Taking on a project in your home is no mean feat. The first thing you should ask yourself is “what is my aesthetic?” What makes you go “ooooh” when you walk into someone’s home? With endless design trends and blends of interior design styles out there, it can get a little overwhelming at times. We have put together a few tips and tricks in order to help you find your style before you start your next project.

Top Interior Design Styles of 2019/2020

Remember, for your house to feel like a home, it is important that you only take inspiration from the images you come across and feel no pressure to replicate them exactly. When researching these different design styles, you will most likely find that you sway towards a blend of aesthetics. Don’t worry, This is normal! you just have to make sure that you are referencing the elements that still compliment each other. 

Every year there seems to be another design trend that is growing in popularity, however there has been a few that have stuck around (and we don’t see them going anywhere soon).

• • Mid Century Modern – This has been by far one of the most popular interior design trends of this year, and we are sure for many years to come. Mid Century Modern is all about the blend of the old and new. Creating Modern designs with traditional principles in mind. 

• Scandinavian – Originating in the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway & Sweden, this popular style cleverly combines classic minimalism, with that feeling you get sitting by the fire when it’s cold outside. It is also often a preferred interior aesthetic for those with busy lifestyles.
• Bohemian – Often referred to as Boho, this style is not only specific to interior design but is also incredibly popular in the world of fashion. Mostly inspired by the 1960’s & 70’s this aesthetic incorporates earthy tones with natural materials, creating an eclectic mix of textures and patterns. 
• Minimalism – Lovers of this aesthetic often incorporate this style not only in their homes but their way of life. In a minimalist’s home you will most likely find sleek lines with modern furnishing and white walls creating an open and airy space. Minimalism really is what it sounds like, Minimal! 

How can you get inspired? 

You would think that with the endless resources the modern world brings us, getting inspired would be easy as pie! However, we know that things can get a little overwhelming with the overload of information we have at our fingertips. You may be tempted to just settle for a simple internet quiz that claims it can magically tell you your aesthetic after just 5 Questions. Don’t get me wrong, you may find that these do give you some guidance in your search, (and for sure, there are some more detailed quizzes out there) but there are lots of more exciting places to find inspiration.

Applications like Instagram & Pinterest can be a great modern alternative to the home design magazines you would find on the shelf at your local store. With plenty of images showcasing some of the best homes on the planet, paired with an easy search function, you’ll be inspired in no time. 

Finding the right style for your home

As well as finding your aesthetic, it is important to consider the right style for your home. There will always be a way to embrace your aesthetic regardless of the space you have, you may just need to go about it with a different approach. 

For example, you may find that you have a small bedroom space to decorate but you absolutely love the mid century modern style where larger pieces of furniture are often prominent. Consider the functionality you need out of your space, you may need to make small sacrifices in order to obtain optimum functionality along with your style.  

Make an inspiration board

When decorating your home, the color of your walls & furnishings is obviously one of the main things to consider. With all of the design trends we have mentioned above, you may discover that they sometimes have clashing opinions of what is right and wrong. Just remember that you should be trying to create your own home & style, not trying to replicate what someone else has already done!

Color: What to consider

• When deciding on the color palette for your home, we recommend choosing 3-5 colors to work with. These few colors should cover everything from wall paint to throw cushions. This limit on colors will help you to stick to one cohesive theme throughout without any nasty clashes in style. We will say that in recent years there has been some design trends that celebrate a very eclectic blend of colors, certainly not sticking to the rules we have outlined above. Like we said, this is your home so the most important thing is celebrating your style! 
• Consider the natural light you have in your area. During your research you may find that some of your inspiration images feature dark walls, which may not be as appropriate for a space with little light. Of course we are not saying that you should scrap the idea completely, maybe consider alternative methods (such as accessories) to blend these colors in to your home.  

Shopping

Of course we all love a bit of arts & crafts, but it’s a great idea to keep all of your inspiration together digitally. Utilizing some of the digital inspiration resources we previously mentioned such as Instagram & Pinterest will help you to stick to your theme when it comes to shopping for your items. Having your images there for reference will ensure that you don’t get home and find you have fallen in love with something that doesn’t fit! Once you have decided on your color choices, you should also include in your board any pieces of furniture you find during your research so you can look out for them when you’re shopping. Finding the right inspiration can be a little overwhelming with hundreds of images you may come across on your search, this will really help you to stick to the plan. 

Regardless of whether you’re looking to renew an antique armchair, or breathe a new lease of life into your tired three piece, these top tips for upcycling leather, courtesy of sofa experts Robinson of England, can be totally transformational!

As with any renovation, or upcycling project, preparation is key. You’ll want to begin by gathering all the products required and setting up a well-ventilated work space. For a leather renovation, you will typically need:

• Detergent based leather cleaner
• Leather preparation fluid
• Adhesion solution
• Leather pigment
• Leather finish
• A hair dryer
• Sponge
• Rags/ cloths

Method:

• Begin by cleaning the leather using a detergent based leather cleaner and a damp cloth. Simply rub the surface in a circular motion to remove any dirt build-up from the grain.

• Generously apply preparation fluid to remove the top coat of sealants from the surface. It’s particularly important that the work area is well-ventilated as this is a solvent.

• Use an adhesive solution on faded areas that require re-colouring to soften the leather and to remove any remaining dried out coatings.

• Using a sponge, lightly apply your chosen leather pigment to worn out areas. Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to seal in the pigment and repeat the process until the require colour depth is achieved.

• Leave the colour pigment to thoroughly dry overnight and then apply a leather “finish”. You can opt for a matt, satin, or gloss finish, but regardless of which you choose, it needs to be applied evenly for a consistent finish. Apply 2-3 coats, using a hairdryer in-between applications to seal each layer.

Once dried your sofa will be good as new! To keep your sofa in tip-top condition, regular maintenance and cleaning is recommended, alongside a full upcycle (as per the instructions above) every 4-5 years, depending on your sofas wear.

And unless you’ve got substantial savings, you’ll probably have to wait until your current home is sold before moving to your next one.

Selling quickly depends on variables like location, property features and market buoyancy.

But there are some simple actions that can lead to a swift sale for viewers and cleanliness and neatness are easily achievable.

With that in mind, here are four easy fixes for making your house more attractive to potential buyers.

1. Guttering

Repairing or replacing guttering might be the last thing on your mind when marketing your home.

But defective guttering can look untidy and cause long-term structural problems like timber decay and undermined foundations.

Warning signs include damp patches on ceilings and walls, weeds sprouting on external structures, and loose guttering fixtures on paths and lawns.

A thorough inspection will reveal whether repair or replacement is the best option — but refreshing these features can make your exterior look much more attractive.

2. Front door colour

First impressions last — and your front door has an immediate impact on visitors.

Research from Dulux suggests that the colour of your door is closely associated with certain personality traits.

So for most British people, navy is associated with intelligence, grey is linked to sincerity, black evokes a sense of mystery and a ravishing red tone suggests passion.

If you want to attract a creative potential purchaser, a lilac door might attract their attention, while a cream colour projects a sense of peace and harmony.

But a bright yellow door might set the best tone — people with this colour of front door are perceived as happy and welcoming.

3. Mats

You can’t be expected to tiptoe in and out of your property in order to keep it pristine while you’re waiting to sell it.

But if you’re involved in outdoor pursuits or have children or pets, it can be easy for your front steps and vestibule areas to become muddy, damp and unwelcoming.

And the last things a potential buyer wants is to step in dirt and detritus on their way into a house.

You can source attractive and hardwearing mats from a reliable supplier like the Mat Factory — avoiding putting buyers off before they’re able to get a proper feel for your home.

And if you add a warm welcome message, it just might seal the deal.

4. Moccasins

There’s no point investing in tough door mats if your family forgets to take their shoes off once they step indoors — carpets and flooring will still become worn and dirty.

And walking about in bare feet is unpleasant and causes to colds and chills, so splashing out on a family collection of Moccis might be money well spent.

These hand-sewn Swedish moccasins are cosy, comfy and stylish. And best of all, they’ll protect your floors and home furnishings.

They’re recommended by podiatrists and tough enough to last long into your tenure in your new home.

These four easy fixes should help you shift your home in record time and see you settling in comfortably in your new abode.

Have you recently sold your home? Share your tips in the comments section.

The ancient elegance blends with the clean lines of the present in the series of Vienna straw trays. The Salon trays insert the Vienna straw reeds into a new context, where material quality, excellent support and clean appearance blend exquisitely into a unique design. In the Salon trays, the airiness of the wicker is combined with the consistency of the edge in painted laminate. The clean surfaces of the edge are interrupted by two symmetrical notches that mark the tray’s handle and at the same time give shape to the design.

Signed by the Swedish Front, the elegant rocking horse FURIA transcends the typical patterns of the brand giving life to a new and playful proposal in bent beech designed to entertain even the little ones.
Exclusive gift proposal, for Christmas 2017 it is presented in a festive key with a special coating in the most classic of the tartan, in red and white. A new style icon – inspired by the classic rocking chair, one of the strongest GTV archetypes – voted for maximum irony where GTV’s stylistic features meet the stylistic lightness of the creative team, which renews the collaboration with the brand for which it already has signed several pieces of success.

Nigel Coates signs LEHNSTUHL, sophisticated lounge chair characterized by a design complexity that declines the brand’s styles with refined skill: the seat and the comfortable straw backrest of Vienna, made in a particular version with a wide weave, are defined by the curves of the wood of steamed beech. The variable section structure is characterized by its welcoming shape, enriched by armrests that amplify the forms emphasizing the wide lines of the backrest.
For next Christmas, you wear a tartan fabric in shades of green and red, a perfect present
for the home of an elegant gentleman.

Sadly, as many of us have witnessed on home renovation television shows, the money spend on home improvements is not always money well spent. Here are top improvements to make the most of your home’s potential.

1. Curb Appeal

This is one of the most commonly neglected parts of a home. The best kitchen in the world won’t entice buyers if they never look beyond an unappealing exterior. Take a look at your home with fresh eyes. Has your once-impressive landscaping become overgrown? Do your flowerbeds still look inviting when you are ready to sell your home or did they peak too soon?

Improving your home’s curb appeal may take a bit of investment in money, time, and effort but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Make sure flowerbeds are weeded and provide mulch in beds and around trees to keep your yard looking tidy. Trim back branches or trees that are blocking the view of your doorway or excessively block the view of your home. Make sure there is an inviting pathway leading to your door. A quick coat of paint on your front door can make a huge difference in your home’s appeal at a very small cost in time and materials.

2. Update Lighting Fixtures

If you have an historic home with period light fixtures, they can add a great deal of value. Unfortunately, they’ll hurt your home’s value if they are in poor repair. Clean these fixtures and replace any burned out bulbs and missing parts.

If your home is from the 1970s or later, your light fixtures are more likely to be considered dated and out of fashion. While replacing them is an investment, the improved appearance of your home can be worth it. Purchase high-quality, modern fixtures that are the right size for your home. For example, there are plenty of lighting fixtures with ceiling fans UK home buyers would love to keep rooms comfortable without air conditioning. Even in hot climates like Florida (where air conditioners are a must) can still benefit from ceiling fans to keep rooms comfortable (see the options at https://www.creoven.co.uk/). By installing ceiling fans that include a light you can update lighting fixtures while adding functionality.

3. Update Your Kitchen

Real estate agents will assure you that kitchens sell homes. The problem is kitchens are also incredibly expensive to renovate. For most people, changing the cabinets and appliances probably isn’t worth the investment, unless they are in extremely poor shape or it is part of a comprehensive home renovation. Look for cost-effective ways to update your kitchen for a minimal cost. Dated wood-patterned cabinets can be updated by painting them white. Drawer and cabinet door pulls are the most likely thing to date your cabinets. Replace old cabinet hardware and you will have updated the look of your cabinets in minutes.

4. Declutter

The biggest problem most people make when trying to sell a home is too much stuff. Remember that you aren’t selling your home to yourself. Before you list your home, you’ll want to remove overly personal items like family pictures. You want potential buyers to see themselves in your home, not feel like they are intruders.

Cocktail Bar

Set against backlit onyx, this statement feature oozes style and sophistication, setting up the space for hosting and entertaining. The subtle light that radiates from behind the stone illuminates the eclectic mix of cocktail glasses, inviting you over for a drink, or two!

Roof-terrace

Set against the London skyline, this large, fully furnished terrace provides an ideal space for enjoying the capital’s warm summer evenings. The penthouse benefits from an additional terrace to the side of the property, providing the opportunity to make the most of one of the biggest trends in contemporary living, indoor, outdoor space.

Location, location, location

Mayfair has long maintained its reputation as home to some of London’s most desirable properties, with this Grade II listed penthouse duplex being no exception. Leading property experts in the Mayfair area and agents for this sale commented that ‘even when the property market in other areas may seem unpredictable, you can always be assured of world-class design and opportunities in Mayfair.’ This boutique residency demonstrates just that.

Fireplace

This dramatic bronze and glass finish fireplace serves a dual purpose; functioning as both a design statement and adding subtle structure to an open plan space. It effectively creates a focal point, which divides the living and dining space.

Use or marble

Timeless, luxurious and opulent, marble is a material consistently used throughout this property, to great effect. From the kitchen, where a Taj Mahal marble island creates a focal point for the space and is complete with 1930’s cocktail bar inspired bar stools, with a gold metal finish and white upholstery, to the bathroom where a black marble soaker bath creates a space designed with indulgence and relaxation in mind.

Period features

Fenton Whelan paid close attention to the history of the property, making gestures at its art-deco design and ensuring that contemporary features were interwoven thoughtfully. Whilst this property is very much designed with modern living in mind, additions such as the design of the lacquer-finished wardrobes and the use of pattern throughout the property do pay homage to the art-deco movement that inspired its original architects.

Colour combinations

Neutral tones are used throughout the property, ensuring a light, open and contemporary feel. Depth and character are injected through the use of different textures and materials, which also add to the overwhelming sense of grandeur within the space. Pops of colour are used effectively to add some variety to the otherwise neutral interiors. For example, cool green upholstery completes the breakfast room, making a feature of the space.

image source: here

Check out the following tips to help you create a rustic kitchen that is sure to bring touches of warmth and comfort to your home.

Natural rustic elements

Rustic design relies heavily on natural finishes. Weathered wood, distressed finishes, stone, brick, twine and burlap are textures that can give your kitchen a rustic look.

Reclaimed wood is a popular material to use in a variety of ways, from wall hangings to remodeling projects, such as installing reclaimed wood ceiling beams. Natural wood or painted and distressed wood can be excellent for your breakfast table, island, cabinets, decorative items and more.

Exposed brick or limestone walls bring out texture and depth. A natural stone backsplash made of slate or faux-wood plank tiles could be used to make a statement. Textured plaster walls or a faux-textured paint effect can add a rich country feel.

Iron, brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and copper are excellent choices for cabinet hardware, utensils and more. Feel free to mix and match metal tones to create more depth and an eclectic style.

Farmhouse glam

Get a glitzy, rustic look with a hanging pot rack, where you can display shiny pots and pans. This will double as an eye-catching focal point. Create a similar effect on a budget with distressed, open shelving to display your pots and pans, dishes and decorative items.

For a stunning look, fill your pot rack or open shelving with shiny copper pots and pans. Copper chef sets are gorgeous, affordable and suit just about any kitchen with a two-tone design.

Choose granite countertops with swirls of black, brown and copper to go with your new metal and wood tones. Concrete countertops are another option that bring in a raw texture.

Rustic kitchen cabinets come in many styles. Select natural wood, stained or painted cabinets. White-painted cabinets are light and airy, but any color can be used. Two-tone, distressed cabinets are popular, with distressed edges in a contrasting paint color.

Bring in a farmhouse table that showcases a beautiful wood grain and pair it with painted and distressed chairs or benches.

Rustic details

No matter what your budget may be, there are ways to mix in rustic details. Get the most for your money by using functional pieces that double as decorative items.

Due to the beauty often found in used and distressed goods, you might seek out worn or antique items. Used items at yard sales and thrift stores can be affordable options.

Remember that there are many inexpensive, rustic DIY ideas that can add a personal touch. Take items such as utensil holders and wrap them in twine. Paint and distress mason jars to use for flower arrangements, pen cups and more. Burlap and chicken wire used in DIY projects can bring texture to the design.

Rustic kitchens are all about natural elements, mixed textures and weathered edges. This look is sure to make you home comfortable and stylish, so hopefully these tips will help you create the rustic kitchen of your dreams.

Are you a bath or shower person?

Wherever you spend the most time is where you’ll need to focus your attention. Are you a bath lover who prefers a long soak to wind down, or do you prefer a jet massage from a shower? Once you’ve decided what’s important to you, shop online for some new fixtures and fittings that will provide an instant upgrade – they don’t have to cost the earth either! For example, if you shop with an online store like Better Bathrooms, they have plenty of large, luxury baths, from a traditional roll-top to a whirlpool, that deliver that hot-tub experience. They do regular discounts and sales, and you won’t have to worry about all those additional costs you get with a store purchase.

Focus on the senses

What really sets apart an extraordinary spa from an average one is the ambience. The scents and sounds that create a rejuvenating experience can all be produced at home if you use the right tools for the job. Choose soothing smells and flavours like lavender and jasmine, and use them in candles which can be burnt around the bath. The low-lighting and soporific scents will help you to unwind, but if you’re prone to falling asleep during a long bath, swap the open flames for diffusers instead, which emit the same smells but without the health and safety issue. You can then create the same lighting effect with strategic spotlights.

Products are important

Next, think about what you use and surround yourself with in the bathroom. If you’re a shower person who likes a refreshing shower gel, it’s important that you pick products which compliment this, such as citrus fruits or mint that will awaken your senses first thing in the morning. Similarly, if you prefer an evening bath to de-stress, what products are you using? This is about creating an enjoyable experience, so try using a bath bomb for funky colour and bubbles, as well as a soothing bath milk which will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. If you like to read or listen to music, make sure you always have something nearby so that you’re not tempted to reach for your phone – you wouldn’t go to a spa to sit on social media all day, so definitely don’t do it in the bathroom. This is your “me” time, so make the most of it!

How do you turn your bathroom into a sensational spa? Let us know your own tips in the comments section.

You’ve got a store of wine collecting dust in the garage – including Aunt Ginny’s favourite sherry, of course you’d never forget – and everyone’s varying requests for pudding chilling in the fridge.

The presents are wrapped, the tree is perfectly decorated and the turkey is awaiting collection at the butchers.

You’ve got the hap-happiest season of all totally 100 per cent under control – except for one pesky thing.

The guest bedroom.

As your relatives descend on your house for a week of food-filled quality family time, all you can think about is the dated, stale and devoid-of-personality temporary living quarters your in-laws will soon be running their beady eyes over.

But redecorating the most neglected room in your home isn’t easy during the hectic festive run-up.

With that in mind, we’re breaking down three simple and quick ways of adding some hotel-level luxury to the spare bedroom, just in time for your Christmas visitors. Take a look.

#1: give the bed a facelift

The bed is the first thing you check out in a hotel room, and it’s also the single most important element of your guest room. But the pursuit of comfort and style doesn’t have to involve splashing out on an expensive replacement mattress or frame.

Image source: here

Giving the existing furniture an inviting facelift is easier than you think. First create a DIY headboard with some MDF, spray adhesive and scrap wallpaper, then buy colour coordinated sheets, throws and pillows to dress it properly – it’ll look as good as new in no time.

#2: get the lighting right

With the right lighting even tired paintwork and dusty blinds can look atmospheric (although we’d also recommend giving the windows a quick clean).

And the best thing about Christmas is that you’ve got lots of fun options for adding festive dazzle and cheer to the spare bedroom. Fairy lights, glittery baubles and cinnamon-scented candles will give a warm glow whilst also adding much-needed personality to your space.

Image source: here

#3: make them feel at home

A few five-star finishing touches will guarantee there’s nothing for your festive houseguests to complain about.

Image source: here

Leaving mints on the pillow is definitely overkill but laying out fresh towels is a good idea, as is letting some air into the room before they arrive. Just be careful – make them feel too at home and it’ll be the new year before you can get them to check out.

Follow these three steps this Christmas for a house that’s picture-perfect, from the wreath on the front door all the way to the guest bedroom – and you won’t have to break the bank to do it.