living room Archives - Page 26 of 31

How to host a fun and warm Bonfire Night party

It’s that time of year again when we bring family and friends together to enjoy Bonfire Night. From a small firework display to sparklers, to apple bobbing and great food, there usually isn’t much of an excuse needed to get people together. And we have some great ideas for a fun and warm Bonfire Night party.

Wrap Up Warm

Hopefully, it won’t be raining on Bonfire Night but even then, it is not enough to dampen the spirits. Even though it is November and the dark evenings are with us, there is no need to stay indoors.

You may have put your garden furniture in storage but bring it out for one final airing before its winter hiatus and get the gazebo out too. Enjoying the outside is easier when you are protected from the elements but there is no need to be cold.

More and more of us are enjoying the winter garden more, wrapped in a super-warm throw. Opt for natural materials as far as your budget will allow as wool, for example, has superior thermal properties, perfect for snuggling on the garden lounger or sofa whilst you watch the flames flicker in the fire pit.

Tip Top – add plenty of solar lights to the garden to add extra visibility. Choose solar light posts for the borders as well as pretty, colourful outdoor string lights.

Come Inside

But when the chill really begins to bite, the party will need to come inside and again, your home needs to have plenty of seating options that entice people to stay just a little longer.

A real fire is perfect and if you have one, make sure the log holder is stacked to the brim so as the fire dies away, anyone can toss another log on the fire.

Get your hosting sorted too;

Warming food – the best dishes are those that are cooked beforehand and the flavours allowed to develop and meld together. From cockle-warming chilli to baked spuds dripping in butter, there are all kinds of warming dishes you can make beforehand. Place them on the farmhouse kitchen table for guests to help themselves when they want.
Create a cosy centre – the modern sofa is ideal for get-togethers in so many ways, but adding extra cushions and soft, chunky knit throws give it extra appeal.
Protect your furniture – ring marks on your prized decorative ladder are not going to go down well the next morning, so make sure you protect your furniture with plenty of well-placed coasters – and make them obvious!
Make space for coats and boots – in winter, guests will arrive with coats, brollies, wellington boots etc. and when you come in from the garden, you don’t want mud all over the house. Create a corner where coats can be hung and muddy or wet shoes stored for an hour or two. Switch the underfloor heating up high or encourage guests to bring warm slipper or change of footwear.

And finally, …

Be safe. If you are having a firework display, make sure you take all necessary precautions. And don’t forget, although candles are romantic, adding atmosphere to a room or outdoor space, they too pose a hazard so make sure they are in a lantern holder and placed on a firm surface.

Things homeowners with cats know to be true

They stalk in when it pleases them. They will eat when it pleases them and you will serve what they desire. They will snooze where they like and when they like. Every cat owner knows the truth of the situation – the cat owns you! But you wouldn’t be without your feline friend simple because there is nothing better than a home with a pet – and a home with a cat or cats is a very rich one indeed.

But science has got in on the act, confirming what cat owners have known all along…

1 Cats lower your stress level

There is a whole load of research that suggests being with and around pets, cats included, lowers blood pressure and ‘stress levels’. The simple act of stroking your cat and cuddling up with them on an even in front of a roaring fire on a wingback armchair or modern sofa is rejuvenating for mind, body and soul.

2 They are great with kids

Cats and other pets, dogs included, are great for a household with children. As well as teaching responsibility, compassion and how to care for them, cats and other pets play an important role for children with additional needs, including autism. The change in autistic children around pets is unbelievable, helping them to gain the social interaction skills some children struggle with.

3 Cats heal

Purring is a wonderful sound, isn’t it? It shows that Tiddles is content and you feel a sense of well-being too. But did you know that there is therapeutic value to their purring and healing? Studies have found that the gentle vibration of purring at 18 to 35 Hz has a positive effect on joint mobility, especially after injury. There are all kinds of studies ongoing that hope to find out more about how cats purring help to heal bones, muscles and ligaments in humans.

4 They fuel romance

You’ve enjoyed a romantic meal, the candles are flickering and along comes Tiddles to share the sofa with you and your beau. But don’t throw your feline friend out as there is research to suggest that potential partners find the presence of a cat in the home a welcome one.

5 Your kids are healthier

It may be the bane of your life but cat hair all over the house and feline paw prints on the surface of your reclaimed wood furniture are actually great for boosting your immune system and that of your children too. Because your kid’s immune systems are tackling dirt, detritus and cat hair, it is stronger and more able to ward off common germs.

6 Allergies are kept at bay too!

Of course, if you are allergic to cat or dog hair, then this is not good news but research has shown that the common day trend for keeping everywhere scrupulously clean is harming our ability to fight off allergies. And so yes, those pawprints across the wooden furniture and the fur left on a Harris Tweed sofa are all doing sterling things for your immune system.

7 Cats are great for mental health too

Mental health is a hotly debated topic at the moment, great for increasing exposure and changing attitudes towards this common problem. Cats have it sussed – when they curl up on your lap or walk across your laptop keyboard, they are sending an important message: let’s cuddle and let your emotional well-being receive a boost. The repetitive act of stroking your cat, its purring, its cuteness and its warmth all help your brain and mind to unravel and slow down.

8 Don’t have a cat? Cat videos are the next best thing!

It was a huge study of over 7,000 participants and the findings cannot be disputed: after watching cat videos, people said they felt better, they had more ‘mental energy’ and positive emotions. So yes, watching those endless cat videos online all in the name of procrastination is doing you some good.

How to choose the perfect coffee table

Hudson Living Kielder Oak Nest of Tables

The coffee table – a piece of furniture that has to be all things to all people. It has to balance tea and coffee mugs, nibbles for film night, as well as serving as an impromptu art and office desk for members of the family. It also doubles as a footstool too…

It is no surprise then, that when it comes to choosing a coffee table, we can feel overwhelmed by the choice on offer. With so many functions, just how do you choose a new coffee table?

Step 1 – Know your style

First and foremost, knowing your interior design style is key. For example, if you enjoy a rustic appeal to your home, then choosing a rustic coffee table that complements your existing furniture is key. The coffee table is also ideal if you want an item with a hint of character, like this reclaimed wood coffee table on wheels – makes a change from the usual casters…

Step 2 – Be bold

The coffee table is one of those items that is not usually a talking point, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be! Look for details that will set it apart, such as the beauty and impact of this oval industrial coffee table. The large trumpet base is perfect for adding detail and glamour to any room.

Step 3 – Size IS important

Frankly, too small for your needs and it is not worth the investment but too big, the coffee table could swamp the space, impeding travel between the sofa and the rest of the room. There is a ‘rule’ that can help you out with this: the coffee table should be no longer than your biggest sofa so that it frames the coffee table (and not the other way around). It should also be no smaller than half the length of the sofa, a great way to stop the coffee table from looking ‘lost’.

There are many examples of stylish large, medium and small coffee tables that could suit your room or why not invest in a custom made and sized reclaimed wood coffee table? Made from reclaimed English beams, there is something satisfying about the presence of this rustic coffee table in any lounge or living area.

Step 4 – Be practical

The coffee table is a practical piece of apparatus for the busy home, as well as a showpiece and a platform for showing off a graceful sculpture and vase of flowers. In the busy family home, why not invest in a coffee table with drawers? Ideal for hiding away magazines and other ‘stuff’, as well as a handy place for keeping the myriad of remotes from falling down the back of the sofa. A wooden storage chest works great as a coffee table too but also as a toy box, blanket box and more!

Step 5 – ‘Divide and Conquer’

Some styles and purchase decisions become so entrenched that we assume they are the only solution. So why buy one coffee table? Why not buy three?

Of course, your budget and floor space may not stretch to that so instead, consider a nest of tables. Versatile chic and stylish, they can be used to frame the armchair in its position (along with a beautiful rug), as well as used as handy side and occasional tables the next time you have a soiree. Again, choice and styles are vast, for example, this cubed oak nest of tables is perfect for the modern pad.

Follow these five steps for a stylish, versatile coffee table that will be the ideal investment for your home.

How to bring autumn style into your home

Autumn is a delightful season, even though it is a time of golden colour, the nights drawing in are a signal to the onset of winter. The wind and rain have a chillier edge to them, and we consider bringing out the warmer coats and the throws for snuggling on the sofa of an evening.

The time has come to bring a cosy feel to your home. And here’s how:

Refresh with a Rug

Dressing your home for autumn (and winter too) is not just about adding autumn colours – deep reds, golden yellows and rich orange – but about adding texture too. With a rug, you add the both colour and depth of texture so why not add a zing of colour and an extra layer of warmth with wool rugs? Add to the living room, the dining room, the hallway and the bedrooms: the choice is yours.

The gentle glow of candlelight

Light becomes important in autumn, especially with the shorter days. But this doesn’t mean you want bright light all of the time. Banish dark hallways and corners with beautiful, soft glow ambient lighting as well as the romantic flicker of candlelight. For safety, keep candles well cocooned in suitable vessels such as a lantern or large candle holders.

Keep lights and shades soft in colour and opt for curves rather than harsh angles and bright bulbs. The Sassa bedroom lamps are an ideal addition to any bedroom but work well on the hallway console table too.

Warmth in textures too

As well as staying warm with heating and the fire, the materials used in a space add depth and warmth too. The best materials are those that are natural, such as wool rugs, wool throws and wooden furniture and accessories.

The log burner will no doubt be throwing out serious heat over the coming chilly days and nights, and the log holder baskets made from fast-growing rattan are the ideal carriers. It is the colour and the natural material that make these the ideal choice for the farmhouse or rustic styled interior.

Small accessories: Big difference

Autumn affects every room in the house including the kitchen. This wooden ladder is perfect for keeping throws in the living room or a convenient piece of furniture for the bedroom.

Accessories such as decorative mirrors are not to be forgotten either. In fact, the humble mirror is ideal for the autumn home as it helps to bounce flickering candlelight about a space, giving them an even warmer, softer feel.

Colour, texture & material

When autumn comes knocking at the door, your home becomes your sanctuary and feeling warm is not just a physical thing. Warmth to the eye is important too and that means creating a space that feels and looks warm and appealing. As well as colour, add texture with natural materials and enjoy your home this autumn – even if the autumn rain is lashing at the window.

Easy tips to decorate your mantelpiece

The fire and mantelpiece make an obvious focal point for a room but that doesn’t mean decorating and accessorising it has to be ‘obvious’ too. Opt for something different, modern or quirky, as well as your own take on traditional mantelpiece adornments.

Breath Taking Art Work

Art work with an impact but a timeless appeal is much coveted and sought after. The mantelpiece is the ideal location for such a piece of exquisite art. Anything too quirky or outlandish can have a short shelf life but Ant Fox’s Stag canvas wall art is a delight to behold. Either fix to the wall above the mantel or enjoy it propped against the wall, with a carefully positioned garland of evergreen leaves or lights at the base.

Mirror

The bigger the better and with a superbly ornate, detailed frame, the mirror-above-the-mantelpiece will be a style and accessory of which we will never tire.

There are some exquisite pieces that will give the mantelpiece the emphasis it deserves. How about the arched Colette reclaimed wood framed mirror? Grand without over-the-top pizzazz, it would either hang or lean beautifully on any mantelpiece. As a rustic mirror, it ticks so many boxes but there are other styles that can pull the spotlight to the fireplace, so to speak.

Or why not try a striking geometric appeal of an art deco mirror? Although perfect for any room or hallway, the addition of such an iconic shape, an unashamed nod to the art deco era, must surely mean that the best place for it must be above the mantelpiece?

The Glow of…

… Candles

It is, of course, a traditional and harmonious marriage between the candle and the mantelpiece. Back in years gone by, before the convenience of electric light, the fire and the candle was the source of night time light. It made sense to keep the flickering candle flame from harm’s way on the mantelpiece and thus, the tradition of candles on mantelpieces remains.

Statuesque pillar candle holders are an ideal addition, adding romance to the room. Use alongside artwork to enhance it and with a mantelpiece mirror too so that the dancing glow is reflected in the room.

… Lights

If candles are not your thing, you could always opt for the gentle flight of small ‘fairy’ lights. The small lights weaved into these lanterns are so very pretty but if you feel you want something more, why not opt for a lamp at either end of the mantelpiece? We love the idea of ringing the changes with modern table lamps, with vibrant colour or a modern shape that adds something extra to the room.

Whatever you choose to add to your mantelpiece, it is sure to dazzle and look exquisite. After all, you want to draw attention and add to it with pieces that are planned and placed with design, whether that is a mirror or a piece of artwork, or a lamp or a candle.

What will you add to your mantelpiece?

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.

How to choose the perfect armchair

A good quality armchair can be a statement piece as well as another place to sit. There are some fabulous designs available that are eye catching and original and can add a quirky or luxurious touch to a room. Armchairs don’t need to be confined to living room sets. Consider a cosy reading spot on a landing, bedroom or even bathroom, wherever you have space.

Fabric

Fabric armchairs are soft and often available in a variety of interesting colours. Experiment with hues but be aware that dark coloured fabrics on a fabric armchair can fade if they are placed in direct sunlight and very pale colours can collect grubby marks. Shades of grey are good at hiding dust and marks.

Leather or faux leather remains a popular choice for armchairs. Leather is a sumptuous, natural fabric that can improve and soften with age. It is also wipe clean which is a benefit. Faux leather furniture is treated to look like leather but isn’t quite as durable.

Colour

If you are adding a new armchair to a room that you have already perfected, try to choose a colour or design that harmonises with your existing décor. For example, if you choose an armchair with wooden legs, match the colour of the wood to other wooden pieces in the room such as a coffee table or bookcase. Choosing a modern style for a contemporary room or a traditional shape for a rustic theme also makes sense. If you have a patterned sofa you may like to pick out a dominant colour and use that for your armchair. Alternatively, a more daring but eye-catching option is to contrast bright, statement colours.

Style

Before choosing a style that you think is beautiful and befitting of your room, consider your measurements as this may impact on your decision. Consider the height of a chair, both from the point of view of comfort as well as coordination with the rest of your furniture. Bear in mind that many of the armchairs at Modish are bespoke so if you don’t spot it in your preferred fabric or colour, it may still be possible to order your ideal combination.

A wingback armchair is high backed with flared wings on either side. Check out our grey studded chair for a modern, elegant interpretation of this classic style. Our Carson retrosit leather armchair is reminiscent of a barrel back armchair and offers a retro feel with a curving edge and cool metal frame design. Or for more traditional feel you might choose a club chair which is low slung and heavily padded. A comfy armchair that stands the test of time. Our Harris Tweed fabric version is made of wool and offers a warm welcome as you sink into it.

With true French elegance, the Bergere armchair is built with an ornate wooden frame and covered with opulent upholstery. Our version of this luxurious statement piece is the Cream Studded Stella armchair which offers the same opulent upholstery and padding but with modern armchair styling and simple lines. Today’s contemporary styles demand sleekness and simplicity whilst drawing from more traditional styles. We think the Vienna grey spoke edged tub chair is the ultimate modern head turner.

We’re delighted to offer you a wide selection of high quality armchairs that will fulfil your style needs as well meeting all your requirements for comfort.

Browse our collection of armchairs and get in touch with us for bespoke armchair options.

Spoil your loved ones on Working Parents Day

It’s the toughest job in the world. It is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year commitment that never ends.

Being a parent is challenging but rewarding. Working Parents Day, celebrated annually on September 16^th, is a chance to say thank you to all those hard-working parents. But unlike other celebratory days of the year, this is not about buying a card or sending a gift. It is about spending quality time together as a family but how?

With our ideas, you won’t need a whopping budget, just an afternoon or a full day to get the family together.

Family Activities

There are hundreds of ideas in which you can spend the day together, enjoying some quality family time;

Get Outdoors

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the outdoors – the back garden will do! The great British weather permitting, enjoy an afternoon soaking up the sun, enjoying silly ‘party games’ or outdoor board games, finishing the day with a delicious BBQ.

Indoor Fun

Unfortunately, the weather isn’t always reliable and so if Working Parents day dawns grey and gloomy, you will need to hold the family get together inside.

Ghost stories

There is nothing better for getting people to snuggle up close that a hair-raising, goose-bump-inducing story about the paranormal. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there are some strange goings on that just cannot be explained. Why do doors open on their own or why is there that strange sound that happens at the same time every day…?

Set the scene by bringing out the lovely snuggly throws from the wooden blanket box and rely on flickering candlelight to really set the mood. Or, our mains powered fairy light lamps and lanterns are great too for creating a gentle ambience to a room. A large sheepskin rug can be the perfect place to sit if you can’t fit on the same couch – after all, you need to be close enough to grab each other if you’re getting a little nervy!

Family stories

With everyone in situ and the living room decadently decked out in reclaimed furniture that could tell a story or two, why not bring out the family photo albums and share stories of family events and gatherings from the past? A great way to keep memories alive. Hot chocolate and marshmallows on the wooden side table, and reminiscing on great times can really give everyone a feel good glow.

Board Games and Card Games

Living in a digital age, we are sometimes remiss a keeping some traditions going and this is the perfect excuse to teach younger members of the family how to play traditional board games and card games too. No matter how beautiful the kids bedroom furniture is, you don’t want them to be spending too much time on their own. Tempt them out with the offer of tasty nibbles and treats on a serving tray, complete with refreshments for all players.

Special Time Together

There is no substitute for spending time together and as busy working parents, you are very much aware of the sacrifices made. Getting the balance between work and family life is hard but spending time relaxing together is one way of getting the balance right.

How about a family spa day? Or a family day enjoying local museums or stately homes, followed by afternoon tea? Or why not try your hand at go karting or a new activity such as fly fishing?

What ideas do you have for spending quality time together as a family, celebrating Working Parents Day?

How to style an awkwardly shaped living room

Leather and Harris Tweed Sofa and Armchair

From L-shaped rooms to large, cavernous open spaces, there are times when dressing a room can be difficult.

But, there are solutions and these tips show you how:

The L Shaped Room

Part dining room, part living room is can be tough space to dress;

Use a moveable room partition for when you want to close off part of the space but open up the other.
Move seating away from the wall to give more of a conversation zone.
Use rugs to create different zones too, such as under the dining table.
Add height with taller display units and wooden shelving, than half-height side boards.

‘Dull & Boring’

On one hand, straight walls and angles are a dream but if you feel the style of the room is dull and more than a little predictable, ring the changes with these tips;

Create a walk way around the edges of the room of at least 36 inches but again, pull the comfy sofa and fabric armchairs away from walls.
Offset the angle of the furniture against the angles of the room. In other words, instead of the rug being laid parallel to the walls, offset it at a jauntier angle.
Use a corner as a study nook, if you have the space but place the desk at an angle across the corner.

The Open Living Space with No Focus

A vast room can seem like a dream but without some stylish tweaks, it can feel like the furniture is lost and that there is little cohesion;

Go large with rugs (the bigger, the better) and use as a platform for the seating area and another for the dining area – the sofa, armchairs and coffee table should fit comfortably on the rug, the same with the dining furniture too.
Use an appropriately sized console table or living room sideboard behind the sofa to help ‘frame’ the space and use a table lamp to help define the space with light.
Add more definition by adding a side table to each armchair too, as well as a wood coffee table as an island in the conversation area.

Nooks and Crannies

They may add character, but nooks, crannies and alcoves can be a nightmare to dress and become wasted space;

Create vertical lines by ‘filling’ nooks and crannies, but not necessarily all of them. However, consider bespoke furniture that fits the space exactly otherwise gaps between wall and furniture gives for an ill-fitting look.
Use curves to soften the angles too e.g. a round coffee table and round-edged wooden TV unit that has few harsh angles but a softer, curvier appeal

Long & Narrow

Long and narrow rooms can look like corridors and so again, you need to shake up the feeling of everything being in its predictable place.

Zone the room, for example, add a quiet reading corner complete with fabric armchairs and a small wood coffee table.
Again, pull reclaimed furniture from walls and create a zone that fills the void in the centre of the room.
Use a rug to pull the sofa, armchairs and reclaimed wood table together but make sure you create a pathway around the room so that it doesn’t look jumbled.

Which of these tips will you try?