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Creating an Inviting Entrance: The First Impression of Your Home

The entrance to your home is more than just a doorway—it’s the first impression visitors have of your space. A well-designed entrance sets the tone for what lies beyond, welcoming guests with open arms and creating a sense of warmth and hospitality. Whether you’re sprucing up your current entryway or starting from scratch, this blog post will guide you through the process of creating a good entrance that leaves a lasting impact. From maximising functionality to incorporating colour and lighting, we’ll explore various elements that contribute to an inviting entrance.

Maximising Functionality: Space and Storage Solutions

When designing your entrance, it’s crucial to prioritise functionality. Consider how the space will be used on a daily basis, taking into account factors such as children with toys, groceries or even pets. Here are some key considerations for maximising functionality in your entrance:

Ample Space for Movement

Ensure there is enough room for easy movement within the entrance area. This allows for smooth transitions when entering or leaving the house, especially during busy mornings or when carrying multiple items.

Storage Solutions

Integrate practical storage solutions to keep clutter at bay. Installing hooks or a coat rack provides designated spots for hats, bags, coats and scarves. Incorporating shoe racks or cubbies helps organize footwear neatly, preventing it from spilling over into other areas.

Seating Options

If space permits, consider adding seating options near the entrance—a bench or chair can serve as a convenient spot for putting on shoes or waiting momentarily before heading out. Not only does this add functionality but also enhances the overall aesthetics.

Lighting: Setting the Right Mood

Proper lighting plays a pivotal role in creating an inviting atmosphere within your entrance area. It not only illuminates the space but also sets the mood and adds visual interest. Here are some ideas to incorporate lighting effectively:

Natural Light

If possible, maximize the use of natural light. Consider installing a glass panel or sidelights around the entrance door to allow sunlight to stream in. Natural light not only creates a warm and welcoming ambiance but also enhances the visibility of the space.

Statement Lighting Fixtures

Make a statement with your lighting fixtures. Whether it’s an elegant pendant light, a modern chandelier or a unique wall sconce, choosing the right fixture can elevate the style quotient of your entrance while providing functional illumination.

Accent Lighting for Visual Interest

To add depth and drama to your entrance, consider incorporating accent lighting. This could be achieved through strategically placed spotlights that highlight artwork or architectural features. Additionally, LED strip lights along staircases or under shelves can create an inviting glow.

Incorporating Colour, Greenery and Artwork

To infuse personality and visual interest into your entrance, explore creative ways to incorporate colour, greenery and artwork:

Vibrant Accents

Consider adding a pop of colour through accent walls or vibrant accessories like throw pillows or rugs. This not only adds visual interest but also creates a sense of energy and liveliness.

Indoor Plants

Bring life into your entrance by incorporating indoor plants. Choose low-maintenance varieties that thrive in limited sunlight. Not only do they purify the air but they also create a calming atmosphere.

Artwork Display

Transform your entrance into a gallery space by displaying artwork or photographs on the walls. This personal touch not only adds character but also serves as an excellent conversation starter for guests.

Proportion and Scale: Striking the Right Balance

When designing an impressive entrance, proportion and scale play crucial roles in achieving visual harmony:

Statement Pieces

Incorporate one or two statement pieces that anchor the space—a large mirror, an eye-catching console table, or an oversized piece of artwork can act as focal points within your entrance. Ensure these pieces are proportionate to the size of the area.

Balance and Symmetry

Create a sense of balance by arranging furniture or accessories symmetrically, especially in larger entrance areas. This imparts a feeling of order and harmony, making guests feel at ease upon entering your home.

Conclusion: A Memorable Entrance Awaits

Designing an inviting entrance is more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that reflects your personality while offering functionality and warmth. By maximising space, incorporating proper lighting, adding colour and greenery and paying attention to proportion and scale, you can create an entrance that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who walks through your door. So go ahead, make that first step into transforming your entrance into an unforgettable gateway to your beautiful home.

Further Reading: Your Home Should Be Your Sanctuary, Illuminate Your Space with Statement Lighting

The Allure of Velvet in Interior Design

Velvet, the sumptuous fabric that exudes elegance and luxury, has made a grand comeback in the realm of interior design. Its opulent texture and rich hues have the power to transform any space into a haven of sophistication. From lush drapes to plush furniture, velvet is a versatile material that adds depth, warmth, and a touch of glamour to your interiors. Get ready to be inspired by the allure of velvet!

A Touch of Luxury: Velvet Upholstery

The first area where velvet truly shines is the upholstery. Whether it’s a statement sofa or an elegant armchair, using velvet as an upholstery fabric instantly elevates the aura of any room. Here are some reasons why velvet upholstery is a must-consider choice for interiors:

1. Luxurious Texture

The tactile nature of velvet creates an immediate sense of indulgence and comfort. Its soft and supple texture invites you to sink into its embrace, offering an unmatched sensory experience.

2. Depth and Dimension

Velvet’s inherent lustre adds depth and dimension to furniture pieces, making them stand out as focal points within a room. The way light plays on its surface creates mesmerizing visual interest, making each piece feel like a work of art.

3. Versatile Colour Palette

Velvet comes in an extensive range of colours, from deep jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue to softer pastels like blush pink and lavender. This versatility allows you to choose the perfect shade that complements your overall design scheme.

Draped in Opulence: Velvet Curtains

When it comes to window treatments, few fabrics can rival the sheer opulence that velvet curtains bring to a space. Let’s explore the reasons why velvet curtains are a fantastic choice for adding drama and elegance to your interiors:

1. Regal Presence

The weight and drape of velvet curtains exude a regal presence that instantly transforms the ambience of a room. The way they pool on the floor or hang gracefully from ceiling to floor creates a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

2. Light Control and Insulation

Velvet’s dense weave makes it an excellent choice for controlling light levels in a room. When drawn closed, velvet curtains provide privacy and block out sunlight, creating a cosy sanctuary. Additionally, their thickness also acts as insulation, helping to regulate room temperature during colder months.

3. Acoustic Benefits

Not only do velvet curtains enhance the visual appeal of a space, but they also contribute to its acoustic qualities by absorbing sound and reducing echoes. This makes them an ideal choice for home theatres or rooms where noise reduction is desired.

Statement Pieces: Velvet Accent Chairs

Adding a touch of luxury doesn’t always require large-scale changes. An elegant velvet accent chair can effortlessly become the focal point of any room, infusing it with style and personality:

1. Eye-catching Design

The distinctive look of a velvet accent chair immediately catches the eye, drawing attention to its unique shape and sumptuous fabric. It serves as both functional seating and an artistic statement within your interior design composition.

2. Versatile Placement

Velvet accent chairs are incredibly versatile pieces that can be placed in various settings throughout your home. From cosy reading nooks in bedrooms to stylish conversation corners in living rooms, their adaptability allows you to create inviting spaces wherever you desire.

3. A Pop of Colour

If you’re looking to inject some colour into your design scheme without overwhelming the entire space, a vibrant velvet accent chair is the perfect solution. Its rich hue becomes an instant focal point that enlivens the surrounding decor.

Glamorous Bedding: Velvet Bed Throws

When it comes to creating a luxurious and inviting bedroom, velvet bed throws are an excellent choice. Let’s explore why they add that extra touch of glamour:

1. Sensory Comfort

Velvet bed throws offer a lavish tactile experience, wrapping you in their plush embrace as you sink into your bed at the end of a long day. The softness and warmth they provide contribute to creating a cosy sanctuary for rest and relaxation.

2. Visual Interest

The rich texture of velvet adds depth and visual interest to your bedding ensemble, breaking up the monotony of flat surfaces. It creates an element of contrast against smooth sheets or duvet covers, adding an extra layer of sophistication to your bedroom decor.

3. Versatility in Styling

With their versatility in styling, velvet bed throws can be draped casually over the foot of the bed or meticulously folded and placed at the centre. They effortlessly elevate the overall aesthetic while allowing you to experiment with different arrangements to suit your personal taste.

Opulent Accents: Velvet Pillows and Ottomans

For those who desire a more subtle touch of velvet, incorporating accent pieces such as pillows and ottomans can be an inspired choice. Let’s explore how these smaller accents can make a big impact:

1. Texture and Contrast

Velvet pillows provide an instant upgrade in texture when paired with other fabrics on sofas or beds. Their lush surface creates contrast against smooth materials like cotton or linen, adding depth and visual intrigue.

2. Bold Colour Statements

Using velvet pillows as accent pieces allows you to introduce bold pops of colour into your interior design scheme without overwhelming the space. Playful jewel tones or rich earthy hues can instantly transform neutral furniture into eye-catching focal points.

3. Functional Elegance

In addition to their decorative appeal, velvet ottomans offer practicality and versatility. They can serve as extra seating, footrests, or even as a stylish coffee table when topped with a tray. Their dual functionality adds an extra layer of elegance to your living areas.

Velvet has rightfully earned its place as a beloved fabric in the world of interior design. Its luxurious texture, versatile colour palette, and timeless appeal make it an excellent choice for adding warmth, depth, and opulence to any space. Whether used as upholstery, curtains, accent chairs, bedding throws, or smaller decorative accents like pillows and ottomans, velvet brings an element of sophistication that transcends trends. So go ahead and embrace the glory of velvet in your interior design projects – you won’t be disappointed by the captivating allure it imparts to your spaces.

We have some great velvet pieces – take a look here.

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Ways to Style your Coffee Table so it Always Looks Good

Coffee tables are an essential part of every living room. They are a platform to showcase your style and personality while also being a vital functional asset to your living space. A coffee table should be eye-catching and intriguing, something that can spark conversations and make your guests feel welcomed and at ease. That’s why it’s crucial to give your coffee table the right styling it deserves.

Keep It Simple: For those who prefer a cleaner and minimalistic look, keep your coffee table neat and minimal. Just add a few essential items like a vase of flowers or a small stack of books and let the materials do the talking.

Use Trays: To add a level of organization and order to your coffee table, use stylish trays to store all the things you need like coasters, candles, or a remote control. The tray also makes it easy to change the layout of your coffee table if needed.

Add Books: Books are an indispensable addition to your coffee table. They can also add a pop of colour, be a conversation starter or offer reading pleasure to your guests when you’re occupied elsewhere. Make sure to display them with their covers facing forward to highlight their colours and titles.

Accessorise With Greenery: Plants always add a serene and calming vibe to any space. Plants like succulents or aloe vera can do wonders with texture and colour even in small pots. They purify the air, and their natural elements always give design character and depth.

Sculptures: Sculptures are always a classic way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your coffee table. They add height variation, texture, and a wide range of colours to any living space.

Utilise Candles: Candles add warmth and ambiance to a room. A few well-placed candles on your coffee table can add a sense of cosiness. Pick scented candles to add fragrance and warm light to your space.

Layer Items of Different Heights: To create a unique look, play with the layering of items at different heights. Exploit books, vases, and other decorative items to achieve this effect.

Overlap Two Tables: You can create a more elaborate display by overlapping two tables. The lower table should be centred under a larger table, which can be used to house a selection of books, plants, or candles.

Play With Shapes: Playing around with different shapes is a useful way of adding visual interest to your coffee table. You can combine distinct shapes like circles, squares, or rectangles to create an intriguing display layout.

Choose Different Textures: Combining items with different textures can be a subtle yet impactful way of adding depth to your coffee table. Try pairing smooth vases with rough candle holders or plants in textured pots.

Use A Single Object: A single striking object on your coffee table can add drama and evoke a sense of curiosity. A sculpture, vase, or unique piece of pottery can add a lot of personality on its own.

Mix And Match: Another fun way to decorate your coffee table is to mix and match displays. Combine, for example, a vase of tulips with a stack of books or a few candles. Have fun and use objects from around your home.

Choose A Theme: Dedicating your coffee table to a particular theme, such as a sea-inspired display, can boost your creativity and lend visual appeal to your space.

Display Magnificent Art: It can take time to find visually appealing art but displaying one or two great artworks on your coffee table is worth the effort. An exquisite, eye-catching piece of art on a stand, can instantly enhance any coffee table.

Create A Colour Scheme: Using a colour scheme can be an intentional way of arranging your coffee table. Select a bunch of decorative objects in colours that complement each other. A matching colour scheme can be elegant and boost the design.

Scallop Tables: If you have a larger room, try using two or three brass scallop coffee tables and mix them up. These work best with larger space and provide a stylish and elegant look.

Add Something Personal: Add a personal touch to your coffee table by placing a personal souvenir you have collected on your travels. A piece of jewellery or a family photograph can add character and style, evoking memories or stories to guests.

Use Low, Wide Vases: White is a classic colour choice and low, wide vases in white can add a minimalistic and chic design to your coffee table. It’s inexpensive too, making it a good option if budget is a concern.

Work With Mirrors: Playing with mirrors is an effective way of taking advantage of the lighting in your room. Mirrors reflect light and add an illuminating effect to your coffee table display.

Go Rustic: A rustic display could also work for a coffee table setup. Try collecting natural elements like, for example, branches and stones. This also helps to create an earthen ambiance that is calming.

Add More Natural Elements: Another inspiring way to decorate your coffee table is with natural and organic elements like shells, crystal rocks, leafy branches, or pinecones. This also gives your coffee table a whimsical and relaxed vibe.

Play With Light: If your living space is especially dark or has poor lighting, consider adding a lamp or lighted candle holders to your coffee table. This can create an instant boost of highlight to the coffee table display.

Utilise Scented Flowers: Using perfumed flowers, particularly roses or lavender, can also add aroma, depth, and beauty to your coffee table vignette. They also come in such a wide range of profile and colours so that there is something for everyone.

Think About Proportions: Get to think about balance and scale when adding objects to your coffee table. A very large vase or an oversize sculpture on a small table can be striking, but it does not blend visually. Combine different sizes and alter the heights to make objects complement each other.

Try Metallics: Silver, gold or bronze finishes can complement any decorative style. Using a hint of metallic can add glamour to modern coffee tables or enhance vintage decor. Metallic vases, trays, or other decorative items bring excitement to every coffee table.

Add A Pop Of Colour: Use decorative items that add a splash of colour to your coffee table. It can be a bright-coloured vase, a stack of colourful books, or a row of seasonal fruits and vegetables in a bowl. Adding a pop of colour can enhance the beauty of your coffee table and keep it lively.

Use Unique Objects: Finally, adding unique objects to your coffee table display can create a style all of its own, like adding one or two objects collected on your travels or holidays!

Your coffee table plays an essential role in the overall feel and success of your living space. Giving it the right styling it deserves is as crucial and important as the perfect rug or wall art. Have fun and experiment with as many unique or new ideas as possible to find what works and looks superb in your home!

Take a Look at our Coffee Tables

How to Choose Wall Art for your Home

The right wall art can take your home’s aesthetic to the next level. It can add colour, personality, and style to any room. But how do you choose the right wall art for your home? When you’re browsing through pieces, it can seem overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to start.

Well, fear not, because we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect wall art for your home. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a cohesive and beautiful wall art collection in no time.

Step 1: Think About Your Space

Before you start browsing for wall art, take a good look at the space you want to fill. What colours and textures are in the room? What is the style? The artwork you choose should complement the overall aesthetic of the room.

If you have a minimalist space, for example, you may want to pick a simple and understated piece of wall art. On the other hand, if your home has a bohemian vibe, you can have fun with bright colours and eclectic patterns.

Step 2: Determine the Purpose

Why are you looking for wall art? Is it to add colour to an empty room, or do you want to create a focal point? Knowing the purpose of the art can help you narrow down your choices.

For example, if you want to create a focal point in your living room, a large statement piece like an abstract painting or a bold photograph could be perfect. However, if you want to create a calming atmosphere in your bedroom, a serene landscape or a soothing abstract print will work better.

Step 3: Consider the Size

The size of your wall art can make or break the overall look of the room. A small piece of art on a large wall can get lost, while a large piece on a small wall can be overwhelming.

Measure your wall space and decide whether you want one large piece or a collection of smaller artworks. Keep in mind that if you decide on a gallery wall, you’ll want to plan out the placement of each piece in advance.

Step 4: Pick a Colour Scheme

When planning out your wall art, it’s essential to consider the colour scheme. You can choose art that complements the colours already in the room, or you can pick an artwork with colours that will create a contrast and add interest.

A popular decorating tip is to choose a print with the same colours as the surrounding decor. If you have blue throw pillows on your sofa, for example, a print with blue hues can bring the room together in a cohesive way.

Step 5: Have Fun with It

Last but not least, don’t forget that it’s essential to pick wall art that makes you happy! Your home is a reflection of your personality, so make sure that the art you choose speaks to you.

Whether you prefer classic paintings, contemporary photography, or abstract prints, make sure that the wall art you select makes you feel good every time you look at it.

Choosing wall art for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just remember to think about your space, determine the purpose, consider the size, pick a colour scheme, and have fun with it. With these tips in mind, you can choose wall art that will elevate your home’s decor and create a beautiful space that speaks to your unique style and taste.

Home Decor Trends for 2023

Trends come and go, but your home is the one constant place that you want to feel comfortable and in-trend. Keeping up with the latest home decor trends is an exciting task that every homeowner enjoys. As we draw closer to 2024, we can expect to see some amazing trends that can elevate the aesthetic of any space. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the most anticipated home decor trends that will take over the UK in the coming months.

Greenery: Adding greenery to your home decor is a timeless trend that is set to continue in 2023 and beyond. Plants help purify the air, bring a touch of nature indoors, and have a calming effect. Despite the undeniable positive impact that plants have on your home, not everyone has green fingers. So, if you’re looking for easy to care for plants, succulents, Monstera or Snake plants are great options. Upcoming twists in this trend include incorporating plant walls, and living floors, that can turn any room into a natural oasis.

Rattan: Rattan may remind you of your Granny’s garden furniture, but it’s coming back into fashion in a big way. Rattan adds texture and warmth to a room, making it the perfect material for accent chairs, tables or planters. Rattan furniture can suit any style- modern or traditional- and can be painted in a variety of colours to fit any decor scheme.

Statement Ceilings: Gone are the days of plain white ceilings! Now you can expect to see statement ceilings that can steal the show in any room. Statement ceilings can add character, depth and drama to any space, and can be achieved using wallpaper, murals, paint or even adding tiles, beams or lighting to a ceiling.

Pastels: Pastels have been around for a while and it looks like they’re here to stay. Pastels add a sense of calm and serenity to a space and can provide a much-needed break from bolder colours. Pink and baby blue still remain popular but peach, lavender, powder green and even mint are set to take over the UK in 2023.

Textured Walls: Walls covered in textured wallpaper are making a big comeback. Textured wallpaper adds dimension and depth to a wall and can create a cosy, inviting atmosphere in any room. Textured wallpaper can include anything from 3D, fabric, shimmery, coarse, or even hand-painted wallpapers.

Home decor trends are ever-evolving, so don’t be afraid to embrace new trends and mix them with existing decor to create something truly unique to your taste. Home decor trends this year will allow you to add character and personality to your home. From the greenery trend, which brings life to a room to using textured walls, everything has been designed to make your home a more comfortable space that reflects your personality. So, grab your tools and start decorating!

Further Reading: Creating an Inviting Entrance: Enhancing the First Impression of Your Home, The Allure of Velvet in Interior Design