Mirrors have long been a favourite trick of interior designers. They bounce light around a room, create the illusion of extra space, and add an instant touch of elegance. But beyond simply hanging one on the wall, there are so many clever ways to use mirrors in your home.

With lighter days around the corner, why not get your home spring-summer ready and make the most of mirrors in new and exciting ways? Here are some clever ideas to get you started, from simple accents to dramatic statement pieces.

1. Light it up

Newton mirror | @houseofhetheringtons

One of the easiest ways to maximise a mirror’s impact is to place it near a light or lamp. In the evening, the soft glow is reflected, creating a warm and inviting ambience throughout the room. This trick works especially well in small or dimly lit spaces.

2. Alcove accents

Make the most of those tricky alcove spaces by lining them with mirrors. This is a great solution for darker areas with little natural light. Simply placing a small table and a lamp in front of a mirrored alcove can create a beautiful, light-enhancing reflection. For a traditional touch, choose antiqued glass, or opt for a sleek, polished finish for a contemporary feel.

3. Faux window effect

Payton mirror | @serenenumber18

If your space lacks natural light, a well-placed wall mirror can make a big difference. A large, framed mirror can mimic the look of a window, reflecting available light and visually expanding the space. Similarly, a contrasting frame colour can enhance the illusion, making it feel like a second window in the room.

4. Over the fireplace

Newton mirror | Newton chest of drawers

A classic yet effective way to use a mirror is to place one above the mantelpiece. This not only enhances the height of the room but also reflects light and draws attention to a key focal point in your living space.

5. Brighten the hallway

Serena mirror | @farmhouse_by_the_brook

Hallways are often narrow and dimly lit, making them the perfect place for mirrors. A long mirror down a hallway wall can create the illusion of more space and bounce light around to make the area feel more open and inviting.

6. Dressing table effect

Burleigh mirror | Burleigh chest of drawers | @thelightshesees

Transform a simple set of drawers into a chic dressing table by leaning a mirror on top or wall-mounting a mirror above. This adds an elegant yet practical touch to a bedroom or dressing area, maximising both storage and style.

7. Floor-standing mirror

Payton mirror | @budgethomeinterior_

For a dramatic effect, consider adding a floor-standing mirror in your bedroom or living area. It not only makes the space feel larger but also brings a modern, sophisticated touch to the room.

8. Clever corner mirror

Newton chest of drawers | @no14hectorshouse

For an unexpected way to maximise space, try placing a mirror in a corner. This creates depth and helps to reflect different angles of the room, making it feel more expansive. It’s especially effective in small rooms, adding a sense of openness and light.

9. Statement mirror as art

Aurora mirror | Original Rustic chest of drawers

A beautifully designed mirror can serve as a piece of art and a focal point in any room. Whether it’s an ornate vintage piece, a sculptural modern design, or a uniquely shaped mirror, placing it in a prominent position can enhance the aesthetic of your space while reflecting light and depth. Try a large wall mirror above a console table, in an entrance or as a centrepiece in a living room to create a striking visual impact.

10. Mirrored wall

Photo by Chantal Garnier on Unsplash

For the ultimate wow factor, why not create an entire mirrored wall? Whether you use full-length panels or design an eclectic geometric arrangement, a mirror-clad wall instantly makes a space feel grand and luxurious. This look works particularly well in dining rooms and living areas where you want to amplify light and create a sense of grandeur.

11. Vintage mirror gallery wall

Why settle for just one mirror when you can create a whole gallery? Group a collection of vintage or decorative wall mirrors together for a striking display. Sourced from flea markets, second-hand shops, or online marketplaces, a mix of different shapes and styles adds charm and character to any room.

12. Add a mirrored tray

Credit: Sena on Pexels

For a unique touch, repurpose a small-paned mirror as a tray for your coffee table. It adds depth and interest while reflecting decorative objects placed on top. Try arranging candles on the tray to amplify their flickering glow and create a cosy ambience.

Mirrors are one of the easiest and most effective ways to enhance your home’s interior. Whether you’re using them to brighten up a dark space, add decorative flair, or create the illusion of more room, there are countless ways to get creative. We’d love to see how you style mirrors in your home! Share your photos with us and tag us on Instagram using #OakFurnitureLand #GrowYourHome.

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If you’re ready to embrace the new season in your home, we’ve rounded up our favourite ways, both big and small, to brighten up your home ready for spring and the summer months ahead.

1. Add some beautiful blooms

Stanmore 3-seater sofa | @samanthajoyhome

Bring the outdoors in with a stylish new vase and some fresh seasonal flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths or tulips in spring and peonies, dahlias or sweet peas for summer. If you need some inspiration, check out our blog on styling with flowers.

2. Spruce up your hallway

St. Ives hallway unit | @castlenumber19

Swap your wintery boots and cosy coats for new season alternatives, but don’t forget to keep your wellies and brollies to hand in case of those surprise showers!

3. Wake up your walls

Morgan sofa | @home_of_ivy

We’re all guilty of having endless photos on our phones, so why not make now your time to print off some pictures to frame? You can create a personalised gallery wall with favourite family snaps, or simply make a statement with single larger frames.

Hope wall art | Langham table lamp | @layered.home

If you want to add personality to your home then artwork is one of the best ways to make an instant impact. When choosing your wall art, go for a statement piece that ties in with the other colours in your room, or team several prints in similar colour palettes to unify the look.

4. Add lighter accessories

Malvern sofa | @thelarchhome_10

Swap around your soft furnishings to add slightly lighter touches to your home, but you might want to keep a blanket to hand for those occasional chilly evenings.

5. Swap your curtains

Copenhagen chest | @renovating_wynd_house

Take down your heavy curtains and swap for a sheer, lightweight alternative that’s more suitable for the warmer weather and lets in the light.

6. Give your bedding a refresh

Shay tallboy | @rachelducker

There’s nothing nicer than slipping into fresh bedding. It’s almost time to dig out your lighter duvet and treat your bed to a new set of sheets. There are lots of brands offering luxurious bedding, with some of our favourites including beddable, Christy and the Secret Linen Store.

Exchange heavy blankets for lighter throws for a simple way to refresh your bedroom style.

7. Switch up your space

Parquet sideboard | @insidenumber.3

Rearrange a shelf or corner to inject a bit of newness into your space. Add houseplants to freshen up your room, with green tones perfect for adding a contrasting colour to your interiors. Stuck on how to style them? Check out our guide to decorating with plants for help.

8. Add some springtime scents

Evie loveseat | @barn_owls_and_butterflies

Whether you prefer candles, diffusers or incense, give your home fragrance a fresh update. Some of our favourite scents to welcome the new season include lavender, jasmine, lemon, and fresh cotton.

9. Plan a deep clean

Newton coffee table | @livingwith_sienna

Ready to tackle that looming list to help get your home feeling like a fresh haven again? Make use of our simple guide to start on that spring cleaning you keep putting off, from decluttering tips to cleaning spree hacks.

10. Get things organised

St Ives larder | @barn_owls_and_butterflies

Our larders and dressers are perfect for keeping things in order in your kitchen/diner. Alternatively, opt for a handy blanket box to tidy away clutter at the end of the day.

Read our guide on reorganising your home to find a place for everything, from kids’ toys to kitchen supplies.

11. Moodboard your next project

Parquet bedside table | @my_interior_motive

Give yourself something to look forward to. It could be adding some new colourful accessories or even taking the time to create a Pinterest board or moodboard to help you re-decorate a room or two.

12. Pick up a paint brush

Newton desk | Newton tall bookcase | @littlehouseinlondon

Add that feeling of renewal to your home with a fresh lick of paint. If you’d rather not commit to changing all of your walls, try painting a door or the skirting to add interest to the space.

We hope this little roundup will give you some inspiration to transition your home into the new season. Do you have any tips and tricks on how you get spring/summer ready? Share them with us on Instagram, along with any snaps of your updated homes by tagging #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome in your posts.

The post 12 ways to get your home Spring/Summer ready appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

We know you want to start putting your own stamp on your new home right away but there are a few key decorating rules to keep in mind with new builds. We spoke to experts at the NHBC (National House Building Council), and several home construction companies to pull together everything you need to know about decorating a new build and what you should and shouldn’t do!

Your home needs time to settle

Evie sofa | @new_build_forever_home

With all the beautiful patterned wallpapers out there, we understand why this might be on your decorating agenda, but builders recommend leaving 6-12 months between when you move in and wallpapering.

This is because new building materials, such as the timber in the walls and fresh plaster need time to dry out and it’s best if they dry out slowly. As your walls dry, you may notice small cracks forming. This is totally normal, but it may damage wallpaper, and if any additional work needs to be done by your building company, such as fixing any problems that may occur, that would also spell the end of that lovely new printed wall.

There are ways you can minimise cracking and movement from the drying process though. Try to be sparing with the central heating during your first winter in the house to allow walls and joinery to naturally expand and contract with the seasons, and open the air vents in your windows to keep a gentle flow of fresh air.

And, if you just can’t stand your white walls, you can always reach for the paint. As long as you use breathable paint, like a matt emulsion, this will not affect the drying process. Just remember to keep some paint saved for touch-ups if required.

From the floor to the ceiling

Parquet chest of drawers | @709_design

Painting your skirting boards? Remember that new woodwork tends to absorb a lot of paint or stain, so don’t be alarmed if your first painting doesn’t give as good a finish as you were expecting. As your home settles, later decoration will have a more even and weathered surface to take the paint and stain better. But when you do paint it, make sure you have a clean and properly prepared surface that is totally dry to start with. This will help to keep it looking its best.

And a top tip for ceilings; many new builds have a plastic compound finish which should never be sanded or washed. So if you want to embrace the painted ceilings trends, lightly brush the surface to remove any dust or cobwebs, and then you will be able to paint it gently with a few coats of emulsion to create a custom look.

Tackle the big jobs first

Scroll back dining chairs | @amy.elizabeth.home

While it might be tempting to start with a simple job first, if you begin decorating your new home with the tougher, messier jobs, like a kitchen update, you could be saving yourself lots of hassle in the longer term. You wouldn’t want someone treading tile grout through your freshly decorated living room, or scratching a newly painted wall while bringing in a new fridge.

Perhaps consider doing garden work before laying your carpets. Newly built gardens tend to have more dirt than grass, and bringing in the patio pavers now stops them from staining a beautiful new rug!

Tackle those messy and more difficult tasks first. Then, your lovely decorated rooms are more likely to stay that way for longer!

Expect the unexpected

Parquet desk | @hannahcoates.design

Be diligent with your snag list, and remember, sometimes, even the professionals get it wrong. If there is something not right in your new home, and your building company needs to make a repair, they won’t redo any of the decorative work that you have done. Sometimes it’s best to wait a few months to try and uncover any hidden problems.

Additionally, before you drill into your new walls, make sure you know what’s behind them. You don’t want to puncture a cable or damage any electrical work you can’t see. You can help to establish the exact position of cables that are inside walls and flooring with a cable detector to help safeguard you from hapless DIY disasters.

What can you do to decorate a new build?

Romsey triple wardrobe | @insideours

As it turns out, quite a lot! There’s no need to put up with an empty white box while you wait for your new build home to properly settle (unless that’s your personal style!). There are plenty of decorative tasks that you can tackle straight away to help your house feel like a home.

Window dressing is a big one. Blinds and curtains are not only a great way to regulate temperature and add privacy to your space, but they’re also perfect for adding a bit of personality. There are lots of stunning styles available; velvet drapery adds a luxe feel, while a brightly patterned print can add a modern twist to a room.

Throw rugs are another fantastic way to add colour and softness to a room, and they have the added benefit of being easy to move if work needs to be done. Scatter cushions and blankets can all add that bit of wow factor to a room.

If you know you’re going to be painting or wallpapering a room in the future, or don’t want to put holes in the wall, but love art, Command hooks are a lifesaver. Sticking to walls with a gentle adhesive, they won’t damage plaster or paintwork, and they allow art to be quickly rearranged to your changing tastes, making them perfect in teen rooms for example!

Once the decorating is done, now’s the time to pick your furniture. Oak Furnitureland has pieces for the whole home, designed with longevity in mind and made from quality hardwood and upholstery. Whether you’re looking for a sofa to complete your living room, a bed to finish your sleep sanctuary or a desk for your home office, we’ve got it all.

What other decorating tips have helped you in your new build home? Let us know on Instagram, and share your real home photos with us by using #OakFurnitureland.

The post New build house rules appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

While duck egg blue is a year-round favourite, it leads the pack as one of spring’s favourite hues. Read on to discover different ways to incorporate this peaceful shade into your home decor.

Highgate bed | Highgate bedside table | @our_skelton_in_the_meadow

Combining duck egg blue with similar shades is one of the most effective ways of using this colour when styling your home or choosing your decor. Delicate greens or turquoise tones work particularly well with this shade, creating a tranquil look that’s perfect for your living room or bedroom. Or opt to team with inky blues for a more dramatic look that’s still tranquil enough for a bedroom.

Parquet large sideboard | @roseontherow

It also contrasts beautifully with rose pink for decor that radiates pastel perfection. If you’re wary of going overboard on this pastel pairing, opt for subtle touches in accessories such as lamps, artwork or picture frames.

Brompton bed | @a_house_and_its_chows

For a fresh look, embrace a more coastal style by combining it with white painted furniture. We love this peaceful calming bedroom scheme that features duck egg wall panelling and coordinating cushions and decorative accessories that bring the look together seamlessly.

Detroit console table

Our dark-stained Detroit range teams perfectly with a duck egg backdrop and instantly softens the space. Use houseplants to add a refreshing pop of green that finishes off the look in style.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to use duck egg blue in your home. How will you be using it? We’d love to see! Share your snaps with us using #OakFurnitureland on Instagram!

The post How to decorate with duck egg blue appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Whether your style is bold and dramatic or elegant and subtle, steeped in period details or on the cutting edge of contemporary design, you can find a colour that works beautifully with our oak furniture and painted ranges with oak tops.

If you’re struggling to grasp which colours to team with your oak furniture, read on for plenty of ideas and real homes to inspire you.

Consider oak’s undertones

Romsey chest of drawers | @athomewithellesmith

Let’s first look at oak as a natural product. More often than not, oak furniture will have warm undertones, from subtle reddish hues to deeper yellow tones.

Stain colours will affect the final look and so darker shades tend to deepen those undertones, bringing out the reddish quality of oak. While paler and more natural waxes tend to bring out tinges of yellow or orange. Either way, you’re working with a warmer undertone.

When pairing this warmth with other colours, you have two very different choices. By working with similar undertones, you’ll be bringing out the natural warmth of wood. By contrasting it with cooler undertones, you’ll be creating more contrast in your space.

Saturation plays a role as well. From deep, dramatic shades to bold brights, soft neutrals and subtle pastels, each brings with it a chance to bring out oak’s best qualities. Here are some ideas to recreate in your own home:

Dramatic contrasts

Parquet sideboard | @atnumberfourteen_

For those who like their furniture to stand out, consider choosing an opaque colour to go with your oak furniture. Natural textures look beautiful against a backdrop of darker shades such as aubergine, navy or forest green.

If you don’t want to commit to painting your walls, choose bold accessories to add a bit of contrast, or opt for our darker painted ranges with natural or rustic oak tops to introduce statement colour in your furniture.

Soft neutrals

Dorset dining table | @thehouseofmatilda

If you prefer a subtler approach, look for colours that share similar earthy undertones with your oak furniture. Warmer beiges and taupe shades will allow your pieces to blend in, making your room appear larger and more open.

Use accessories to provide texture and subtle contrast to ensure the room still has character. Woven baskets, knotted rugs and knitted fabrics will add depth to a neutral scheme without taking away from a softer look.

Bold and bright

Parquet bedside table | @aliceincolour

When working with bold colour, oak furniture can be a perfect pairing. While darker shades will give a room a cosy vibe, more saturated hues create energy and life in a space.

Colours like cherry red, ochre yellow, lime green or rusty orange will bring out those warm hues in oak for a zesty palette that warms up a space. With cooler brights like vivid blue, deep teal or raspberry reds, oak will add warmth to these spaces, balancing out the cooler palette and grounding the overall look.

Pastel perfection

 Original Rustic coffee table

Natural, light oak finishes blend beautifully with pastel shades to create a relaxed and airy feel in your home. Introduce decorative details in delicate pinks, yellows and duck egg blues to add subtle colour that brings grown-up style to any room.

If you’re looking for more contrast with your pastel tones or want to give your space a more traditional feel, then rustic and deeper oak finishes are perfect for you.

Monochrome magic

Bevel bedside table | @ourhomeine4

Crisp white walls teamed with oak furniture creates the perfect balance of contemporary style. Adding warmth to an otherwise stark scheme, the pairing works particularly well when accented with black accessories, such as throws, candles, and artwork, to give a subtle nod to monochrome palettes.

Hopefully this has given you plenty of scope to start your decor journey. Discover our full ranges of natural oak and rustic oak furniture to find the perfect piece for your home.

We’d love to see which colours you have teamed with your oak furniture. Share your style by tagging us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram.

The post How to match colours with oak furniture appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

From embracing warmer colour palettes to entangling ourselves in layers of texture, we dive deeper into the trends beckoning us into the cosier months.

Welcome nature into the home

It’s unsurprising after such a time of uncertainty that we’re welcoming the restorative and calming effects of the natural world with open arms. From using natural materials such as cotton, linen, wicker and wood, to becoming green-fingered with lush gardens or indoor jungles, there’s been a huge shift towards the world of the outdoors.

This won’t change over the autumn and winter months. Green has long been an interior design favourite when it comes to reflecting the nature surrounding us, and we’ll see layers of green shades taking over the indoor world this season. Bring some green into your home with pops of emerald or mint in your accessories, or go all out with a deep forest green wall.

Parquet chest of drawers | @danscastle_

Embrace warmth

Each year, as the outside temperatures plummet, we always look to the cosy indoors to envelop us. Transfer this to your home interiors with warmer colour palettes. Where cool tones may keep us feeling refreshed in the summer months, warmer hues help to brighten up the darkest months of the year.

Reflect the jewel-toned colours of the outdoors, with emeralds, ruby reds, bright topaz, amethysts and brown sapphires. Rather than changing up your scheme every season, update your look through accessories. Throws, rugs, cushions and art are a great way to bring a new look to your home, without the expense.

Parquet bed | @home_of_roberts

Layer your layers

Autumn/winter decor is all about layering. And we’re not just talking about cosy blankets. This season the trend focuses on layering patterns, textures, materials and colour to cocoon you throughout the colder months. Fill your interiors with patterned rugs, cushions, and curtains, as well as furniture of different materials and textures to create an autumnal maximalist haven.

If you’re looking to make more of a statement, invest in a velvet accent chair and layer with a woven throw and fabric cushion.

Shay bedside table | @athome_withwinston

Take inspiration from goblincore

Cottagecore was a huge trend in autumn/winter 20, and through the most part of 2021. Yet, it’s imperfect sister, goblincore, is starting to take the limelight. Where cottagecore focuses on the romantic elements of the countryside, chintzy fabrics and beautiful blooms, goblincore sees beauty in the wilder side of nature, finding comfort in earthier, mossier and conventionally less attractive elements of nature.

Make this trend work in your home by using earthier colours such as forest greens and umber, and weaving in rougher motifs such as mushrooms, frogs and more rustic wood.

St. Ives tallboy

Get comfortable

As you’ve likely guessed, all of this season’s trends centre around relaxation and calm, rather than a perfect interior. This is why we’ve seen a rise in the cosier, more eclectic disciplines such as maximalism, cottagecore and goblincore. So this season make sure to indulge in all of your home comforts. Whether that’s simply textured accessories or creating a designated reading area, make sure to give yourself a sense of retreat in your home.

St. Ives bookcase | @bowdenandbowsley

Use vertical lines

Vertical lines are making their way to the top spot of trends this autumn/winter, from tableware and accessories, to walls. A great way to introduce this into your space is through vertical panelling, striped wallpaper or even a plush headboard with vertical shapes. If you’re looking to take on an easy and cost-effective trend this season, vertical lines could be the one for you. Impartial to colour and texture, vertical lines are welcome in any scheme.

Fall for peachy pinks

A rise in love of plaster pinks of the previous year has given way to peachier hues. With peach creating a sense of calm and tranquility in the home, it’s no wonder it’s walking into this season’s top trends. Creating a lift in contrast to the darker shades of the season, it works beautifully in an autumn colour palette.

Pair it with mossy greens and olives to capitalise on the more natural trends of the season, and you’ll create the perfect calming oasis and sense of luxury in your home.

Highgate bed | Highgate bedside table | @lauralouisa

Get in shape

When it comes to your home accessories, make sure to focus on shapes this season. Art deco silhouettes are coming back into vogue, as are modern curves. Create interest with contrasting lines, with circular forms meeting clean cut vertical and horizontal strokes. Make a statement with interesting profiles through your artwork, mirrors and lamps.

Brooklyn TV unit | @stylingourabode

Switching up your accessories for the season according to trends is not only transformative to your whole look, but it’s a cost effective solution for the fashion forward, who want to stay ahead of movements in the interior design world.

You should now be ready to take autumn/winter 2021 by storm! Find some new accessories now, and show us how you style them over on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland.

The post Autumn/winter interior design trends and accessories appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Silver and grey living room decor

Greys, in particular, can achieve a year-round wintery feel so, if you love roaring fires and chunky knits, opt for a cosy Scandi style. Your primary palette should remain monochromatic with dark seating arrangements and inky walls, but add natural textures like warm wood and pops of red for a warming feel that retains the spirit and glow of winter for 365 days a year.

Brighton armchair

For a different take on the same colour scheme, opt for a modern twist. Our Brighton armchair has a glamorous yet pared-back quality due to its modern design elements. Elevated legs and a 20th-century-inspired angular silhouette achieve the retro look with elegance.

Brooklyn small TV unit

Take contemporary to the next level and style your living room around pieces from our chic Brooklyn range. The industrial grey of the metal frame can be reflected in your floors and walls and, because of the range’s loft living quality, it looks especially brilliant against exposed brick walls and beautiful wood panel flooring. Add floral features to keep these pieces company.

Add texture to silver and grey by carefully intertwining gorgeous sea blues into your colour scheme, creating an environment that’s not just calming but also delicate and mindful. The key to this fresh look is to keep your furniture within the silver-grey scale, highlighting with cool blues throughout your walls, floors and accessories.

Silver and grey dining room ideas

Hove large dresser | Hove dining table | Hove small sideboard

Create an inviting feel in your dining room, the entertaining hub of your home, with pieces from our Hove range. Its family-friendly chalky white finish shines against dark grey walls and floors.

Alternatively, if dark and moody colours aren’t for you, lighten up painted furniture with plenty of natural light and soft white walls. Understated ornaments add a freshening dimension to silver and grey.

Silver and grey bedroom inspiration

St. Ives double bed | St. Ives bedside table

Though they aren’t the first colours to come to mind when you think ‘natural’, there’s plenty of silver and grey in nature, especially around bodies of water. Get inspired by pebbles, seafoam and light and airy watercolour effects when thinking about what to do with silver and grey.

Hove dressing table | Hove dressing table stool | Hove dressing table mirror

If you’re lucky enough to have plenty of natural light pouring through the bedroom, position your furnishings near here, especially when the rest of the room has been designed with darker colours in mind.

Brooklyn tallboy

Your bedroom storage options can do their bit to contribute to the silver and grey bedroom theme. If you’re scrimping on space, our Brooklyn tallboy provides you with storage that goes up instead of out. In an all-grey bedroom, its natural oak finish adds interest and variety.

When accessorising a silver and grey colour scheme, look for ornaments and artwork that simultaneously stands out and looks like it belongs. Something like a bright blue painting, textural wall hanging or visually interesting trinkets will provide depth.

Let us see how you’re inspired by silver and grey at home by tagging us in your photos using the hashtag #OakFurnitureland on Instagram. 

The post Silver and grey colour inspiration appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

We sat down with Athina to get the inside scoop …

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into interiors?

I’m Athina, 27 yrs old and I live with my boyfriend & pet puppy Sasha and I co-run Topology Interiors. Topology is an affordable interior design company mainly but we also host workshops & run an award-winning blog  – voted ‘Best Interior Designer Blog’.

I worked in the luxury furniture industry for 4 years and fell in love with the interiors side of things and naturally progressed into designing spaces. We’ve done cafes, showrooms, show homes, residential properties, you name it. I started Topology back in 2016 and it’s been really well received. 

What do you love most about your job?

The freedom to work on my own time and that every day is different. Some days I’m office based in our co-working space in Clerkenwell but other days I’m rushing around the high-street shopping for clients, carrying mattresses upstairs(!), writing blogs, speaking with tradesmen or going to press shows.

It’s a very diverse job and can be extremely stressful so I make sure I start the day right with a cup of coffee & a walk in the park.

Where do you gather inspiration?

Literally everywhere – Instagram, Pinterest, books, wandering around streets, magazines. I went to Lisbon recently and found the cityscape so inspiring in terms of colour combinations – I took some pictures as want to use one of the combos I saw in a future project.

What are you working on at the moment that you can share with us?

We’ve just finished a big job in Coventry which was a two bed Airbnb – it was different to usual as you had to go down to the nitty-gritty details like cutlery & pillow protectors, so you can imagine the organisation involved, but we got there in the end. Hopefully the client whose a developer wants to hire us to do 6 more…

What’s the best interior design lesson you’ve learnt?

Check access into your property before making big purchases – this is the no. 1 thing people fail to think about at when placing orders for big pieces of furniture. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Paint the skirting boards – it just gives the room an entirely new sense of sophistication and is very simple to do. 

How would you describe your style at home?

It varies depending on the client but there’s definitely an element of Scandi in there & muted tones. I’m not a fan of busy, cluttered or overly colourful designs –  I find them stressful to look at. I’m all about creating a sense of calm.

How would you describe your interior design style?

Laid-back scandi with a hint of Soho home.

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

Well, I’m currently loving my Oak Furnitureland desk from the Brooklyn range. In fact, I’m writing this using it right now.

But I’m also obsessed with my linen bedsheets from HM Home –  I don’t usually spend £100 on linen but I couldn’t resist & I’m so glad I invested as they’re so soft I never want anything else on the bed. I’ll take them with me from home to home and have them forever.

What was the last thing you purchased?

Some paint from Farrow&Ball called Sulking room pink for my hallway, take a look at how it turned out below. 

What are some of your best styling tips?

1. How people can create a beautiful look on a budget
   Firstly, work out what your investment pieces are first e.g. flooring, sofa, bed etc and then calculate what budget you had leftover. From there, see which items you can be frugal on meaning you’ve got budget to spend a little extra on some statement pieces. Also, don’t be afraid to go second-hand shopping or go to places like eBay or Gumtree.
2. How to decorate a room so that it can evolve with different trends and is easy to update
   Buy timeless, perhaps neutral pieces, which can be mixed with different accessories easily to update with trends.

What is the best way to decorate a small room to create the illusion of space?

Depends on how much light it gets. If it gets a lot of natural light, a light wall colour will keep it looking light & airy. If it doesn’t get a lot of light, a darker colour will actually work better as blurs the boundaries of the room making it appear bigger. If you did paint it say white, the corners of the rooms end up looking dingy & dark. 

Also, use weightless/transparent furniture so that you can see as much of the room around your item. E.g A bed or sofa that sits off the floor so you can see underneath it, or a glass dining table to see through & around it. This will create an illusion of space and also allow more light to travel around the room. 

A few quick tricks I use are…

• For larger spaces, go darker
• For small spaces, add as much storage as possible to prevent clutter
• For renters, don’t be afraid of asking the landlord if they’re willing to put some of their furniture in storage so you can buy your own
• Update kitchen cupboard handles to something more snazzy
• Update your switches and sockets for a real punch that you never considered would make a difference
• Use tile grouting pens to give old grouting a new lease of life – seriously works!

What are your must-have tools as an interior stylist?

Uni-bond ‘click & fix’ – a no nails adhesive that can put anything up without drilling holes. great for things like shelves and mirrors. 

Do you have any particular advice for creating certain rooms?

Consider these elements in a room:

• What it’s primary function is and how it will be used
• How much light it gets all day round
• What it’s architectural features are

Once you’re clear on these three things, design your room bearing these key ingredients in mind.

What are the big interiors trends you’re seeing at the moment?

We’re flocking back to the ‘light side’ – after dark interiors taking over for such a long time. I think it’s only natural that people are reverting back to lighter wall colours as they’re more uplifting.

Also – lots of spheres, arcs, circles etc – these sorts of shapes represent balance & harmony, so again I think this trend is a reflection of wanting our spaces to feel calm. 

Finally, what are the trends you’re most excited about at the moment?

Bringing the indoors out – I love the whole make your outdoor space an extension of your living room – cushions, throws, lanterns, outdoor cinemas – right up my street.

Follow Topology on Instagram or head over to their website to see more of their great work.

The post On the sofa with Athina Bluff from Topology Interiors appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Details really create the undercurrents and variety that prevents monochrome from looking flat or boring. Using important shades that lie between the extremes of black and white, incorporating natural materials, playing with pattern and texture and adding warm metals and contrasting finishes for a beautiful space that looks incredibly chic, too.

Convinced? Here’s how you can decorate with black and white in your home.

Black and white bedroom

Cosy, inky hues make a real case for the dark and moody trend. Going to the dark side on at least one of your four walls makes for a velvety backdrop. Accessories and furnishings are accentuated by dark backgrounds, appearing bolder and brighter than they would against a standard white wall and adding that needed bit of drama.

Bevel bedside table | Bevel king-size bed | Bevel chest of drawers | Bevel double wardrobe

Instead of making black or white your focal point, use it for key accessories as part of a neutral palette. Litter black and white across pillows, lampshades, clocks and artwork to add a touch of class to your bedroom: the minimalist style will really shine against natural oak furniture, like that of our Bevel range.

Black and white office

Brooklyn computer desk | Brooklyn dining chair | Brooklyn large bookcase | Brooklyn small bookcase

Styling with black and white doesn’t mean you have to resort to extremes. As aforementioned, natural materials and metals allow you to experiment with textures. The marriage of industrial alloy and solid oak we see in our Brooklyn range gives you this opportunity.

Inject a bit of life to your New York loft-style home office by scattering gorgeously green houseplants across the shelves. And don’t forget to get clued up on how to care for them!

Black and white dining room

Romsey large sideboard

A bartop, which you can fashion from your Romsey large sideboard, will really brighten up a midnight-shaded corner of your home; the jewel-like bottles and cocktail equipment sparkling against your darker interiors. This is another place where brassy ornaments look brilliant.

Black and white living rooms

Blues and greys are lovely neutral colours to complement black and white. They’re quietly sophisticated when contrasted with the luxe look of black and white. 

How do you decorate with black and white in your home? Tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram to share your home with us.

The post Guide to decorating with black and white appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

As such, a fresh palette of cool blues and calming greys paired with warm, natural pieces creates a mindful space for us to thrive. We’ve pulled together all the inspiration and tips you need to create the fresh start look for stylish pared-back calm in your home this year.

Fresh start living room

For the ultimate in relaxation, consider a sofa that wraps around your room, making use of every inch of space. A grey corner sofa is a perfect choice for a fresh palette when combined with tonal hues of blue, black and grey.

When you are working with a limited colour palette such as this, texture and pattern come into their own so consider a mix-and-match approach with mismatched cushions, contemporary patterned wallpaper and a cosy rug underfoot to add dimension, interest and comfort to your living room.

Looking for more tips on styling your living room? Check out our post on creating a bright and cosy space here.

Fresh start dining room

In the dining room, consider layering soft shades of grey in your finishes rather than stark brilliant white for a feeling of calm and serenity. Our Shay extending dining table combines two features of this fresh start look – a creamy painted base with an oak table top which gives the room warmth and a natural texture.

This style benefits from artisanal pieces where quality is revered and imperfection is welcomed so look out for table settings where the hand of the maker is evident and natural finishes are celebrated.

Fresh start bedroom

Shay king-size bed | Romsey dressing table / Romsey dressing table mirror / Romsey bedside table

Pull the fresh start look into your bedroom with an easy mix of finishes including our painted Shay bed alongside our Romsey range of solid oak furniture. Layers of linens create an inviting display so be sure to include luxe linens in tonal shades with cobalt blue, deep teal and dove greys.

Shay king-size bed  | Romsey bedside table

The layers don’t need to stop at the bed. Consider topping a natural carpet with a contrasting throw rug to add colour and texture and bring in a few natural touches like simple fresh flowers on the dressing table or on your bedside table.

Fresh start kitchen storage

Romsey large dresser

Finally, this calm look benefits from plenty of storage options and our Romsey dresser makes use of any vertical space you may have in the kitchen or dining areas. Bring nature indoors with potted houseplants and plenty of woven textures in baskets to make storage both practical as well as pretty.

With both open and closed storage, allow your own pieces to shine by decanting dry goods into clear jars and stacking cookbooks into the open shelving. Everyday dishes can also be easily reached while the large surface area allows an extra spot for prep, display and serving.

The post How to create a fresh and calming look at home appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.