farmhouse Archives - Page 9 of 10

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 choose a table with white base in the kitchen?

Dorset Reclaimed Wood Dining Set with Chairs and Bench

The kitchen is much more than a space to cook and store food, it is often the beating heart of the home. The place where family and friends come to meet, eat, talk and mingle. It is often the best place to entertain, where the chef can cook whilst chatting to guests. Family life takes place in the kitchen. It is a place to grab snacks, eat as a family, complete homework and put the world to rights. The centrepiece of all this action is the kitchen table.

Whether you favour a traditional style rustic cucina or a contemporary Scandinavian style space, we think a centrepiece rustic dining table looks great with a white base. Our beautifully crafted reclaimed wood tabletops are perfectly complemented by a white base which adds a bright and fresh modern touch to the furniture.

Get the farmhouse look

If you’re keen to recreate farmhouse living in your kitchen, think about a beautifully tiled or wooden floor but keep walls light for a more up to date feel. Think vintage with reclaimed or salvage finds, maybe a chunky butchers block or of course, a reclaimed wood table. Big copper or cast iron pots serve to add character as does a range cooker or Aga, should space allow. A beautiful big light fitting can hang as a spotlight over your centrepiece table.

Our Dorset reclaimed wood extendable trestle table is a perfect example of the way that a rustic design can add character to a kitchen. The distressed base gives the table a vintage quality that puts it right at home in a traditional style setting.

Alternatively, the reclaimed wood Provence extendable dining table adds a touch of elegance and French charm to a rustic style kitchen. We love the fact that using reclaimed wood means you own a truly unique piece of furniture as every one is slightly different due to the individuality of the patterns in the wood.

For a smaller kitchen, the Savannah reclaimed wood round kitchen table enables you to achieve this look even where space is limited. This light and fresh style will complement your room no matter what your choice of décor. Another fresh and funky space saving option is the Dorset kitchen bar table. This solid and welcoming piece of furniture offers a distressed base for a lived in, well loved look.

Scandi style you’ll love

Scandi style dictates an ergonomic, functional and natural style, all of which are fulfilled by the Nottingham extending Scandinavian dining table. This robust table offers clean lines, typical of Scandinavian furniture and handily extends to welcome more guests.

If you’d like to add some more Scandinavian touches to your modern kitchen furniture, think gentle curves, natural materials and light colours. Keep your decoration functional yet stylish. White and bright wood are a key Scandi look. For interest, add a splash of bold, vibrant colour or some eccentric details including some canvas art prints. Plants and greenery are also a welcome addition.

Whether you have a traditional period home or sleek and modern pad, here at Modish, we can offer you the perfect statement table for your kitchen – whatever your taste.

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.

Easily get your farmhouse inspired bedroom

You don’t have to live on a farm or in a rural location to enjoy the whimsical romance on the farmhouse inspired bedroom.

By using key elements of this popular interior design style, you too can enjoy a stunning farmhouse bedroom…

Mix the old and the new…

The farmhouse bedroom is an informal, relaxed space but make sure you retain a few nods to the traditions of yesteryear. The easiest way of doing this is to mix the old with the new.

One of the easiest and fool proof ways of achieving this is with reclaimed wood furniture. Each grain, dip and pattern tell a story, perfect for injecting uniqueness and a slightly modern edgy without ditching the past completely.

Our Tip

Make the bed the key feature. Don’t be frightened of it ‘imposing’ on the room as in essence, the bed was the main character of the play that is the farmhouse styled bedroom. This reclaimed wood high framed bed is ideal. Or, if you prefer the painted look, consider the Marlow grey painted bed.

The Blanket Box

As well as the wardrobe and the chest of drawers, along with the quaint side tables, there was another piece of farmhouse furniture that was essential ‘back in the day’.

The bedroom fire heated the room in the hours before bed but with the prospect of a cold night, once the fire had gone out, the wooden blanket box was the place where extra blankets and feather-filled eiderdowns were kept.

You may not have masses of either but the wooden blanket box is practical and functional, but ideal for adding a nod to tradition.

Our Tip

This mix of painted and reclaimed wood is ideal and a white blanket box is a great nod to the farmhouse style. Complete the look with matching bedside tables.

Pastel Colours

The farmhouse style is not devoid of colour but think lighter pastel shades. Stick with white and mix with pretty, flowered linens or opt for buttery yellow or a warm beige. Darker colours were rarely used on the walls as farmhouse bedroom furniture would often be dark wood, and lighter colours help to lift the room.

Steer clear of stripes and geometric patterns, and stick with florals although you can be as modern in your choice as you like.

Our Tip

Not keen on dark furniture? You are in luck because white bedroom furniture is ideal for the farmhouse bedroom look. White when teamed with exposed or reclaimed wood stops white furniture looking too ‘young’, modern and misplaced in a farmhouse bedroom.

Natural Materials

Although there are some examples of metal being used in a farmhouse styled bedroom, the overriding material was wood. But if you find this too much, opt for other natural materials such as rattan.

This wicker storage basket, complete with upholstered seat is ideal to act as both storage and a window seat.

Now you have the basics of your farmhouse bedroom, you can create your own perfect romantic, boudoir haven!

Are dining tables with drawers in or out of fashion?

For those of us with long memories, the dining table complete with almost-hidden drawers were a common sight in the kitchen dining table.

The ‘everyday’ dining table had the ‘everyday’ cutlery stored in the drawer and other odd bits and bobs. But in the dining room table, the drawer was home to the best cutlery. It was almost hallowed ground, a place that only those with permission could go…

Our use of the dining table and the dining room made be different today and far less formal than in years gone by but the dining table complete with drawers is very much back in fashion. Some of us would argue the farmhouse table with drawers never went out of fashion.

The Appeal of the Farmhouse Style

If you think farmhouse furniture means overly chunky, then you take a look at what this painted farmhouse-style reclaimed wood table would give you.

As well as a farmhouse dining table with finesse and style, it is also perfectly practical too:

Extendable – for when guests arrive, you can simply add an extra length to the farmhouse dining table with an extendable ‘flap’, meaning you can enjoy a meal without clashing elbows with your neighbour.
Versatile – this farmhouse kitchen table would work well in any situation, with the chairs and/or bench enhancing its beauty. Team with upholstered dining chairs or mix n’ match with a wooden bench or two.
The drawer – choose from a one or two drawer style and keep your every day or best cutlery close to hand. Also, a great place to keep placemats, napkins and other must-have items at meal times.
Unique – reclaimed wood furniture is fantastic, no two ways about it. This reclaimed wood rustic dining table is beautiful, smooth and with a warmth all of its own, each item is unique because every pattern and grain is unique…

Function and Finesses

People love the farmhouse look for its solid features, curves and the appeal it has to be able to withstand the rigours that family life throws at it.

But you may want a refined look for the ‘best’ dining room. For those of us that enjoy entertaining, we know how important the surroundings of the dining room are. The setting of the table, the flicker of the candles in the table centre, the feel of the smooth linen napkin all help the taste buds to enjoy the food on offer.

The Barclays reclaimed wood dining table packs a punch in terms of style. And like its Earlier mentioned counterpart, has everything that you need;

Drawer space – cleverly disguised as four small drawers, the end of the table actually has one large drawer, ideal for storing place mats, napkins, cutlery and more.
Stylishly unique – again, there is something beautiful about each piece and that is because each piece is unique. Reclaimed wood tells a story, and far from compromising the table, every undulation and blemish adds to its beauty.
Dine in elegance – shine the spotlight on its elegance further with customisable leather and fabric dining chairs.

Too Many Choices?

There are, of course, dining room sets that take the uncertainty of pairing chairs and benches with a dining table to get the right look for you home, making it even easier to have the dining room style you want.

Does a dining table with drawers appeal to you?

Pamper yourself and your pet on Dog Day

Dog Day is on 26th August and is a day to celebrate all breeds of dogs. It honours family dogs plus those which work to save lives, bring comfort and keep individuals safe.

There are so many reasons why a canine companion is the perfect addition to your home. First and foremost, a dog will provide unconditional love to you and your family and also gives you a reason to get exercising.

But there are other not so obvious benefits to having a dog too. Firstly, according to experts, by bringing a dog and its germs into the home, it gives your body a chance to build up antibodies thereby boosting your immune system. Not only this, a dog is a great way of meeting new people – namely, other dog owners in the park! If your neighbours have dogs too, you could even walk them together.

If you have a dog, Dog Day provides the perfect excuse to pamper your dog. Think about how you can make your dog bed that little bit more luxurious. One way to do so is to move the bed into a more social space – if they love a treat or two, move the bed into the kitchen. Alternatively, placing the dog bed in the living room will allow them to be a part of family life.

If you love vintage items and you want to create a unique bed for your dog, you could re-use a vintage suitcase. This creates a stylish dog bed which will look fantastic with your home decor, and can also be neatly packed up when you want to go away, with all their favourite toys inside too!

And what about if your dog enjoys the finer things in life? Create a glamping-inspired bed for your dog with a sheepskin rug which will keep them warm and comfortable. A sheepskin rug can even be used as a kitchen rug. Why not place under a farmhouse kitchen table for a glamorous twist and a spot your canine will love sleeping in whilst you eat.

If you don’t have a dog, it doesn’t mean you can’t get involved. Instead of pampering your dog, pamper your home with some canine-inspired decor. Cushions with dogs on them are hugely popular at the moment, and can look incredibly stylish on a simple armchair and footstool or even on wooden chairs in the kitchen. There are plenty of other unique options too. Look out for quirky dog-shaped lamp bases to add plenty of personality to your space or even a statement wall of dog wallpaper.

How are you going to pamper your dog on Dog Day?

Easy tips on how to style your dining area with art

Your dining room is potentially one of the most social spaces in your home. With dinner parties and big occasions like Christmas often revolving around the dining room, it offers the perfect backdrop for displaying your beautiful art.

Often dining rooms are purely practical and can lack personality. With a dining room having to focus around your dining table, in a small room there can be little room for extra furniture and large decor pieces. This is why art is perfect for making a statement in the dining room.

Dazzle your guests with contemporary art in your dining room whilst you cook up a storm in the kitchen.

Create a gallery wall

A gallery wall is a great way of adding drama and interest to your space, without needing to take up any floor space. A gallery wall lends itself to a more eclectic finish so feel free to get creative with colour for a modern pop. However, you could also match the colour palette to the rest of your room, or even opt for a monochrome look for a more glamorous space.

Becoming a statement in your dining room, you can keep the rest of your decor very simple. Farmhouse furniture tends to be fairly simple in its style, letting the natural character of wood shine through. A light wood rustic farmhouse table with complimentary wooden dining chairs will be the perfect accompaniment to a gallery wall.

When it comes to selecting art, try and find one or two pieces you adore and make them the centrepiece. This will make it easier to arrange the wall, and give you a focal point to work around. The Laughing Donkey Canvas would make a stunning statement on any dining room wall and ties in perfectly with farmhouse and reclaimed wooden furniture.

Don’t hang it

Add some more depth to your walls by not hanging art on the walls. If you have a white dresser or sideboard, layer one or two canvases leaning against the wall for a more modern take on art. Go for a white on white look with the focus being the art. You could even put several pieces of art on the floor, which works especially well with larger pieces.

The light colours of the Grey Hare Canvas is perfect for pairing with white furniture, especially if you opt to have reclaimed wood elements too. Place the art on your sideboard, with a couple of smaller pieces, perhaps in decorative silver frames, to bring the colours together and add chic country style.

Use shape to create contrast

Shape is the best way to create interest in your so if you go for a clean, geometric look with your furniture, a softer, more eclectic finish with your art work looks great. Alternatively, if you have gone for an organised display of art with several pieces all the same size, unique furniture is great. Try to find an oak or reclaimed wood dining table with a unique edge or even base to create an elegant statement.

Use shelves

Large shelving units, or even shelves fixed to the wall are great for creating a living wall of art, where you can change your artwork as you please. You could fill the entire space with canvas and framed pieces, add in new (and old) old family photographs, vintage prints or even mix it up with decor pieces to keep it fresh. You don’t even need to necessarily change the art – a new arrangement of the frames can completely transform the look of your room.

If you find pieces which stick within a colour scheme, you could even tie it in with your furniture. This will create a well thought-out, sleek appearance which also allows you to play around with colour. For example, in a display which uses a lot of blue, place blue chairs around a farmhouse dining table.

Create balance with symmetry

It can be tempting to mimic the shape of your table and placing horizontal artwork on the walls. But to create a statement, portrait or square artwork can look fantastic.

Then, when it comes to chairs, opt for fabric dining chairs for luxurious style which doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort. A round club chair design works well. A unique rounded based with a padded seat offers eye-catching design and will make for a statement dining room.

With the rose golden base of the black dining chair, the warm brown tones of the the Stag Canvas works beautifully. You could even select another animal from the collection and place the two next to one another.

Take a look at the full collection of art at Modish Living, or get in touch with one of our team members for more information.

How to bring the coffee shop look to your breakfast bar

For any busy home, the breakfast bar is an ideal addition to the kitchen.

It can be a small piece of informal eating and socialising space that can develop ‘by chance’ with the addition of a stool and a small amount of worktop space. Or, as in most cases, the breakfast bar is a planned addition to the kitchen.

As functional as it is, as you would expect this form of seating is not devoid of style. From the industrial style furniture found in loft-living type spaces to the farmhouse kitchen, there is a style, look and appeal of the breakfast bar that will suit your kitchen.

So how do you turn your breakfast bar into something with a little more elegance and finesse?

Decide on Your Style

The breakfast bar complete with stools or high-backed chair needs to sit well within your current kitchen set up.

The aspect of any breakfast bar that turns it from the ordinary to the extraordinary are the stools that accompany it.

The Industrial Style

Industrial furniture is best suited to the industrial styled kitchen. Defined as where metals meet exposed brick with a hint of rough wood, the industrial look is a great choice. Clean and minimal in appearance, it doesn’t lack warmth.

For the industrial breakfast bar look, consider bar stools with metal legs but opt for upholstered seating. The industrial look barstool, for example, is the ideal choice with the neutral upholstery ‘fitting’ with any kitchen design.

The Farmhouse Look

Characterised by the use of wood, usually in its raw form for the rustic appeal or more refined for the farmhouse look, a pair of tall light oak bar stools fit the bill.

With a myriad of uses, these stools will be in the family home for years.

The Modern Look

The sleekness of the modern kitchen is to be admired, which is why you don’t want the breakfast bar stools to detract from the overall appearance of your kitchen.

These white breakfast bar stools are ideal, with the colour adding freshness to a kitchen as well as being practical to wipe clean sticky finger marks.

Stool or Chair?

You may have always stayed away from installing a breakfast bar assuming that perching for any length of time on a stool would be uncomfortable.

If you don’t want stools, there are a range of high-backed chairs that work well with many breakfast bar styles and user needs.

These rattan bar stools are ideal for morning, lunch and dinner at your coffee bar. Likewise, these upholstered breakfast bar chairs also have a winged side to them that makes them far more supportive to the lower back.

These upholstered bar chairs, complete with neutral shades of fabric, will look great in any kitchen or informal dining area but if you are concerned about the wear and tear in upholstery, then why not add the practicality and the luxury of leather breakfast stools?

A breakfast coffee bar as an informal space is perfect in any home. How will you dress yours?