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16th December 2019 How to Make Your Own Christmas Wreath

Nothing quite says Christmas like a big, beautiful wreath to greet you and your visitors at the front door. Whether you prefer glamorous elegance, minimalist chic or you love traditional styles, there is a wreath to suit every taste. The best part is that it is possible to make a wreath at home and it is a craft that the whole family can get involved in.

Create the base

The first thing you need to do is create a base to work from. The most popular base tends to be grapevine as this is sturdy and flexible and leaves you plenty of room to add your own decorations. You can also make a wreath from wire and it is also possible to use a pre-made foam wreath that you can add your favourite embellishments to.

Find your foliage

Once you have your base sorted, it’s time to find your foliage. The best way to do this is to head to your local park and forage for some greenery. Look out for fir cones, pine boughs, holly branches, moss and ivy. Don’t take more than you need and try not to damage any plants and trees in the process!

Trim the stems

Head back to your house with your haul and set about trimming the foliage so that it fits neatly around the wreath.

Wrap the wreath

Now it’s time to wrap the wreath with your foliage. Pick out a group of stems and lay them diagonally across one side of the wreath. Secure the ends with wire and continue to wrap the wire around the foliage and the wreath, leaving the ends to fan out. Add another bunch of stems and repeat. Keep repeating this process until you have covered the wreath.

Add embellishments

Here’s the fun part! Decorate your wreath with shiny baubles, sparkly lights, berries, cinnamon sticks or dried fruit to personalise it. Let your imagination run wild. Then all you need to do is hang it over your door!

Need some new furniture? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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14th November 2019 The Amazing Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep

Image: Sealy Royal Mohair 2300, 5’0” (150cm) King Size divan with 2300 pocket & mini-pocket springs. With easy care, no-turn mattress with pashmina, mohair & bamboo plus Geltex. Quantum Edge support. Contains Sealy Smart Fibres. Plus a Platform base for enhanced support. View More

It is estimated that we spend more than a third of our lives sleeping, so it is super important that we make the most of those resting hours! A good night’s sleep can have a huge impact on our mood, emotions and overall physical well-being, which is why the benefits of a good night’s sleep shouldn’t be underestimated. So, if you’re getting mediocre rest on a regular basis, check out these reasons why a great night’s sleep is better for you.

Improves memory

If you’ve ever had a bad night of trying to sleep, then you’ll know how difficult it can be to remember things the next day. This is because our brains organise memories as we sleep, storing up the things we learned and processing the things we need to remember. The better your sleep, the more you remember.

Strengthens immune system

The winter months can be especially tough on the immune system, with colds and flu viruses coming at you from all over the place. Sleep is a vital factor in keeping your immune system strong enough to fend off those germs because your body produces protein molecules to fight infections as you rest.

Improves weight loss

While sleep can’t directly contribute to weight loss, it helps the body to regulate the hormones that are responsible for appetite and cravings. The less sleep you get, the more likely you are to give into cravings for fatty, sugary foods.

Keeps your body healthy

Not only does sleep help to reduce stress and inflammation, but it can also improve heart health, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Our body also repairs itself during sleep, so injuries and illnesses are much improved with plenty of good quality sleep.

The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to make sure your bed is the best it can possibly be. It is recommended that we replace our mattresses every 5-8 years, so if your mattress is showing signs of wear and tear, or you’re waking up feeling achy or groggy in the morning, perhaps it’s time to replace it with a new one. You will thank yourself later!

Need a new bed? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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10th October 2019 How to Feng Shui Your Living Room

Image: Parker Knoll Hampton Sofa & Armchair

One of the busiest rooms in the home, the living room is the setting for everything from chilled out movie nights to big social gatherings. So, it is super important to get the feel and flow of the room just right. Whether you’re entertaining friends and family or simply watching the TV, how the room feels will have a huge impact on how well you can enjoy it. This is where the ancient art of feng shui comes in.

Feng shui is the practice based on the idea that our homes are mirrors of what is happening inside of us. The purpose of it is to get your environment in alignment with your own energy so that everything works together in harmony.

Sounds bonkers? Maybe! But if you have nothing better to do on a rainy afternoon, why not try and give your living room some feng shui.

Start by making sure your room is well lit and ventilated. This means that energy can flow freely through space and will avoid any stagnant patches developing.

Next, it’s time to address the layout of the room. It’s important to make sure that people can move around furniture easily, so keep all pathways clear. Avoid placing chairs in awkward places so that people have to walk around them and keep sofas parallel to the wall behind them to maximise the space around them.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to angles. Sharp angles are known as poison arrows, which point negative energy around the space. Rounded edges are a much better way of softening the room and promoting restfulness.

To make the most of your feng shui space, ensure that you minimise clutter as minimalism can help the flow of energy. Pay attention to colour by selecting neutral colours that help you to feel relaxed. Also, create balance by making sure that one piece of furniture or wallpaper doesn’t overpower the entire room.

Need a new sofa? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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27th September 2019 5 of Our Best Bedside Tables

When it comes to creating the perfect sleep oasis, a bedside table is one of the most essential ingredients. Not only does it provide a surface for lighting and somewhere to store books, glasses and a drink of water, but it also helps to create a finished, stylish look in your bedroom. If you’re looking for a bedside table to update your room, check out our top 5 bestsellers.

Baker Bahama Bedside Chest

The Baker Bahama Bedside Chest is constructed from reclaimed and recycles wood and given a warm, silky sundried wheat finish. The subtle scratches and colour variations make each piece truly unique and one of a kind. The distinctive finish is created by hand polishing and brushing each piece with high quality, environmentally friendly oils to create or enhance a genuine aged patina. Metal handles provide the finishing touch for this very distinctive collection. Baker furniture is also part of the Trees 4 Trees project which reduces the effect of deforestation by increasing the area of community planted and owned forests.

Verona Bedside Table

The Verona bedside table comes from a collection of beautiful traditional bedroom furniture with hints to the classic Louis Phillipe design. Constructed using oak solid and veneers, with a subtle lacquered finish, the rounded profile and recessed latch handles add a touch of sophistication and blend with almost any interior.

Welcome Cambridge Bedside Table

Ideal for a contemporary or modern interior, the Welcome Cambridge Collection is available in a choice of high gloss drawer front colours as well as a choice of colour for the carcass. The sleek style is ideal for adding an elegant touch to your bedroom. Delivered fully assembled, all you need to do is add the brushed steel effect handles.

Baker Cotleigh Bedside Chest

Constructed from reclaimed and recycled wood and finished with a beautiful two-tone stained and painted finish, the Baker Cotleigh Bedside Chest is a perfect mixture of Scandinavian design and contemporary styling. Ideal for almost any interior, the bedside chest adds plenty of ample storage as well as a pull-out shelf. Baker furniture is also part of the Trees 4 Trees project which reduces the effect of deforestation by increasing the area of community planted and owned forests.

Baker Northfield Bedside Chest

If it’s a traditional look that you’re after, then it doesn’t get much better than the Baker Northfield Bedside Table. Assembled in stunning mahogany solids and veneers with a rich, deep patina and gloss finish, the bedside table is the perfect addition to any traditionally styled bedroom. Supplied fully constructed with both metal and wooden knobs.

Need a new bedside table? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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18th August 2019 Tips for Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party

Learning how to host the perfect dinner party is a life skill that will never go to waste. While there are many amazing restaurants that you could visit instead, there is something magical about inviting friends and family to dine in the comfort of your own home. So, whether you’re planning on hosting the biggest dinner party since Christmas, or you are hosting a quieter, more informal affair, these tips should help you to ensure that all of your guests have the best possible time.

Create the menu

First and foremost, everyone will be coming to your dinner party for the company. So, in some respects, the food is a secondary concern, however, it is still worth putting time and effort into creating the perfect set of dishes for your guests. Keep it simple so that you don’t get flustered on the day and end up spending all of your time in the kitchen. Stick to a straightforward dish such as roast chicken or chilli and serve with heaps of fresh bread, salad and homemade side dishes to add a bit of wow factor.

Select your drinks

A dinner party is no fun without a few tipples! It’s worth spending a bit of time working out which drinks will suit your guests and the meal and ensuring that you have everything you need to serve them, from fresh limes and mint to ice and glasses.

Set the stage

Products in the image: Andrena Pelham Collection
Your dining table is going to be the backdrop for the main event, so making it look amazing is a crucial step in creating the atmosphere you want for your party. For a rustic look, add slate placemats and candles, or if you prefer a more elegant approach add plenty of fresh flowers and crisp white napkins.

Ramp up the ambience

Product in the image: Ruark R5 All-In-One Music System
When it comes to creating the mood for your dinner party, lighting and music are key. Instead of using your stark overhead light, stick to dimmed lamps, fairy lights and plenty of candles to add a dramatic feel to your party. Create a 4-5-hour playlist for your party so that you don’t have to keep getting up to change the record every few minutes.

Have fun!

It can be super easy to get swept up in the stress of cooking but that means you’re not putting much effort into the business of entertaining. Remember to relax, have fun and don’t be hard on yourself if it doesn’t go the way you planned. After all, it’s about the company!

Need a new dining table? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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18th July 2019 5 of Our Best Footstools/Ottomans

The humble footstool is one of those essential pieces of furniture that belongs in every home. With their ancient Egyptian origins, footstools, or ottomans, are a great way to bring versatility into every kind of living room. Not only do they add extra storage and seating, but they can also create a focal point and bring the design of a whole room together. That’s even before you put your feet up on one after a long day! With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of our very best footstools. What’s more – these footstools are currently in the sale!

Alstons Cosy Legged Ottoman

The Alstons Cosy Legged Ottoman comes from a contemporary Alstons collection which features a super stylish design with comfort and practicality. The ottoman has a huge amount of storage space which makes it ideal for those looking for space-saving pieces. Available in a wide range of fabrics, this ottoman is available online and can be delivered in a colour and style to suit almost any interior.

Tetrad Constable Large Rectangular Footstool

For a superior finish and high-end luxury, it doesn’t get much better than the Tetrad Constable Rectangular Footstool. Featuring a divine combination of luxurious velvet and beautiful leather, this footstool is the ideal way to create a stunningly casual but elegant statement to any room. Available in our Street and Weston stores and currently in the sale.

Parker Knoll 150 Collection - Camden Ottoman

The Parker Knoll Camden Ottoman is a design piece that will complement the interior of almost any room. Heavily Art-Deco influenced, this piece takes inspiration from some of the most influential moments in design history while providing practical storage space and superior comfort. Available in a wide range of plain and print fabrics, the ottoman is available in both our Weston and Street stores.

Alstons Georgia Ottoman

The Alstons Georgia Ottoman hails from a super classic collection of coordinating sofas and chairs that bridge the gap between traditional and modern. Featuring a large storage space as well as a sturdy finish, the footstool is available in an extensive range of fabrics and is supplied with a durable cold-cure cushion as standard.

Parker Knoll Moseley Footstool

The Moseley Footstool by Parker Knoll is one of many available from the Parker Knoll classic range and just like the sofas it can be covered in a range of beautiful fabrics and durable leathers. Available in our Street and Weston stores, this footstool is the perfect piece to finish almost any style of interior.

Need a new footstool? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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8th July 2019 The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Bed

Image: Sealy Genoa Wool Deluxe 1400

When it’s time to replace your bed, the options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Searching online and in stores, working out what will suit both you and your partner, and navigating the minefield of springs and foam can often leave you wondering whether the whole process is worth it. But it most definitely is! A new mattress can work wonders on your physical and mental well-being, which is why we have put together a handy guide for choosing your next bed.

Before you begin, check your current bed to see whether it needs replacing. If it is sagging in the middle, or you have had it for more than 7 years, then it is definitely time for a new investment!

Head to the store

You may find some amazing deals online, but it is no substitute for actually lying on the bed and testing it out. Head on down to your local bed showroom to test out a few different mattresses and get a feel for what you and your partner both like.

Consider the size

The size of your bed is an important factor. If you are planning on getting a bigger bed than your current one, make sure you take plenty of measurements to make sure that it will fit. Ensure that your door and wardrobes can be opened with a bigger bed in the space.

Access to the home and bedroom is also very important. Always double check you can fit your new bed through the corridors and up the staircase if you have one. This is a problem people encounter when buying a new bed or mattress, especially if it's a larger size than previously owned. If you think it will be a problem, perhaps consider the zip & link option. A zip and link mattress is essentially two separate mattresses that can be zipped together to form one bed or separated to make two individual beds.

Determine whether you need storage

Storage beds have a huge advantage in that they provide plenty of extra places to stash bedding, clothes and other items when space is at a premium. Whether you prefer divans or ottoman beds, having extra storage could be the solution you need to maximise your space.

Choose a mattress

Arguably the most important step, choosing the right mattress can mean the difference between a great night’s sleep and none at all! Whether you prefer firm, soft, foam or sprung, work out which combination works best for your back and provides you with the most support by visiting your nearest bed store.

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26th June 2019 5 Steps to Styling a Dining Table

Image: Trafalgar by Sutcliffe

When it comes to hosting dinner parties, the focus is often on the food, wine and company. As it should be! But the unsung hero of almost every dinner party is the table. The stage for your perfect dinner party, the dining table should be dressed so that it does not compete with the meal or company but complements it perfectly. So, how do you make sure your dining table looks amazing?

Choose a theme
A theme doesn’t have to mean something specific like a holiday or celebration. It can be more about choosing the right colours and atmosphere for your dinner party. Are you hoping to create a fresh, summery feel? Or are you looking for more of a moody, midwinter look? The seasons can be great inspiration for dressing a table, but you can also look elsewhere, such as woodland inspired décor or seaside themes. Once you have an idea of what you want to achieve, you can begin a vision board to collect ideas for colours, decorations and textures.

Select a cloth, placemats and napkins
Arguably the most important foundation for your dining table is the cloth. This will provide the backdrop for the rest of your tableware, so choose wisely! If you are planning on having a darker theme, select a tablecloth that contrasts with the placemats to bring a dramatic feel to the table. Lighter, summery tables look great with lace cloths and macramé placemats, while rustic themed evenings would look great with an exposed wood table and slate placemats. Napkins are the perfect finishing touch for any dining table, try to choose ones that will complement the aesthetic of the other pieces on the table.

Arrange the tableware
When there is a lot happening on the table, often it’s a good idea to keep the tableware simple. White crockery and silver cutlery work best with any type of theme. It’s a good idea to set out the tableware in advance, just work out how many courses you’re serving and arrange the crockery accordingly.

Choose a centrepiece
The centrepiece is the ideal way to complete the look of a table, and it can be as simple as a vase filled with fresh flowers or a trio of pillar candles. You can be as creative as you like with the centrepiece, just remember that practicality is important – people still need to see each other and pass things around the table without too much hassle!

Finish with glasses
The final touch is to add the glasses you will need for the dinner party – a jug of water and tumblers are essential, as are wine glasses if you plan on cracking open a bottle or two.

Need a new dining table for your home? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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5th June 2019 Choosing the Perfect Wardrobe

Image: Rauch Imperial Sliding Door Wardrobe

It is fair to say that the humble wardrobe is as essential as a sofa or a comfy bed. But, more often than not, it tends to be the last thing we think about when it comes to furnishing a new house or redecorating our bedrooms. In fact, more than two thirds of us use a temporary clothes rail in place of a proper wardrobe – which is no surprise given how expensive it is to move house these days.

So how do you find the perfect balance of style, functionality and affordability? Here are some top tips.

Size

It’s no surprise that the top consideration for a wardrobe is its size. This is all going to depend on the room that you plan to put the wardrobe in. Larger rooms can handle big, free standing wardrobes with plenty of doors and drawers, while smaller rooms will need much more stringent planning when it comes to measurements.

Contents

Before you go any further, have a think about how many things you’re going to need to store in the wardrobe. Now is a good time to empty your existing one and have a good clear out of any old or unwanted clothes so that you have a better idea of what kind of space you will need to store them.

Style

After measuring and deciding how much space you’re going to need, think about the style that would work best in your room. There are plenty of different styles to choose from, such as:

Once you’ve chosen the style of your wardrobe, it’s time to decide on the colour. Whether you prefer a dark stained finish or a light, bright woodgrain, there is a wardrobe out there to suit your tastes.

One last thing – always work out how you are going to get the wardrobe into your bedroom! Whether it comes flat packed or in one solid piece, manoeuvring it upstairs will be a tricky task, so always ensure you have enough space.

Need a new wardrobe for your home? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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7th May 2019 5 Hacks for Moving Home Without the Stress

When it comes to finding a new home, the excitement of moving into it often overshadows the reality. Days or weeks of list making, organising, packing and unpacking can take a lot of the fun out of moving home, but there are a few ways that you can minimise the stress associated with it.

Declutter

As soon as you make the decision to move to a new house, you should start decluttering each and every room of your current home. It is never too early to start this process! After all, the less you have to move, the easier it will be. Start with the top of the house and work down so that you can be sure that each room has been addressed. The loft is usually a huge source of unwanted or unneeded items, so begin there before working your way on to the bedrooms and then the downstairs. Donate, gift, repurpose and recycle anything you no longer need or want to lighten the load when you move.

Make a schedule

The earlier you can start getting ready for the big day, the better. It’s a good idea to give yourself between 8-12 weeks to get organised so that you’re not frantically trying to cram a whole house move into a few days. Allow yourself plenty of time to do each room so that it is not too difficult to unpack and find everything you need at the other end.

Pack an essentials box

Instead of spending ages rummaging around to find the kettle or the cutlery, pack a box with everything that you will need for the first few days in your new home. This could be anything from toiletries and teabags, to pet food and cooking utensils. After a long day of shifting heavy boxes and keeping track of your items, you will be super grateful to have an easy way of finding the things you need to unwind!

Set aside time for cleaning

While the move itself will take up plenty of time, so will cleaning your old house and potentially sprucing up your new one. Make sure you set aside time for leaving your previous home sparkling clean and giving your new home a quick freshen up. Keep all cleaning supplies in a separate box that’s easy to locate and tackle each room one by one to make sure you get every nook and cranny.

Take care of yourself

Often, moving to a new house can take up so much time and energy that it can be easy to forget about sleeping properly, eating well and generally taking time out to relax. This can lead to all kinds of stressful situations, so try to eat a balanced diet, get at least 8 hours sleep a night and spend a few minutes a day doing something other than thinking about moving home.

Need some new furniture for your new home? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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