rustic Archives - Page 9 of 45

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 This creates such a cosy feeling without appearing too outdated.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

5 Ways to get farmhouse style in your kitchen

Reclaimed wood butcher's block with two drawers and metal bottle opener

There is nothing quite as homely as a farmhouse kitchen – full of character and homeliness. This obviously works really well in an older property but adding some classic farmhouse furniture pieces can help recreate this lovely homely look in any type of home, including newer properties.

Farmhouse table

The farmhouse table is one of those pieces that adds instant cosiness to a kitchen – and one crafted from reclaimed wood will give you an inviting warm rustic look.

Photo featuring: Worcester Large Reclaimed Wood Extendable Dining Table

By adding a wooden table and chairs to your kitchen you are creating another space in your home for people to spend time in…and keep the chef company as they cook. A place for the kids to do homework or just to hang out – it makes your kitchen more of a family room rather than just a functional “service” room.

Dress up dining chairs

Whether you have wooden or fabric dining chairs in your kitchen you can add some cushions to them to give them a warmer farmhouse vibe. A neutral natural fabric cushion always works well – you can choose some patterned cushions with cottage flowers to add some interest to your seating area. Faux animal fur throws and chunky knits are another great way to cosy up kitchen chairs and benches.

Photo featuring: Worcester Medium Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Dresser

The kitchen dresser

A kitchen dresser is an iconic piece of kitchen furniture and a must-have in the farmhouse kitchen – a place to keep all your serving dishes, cutlery, condiments, placemats and so on. But a dresser with some glass doors also gives you the opportunity to add personal display items as well as your favourite cook books. The Chelwood dresser has everything you might need from several handy large and small storage drawers, to an open shelf as well as glass doors – and at 1.55m wide it will not take up too much floor space. A reclaimed wood sideboard is another option, again many different sizes are available that will fit right into your farmhouse kitchen.

Photo featuring: Elton Butchers Block – Prairie

A butchers Block

A butcher’s block is another one of those pieces that fits right into the farmhouse look – even if you have a modern or retro kitchen one will add an instant touch of rustic farmhouse. Our new Elton range includes a butchers block that provides an extra storage option for the kitchen – you can place it near the table if you need extra serving space and also stand decorative items on it when not in use.

Styling tips

When it comes to styling there are many things you can add to give your kitchen some farmhouse character. Open display shelving and spice racks are a good place to start. Rustic pendant lights crafted from metal or an industrial style pendant will work particularly well to add some modern farmhouse character. Natural weave baskets on shelves are a great way to keep things tucked away and rustic. And, of course, be sure to make the most out of exposed brick if you are lucky enough to have some in your kitchen. Keep materials natural – wood, stone, linen – and you have your farmhouse style sorted.

Spotlight: Introducing our new Eastwood collection

Rustic dining table with fabric dining chairs and white linen table runner

Our new Eastwood range is here and we couldn’t wait any longer to tell you about it! This gorgeous new range is characterised by the rich oak wood used to craft it and beautiful rustic furniture fittings.

For the dining room

This collection includes the perfect rustic dining table to suit any space from the monastery to the refectory dining table. The tabletops on all of these proudly boast natural markings and undulations which will bring a little history and individuality into your dining space. These tables really do match many styles of dining chair from plush velvet in a bold colour, to a neutral fabric dining chair. If you want a solid wood sideboard to match your dining table then there are two different styles to choose from, either giving you loads more handy storage in your dining space.

For the living room

Sideboards are traditionally found in the dining room – but nowadays we like to see them in the living room too – a whole load of hidden storage for books, children’s toys, your DVD collection and so on. The Eastwood range does not stop there when it comes to living room furniture. Put your favourite display pieces on the rustic oak highboard and match up with a wood coffee table from this range. For something stylish to set the TV on there is the perfect media unit.

Other pieces from the range

The Eastwood range does not end with just these home staples, to add some reclaimed wood warmth in your hallway you can choose the rustic console table – this also looks great in the living room behind a sofa with a lamp!

Quick ways to spruce up your living room

Brown leather sofa with industrial coffee table

With visitors allowed back inside, it’s time to show off your living style. Many of us have already been doing some much-needed re-decorating jobs in our homes but if not, here we have put together some ideas to quickly transform and update your living room ready for guests.

Rearrange the furniture

It’s amazing how moving a chair or large sideboard out of a room can make such a difference to the space you have. You can try your 3 seater leather sofa in some different positions in the room. Maybe you had to bring in a work-from-home-desk and had the kids in there with their toys for the last year or so. Now is the time to sort through what has accumulated and recycle / dispose of it or put it back in the kid’s rooms.

Restyle your bookcase or sideboard

If you have a bookcase in your living room you may have been using it to keep work-related items on – if you’re back in the office you can put these away now. Clear it of old books and add some decorative pieces or houseplants, so you’re turning it more into a display unit. Reclaimed wood shelves are perfect as they bring another element of nature into your living space and we all now know that house plants are a great addition to any room and are proven to be good for your health. If you have a sideboard then get a couple of new decorative pieces to stand on it.

Photo featuring: Chelwood Nordic Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

Repaint the room

We did say this was quick transformations and this is a bit of a bigger job but it’s amazing how painting can freshen a room. With the kids being at home more and as much space as possible being needed then you may not have had the opportunity to decorate over the last year. Now is the time, ready for welcoming guests! You don’t have to do the whole room either – you may just want to paint, or even wallpaper, one feature wall to bring in a new colour scheme.

Buy new cushions, throws and curtains

If you have a neutral leather couch then you can really play with different colour schemes to quickly give your room a fresh new look. Mix fabrics, patterns and colours to add interest, an accent velvet armchair in a contrasting colour is also a lovely feature in a room. The windows are another place where you can change things up a bit – get some new curtains in your colour scheme – or opt for some neutral blinds if you prefer a more minimalist style. The most important thing here though is – clean windows!

Change your rug & bring in some wall art

A floor can get to look a bit worn over the years, whether it is carpet or wood. For a quick fix, you can put a rug down to cover this up. This is also a good idea if you have a new floor to protect areas that are walked on more – again it is a great way to reinforce a new colour scheme.

Re-vamp your guest bedroom for overnight guests

White bedcovers with gold and white cushions and ornaments on shelf behind

Now we are finally allowed people over to stay you may be looking for a few ideas to get the guest room ready for overnight guests….seems like ages doesn’t it! With the spare room being used for a completely different purpose, or not at all over the last year or so, it may need a bit of a freshen-up, clear-out and re-vamp.

Always number one! – clear the clutter

De-cluttering can completely transform a room, the clear space will make the room feel less claustrophobic and will give a much more relaxed feel for your guests. You will also be able to keep it cleaner with fewer dust catchers around – making it quicker to clean and prepare for your next overnight guests!

Spoil your guests with indulgent touches

It’s been so long….. spoil your guests a little. Add some fresh-cut flowers in a vase or a houseplant or two. Use scented candles or a diffuser to give the room a fresh or relaxing atmosphere. Put together a little basket of treats for your guests to enjoy in their room, you can include some fruit, snacks, a chocolate bar or two and some soft drinks like water or orange juice.

Bring in some character with reclaimed wood furniture

A wooden super king bed with a good mattress will be a treat for anyone to sleep in. Get the bed all cosy and inviting looking with different textured cushions piled up against the headboard and add some throws to create a layered look. If you want to give the room a whole new look you can add other pieces of rustic furniture – a large chest of drawers so there’s plenty of room for your guests to put away their clothes – and a narrow bedside table, an essential addition for them to place a drink, book or charge their phone overnight. Check out our Winchester range for this – stunning reclaimed wood furniture hand made to order right here in our UK workshop.

Photo featuring: Winchester Reclaimed Wood Bed

Add a rug to cover up worn carpet or flooring

A new floor rug not only makes a room feel cosier, but it’s also a great way to reinforce your colour scheme… and also perfect for covering over worn flooring or carpet. In a bedroom with a wooden floor, I would definitely add a rug to both sides of the bed so your guest has something nice to step on when they get out of bed.

Add some personal touches

Add some pictures to the wall to give the room some personality. If you are not a fan of paintings or prints you can hang up family photos or get a feature wall mirror.

Buy a blanket box

A blanket box at the foot of the bed is perfect to keep spare bedding and pillows in. If you have guests to stay during a warm spell you can pop the heavy duvet away in there. But we all know it could be much cooler in the next few days so it’s a great place to keep it handy for them. Spare pillows can also be put in there. And of course, the top provides another surface in the room to put things down like their travelling bags or a tray of tea or coffee.

Get your dining space ready for visitors

Friends gathered around a rustic dining table

Things really are starting to look up (at last) for this summer! With restrictions easing further, after one of the hardest years most of us will remember, we will be allowed to entertain our much loved and much-missed friends and family outdoors. And now of course we can host a small get-together indoors of six people or two households as well. We’ve all been waiting for this- life coming back to a bit more normal!

After the last-minute disappointment of Christmas and a scaled-down and chilly Easter, we have much catching up to do. Now we will no longer be held to ransom by our unpredictable weather we and can start planning some indoor celebratory dinner parties, as opposed to just barbecues and evenings, huddled around a fire pit! Time to dust off the best serving dishes and wine glasses and start planning your dinner party. Here we will be looking at different styles you can choose to go for.

Rustic setting

This is perfect for cosy cottages and old farmhouses – We think the Colette Reclaimed Wood Refectory Dining is the top choice if you are looking for a new statement wood table for your dining space, whether it sits in a dining room or you want to bring a rustic dining table into a farmhouse kitchen. To add a hint of sophistication you can add a velvet or fabric dining chair. When setting your table, ready for entertaining, we think tableware with a rustic air looks great on this such as earthenware, twigs in a vase and a crisp white linen table cloth. For placemats, we like a natural material like wicker.

Glamorous setting

This is what you expect to see in a smart city apartment or house. The Knightsbridge reclaimed dining table just has the wow factor whichever way you look at it. From the solid reclaimed wood tabletop to the very elegant metal legs to the gorgeous velvet chairs from the same range, this table will be a much-loved centrepiece in your dining space. When setting this for guests we think shiny and glamourous is the way to go! Silver candlesticks and a large vase with fresh-cut flowers for a real air of sophistication.

Modern industrial setting

The Picasso Industrial Oak Dining Table is the type of industrial dining table that just works beautifully in a modern kitchen/ diner extension. This is a versatile dining table that can be glammed up, mixed with industrial table dressings or go natural. House plants and neutral colours look great with this table to tie in with a no-frills and no-fuss industrial theme. Here we have paired it up with industrial dining chairs. Black tableware and crockery also work well to continue the industrial dining theme from the legs to the tabletop.

How to make an industrial bedroom feminine

Industrial metal bed frame with industrial wooden bedside tables with pink and green covers and curtains

If you are thinking of updating your bedroom and would love to go with an industrial-inspired theme then you may feel that the overall look might end up being a little cold or even masculine. However, an industrial bedroom can be warm, cosy and feminine. Here’s how to get the perfect balance…

Let a reclaimed wood bed be the feature

There’s no denying natural wood instantly adds warmth and character to a bedroom and a reclaimed wood bed brings history and individuality with it too. This is the perfect way to soften and contrast the straight strong lines of an industrial foundation. A king size wooden bed frame made from reclaimed wood will definitely become the shining star in your bedroom!

Dress the bed with feminine colours

Get your bed looking super feminine, cosy, warm and inviting by using pastels. Apart from the obvious pinks and lilacs, you can choose from other great bedroom colours like soft mint, sky blue or lemon. Add some floral print scatter cushions or bed throws for a touch of patterning. You can also mix in some tactile textures to add interest choose from faux fur throws, velvet, chunky knits and silk cushions. This will add real femininity and softness to the room.

Add industrial accents

If you want to add a little hint of industrial to your bedroom then you should consider just accessorising in industrial style. Go for industrial bedside lamps, changing door and drawer handles to black ones or swapping some furniture pieces, like a small bedroom table, for items with steel legs or frames.

Embrace contrasts

Experiment and mix old and new, light and dark. Don’t be afraid to combine modern furniture with older or retro styles. By doing this you are giving the bedroom a warm and inviting feel as well as adding interest. Pair a wooden dressing table with an industrial style chair or hang a mirror with a black metal frame over a large chest of drawers, you can soften this by adding a houseplant on the surface of the drawers.

Add some nature

Nothing brings a serene and calm mood into a bedroom more than nature. Hanging indoor greenery be it real or faux will add instant softness to your room, we love this industrial shelving, absolutely perfect for displaying your houseplants. Fresh cut flowers are also an option – if you don’t want to run the expense of flowers from the florist every week or so then you can go for meadow flowers, dried or faux flowers. They look pretty as a picture anywhere in the room, from on a painted chest of drawers to a wooden blanket box at the bottom of the bed.

How to introduce industrial style to traditional homes

Velvet corner sofa with industrial coffee table

If you live in a more traditional or classic style home you may be thinking that incorporating industrial style is a straight no, no for you, but it can be done and can look stunning! Here are some ways you can inject some industrial style…

Pick a piece of industrial furniture for high footfall areas

In the hallway for example a slim console table with black industrial metal legs will always give a stylish welcome for visitors. Dress the top with a table lamp, some fresh cut flowers, a houseplant or some scented candles for a warm and homely feel when you walk in. In the kitchen, you can add a touch of industrial by choosing metal bar stools, opt for real or faux leather seats to further reinforce the look. And in the living room, just an industrial coffee table will instantly bring in an industrial theme.

Choose a neutral colour scheme

Let the black metal and wood of your industrial furniture be the feature. A neutral colour scheme is always a great base colour to style industrial features with, the black metal will stand out making each carefully chosen piece really catch the eye. Use a lighter colour in a dark room or opt for an atmospheric deeper grey if your room has plenty of light flooding in.

Photo featuring: Picasso Industrial Oak Dining Table

Change the flooring in a room

If your traditional house doesn’t already have a wood floor then look at reclaimed wood flooring to add character, salvaged oak planks are great for this. A concrete floor or a good quality laminate floor will add an instant industrial look in a large kitchen diner space. You can choose an industrial dining table that is finished with a slight hint of grey to the wood… this fits just right with dark industrial legs, hang a pendant light over the table and you have the perfect centrepiece in your dining space.

Photo featuring: Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table

Look for reclaimed wood furniture

Reclaimed wood and metal is a key driver to the industrial style. The rustic look of the wood and the strong metal structure of the industrial furniture are perfect together…. the reclaimed wood adds warmth, history and individuality. With the natural undulations and markings found in reclaimed wood furniture, you will have an eye-catching contrast to cold dark metal. Upcycling is also a great way to give old, tired-looking furniture pieces a new lease of life. You can look for old preloved items of furniture in second-hand shops – re-varnish them, paint them in black or dark grey or just tidy items up and change the handles to black metal.

Ways to give your workspace a creative edge

Home office desk with two wooden stools and gallery of prints on the wall

Does your home office space need a bit of a revamp? If it’s zapping your creative energy you need to make a few changes….and you don’t need to go all out and replace all your home office furniture there are plenty of things you can do on a smaller scale. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.

1. Clear the clutter

Your home office space has most likely been used way more than normal of late, so have a good sort out. Invest in some new and practical storage or just a desk with drawers to keep your desktop clear. For larger office storage solutions you can opt for some new office cabinets or consider an industrial sideboard if you want to get a piece of furniture that you can use elsewhere in your home if and when you switch back to the communal office space.

2. Create an imageboard

Stick inspirational images, quotes or anything you like, on the wall above your home office desk or in another place in your workspace where you will regularly catch a glimpse of it. Remember to update it regularly with things you see that motivate and inspire you.

3. Give it a colour scheme you enjoy

Think about what colours make you happy, energised and creative. Add these colours into your home office using ornaments, accessories, furniture or rugs. You can be brave and go all out and redecorate the walls and replace the flooring.

Photo featuring: Standford Reclaimed Wood Office Desk, Standford Grey Faux Leather Office Chair

4. Bring in plants

Plants are known to benefit your wellbeing as well as looking stylish. If you’re not very good with indoor plants, even a small pot plant or cactus on your desk will make a difference. There are also some very impressive looking fake plants on the market now. If you need to save space on your desk put plants on shelving, an industrial side table or hang a trailing plant from the ceiling.

5. Make space

Both literally and in your head. Many of us have been using the spare bedroom as an office, why not think about removing the bed? If you tend to only have occasional guests then consider replacing the bed with a sofa bed. A wooden double bed takes up much more room than a sofa bed, you can get a sofa bed with storage to keep the bedding handy, it’s also a great place to sit and think and let the creative juices flow. A sofa bed is also a great place for the kids to come and sit when they get home from school rather than ruffling up the bed all the time.

6. Add energising/creative scents

Use scent to inspire you in your home office space, consider scented candles, a diffuser or an essential oil diffuser. For relaxation, you can go for Lavender, Chamomile, Sandalwood or Almond. For boosting productivity choose from Lemon, Peppermint, Jasmine or Rosemary. There is also the option to have a go at creating your own unique blends.