Tag: interiors

Here’s how to soothe the interior design itch when it presents itself

Here's how to soothe the interior design itch when it presents itself

You may have heard of the ‘seven-year-itch’, the oft debated psychological myth/principle that states those in relationships or marriage will tend to feel bored of one another, or feel like they need a fresh start, after seven years together. Of course, this is hardly a solid rule, and perhaps complete nonsense. We point to the countless examples of relationships that last, happily, past this arbitrary time-frame in order to prove our case.

However, it’s not as if this vastly regarded anti-rule came from nowhere. From time to time, we do feel tired of the same-old-same-old, and this can challenge us to see our circumstances in a new, appreciative light, or make a change if possible.

If you have any interest in interior design, you may know this feeling well. If you find that even when everything has been placed correctly you still feel like adding and subtracting, alternating and changing despite there being nothing wrong or outdated with the final product; well, you may need to soothe that interior design itch, too.

But how can you go about this? In this post, we’ll discuss all of that and more.

Itemise your expenses

Itemise your expenses when you purchase goods during your design. When you can calculate how much everything cost, the expense you went to in order to refit certain elements, and perhaps the fee you paid towards specialist contractors, you’re less likely to flip out your current design just because you feel like a change, and look to more minor efforts, like re-orienting the space. It might sound like a silly approach, but it really does help soothe those impulses.

Practical changes over visual switches

It’s good to make practical changes over more visual switches, so that when you wish to change something, you know that it’s for a purpose. So for example, it might be that you’ve been thinking of changing your kitchen cabinets. You don’t really need to, as they look great, and work well.

But let’s say you’re planning on changing your current oven and stove top for a modern options, or even a retro-modern option, like an induction hob or Aga model respectively. Could the new aesthetic of this essential appliance justify painting the surrounding cabinet and refitting the handles to something new? As you can see, this is a fun visual change predicated on a larger refit, and doing all the jobs at once should save you some cash.

A full suite

It’s good to consider the full suite of renovations in one go, as opposed to ‘picking’ at a space until it no longer feels cohesive. After all, it may be that you’ve designed a room to look ‘just so’ and uniform, and then all of the little changes you make will render it less cohesive, which may help it seem outdated and in need of a further change.

That said, it’s good to promise to yourself that when you focus on interior design, it will be for mid to large size projects, unless there’s absolutely a need to change furniture or furnishings. This way, you can look forward to certain times every year where you give a room another shake, and indulge appropriately then. For instance, perhaps a complete porch renovation is needed, and will also give you the justification for changing the textured flooring with a better variant. This balances out your design intention in the best way.

With this advice, you’re sure to soothe that interior design itch in the best way.

[disclosure*]

3 design essentials for a Mediterranean style home

3 design essentials for a Mediterranean style home

When people are looking to decorate their houses in a luxurious way, they often look to the Mediterranean for inspiration. What used to be rustic is now very chic. It stems from the holidays that many people take to the Greek islands, or to the coast of Italy that just felt so comfortable yet elegant. They then try to recreate the look and feeling at home.

There are certain elements in Greek design that you’ll also come across in Italian, Spanish, and even Moroccan architecture and villas. It’s the Mediterranean look and will elevate your home to something out of this world when you take on the tips to make it look like your favourite destination. In this post, we’ll touch on some of the ways you can incorporate luxury home decor in creating a Mediterranean style home.

1 – Use natural materials

What likely made that stay in a Mediterranean villa so comfortable and unforgettable was the use of natural materials in the furnishings and décor of the house. Just about everything in the design has some form of nature in it. And you should try to incorporate as much as possible in your home.

For instance, the tiles on the floor should be made of terracotta. Bonus points will be given if they appear handmade and have some natural defects on them. This is what makes the décor interesting, authentic and gives a warmth to the room.

Try sourcing rustic wooden furniture that provides a simple, yet charming impact that will make your living room homely and cosy while also feeling luxurious. Then, add some accents and accessories made of natural materials to further develop the relaxed ambiance. For instance, lay a woven water hyacinth rug or hang sheer linen curtains.

If your home is constructed of stone, then exposing it in areas on the walls will add to the charm and make it feel like it’s straight out of the Sicilian coast.

2 – Let the light in

In addition to there being lots of natural elements in a Mediterranean style home, there should also be an abundance of light. It’s the best remedy for stress and anxiety to be surrounded by natural light and it will transform any living space.

If you’re lucky enough to have large windows in your home, make the most of them. If you have heavy, lined curtains up to keep out the cold in the winter months, swap them for lighter, brighter ones in the summer time. This will let in more warmth and sunlight.

If you have small or few windows, place mirrors strategically – on walls or propped up on the floor – to bounce the sunlight around the space.

One of the simplest things you can do to allow in more light is to regularly clean your windows – both inside and out if practically possible.

3 – Get the colours right

Using natural colours is essential if you want to achieve an authentic Mediterranean look. For instance, burnt ochre and chalky pink or yellow are very common paint colours for interior and exterior walls. Alternatively, you may want to opt for a deep burgundy shade of red that’s also frequently used in some of the northern Mediterranean areas such as France and northern Italy.

Bright colours are also popular; think of the vivid azure blue paired with brilliant white that can be found on most buildings in the Greek islands.

[disclosure*]

Auction Alert: Fine Interiors

A 19th century Kerala red painted and brass bound marriage box

Henley-on-Thames based auction house, The Pedestal, will be holding their Fine Interiors sale on Tuesday 8th November, 2022 at 1pm.

We’ve highlighted a particular lot – a large Victorian pine shop centre counter. We’ve included it because, in a previous post, we suggested that they’re perfect for repurposing as an island in a free-standing kitchen.

363 lots will be for sale and according to the auction’s website:

The Fine Interiors auction spans a number of collecting categories and range across several centuries: from early oak furniture and objects, to rugs, prayer rugs, carpets and runners, to English and Continental furniture, silver and paintings dating from the 16th to early 20th centuries.

A buyer’s premium of 25% + VAT of the hammer price will be levied on each lot. Bidding is also available on a number of other auction websites; including EasyLiveAuction, Invaluable, Live Auctioneers and The Saleroom.

A 19th century elm two tier centre table

Lot 16: A 19th century elm two tier centre table
The rectangular top on square tapering legs joined by an under-tier, 70cm wide, 58cm deep, 69cm high.
Estimate: £100 – £150

A group of twelve 19th century assorted ceramic jelly moulds

Lot 26: A group of twelve 19th century assorted ceramic jelly moulds
Of various sizes, the largest 19cm diameter. (12)
Estimate: £200 – £300

A large Victorian pine dresser

Lot 42: A large Victorian pine dresser
The rectangular cavetto moulded rectangular cornice above three shelves with a panelled back and cup hooks; above a rectangular top with three frieze drawers on square legs joined by a pot board, 203cm wide, 56cm deep, 228cm high.
Estimate: £300 – £500

A Tekke main carpet, Turkménistan, circa 1900

Lot 61: A Tekke main carpet, Turkménistan, circa 1900
305cm x 220cm
Estimate: £2,000 – £3,000

A volume of etchings, the majority by Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Lot 62: A volume of etchings, the majority by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778)
Oblong 1o, 19th century quarter calf marbled boards (badly damaged), 57 x 78 cm., ticket (top left corner torn off) of [John Lewis B]ARNIKEL, BOOKBINDER, PEMBROKE on front pastedown, signed in pencil by Arthur Clarke Edwards. The larger sheets are 56 x 76 cm.
Estimate: £5,000 – £7,000

A George III mahogany and brass bound oval wine cooler on stand

Lot 76: A George III mahogany and brass bound oval wine cooler on stand
With swing brass handles to the sides and tin liner, the stand with square tapering legs and castors, 61cm wide, 44cm deep, 59cm high.
Estimate: £1,000 – £1,500

A pair of of George III cut glass decanters together with a pair of silver plated coasters

Lot 96: A pair of of George III cut glass decanters together with a pair of silver plated coasters
With mushroom stoppers and ring turned necks and leaf cut ovoid bodies, together with a pair of silver plated and turned coasters, the decanters 25cm high, the coasters 15cm diameter. (4)
Estimate: £300 – £400

Two late 18th/early 19th century South Staffordshire oval enamel patch boxes

Lot 108: Two late 18th/early 19th century South Staffordshire oval enamel patch boxes
One with a hinged lid inscribed ‘Remember my Friend All things have an End with a pair of doves perched on a column, the body of the box with a turquoise ground, 5.5cm wide the other box with a hinged lid inscribed ‘Barton Bridge – A ‘Trifle from Manchester’ with a transfer print of the bridge,  the body of the box with a pale blue ground, 4.3cm wide (2).
Estimate: £200 – £300

A late Victorian copper and brass log bin

Lot 222: A late Victorian copper and brass log bin
Of circular riveted form, with lion mask swing handles to the sides, on lion paw feet, 52cm diameter, 45cm high.
Estimate: £150 – £200

A Victorian drop-end Chesterfield sofa by Robertson & Coleman Ltd, Norwich

Lot 232: A Victorian drop-end Chesterfield sofa by Robertson & Coleman Ltd, Norwich
Upholstered and close-nailed in brown leather, the rectangular padded back and scrolls arms, one end hinged, on turned feet with brass castors, stencilled to the underside Robertson & Coleman Ltd, NORWICH, 163cm wide, 82cm deep, 78cm high.
Estimate: £1,200 – £1,800

A large Victorian pine shop centre counter

Lot 255: A large Victorian pine shop centre counter
The rectangular top above two short and two long drawers, with opposing pair of panelled cupboard doors enclosing a shelf, on a plinth base, 152cm wide, 88cm deep, 83cm high.
Estimate: £500 – £700

A 19th century Kerala red painted and brass bound marriage box

Lot 340: A 19th century Kerala red painted and brass bound marriage box, South West India

Of typical pyramidical form, decorated with scrolling interwoven patterns, stylised flowers and geometric borders, with hinged lid, carrying handle and clasped corners, enclosing a hinged lidded compartment, 31cm wide, 25cm deep, 25cm high.
Estimate: £200 – £300

Making your home a place of peace: 5 tactics to try

Making your home a place of peace: 5 tactics to try

Many people don’t feel like they’re comfortable in their own homes. There can be many reasons for this. Of course, you may have only just moved into the property or you’ve been yearning for a change in location. It could also be due to external reasons such as the neighbourhood. This is why it’s important to ensure that your home makes you feel more at peace. Here are a few things that can help.

Increasing the security

We don’t want a house to feel like it’s Fort Knox, but at the same time, we need to make sure that we feel safe in our own homes by adding adequate security. Whether it’s installing a window roller shutter to ensure that you feel more secure at night time or adding a security system, these little things can do a lot to make sure that we feel more relaxed. Sometimes it’s not that we feel insecure in our home, but we worry about the outside world.

Find your favourite places to relax

There could be parts of your life that just don’t feel conducive to relaxation. If you live in a home that doesn’t make you feel relaxed, it’s time to set up a space for you. You may want to set up an area for reflection because everybody can benefit from a space that is theirs that immediately puts them into a relaxing frame of mind. For example, you may want to invest in an outbuilding because this is separate from the house and it will ensure that you can switch off quicker. It’s important to remember that relaxation requires practice. If you’re not used to feeling calm, you need to start practising it.

Increasing your cosiness

If you don’t feel comfortable in your own home you need to somehow up the level of comfort. A luxurious throw can make your sofa more comfortable. If you have hard floors, warm and soften them by using rugs. It’s these little touches that can help you feel more cosy, especially in the colder months.

Removing the tech

It’s not simply about spending less time on your phone, but about making sure that all of the technology that poses a distraction in your life is firmly put away at certain times of the day. For example, during meal times, put your phone away in a drawer so you interact with your loved ones rather than being distracted and feeling the need to answer messages while in the middle of dinner. Likewise, removing technology from the bedroom altogether will make you feel more relaxed and you won’t have that blue light impacting on your sleep quality.

Changing the colours

If you decide to redecorate your home, use colours that will help evoke a sense of calm. Hues such as light blue, sage green and pale yellow are great stress busters.

Ensuring you feel at peace in your home is your right. And, if you’re concerned that your home doesn’t make you feel calm and relaxed, try some of our suggestions.

[disclosure*]