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

Our Best-Selling Industrial Collections For A Stunning Home

The industrial look is gaining in popularity, catapulting it to the upper echelons of classic style and finish. And no wonder. A refreshingly unpretentious style, it is one that is adaptable and versatile. Opt for the simple industrial look or add your own detail and sumptuous finish to it.

And so, no wonder that our industrial collections are flying out the door as fast as we can create them. Take a walk through the gallery of our best-selling industrial styled pieces…

The Lansdowne Collection

A mix of the contemporary and the reclaimed, the Lansdowne collection is the epitome of industrial chic. Every piece is popular but the dining table and the faux leather chairs are by far the hands-down winners if this was a race to the finish line.

Better still, our customers understand how these pieces fit their homes and lifestyles which is why we welcome your feedback and love your pictures. Take a look at Inside no 13, the Instagram account of just one of our discerning customers and their love for the industrial look – the Lansdowne dining table in particular.

The Standford Collection

Another collection with a stratospheric following is the combination of steel and reclaimed wood, handcrafted to create exquisite pieces that is the Standford Collection. Sturdy without being ‘blocky’, present without being imposing, the pieces from this collection are a must-have for any home.

The best seller, without a shadow of a doubt, is the Standford reclaimed wood industrial dining table set (also available in an extending option too).

And again, a customer is happy to share their look with you, so you can see that beyond the glossy pages of our website, industrial reclaimed wood furniture is just as stunning in situ. Take a look at Heinz House Letchworth and the amazing renovation project they are undertaking. And note the addition of the Sandford dining table and chairs…

The Kensington Collection

By no means least is the Kensington Collection, a range of handcrafted reclaimed wood furniture, perfect for anyone looking for the rough and tumble of when wood meets stainless steel or the blackness of metal if you prefer.

But the stainless steel leg dining table from this industrial furniture collection proves a popular hit, with the polished stainless steel lifting the appeal of the piece especially in situ, making it less imposing but present. As well as this top seller, the round nest of tables but this time with the black metal legs is a must-have for the living room.

Again, examine the collection in situ, as it were by taking a peek at Just a Little Build where alongside renovation and exquisite style, the Kensington Dining Table sits perfectly.

And take a look at…

If you want pleasing angles and stunning lines, take a closer look at the Maddox Collection. Featured in Cheshire Magazine, it is fast becoming a popular range of the industrial and reclaimed wood look that we all covet.

The industrial look is easy to achieve whether you prefer square or round coffee tables, or the refined reclaimed wood or the uneven texture of the Maddox collection. Why not send us your photos and be featured in future articles?

The pros of adding a breakfast bar to the kitchen

In our series of renovation blogs, we look at various projects that add not only value to a property but enhances comfort, style and flow.

This time, we are going to take a look at adding a breakfast bar table and stools to the kitchen, an invaluable addition to any home. And the great thing is, you don’t need a lot of space to accommodate one either.

Why include a breakfast bar?

As an informal seating area, it is an ideal addition to a busy kitchen. It doesn’t have to be a full-sized breakfast bar with seating for the whole family. A small seating area where the kids can perch while you make breakfast or a place where you can sit whilst your other half makes dinner, to a place to grab a snack or read the paper, with kitchen shelving built in, a breakfast bar is easy to incorporate in a kitchen renovation.

1 The ideal spot

A breakfast bar need be nothing more than a small overhang of a ledge and matched with two breakfast bar chairs. To keep the appeal slimline, choose a stool without a back or too many details. When not in use, simply tuck away under the ledge.

2 Make the most of the U-shaped kitchen

To get the best from the kitchen, many of us choose a U-shaped design. Giving three sides of possible storage solutions, it makes the best use of a small space. If you have at one side of this U-shape open, you could place a row of bar chairs on the opposite side of the kitchen, a super-easy way of creating a breakfast bar table with stools to match!

3 Round the corner

To make the most of your kitchen space, you may choose to place a cupboard and expanse of worktop beyond a kitchen wall or corner. What this creates is an ideal space that is perfect for two bar stools to snuggle next to each other and offer a fantastic seating area. Match the stools with the worktop to give a cohesive finish. And don’t forget, there is nothing wrong with a little luxury like these rather grand and sumptuous breakfast bar chairs.

4 Freestanding breakfast bar

So far, we have discussed making a breakfast an integrated part of a new kitchen, but it could be that you decide to add a freestanding farmhouse furniture one. A breakfast bar table and stools set that matches the farmhouse kitchen table, for example, would be a shrewd move as it wouldn’t look out of place. And because it is freestanding, you can not only relocate it in the kitchen but onto the patio for breakfast in the sun too, from time to time.

5 Custom design

If the space is small or even a vast kitchen area, or the shape of the room awkward, the best solution is a custom-made breakfast. Remember, you need to be accurate with your measurements, especially concerning the height of the custom-made breakfast bar as you want to be confident you will find bar chairs or stools that ‘fit’.

Is a breakfast bar something you have considered? We would love to see your ideas!

Main photo credit: Photo by Brad Javernick of Home Oomph

Kitchen storage hacks for summer dining

With the summer finally upon us, we not only change our eating habits regarding how we eat, but we also often change where we eat. From juicy burgers off the BBQ to picnic lunches in the garden, al fresco dining is something we can all enjoy, but it does come with some complications.

Outside dining often means a change in cutlery, plates and more. For many of us, changing the storage in our kitchen is a must in summer because no one wants plates dishes and salad bowls clogging the worktops. With these tips below, however, outside or summer dining indoors should be an absolute breeze.

Add a sideboard to the dining room or area

A sideboard is not the old-fashioned addition you may think of it, especially not when you consider the rather splendid and cool chic of the Picasso industrial small oak sideboard. Simple yet striking in its appeal, a sideboard can hide a myriad of sins whilst also providing handy, accessible storage space.

Depending on the look and style you want, there are many other options, including the Dakota sideboard. Imposing without being overpowering, there is ample storage space, as well as stylish design.

Not just ideal for the dining room, this versatile investment piece will look great in a hallway too – because who says your kitchen supplies needs to be hidden in the kitchen?

Extra storage that works for YOU

When making any decisions about storage, you need to consider how YOU would use it. All too often, the stylish additions that glossy magazines wax lyrical about are all well and good aesthetically, but they offer you very little in the way of space and accessibility.

Choose with care because you may end up with an elephant of a piece sat in the corner of the room that you don’t really know what to do with. With this smaller kitchen sideboard, you have no need to worry. Perfect for storing away all the picnic and al fresco dining, it would look stunning alongside your reclaimed wood dining table too.

However, if you want to make a statement, the rather handsome dimensions of this large sideboard from the Colette range is a must. With more than enough room to store everything from napkins to table linens, it is a versatile piece of kit no matter what time of year. Perfect for putting away Christmas table decorations too, we think…

Not everything needs to be hidden

Reclaimed wood furniture can be beautifully styled even with items that don’t perhaps fit in the cupboards and drawers – it doesn’t always have to be that everything needs hiding away. As well as shelving and open-shelved units, why not consider a large sideboard complete with display unit.

Offering the best of both worlds – cupboards and shelving – the grand, but not overly tall or looming Dorset reclaimed wood dresser is an investment that will keep on giving for years to come and it’ll go perfectly with your reclaimed wood dining table too!

And finally…

… ditch the plastic boxes with lids. Utilitarian they may be, but beautiful they are not. Complementing reclaimed wood is not hard, especially when you choose wide-weave baskets.

Now, what are your perfect storage solutions for summer?

Why we love sofas in the garden

West Strand Grey Corner Sofa Set with Coffee Table

If you love to entertain in the summer months, it’s good to spend some time thinking about how you can get the most of your garden. A garden sofa set is the perfect option to make your space more sociable, providing all the comfort of a living room – but in the garden.

We’ve been thinking about the best ways to make your garden a sociable spot and outdoor sofas are among some of our favourites. Dressed right, an outdoor seating area is capable of creating a real focal point. You could even create a wall of plants or add an eye-catching feature like a fire pit to grab your guests’ attention and draw them out into the garden. If you are limited on space inside, this is a great idea, as it clears out the kitchen for you to prep food and drinks with ease!

When you are deciding on the perfect sofas for your garden, think about the look you want to achieve?

Are you looking for something ultra modern to make your patio area an extension of your glossy kitchen? The West Strand Grey Corner Sofa may be the perfect option. Coming in a set with a matching armchair and an outdoor table, the West Strand set will create the ultimate space for entertaining family and friends all evening long. A modern set is also perfect set for those that love greenery in their garden – lush, palm leaves and brightly coloured flowers will pop against understated design.

For something more classic, a rattan sofa is a great option. To create more of an outside living room, the Harting Set is fantastic – the separate chairs mean you can create a really sociable spot where all your guests can chill with a glass of wine in hand. Alternatively, for something slightly more compact, the Walderton Corner Sofa Set looks ultra sleek. On warm evenings, you can even bring classic living room pieces out onto your patio area such as rugs, blankets and side tables to blur the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors.

If you are looking for something truly unique all your guests will want to sit in, our Rattan Hanging Nest Chair is truly superb. Paired with a rattan sofa set, a statement chair such as this is bound to be the star of the show. Finish the look with some statement Morrocan inspired cushions you can put out when you are entertaining and set the mood with some fabulous outdoor lighting to ensure that your outdoor space remains a hive of activity long after the sun sets. The large cocoon shape of the seat makes it perfect for relaxing in and being fully waterproof, the seat will bring enjoyment for many years to come.

What do you think? Will a garden sofa set be making its way into your garden this summer?

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.

How to get your home summer-sun ready

Summer is a glorious season. Finally, we can shed the layers and allow all that glorious sunshine to kiss the skin and warm our bones.

For many of us, it is also a time to socialise and party, meet up with old friends and new, and entertain the family with BBQs and garden picnics. And that means getting your home ship-shape and Bristol fashion, ready to make the most of summer.

Ditch winter

The coldness, the greyness and the dampness have gone so switch soft furnishings around. Wash, dry and store away heavier, thicker throws in the wooden blanket box and change the cushions covers for lighter, pastel shades. Put away heavily textured items too in favour of lighter, smoother throws and rugs.

Defrost the freezer

Our eating habits change in summer and that means making space for lighter meals and the all-important stock of lollies and ice cream. Crush some ice too, perfect for a summer-light strawberry gin and tonic on the patio.

Store away the slow cooker

…and bring out the shatterproof picnic dishes. Give them a clean in the dishwasher and then have a move around in the kitchen cupboards. Be ready for unexpected summer guests with plenty of ingredients to create a summer feast and serve on your farmhouse dining table with pretty napkins and other essential al fresco dining accoutrements.

Bring summer in

It is amazing how much dust and dirt accumulate on the windows and doors of the home over winter so before your summer party season starts, roll up your sleeves and get spring cleaning – and that means cleaning windows. It may be a boring job – get your headphones on and bop away to your favourite tunes – but the difference is amazing. Summer will flood in, whether your patio doors are thrown open or closed against a slightly cooler summer day.

Summer stock

It isn’t just our appetite that changes in the summer but the hazards that greet us too. Take a peek in your first aid cupboard. Is the antihistamine ‘itchy-bite-cream’ still in date? Do you need some plasters and anti-bac wipes for when there are grazes on knees and rose thorns in fingers? Insect repellent is usually helpful too although, in the garden, you can plant blooms and herbs that keep some pesky critters away.

Make the patio into a room

Living outdoors is what summer is made for and so, when the sun is shining and the temperature hovering somewhere around balmy and tropical, why not lift out your farmhouse table from the kitchen onto the patio and make the patio the summer room? lay a rug down first – either an interior rug or a special outdoor one – to protect its feet and to add comfort underfoot first.

Accessorise it too

From cushions to throws, to lanterns and candles, there are all kinds of ways of adding interest, colour and comfort to the patio or the farmhouse furniture that adorns it. Choose lighter materials, such as cotton and don’t forget the beauty of patterns for summer too.

Colourful seating to brighten your interiors this summer

2 Dining Chairs with Moon Wool Seating and Dark Wooden Legs

With summer sunshine comes summer colours and there is no better time to introduce pops of colour into the home that during the warmer summer months. But this doesn’t necessarily mean painting the walls or opting for vibrant-coloured cushions – it can mean choosing coloured items for the home, such as dining chairs.

But what if…?

… you invest in coloured items of furniture only to find that comes the following season, the look is out of date?

Adding colour doesn’t mean taking a gamble. It doesn’t mean opting for super-modern. Contrary to popular opinion, there are some classic coloured pieces that fit with not only any home but any style, no matter how they change over the coming months or years.

The Dining Room

With your bespoke reclaimed wood dining table taking centre stage, you don’t necessarily want anything else to grab at its limelight. Instead, you want dining chairs that complement it.

Coloured dining chairs are ideal, adding a hint of classic colour that supports, not detracts from the beauty of your dining room furniture.

If colour makes you nervous, why not add an understated pattern? The elegant roll back dining chairs come in a range of finishes, from leather to coloured Moon wool and Harris Tweed, with exquisite patterning.

The Living Room

The main room where you all socialise and relax deserves more than a hint of colour. And again, mix colour with a classic design and you have a successful amalgamation of colour with your chosen interior style.

From the modern to the minimal, the beauty of red leather is never lost. The exquisite Wellow chair invites you into its comfy confines of rolling arms and deep seat, the perfect place from which to catch the Saturday night movie or curl up with a good book.

And don’t forget texture and colour too. By introducing a different feel to the fabric, you introduce more depth to a pace. A velvet armchair in a fresh, exciting colour would do just fine, wouldn’t it?

The Floor

In any room or space in the home, from the bedroom to the landing, to the hallway to the living and dining areas, the floors are often underused when it comes to adding colour to the home.

Choosing neutral colours and shades is all well and good – they are safe, after all, and outlast any interior design fad – but sometimes, a space just needs something ‘extra’.

And it doesn’t have to be a strong colour or an eye-popping, in-your-face-colour-statement either. Colours that hide and tease a little are perfect, like those shades of blues, sea green and pretty lemon in the Louis de Poortere rug range. How about the cool blue colour, tangled with grey like in the Mad Men blue rug? Perfect. We think, for framing anything from living room chairs to the dining room, the bedroom…

Using Colour the Simple Way

Colour is to be applauded. It brings depth and interest, but summer colours don’t have to be bright and golden. They can be understated, fresh with a touch of luminosity. Enjoy!

Outdoor ideas to steal from the most popular trends of the moment

Chilson Dining Table and Rattan Dining Chairs

As the start of spring/summer finally seems to be upon us, now is the perfect time to start giving your garden a spruce up ready to enjoy the outside in the warmer months to come. Whether you use your garden occasionally for a morning coffee, for a sunny evening glass of wine, or to entertain friends and family, here is a rundown of some of the big gardening trends for 2018.

The British weather may be unpredictable, but that doesn’t stop many of us enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle over the summer months by dining alfresco. Outdoor entertaining spaces are key this year – not only perfect for spending time outside but also practical if you lack space in your kitchen. Create a sophisticated yet comfortable area on your patio area complete with luxurious outdoor seating and an outdoor table you and your guests can pop a drink and some nibbles.

For those of you that love to inject colour into your interior and exterior spaces, this trend will be right up your street. The ‘Verdure’ current palette is big business for gardens this year and incorporates the colours you would expect to find in lush woodland like redwood, berry-toned purples, green or soft blue.

If you have rattan chairs, why not add some bright coloured cushions? If you really want to make the most of the trend – paint old furniture like your garden table and chairs set that’s beginning to look a bit tired, or the wooden features around your garden – sheds and fences are the obvious choice here and could look great painted in a soft eggshell blue and decorated with an abundance of solar fairy lights (solar lighting is another big trend!).

Mindfulness has become hugely popular in the past few years. This year we’ve noticed that mindfulness – the ancient Buddhist tradition of immersing yourself in the moment – has reached the garden. In order to take advantage of this ‘trend’ we would suggest you opt for elements which stimulate the senses. A water feature is a great option to create a relaxing ambience. If you have the option to install a water feature where you already have a garden set or a couple of outdoor chairs, you are able to create the perfect spot to have 15 minutes to yourself reflecting on your day or reading a book.

Finally, with veganism and sustainability having become a lifestyle taking the world by storm in the past decade, the ‘grow your own’ movement will really grow in popularity over the course of 2018. A greenhouse is a great investment if you are looking to become more sustainable however if you don’t have much space there are plenty of vegetables you can grow vertically, like peas and runner beans! Growing your own vegetables is also a great thing to do if you have younger children slowing watching their precious vegetables week by week before they end up on their dinner plates!

What will you be doing in your garden in the coming weeks and months to get it ready for the British summer we all crave so much?

Beautiful chairs to suit your reclaimed table perfectly

English Beam Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Grey Chairs

The Beam collection is simply exquisite. It doesn’t need any other introduction other than that.

However, it is worth discussing the dining table a little more especially in how the choice of dining chair will highlight its patina and character.

The Table

The English Beam table is available in three coloured finishes;

• The lighter finish to this reclaimed wood dining table allows the grain, knots and markings to come to the surface. Perfect for the rustic and Scandinavian-styled dining room.

• The medium finish to this reclaimed wood table also allows the grain and unique patterning to rise to the surface but the darker shade to the table is perfect for the farmhouse appeal. It adds a depth of colour without sucking all the light.

• The darker finish is exquisite and demands attention. For those that love the look of darker wood furniture, then this is the choice for you. Adding drama and depth to the reclaimed wood, it is a dining table that will age beautifully too.

The rules for dining chairs

Here’s the good news – there are none. But here’s the bad news – there are none. Lack of rules can mean we are uncertain about which choices work best with a certain style of dining table and finish.

Upholstered or not?

The first decision is whether to opt for a wooden chair, similar to the matching English Beam dining chair. It has a pleasing sturdiness to it, that sits beautifully with the same sturdiness of the table.

Matching chairs can be a signal of cohesiveness, but it doesn’t mean that ‘matching’ dining tables and chairs are the only options. Or, ring the changes by choosing upholstered dining chairs.

Fabric or leather?

If you want an upholstered dining chair to sit alongside your English beam rustic style table, then you have another choice to make: do you opt for the warmth of and colour of fabric, or do you introduce the appeal of leather dining chairs.

Lighter fabrics work well with all three finishes of the reclaimed wood dining table. Grey dining chairs are a popular choice for the lighter finish, giving a fresh and modern appeal to a space.

Lighter colours also work well as a contrast alongside the darker and medium finish – in essence, the choice of colour, shade and tone of fabric dining chairs is down to your own personal choice.

Leather dining chairs are also a popular choice and no wonder – easy to keep clean, they remain looking pristine and stunningly beautiful for a long time. As a natural material, the pattern of the leather can be as unique as the reclaimed wood of the table, something that creates a perfect connection between them.

The allegro leather dining chair, as seen here with the industrial styled English Beam table, is a sought-after dining chair, sitting well with all three finishes of the rustic style of dining table too. Sometimes, the simple and unadorned are the best chairs for such a grandiose dining table, something that the Barton dining chair has.

Which dining chairs would you sit alongside this fabulous example of a reclaimed wood dining table?