scandinavian Archives - Page 4 of 7

How to create a green living space for a sophisticated soothing style

Green is a soothing colour, ideal for creating a living room that invites people to relax and enjoy the space.

There are many shades from which to choose, from the earthiness of dark green to a lighter, sun-washed green. Styled well, this can give your rooms a sophisticated edge. But how do you go about it?

Green with dashes of strong yellow

Too much of one colour can create stagnate the flow of a room and with the colour green, you will want to pick a strong colour that mirrors it perfectly.

That’s why we love the strong, vibrant glowing yellow in this living room. considering there are only three yellow accessories, it plucks the room from ordinary to fresh and vibrant.

Large, leafy green print wallpaper is on-trend and right-now. It doesn’t overpower the space because it covers a small expanse of the wall but with the supporting light sage green panelling, it simply lifts the space. This would work perfectly with an industrial sideboard, or perhaps with an industrial coffee table placed artfully next to the wall.

Instead of the sisal rug, you could opt for a light touch green rug, alongside the majesty of a velvet chesterfield sofa for yet more hints of drama.

Scandinavian delight

The Scandinavian style is all about embracing the neutral and the natural. But when you want a hint of something different, why not included the refined industrial-type materials, such as polished gold or brass?

Dark, earthy green would work well in the Scandinavian styled living room, the light beech wood and the wooden floors the perfect foil to a colour that could be too dirty, too dark, too muddy and too overpowering.

Dark green leather bean bags are informal, slouched seating but if this isn’t your thing, then opt for a dark green low backed sofa. Choose a modern and unfussy design, with simple finishing and minimal detailing.

If you are opting for darker shades of green, make sure you utilise as much natural light in the space to stop the gloom from settling. In smaller rooms where this could be a problem, lighten the mood with light wood finishes and plenty of ambient light.

And leave the detailing to the furniture, such as the effortless style of the Chalfont industrial wooden TV stand. Admire the pattern, note the legwork and yet with all that detailing, you would think it should be too fussy.

Naturally green

The best way of introducing green into either an industrial landscaped living room or one styled along the crispness of the Scandinavian style is to use plants as part of living room decor.

From cacti to lush, green palms, there are so many houseplants that can bring so much colour, and naturally too, into a space.

Their impact is heightened when they are clustered, such as in this modern, almost Scandinavian space.

But leave uniformity behind. The power of three is a powerful suggestion. Opt for one larger, statement plant with a presence in both sizes of the plant and its leaves.

Foil this with the slender tips of the cacti, tightly bunched in and then add a smaller plant from the cacti family.

Is green a colour you love and naturally turn to?

How to tackle a cluttered bedroom

Standford Reclaimed Wood Tall Chest of Drawers

Life in the 21st century is often hectic. That’s why it’s so important to have a space where you can unwind after a busy day at the office or running kids to and from their many commitments. But it can be hard to unwind in a space full of clutter. Here are a few top tips for creating a blissful bedroom you’ll always look forward to retreating to.

First, work out the source of clutter.

It’s easier to come up with a solution for your clutter if you can categorise it. Along the way, you’ll probably also find items you really don’t need any more which can be sold, donated or thrown away if they really are beyond use.

For example, a pile of washing or bedding which doesn’t have a home will clutter your bedroom and your brain. A wooden blanket box at the end of the bed provides the perfect home for bulky linens and unseasonal blankets and throw cushions, and can look uber stylish too if you find a storage chest which matches the other furniture in your room.

Alternatively, if your chest of drawers has become a makeshift dressing area laden with products, your hairdryer and hairbrush, perhaps think about investing in a dressing table (and one with some drawers to keep everything tucked out of sight when not in use).

Think about what you want in your bedroom.

Along the way of organising your clutter, you’ll probably find items which definitely don’t belong – a vacuum cleaner and your children’s toy cars don’t exactly scream serene. Make a pile of things to pop back in their rightful home and try to keep on top of the clutter which will inevitably work it’s way back into your bedroom.

Think about storage solutions.

We often buy storage pieces thinking it will solve all our problems when it comes to the items cluttering our spaces. But sometimes, dreams don’t quite play out in reality and your stunning storage piece is not as practical as you may have hoped. It may be that by categorising your clutter, you find that rearranging where items are stored, there is a better way of organising which will result in less clutter. However, you may discover that your current storage doesn’t work as well as you had once hoped.

If that’s the case, think about a switch with your furniture. This is where your categorising comes into play as it means you can make a smart switch for one more practical piece without expending thousands on an entirely new bedroom suite. For example, a bedroom bedside table with a couple of small drawers will undoubtedly make room to show off a beautiful vase of flowers or an ornate table lamp. Alternatively, if you like to keep a lot by the bed, a small chest of drawers on one side might be a good solution – just make sure to find a style with a couple of small drawers on the side of the bed so the items stored inside are easily accessible.

Ban the floordrobe.

Ah, the floordrobe. It’s an easy habit to get into – not hanging your clothes up as you’re rushing around to leave the house. But once the pile starts growing, tackling it becomes increasingly daunting.

A good combination of storage solutions should be able to solve the problem. Large wardrobes are fantastic but when you have the space, it’s easy to keep piling new clothes in until it’s full to bursting and you can’t see what you have to wear anymore.

So, instead of letting that happen, go through your wardrobe twice a year – perhaps spring and autumn – and organise. Create a pile to donate to charity or friends and family, a pile of the pieces which are unseasonal, and a pile of things you’ll love and wear in the next 4 months. With the clothes that are unseasonal, under bed storage is a great option to tuck it neatly away (but in a place which is still within easy reach if British weather decides to surprise us all!).

Investing in a tall chest of drawers to place beside your wardrobe is also a fab idea creating the perfect space for the items which don’t need to be hung like pyjamas and denim but without taking up too much floor space.

Think about decor.

If decluttering has got you in the mood for a spot of redecorating, think about the colour, opting only for colours which you feel are calm or peaceful – whites, blues and greys are the colours which often come to mind but there might be a different colour which is equally calming to you.

When it comes to items, like photo frames, mirrors, table lighting and decor pieces, try to keep it to a minimum, only bringing in items you absolutely love. Add a couple of scatter cushions and a cosy throw onto the bed to accessorise white bedding in the colour you’ve opted for to keep everything coordinated and to maintain the feeling of calm you’ve created.

Are you in the mood for decluttering your bedroom?

A single coffee table or a nest of tables – which would you choose?

Hudson Living Kielder Oak Nest of Tables

At Modish Living, we conduct regular polls on Houzz and Instagram. We love knowing what our customers and followers think of the latest must-have trend or interior design style – sometimes, the answers surprise us!

In this instance, we asked people about occasional tables. Would they opt for a single coffee table or a nest of coffee tables?

We Asked, You Answered

It was an almost even split between out followers opting for a single coffee table to those who loved the versatility of a nest of coffee tables.

Whilst the answer may not give us a decisive ‘one way or the other’ answer, it gives a clear message – the coffee table, no matter its shape or form, is an essential, must-have piece of furniture in the living room.

In fact, a lounging space without a coffee table is not as easy to use and somehow, looks unfinished. This is because the coffee table is the item that helps frame the room. Which is your coffee table of choice?

A single coffee table

The styles we choose to use in this poll reflects two of our best-selling ranges – the un-complex Scandinavian furniture range and the Hudson collection, a range of modern appealing items that ooze luxury and sophistication.

When it comes to choosing a single coffee table, there are a few things to consider. Do you need a coffee table with storage, for example? How small or large does it need to be to be useful for your home?

The Hudson coffee table has a lower shelf ideal for storing various items. Its simple design is superb in any living room.

Along similar lines is the Wycombe coffee table with a ladder shelf beneath and a beautiful expanse of a coffee table top. A large coffee table made from the finest oak there is a pleasing simplicity about this item too.

Perfect for framing a living room sofa, the design and light colour sill be pleasing to those who enjoy the Scandinavian style in the home.

Why not…?

As an alternative, why not use a reclaimed wood blanket box as a coffee table with storage in the living room? perfect for hiding a multitude of sins when unexpected guests arrive.

A nest of coffee tables

The beauty of a nest of tables is the versatility that it offers you when it comes to expanding and retracting to meet the ‘demand’ of coffee cups, cocktails glasses… and the like!

The box shape is so very pleasing, so simple, uncluttered and far from overbearing that the Hudson oak nest of tables is a sheer delight in any living room.

Most interior design styles demand at some point in their orchestration, simplicity that is understated. Smaller details such as adding nests of coffee tables into a room is a way of adding storage and other solutions, without cluttering the space.

Everything about this set is divine, right down to its small cubed feet.

Which would you choose?

5 of the best armchairs for compact spaces

Every home has one – a compact, smaller space that is hard to dress – but with these fantastic seating ideas are ideal when space is limited but you have big stylish ambitions.

Less clutter, more focus

In a smaller space, the less ‘fuss’ there is to clutter the eye, the bigger the room looks and, it has to be said, the more stylish too. The Scandinavian style is perfect to mimic in the smaller space because it focuses on lighter colours and natural materials.

As armchairs go, a brown leather small armchair is the perfect example of Scandinavian furniture. All natural material, a simple, unfussy design and yet, more comfort than you can imagine. Sit the armchairs in a pair, with a small occasional table between, and frame it with a light-coloured rug.

A hint of ‘the industrial’

The Scandinavian style is so very appealing but if you feel you need a change from the swathes of wood that characterises the style, include an industrial style element to ring the changes.

This brown leather armchair, complete with polished steel frame is stunning. A slightly lower slung seat instantly adds an appeal of ‘sit back and relax. Choose a shelving unit that has similar traits – a high polished steel frame and reclaimed wood, for example – so that there is a sense of cohesion between the main players in the small space.

Traditional. Comfort. Statement

If you lust after the Scandinavian style, then you will understand the importance of understated colour. It may use a neutral colour palette but that doesn’t mean just cream, white or magnolia.

Keep the background of the room neutral and understated, introducing a small note of colour with this fantastic high backed tradition, comfortable statement piece of a grey armchair.

The stud work is not a million miles from the Scandinavian style either. As for detailing, it is understated and yet delightful on the eye.

For colder winter months, add yet more comfort and warmth with a sheepskin rug.

The element of surprise

Just because the space is small, and it dimensions limited, doesn’t mean you should limit your stylish ambitions for the room.

We are all for introducing a note of quirky or the unexpected. Staying true to the Scandinavian style, we haven’t chosen a highly coloured piece but again have opted for the style to be different.

This spoked armchair is unlike anything you will find mimicked on the high street, enough to make it a best seller. But the open frame of the chair makes it the perfect addition to any room, from the bedroom to the living room. for a smaller space, it is ideal.

We love its simplicity.

Check pattern and natural wool

The Moon wool armchair, with its check pattern and flicks of colour, is also ideal for the smaller living room or space. If you favour a more traditional style but want elements of the Scandinavian approach, then this is the armchair that ticks all your boxes. Team it with oak living room furniture and you have the perfect relaxed setting.

Dressing a smaller space may seem difficult and yet, with carefully chosen elements, it is so very simple and effortless.

The most beautiful extendable tables for summer soirees

English Beam Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

With the summer finally here, spending time in the garden is a top priority. But as well as catching a few rays, it is more than likely that at some point, you will invite family and friends over for a get-together, BBQ or party.

Dining space and seating needn’t be a problem with our favourite extendable dining tables, perfect for indoors and outdoors.

Bring the indoors to the outdoors

Extendable dining tables are a fantastic and versatile investment, but it doesn’t have to stay in the dining room or kitchen diner – they work just as well on the patio too!

Reclaimed wood furniture is not just a trend, it is a stylish means of reusing wood that has plenty of life left in it yet. But a reclaimed wood table also brings an air of romance to any room or space – as your fingers glide over the table top, you will wonder what secrets are hidden in the grains and knots.

And this romantic vision is perfect for entertaining outdoors, complete with a reclaimed wood table to act as a focal point, whether it is a sit-down meal or a buffet you are hosting.

Scandinavian style

Style is about creating a sense of cohesion and flow between objects thus, most designers suggest choosing an interior design style, deciding which key elements you will keep and build the interior or appeal of a space around these ideas.

The Scandinavian style is popular – clean, clear-cut, no fuss but with a penchant for all things natural, it is the ideal style for a kitchen diner or conservatory that leads out into nature and the great outdoors.

This oak table has it all – the warmth of wood, oozing with quality and yet stunningly simple.

Inclusive

A round extendable dining table is not the only solution when it comes to creating a dining space that invites conversation and interaction. A rectangular extending dining table and chairs also offer the perfect means to bring about warmth and connection over delicious food.

Some garden parties and get-togethers – like the BBQ – run along informal lines but sometimes, you want to dress it up a little. Not too formal that the summer dinner party becomes sticky and awkward but just enough to give it a sense of occasion.

There are various ways of doing this and higher-backed chairs, along with flickering candles are just two factors that create an ambience of delightful formality in and around the room. From rattan to upholstered dining chairs, there is an extendable reclaimed wood dining table to match, giving you many options both for the Scandinavian appeal and other design schemes too.

Summer dining – an exquisite experience

There are so many ways you can throw a summer dinner party, creating a truly relaxed and almost magical experience. From the hustle and bustle of a BBQ to a more sedate afternoon tea party, to a formal dining experience in the conservatory looking out over your garden, the table is the central point around which everything pivots – so make it a stylish one.

Are these the best ways to declutter an office space?

De-cluttering – the throwing of everything away to start again… or is it? De-cluttering is something we all do, some more frequently than others. It isn’t just about ‘getting rid of stuff’, although that is the crux of it for many people. It is, in fact, about streamlining storage, creating solutions that work that allow us to live and work effectively and efficiently in a space.

And this is no more needed than in an office. But how do your de-clutter and stay streamlined in such an important and productive space?

Storage shelves

Frankly, a set of two or three storage shelves is an absolute must for keeping your desk clear of clutter. The secret to effective storage is being to access it quickly and easily and frankly, there is no better way than shelving.

As well as wall-mounted shelves, consider a freestanding shelving display case or bookcase as an alternative.

Drawer organisers

Your wooden desk may be clear on top but what state are the drawers in?! in many ways, there is nothing wrong with a messy drawer but seriously, when was the last time you found what you were searching for in here? You can probably count the times on one hand.

Get it organised with drawer organisers, from small baskets to cutlery trays for pens and pencils.

Go cord-free

If you like a streamlined office, styled along Scandinavian styles – white walls, light wood furniture offset with natural fabrics – then going ‘cord-less’ is the ideal solution. That means investing in Bluetooth enabled or wireless gadgets to do away with cords clogging the eyeline.

Colour code

Another great tip from people who are uber-organised – and stay organised – is to colour files in your office cabinets. Use coloured file ‘tips’ or stickers, assigning a colour band to a category that you can then effectively organise your files under.

PS Did you know that TV cabinets and media cabinets make fantastic storage for the office?

Establish office zones

In many ways, this emulates the home: the kitchen is for cooking, the living room for lounging etc. – and you can use a similar means of zoning areas for key activities in the office.

Your reclaimed wood desk is where you produce work, the office cabinets where you file, the display unit or shelving where you store items you need to access frequently… you get the drift.

Vertical storage

In smaller spaces, utilising the space up above your head is a great way of adding extra storage space, especially when it comes to working boards and noticeboards etc. Get creative too with your cork boards and whiteboards, two things that you can easily customise.

And finally, tidy up regularly.

If there is one key element of a de-cluttered off is that once you have de-cluttered, zoned and organised things, you need them to stay this way. Being organised and regularly tidying your workspace is not just important for your physical comfort in the office but you may find it is an important emotional task too.

Creative tips that will make your office space amazing

If you work from home, a production office space is the best way to provide motivation. But often home office furniture can be far more functional than inspiring. To bring your home office to life, here are a few of our creative tips to make your office space amazing.

The view

A home office really centres around the desk. So make sure it is the perfect spot to maximise productivity.

If you have a pretty view out your window, make the most of it by pushing your desk up against the window. A large window brings in loads of light and will keep you feeling awake all day (even on the gloomiest winter days) and means you can occasionally glance out of the window. Who knows – perhaps you might find your most creative ideas come when watching the birds in your garden! The smallest offices are best suited to the desk being against the wall, creating space to move and ensuring the room doesn’t feel cluttered.

If you have a larger space, you may wish to have a floating desk at the centre of the room. This creates a really sophisticated feel and paired with a stylish desk chair and a large rug underneath the desk creates a plush-feeling office you’ll enjoy spending time in. This is also a fantastic option if you ever need to hold meetings at home with space for colleagues to sit at the other side of your desk so you can talk face-to-face.

The furniture

Start with your desk and chair – if you are going to be sat at a desk all day, it is crucial that you create a comfortable spot to do so! The Oldman desks are perfect if you are looking for a rustic style with a contemporary twist. Not only would it make a beautiful home office desk (whether it’s against a wall or positioned as a floating desk), it can be made to order to fit your room perfectly. Alternatively, the Carter Rustic Desk provides a stylish finish and lots of storage to keep all your office essentials on hand.

Then comes seating. A leather office chair is great for the perfect compromise between comfort and style. If you have your heart set on a chair that spins, the Parker Chair is fantastic. Alternatively, the simple style of the Hudson Living Capri Chair is great for the smallest of spaces, as without arms, it is not at all bulky!

Plenty of chic seating will have your office feeling more fun, and will also be infinitely more practical. An armchair or two make a great addition to any home office – and with plenty of upholstered options on offer, fabric armchairs are a great way to easily inject a vibrant pop of colour and interesting texture too. These wool armchairs are simply stunning – and with light wooden legs, they’ll work perfectly with any other Scandinavian designs.

The home office is prone to clutter so plenty of storage space is a must. But storage solutions don’t need to be boring – try and display your office supplies in a creative, colourful way to add a hint of colour to an otherwise simple space. A large display unit like this one is large enough for you to keep everything in one place and will save you feeling the need to constantly tidy up!

The colours

If you want to create a calming home environment, light colours and neutrals are the way to go. An all-white room is perfect for minimising distractions. However, a simple colour-scheme may not be particularly inspiring.

Perhaps add a bit of personality with a feature colour throughout the room, or add in some accessories. For a sleek, glam feel, gold or chrome details work wonders. A frame with a gold mirror or a huge chrome clock on the wall look fantastic and will add something to your space (a mirror will also reflect the light around the room, making any space feel much bigger).

Have you been inspired to give a new lease of life to your home office?

How to create a calm feel in your home

A deep sense of worry, pounding headaches, being unable to control breathing, an uncontrollable fear… there are many triggers to someone’s anxiety, the symptoms of which also vary from one person to another, from one ‘attack’ to the next.

Home should be the space in which anyone should feel safe and for someone battling to control anxiety, it is imperative it is designed and maintained along lines that really do make them feel safe and calm.

It is known that design plays an important role in helping people to leave anxiety at the front door and so with this in mind, we looked at styling tips to help people with anxiety to feel exactly that: calm, in control and safe.

Space and Light

For some people feeling closed in, in small dark spaces can be a trigger for feeling unsafe. And so, ensuring that your home has as much natural light as possible and an open plan design is a clear winner when it comes to helping allay anxiety and fear.

But for others, this is a nightmare scenario. Similar to agoraphobia, all that ‘openness’ can lead them into a world of feeling exposed. Using moveable reclaimed furniture and accessories, such as display cabinets to ‘shorten’ the space can help.

Top tips:

Choose neutral colours with a warm undertone such as creams and beige
Neutral tones furniture works well too to create a sense of cohesion and order; for example, cream dining chairs will add texture to the smaller dining room and look great with any style of dining table and furniture
If natural light is an issue, choose soft glow bulbs and lighting solutions throughout the home, but especially when it comes to living room lamps.

Declutter

It is an emotional journey but there is no doubt that decluttering, freeing space and bringing in order and light can be a useful (but sometimes painful) task for anyone suffering anxiety.

Decluttering is not just about ‘throwing things away’, it is about creating a storage system that works so that clutter doesn’t accumulate. It is a way of changing how you live in your home so that you maintain it as the space you want it and need it to be.

Create a storage system that you know you can stick too
Pretty boxes and furniture with ‘hidden’ storage such as a blanket box for a coffee table in the living room are also great solutions

Which Style Works Best?

Of course, you need to style your home according to your taste and budget, from oak bedroom furniture to glossy cupboards, but the Scandinavian style is one worth considering. A seamless blend between warm, natural materials, its modern feel also works well for those that prefer a more traditional approach, slimline, without sharp angles, it is a popular styling choice for the home and your workspace.

Anxiety – a Hidden Issue

It is not something that people have commonly shared, preferring to keep their anxiety locked away. But in recent times, we have seen a changing attitude toward mental health and how issues, such as anxiety, a more common than what we think.

We often think that we are the ‘only one’ and that others will deride it as being something we ‘just need to get a grip on’. Our surroundings play a big part in helping us to deal with anxiety and other issues. Make this the year you style your home that gives you not only pleasure but the safety and control you crave.

Our most read blog posts of the year

The aim of our blog is simple – to give you ideas on how to create the style and finish you want in your home. And it seems that our articles and posts are hitting the right notes.

With this in mind, we took a look back at the three most popular blogs. And what they tell us is interesting…

5 Interior Design Styles

Take a moment to read any interior design or lifestyle blog, and you will see it talks about various trends and must-have styles. But the problem is that even though the photos look appealing and you decide a certain style will work for you, it is often impossible to recreate the style in your own home.

This blog looked at the basics of five of the most popular interior design styles, from rustic to industrial. It included key elements that made an interior style rustic or farmhouse, or what materials need to combine to give the industrial looking edge to your home or the mid-20^th Century modern that so many of us enjoy. Well worth another look!

Read the blog here.

Welcoming Spring with the Farmhouse Style

There is something comforting, yet elegantly stylish and unfussy about the farmhouse look that makes for it being so popular. It is practical without every element of detail or design being eliminated. It came as no surprise to find that the second most popular blog from this year was this piece of how to create the farmhouse style in your home.

We know it can be hard to reproduce the style across the home, so with this blog, we took a room by room approach. It looked at how to use open shelving – great for the studio, study or living room – as well as other farmhouse furniture staples work well to create the style.

It examined how to create a cohesive farmhouse style in the kitchen and the dining room, as well as a look at which accessories work well with the style. Take another look at how to create the farmhouse style in your home, no matter what time of year.

How to Choose the Perfect Wood Dining Table

It is an item of furniture that lasts for years and years. Rarely replaced, the dining table needs to be universally stylish. Choosing the right dining room sets can take a long time, especially with so much choice.

Wood is the favoured material as it ‘fits’ all design styles, from the rustic to the industrial style, as well as the uber-modern. But which shape? Which design? What style? What about dining chairs – upholstered or leather? Or is a dining bench a better option?

With so many questions that need answering, many people turned to a popular blog we published in the summer. This was our third most popular blog – and is still racking up visitors – and no wonder because choosing a wooden dining table that offers everything you need is a tough decision!

Take a look at the blog again for help to choose the best wood dining table for your home.

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed providing inspiration through our blog this year – what would you like to see us cover next?