rustic Archives - Page 35 of 45

Which is the perfect storage for a busy hallway?

The hallway is a room through which we pass several times a day, as we hurtle out the door to work and the school run, to coming back home. It is the corridor through which we pass as we go to other rooms and is often the roundabout or the central space of a home.

And it has a lot to do and yet, in this space, there can be several difficulties – lack of storage compounded by lack of space. This can make thinking of hallway decorating ideas a little tricky.

We Asked, You Answered

When it comes to storage options, we are not short on options, but this vast array of hallway furniture and storage solutions can leave us a little bewildered. And so we took to Houzz, giving our followers a choice of four hallway storage items.

We asked which one you thought would make a good storage solution – and without a doubt, the solution was the large Chedworth wooden shoe storage. The other items didn’t prove as popular, but they did offer storage solutions to some people.

Accessibility – The Key to Good Storage

For any storage solution to work, it needs to be accessible, but it also needs to be functional and in keeping with your style.

The rustic style, for example, is a popular interior style for both the busy family home and the singleton pad. And no wonder – delicious chunky, it incorporates natural materials and the warmth of wood in rustic furniture unlike any other style. And yet, there is still a pleasant designer edge to it.

The Chedworth shoe storage box makes the perfect addition to any hallway. Slender in design, it is not over-imposing in a small to medium hallway either. With a box for every person – and one or two spare – it is no surprise that this was the winning choice in our poll.

Rattan, combined with wood, is also a great addition to the rustically styled hallway and home. Reclaimed wood furniture has a uniqueness about it that you would be hard pushed to find with any other material.

And so if you like rattan and would prefer closed storage, then the May reclaimed wood four drawer unit is the perfect option. The handy top is perfect for a hallway table lamp too.

Small hallway furniture can be tough to find but the same May reclaimed wood unit is available in two or three-drawer option. The slender column is perfect for adding accessible storage but without swamping space.

If you have a small length of wall, then the lower-level May rattan and reclaimed wood storage bench would be ideal sitting along it. You can store bags and other paraphernalia on the bench top, adding a throw or sheepskin rug to soften the edges if you like, perfect compliments to the rustic style hallway.

For something different, the rattan cube is perfect. Still useful – lift the lid to hide away everything from boots to bags – and it makes the perfect addition to the hallway.

Storage with Style

The hallway doesn’t have to be bland and boring, neither does storage solutions. Make accessibility a priority – the key to it being used rather than bags dumped at the door – and of course, never compromise on appeal and style.

How to decorate with luxurious velvet dining chairs

In a modern family home, the dining room is perhaps one of the lesser-used rooms. Many of us now opt for open plan living spaces with a more informal kitchen-diner. However, if you still have a formal dining room, it is the perfect space to get creative with your decor, and also create a space which exudes glamour.

If you are looking for luxurious, there is simply no better option than velvet. With its tactile feel and silky smooth look, velvet upholstery on your dining chairs will create a boutique space you’ll be dying to invite all your friends round to see.

Style

Velvet works whether you are going for a more rustic feel with your decor, or you are looking for ultra-contemporary, industrial style.

For those with a penchant for rustic pieces, dining room chairs with gorgeous wooden legs are perfect. Not only this, wooden legs paired with velvet creates a more understated finish, the perfect look for day-to-day family life. The classic style of both the Miss Bronte Velvet Dining Chairs and the Telford Velvet Dining Chairs is the perfect option for rustic and reclaimed dining tables like our Beam Extendable Table or Rustic Inlay Dining Table.

Alternatively, for more industrial dining table styles, our stainless steel based velvet dining chairs are simply sublime. The Luxe Madison Grey Upholstered Dining Chairs offer the perfect seating option for any contemporary dining room. With the angular base and ultra padded button back seat, these grey velvet dining chairs would certainly make a statement in any dining room. The Arielle Navy Velvet Dining Chairs offer a wonderfully unique, romantic base which your dinner guests will love sitting on long into the evening.

To match or not to match?

Co-ordinated dining chairs have plenty going for them – especially if you are looking to create a serene, sophisticated space which won’t date. However, if you are looking to make a statement with your dining room furniture (or if you are not sure about having 6 vividly coloured velvet dining chairs surrounding your rustic dining table) mismatched dining chairs may be the way to go.

The great thing about different coloured chairs upholstered all in the same fabrics, is they look co-ordinated without being matchy matchy. You could even go for a selection of colours, just like this trio of pastel pink yellow and blue around our gorgeous Maddox Industrial Reclaimed Elm Dining Table.

How much velvet is too much velvet?

And how about amping up the use of velvet? If you have the space, the addition of a velvet armchair may be the perfect option. In an open plan space, you could even use the armchair to create a reading nook, with a bookshelf loaded up with all your lovely cookbooks.

If you are really blessed for space, why not think about creating a perfect spot for your guests to sit with a glass of wine while you make the final touches to dinner, the addition of a velvet sofa is great in formal dining rooms and more open-plan spaces where you are likely to spend longer, chatting and drinking away.

Do you have velvet dining chairs around your table? We’d love to see photos.

How to transform your rustic dining table for an amazing Easter

Oak Dining Table and Velvet Chairs Set fo Easter

Do you take advantage of each ‘holiday’ by decorating your home? You don’t need to go all out. But decorating your reclaimed wood dining table with some gorgeous Spring decor will make a fun addition to your Easter Sunday roast dinner with friends or family.

Start with the table

A simple dining table with wooden dining chairs is a simple yet classic look. But when it comes to entertaining, it’s good to add some colour and interest.

Start with the basics of table setting. Whilst decorations look great, a dining table has to be, above all else, practical for eating at. Set the table with a few spring additions – perhaps place cards or decorative napkins? You could even mark each place with a chocolate bunny or egg if you fancy.

Then think about centrepieces. For something simple, you can pop together really quickly, use a large round vase and filling it with pastel coloured eggs. You can also do a version of this with a terrarium filled with flowers or eggs. A bunch of flowers is another simple option, but one which looks fabulous.

Go all out

If you have the space for a rustic console table, make the most of it. Even something as simple as a gorgeous bunch of daffodils will add a pop of colour to your dining room.

And if you want to add something extra – add a wreath to your front door. Most of us put a wreath on the door for Christmas but refrain from adding decoration the rest of the year. However, a simple Easter wreath is a great idea to make an impact before guests have even stepped foot in your home.

For something understated, a simple design made of foliage and a few flowers in spring colours look great. Alternatively, eggs are big business at Easter so why not make a wreath using twine and pastel coloured eggs for something a little more playful. If you’re looking for a rainy day activity with children, painting polystyrene or plastic eggs to create a wreath out of is a great idea.

How do you plan on transforming your dining room table this Easter?

How to renovate a garden for perfect outdoor entertaining

Renovating the garden is possibly one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake. These simple hints and tips work whether you are stripping out the whole garden to create the perfect outdoor patch, or whether you want to make one or two changes that improve how you use the space.

Step 1 – Get organised!

Before you start digging or laying a patio, you need to get organised and that means asking a few key questions about what you need and want from your renovated garden. How will plan on using it, for example, is a question that often lays unanswered.

If you plan on entertaining in it, you will need plenty of flexible space that allows you to use it for formal and informal entertaining. For example, a patio that can accommodate one of the many stylish outdoor dining sets makes sense.

For less formal dining, a café garden set is a great alternative but like all renovation projects, you need to be confident you have the space so that it doesn’t look too cluttered.

Step 2 – Planning your look

What style of garden attracts you most? Does a formal garden, complete with manicured lawn and flower borders attract you, or are you thinking of something less formal, more relaxed and meadow like?

The style is important because you don’t want it to jar against the interior of your home. And with a bigger choice of outdoor tables and chairs to choose from – just look at this industrial styled outdoor dining set, for example – there is no reason why you cannot marry the interior with the exterior – especially with the ranges of rustic outdoor furniture available.

Step 3 – Start from the ground up…

Like most other projects, when it comes to renovation we can become sidetracked by the ‘exciting stuff’, like choosing outdoor corner sofas and the like when in fact, we need to concentrate on getting the essentials right.

And that means starting from the ground up;

Lawns – adding a pleasing note of green, a lawn to stay looking green and lush needs care and attention. If you don’t have the time, why not consider an artificial lawn instead?
Hard landscaping – from patios to decking, there is a range of choice when it comes to hard garden ‘flooring’. Add interest by mixing materials, as well as a change in level. This also helps to zone areas, such as the reading zone and a dining area.

Step 4 – Practical additions

We are being encouraged to use our gardens more and this means renovating it to withstand the British weather. Canopies and fire bowls are just two additions that mean enjoying the garden in the rain is possible without getting wet or that you can enjoy cooler evenings, huddled around the hypnotic flames of a fire pit or bowl. What about a wooden ladder to offer some handy yet decorative storage space?

There are many other options too, but this means taking the biggest step of all…

Step 5 – … leaving it to the professionals

Small garden renovation projects can be perfect for long weekends in the spring or summer but when it comes to stripping out a garden and starting from scratch, getting in the professionals can make a difference between an ordinary and extraordinary garden…

How to create this amazing look with a unique reclaimed wood dining table

Simple, elegant, fresh – just three words we would use to describe anything from the Cotswold collection. But this Cotswold reclaimed wood table is particularly pleasing.

There is a pleasant sturdiness and appeal to all this reclaimed furniture; not just to the table, but to the dining chairs and the reclaimed wood bench. But how do you stop it looking too blocky? How can you go on to re-create this look in your home? We show you how…

Neutral walls and shades

The first this with this pleasing rustic look is to think ‘natural and neutral’ – we’ll add detail later with accessories. Everything should support this theme and that means plenty of reclaimed wood furniture that has a character all of its own. Those blemishes and imperfections are not flaws, but the story of its past before it reached you.

The reclaimed wood Cotswold dining chairs are a must. With a padded seat, they are sold in pairs, thus you can add two ‘heads of the table seat’ and two other on one side, with the reclaimed wood bench opposite adding a strong note of ‘the rustic look’.

The extendable dining table is a must if you host dinner parties and fantastic family gatherings. Simply adding extra dining table space without effort, the extending table is a must.

Display and storage unit

Adding extra details starts with a supporting piece of furniture that doesn’t detract from the appeal of the table. The tall Cotswold display case with drawers and glazed doors is a must.

You can store all kinds of items in the glazed unit, from tall candle holders that would make a great centrepiece for the table, to rustic inspired accessories. Although everything about this style is natural and neutral, the addition of glass gives it the sumptuous feel that stops the ‘blocky’ feel to this look.

As in this dining room, soften the edges with pretty flowers and greenery as well as unfussy accessories such as that of the reclaimed wood framed mirror.

There are other sideboards available in this range but if you want to continue the rustic theme with a heavy dollop of the practical, there is no better choice than the Cotswold sideboard and wine storage rack. If you entertain regularly, you’ll know how some wines need to be stored to preserve their fruity and spicy notes and thus, this is the ideal piece for wine connoisseurs.

Soften corners

Wood is a warm material, both to touch and in visual appeal. But without a few soft touches here and there, it can look a little too bland.

Getting the balance between detail and fuss is tough but stick with the natural and neutral mantra, and you won’t go far wrong. You only catch a glimpse of the pleasant rug on the floor in this dining room but notice the slightly longer pile and the neutral colour.

If you don’t want a floor rug, for the bench consider adding a sheepskin rug for a soft underlayer for when guests dine and an extra layer of warmth in the depths of winter. It also makes a great addition to the rustic look dining room (or any room for that matter!).

With subtle hints of colour and detail, this rustic-inspired dining room with this beautiful dining table is a sheer delight. Would it suit your home?

Why choose unique reclaimed wood furniture for your home

English Beam Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

Did you know that on 21st March it’s the International Day of Forests. If you haven’t heard of it – the International Day of Forests is a celebration to raise awareness of the importance of woodlands and trees and to recognize the ways in which forests sustain us as a society.

At Modish Living, we love to work with natural reclaimed wood. We even have our Worcester Reclaimed Wood Desk in our gorgeous Sussex studio.

Why? Because not only does it look beautiful, and add a real charisma to your home, it is sustainable too. One of the big benefits of using reclaimed timber is that it prevents unnecessary waste entering into landfills, instead giving old wood a new lease of life and thus preventing the need for further trees to be cut down. And, one of the best things about reclaimed wood furniture, is that, as everything is handmade and nothing is mass produced, each piece of furniture is truly individual.

And its not only the prevention of cutting down trees that makes reclaimed wood wonderfully sustainable. Wood is a major renewable energy source, currently making up around 45% of the global renewable energy supply. Not only that, strategically placing trees in urban areas is actually said to lower energy bills and contribute to optimal urban living, specifically by cooling the air temperature.

It is certainly a resource we should cherish and make the most of – repurposing wood into beautiful reclaimed wood is just one of the many ways we can do that. So how do you like to use reclaimed wood in your home?

There is something calming about reclaimed wood – whether its the piece of mind that its natural or the beautiful unique markings on the wood, reclaimed wood makes for the perfect rustic bedroom. Two of our newest collections have been handcrafted from reclaimed wood and are truly stunning. Whether you’re looking for a light wood large chest of drawers or a grey-toned blanket box for the end of your bed, these collections may be the answer.

One of the other best uses of reclaimed wood is a reclaimed wood dining table. As the largest piece of furniture in most dining rooms, and with a gorgeous table top to showcase the beautiful natural markings of the wood, a reclaimed dining table is able to make a real statement whether you prefer classic styles or ultra modern pieces.

Are you a fan of reclaimed wood furniture? Let us know your favourite reclaimed wood piece in your home.

How to make the most of outdoor dining in spring

If March roars in like a lion, so the proverb says, it will leave like a lamb. In other words, come March 1^st, you are probably still looking at winter – and that has been the case this year with the Beast from the East and Storm Emma – but by the end of the month, the temperature could start creeping up toward double figures.

The evenings may be a little chilly still, and in some parts of the country, the night time frosts will still be a feature but as the days start to stretch longer, we find that spending some time in the garden is a possibility.

However, you may think that dining al fresco in the garden during March is still a little ambitious. But, with these clever hints and tips, you may find that you can enjoy dining out in March – for Mother’s Day or for another celebration.

The Solution – Create an exciting outdoor ‘room’

During winter, we retreat indoors, huddling around the open fire and snuggle on the couch under wool throws and blankets. And why not? And you can emulate this outdoors in March, creating a cosy outdoor ‘room’ that shelters you from the wind with an edge of spring chill.

Perfect for a Mother’s Day picnic – or a full three-course meal – creating this cosy space is relatively simple….

1. Choose your spot

From a pretty corner of the garden to the wooden decking with pergola, creating a space with a roof can be relatively simple. Attached large plastic sheeting to the top surface of the pergola, using vast expanses of voile panels on the underneath to hide some of the structure.

2. Deck it out

Start with the essentials such as comfy outdoor chairs or choose a dining garden set that is just like a dining room set but made specifically for the outdoors. In smaller garden ‘rooms’, bistro or café sets are a perfect choice.

Or you may want to create something more like an outdoor living room. A rustic corner outdoor rattan furniture set is ideal. The sofas come complete with comfy seating cushions made from weave material that means they can happily withstand spring and summer weather.

3. Lights and heat

Clearly, these are essential, but they don’t mean that you have to spend a huge amount on either;

Solar lighting has come on a lot since the early days of weak fair lights! From fencing panel lights to solar lights on stands, to fairy lights and stylish hanging pendant lights, the solar panels are more efficient at capturing solar energy and so you can have hours of gentle illumination when you dine out this March.
A fire pit is perfect for adding the level of heat you need but don’t have the fire pit under the cover of your garden room. As the coals start to cool, they give off carbon monoxide that will concentrate undercover. Place the pit out in the open air to avoid this happening.

4. Accessorise!

From flickering candles to pretty rustic lights, to soft scatter cushions to throws and an amazing centrepiece for your outdoor dining table, there are all kinds of ways of making the ‘room’ look cosy. There is also a growing choice of outdoor garden rugs to choose from but on a dry day, there is nothing wrong with requisitioning an indoor grey sheepskin rug for using as an extra layer of the warmth of garden seating.

Will you dine out this March – for Mother’s Day or any other occasion?

The secrets that give your garden a boost in the spring

With the snow now almost gone for most of the country, and some slightly warmer weather upon us, now is the perfect time to give your home and your garden an injection of spring.

However, having had such cold weather, you may feel your garden could do with a little TLC. Take a look at our guide to create a colourful spring garden by the time Easter rolls around:

Clean out the garden

Start by having a general tidy up and removing any debris. Now is your chance to remove those leaves you didn’t get around to pick up when they fell off the trees in the autumn and those pesky weeds (make sure to grab them at the roots to make sure they won’t grow back).

If you have a greenhouse, make sure to wash it inside and out before you get going too – a dirty greenhouse will not look particularly aesthetic next to all those beautiful blooms you’ve lovingly nurtured. And don’t forget to ventilate your greenhouse well for a couple of days after washing.

Give your soil a new lease of life

After the winter (especially when there’s been snow!), your soil is likely to be dried out and packed. To get your soil ready to plant all your beautiful new shrubs and flowers, add some moisture using organic materials like manure or compost.

Prune old plants

Plants that survived through the cold this winter will need to be trimmed back so that they’ll grow again this year. Make sure to wait until it is less cold to do all the pruning just in case there is a frosty spell in early spring.

If your plants are already blooming, make sure you don’t prune before just after they have bloomed – you don’t want to chop any future flowers. Spring blooming flowers should be pruned before they bloom in early spring.

Add new flowers and shrubs

Once you’ve got your garden almost spring ready, it’s time to invest in some new spring plants. Some of our favourites include: snapdragons, tulips, lilac and pansies.

Make sure to buy some summer-flowering bulbs too so that you’ll have a lovely, vibrant garden all summer long. Dahlias, marigolds, beardtounge and gloriosa lilies are all good choices to add a splash of colour to your garden.

Prep your furniture for entertaining

If you are using your trusty rustic outdoor furniture from last year, make sure to give it a spring clean too ready for summer BBQs and garden parties. If you don’t tend to entertain until later in the year when the weather’s a bit warmer, this might be a task to save until nearer the time given how unpredictable the British weather is!

You may also wish to invest in some new garden furniture. For avid gardeners, our advice would be to invest in wooden shelving units or a wooden ladder (like this or this) – both of which will provide a stylish space to store all your garden equipment, and even a spot for popping some extra, smaller plants to give your garden a full, blooming look.

What will you be doing to get your garden spring ready? Let us know, or share some photos of the blooms you’ve been buying all ready to plant!

How to elegantly display flowers at home

With the beginning of spring around the corner, now is the perfect to inject some colour into your home with some beautiful blooms. With this in mind, we thought we should share some of our favourite ways to elegantly showcase your floral displays this year and instantly bring your room to life.

One option is to match the colour of the flower buds to the colours of your room. Perhaps not an option if your colour scheme is blue. However, for many colour schemes, adding co-ordinating flowers into your space can look incredibly stylish and will really pull a room together. A bunch of yellow flowers will add a real zingy look to your room paired with a couple of yellow scatter cushions on a chesterfield style sofa.

If you are not sure about having all one colour, go for two or three colours and pick flowers in one of your selection. For example, with a sunset colour scheme which incorporates pinks, oranges, reds and even yellows, any of those colours would look fab!

Go large. Five or six large blooms (think hydrangeas and peonies) will look uber sleek in a glass bowl vase and will make a perfect statement piece for your hallway. If you have a large sideboard, this simple decoration placed on top will keep your decor looking clean and elegant, but will add also add enviable style. Large flowers are also a great way to add excitement in your large farmhouse table.

Double the impact of flowers by placing in front of a mirror. A tall glass vase filled with flowers and foliage will look twice as full if placed in front of a mirror. Whether the vase is placed on the floor in front of a full-length mirror or is on a sideboard with a large wall mirror, your flowers are bound to look twice as impressive! This works particularly well with an otherwise understated room, such as light walls and flooring and soft Scandinavian furnishings, to make the biggest impact.

Work with more natural textures. Beautiful bouquets of flowers are undoubtedly stunning. However there is something more unique in bouquets of wilder, natural flowers. This look works particularly well in country kitchens and living rooms. To really make the most of the style, display in a soft coloured, metal jug, or even hanging out of a wicker basket as if they’ve been freshly picked. You could even line two or three small old glass milk bottles up in on rustic wooden shelves for that cosy farmhouse style.

Have you got a creative way to display your flowers at home? We would love to know!