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

Dining with a bench – the latest trend

Beam Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Bench

We have noticed a shift in attitude to the extending dining table that so much, we can now triumphantly declare the extending reclaimed wood dining table is king of the dining room.

It makes perfect sense – simply add more dining space when you have guests, decreasing its size for when you don’t – as far as reclaimed wood furniture goes, it’s the perfect choice- especially when you’re catering for the man, or for the few..

But an extending dining table is only one part of the equation. The other is seating. No one wants to dine balancing on a stool that means their chin rests on the table or too tall a stool to find their knees rubbing painfully on the underside of your rustic dining table.

The answer is simple – a dining bench (or two).

The solution to all your dining needs

With the end of summer yet to enjoy and the golden colours of autumn to come, encouraging people to think of Christmas seems premature.

But it is the time that most of us are likely to welcome guests into our home for both formal dining events, as well as the traditional festive buffet. The truth is ordering now guarantees your dining table with bench in time for Christmas – by late November you may be very disappointed.

The dining table with bench options…

*The best sellers

It’s no wonder that these are our two most popular kitchen table sets. The industrial charm with more than a hint of rustic makes the Standford Wooden Large Extending Dining Table a popular choice.

Its best selling counterpart, the Newton Dining Table also have the pleasant solidity about it that many customers in love with the industrial dining table style enjoy.

*Scandinavian appeal

If it is refinement you are after with a subtle elegance and style then look no further than the Scandinavian inspired Chelwood Reclaimed Wood Dining Table.

As kitchen tables sets go, this surely is the triumph that we have been seeking. A great size, it will sit in any kitchen/diner, performing time and again. And yet, with a few elegant twists and additions, it will become the sophisticated dining table you need for your next Christmas dinner party.

*Beautifully rustic

There is a romantic ideal of imagining and seeing all your friends and family gathered around a large farmhouse-style table, tucking into delicious food. A gabble of noise as they all talk over each other, the occasional bouts of laughter and endless chatter gives any host a warm feeling.

If you hanker after the farmhouse dining table, we have two amazing options;

*The white painted legwork of this extendable trestle dining table makes it perfect for those who seek the farmhouse style to their dining room. Add elegance with upholstered dining chairs alongside the functional dining bench.

*The Elton Farmhouse Dining Table is very similar, offering fantastic dining space and great for the kitchen/diner too. The ding bench stores neatly away under the table and so if you don’t need the full extent of the table, you can push it against the wall.

The dining bench is multi-functional. Drape with throws and cushions to soften the seat, squeeze guests along its length to enjoy an impromptu get together and you’ll find your family will love it too.

How to style industrial oval dining tables

Bedroom storage – the value of getting the right chest of drawers

Standford Reclaimed Wood Chest of Drawers

It is one of the most valuable pieces of bedroom storage and yet we assume that it is simply a case of choosing a small or tall chest of drawers that goes with our reclaimed wood furniture and is within budget. As you will see, it can be more than this, so what should you consider?

1 Size

A chest of drawers is ideal for any bedroom, including shared rooms where there needs to be a range of accessible storage solutions. But like most pieces of furniture, if it’s too big or too small, there is little or no value in adding the piece to the bedroom.

When you considering size you need to consider;

i.The dimensions of the room– a large solid wood chest of drawers may be the ideal solution but if a large chest of drawers doesn’t fit in the room or swamps it, it can make your bedroom look small and overcrowded.

ii.The storage you need– some people may only need a few drawers whereas other people like a lot of drawer space. Cater to your own preferences and if space is limited, consider investing in a small chest of drawers and more of them so you can place them in different areas of the bedroom.

2 Drawer depth

The depth of the drawers that work for you depends on what you plan on storing in them. We need drawers to store everything from chunky knit sweaters to small items of jewellery.

Opt for the best of both worlds with shallower drawers and a small cupboard, an ideal and versatile solution for the bedroom.

Or choose a mix of longer, deeper drawers, matched with shorter, smaller drawers such as in this stunning piece from the Dorset range.

3 Tall and narrow can work

If you have a narrow and wasted space in the bedroom, a tall narrow chest of drawers would work well. Giving you extra storage space for a myriad of smaller items, the taller item of furniture won’t overcrowd the space either.

Maximise floor space with a tall chest of drawers lifted from the floor, such as this stunning simple yet stylish tall chest of drawers from the Standford Collection.

4 Style it out

Functional and practical they may be, but that doesn’t mean the chest of drawers has to be bland and dull.

In fact, most chests of drawers are the mainstay of any bedroom furniture collection and are usually the item that people examine in most detail.

Style it out with the refined rustic look of the Dorset collection or opt for sleek Scandinavian chic such as this pretty 4 drawer chest from the Hudson Living Collection.

5 Quality every step of the way

We’ve all had the rickety chest of drawers that wobbled and threatened to topple when we used it or worse still, the sticking drawers that were nigh-on impossible to open and close smoothly.

Solid wood chest of drawers will last a lifetime (and longer!) and so with one eye on the budget, invest in the best set of drawers for your bedroom that you possibly can.

The appeal and steadfast nature of solid wood will make a unique style statement, something you won’t find in a flat-pack.

Just take a look at this stylish, solid wood chest of drawers from the Beam Collection, for example. This will be a piece that lasts for years and years, sitting well with any style or bedroom décor changes you make.

And so you see, a chest of drawers may be simple but get it right and you’ll never hanker after another set again!

How to successfully renovate your bedroom into a beautiful space

Savannah Reclaimed Wood Bed and Blanket Box in Bedroom

Who doesn’t want their bedroom to be a stylish haven? The problem is when it comes to revamping and renovating this important room in your home, you can be stuck not just for bedroom decorating ideas but where or how to start.

1 Be methodical in your approach

Renovating, styling your home, decorating – whatever you choose to call it – is an emotional process. It is, after all, your home and you take pride in it. Add to that your personal connection to your bedroom and you can see how the methodical approach would soon be cast aside.

And so, before you take to admiring reclaimed wood furniture or modern bedrooms sets for or deciding on your final style approach, think through what it is you want to achieve.

2 Spot the problems, solve the problems

Renovating the bedroom is much more than just choosing rustic furniture or a bed frame– it is about looking at the room, deciding what must be changed and coming up with the solutions.

Not all problems can be solved within your budget or the structure of your home – solve what you can and adapt to those that can’t be altered.

3 Work within the confines of both size and budget!

If you create a wish list without borders, the budget will be blown on item number one but most of us, it’s fair to say, have a budget within which we must operate.

And there are also size constraints too and so this is where you need to be methodical and objective in making a list of items you must have in the bedroom, and the items you would like to have – if space and budget allow!

For example, a bed frame is essential as too is a chest of drawers but would a small chest of drawers be just as versatile, flexible, functional and stylish?

4 Make the most of natural light

When renovating any room, but especially the bedroom, natural light pouring in is what makes the room feel light, airy, fresh and welcoming.

And yet so many of us insist on heavy drapes and blinds, more so in our attempt to guarantee a good night’s sleep. As well as neutral tones on the walls, considering opting for lighter coloured bedroom furniture alongside neutral floor tones and plenty of mirrors about the space.

5 Every piece of bedroom furniture needs to have a function and a purpose

We can blindly follow what we have ‘always done’ because we have ‘always done it’. But if you don’t need a full-length wardrobe, why are you still buying one? If you need more drawer space, why don’t you create a bank of drawers along a wall?

Storage is key in the bedroom but it needs to fit your needs and not the other way round. For example, consider a wooden blanket chest for storing bulkier items like the summer duvet or chunky jumpers. Opt for one that acts as a seat too and you have two functions for the price of one.

Light, space, budget, problem-solving and bedroom furniture that is multipurpose are the solutions to a successfully renovated bedroom space.

How to choose the perfect wardrobe for the stylish bedroom

A room becomes a bedroom when there is a wardrobe but like all other storage options, the wardrobe must a personal solution. We take a look at how to choose the perfect wardrobe for you.

1. Consider height, width and depth

No two bedrooms are the same and for a wardrobe to ‘fit’ it needs to boost the correct dimensions.

In particular, check the height because there is nothing worse than investing in fantastic solid reclaimed wood wardrobe only to find you have to ‘chop a bit off the top’ to make it fit.

2.Plan for delivery too

But there is also something else you need to consider – getting it into your home, up the stairs and into the bedroom.

Opting for a flat-pack product is all well and good but where are the character and individuality? The good news is that there are large wardrobes and smaller wardrobes that have the right dimensions for your room.

3.Freestanding or fitted?

The next question you need to ask when shopping for a wardrobe is not only will it fit but which is best: fitted or freestanding.

We prefer the versatility of a freestanding wardrobe because it can be moved to a new location in the room, as well into another bedroom.

A small wardrobe would have more versatility if this is something that you need.

4.Style

It is a big decision, especially when you want a wardrobe that fits with your overall style choice.

Choosing a bedroom set of reclaimed furniture is one solution to this and gives a cohesive finish to your bedroom.

If this isn’t the case but you’re looking for one piece of reclaimed wood furniture, you will need to bear in mind that as a purchase, the wardrobe is one of the most expensive purchases you will make, especially if you are opting for quality and solid wood.

·If you like the Scandinavian style in the bedroom, this open wardrobe will help you feel right at home. A simple structure, it boasts beautiful quality and finishes. No wonder that the Wycombe wardrobe is so very popular. Great for smaller bedrooms, you have the use of a ‘full’ double wardrobe without the boxiness of doors closing in on the room.

·Hanging and drawers space give you more options than a wardrobe that is hanging space alone. The large wardrobe with deep drawers from the rustic, yet refined Thornton Collection is a shining example of this versatility.

·Dark wood has an elegance that can only come from its patina, a beautiful look that develops with age. Perfect for a bedroom that you want oozing with class and elegance, the Winchester dark wood wardrobe is simply divine.

·If dark wood is too oppressive for your tastes, painted wardrobes are fantastic. With an appealing ‘coastal style’ to their appeal, the Dorset white painted wardrobe is satisfyingly rustic or if you want to vamp up the elegance, the Savannah white painted wardrobe has a refined edge to it.

5.Budget

And then, of course, there is the price tag, but we think investing your money in an affordable and chic oak wardrobe that will last the test of time is a far better use of your hard-earned cash than the rickety wardrobe that threatens to topple…

How to give your bedroom a speedy makeover every day

Standford Reclaimed Wood Bed and Wardrobe

On September 11th, it’s Make Your Bed Day. Making your bed seems like such a trivial thing in the overall picture. And really, it is. But making your bed before you leave the house is guaranteed to get your morning started in the right way and often leaves our minds feeling clearer and thus improving our moods.

There are plenty of other reasons to make your bed too. Like these, for example…

Research shows it helps to keep the rest of your bedroom tidy (haven’t you ever noticed a made bed has the magical power of making the rest of your room look tidy, even when it definitely isn’t?)
Daily bed making, once it becomes a habit, also improves productivity by kickstarting a chain of making good decisions throughout your day
Few things feel better than jumping into your bed after a day at work and sinking into a perfectly plump pillow and settling in for the night in smoothly made sheets

Perhaps not so trivial after all!

So, by now you might be wondering how to take your bed-making to the next level. Luckily for you, it’s really quite simple and only takes a couple of minutes away from your regular morning routine.

Making the perfect bed starts with the bottom – the sheet. After you’ve got comfortable and had a night’s sleep, your sheet is unlikely to still be perfect. Take the time to pull each corner flat again to ensure that anything lying on top e.g. your duvet, has a perfect base to rest upon.

Creating the look of a luxurious bed does often come down to the type of duvet used. A bigger, fluffier duvet will create an overall plumper look which is fantastic for creating a sumptuous finish and also minimising a creased appearance.

However, you can also give your duvet a quick shake to fluff it up each morning.

And finally – lots of pillows! Whether or not you sleep with lots of pillows, having several pillows plus a few decorative pillows creates a styled appearance you’ll love the finish off. Two (or three, if you really go for it) pillows plumped up and standing upright against the headboard look fantastic, like something in a stylish boutique hotel. Finish with a couple of colourful scatter cushions to tie your bed into the rest of your colour scheme and you’re good to go.

When it comes to adding colour, perhaps think about the style of your bed. For example, the cool toned wood of the Nilsson Rustica Wood Bed looks perfect with peaceful colours such as blue and grey. Opt for very light grey linens (they not only look stylish but are easier to keep looking perfectly clean than white) and finish with lots of blue accessories, and lots of texture – a few pattened cushions and a chunky knitted throw should do the trick.

A very simple style bed like the Standford Bed allows you to have more fun. Why not play around with a couple of contrasting colours for something special, or inject a fantastically bright pop of colour – yellow is always a fun choice, and is another colour which looks great with blue. You could even do a selection of pastel colours.

Thornton Reclaimed Wood in Bed and Blanket Box

When it comes to light wood, like with the Thornton High Reclaimed Bed, keeping the colours light and neutral will create the most tranquil setting you could imagine. Shades of grey look stunning for that chic space you’ve always dreamt of. However, pops of pale colours also work wonders – a soft pink or sage green will look truly stunning, and aren’t colours you’ll tire of either.

Having a good selection of reclaimed wood furniture also helps. After all, the bedroom should be peaceful – something which is hard to achieve in a room full of clutter.

A wooden blanket box at the end of your bed is the PERFECT hiding place for fresh linens when you want to do a complete bed-change, but will also fit in unseasonal throws and cushions if you like to change up your bed’s styling to make the seasons. A small chest of drawers will also do the same job if you’d prefer to have your furniture up against a wall as opposed to in the middle.

Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Bedside

Bed side tables on each side of the bed are also great for minimising clutter and giving a perfectly made bed the perfect frame to finish the look of brilliantly. Gorgeous table lamps or a large statement candle on each bedside table will add a pop of interest, especially if you opt for all-white bedding, too. And don’t forget a fantastic wooden dressing table to ensure hairbrushes, makeup and styling products can be tucked away in a drawer rather than cluttering beautiful wooden tops.

Have you got any fantastic bed making tips?! We would love to know.

How to style a luxurious orange sofa

Whether it’s an autumnal orange or a summery, vibrant shade, there is something alluring about an orange sofa. It’s deep golden tones instantly warm and room but without bringing an ‘high-viz’ feel to the space.

The good news, it doesn’t need overly-complicated styling and neither does investing in an orange sofa mean that certain styles and looks are immediately excluded. There is more versatility in the golden shade than you could ever imagine.

Customised sofa

We like to give you as many choices as possible which is why these orange sofas are customisable;

• The wadding – some sofas come with a choice of filling or padding. Choose the one that suits how you will use the sofa.

• Size – most of our sofas are available in two, three or four seater options.

• Fabric – choose from orange fabric or opt for the deep golden hues of orange aniline leather.

Style it out

The Grayson orange sofa is a dream and easier to style with these hints and tips;

• Soften the golden hue just a touch with the Scandinavian styled living room. using lighter woods, like oak, is perfect.

• The white-topped nest of tables, for example, with natural wood legs make an ideal partner to the orange sofa.

• The oak ladder shelving continues the Scandinavian feel and adds a sense of something different alongside the delightful golden tones of the sofa too.

• Use a paler floor rug, such as a pale black rug with faded design to be the platform on which it all sits.

Industrial chic with orange leather

Orange leather sofas are set to be the next big thing when it comes to bold moves in the home. In fact, orange could be the surprise colour of seasons to come.

If there is one style that it works well with, it is the industrial style.

And we have just the collection – the smooth, sophisticated and delicious clean lines of the Bristol Leather and Harris Tweed sofa, a sublime fusion of when fabric and leather meet, giving you the best of both worlds.

Maintain its sheer beauty with unfussy accessories, such as this elegantly simple reclaimed wood industrial side table with a pretty table lamp to ‘square’ the sofa.

Frame it, as e say, by choosing a multi-pattern rug for the floor. Placement is key, so have the two front legs of the sofa just on the rug.

Add your own touch with the Barclay sideboard, beautiful and detailed, but without the fuss, something that the industrial look expects.

Keep the walls a neutral shade, with light window treatment and don’t forget accessories such as artwork and a floor lamp to bring the scheme to life.

The rustic industrial appeal

The Fairfield Chester sofa fits with many design schemes but we think the more rustic the surrounding furniture, the better this sofa will radiate.

Introduce hints of the industrial with the patchwork grey floor rug, ideal for bringing out the golden orange tones of this upholstered sofa.

Carrying on this theme, the Luxe Kensington range is the ideal collection alongside the Fairfield sofa. The reclaimed wood coffee table complete with black metal legs is the ideal piece for framing the sofa in situ – not too large and not too small, it is also the ideal low-level table for coffee and cocktails!

The reclaimed wood side table makes for an understated addition as there will be others. Choose industrially styled mirrors flanked with abstract artwork – choose either unframed canvas prints or black framed prints for cohesion.

Is an orange sofa an addition you would consider?

Styling a coloured sofa with industrial style chic

Luxe Kensington Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table and Leather Sofa

You love the colour and the shape but worry that once you get your new sofa in situ at home, it won’t blend with the rest of your home.

It’s all down to how you will style your sofa and we have three ways of making the best of your new sofa, using three of our popular sofas to illustrate the point.

Contemporary and uplifting

What we love about a coloured sofa is the statement it makes and so, if you have been wise and bold enough to choose a coloured sofa, for example, then let it shine.

The Padstow sofa comes in the most amazing plush olive velvet colour and fabric, a sheer delight from whichever angle you admire it from. But we understand that as a colour, the olive green can be a beast that is difficult to tame.

Let the colour shine but give it a contemporary and uplifting feel with hints of rustic with a brick red patterned rug to bring out the hues of the velvet sofa.

A round mirror would bring it all together nicely with a reclaimed wood coffee table being the perfect framing piece for the gorgeous sofa.

Add your own scatter cushions with a geometric design keeping the colours similar to that within the rug and the olive sofa. If you think mixing patterns is too big a risk, opt for a rug without defined shapes or pattern, opting for a more abstract finish.

A neutral shade

Is it a biscuit? Is it cream? Is it grey?? However you choose to describe the colour, the neutral tone of the York button-backed sofa is delightful.

Neutral it may be but that doesn’t mean it blends into the background. If you want to make a colour statement, there is no better choice than a light colour and with the iconic Chesterfield shape to it as well, you are on to a winner from the moment its legs hit your living room floor.

As accompaniments to the main dish, serve it alongside grey fabric armchairs with stud detailing, complementing the whole look with a reclaimed wood storage trunk as a coffee table.

Retain the neutral grey and beige tones with a grey floor rug, neatly knitting it together.

Pops of majestic colour

We have long been in love with the Byron sofa. Its plush velvet pile a tactile delight but it is the colours too that attract us, like bees around a honeypot.

From the shimmering depths of amethyst to the midnight tones ebony, this low-backed Byron crushed velvet sofa also comes in charcoal grey and fuchsia.

You wouldn’t think that an industrial styled living room would welcome a coloured sofa but with some clever tweaks here and there, this stunning piece coloured velvet sofa will work in a chic, industrial setting.

The rustic wooded top of the reclaimed wood industrial coffee table would effortlessly frame the Byron sofa, important for placement in the room.

Another way to support the main piece is with side tables and these lush reclaimed oak side tables would look stunning on either side of the sofa, complete with stunningly statuesque side lamps would work fantastically well.

And finally, pull it all together by bringing out the tones of the back in the metal frame of the industrial furniture and the colour of the sofa with a black and white rug. Opt for one with an abstract design.

Be brave. Be bold. Opt for colour!

Author: katie.lacy@letsgetcoffee.co.uk