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How to keep your bedroom tidy if you are lazy

Let’s be honest, at the end of a busy day, the last thing you feel like doing is putting clothes away or finding storage space for all the little things. But on the other hand, you crave a minimal, clutter-free bedroom that you can sink into.

With National Lazy Day on August 10^th, we thought we would look at some great ideas for the bedroom, with heaps of easy and accessible storage solutions both for modern bedroom furniture and older styles that make keeping your bedroom tidy a quick and easy task.

Kitting out Your Bedroom

The singular, most important aspect of keeping any room tidy and clutter-free – especially the bedroom – is to kit it out with all the right furniture.

We think you should take a look at the Scandinavian style as this has long been known how for dressing a room with more than enough storage, without swamping the space with furniture.

There is also the appeal of the rustic look, the harmony of natural materials in a not-too-polished state. It is calm and simple, with fantastic solutions for the bedroom.

With these two popular interior design styles in mind, we have created the simple guide to keeping your bedroom tidy and clutter-free without breaking a sweat or spending hours doing it.

Out of Sight Storage

One of the simplest and easiest ways of hiding away a load of clutter until you have time to sort through it and pop it back in its place is the ‘trunk’.

And thankfully, with both the Scandinavian and rustic styles, there are fantastic solutions:

Under the bed – flinging stuff under the bed is a favourite ‘hideaway’ for things that we not quite sure what to do with. However, with an under the bed storage drawer you don’t need to fling things other, never to be seen again. With two lovely round knobs, sliding the drawer in and out from underneath the bed is super easy and so there is no excuse for not putting things away.
Storage stool – the Scandinavian style mixes natural materials, such as smooth, light woods with leather and wool fabrics. And this is why, if you have a light, modern and airy bedroom, this leather footstool is the ideal solution for quick storage solution when time and effort is lacking.
Bed side tables (with a difference) – As well as keeping it at the foot of the bed, why not consider blanket chest type storage for next to the bed? Makes a great alternative to a bedside table and great for hiding books away too.

Plenty of storage space

We sometimes underestimate the amount of storage space we need in the bedroom and so when it comes to planning bedroom furniture, take a look at small, medium and tall chest of drawers, a bit like this painted bedroom furniture. Create cohesion with matching pieces such as an oak wardrobe with matching oak chest of drawers and the like.

Quick fix

Clearly, replacing bedroom furniture may be a leap too far in relation to your budget and so a quick fix – like the under-bed drawers and a blanket chest – is ideal. Another quick fix is wooden shelving, a great addition to any bedroom but works well with both the rustic and Scandinavian interior design styles.

The key to all storage solutions is easy access, so no matter what you choose for the bedroom, making sure it is super-easy to use – like pulling a drawer open…

How to position the desk for success

Whilst some of us find the fluttering of garden birds an inspiration, some of us find the sun pouring the window, the birds, the noise, the whole garden and the view a distraction.

And distractions, when you are sat at your desk, is not a good thing. You need to be able to quickly settle into work, focus on what you need to because when that happens, success ensues.

So where is the right place to put your desk that equals success?

At an Angle

Is there something in you that likes to be able to see into other rooms or still want to feel part of what’s happening? If you do, then experts suggest placing your writing desk at an angle.

You occupy the corner of the room, but have visual access across a wide arc of 270°, perfect if you don’t like the idea of being snuck up on.

Against the back of the sofa

If you work in a large room or have a reclaimed wood desk in the lounge for the occasional piece of office work, then an ideal solution is to place the back of the desk against the back of the sofa.

Works well when the sofa and desk are of the same length or if the desk is smaller, place it in the centre portion of the sofa. If you are doing this, make a statement with a desk similar to this reclaimed wood Colonial writing desk. There is something very grand and inspiring about the solidity of its design.

In the bay window

If you are blessed with bay windows you will understand what a blessing and a curse they can be – oodles of natural light but a not-quite-big-enough-space to use when it comes to furniture.

We have the solution in our reclaimed furniture range in the shape of a bijou desk, complete with foldaway writing platform.

A work bank against the wall

For some of us, distractions need to be at a minimum and the only real solution is to remove as many distractions as you can. If working against the wall sounds a great idea to you, then forge ahead. Make it look superb by creating a straight line working bank, complete with a customised Oldman desk, cupboards and your favourite leather office chair. Wooden shelving also works great at head height for storing essential work items.

In the corner

An alternative to a straight working ‘bank’ is to position yourself in a corner, again utilising the space above you for wooden shelving so that you have clear working space on a small computer desk, the ideal fit for the corner.

A study nook

Another trend that we think works well is the study nook, a bijou space that is a bespoke adaption to your home. If you don’t mind being shoe horned into a titchy space, this is the ideal solution but from the examples of study nooks we have seen so far, they look fairly sumptuous and grand.

Key to success is choosing the right home office furniture as much as it is about where to put your desk. But as a matter of interest, where do you have your desk?

Spend a lazy day in your reading nook

National Lazy Day is just around the corner. You can spend August 10^th, 2017 doing exactly want you want – unplug, unwind and enjoy a lazy day. Being lazy is about relaxing, and not necessarily doing anything that you don’t really want or need to. So, what is your favourite way to relax?

We took a straw poll of our team and it seems that the perfect lazy day for us to curl up with a good book. Or two. Or three.

But we think there is one more element that adds to a lazy day of reading and day-dreaming – your very own reading nook.

But Why a Reading Nook?

Reading and being ‘lazy’ is about relaxing, unwinding and unplugging from busy work and social lives. Reading is a chance to escape, to exercise a part of your creative brain that doesn’t get flexed enough when days are busy. And your very own reading nook is a warm, cosy space where you stop your world from spinning so fast, for a while at least.

Styling Your Reading Nook

It can be the smallest of places, like under the stairs or a space in the loft that is dressed with a comfy armchair (look at the stud work!) and a wool rug, complete with super-soft cushions, a blanket box and a throw for when the rain is hammering at the window.

You only need the smallest of spaces to convert into a reading nook and providing the lighting is good, you really can set up home anywhere.

The What

And now comes the exciting bit – the bit where you get to create your very own personal reading nook. Think of no one else but what you like!

But what is essential in a reading nook?

Lighting – from the loft to under the stairs, to a delightful space in the corner of a room, it needs to have good lighting. Choose soft lighting, but one that illuminates your book or e-reader, such as an elegant metal arc lamp. For extra light in a space, consider adding a mirror.

The seating – next on the list is the comfy armchair you are going to curl up in. fabric armchairs are a great idea, as are sumptuous leather armchairs (too big? Take a look at a smaller fabric armchair) Style and comfort do go hand in hand but when it comes to colour, the choice is entirely yours, from a modern armchair to something more old-school. Don’t forget some lovely cushions and throws.
The coffee table – for mugs of steaming coffee or a cocktail, the ideal surface is a wood coffee table. For storing your books, consider a coffee table with storage such as a drawer or shelving. And don’t forget rustic wood shelves for super stylish storage solutions. We also love the romance of a wooden blanket box, the ideal place to store extra throws for when you need an extra layer or two.

Rugs – to bring the whole space together, you need a third item besides your armchair and coffee table. And this comes in the shape of wool rugs. Use a rug to add colour, as well as warmth and texture to your space (and a cosy feel beneath your feet!).

Go on tell us, will you spend National Lazy day on August 10^threlaxing? Or will you be too busy creating your very own relaxing reading nook?

How to decorate a grand bedroom

savannah reclaimed wood bedroom furniture

Do you look on with envy at the grand looking master bedrooms of others featured in magazines and on websites? Do you wish that your bedroom, supposedly a place of retreat and tranquility, could look a little more adult, stylish and a lot less ‘young’ or ‘mish mashed’?

We tend to leave the decorating and styling of the master bedroom until the rest of the home is done. But no longer. Now is the time to get the grand look to your bedroom – and we show you how!

Decide on Your Style

‘Grand’ is a generic term that could apply to a range styles from the minimalist to the modern, to the traditional.

When you think grand, what is it that you think of? Whatever style you opt for, think big, think luxury, think bold statements, think calm colours. Everything should be chosen with care and placed with care too.

Now you have decided on the style of your grand bedroom, let’s start putting the look together.

Colour

Of all the grand bedrooms you see, there is a commonality when it comes to colour. They all use neutral tones for a fantastic, luxurious backdrop.

Wave goodbye to heavily patterned papers and welcome understated patterns, or better still, matte, painted walls. Keep the ceiling white too.

Flooring

Opt for neutral flooring too and whether you choose hard or carpeted flooring, choose the very best your budget will stretch too. Once you have the major items of furniture in place, you could consider adding a wool rug to add texture to the floor and warmth with a sheepskin rug.

The bed

The most important item of furniture is the statement that the bed makes. This is down to not only the colours, patterns and quality of the bed linen but the bed frame itself. Some people prefer no frame on show and so it looks like the mattress and base are floating in the space.

If you want a frame on show – it can help define the space – then you have plenty of choices. We love a rustic bed, the frame made from solid wood that works well against cool, neutral colours.

The bedroom furniture

Now you need to dress the rest of the space, opting for furniture that offer function as well as style. The Winchester Collection is ideal. Items are available in the darker wood to add drama to a space or keep the feeling lighter with the lighter wood.

Either way, you will need a bedroom chest of drawers, a pair of bed side tables and a mirror to add wall feature, as well as help to bounce light around.

If you need additional storage space, a wooden blanket box, one of the many reclaimed furniture items we source to bring only the best for our customers.

You could add a sense of the quirky too, without compromising on the grand appearance with a reclaimed wood dressing table.

Adding detail

Now add the detail without cluttering the space. How about, for example, an armchair to dress the room, like this neutral grey, button-backed chair with exquisite stud work? Or bedside table lamps that illuminate the tranquil space with a soft glow, like the elegant Martino table lamp?

A grand bedroom means neutral but warm walls and floor. Elegant pieces that frame the bed, with carefully chosen accessories that bring the final look together. How will you style yours?

How to position a rug in the bedroom

Louis de Poortere Atlantic Ocean Blue Waves Rug

A rug is a great way to bring any room to life. This is especially true in a room which should feel homely and welcoming, like your living room or bedroom.

In a room with wooden floors and reclaimed furniture, a rug will create a feeling of warmth and break up the wood. But not only that, a rug will add a touch of colour and personality to a neutral space or beautifully tie together a colour scheme.

Determine the Size

The first thing to think about when purchasing a rug is the size. This generally comes down to personal preference and balance. If you have a very large bedroom, a small rug may be swallowed up and loose its impact.

In smaller bedrooms, don’t assume you need an equally small rug – the choice is yours. You could either go for a smaller rug, which may be better if you are going for something very bright, or alternatively, when choosing a larger rug, try and find one which will work at the centre of the room.

For the best look, try and follow a few general rules with regards to positioning. In any room, a rug shouldn’t be touching the walls. Try and leave at least 5 inches around the edge of the rug, more if your room is larger. You may want to find a rug which just about the edge of the furniture around the walls of your room for an easy guide. Just be careful to ensure it either sits underneath or just short of – you don’t want it pushed up against the furniture!

And what about positioning around the bed?

There are several different options, depending on the size of your room.

If you want a large rug, for the best look, either ensure the bed (and the bedside tables) sit entirely on the rug, or, the lower two-thirds of the bed sits on the rug and the bedside tables and the top part of your bed are on the bare floor. This will create a more balanced look.

Alternatively, if you have beautiful wooden floors you wish to showcase, you could put a smaller rug beside your bed to sink your toes in on cold mornings. Put a rug on both sides if you share with a partner, you have a large bedrooms or you want symmetry.

You could even put a rug at the foot of the bed. This works particularly well if you have a blanket chest and a large chest of drawers opposite each other as it breaks up what may otherwise be a fairly plain space.

Next comes style

If the bedding and furniture in your bedroom is upholstered in a solid colour, a gorgeous pattern would work well. But then again, don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and create a wonderfully unique finish.

Wool rugs add a feeling of luxury and warmth to any space. The understated, sumptuous design of the Grey Twist New Zealand Wood Rug will look beautiful in any bedroom to give a genuine Scandinavian ambiance. Not only this, if you have gone for a slightly more intricate design when it comes to furniture, such as the blanket chest featured above, the simple styling of this rug will work wonders to create a luxurious space.

Alternatively, the Louis De Poortere Mad Men Soho Copper Rug will really make a statement. The flecks of copper will bring nothing but delight and would work beautifully in a neutral colour scheme with some warmth to them.

If you have a fairly clean, contemporary look to your bedroom, modern rugs with vibrant patterns are sure to look fantastic. Modern style is all about adding personality to your space.

White-on-white has been a popular style choice in homes for many years. In a bedroom, this looks great to provide the ultimate tranquil space to relax in. However, a rug is the perfect opportunity to add a pop of colour and really make a statement if you want to add something with more personality or if the all-white look is a little too clinical for your tastes. Go for a bright colour or pattern for the best effect like the Louis De Poortere Atlantic Ocean Blue Waves Rug.

Alternatively, the Louis De Poortere Fading World Rug in Beige Sky is perfect for a more neutral look if you have colour in your bedding or want to make a statement elsewhere. Mix in metal elements for a stylish blend of contemporary, industrial and elegant vintage design.

To find the perfect rug for your home browse the Louis de Poortere collection or get in touch with one of our team members for any enquiries.

A stylish desk that will make you love your job

Oldman Reclaimed Wood Orange Desk and Black Chair

Your office, be it at a workplace or at home, should be a reflection of your personality, just as the rest of your home is.

You will no doubt spend just as much time sitting at your desk, creating and innovating, as you do enjoy family and social time, whether it’s a small office desk or a larger piece you choose. So why settle for the ordinary?

Before we begin…

Clearly, when choosing a desk there are several factors you will need to consider. Some desks for home are work platforms suited to some tasks, but not others. You will also need to bear in mind not only function but dimensions too.

If you need a big desk – go for it! – but if the room is small, it will simply swamp it, making moving around your workspace a little difficult.

With function and dimension in mind, take a look at these stylish desks…

Simple and Customisable

Do you thrive on a tidy desk? Do you covet minimalism and no clutter? If so, this fully customisable reclaimed wood desk is THE choice. Stick with the white legs or choose from 52 colours to create a fantastic piece of reclaimed wood furniture, unique to you and your office.

Dual Workspace

Maybe you can spend time on a PC, followed by several hours poring over printed documents and the like.

This means you need a ‘dual action’ desk, and this L-shaped steel framed reclaimed wood desk is the ideal choice if you want a versatile working platform – a corner office desk you can truly spread out on. Still a lover of form, order and minimal clutter, this piece of reclaimed furniture will suit your love of the industrial look too.

A Lover of Detail

Elegant. Graceful. But still, with plenty of versatility and practicality about it, the Barclay reclaimed wood desk is easy on the eye. Great for when your working area is on display to others, there is an understated simplicity about this writing desk that makes her a firm favourite with many of our customers.

With three drawers with three handles on each, she is still a practical addition to your office.

Minimal with Detail

The Trondheim desk is a piece of rustic furniture that has an appeal all of its own. Take note of the gently sloping curves, the slender beauty of the corner legs and the sheer delight of the wood beneath your fingertips.

The cube shelf on the wooden desk is an ideal space to store small items, keeping your working platform clutter free, the basis for unfettered creativity at your desk.

If you like minimalism, with a hint of the modern and a nod to the past, then this is the ideal office desk.

Loft Living Magic

There is something refreshing and youthful about the Urban desk. With it faded painted finish, the drawer space and the expanse of the desk opening to reveal a handy storage space for papers and documents, this desk is ideal for those of us that want to work clutter-free but somehow always seem to accumulate papers and the like…

Romantic Industrial

This stunning black desk appeals to those with a heightened sense of creativity who enjoy the smooth touch of metal and the appeal of the industrial design. The Black Iron office desk is appealing in any workspace.

Make a Statement

Do you enjoy making a style statement? If you enjoy breaking away from the ‘norm’ and love beautiful things, then you will instantly understand the appeal of the Aviator desk… need we say more?

Get creative with your side table

hudson living nest of side tables with white top

A side table is an underutilised piece of furniture in the modern home. If you are contemplating adding one to your rustic styled living room or Scandinavian furniture to your living room, you have a number of options from which to choose.

When choosing a side table, you need to decide whether you are adding it to show off the interior design scheme or whether you are adding it to maximise the space available.

You may be thinking that it will add a touch of interest or that you are in need of extra surface space.

If this is the case, consider the material carefully. A modern living room would enjoy the addition of a Perspex side table but for either the rustic or Scandinavian inspired living room, there is no doubt that a wooden side table or two would be the ideal choice.

So, what are the options?

Cubed Side Tables

Pleasing in both a rustic and Scandinavian interior design scheme, the cube side table is a practical and stylish addition. Rustic furniture works so well in many homes and rustic design isn’t just for larger items of furniture.

In addition, our oak nest of tables offers two options – either nestle the tables in one or when you need an extra surface, simply pull out the smaller cube.

Split the coffee table

A coffee table is an essential platform in any living room. But as one solid piece, its versatility can be limited. Rather than investing in a coffee table and side table, why not spilt the coffee table?

When you need one larger surface, simply push the two pieces together. When you need a smaller table, simply pull the sections apart.

Trolley or Table?

You may think that the tea trolley is a relic of an age gone by but we love the idea of a delicate tea trolley, complete with wheel.

For a rustic or Scandinavian look, opt for a wooden tea trolley, complete with wheels for ease of use.

Consider a nest of tables

Again, a nest of tables could be a sign of an era long gone but actually, in the modern age – and certainly in the rustic or Scandinavian designed living room – the nest of tables is ideal as a side table.

We have two great solutions:

The white-topped Bergen nest of tables is ideal for the Scandinavian design. Combining light wood with the white top means this Scandinavian side table fits effortlessly into your living room.
For a rustic appeal, our Hudson oak nest of tables are two, triangular shaped tables that have a delightful appeal in any living room.

Consider the Appeal of Reclaimed Wood

A reclaimed wood side table is the ideal addition to a rustic living and makes the perfect platform for a table top lamp. The chunkiness of its finish is particularly appealing. Available as part of the Farringdon range too.

A rustic wood side table makes for a great additional surface to a living room but sometimes, the chunkiness is not what the scheme needs. When floor space is lacking, consider a narrow side table that will easily fit the space but still give you useable surface.

This cube side table, for example, could be used lengthways to frame your sofa or armchair.

How will you use side tables in your living space?

How to decorate with round tables in dining and living room

Angles and straight lines are all well and good – they give the dining room and the living room a pleasing order to the eye – but, if it all feels a bit too strict and 90° angles, the time has come to introduced some curves.

Circles and curves are welcoming. When you have guests round the dinner table, the roundness of it is ideal for no one person being ‘in the hot seat’ or at the head of the table.

But as we will show you, introducing curves into your home is not just about round dining room tables…

Invest in a Classic Piece

The dining table is an investment that you will use time and time again over many years and so it pays to make a considered purchase.

Invest wisely, and your round dining table will fit any interior design style but, more importantly, it will be versatile enough to sit with your signature style.

We love…

Dining Tables

Classic white frames and wood table top – great in any design for adding freshness to a dining room. This Elton Round Dining Table works really well in the farmhouse or rustic style dining room or kitchen.

For something a little edgier, the Parquet Round Dining Table is ideal for an ‘industrial’ inspired scheme.

We love the circular base of this small round dining table, complete with reclaimed wood top. Fantastic for when you want to make a statement to your guests. The Kendrick Round Table also extends.

Curves in the Living Room

We love…

Coffee Tables

With no sharp edges to knock your shins against, a curvaceous coffee table or side tables are ideal for helping the ‘traffic’ in a living room to flow.

For a modern and minimal appeal, we love the cool-to-the-touch Kensal marble top coffee table. Choose the leg material – polished stainless steel, brass or matte black – so that it truly complements your living room style.

As well as a round table top, introducing a series of curves into an interior design style brings conviviality to a space too.

This round metal coffee table has a delightful series of interconnecting circles as its base and is very modern.

Side Tables

As well as coffee tables, side tables are ideal for the living room. As well as adding a pleasant note of interest to a room, they are also a handy extra surface that we all need occasionally in the living room.

To keep a sense of cohesion, choose two or three items from the same range. For the industrial look – think exposed brickwork, metal and wood dancing in harmony together – the Oldham range has it all.

For a smaller side table, the reclaimed wood table top can be finished with an optional glass ‘cover’ if you feel it needs it.

But you don’t want the living room cluttered with tables here and there which is why a nest of tables is an ideal choice. However, drag yourself out of the 1970s and ditch the set of 3 nesting tables made from MDF. Instead, opt for the thrill of matte metal bases and the mango wood tops of the Melbury Industrial Nest of Tables.

Curves are friendly, inviting and welcoming – and they sit alongside the straightness and pleasingly formality of angles and straight lines in both the dining room and the living room. Why do you love curves so much?

What your first dining room must have

dorset trestle table with dining bench and chairs

It is a moment unlike any other. The day you have the keys to your first house dropped into your palm will fill you with equal measure of excitement and dread.

You have what feels like acres of space to fill with furniture and stylish accessories. But with money in short supply, creating a functional and stylish space is a daunting task.

Friends and family will rally round and before you know it, you have more pans and tea towels than you will ever need.

Reclaimed Furniture and Gifts

Re-claimed furniture, along with mismatched wooden dining chairs give your dining room a pleasing stylish look. It may be eclectic, but it is yours.

Don’t refuse all furniture as some of it with sanding down and a coat of furniture paint can actually make a for a stylish stop-gap until you can afford the items you want.

Choose a Style

Important rooms like the dining room look chaotic in style when there is no obvious or overriding style. There are various looks you can opt for but what can work well because they are fresh and versatile are the Scandinavian or the rustic style.

Both use a lot of wood and other natural materials. Rustic furniture is all about texture, the roughness of raw wood, the exposing of brick and other materials.

The Scandinavian style is equally as appealing – use lighter woods with a smooth finish and choose natural fabrics, such as wool, to finish the look.

Creating the Look Without the Price Tag

You want your house to look like a home, your home. And there are ways of getting your hands on stylish pieces of furniture without breaking the bank.

Look for ex-display items for sale! These can be at a great knock down prices. Check for dings, dents and colour bleaching – remember, you are buying ex-display items as seen, so inspect the piece thoroughly before you buy.

A bargain on one piece means you can splurge a little on another. Don’t forget, dining room furniture items are some of the things that will be with you for years to come. This pleasingly solid wishbone chair, for example, could be the piece you pass on to future generations.

It’s Not Just the Dining Furniture

The final look to your dining room is not just down to the Scandinavian dining table or the exquisite ex-display fabric dining chairs – it is about the accessories too.

And here’s the good news – the majority of these items are stylish AND within budget. Better still, they are versatile so when you change your style in a few years, they simply slip into their new place within it.

Wall art – you can opt for ultra-modern pieces or enjoy canvases that look stunning. These animal art canvases are bound to be conversation pieces, especially the ‘Laughing Donkey’.
Mirrors – great for adding light to a space, mirrors make a statement too. Opt for ornate celestial mirrors or for maximum impact, choose full-length mirrors.
Serving pieces – they will be invaluable at your first dinner party and great for adding detail to the dining room. Choose from stylish salad bowls to dip bowls for informal parties.

Choose key features of an interior design style, such as Scandinavian chairs for the dining room, and build the rest of the room around it. And remember, unique furniture is part and parcel of buying your first home…