface in a child’s bedroom is such a lovely addition both for them and for you. A wool rug like our Agnetha grey twist feels indulgent, is soft to touch and great for playing. Made from 100% New Zealand wool, these wool rugs have the additional benefit of being easy to maintain – a must where children are involved!

Rugs enhance acoustics

Soft furnishings absorb sounds and rugs are no exception. Resonance is reduced in an area with a rug and the bigger the rug, the greater the impact. This makes for a calmer, softer ambience and can be easily achieved by placing a rug underneath a dining room table or coffee table. A big Louis De Poortere rug is a perfect solution here. Available in a range of colours and patterns inspired by the Far East, this gorgeously eclectic collection is easy to blend into a range of interiors. Made from pure wool and cotton chenille, it feels beautiful as well as looking great.

Rugs are comfortable

The bottom line is that a great quality rug feels luxurious underfoot and is a pleasure to walk on. Rugs are naturally warm and a lovely treat for your bare feet on a winter’s morning. Next to the bed is particularly indulgent. How about a large sheepskin rug like our luxury double white sheepskin which is naturally warm with a deep and fluffy feel as well as offering a touch of style and glamour to your room. Our reindeer rugs from Finland are also truly luxurious offering thick, sumptuous warmth as well as being individual and unique.

With so much to choose from, we can help you find a beautiful rug that is perfect for your home. Whether traditional rugs, contemporary rugs, simple or patterned rugs, you can be sure it will be a treat for your feet.

Celebrate all things British and buy British this season

Coinciding with Small Business Saturday, the Buy British Day which aims to encourage us to buy products designed and made in the UK will be held on 3^rd October. It is a time to examine what Britain has to offer, a chance to enjoy the exciting talent of local, small and British businesses.

Within retail, there are many things that as a consumer, you can buy and when it comes to British designers and products, there is no shortage of options either. Within the furniture sector, it has become clear of late that the modern consumer that flimsier items are no longer an option. People want good quality products at great prices – and if they are supporting British producers and designers, then this is a bonus too.

Our ‘Made in Britain’ Collection

We work with designers and producers based across the globe, supporting fledgeling industries but we are exceptionally proud of our ‘Made in Britain’ collection. Add to this our penchant for using reclaimed wood, using the skills of artisan furniture makers, and you can see we are proud of our British made products.

We source wood from bakeries, London pubs, bakeries, anywhere that have large pieces of timber ripe for reuse as pieces of fine furniture. Our Rough Sawn collection, for example, is a range of reclaimed wood items that look are refined, a chance to show the beauty of the wood. When it comes to rustic furniture, there is nothing better than this collection.

Wooden beams were made from slow growing trees, such as oak, as it is a dense wood with superior strength. Before stainless steel and concrete plinths, large wooden beams were hoisted into position and would have easily borne the weight of a building. Now, this wood – undented and largely undamaged – enjoys ‘retirement’ in our English Beam collection. Again, with the fine eye of a designer and the skills of an artisan furniture maker, these beams become exquisite pieces for your home. Imagine Christmas dinner around a reclaimed wood table with family and friends?

The Industrial Revolution that swept the country in the 18^th Century brought about monumental change. It also saw industrial and traditional materials brought together. This collaboration, at first an uneasy combination, is now a harmonious marriage. Reclaimed wood, concrete and steel feature throughout the Oldman Collection. A British designed and made collection, it shows the end product of when new meets old, modern meets traditional.

British Designers

We support many designers and one is the Brighton based artist Ant Fox. There is something endearing about his animal canvas prints. Something sweet without being sticky. His art catches and retains the eye, they are pieces that guest will admire and comment on. His art fuses the modern – printing on canvas – with the traditional, as he finishes them by hand. In other words, each piece is unique and personal.

The List Goes on…

Our mattresses are British made, as our elegant, crushed velvet Padstow sofa and armchairs. Even better, we think, is that many of our items can be made to your exact requirements. So, if you want a statement piece in a reclaimed wood coffee table, then go for it!

Supporting homespun industries is essential for the economy and so this season, why not indulge yourself with reclaimed furniture that will last for generations to come?

It’s time to get your perfect party table

English Beam Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

Your dining room table is an important centrepiece in your house and Christmas time is no exception. As well as choosing the all important decorations and table settings, you need to ensure that you have enough space for all your guests. Whether you’re planning for a pre-Christmas party or the main event, there are a number of factors to take into account when planning your perfect party table.

What shape will work best for me?

If you have limited space, a round or oval table will often work best. It is more convivial to squeeze extra guests around a circular table rather than being seated on an awkward corner of a rectangular shape. Round tables have a common centre for all the guests and offer a friendly, intimate feel. The brand new Colette round dining table has an elegant, statement base and adds a splash of rustic style to your dining experience.

Rectangular tables offer sleek lines for a room with space and usually seat more people. Choose a rustic or industrial style if you want a stylish piece without compromising on functionality. This popular Lansdowne Industrial dining table makes a statement whilst being practical and offering one or two 45cm extension leaves.

Do I need an extension?

Extending tables offer the best solution for seating extra guests and making most of dining space. Just don’t forget the extra chairs!

You may want to consider where you would keep the extra sessions. Big chunky rustic furniture is gorgeous but do you have storage options for a heavy extra section? Also bear in mind the space in your room, whilst it’s great to be able to find seating for all your guests, make sure you allow enough room for people to move around the rustic dining table comfortably once it is extended.

The Farringdon reclaimed wood dining table offers superb value. Impress at parties with this stylish piece of reclaimed furniture which includes a slick fold away extension, perfect where storage is at a premium. This table is sure to wow, especially when teamed with the luxury grey fabric dining chairs.

A fabulous alternative is a bespoke piece made to your own size specifications. Two particular favourites from Modish Living include the English Beam extendable reclaimed wood dining table which offers a stylish and characterful solid top and legs using English beams that are over 100 years old. We also love the White wash inlay reclaimed wood table for a Scandinavian feel. This too is extendable and can be made up to 300cm long.

Be sure to order your bespoke rustic furniture by the end of October to ensure it arrives in time for the party season.

I’ve found my perfect table but how do I decorate it?

Christmas is a time for giving your table some extra glamour and sparkle but you may want to think about works best for the shape that you’ve chosen. Rectangular tables lend themselves to fancy table runners, which allow you to set the base for your colour.

For a rustic, traditional look choose warmer colours, whilst cooler wintry colours lend them more to a Scandinavian style table.

A great idea for a round table is to set a circular mirror in the centre to match the shape and then add some flickering candles or table jewels for gorgeous reflected sparkle.

With these tips, you’ll soon have a dining table to be proud of – no matter what the size and shape of your dining space.

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.

Get festive for National Grandparents Day

Founded in 1979 by Marian McQuade of West Virginia, National Grandparents Day is celebrated this year on 1^st October (or the first Sunday after labour day if you are in the US). Unlike so many celebrations of its ilk it is not a “hallmark” day, that’s to say one that is designed to see you buying gifts and cards, but rather a day to get together with your grandparents and spend time together as a family.

You don’t need to spend lots of money, you don’t even need to make fancy plans for the day, just gather everyone together and spend quality time as a family; it’s the perfect occasion to get together.

Family Reunion

Nowadays it’s all too common for families to live all over the country rather than close by, make National Grandparents Day the perfect excuse to get everyone together in one place with a family reunion. It’s a good idea to start planning straight away though if everyone needs time to make travel arrangements.

One of the main principles behind the celebration is to give grandparents the opportunity to show love not just for their own children but also for their children’s children. Coming together as a family can have so many benefits for all generations of the family, youngsters benefit enormously from being around older people and vice versa.

The Perfect Table

Of course, no big family reunion could possibly be complete without a meal, and it is worth considering that there is more to a meal than just the food; the ambience and the atmosphere, and even the fabric dining chairs all play a huge part in creating a good meal.

When it comes to a big family meal, you want the conversation to flow, with everyone being able to join in, after all the whole point of a reunion is to get everyone together. An oval or round extendable dining table such as this Victorian distressed white extending oval dining table is the perfect choice for your dining room, and an extending table gives you the flexibility to seat even more people.

If you are worried about getting the conversation flowing, and it can happen when people haven’t seen each other for a while and don’t know what to say then why not set a few nibbles in serving dishes out for people to help themselves; food can always help to get the conversation started. We love this Bramble Flower Candy Dip dish, it won’t look out of place in either a contemporary dining room or something that is more traditional in style. Place it on a glass cabinet in the corner of the room and watch people head over to dip their hands in!

Activities

And when the meal is over why not carry on the celebration with a few activities to bring the generations even closer. Board games are a perfect example of something you could do together, and something you don’t need to rely in good weather for. Why not organise a chess challenge between the grandparents and the nephews?

If you are fortunate enough to have one of those lovely warm October days then get the whole family outside, you could have a game of football or even just take a leisurely walk in the local countryside.

However, you choose to celebrate National Grandparents Day, spend it with the people you care about because spending time together is so important.

The every day look of your dining table

Even when not in use, the dining table is still a feature of your dining room or kitchen. A space primarily used for dining and entertaining, a dining room table is also the perfect space to add personality to your space.

In the dining room

In a large dining room, play up the glamorous setting with a reclaimed wood dining table and accessories to match.

The simple table top of this reclaimed elm dining table paired with the shiny stainless steel legs is perfect for any modern dining room. With a slim design, the elegant table keeps any room bright and open, creating an illusion of more space.

To create a coordinated space, match the accessories to the stainless steel legs. The Bud Candelabra would look stunning with the Maddox dining table, with the moulded base and tall design adding depth and interest without creating a cluttered space. If you go for a table with a unique base, keep accessories minimal such as these simple candlesticks and a simple potted plant for a splash of green.

Alternatively, go for a more classic look in the dining room with a rustic dining table. This table even comes complete with drawers on the edge perfect for stowing away dining accessories and even that special cutlery set. Add a couple of different sizes lanterns for a modern contrast against the more traditional style of the table.

In a light airy space

In an extension, or a room with lots of windows, match the style of the room with a contemporary dining table. The angled trestle style and modern concrete resin top of this table creates an architectural design. Keep it simple with matching wooden chairs for a sleek finish and go for ultra contemporary accessories.

A more modern style table lends itself to colour with accessories. It could be something as simple as dressing the table with a bowl of citrus fruits, or a fresh bunch of flowers.

This room style also suits an oval dining table. The classic, elegant style of this white dining table creates a wonderful contrast against the modern style of the room. Go with elegant decor to match such as the Bramble collection available on our website. The Bramble Flower Caddy Dip is great as stunning serveware for dinner parties and a matching Bread Board completes the look.

For a farmhouse look

Oak dining tables look stunning in any dining room or kitchen. Paired in a wooden kitchen or simple white dining room, this luxurious farmhouse table has been handcrafted with solid oak and is perfect for hosting large dinner parties. Pair with elegant upholstered dining chairs and simple glass candle holders for the ultimate farmhouse look with a touch of glamour.

Alternatively, go for a table in a combination of white and dark wood with plenty of character to create a magnificent focal point in any farmhouse style room.

To find the perfect dining table for your home, take a look at the Modish Living website or get in touch with one of our team members for any enquiries.