Tag: Design

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Why Everybody is in Love With Scandinavian Style Furniture!

Swedish design has always been popular, but for the past few years (and certainly right now) it seems as though the world can’t get enough of this simple, sleek yet striking design that originates from Nordic countries. So, what is it that makes the Nordic trend globally recognisable and so sought after? Simple. The basic principle of Nordic design is a focus on functionality while creating beauty. Together with the advantageous fact that Scandinavian design is often called the democratic design because it is aligned to the masses, with products that are accessible and affordable for many people.

Scandinavian design was heavily influenced and developed by the Nordic region’s cold, dark and short winter days and therefore a desire for interiors to be functional and cosy, yet bright. This was achieved through using cheerful, friendly colours and light wood, such as birch, spruce or pine, to achieve a style that creates a lot of warmth, paired beautifully with usability and simplicity in focus.

As it has evolved over the years, Nordic design remains as much about a look as it is about a lifestyle. Designed to maximize light at every turn, Nordic interiors favour pale-coloured walls, spaces free of clutter, simple forms and open-plan spaces. A perfect balance between furnishings and clean multi-use spaces that are inviting, not stark, and elegant yet accessible.

 

 

Perhaps the most appealing quality of Scandinavian furniture is that it works really well if you want a more simple, minimalistic feel for a room or your home, but don’t want to sacrifice on quality or feel that might lead to you having to redesign a whole new room just for one piece to fit in. This style also lends itself well to more utilitarian rooms, for example, your home office, as most pieces are designed with improving your day-to-day life in mind. For those that love a bit of distinguished colour in their design, the Nordic look can satisfy there too, in that it’s design principles are often based on contrast, meaning dark or light woods are often contrasted with more natural material colour. This means it can add a zest of life to rooms that are normally decorated to be entirely functional.

As people turn their homes into retreats from the stress of everyday life, it’s no surprise that Scandinavian modern style is universally adorned. The philosophy behind this look helps create calm, focused spaces that provide relief through clean, clutter-free spaces, quality over quantity, preferring craftsmanship over bravado, and using light to create further balance.

 

Here at Furnished With Style we love the Nordic design and we are delighted to introduce our new, stunning Oslo Collection furniture that simply oozes style and sophistication!

 

 

Clean lines are paired with cut-out handles, offset for added style and a fresh interpretation of mid-century design.

The white and oak finish is wonderfully light and airy, while the black and white furniture in the range offers a contemporary touch and styling that fits perfectly for those wanting to achieve a monochrome look.

Both colourways feature rounded tapered solid oak legs for stability and designer flair. The white and oak keeps to the natural wood palette, while the legs are painted to match for the black options.

 

 

As well as looking amazing, the Nordic-inspired Oslo Collection is entirely practical, with clever storage, space saving designs and room to display your keepsakes.

 

Every piece in Our Oslo Collection has been hand-picked for its effortlessly chic look whilst offering super storage using minimal floor space. Proudly made in Europe, we have sideboards, desks, tv cabinets, shoe storage and more to choose from for you to easily introduce a Scandinavian minimalist modern design throughout your home.

Shop the stunning Oslo collection now with pieces from as little as £59.95 and fast, free delivery throughout most of the UK!

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In The Spotlight: It’s Got to be May!

May Collection ~ Contemporary bedroom furniture

 

 

With simple clean lines, the May Collection pairs classic looks with superb practicality. Deep high-sided drawers allow plenty of room for you to organise your things, while a sleek profile ensure you maximise storage for even the smallest of spaces.

Ideal for your bedroom, teen’s room or student digs, our timeless pieces have been specially picked to offer classic appeal to work with both modern and more traditional settings.

There are 3 fantastic looks to choose from: matt white, matt charcoal grey or dark walnut.

Smooth and sleek, the matt white introduces a bright addition to your room, while the on-trend dark charcoal grey is perfect if you’re looking for a little more drama for your boudoir.

Talking of great looks, don’t limit these chest of drawers to the bedroom either. They would make a fantastic sideboard for your living space or even as a console against the wall in your hallway.

So whether you’re buying for your main bedroom, guest room, children or teen’s room or even student pad, the May Collection offers excellent value for money storage in an attractive package.

 

Quality Features

  • All colours are finished with a scratch and fade-resistant melamine coating to ensure your furniture will keep its great looks for years to come
  • The knob handles give an added design element to give your furniture a stylish look
  • All drawers have easy-glide metal runners
  • Anti- tip safety wall fitting
  • Flat pack for easy home assembly
  • Made in Europe – Danish design
  • Eco-friendly – made from PEFC certified sustainably managed forests

 

Our Top Picks

May 5 Drawer Tall Chest in Charcoal Grey

If you’re on a budget but still want a classic piece that’s as attractive as it is practical, this tall grey 5 Drawer Chest is sure to tick all the boxes. With simple clean lines, a sleek profile and finished with an easy-wipe, scratch and fade-resistant charcoal coloured matt foil, our May chest of drawers has 5 large easy-glide drawers to help you organise your things.

Whether your setting is modern and more traditional, our May Collection prides itself of its versatility! It’s ideal for your bedroom, teen’s room or student digs – a truly timeless piece that perfectly combines style and practicality to help you maximise your space.  Also available in matt white and dark walnut wood effect.

 

May 1 Drawer Bedside Cabinet in White Matt

We couldn’t do this feature without including the May Bedside Cabinet in White Matt. Not only because of its aesthetically pleasing simple clean lines and a sleek profile, but because its an absolute steal at only £39.95!

This classic bedside table has plenty of space on top for a lamp and alarm clock, while the drawer and open shelf provide ample room to organise your favourite reads, jewellery or knick knacks. Also available in charcoal grey and dark walnut wood effect.

 

May 3 Drawer Chest in Dark Walnut

Last but certainty not least is our striking 3 Drawer Chest in high quality, Dark Walnut wood grain effect. The deep colour is wonderfully rich, and the textured wood grain effect gives it an authentic real wood look.

Super stylish and with plenty of drawer space, this piece offers fantastic value for money for those looking to maximise their storage space without breaking the bank. Easy-glide plastic runners, Anti- tip safety and safety wall fittings and lovingly designed and made in Europe, are all features adding to the classy package you get with the May Collection.

At Furnished with Style we want to help you to get the best storage solution for your space, at a price you’ll love. Our May Collection is exceptionally good value for the quality, as you will find with all our furniture collections!

 

For even more inspiration, you can of course browse through our gorgeous new furniture available now – Click here to shop our collections! Whether you’re nuts about Nordic or a Master of Modern, we have something for just about everyone for purse pleasing prices! 

Join us on social media, for more style tips, home inspiration and special offers! Find us on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

 

 

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6 Steps to Give Your Living Room a Budget Friendly Makeover

As we have all heard by now, the Coronavirus has led to the government urging people to stay at home. With many people now homebound, taking on a home improvement project is the perfect opportunity for you to keep yourself busy.

Self-isolating isn’t going to be an easy or pleasant experience, but opting to renovate your home during the coronavirus crisis could be more beneficial than you think. Not only will it help you mentally and physically, but it could also have the benefit of adding value to your home if you want to look at selling it in the future.

The living room is many people’s happy place. Somewhere to chill out, snuggle on the sofa and spend time with family and friends. So where better to start than this room!

Check out these simple home makeover and design tips that can transform your living room in just 6 steps.

 

 

STEP 01 – DECLUTTER

The first step is to take inventory of your furniture and décor to determine what to keep, what to donate or sell, and what to throw away. Use this time to let go of worn-out items, items that are too big for the room and items that you simply do not like anymore. By doing that, and with only the essential pieces left, you’ll get a better overview of what you can do with your space and can start fresh and build on your design from the ground up.

 

STEP 02 – REARRANGE THE LAYOUT

Even a simple reconfiguring of your living room layout can make it look and feel completely different. When you are looking at how to do this, just think how/why the new layout will suit you best and if it makes sense to how you use your living room. For example, if you use it mainly for watching tv or spending time with your family then look for opportunities to create seating areas that encourage conversation or situate your furniture around a focal point like your TV. Alternatively, if your living room is a mixture of where you work and where you like to relax, then try arranging your armchairs to create a reading corner or create a small home office that’s a designated space whilst feeling part of the room.

Your living room is one of the most-used rooms in your home so don’t forget to think about traffic flow. Make sure furniture is situated in such a way that it’s not difficult to manoeuvre around everything. If your furniture is just too big for the room, consider investing in furniture that’s designed with clever, space-saving features in mind. All our living room furniture and storage is exactly that, and comes in a range of styles to complement your space perfectly!

 

TOP TIP: Sometimes you’ll not get the arrangement right on the first go and you’ll need to move things around a few times. But when you get it done and feel good about the layout, make sure you sit and enjoy it for a little while to ensure it’s just right before you carry on renovating.

 

TV Function Desk Walnut

 

STEP 03– PAINT PAINT PAINT

Painting is an obvious one, but you should never under-estimate the transformative powers of paint! Whether it’s the whole room or just a feature wall you’re looking at, there is a reason why painting is a popular choice – it’s cheap, quick and easy and you can’t really go wrong!

The hardest part is choosing what colour to go with as this will ultimately determine the mood and energy of your space. If you want to create a calming, soothing room, consider shades of light blue or green. For a livelier space, think about warm tones like reds and oranges. Fail-safe neutral shades like beige, grey or white will always give you more versatility when deciding what secondary colours to bring in.

Painting doesn’t just apply to the walls! For a quick living room update you can always be brave and paint your furniture or floor!  If you have pieces that are looking a bit neglected then bring them back to life by giving them a lick of paint – if you are unsure where to start, go online for handy guides on painting furniture and the picks of the best furniture paint too. When it comes to the floorboards, painting them is an easy weekend project that won’t cost you too much and can completely change the look of your space.

 

STEP 04 – LAYER WITH ACCESSORIES

It’s those soft furnishings which really make a home cosy, add texture and are the ultimate finishing touches in your space. From curtains, to lights, throws and fittings, there are endless accessories you can incorporate into your space to give it an instant refresh.

  • Add Greenery with House Plants

House plants are a great way to quickly add colour and shape to a living room. Place a couple of larger plants around the edges of your room and add smaller plants like cacti to shelves and mantelpieces. They’ll also have added health benefits too by increasing the air quality in your room.

  • Switch up the Cushions

Cushions are the most versatile of soft furnishings, and perfect as quick and cheap living room decor ideas. Available in so many different sizes, shapes, colours and textures, they could be all your living room needs to feel refreshed.

  • Invest in a New Rug

At a fraction of the price of a new sofa, a new living room rug can have just as much of a bold impact. For a very on trend look, layer up a couple of rugs. Layering rugs, whether on carpet or hardwood floors, is a clever and simple way to give a room texture whilst utilizing another trend: pattern-mixing. The key is to pick patterns and colours that are complementary but still different enough. If you really are on a budget, instead of buying new, shop the other rooms in your house. Perhaps you could swap your bedroom rug with your current living room one to give both rooms a bit of a revamp?

  • Efficient Lighting

Lighting is an often-overlooked part of redecorating a space, but it’s essential when setting the mood of your living room. Table and floor lamps are a great way to show off your design style while illuminating your décor and adding functional light to your room, so don’t be afraid to go bold with your lamp choices. Lamps are also a great way of introducing pops of colour into your living room design.

  • Change the Fittings

People tend to see the fixtures of a room as a permanent feature, but it is really easy to change the fireplace or the radiators and they can completely change the feel of the room. Consider a trendy modern radiator or changing your light switches from bland white to smart grey or black ones.

  • Create a Gallery Wall

You can easily update your living room with a gallery wall. This is a great way to quickly and cheaply refresh a living room, fill a blank space and inject the room with a bit of personality. Collect your favourite pictures and items such as record covers and prints and arrange them aesthetically on your wall. Also, wall murals are great if you are decorating a rented home since they aren’t as permanent as wallpaper or paint.

 

 

 

STEP 06 – HANDY STORAGE

Half the reason people fall out of love with their rooms is due to clutter and whilst you may not have considered practical storage as the most exciting part of your renovation, it certainly is a key aspect of your room and by picking beautiful (and useful!) pieces, you can use your storage to add personality and really transform your space. Whether it’s a TV & media unit, a stylish coffee table or a modern sideboard and shelving to display your ornaments neatly, we have something to suit all tastes and budgets. From a traditional look or modern designer high gloss furniture with lighting to illuminate your room perfectly, we really do cater for everyone!

 

 

STEP 07 – KEY STATEMENT PIECES

Statement pieces are ones that can fill an entire room with life. These pieces will steal the show from all other things in your room. This could be bold rugs, a chandelier, feature wall or striking artwork. Whatever you choose, a key statement piece will command attention and become the focal point within your new room. One eye-catching item per room is all you need to take your room from drab to fab.

Furniture needs to be practical, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be exciting! A piece with an interesting shape or unique feature can steal the spotlight in any room. Our new Oslo collection fits this brief perfectly. You never have to trade in practicality for wow factor with this range, as a good piece can achieve both!

 

 

 

TOP TIP – Pin Down Your Style for a Cohesive Home Design

Your living room style will often set expectations for the rest of your home. It should complement and flow with the rest of your home so it is vital that you pin down the design style you want to achieve. If you love the look of simplicity, modern fresh and functional design with the added bonus of affordability then you’ll love Nordic style. Or if you prefer distressed furniture, vintage decor, and floral patterns, shabby chic style is your cup of tea. For the modern minimalist who loves clean lines, practical solutions, and streamlined design, you’ll revel in the simplicity of modern style. For inspiration head to Pinterest, Instagram, home decor blogs, and magazines to find a style that inspires you!

 

For even more inspiration, you can of course browse through our gorgeous new living room collections available now on our website! Whether you’re nuts about Nordic or a Master of Modern, we have something for just about everyone for purse pleasing prices!  www.furnishedwithstyle.co.uk/

 

Join us on social media, for more style tips, home inspiration and special offers! Find us on Facebook and Instagram.

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8 Ways to Make your House a Home

Whether you’re in a rented property, a flat or still settling into a newly purchased house, when you walk through the front door, you want to be surrounded with the things that, above all else, make you feel good. The more things you have around you that make you feel happy, the more likely you are to appreciate your space and have a house that feels like a home. Here are a few of our favourite things that transform a mere roof and four walls into your very own haven!

 

Dig out your old photos!

Photographs are a perfect way to personalize your space. So, head into the attic, dust off those old photographs and display them proudly. Hang them on your prominent walls such as your hallway or bedroom or create a gallery in the living room. Invest in some quality frames and proudly display them on bookshelves, bookcases and place them on tables, dressers and desks.

 

Surround Yourself in Softness

Cosy soft, sumptuous furnishings can go a long way toward making any space more peaceful and inviting. Not only do cushions, runners and curtains add an element of comfort, cosiness and a personal sense of style to a room but they also come with a low-price tag considering how much they can transform a room.

 

Mirror, Mirror on The Wall

Mirrors open up your space and enhance a rooms natural lighting, that’s why interior designers love to add oversized mirrors to a space. Whether you add one or several, large mirrors can simply lean against a wall or rest on a mantel for a simple and perfect touch.

 

Display your Wares

If you’re an avid collector or simply have a lot of unique items that you love, it makes no sense to keep them hidden away in drawers or behind cabinet doors. Whether it’s a beloved bowl or pitcher or a selection of antique candle holders, bring out whatever it is that you collect and display them proudly. If it’s artwork, then hang them together as a talking point for visitors or if it’s perfume bottles then group them together on console tables or on counters and in bookcases.

 

Hang Art

It’s a scientific fact that we get a big boost of stress-reducing pleasure from looking at things that we consider to be beautiful, so make it a priority to invest in some lovely artwork (or photos) to adorn your walls. Hanging art in your house also helps instil your individual personality and interests into the space. The more you surround yourself with things that make you feel good, the more you’ll capture that feeling of home.

 

Go Green

Just like art; plants and flowers are well-recognized for their ability to positively impact our mood and reduce stress. There is a sense of calm in nature, and you can replicate that in your own home by introducing greenery and fresh blooms into your space. If you don’t have green fingers to take on something like a large potted plant or an orchid, don’t worry – there are plenty of less fussy houseplants more suitable. You can place pot herbs in mason jars in front of your kitchen window, buy fresh flowers for yourself every week and display them on your dining room table, or pick out one of the many low-maintenance hearty houseplants such as cacti.

 

Bring the Spa Home

If you want your home to feel cosy and comfortable, take some inspiration from a place that’s specially designed to make you feel as relaxed as possible: the spa. Think gentle lighting, diffusers, candles and other spa-specific details that when incorporated into your own home will give an instant homely feel. Do it right and you may never even want to leave!

 

Storage

The secret to making a house feel like a home has a lot to do with functionality. Many design decisions are based on aesthetics, but it’s not easy to get around to style decisions without dealing with the necessities of basic storage first. Your storage solutions don’t have to be boring, they can easily have an aesthetic and meaningful side, too! For some, storage that’s pleasing on the eye can be simple and straight forward such as neatly lined shelves, but for others’ it’s an opportunity to showcase handmade storage such as woven baskets, containers and units. Giving everything a place of its own goes a long way in creating a room that feels beautiful.

In particular, when it comes to the bedroom, banishing the clutter is absolutely essential for a peaceful space and good night’s sleep. Your bedroom should be your sleep sanctuary – a place to get away from the world, clear your mind of stress and promote healthy sleep. An ideal bedroom storage idea is an ottoman bed – a stylish, multi-functional piece of bedroom furniture. An upholstered choice like our Eleanor Grey 5ft Bed or our Roma soft faux leather with a matt finish are both stylish options for a wonderful night’s sleep as well as storing essentials like bed linen or clothes.

We also offer an incredible range of wardrobes and chest of drawers so you can pick clever storage to match your décor. Choosing the right furniture will not only ensure you have plenty of storage for your clothes, it can also enhance the look of your room. You can achieve contemporary styling with pieces from our beautiful Westbury Collection , or choose from High Gloss Black or White from our ultra modern Chilton range. Storage options like our brand new matt grey 8 drawer chest from the Carlton Collection will also neatly fit with a contemporary room too.

 

Furnished with Style understand that every interior has its own unique character, shape and size. Our ranges are packed full of fabulous and affordable pieces and come in a variety of styles to complement your space perfectly. If you’re looking to update on a budget this season to make your house feel more like a home, you can’t miss the homeware collections available now in our Super Sale! Shop Now www.furnishedwithstyle.co.uk.