katie.lacy@letsgetcoffee.co.uk, Author at Modish Living

Making the most of the Aviator furniture range

Many people comment on the Aviator Collection – and no wonder, it is, after all, a collection that is different and unique – and although they highly-prize the eclectic appeal it would add to their home, they are unsure ‘how to use it’.

We understand the predicament. There is a certain amount of bravery, of throwing caution to the wind and falling back on your styling wits when it comes to the Aviator range. And that’s why we love it.

It pushes the boundaries without being too quirky. It can, with the right supporting actors in place, be the unashamed star of the show or it can be a detail hidden in plain sight that makes people gasp ‘wow!’ when they see it.

Fear no longer where you are ‘making a mistake’ or ‘I love it but…’ as we give you three delightful examples of how a piece or pieces from the Aviator collection can really work in your home.

A relaxing spot

When it comes to a brown leather armchair, there is nothing more beautiful than the Aviator Thunderbolt armchair. The whole collection has a slight nod to the 1920s and the Art Deco style. With this in mind, pair two of these fantastic brown leather armchairs with a new rug from the Louis de Poortere range, the charcoal coloured Dessert Eye.

A cosy reading spot indeed but if you need more seating, the Spitfire brown leather sofa is the ideal addition. If you need extra storage, stick with the industrial feel with a drinks cabinet, light in tone that doesn’t jar against the rivets and metallic finish of the Aviator furniture pieces.

The reading nook

Let us return to the idea of a reading nook because with life so busy and demanding, creating a technology-free space where the world cannot reach you is perfect. Falling into the realms of a ‘good book’ is an ideal activity that the Aviator collection can support you with.

You’ll smile every time you fall into the depths of the Aviator wing chair – or egg chair, as we sometimes call it – curling your feet beneath you as you enjoy reading time.

Maintain neutrality with a beige rug and frame the space with a more than useful round coffee table. The industrial style side table from the Kingsbridge Collection makes an ideal reading nook fellow, don’t you think?

Not just for the domestic scene

The Aviator Collection is perfect in so many ways and we think it makes a fantastic choice for our business customers.

It makes a real impact. Your visitors will love its style to say hello to the Aviator console table, a beautiful narrow console table in the reception area. A pair of aviator armchairs, the brown leather an ideal material for the busy reception space, create a canvas from which you can add the other accessories.

Use the Louis de Poortere Black Mad Men rug to frame the chairs, just as you would in the home.

And so you see, there is no reason to doubt your styling ability with the Aviator furniture because it is simply beautiful, no matter where it sits or with what.

How to scandi style dining room with oak

Characterised by simple lines and an unfussy appeal, it is no wonder that so many of us turn to the Scandinavian style. And for the dining room, it is the perfect style that easily morphs from the informal to the formal.

Why the Scandi-style dining room works

Think purity, think non-fuss, clean and simple and you have the crux of the Scandi style. Styling it doesn’t have to be difficult either. Against a backdrop of crisp white walls, you can create a Scandi styled canvas to your dining room.

Or if white feels too blunt, opt for a very, very light grey or a warm white. Colour is added with furniture and accessories, with no colour should be too harsh or contrived.

So how do you create a Scandi styled dining room? Here are three great ideas.

Showcase wood

A key element throughout the Scandinavian style is wood and we have chosen to showcase oak, a slow-growing timber that is dense and strong. Like most of our collections, our oak tables are made from reclaimed wood and this is perfect for this style in the dining room.

The Skandi collection is an exquisite example of a Scandinavian furniture that suits this style and your budget.

It works well with inspired Scandinavian dining tables. Create a sense of symmetry with an inspired sideboard choice, minimising fussy accessories to just a few well-chosen pieces that add just enough detail.

Be versatile

The thing about the dining room is it needs to be uber-versatile. In other words, you can enjoy evenings and days of people hunkered around your dining room by at other times, enjoy smaller family meals or the occasional romantic meal for two…

Versatility is also part of the Scandinavian style appeal as this Skandi Extending Dining Table. Whether you’re looking for a 10 seater dining table and chairs or an 8 seater dining table and chairs, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

This piece comes with a contemporary, lighter feel than the oak dining table showcased above, perfect for the smaller dining room as well as a dining space where you need the table to expand and contract with the number of guests.

Accompanying furniture needs to be lighter too and so the Skandi Dining Bench is the ideal mate at the table to give the complete look. For the sideboard, maintain the sense of versatility with a two door/three drawer that can store the extra plates, bowls and cutlery for when you entertain guests.

Comfort, colour and pattern

The difference between minimalism and Scandinavian style is the addition of pattern and other comforting details we expect to find.

A round dining table suits the Scandi styled dining room simply because its shape is welcoming. When you have guests over for dinner, no one is left ‘stuck in the corner’ or an outcast on the edge of a rectangle.

In the dining room, the presence of a round dining table imposes but without taking over. Add a patterned rug underfoot choosing a colour and design that are ‘barely-there’ and you have the basis for a perfect non-abrasive styled dining room.

Add texture too, with the light oak and Oasis Dining Chairs, with the Standford Large Reclaimed Wood Industrial Sideboard adding a hint of the unexpected. The oak bookcase from the Mayfair range pulls it all together nicely.

How to style a round dining table

Wycombe Oak Round Dining Table and Chairs

It is a dilemma – do you opt for a round extendable dining table or a rectangular one? Do you need it to extend? What is it that attracts you to the round dining table?

For many, it is the feeling of inclusion that the round dining table exudes, the ability for all guests to see each other and converse with each other.

Styling it is not difficult either. We give you three options – the chic industrial round dining table, a traditional style with a rustic twist, or the always-elegant Scandinavian style.

The industrial look

This 130cm wide round table with its central, metal pedestal is a delight that sits well within the industrial look, the effortless fusion of wood meeting metal.

Adding a twist to the industrial dining table with upholstered grey dining chairs with an industrial sideboard from the Mitcham range to pull it all together. The metal legs of the sideboard bring the symmetry into the room by matching that of the dining table.

As with all dining rooms, frame the setting with a rug – we have chosen a dark shade in this case, opting for the smouldering depths of a nearly-black rug.

The traditional look with a rustic twist

The Bahamas Collection is a fairly recent addition to our range and we knew it wouldn’t disappoint. The beautiful wood with exquisite detailing gives the traditional look a beautiful rustic twist.

The round dining table in the collection certainly doesn’t disappoint. Leather or wooden dining chairs would certainly sit well with the dining table but for an unexpected twist, add black velvet dining chairs with stud detailing and the back lion head handles for something different.

The Bahamas drinks cabinet makes for a great addition to the dining room, a superb place for storing essentials and of course, the finishing touch with this copper-toned rug brings out the wood tones even more.

The Scandinavian look

As a style, this is one of our favourites and we know it is one of yours too. There is always something very elegant and unfussy about the Scandinavian style, and the Scandinavian dining table, and yet it never looks barren or cold.

The beauty and warmth of natural material, from wood to wool is allowed to shine in this setting. And that’s why we love it for the dining room.

This round extendable dining table is the perfect starting point for this style. You could match the wood of the wooden dining chairs to it or you could ring the changes with these fantastic cross-backed dining chairs. With a slight vintage edge to them, they stylish aplomb sits well in the Scandinavian dining room.

In this style, everything is carefully selected and the oversized wall clock is both a stylish and practical addition.

And finally, pulling it all together is this sublime, neutral shade rug with a hint of inlaid pattern.

The dining room is such an important space in the home that is deserved to be dressed and styled. How have you created a beautiful dining space?

Tips to make the most of Men Make Dinner Day

Recently we came across National Men Make Dinner Day, which occurs every year on the first Thursday of November – this year, that’s 1st November. Of course, we recognise that many men do cook on a regular basis and do enjoy serving up new dishes for friends and family.

However, if you are someone who isn’t usually be found in the kitchen, this is the perfect day to cook for the people you love. It could be the start of something beautiful (or, it could not!). But you won’t know either way without giving it a go.

It’s also great practice if you’re thinking about taking charge and cooking Christmas dinner this year!

Rules

For those thinking about getting involved, there are a few rules to get going.

Once you’ve agreed to participate in the day, you must pick a recipe unaided. This recipe should have a minimum of four ingredients and should use at least one cooking utensil beside from a fork. You must also shop for all the ingredients (bonus points if you check current supplies before you go!)

When it comes to cooking you meal, you should refrain from asking for help and should adopt the clean as you go along mentality – piles of unwashed dishes are a no go!

Setting the Table

Setting your farmhouse dinner party to prepare for serving the delicious meal you’ve been cooking is also part of the task. Pour a glass of wine from your drinks display cabinet to celebrate your work in the kitchen, grab soft drinks for the kids, then light candles and add seasonal flowers to create a fantastic Thursday night dinner which will really impress your family.

You can even root through your large sideboard to find napkins or place cards to create the feel of a luxury dinner party if you really want to go all out!

Finally, ensure to pull up enough upholstered dining chairs or opt for a dining bench and extendable dining table combo if you’ve decided to be really brave and cook for the extended family.

Ideas

When it comes to ideas for what you can cook, you’re in the best position to know what you and your family enjoy eating. But be realistic – after a long day at work, you and your family probably don’t want to wait around hours for dinner to be served.

Cooking something you’re relatively comfortable with is a good option, whether that be something like a simple pasta dish, or something a little bit fancier if you are more proficient.

Make sure you also choose something which won’t take too long to cook. There are plenty of recipes which suggest they take around 30 minutes to cook so even the most culinary challenged folk won’t take all evening to prepare dinner. An autumnal stew or hotpot is also nice and easy and tastes phenomenal.

Finally, make sure you read the recipe a couple of times before you start. Think about the timings of making the dish (and even write down the order you need to add things in your own words if it will avoid confusion).

Will you be taking part in National Men Make Dinner Day? We’d love to see your triumphs (or tries) if you do.

Sophisticated ideas for an elegant Halloween dinner party

Hallowe’en, our one chance of the year to ward off evil spirits, is not just for kids. It is the perfect excuse for adults to get together but instead of bobbing apples, why not enjoy a sophisticated evening?

Host a dinner party

It may be a sophisticated evening with your diners enjoying delicious food and surrounded by style, but that doesn’t mean you can’t allude to the season nor to Hallowe’en.

This elegant table decoration is a stylish nod to the season. Squashes and pumpkins are harvested at this time of year, and not just grown for trick or treaters to carry from one front door to another.

From pumpkin pie to butternut squash soup, there are many dishes that use pumpkin but the beautiful colours of squashes make for a pleasant centre table decoration. Bookend it with candles and leaves from evergreen shrubs.

Think 1920s glamour

Prohibition aside, the 1920s was the decade in which everything glimmered, the polar opposite to the drudgery of the Great War that has just ended.

Think navy walls and a brass drinks trolley, cocktails and simple elegance and velvet dining chairs. Perfect for sitting alongside your immaculately laid extending dining table with bench.

Give the small things a twist

When serving drinks, give them a subtle Hallowe’en twist. We love these skull shot glasses, perfect for adding a small extra detail to your industrial dining table and party.

Simple is the key ingredient

When it comes to children’s parties or wild celebrations, the more gregarious and over the top you can be, the better. And we become so accustomed to this way of doing things that toning it down can feel that we are not making an effort.

But simplicity takes more effort than you think;

Natural elements – included nature in your décor by creating a garland with the beautiful golden leaves that drop from the trees at this time of year. Temper the colours with the dark green foliage of evergreen shrubs and trees, like in the centrepiece we talked of.
Non-garish – stay away from a klaxon of colours, sticking with the beautiful palette that nature gives us at this time of year. Plenty of golden oranges and deep, earthy green.
Hallowe’en metallic – opt for brass as the must-have metallic finish in the dining room for your sophisticated party. From brass candle holders on the industrial dining table to counteract the black metal to brass accessories loitering atop the industrial sideboard with wine rack, brass is the golden metallic hue of the season.

Foolproof decoration

Black and orange. It really is that simple.

Stick with the orange pumpkins, opting for various sizes so it doesn’t look too matchy but emphasises symmetry. And frankly, there is nothing wrong with a black spider or two, lurking in the table centrepiece, at the bottom of a drink or two or hidden away in the shadow of a carved pumpkin.

Set the mood at the front door

Hallowe’en wasn’t destined to be fun – it was once, in centuries past, a serious festival – but in modern times, we do enjoy it as a chance of welcoming autumn and looking forward to the festive season. So set the mood at the door with your carved pumpkin, lit with small tea light candles.

Going more green – our pledge to use less plastic

Like most retailers, we are constantly looking at how to reduce packaging and plastic, without compromising the safety of our products in transit.

But our attitude to being eco-friendly doesn’t end there – it is about everything we do, from packaging to the back office.

With a growing emphasis on everyone doing their bit for the environment, we have decided to take a closer look at what we do and how we do it. We have built our business of sustainable credentials – we are one of the few leading furniture manufacturers who offer reclaimed wood furniture and wood from sustainable sources across our entire range from the reclaimed wood dining table to the drinks display cabinet – but that doesn’t mean we are not continually looking to improve.

Not just plastic

Plastic has revolutionised our lives but at Modish Living, we have understood for a long time that being eco-friendly is not just about ditching plastic.

Reclaimed wood furniture is by no means substandard but by repurposing slow growing timber, by purchasing a reclaimed wood coffee table or dining table, our customers are investing in pieces that are higher quality than many budget flat-pack pieces.

Mango wood is our material of choice in collections that are not made from reclaimed timber. Mango wood is a by-product of the fruit industry. It too is slow growing with a dense structure that makes it perfect for furniture, especially carved pieces. When the tree is no longer giving a high yield of fruit, only then is it felled and made into furniture.

Oak is another material that we ensure is sustainably sourced. For example, in the Hoxton Collection, the oak used is European, while in the Hudson Living Chilson Table, it is of French origin. In the Kingsbridge collection, the oak used is reclaimed. We aim to make this the case for every new collection we add to our website to ensure our ongoing commitment to the health of our planet.

Plastic-not-so-fantastic

It has given us cheap products and hard wearing components but the love affair with plastic is over.

We are taking steps to reduce our use of plastic. We are sourcing a biodegradable bubble wrap that offers our beautiful Beam Collection, for example on our beautiful reclaimed table, the protection it needs in transit without filling landfill with plastic.

Paperless business

Like most other businesses, we have significantly reduced our consumption of paper. For the small number of things we do print – the occasional marketing material – we do so on recycled paper when this is practicable.

We also work with our suppliers to make their packaging and business with us less reliant of paper, especially as many printed things are not really needed.

But what do these changes mean for our customers? Are consumer opinions really changing? We took to our social media channels to find out.

Consumer attitudes

There is a shift in how consumers are thinking about plastic. For example, we wanted to know if people would consider buying recycled plastic furniture.

The majority of people said yes, they loved the idea but had yet to make a purchase. Those that had made a purchase had done so with recycled plastic outdoor rugs, an interesting choice.

Plastic straws created an interesting debate with some people advocating the purchase of metal straws whilst others found that paper straws were just as good. However, in our recent poll, most people said that they have no need for straws, paper, plastic or otherwise, so they were ditching them completely.

Small steps, taken consistently

We once read that the best way of making changes that helped the environment was the make small changes but consistently. So we’ve ditched paper unless we really need to print, we are making strides to reduce packaging and use better options, and we will continue to source the best collections made from reclaimed wood or from sustainable sources like Mango wood. We care about our customers, and our environment, and we strive to do the best for both, now and in the future.

How to mix & match chairs with the table to create a pleasant aesthetic

To mix or not, that is the question.

There’s far more to consider when buying dining chairs than may initially meet the eye – shall I opt for the chairs which match my reclaimed wood dining table? How many chairs should I buy (should I invest in extra ones if last-minute guests make an appearance)? Should I stick to one colour of upholstered dining chairs? I could go on.

Thankfully, there really is no right answer and it’s something you can be completely practical about, or go wild and create a fun, eclectic aesthetic which is bound to start all dinner conversations. Here’s a few of our favourite dining table and chair combinations to get you thinking.

Initial considerations

Before you let your imagination run wild, considering the thousands of options available to you – make sure you think about the practicalities. For example, if you regularly host lively dinner parties, a 10 seater dining table and chairs may work particularly well for you. Or you may be working with a small space where something which is relatively compact is the most important factor.

If you’ve already bought a dining table, you’ll also need to think about how many chairs to buy. For example, trestle tables often have the legs at either end of the table, prohibiting you from squeezing an extra guest on the end.

Finally, think about the seat hight. It’s important that your guests are comfortably able to sit under your dining table ready to enjoy a meal. If you opt for seats which are very padded, or perhaps have longer-than-average legs, your guests may struggle to get comfortable. It may also be worth considering whether you’ll be able to cross your legs or not!

Matchy matchy

Why they’re a contender: it will create a sophisticated, well-thought-out space, perfect for that minimalist aesthetic.

Sometimes understated is the best way to go. If you have a beautiful rustic dining table crafted from reclaimed wood rich with history, it seems a shame to mask that by pairing it with statement dining chairs which will become the star of the show.

By there are different ways you can match your dining chairs to your table.

The first option is the most obvious – go for the dining chairs in the same range as your dining table. This is the undoubtedly an easy option, and one which may save you hours (!), when it comes to decorating, as it will save you spending time trying to match the tones of the wood or considering the endless possibilities you have when it comes to the world of dining chairs. There’s also something so classic and elegant about something which is so perfectly coordinated.

Your other option is to spend some time studying the colour of the table you’ve opted for. We were absolutely delighted when one of our customers shared a picture of her beautiful dining room. Jody has cleverly paired her dining table with black dining chairs which match the industrial table legs for a sleek, harmonious appearance and we think it looks utterly fantastic!

Live colourfully

Why they’re a contender: sometimes all you need is a splash of colour to completely transform a room.

Colour is a great way to change the look of your room and add some of your personality – particularly in modern homes, where walls are increasingly painted in neutral tones like white and grey!

We love the combination of this industrial dining table and dark blue velvet upholstered dining chairs. The coordination of the black of the table legs and the legs of the chairs will maintain that chic appearance many of us work hard to achieve while the splash of blue is capable of bringing any room to life.

Create something extraordinary by looking at the smallest details

Why they’re a contender: it has the power of transforming the look of your dining table (perfect if you only want to change the dining chairs!)

Furniture often has interesting details. That’s probably what drew you to your dining table, no? If there is something you love about your table, make a feature of it.

We love how the slim metal accents on this table has been so cleverly highlighted by the seating arrangement. The dining set with chairs and bench has been paired with faux leather dining chairs with metal frames along one side of the table for an interesting, slightly eclectic look which just looks so stylish!

Look at the big picture

Why they’re a contender: it will create a room which looks well-considered, elegant and just a little bit different than the rest.

Notice how this oak dining table has been so perfectly complimented by the fabric dining chairs despite not totally matching. It’s all about being a little bit brave and trusting your gut. It’s an aesthetic which probably takes a bit more time and effort, but we’re sure you’ll agree the finished look is worth it!

The best way to make this style work is to pick your dining table and then pick two or three colours which will compliment it. The light oak and white colours of this dining table lend themselves to being paired with soft colours like beige and blue but there are plenty of other combinations which would work too – grey and purple or different shades of green to name a couple.

How have you matched your dining table and chairs? Perhaps you haven’t at all!? Either way, we would love to see how you’ve styled the item of furniture which is the heart of family life for many of us!

Enhance your autumn decor with the bookcase extravaganza

An underused piece of furniture, we take a look at how this autumn, you can add interest and drama to a room by choosing one of our bookcases and pairing it with other key pieces of furniture and accessories.

The bedroom

Great for storing everything from books to smaller items, the Chalfont bookcase makes an interesting addition to the bedroom. We’ve opted for the clean, unfussy lines of the Scandinavian look because it adds plenty of texture and natural fabrics, especially important for the winter months

The lightness of this bookcase is perfect for matching the heavier framed Aviator leather armchair, perfect for the bedroom. All of this is pulled together by a light coloured Louis de Poortere flat weave rug, with barely-there colours but plenty of character.

The Scandinavian living room

The raw oak ladder shelving unit is the perfect shelving unit in a minimalist modern or Scandinavian living room. This Scandinavian furniture has an appeal all of its own and can be used as per the photo with items clustered together or leave it with less, allowing the beauty of the oak to be part of the living room.

Mustard yellow is a fantastic colour and this velvet armchair would look lush alongside a velvet sofa, a texture that is always a pleasure to have around. The Louis de Poortere grey rug is the perfect neutral colour against the golden yellow but adds a dash of colour so that there is plenty of character to the room.

The open plan room or hallway

If you are blessed with plenty of space or an open plan living room, you can add detail in clusters and with plenty of colour around during the autumn season.

Hudson oak bookcase and display unit has plenty of detail and can act as a room divider, helping to zone the room; and like the Wycombe bench in the photo, its light wood frame means it doesn’t close down the space too much.

Create an autumnal display for Hallowe’en and bonfire night with piles of squash and the obligatory orange pumpkin.

Add a large rug, similar to this light grey rug with an inlaid geometric plan, matching it to the shades of throws and cushions you have opted for.

A living room with a feminine touch

Add flecks of the feminine to a style adds instant warmth, with plenty of hidden details to in itself, adds warmth to a room.

Being feminine doesn’t mean pastel colours as this mood board shows. The industrial shelf ladder is a great starting point but soften the sharpness with the curved sofa with a hint of the Chesterfield about it.

The cream sofa is ideal will enjoy the detail of the four-drawer coffee table, as well as the pale black rug with the traditional patterning.

4 Great tips for creating the autumn hallway

Creating a welcoming hallway is one way of creating the right impression. And with the chill of autumn well and truly with us, you want to create a stylish and warm welcome.

We’ve come up with four great combinations for the autumn hallway using a flat weave rug, some stunning reclaimed furniture and more…

Traditional chic

Start with the floor with this look, opting for the patchwork rug in various shades of greys and browns. From this build onto the platform with the narrow console table.

This reclaimed wood console table is simply stunning, especially when you add a large table lamp and cluster candles together too. Place the large wall clock above it and you have perfect symmetry in the hallway.

For pulling on and off shoes, you need a place to sit in the hallway and we think this bench makes the ideal addition. Functional it may be, but with the beautiful rug to frame it and a cushion or two to soften the edges, it makes a fantastic addition (and it makes a great display place for your carved pumpkins too!).

Industrial drama

The industrial look is full of character and again, starting with the floor, this black rug will make an instant statement.

The industrial hallway console table works perfectly with it as does the oversized black Roman numeral wall clock.

If it feels too stark for you, add feminine touches such as flowers or clusters of candles.

Farmhouse hallway

The farmhouse style is always a delight to work with. In our farmhouse hallway, we have combined the refined wood with natural materials such as wicker, deliberately keeping colours at the lighter end of the spectrum.

Starting with the floor, the traditional pattern of this salt and pepper rug brings interest and warmth to the space and is ideal next to the beautiful hallway console table with drawers from the Chelwood Collection.

The small bench with upholstered cushions and two wicker baskets is the perfect storage option, especially in the smaller hallway. The wicker log basket is perfect for offloading the school bags and keeping order in the hallway or you could always use it to store chunks of wood for the fire too.

Rustic delight

Similar to the farmhouse style, the rustic look has a slightly less refined edge but no less welcoming this autumn.

Again, start with the floor. This slightly darker shade of salt and pepper grey rustic rug is the ideal starting point – or you could opt for a beige rug – which is great for a hallway that sees a lot of traffic throughout the day.

The console table in a rustic hallway would be chunkier in appearance and style, similar to this three-drawer Colette console table.

As well as being beautiful, its drawers and two shelves make it the ideal practical addition.

Adding a touch of something different is this beautiful wicker basket-cum-bench, complete with metal hinges and leather straps. Sturdy, this is great for storing bags and shoes without compromising on the rustic style.

Add this oversized clock to the hallway for yet more detail and you have the makings of a welcoming hallway.