farmhouse Archives - Page 5 of 10

Choosing the right colour for the bedroom

Thornton Reclaimed Wood Bed and Blanket Box in Room

Colour in the home is so very important. It brings style and elegance and is a personal statement. It represents how you live in your home, your likes and taste. It can open up a room just as it can ‘shut it down’. It can bring a fresh, clean feel, just as colour contributes to the warmth and ambience of a space.

In the bedroom, colour is just as important as it is in the hallway or the living room. There is psychology behind colour choice that helps us to create the backdrop that we want, creating a space that welcomes and envelopes us.

Light or dark shades – which is your preference?

In recent months, we have noted a growing trend via social media and other sites for darker hues. In some ways, this isn’t a surprise because the season of autumn and winter always bring us comforting, darker shades of colours.

Within the drama of darker shades – greens, red and blues – there is a welcome comfort, a retreat from the grey, dull and cold of winter. There is a warmth in darker shades that attract us.

We took to Houzz to ask what shades people preferred in the bedroom. There was a leaning toward lighter shades but darker hues were not far behind. In fact, it was a relatively even split between the two.

Industrial drama

Darker shades tend to be associated with the industrial style. This interior design style was borne from the age of loft living in huge city warehouses. These superb gargantuan building once housed the noise and hubbub of industry but fell silent.

With the domestication of the space into open plan loft living, designers kept this industrial edge, melding natural materials especially reclaimed wood, itself a bastion of industry from earlier centuries, alongside modern industry.

Against metal and bare brick, reclaimed wood sat within the comforting depths of darker shades. The injection of glamour into this style in recent times – the gold finish, for example, or the high polish of stainless steel– fitted beautifully with dramatic midnight navy or the theatre that is dark, earthy green.

Darker shades create a warm glow, a drama all of their own but in some spaces, they can detract and contract. Sucking light, darker colours can become oppressive but if you must have the dark shades, use sparingly and add plenty of ambient light to counterbalance it.

Farmhouse lightness

At the other end of the interior design spectrum comes the farmhouse style. Comforting and cosy, it too has elements key to making it work.

But if you think farmhouse means lace doilies and chintz curtains, think again. In the bedroom, a farmhouse reclaimed wood bed would be the centre of attention, the warmth of the wood nurtured by lighter shades on the wall.

Yellow, white, cream, beige and other pastel shades sit well with farmhouse furniture. The cream rug on the wooden floor adds warmth on both a practical level and in terms of style, with texture.

Painted furniture is not uncommon in the farmhouse style either, such as a crisp white bed balanced with bare wood bed side tables.

Light colours in the bedroom bring freshness. If you want to bring vibrancy to your walls, the Pantone colour of the year ‘Living Coral’ is perfect. With warm undertones, this colour, along with others from the lighter end of the colour spectrum, brings colour without weight but are still warm and welcoming.

Which colour scheme are you bringing to your bedroom to go with your reclaimed wood furniture?

Make room for these beautiful refectory dining tables

A refectory is a large communal dining room, the kind of which you find anywhere from the work ‘canteen’ to the large dining halls of schools, colleges and other venues. At the centre of the refectory is the refectory table, a long trestle-like table around which many people can comfortably sit. Equally, at home, an oak dining table accompanied by a dining bench to match its length or upholstered dining chairs is giving the refectory table somewhat of a resurgence.

The grand oak trestle table

Oak is a beautiful slow growing tree and the timber it gives is dense and incredibly robust.

The beauty of a large oak table is not to be underplayed and this trestle table is perfection. Two large column legs at either end, with delicious curves, give the table top a rigidity and strength.

Of course, it is the beauty that you will notice – both looks and quality – and frankly, we think sumptuously upholstered dining chairs won’t look out of place around it.

The Farmhouse dining table

Perfect for the refectory look – the long, imposing dining table at its centre – the farmhouse reclaimed wood dining table is the perfect mimic of the grand oak table.

It boasts a similar shape, complete with attractive leg columns and a reclaimed tabletop perfect for friends and family to gather around.

The farmhouse style is all about mixing function with style so why not mix it up with a dining bench down one long side of the table, and wooden and fabric dining chairs around the other long side and two short sides. You could, of course, add upholstered or even leather dining chairs, and they wouldn’t look out of place.

The appeal of dark wood

Dark wood is the ‘Marmite’ of the furniture world – you either love its drama or you hate it. We love it, especially when it comes in the superbly glorious shape of a dark wood refectory table.

Sublimely styled, it too boasts the column legs with carved detail and a glorious expanse of dark wood table top that brings its own drama to the dining room.

If there is one dining table that is the epitome of the hallowed dining halls of years past, it is this table. Retain the drama with dark wood dining chairs although we love matching velvet dining chairs in darker shades with this table.

Back to lighter oak tones

Coming full circle, we come back to the beauty of oak in this magnificent 8-seater dining table, an ideal addition to any home but if you have the farmhouse-style kitchen, you have found your farmhouse dining table.

It has presence. It has beauty. It oozes quality from every knot and grain. Slide a dining bench alongside one long edge to increase the seating space or keep it chic and elegance with neutral upholstered dining table. The beauty of cream or grey linen against it light finish allows the table to remain the important piece in the room.

Which would you choose?

How to add charming farmhouse style to the living room

The ‘farmhouse’ decor style is perfect for decorating living rooms – full of character, cosy and warming, it perfectly combines classic shapes and tones with imperfections (often associated with the highly contemporary industrial style) for a surprisingly stylish overall appearance.

Originally, farmhouses were decorated with whatever was practical. That means whilst style is important, nothing should be too delicate or showy – it’s a style which is functional first.

So make sure to think about the items, or farmhouse furniture, that you need to make your living space work for you. Do you need a reclaimed wood coffee table providing space for books and games, for example? Or perhaps something which provides tonnes of storage – like a sideboard?

With farmhouses traditionally being practical, consisting of whatever could be found, matchy-matchy style isn’t really something which is associated with farmhouse style – in fact, that’s part of the charm. Opting for furniture which looks great together but doesn’t necessarily perfectly coordinate is exactly the look you should aim for with farmhouse style.

For example, the wooden table top on this farmhouse coffee table looks wonderfully chic paired with this light wooden ladder, whilst not matching exactly. Speaking of adding a wooden ladder – they are fantastic decorative pieces for a farmhouse living room, reminiscent of the traditional orchard ladder which may have been used to pick apples, whilst doubling up as a space to pop cosy blankets.

Beyond functionality, think about how you can add texture to your living room. A large beige rug is great for many reasons.

In open plan spaces, a floor rug will section out your room to create a cosier feel in your living room. But it also adds interest and a pop of colour or texture – perfect against the sometimes harsh-looking wooden floors.

Fabric armchairs are also great. This simple grey studded armchair offers timeless style with a highly contemporary twist which you’ll love for years to come. Pair with something slightly different to maintain the imperfectly-perfect style of farmhouse style like a fabric and leather Chesterfield sofa.

And what about your walls and flooring? There are plenty of options, depending on how much inspiration you wish to take from farmhouse decor. However, a popular trend at the moment is painting floorboards bright wight. White floorboards create a great contrast against wooden furniture and also really help to brighten up a space and keep it feeling airy.

Have you got any reclaimed wood furniture pieces already in your living room which would be absolutely perfect for creating a farmhouse inspired space?

Useful tips on how to choose the right dining chairs

Hoxton Oak Dining Table and Fabric Dining Chairs

These days there are so many dining chairs on the market that you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed by the thought of shopping to find the perfect dining room chairs to match your new reclaimed wood dining table. But thankfully as with all home decor there is no right or wrong answer!

Here are a few of our favourite handy hints and tricks to find the perfect wooden dining chairs or fabric dining chairs to match your preferences.

Perhaps rather obvious, but the most important factor is whether it will fit in your home! In a small kitchen/diner, dramatic, oversized dining chairs may be overwhelming. In order to ensure whether your dining chairs will fit in your dining room, consider the widest dimensions of the item and checking it will comfortably fit in your space. You can use masking tape on newspaper to map out the area; this will give you a really good idea whether there is still plenty of space to walk around the furniture.

Don’t forget when it comes to buying the dining room furniture you also need to make sure there is plenty of space to be able to pull out dining chairs. 90 cm is the recommended allowance here.

But when it comes buying dining chairs, there is something else you need to consider too – whether they will fit under your fabulous farmhouse dining table! You have probably noticed, whether that be as a result of shopping for dining room furniture (or possibly uncomfortable dining experiences) that not all dining tables are made equal – some table tops sit much higher than others. The rule of thumb is to allow 30.5 cm between the seat of your chair and your tabletop.

If you recently bought a new farmhouse style table, have a quick look at it. Consider not only how you will be using the table, but also the table top thickness, whether there is a framing underneath the table top, and where the legs are positioned – for example, is there a table leg at each end which limits your options.

You might also want to think about how many people you can comfortably fit around your dining table. Make sure to measure your chairs at the widest point, and allow each guest 60 to 75 cm of space. Don’t forget to make room for the arms of your dining chair if you’ve opted for style with arms (roughly 15cm).

Beyond ensuring your dining chair actually fits in your dining room you also need to make sure the look fits.

If you prefer a rather minimalist style, perhaps suiting that glossy kitchen you’ve just had installed, keep the style of your dining chair fairly similar to the table – you may even be able to find dining chairs in the same range. Opt for wooden dining chairs in a similar colour to your dining table for a calming, coordinated look which is effortless chic and won’t date.

Leather dining chairs are another popular choice. Perfect for adding drama and a touch of glamour to your dining room, leather dining chairs work beautifully with any dining room table. Certainly if you’ve got a large dining room table, like an 8 seater reclaimed wood dining table, the understated style of leather dining chairs may work rather well.

Alternatively, a small dining room table is sat in the corner of the kitchen can be brought to life with a splash of colour.

Have you got any tips that you think we’ve missed?

The not-so-humble breakfast bar table

The breakfast bar table is not one to be shunned or seen as a poor relation, although it can fit in a corner nicely. It can make the best use of space, whether you have acres to play with or a few square metres.

The bar table and chairs works in any kitchen. and there are several styles to choose from…

Rustic industrial chic

The rustic industrial style is a pleasing fusion between metal frames and reclaimed wood table top as seen is this breakfast bar table from the Standford collection.

The faux leather bar stools make the ideal addition, maintaining the rustic industrial charm.

There is no need for the kitchen bar table to devoid of character, simply because it is both functional and practical. In fact, the surrounding pieces can lend itself to making the space a fantastic place to eat and snack, as well as sit and enjoy the company of a guest or two.

Keep accessories light and simple, the perfect foil to the darker metal frames that come not just with the kitchen bar table and stools.

Using pieces from the same range allows for effortless symmetry but you still need an extra layer of texture to bring it all together. And what is better than traditional rugs, perfect for sitting alongside the reclaimed wood furniture with an industrial style that we have used so far.

We have opted for a blue rug, a fantastic patchwork design with a denim blue inlay that we love against the industrial rustic backdrop.

You can maintain this simple yet stylish look with this elegant light oak shelf ladder, simply perfect for slotting into any farmhouse kitchen. It marries perfectly against the bar table and stools set.

We have maintained the light, airy feel to the whole look with yet another choice from our traditional rugs range. This time, we have opted to add drama with the traditional patterned pale black rug. There is an assuredness to black that means it effortlessly slots into place, perfect for sitting alongside the white frame bar table and the bare oak shelving unit.

Is a bar table and chairs something that would sit well in your kitchen?

Tips to make the most of Men Make Dinner Day

Recently we came across National Men Make Dinner Day, which occurs every year on the first Thursday of November – this year, that’s 1st November. Of course, we recognise that many men do cook on a regular basis and do enjoy serving up new dishes for friends and family.

However, if you are someone who isn’t usually be found in the kitchen, this is the perfect day to cook for the people you love. It could be the start of something beautiful (or, it could not!). But you won’t know either way without giving it a go.

It’s also great practice if you’re thinking about taking charge and cooking Christmas dinner this year!

Rules

For those thinking about getting involved, there are a few rules to get going.

Once you’ve agreed to participate in the day, you must pick a recipe unaided. This recipe should have a minimum of four ingredients and should use at least one cooking utensil beside from a fork. You must also shop for all the ingredients (bonus points if you check current supplies before you go!)

When it comes to cooking you meal, you should refrain from asking for help and should adopt the clean as you go along mentality – piles of unwashed dishes are a no go!

Setting the Table

Setting your farmhouse dinner party to prepare for serving the delicious meal you’ve been cooking is also part of the task. Pour a glass of wine from your drinks display cabinet to celebrate your work in the kitchen, grab soft drinks for the kids, then light candles and add seasonal flowers to create a fantastic Thursday night dinner which will really impress your family.

You can even root through your large sideboard to find napkins or place cards to create the feel of a luxury dinner party if you really want to go all out!

Finally, ensure to pull up enough upholstered dining chairs or opt for a dining bench and extendable dining table combo if you’ve decided to be really brave and cook for the extended family.

Ideas

When it comes to ideas for what you can cook, you’re in the best position to know what you and your family enjoy eating. But be realistic – after a long day at work, you and your family probably don’t want to wait around hours for dinner to be served.

Cooking something you’re relatively comfortable with is a good option, whether that be something like a simple pasta dish, or something a little bit fancier if you are more proficient.

Make sure you also choose something which won’t take too long to cook. There are plenty of recipes which suggest they take around 30 minutes to cook so even the most culinary challenged folk won’t take all evening to prepare dinner. An autumnal stew or hotpot is also nice and easy and tastes phenomenal.

Finally, make sure you read the recipe a couple of times before you start. Think about the timings of making the dish (and even write down the order you need to add things in your own words if it will avoid confusion).

Will you be taking part in National Men Make Dinner Day? We’d love to see your triumphs (or tries) if you do.

Add a touch of glamour to the farmhouse dining room

Mitcham Industrial Oak Squared Large Sideboard

We grant you, glamour and farmhouse are not two obvious style fusions you would normally expect to see. But we think that any interior style is ripe for glimmers of glamour if done in the right way. So how do you add a hint of glam to the farmhouse style with reclaimed wood furniture? Let’s start with the dining room…

What’s your definition of glamour?

Glamour means different things to different people and so we’ve tried to cover the whole glamour spectrum. If you think we’ve missed anything out, drop us an email.

All that shines…

… is worthy of the glamour tag in our eyes but too much and in the wrong place can soon tumble into tacky. So keep it chic with these great ideas;

Shiny accessories – such as lithe, slim shiny candle holders or lanterns are an ideal addition to the farmhouse dining table.
In moderation – if everything has a shiny surface, not only will you be plagued with fingerprints, it will look too much. For the farmhouse dining room, the name of the game is understated and almost-under-used shiny stuff.

Mix it up

One of the things that attracts us to the farmhouse style is just how versatile it is. It is a style ready for pairing with other styles but also readily accepting of ‘something different’.

Get this right and this ‘something different’ could be the seam of glamour you want to inject. For example, alongside, the farmhouse dining table why not for decadent velvet dining chairs? A pairing you may not be expecting.

Texture does it

Texture is also part of adding luxury and glamour to a room. And so similar to the velvet dining chairs in the previous idea, adding textures you wouldn’t expect is a great way of giving the farmhouse dining room a little extra zip.

From upholstered dining chairs to a velvet high backed dining bench, the difference adding various textures makes is delightful.

Add a rug

The farmhouse style is all about practicality hence most of us opt for a wooden floor. A great idea but if you want to add extra depth – and glamour too, by default – then opt for a dining room rug.

Steer away from a too deep pile, however, as this will not withstand the rigours of a busy dining room. A flat weave rug is a perfect alternative and with so many colours and patterns, you are spoilt for choice.

Lights, lights, lights

Easy and simple, you can’t go wrong when you add abundant lighting to any room but it is certainly well-received in the farmhouse dining room.

From a beautiful ornate chandelier to a modern hanging pendant light, be as bold as you dare in your choice.

Mix it up with modern chic

Want something really different? Add a flair of genius with a modern piece that completely contrasts with the farmhouse style but retains symmetry and coherence by using similar wood finish and colour.

And so yes, that industrial sideboard will pair perfectly with the dining table and leather dining chairs…

All about extendable dining tables and why we love them

Every home should have an extendable dining table in our opinion, folding up from a 6 seater dining table to more, or from a 4 seater to a 6. Offering more space in the blink of an eye, they are a functional addition that many people can’t imagine living without. From accommodating a gaggle of unexpected guests at dinner to other practical uses, the extendable dining table is a worthy investment.

But how do they work? Are they safe? Is one extending mechanism better than another?

The Standford extendable table – the butterfly extension

The butterfly is a beautiful insect, and the way in which it unfolds and stores away its wings is the inspiration behind the Standford extending dining table. This piece of reclaimed wood furniture is sought after, and it’s not hard to see why.

With a simple mechanism, the rustic dining table top pulls apart and the middle layer forms the extendable option, effectively increasing the overhang at each end of the reclaimed wood dining table.

The extending ‘flap’ is then clicked into place so there is no danger of it collapsing back in when someone leans on it.

The Farringdon extending dining table – a farmhouse style table

The Standford is a beautiful example of the industrial dining table whilst the Farringdon extending dining table is a beautiful example of the farmhouse dining table.

Essentially, in the farmhouse kitchen/diner, it is the table that is its beating heart. It is a place around which everyone gathers for everything from meal times to family time, playing board games or simply sitting, talking, listening and laughing together.

It too has a simple and easy to use extending flap so when you need extra tabletop space, you have it.

The Beam extending table – the slide and lock option

The idea behind an extending table is to make it bigger, for example from a four to a six-seater dining table (actually, you can squeeze more around it – we’ve tried!).

The versatility of such a table knows no bounds but with the Beam rustic dining table, there are more options – either one extending flap or two.

With this design, the extending section is at either end of the short edge of the table – if you opt for two – and a simple ‘slide and lock’ mechanism.

So if there is a homework project carrying on for a few nights, there is no need to keep it all – just slide out the extending flap when serving dinner.

The Lansdowne trestle extending table – simple, easy to use extensions

The extendable table is not just for the farmhouse – it can be for the modern, industrial home too and the trestle table we know, epitomises the industrial, utilitarian look.

Similar to the Beam table, the extending parts of the Lansdowne trestle table are flaps at either end of the table or you can opt for the one extending leaf.

As well as the versatility of the extensions, why not opt for the matching dining bench? There are times when the best dinner parties are the unplanned, informal, let-us-all-squash-around-the-table ones.

The type of extension that suits you

The middle extension tables work great for families who need it occasionally but when they do, they want it a fixed option.

For those of us who require extra space on a regular and frequent basis, the extending flaps can be the ideal solution because as fast as they are to pull out, they are just as simple and easy to push back in.

Have you considered an extending table for your home?

Refresh your home for autumn with a farmhouse sideboard

If there is one style that oozes comfort alongside function it is the farmhouse style. Appealing for so many reasons, with the chill of autumn starting to creep into the evenings, we are once again retreating indoors.

The farmhouse style is adaptable, perfect for giving your autumn home a refreshing appeal and welcome. And the farmhouse styled sideboard is an absolute must. Ideal for stashing everything from your best dinner services to ‘bits and bobs’, just how do you get the most out of your farmhouse sideboard?

Symmetry, but not too much

A sideboard brings welcome symmetry and order to a room. To balance the large expanse of space on top, we fall into the trap of bookending it with identical items.

Move away from over-symmetry by balancing a large reclaimed wood sideboard by clustering items in odd numbers at either end, leaving a gap in the middle. Balance it further with a stunning piece of wall art or ornate framed mirror.

When space is tight…

… you don’t have to bid your dreams of a sideboard goodbye. Instead, modify its dimensions, opting for a smaller cousin that won’t swamp the room but still afford you usable and accessible storage options.

The smaller sideboard from our newest range, the Chelwood Collection, is divine in so many ways. Made from reclaimed wood, the slightly refined texture of the piece works well alongside your reclaimed wood dining table.

Play with colour

We often assume that the farmhouse style is about everything being natural but you can still use hints of colours, especially white.

This distressed white finished farmhouse sideboard has the charm and compact dimensions a smaller room may need but still has plenty of storage space with both cupboard and drawers space on offer. Plenty of room for this and a farmhouse dining table too!

Make it really practical

An item of reclaimed wood furniture that boasts a high level of function is one that has more than one use. A sideboard is great for keeping stuff in but sometimes, in the busy kitchen, you need something more.

A partner to wall art

Wall art, whether it be a canvas or an ornate mirror, can be a feature in the room. But it can become lost somehow, behind clusters of accessories and eclectic collections of books, candles and lamps.

So be bold and leave the sideboard top clear of all items. Hang a large piece of artwork or statement mirror low on the wall and let it speak. You don’t have to compromise on the sideboard style either.

This louvred door large sideboard would sit well in the farmhouse style and with a piece of artwork hanging above, it would be ideal.

How have you styled your farmhouse sideboard? Why not send us some photos?