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Our top 10 blogs in 2021 voted by you!

our top 10 blogs of 2021 as voted for by you

Looking back at our blogs over 2021 it’s obvious to us that you like a mixture of tips and ideas as well as inspiration from interior experts and nosing around other peoples homes. As the year comes to a close, we take a look back at the blogs you most enjoyed reading in 2021.

Our top 10 most read blogs

1. Arthty Ragupathy of @av.home gave out some super tips on how to add character to a new build. In this blog, she explained how wood is your best friend when trying to make your new build home feel rustic and traditional. Along with our Soho Extending Reclaimed Wood Dining Table, she uses different textures and neutral tones to create a contemporary interior with a warm, homely and lived-in feel.

Credit: @av.home

2. Dining room furniture ideas are still the top item of interest with industrial dining tables being as popular as ever…. of course with that comes additional decisions for you when choosing dining chairs as well as the must-have wooden dining bench. Getting the right dining table is very important to you and we are often asked Which wood is best for a dining table? To answer this we had a look at numerous popular rustic dining table options from oak to a reclaimed wood dining table and looked at the pros and characteristics of the most popular choices.

3. Our blog looking at how to Style a rustic dining table with leather seating was another hugely popular read. We didn’t only look at leather seating we considered faux leather dining chairs too as an eco-friendly alternative – like us, our readers care about the planet and want their homes to reflect that.

4. We shared our top tips when it comes to How to style chairs with your industrial dining table and it was clear you were asking the same question. Our blog covered not just the typical black metal legged industrial tables we all love, but also a more glamorous option, the Oldham Oak Dining Table.

5. The breakfast counter is another area that you’ve been wanting to improve. Choosing the right bar stools for your kitchen can be tricky, so we looked at practical ways to help you decide what style of kitchen island stools would work well for you and the members of your household, whilst looking super stylish, of course.

6. Using eco-friendly products throughout the home is something that many of you are interested in and our blog Using colour with The Little Greene Paint Company made it into our top ten. Their water-based paints carry the industry’s lowest eco-rating, meaning its VOC content is almost zero – great for your home and for the environment.

Credit: Little Greene Paint Company

7. After an unprecedented year, it’s no surprise that our focus has been on home decor and the useability of indoor and outdoor space, so it will come as no surprise that so many of you enjoyed reading our 3 colours that complement a brown leather sofa blog. A brown leather sofa is a perennial favourite in the home and sits comfortably with pretty much any colour, but we picked three modern hues that clearly inspired you.

8. Sticking with advice to make your home your favourite place, our tips to get a family friendly living room also made it into our top 10. We showed how you can create a stylish sophisticated space that works for everyone in the household.

9. Working from home became a norm for most us throughout the year and a focus on improving our work space was hugely popular. We’ve been with you all the way with plenty of ideas to create a comfortable home office – whether you have a separate study or have had to combine it with a room that has, until recently, only been used for something else. We’ve looked at everything from office storage, to choosing the best desk chair right through to Ways to give your workspace a creative edge.

10. We added to our range of popular British handcrafted Onslow Reclaimed Wood Bed frames and took the opportunity to look at ways to make the most of the space in your bedroom, which we were glad our readers enjoyed. From what to consider when purchasing a reclaimed solid wood chest of drawers to ideas on how to style the foot of your bed, including adding a wooden blanket box or even a wooden bench for a wonderful rustic look.

What were your favourite reads from our inspiration and ideas this year? We’d love to hear what you enjoy, so we can bring more of it to you next year. Leave a comment below to let us know.

How to engage all 5 senses with an autumnal tablescape

How to engage all five senses with an autumnal tablescape

Looking to incorporate the seasons into your home decor? We asked Hayley Baddiley from the ceramics and homeware brand Denby to share her top tips for creating an autumnal tablescape to engage all of your senses.

There are so many things to love about this time of year, from the beautiful autumnal scenery to the warming and delicious seasonal foods and drinks. This season inspires beautiful home design too — autumnal décor is stylish, inviting, and the perfect way to add rustic charm to your home. If you’re looking to incorporate the season into your interior design, why not try doing this by creating an autumnal tablescape on your rustic dining table?

Not only does this make your home look beautiful, but making a sensory simulating tablescape can even be good for you too. You can manage your stress levels with your senses, as certain scents, sights, and sounds can be soothing and induce relaxation (Verywell Mind). So take some time to put together a seasonal tablescape and celebrate all of the senses of autumn.

To add a seasonal touch to your home, read on to find out how to create a stylish seasonal tablescape which engages all of your senses.

1. Sight

Create a beautiful display to admire and evoke positive emotions by choosing the right colours for your tablescape. A good place to start is by looking at shades of brown. Not only is brown found on every autumnal colour palette, but it’s also associated with feelings of comfort and warmth, which is exactly what we need around this time of year. Plus, there are so many ways to incorporate it into your table setting, including through a reclaimed wood dining table, or a set of faux leather coasters and table mats.

Farringdon Reclaimed Wood Extending Trestle Dining Table

Of course, there are a number of other colours you could incorporate into your tablescape too. Vases, decorative bowls and floral bouquets consisting of warm greens, orangey reds and rich cream can give your display a splash of colour, while still keeping with the warm and cosy theme.

To create an appealing look, decide on a theme for your interiors. Rustic furniture is a great theme to go for in the autumn and upcoming winter months as it can create a cosy atmosphere. Plus, this style of furniture tends to be durable and versatile, making it a great eco-friendly option. To add a rustic touch to your tablescape, use a large jug as a vase for an autumnal bouquet and invest in sturdy and reliable reclaimed wood furniture.

2. Scent

The chances are that your sense of smell is more sensitive than you think. In fact, a human’s sense of smell has been found to be just as strong as a dogs. And as scents have the ability to soothe us and boost our mood, incorporating natural and calming smells into your tablescape is a must (Stylist).

For fresh scents, opt for a colourful and fragrant floral bouquet to display in a high-quality vase or jug. Roses, crocosmia, and cosmos are popular autumnal flowers, which both look and smell delightful. If you’re looking for something to last a little longer, a candle is a great addition to your tablescape. Opt for one that comes in a reusable ceramic pot to add to the beauty of your table setting.

3. Sound

Wind down during your evening meal by incorporating relaxing sounds into your solid wood dining table display. A great way to do this is by placing your furniture next to the window to listen to the noises of nature, such as birdsong, or the sound of autumnal British weather, whether it’s wind, rain or thunderstorms.

Or if you’d rather, play soft and slow music in the background to create a relaxing atmosphere. Gentle classical music works well when it comes to winding down and it has been found to be good for both the body and the brain (The Healthy). But don’t worry if this isn’t your thing, as you could try slow country or smooth jazz instead.

Mitcham Industrial Oak Spider Leg Dining Table

4. Taste

No dining table is complete without a delicious meal! And one of the best things about autumn is all of the delicious seasonal produce on offer, including butternut squash, carrot, apple, pear, and pumpkin, to name just a few. By using seasonal produce, you’ll both maximise the flavour of the meal and make more of a conscious choice too, so it’s a win-win.

There are so many delicious autumnal meals to make which the whole family will love, such as butternut squash soup, pumpkin risotto, and apple and blackberry pie.

5. Touch

To engage your sense of touch, use a selection of fabrics and textures in your tablescape. Not only do high quality textiles appeal to our senses, but incorporating a variety of them into your table setting can make the display look full and complete.

There are a variety of textures to choose from, so you shouldn’t find it too difficult to use a range in your presentation. A great base for your tablescape is a reclaimed wood dining table. As well as being high quality and durable, reclaimed wood furniture has a unique texture that feels great to touch. Plus, when it comes to reclaimed furniture, no two pieces are identical so you know your dining table is unique. Pair with a wooden dining bench or faux leather dining chairs to bring the look and feel together.

Top the table with a soft table runner and a set of placemats or coasters of your choosing. Faux leather placemats or ceramic coasters are great options. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they’re easy to clean too. Finish the tablescape off with a centrepiece that has an appealing texture, whether it’s a glazed ceramic vase with a floral bouquet or a decorative ridged bowl filled with pine cones to bring the best of autumnal nature into your home.

If you use the tips above, you should be able to create a stylish autumnal tablescape that appeals to all of your senses. For more inspiration when it comes to seasonal interiors, make sure to check out the other articles available on the Modish Living blog!

5 Key Wallpaper Trends from designers Feathr

Dulux Heritage: the perfect match for reclaimed wood

Earlier this year Dulux launched its new Heritage range of luxury paints. These modern interpretations of classic shades from the history of British architecture and design, were brought up to date by the Dulux colour experts to make them completely at home in modern Britain, just like the beautiful reclaimed wood furniture and rustic pieces we curate here at Modish Living.

Drawing on 90 years of colour expertise the Dulux Heritage paint choices pair beautifully with our reclaimed wood furniture, some of which is crafted using wood that is over 100 years old. The texture and characteristics of the rustic wood will contrast beautifully with the unique ‘Velvet Matt’ finish, which has a silky and soft feel to the touch.

On the new collection, Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, says, “Dulux has such a rich heritage in decorating and since 1931 our colours and paints have helped to define the way we live and the way we feel about our homes in the UK.”

“With the Heritage range, we have combined the finest colours from important periods of decorating history with the most stylish contemporary hues to create a truly gorgeous collection that adds beauty and luxury to every kind of home.” Marianne Shillingford

It’s easy to visualise our pieces with the Dulux Heritage paints. What a backdrop Dulux Heritage Cherry Truffle pictured here with its deep bitter chocolate with a hint of red warmth would make to our Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table.

Our Chelwood Reclaimed Wood collection of living room furniture would create a beautifully calming and restful mood next to walls painted in the crips, off-white hue of Romney Wool below.

In the hallway we would pair our rustic Rattania Bench and matching Skandi Console Table with the welcoming deep grey/green shade of Waxed Khaki shown here. We love the contrasting aquamarine door painted in Midnight Teal too.

And for the bedroom, we can imagine our Winchester Reclaimed Wood Sleigh Bed sitting peacefully with walls painted in Potters Pink and woodwork in the contrasting Mud Lark as seen here.

Discover the full Dulux Heritage collection and see our Inspirations & Ideas for more interior style tips.

All images by Dulux Heritage.

House tour: A gorgeous grey gem in Cheshire

Stephanie Larbey of @thecheshiregreyhome opens the door to her wonderfully stylish home

We love following a renovation project with our Insta friends and Stephanie of @thecheshiregreyhome is one of our current favourites. Not only do we lust after her beautiful home, but we coo over her gorgeous baby boy, Theo, too. We spoke to Stephanie to find out more about her home…..

Who lives here

Stephanie and her husband, Will, and their son, Theo

Type of property

A semi-detached in Cheshire with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

When did you buy the property and what attracted you to it?

We bought the house in April 2018 mainly because of the large garden and renovation potential. We started work on it as soon as we moved in, but took our time working on each room – we have only just finished the kitchen extension. This was our first renovation project and it was great to have a blank canvas for us to put our stamp on.

Take us through the changes you have made?

The house had a brown staircase and all the walls were the worst shade of magnolia! We started with the master bedroom and living room. We added panelling and chose grey tones with wooden accessories as we love how the wood and neutral colour complement each other. After being in the house for two and a half years we decided to extend the kitchen and dining room. This was our opportunity to really create the dream space we wanted for our family home. We extended 3.5m at the back of the house as we didn’t want to lose too much garden and also extended along the side of the house to create a study and utility room.

If you were to start the project again, would you do anything differently?

We love the space we have created and took our time to make sure we got it right the first time. However, when we first moved in we rushed some of our paint choices so I would say always test the paint colours in each room before commiting.

What is your favourite room in the house?

Definitely the kitchen! I love cooking in it now as there is so much space and light. It makes me happy every time I walk into the space.

We love the way you style your rustic dining table. Where do you get your ideas from?

I’m always looking at Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, but I just love natural colours and tones. Nature inspires me a lot too! I can spend ages ‘faffing’ to create different styles.

What is it that you like about rustic furniture?

I love that it’s imperfect! Throughout the house I have used neutral tones and wooden furniture and accessories as they complement each other really well.

What do you think of Stephanie’s home? For more images see @thecheshiregreyhome or for more inspiration of beautiful real homes, see Our Friends series of blogs.

Step inside Maxine Brady’s insta-worthy home

woman sat on kitchen work surface holding glass of wine

Ever wondered what an interior stylist’s home looks like? This month we catch up with stylist, Maxine Brady, and step inside her gorgeous peppermint Victorian terrace in Brighton. Maxine has been a tour de force in the interior world for 20 years and when she’s not working as an interior stylist for glossy magazines or on primetime TV shows (she even hosted her own show on Channel 5!), she’s capturing her own home renovation journey on her multi-award-winning lifestyle blog and to her 70k+ followers.

Discover Maxine’s renovation journey

When did your home renovation journey start?

My home has been my own personal passion for the past five years. When I bought the house, it was a total wreck and needed a lot of work, but I only had a tiny budget. But I’ve worked on so many projects over the years, I knew I could make it look amazing without spending a fortune.

What work did you need to do?

The house had been empty for seven years, so you can imagine how much love and vision it needed. The bathroom was leaking into the kitchen and the kitchen was so damp snails would appear on the floor in the mornings! Every room in the house was a wreck, from the windows and doors to the carpets and even the roof. I also had to reconfigure the layout so it worked better.

Where did you start?

I had planned to start with the kitchen, but the bathroom leaked taking the kitchen ceiling down with it, so I had to do both renovations at the same time. With the builders already in the I figured I may as well get them to remove the wall between the living and dining rooms too. This meant I ended up having all the building work done at once, which I had planned or budgeted to do.

What do you most love about your new home?

The moment I open my front door I feel completely at ease. It’s relaxing and I adore the space I’ve created. Most people can’t wait for a renovation project to be over, but I love making tweaks and swapping things around so it feels new all the time. It’s the best project that never ends.

What is your favourite room?

Does my garden count? I brought all my knowledge of interior styling outdoors and doubled the ground floor by turning the garden into an outdoor dining area, living room and cook’s garden. It’s my first proper garden and I’m used to working inside rather than out, so it’s an on-going learning curve.

What’s your best piece of advice?

Take your time. It’s tempting to rip everything out when you move in, but you need space to work out what changes you want to make work and what can wait. It will save you money and knowing exactly what you’re working towards will help get you through the messy building works.

To see more of Maxine’s journey check out her blog www.maxinebrady.com or follow on her instagram @maxinebradystyling.

For further tips and interviews with our friends see our inspiration and ideas blogs or follow us @modishliving

How to do pattern with Prestigious Textiles

Marie Parry, Head of Design for Prestigious Textiles on working with pattern

Introducing pattern into your home is a wonderful way of adding a sense of your own personality and style. From a statement feature wall to adding beautiful upholstery and fabrics, pattern can breathe new life into any room. But, where to start and how to make it work? It can be daunting incorporating patterns into the home, so we spoke with Marie Parry, Head of Design for Prestigious Textiles to ask her advice of how to bring your rustic furniture to life with pattern and colour….

What are the basic principles to follow when adding pattern?

The basic principle I recommend following when adding pattern is combining one or two statement prints with smaller or more simple complementary designs. You can then break up the pattern with coordinating plain fabrics to add blocks of colour to the space.

How do you avoid pattern overload and for it to look too busy or cluttered?

There is no need to be scared of a pattern overload! As long as the patterns complement each other and share the same focal colour or theme, then your scheme will flow effortlessly. Be brave and go for it! Maximalism is a big trend this year, so more is more.

Multi-coloured aztec wall tapestry with wire dining chair and matching cushion

What type of patterns go well with rustic furniture and reclaimed wood furniture?

I would recommend our Inca Trial collection, inspired by the recent Global Traveller trend. The textured weaves and rustic Aztec-style patterns pair extremely well with reclaimed wooden furniture. The fabrics embrace both a warm and neutral colour palette, making them the perfect choice for complementing natural wooden tones.

Can you add more than one pattern to a space?

With maximalism being a key interior trend for 2021, there has never been a better time to use more pattern in a space. Rather than having only one statement curtain or feature wall, combine patterns that have similar colours and themes to create a bold room. The fabrics and wallpapers from our Caribbean collection work together effectively and stylishly to combine patterned upholstery, statement wallpaper and large-scale curtains.

How would you add pattern to a dining room featuring a large, reclaimed wood dining table?

There are many ways to add both pattern and colour into a dining space. Start by injecting colour and pattern to a table decor with a fabric table runner. The Aesop tree embroidery from our Journal collection is perfect for creating a focal point in any dining area.

Industrial dining table with patterned cream and red runner

Another way to add to a table setting is with cushions or upholstery. We have used cushions in fabrics from our Kyoto collection to add texture to a reclaimed wood table and industrial style wooden dining bench, helping to add both warmth and comfort into a dining space. For a bolder statement, a printed velvet such as Hidden Paradise from our Journey Beyond collection would look amazing against the reclaimed wood.

Can you add pattern to a small space and how?

You can definitely still fill a smaller space with pattern. For this, I would recommend smaller designs balanced with plain fabrics to ensure you don’t make the space appear smaller. Our Penthouse fabric collection is full of small-scale designs in neutral tones that will help create a serene smaller space that has personality too!

Pile of fabric cushions in silver, white and grey on a fabric chaise long

Founded in 1988, British based Prestigious Textiles is well-known for its original and high-quality fabrics and wallpapers. From modern prints to embroidered silks, its exquisite collections offer fresh design concepts in pattern and colour.

Real Homes: Adding character to a new build

Terracotta vases on rustic console table

When you buy a new build you benefit from a blank canvas, but what can be tricky is bringing in character. Not so for Arthty Ragupathy of @av.home. With some clever DIY hacks and a beautiful eye for rustic furniture and accessories, Arthty is transforming her new build into a wonderfully welcoming and stylish home. We talk to her about reclaimed dining tables, minimalist styling and wood panelling….

Who lives here?

Arthty and her husband, Vasanth and their half Pomeranian, half Jack Russell fur baby, Royce.

Type of property?

A semi-detached new build house in Basingstoke with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms + 1 WC

What changes have you made and are there any you would like to do?

Our completion date was delayed as a result of COVID, which meant we had extra time to figure out how we could inject character into our new build. When we got the keys, we started by hiring contractors to build two fireplaces and add a backsplash in our kitchen.

We DIY’d our glossy kitchen cabinets into a traditional shaker style, painted the doors in our house black and even added a unique panel wall which our Soho Extending Reclaimed Wood Dining Table sits beautifully in front of. We would love to add panelling through our entryway leading up the staircase, running through the landings of both our floors. The list is endless but we’ve learned that it’s a slow yet satisfying process.

You describe your style as modern with a traditional twist – how do you achieve this?

I love adding wooden, rustic elements to our interior decor – alongside modern, more “current” pieces. This creates such a cosy feeling without appearing too outdated. I’m always looking for ways to keep our decor timeless, inviting and aim to evoke a sense of gathering as we love having family and friends around.

What styling tips can you give to our readers on how to get the rustic look in a modern home?

I’m by no means an expert, but I definitely recommend creating mood boards and gathering items that will work in your given space. I use Morpholio to make sure different elements complement one another before I spend my money.

I’ve found that small businesses, such as Modish Living, are great for rustic decor. Ultimately, wood is your best friend when trying to make your new home feel rustic and traditional. Decorate with natural tones and don’t be afraid to incorporate texture. My reclaimed wood console table, entryway bench and rustic dining table make our home feel “lived in”.

An all-time favourite tip of mine is to always save photos that you feel drawn to and look back at these to understand the common theme. This is the best way to uncover your taste when you feel like you can’t quite pin it down.

Our Soho Extending Reclaimed Wood Dining Table looks fabulous in your home. Tell us what you love about it and how you like to style it?

What do we not love about our Soho table?! The reclaimed wood, the different lines, dents, markings – all add character to our dining room. In the short time we’ve had it, it has taken its fair share of dog scratches, fallen cutlery, etc. and any marks simply blend with the timeless texture of the wood. We love that it’s extendable so it can accommodate our large family when it’s safe to host indoors again and that it blends into our cosy home – we could not be happier!

At the moment, we keep our table styling very minimal. Our oversized stone vase takes pride of place in the centre of the table. We’ve opted for black wooden dining chairs which go so well with the reclaimed wood of the table.

Who would be your dream dinner guests to have around your dining table?

I’m utterly obsessed with Studio McGee and I’d love to have Shea McGee at my dining table, discussing all things home interior-related. For those that are unfamiliar, definitely check out “Dream House Makeover” on Netflix and prepare to fall in love! I’ve been following the McGees on Youtube for several years and my obsession with home decor is very much inspired by them.

See more of Arthty’s gorgeous style by following her on Instagram @av.home. To discover more about bringing the rustic style into your home read our blog 5 Reasons Rustic Furniture Makes our Heart Flutter.

All images Arthty Ragupathy @av.home

Meet the makers: Good&Mojo Lighting

‘Buy light, give light’ is the slogan for Good&Mojo, the makers behind our gorgeous sustainable lighting collections, and never has a motto been so close to the truth. The company is known for its smart contemporary designs, but also for its dedication to giving back and helping the planet. We spoke with Britt Templeman of Good&Mojo to find out more about this inspirational company and the good causes it supports…

Sum up Good&Mojo in five words?

Sustainable, fair, unique, nature and Mojo!

Tell our readers a bit more about Good&Mojo?

Good&Mojo was founded in 2016 by our mother company It’sAboutRoMi, a lighting company from Amsterdam dedicated to creating simple, yet strong lighting designs in pure materials.

After the success of our first sustainable lamp, we thought, “why not create a completely sustainable collection with a good cause?” so we did and the Good&Mojo brand was born!

We launched our first sustainable collection in 2016 in association with the WakaWaka Foundation. The organisation provides WakaWaka solar products to families in humanitarian aid situations and improves access to safe and sustainable solar in rural communities. We donate part of the sale of our lights to the foundation to buy and distribute WakaWaka solar lamps, giving access to education, communication and income-generating opportunities.

What does sustainability mean to the company?

It’s everything. Sustainability means helping people and the planet. We believe it’s never too late to make a change and do some good.

Since 2019, we started supporting another good cause; The Eden Reforestation Projects. One tree is planted for every lamp or hanging pendant lights we sell – so far we have planted 75,000 trees!

What sustainable materials do you use to make your lights?

Mostly bamboo, but also cork, recycled paper pulp, woodchip and eco-linen.

How would you describe the Good&Mojo style?

Natural, exotic, bohemian and different.

Where do your designers get their inspiration from?

From nature and travelling. We work with factories in small villages in countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines and are inspired by the natural materials these countries have to offer. Then together with those factories, we design the most beautiful lamps and modern pendant lighting.

Much like reclaimed wood furniture, we’re also inspired by reusing products. For example, we have a lamp made out of woodchips leftover from wood processing. We even have a lamp made out of car tires!

Photo featuring: Darcy Double Pendant Light

How long does it make to make a light?

It depends on the model, but as all our lamps are handmade it can take time. Some lamps can take weeks to produce. On our tube channel, we have all our production videos, so you can see the work that goes into each lamp.

You have named your products after rivers, forests, mountains and regions around the world. Where in the world would you like to visit most?

Probably Bhutan! Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world where political decisions are based on Gross National Happiness.

Photo featuring from left to right: Wicker Dawn Pendant Light and Bamboo Orbital Pendant Light

What’s the key to getting the lighting right in the home?

Have a range of different lights for various parts of the home. Every room has a different purpose and will need its own type of light. A mix of glass table lamps will help set the mood and dimmers are also a great way of being able to adjust your lighting. Many of our lamps have filament LED, which gives a really warm and welcoming light.

Photo featuring: Rattan Gaze Pendant Light

See our collection of Good&Mojo lighting here. Don’t forget, for every table lamp or pendant light sold a donation is made to the WakaWaka Foundation and the Eden Reforestation Projects plant a tree!