News

26th July 2021

5 Easy Summer Decorating Ideas

Image: Rest Assured Felice 2000 - In our Summer Sale


Summer is officially underway! One great way of bringing the sunshine inside is to decorate your home using this bountiful season as inspiration. Read on for some top tips on how to decorate for summer in your home.

1. Use flowers

Summer is the season of nature’s abundance, with flowers, plants, and trees bursting into life and surrounding us with colour and fragrance. Bring some of this colour into the home by carefully picking a bunch of wildflowers or blossoms and placing them in a vase on the dining room table, always make sure you leave enough for the bees and wildlife, though!

2. Bring in summer brights

Pops of summery colours like sky blue, sunflower yellow, hot pink, or grass green can really inject some life into your space. Use throws or cushions on the sofa, swatches of fabric for the windows, or carefully placed ornaments that reflect the rainbow of colour in nature.

3. Dress the bed for summer

Heavy, dark fabrics and colours on the bed in the summer can make a room feel even hotter, so switch them out for airy linens, cool sheets, and lightweight throws. Rugs and cushions can be swapped for natural materials like seagrass or cotton to create a breezy feeling in the room.

4. Make a summer wreath

Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas! Hanging a summery wreath on the front door using fresh or dried flowers, locally sourced foliage, or fabric and ribbons you have lying around the home is a great way to set the summery theme before guests even enter the house.

5. Add some greenery

Plants breathe life into any space, so add some plants to kitchen work surfaces, dining tables, bookshelves, or coffee tables to make the home feel vibrant. If you have dark spaces, explore plants that need less light, or there are plenty of extremely good fake plants these days that look just like the real thing!

Looking for new furniture 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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6th May 2021

How to Bring Lagom into Your Home

Lagom is the lifestyle concept of enjoying a balanced, happier, and more sustainable life. It is a Swedish word for “just the right amount” and requires a considered, mindful approach to living with a focus on moderation, frugality, and sustainability. The great thing about the lagom lifestyle is that it can be applied to every aspect of our lives, from promoting well-being and a healthy work-life balance to embracing a lagom interior.
 
So, how do you bring a little lagom into your home?

1. Clear spaces
One of the key principles of lagom living is the reduction of stress, and one way of doing this in the home is to remove clutter and keep spaces clean and clear. A tidy space means a tidy mind! Remove anything that does not serve a purpose and keep as many surfaces clear and free from clutter as possible.

 
2. Donate, recycle or upcycle
Frugality and sustainability are important in a lagom lifestyle, so after a big decluttering operation make sure to donate, sell, recycle, or upcycle items rather than throwing them away.

 
3. Go green
Add plants! Plants are such a great way to give a space a new lease of life as well as improving the air quality and helping to reduce stress.

 
4. Keep it simple
Simple, neutral palettes are the aim of the game. Choose neutrals for your furniture and add interest with textures and materials. Layer up a sofa with knitted blankets and add plenty of beautiful cushions and throws to a bed with muted tones.

 
5. Embrace nature
Use natural materials to create a sense of being in nature when you’re inside. Natural wood dining tables, woven baskets, and wool sofa cushions will all create the lagom feel in your home.

 
6. Turn the lights down
Mellow lighting creates a beautifully cosy and relaxing ambience, so stick to dimmer switches on the overhead lights, floor lamps that diffuse light beautifully or candles and fairy lights to create a warm glow.

 
Looking for new furniture 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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26th April 2021

5 of Our Best Dining Sets

It’s often said that the best memories are made around the dinner table, and when it comes to these dining sets, you can easily see why! Take a look at some of our best dining table and chair sets.

Baker Porto Corner Dining Group
 
The sleek lines and contemporary styling of the Baker Porto Corner Dining Group make it the perfect addition to a minimalist interior. The industrial brushed stainless steel framework contrasts beautifully with the comfortable seating, and the concrete-style tabletop is the ideal place to lay out an extensive feast. Available in left- or right-hand facing configuration.

 

Altona Table & Chair Set

Ideal for those looking for space-saving options, the Altona Table & Chair Set features a compact drop-leaf table constructed with durable rubberwood, complete with a painted leg finish and a lacquered tabletop. The coordinating chairs fit beautifully underneath the table and will enhance any dining space with their modern styling.

 

Reflex Table and 6 Chairs Set

One of the most contemporary designs in our catalogue is the sleek Reflex Table & 6 Chairs Set. Featuring a beautifully designed extending table with a super-smooth twist-action, the tabletop is finished in a coated glass while the legs are a modern black metal. The 6 coordinating fabric chairs are a brilliant addition to this super stylish set.

Contempo Table & 4 Chairs Set

The super contemporary styling and compact fit of the Contempo Table & 4 Chairs Set will suit almost any interior. The table features a high-gloss white surface which work well with the metal, oak style legs. Choose from a selection of four fabric colours for the dining chairs which also feature durable, metal, oak style legs.

Baker Shoreham

The stylish Shoreham Collection is constructed using a combination of 100% solid European oak and black metal. Finished in a mid-tone colour with distressed markings to enhance the character, the range offers a number of different looks which will complement any trendy pad.

Looking for new furniture 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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12th February 2021

Top Tips for Sprucing Up Your Home in 2021

Image: Living Homes Hambledon Collection

One of the things about being stuck inside during the winter (or whole year) is that you really start to pay attention to the interior of your home. Whether your home is looking a little dated or simply in need of a bit of TLC, there are plenty of affordable ways that you can spruce it up in 2021.

Have a clear-out 

If you’re anything like us, the chances are that you’ll have drawers, cupboards, and wardrobes filled with things you don’t really need or use. Starting from the top of the house and working down, empty out all of these spaces and really evaluate whether any of the things inside are of any use. If not, either donate or sell them. Then revel in the feeling of having a clutter-free home!

Curate a gallery 

A super simple and easy way to update any space is to hang some well-placed art, pictures or mirrors. Buy some cheap frames from the charity shop, spray paint them and use them to frame your favourite family photos or artworks. Then find the perfect places to hang them in your home.

Break out the paints

A splash of colour can completely transform a space, so why not get your paintbrushes out and give one or two of your spaces a makeover? If you’re not quite feeling the idea of painting a whole room, you can pick a feature wall or even just do the ceiling.

Add in some greenery 

Plants can make the world of difference to any room, and they don’t have to cost a lot of money either – especially if you grow them from seed. Plants also have the added bonus of purifying the air in your home, so they will make any space feel fresher. A snake plant on the dining table or a fig tree by the sofa will make the world of difference to your space.

Rearrange the room 

Sometimes all that’s needed is a simple rearrangement of the furniture. If you have the space, spend an afternoon playing Tetris with your bed, wardrobe, sofa, or dining table to find the perfect fit, you might find that your feng shui improves drastically!

Looking for new furniture for your home? Shop online 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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21st December 2020

5 Tips for the Perfect Christmas

Christmas is here! Whether you’re smugly sorted or frantically fretting, there isn’t much left to do now but enjoy the chaos of the festive season. But if you do need a few extra handy hints on making your Christmas extra special, look no further! We have come up with a list of ways that you can make the most of your holidays without the additional stress.
 

1. Put together a playlist
Whether you’re having guests over or not, the perfect party playlist is absolutely essential for Christmas revelry! Take some time out to craft a playlist that will tick everyone’s boxes – sure, it’s probably going to be an eclectic mix and you might not love everything on there, but just imagine the joy on your family’s faces when their favourite songs come on!

 
2. Make it a team effort
Cooking the Christmas dinner is a lot of work, so divide up the roles to make it easier and stress-free. Have one person peel the vegetables, someone to make the desserts, someone to take care of the dishes, someone to set the dining table, and someone to handle the cooking. Easy!

 
3. Create some new traditions
Christmas is all about embracing traditions, so why not come up with a few of your own this year. Head to the sea for the Boxing Day swim you have thought about so many times before or spend Christmas Eve carolling or handing out gift boxes for people who are less fortunate.

 
4. Avoid the politics
Families are known for getting into beef over the Christmas period, so make it a rule that any previous issues are dealt with (or ignored!) prior to the big day. Alternatively, take the dog out for a walk if things start to get awkward!

 
5. Enjoy yourself!
There is so much lead up to Christmas that it can feel like huge stress, but actually, it’s a time for letting go and enjoying yourself. Remember to relax on the sofa and take some time to have fun.

 
Looking for new furniture 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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19th December 2020

Festive Table Ideas

From the twinkling lights and sparkly tinsel to the holly wreaths and shiny baubles, there’s no doubt that decorating for Christmas is a magical experience. So it makes sense to dress the table in much the same way that you dress your tree! Putting the dining table at the centre of the family celebrations is what makes Christmas so special, so here are a few ideas to bring a little sparkle to your feast this festive season.

Use nature 

It is a long-standing tradition to bring evergreens into the house during the winter months, so make them the centrepiece of your display. Forage for holly, pine boughs, and red berries to create a beautifully natural (and free!) look that will complement the rest of your festive décor. You can also place bunches of festive flowers around the space and seasonal fruits to maximise the natural look.

Light candles 

Whether you’re using an ornate candelabra or a few tealights floating in a bowl of water, candles bring a glittering warmth to a table that is undeniably inviting. Make sure you have plenty of spare candles to keep the atmosphere going well into the night.

 

Pick your shades 

Use the colour palette of the season to create a beautiful space that guests want to soak up and stay in. Gold napkin holders, rich mulberry tablecloths, and green placemats are a great way to make a dining table feel festive and alluring.

Make crackers 

Save the planet and your wallet by crafting your own crackers from cardboard rolls, fabric, and sweets. Place a sweet along with a handwritten cracker joke inside the roll, wrap fabric around it and tie the ends off with ribbon or twine.

Set up a drinks station 

The dining table can get pretty laden with food, décor, and crockery, so it’s a good idea to use a side table or credenza to store the drinks so that guests can help themselves. Don’t forget to add some flowers and foliage to this space, too, so that it continues with your theme!

Looking for new furniture 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.

Don't forget you can stay up to date with all our latest news and promotions by signing up to our Mailing List and following us on Facebook.   

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17th December 2020

5 Ways to Have a Homemade Christmas

If your wallet is already groaning at the thought of an expensive festive season, you’ll be pleased to know that you can create a truly magical Christmas without breaking the bank!

 
So, if you would like to avoid the hustle and bustle of the busy town centre and spend your time with the family instead, why not stay at home and make your decorations and gifts wherever possible. Save your pennies, hone your crafting skills and make some magical memories with a homemade Christmas.

 

1. Make your own cards
Instead of buying shop-bought cards this year, challenge yourself to make your own using things you already have in the house. Broken decorations, cereal boxes, ripped wrapping paper – once you get crafting you will be amazed at the cards you can create!

 
2. Make your own wrapping paper
A lot of wrapping paper can’t be recycled, so instead of adding to the landfill, make your own wrapping paper with brown paper bags, paint, and some stamps made from potatoes.

 
3. Craft a reusable advent calendar
Everyone loves their morning chocolate during December, but advent calendars also add to the problem of excess waste so craft your own reusable one and pop your favourite sweets and chocolates into each day. If you’re making them for the children, you could even add some little toys and notes from Santa.

 
4. Get busy in the kitchen
One of the best gifts you can give someone is your time and energy, so why not put that into practice this year and craft presents for your loved ones. From super easy chocolate truffles and infused olive oils to flavoured spirits and festive hot chocolates, there are plenty of easy recipes that will bring a smile to the recipient’s face. 

 
5. Forage a wreath
Shop bought wreaths can get quite expensive, so save your pennies and craft your own with a foraged willow base. Gather some evergreen boughs, holly sprigs, and pine branches and weave them into your willow base. Add dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and fir cones to complete your festive door décor!

 

Looking for new furniture 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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2nd December 2020

How to Create a Cosy Bedroom on a Budget

Image: Relyon Contemporary Radiance Comfort 1000

With the evenings drawing in, there’s no better time to start getting cosy in the bedroom. The bedroom is the one room in the house which should be dedicated to relaxation and comfort, so making it super cosy is a great way to ensure that you get the rest you need! But you don’t have to have a huge budget to achieve great results. Here are a few tips to create that cosy feeling in your bedroom without breaking the bank.

Bed is king

First things first – the bed is the single most important piece of furniture in the whole room. A good quality base and supportive mattress can make the difference between a night of rest and a night of aches, so picking a good one is well worth the investment. Poor quality beds will need replacing more often so they can often be a false economy.  

Add texture

Now you have the perfect bed, it’s time to make it look super inviting. A beautifully dressed bed is a great way to make a room look cosy and it doesn’t have to cost much at all. Add texture with layers of blankets, throws, cushions, and pillows in different patterns and colours to make the bed look comfortable and cosy.

Keep it minimal

When it comes to the rest of the furniture in your bedroom, it’s best to keep it minimal. A wardrobe, chest of drawers, and a bedside table or two are the only things you really need, anything extra may just make it feel overcrowded. Minimal, uncluttered spaces are perfect for creating a cosy vibe, so try not to overdo it when it comes to furnishing.

 

Mood lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to bring an element of cosiness to your space. Switch out the harsh overhead bulb with a softer one or add a dimmer switch to let you change the level of light it gives out. A couple of bedside lamps will add another level of lighting while stringing fairy lights around the mirror or the headboard is a great way to make the space look cosy.

Use aromatherapy 

Our sense of smell is strongly linked with how relaxed we feel, so use aromatherapy to your advantage by burning some scented candles, adding bags of dried lavender to your bedside table, and ensuring that your linen smells super fresh and clean. It’s also a good idea to open a window once a day, even in the winter, to let the stagnant air out and fresh air in.

Looking for new furniture 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.

Don't forget you can stay up to date with all our latest news and promotions by signing up to our Mailing List and following us on Facebook.   

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27th October 2020

5 Ways to Create Hygge in Your Home

Image: Dimplex Alameda Large freestanding electric fire suite
 
One of the biggest trends to hit our homes each autumn is hygge – a Danish concept and lifestyle that first emerged in the 18^th century and has firmly embedded itself into their everyday culture.
 
Essentially, hygge means a serene, peaceful space that has a warm, inviting and cosy feel and is free of clutter. A hygge space is designed to promote feelings of calm and well-being, the ideas can be used all year round but are super effective in the colder months when we spend much more time inside. 
 
So, how do you bring hygge into your home?
 

1. Neutral décor

Hygge spaces are usually designed around a neutral palette, such as creams, browns, pale greys, and blush tones all of which help to create a relaxing environment. Avoid bright, harsh colours or garish patterns as they can make a space feel busy and this reduces feelings of peace and harmony.

2. Textures

Warm textures such as knitted blankets, sheepskin rugs, and chenille cushions on the sofa are a great way to add interest to a minimalist design. Layering up textures along with natural materials like wood and stone creates a beautiful uncluttered finish that promotes a sense of serenity.

3. Declutter

Clutter is proven to induce feelings of stress and anxiety, so remove as much of it as possible when designing your space. If the object doesn’t serve a purpose or have a use, remove it from the space.

4. Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in creating a warm and inviting space, so place candles strategically around the room and intersperse with twinkling fairy lights, floor lamps, and table lights with a soft bulb.

5. Fire

If you can’t have a real fire in your home, electric fireplaces are the perfect alternative. An electric fire can not only provide the actual heat, but it can also create a warmer atmosphere thanks to flickering flames, coal or log effect beds and the orange glow – sometimes you have to take the shortcut to get the desired result!

Looking for new furniture 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.

Don't forget you can stay up to date with all our latest news and promotions by signing up to our Mailing List and following us on Facebook.   

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15th October 2020

How to Get the Rustic Look in Your Home

Image: Baker Nickel Collection

One of the biggest trends in interior design so far this year has been the rustic look. Blending elements such as brick, wood and metals, creates a hardwearing finish that can take a battering but still looks super chic, which is why it is fast becoming the go-to style for many homeowners.

 

So, how do you create this country-inspired look?

 

Rustic styles are all about rough edges, peeling paint, and brickwork, so a good place to start creating the base for your look are the walls. Exposing brick or stone work walls is a great way to inject some rustic charm into your space, so if you have any walls that are good candidates for this, think about investing some time and effort into exposing the underlying brick or stone. Always make sure that you get professional advice before carrying out any heavy-duty work to your home and ensure that any brick or stone work is sealed to protect them against moisture. Bare bricks and stones both work well with neutral palettes which allow them to really stand out.

 

Incorporate rustic metals such as copper into your home where possible. Copper is a warm toned metal that immediately adds a back-to-basics feel which is perfect for a rustic room. Using copper piping for shelving units, door handles, taps, and light fixtures is a great way to make the most of this versatile and beautiful material.

 

One of the most important elements of any rustic room is natural wood. Used on cupboards, floors, and walls, natural wood is a great foundation for the rest of the space. It can also be used to layer more rustic charm, particularly with dining tables, benches, and bookcases. Combine natural wood furniture and cupboards with dark walls for a super trendy finish, or layer up pieces of wood furniture with softer elements such as cushions and blankets. 

 

One thing that’s worth remembering with the rustic look is that the more unfinished something is, the better. Unpainted plaster walls, scuffed wooden floors and exposed pipework, all work together to create a beautifully undone look that can be easily dressed up with the right sofas, chairs, dressers, and soft furnishings. 

 

Happy decorating!

 

Looking for new furniture 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.

Don't forget you can stay up to date with all our latest news and promotions by signing up to our Mailing List and following us on Facebook.  

 

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