Read on to discover ways that neutral decor ideas are anything but boring!

Glamorous neutrals

Otto sideboard | Otto dining table set

When creating more glamorous spaces, neutrals add a grounding effect that plays off against bolder design choices. In this luxe scheme, the mixed material surfaces bring a real wow factor to the room, while our almond-coloured painted Otto range introduces a touch of homely warmth.

Modern country style

Brompton small sideboard | @ourhomeinsuffolk

You don’t need to live in a cottage to embrace country-inspired interiors, simply choose furniture that references the aesthetics of farmhouse decor while adding a more contemporary spin. Our Brompton range has Shaker-style features that pair beautifully with cosy neutral sofas, textured throws and subtly patterned cushions.

Rustic decor

Henley bedside table | @thestanleydiary

Neutral bedroom furniture is the perfect foundation for creating a rustic-style space. Layer with different textures and muted-coloured cushions for an effortlessly relaxed and inviting scheme. Get creative with natural materials and consider using baskets to hide plant pots and add interest to your side table.

Mid-century minimalism

Oliver dining table set | @homebyvaida

For a truly inspiring dining room, contrast your walls and dining set. A retro-inspired dining table and chairs, like our Oliver collection, looks at home in this scheme that’s punctuated with dark walnut-stained oak for a modern take on mixing warm neutrals. While simple, abstract artwork with wall bead detailing adds subtle texture and visual interest to the walls.

Bohemian spirit

Parquet chest of drawers | Parquet bedside table | @kingsgate_makenzie

Accessories can instantly lift a room and are a simple way to change the look of your space. This neutral bedroom has a boho feel, brought to life with tufted Moroccan-style cushions and layered accessories in a warm neutral palette for effortless style to sleep in.

Feeling inspired to refresh your space? Explore more real home transformations on Instagram and TikTok, and don’t forget to share your neutral haven with us using #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome for a chance to be featured.

The post Warm neutral decor ideas appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Dark wood pieces work well throughout the house. Whether your home is period, classical, modern or contemporary, this style can be dressed up or down depending on your choice of accessories. Imagine walls and homewares in coffee, cocoa, and caramel tones perfectly complementing our darker wooden cabinetry collections such as Oliver, Madison, Detroit, and Islington. This cosy, indulgent aesthetic seamlessly combines with lighter oak furniture, creating an intriguing contrast.

Here are some impressive ways to make dark-toned furniture look beautiful in your home.

Make a dark furniture statement

Oliver dining table with Otis chairs | Oliver sideboard

The resurgence of mid-century style has ushered in a preference for darker, moodier pieces that can enhance the warmth of a room and create a cosy, inspiring and relaxing space. There’s a certain elegance that only dark wood furniture can capture, thanks to its rich and welcoming tones, so try matching your dining table to your sideboard to add real depth and create impact.

Madison double bed | Madison bedside table | Madison wardrobe | Isabella accent chair | Immersed wall art

Dark wood bedroom furniture, such as the pieces from the Madison collection, adds texture to the bedroom, especially when enhanced by accent colours and soft fabrics. Depending on the choice of wall colour and ornaments, bedside tables and wardrobes in dark wood, along with other statement pieces, create a rich and romantic feel.

The softer approach

Islington sideboard

Alternatively, you can soften the look of dark wooden pieces while still creating a cosy, snug style by incorporating other deep colours into the room, whether on your walls, through upholstered furniture, or with extra little accessories. Opt for shades such as chalky grey-greens and deep muddy blues, which work particularly well with this style of furniture.

Mix and match

Oliver console table

Light wood has undeniable popularity, so it’s likely that you already have some neutral pieces in your home. Add a few pieces of dark wood furniture with fluted detailing among these lighter pieces to create an interesting contrast between light and dark, adding plenty of wow factor.

Detroit large sideboard

Embrace a mix-and-match approach, adding dark wood that will work well with other elements in your room. Consider adding a single bookcase to an alcove, choosing a dining table set with slightly different chairs, or selecting a sideboard to enhance your living or dining room with an eclectic look and much-needed storage.

Somewhere in the middle

Hercules dining table with chairs | Hercules sideboard | Scroll back dining chair

If you’d like to layer your look and start with something a bit lighter, there are plenty of shades of dark wood furniture. If you prefer something with a subtle dark stain, you’ll love our Hercules range. The pieces, such as the dining table or sideboard, are versatile and can complement a number of different colour schemes.

Original Rustic chest of drawers

Along with the Hercules range, the French Farmhouse and Original Rustic collections are all slightly lighter in tone but still retain timeless style. From new builds to country cottages, these ranges will fit effortlessly into your home.

Elba TV unit | Seymour sofa | Seymour footstool

Perhaps you prefer a furniture style which looks a bit more contemporary, choose pieces with sleek silhouettes, modern detailing, and even mixed materials like acacia and marble.

While medium dark woods tend to add textured tones to your home, all dark wood furniture creates a bold statement, creating luxurious contrasts and accentuating any home accessories.

If you have some beautifully styled Oak Furnitureland pieces you’d love to share with us, post your photos on Instagram and tag us with #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome

The post How to style dark wood furniture appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

It doesn’t have to be back-breaking or time-consuming, just follow these spring cleaning hacks from influencers and experts and you’ll have a spotless home in no time.

What is the fastest way to clean a house?

Newton coffee table | @livingwith_sienna

We all want to spend less time on housework and more time doing the things we love. The best way to spend less time cleaning is to keep on top of it in the first place, with storage organisation and quick daily cleaning sessions that maintain your house on a regular basis. That said, there are ways to speed up the process if you’re not starting from an already clean jumping-off point.

Tackle the worst thing in each room first to get it out of the way and make the biggest impact. Taking care of that will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to carry on.

How do I deep clean my house like a pro?

Highgate triple wardrobe | @somerford_manor

Professional cleaners use certain tricks of the trade to consistently get homes to look and smell fantastic. Their number one tip is to declutter first, then work from top to bottom as you clean. If you start by tackling ceiling cobwebs and dusty high shelves, any dirt and debris will be shifted to the floor, where it can be picked up by sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping as your last step.

In addition to moving from top to bottom, the pros also work in sections. They move from the back of the room to the front or visually divide the room up by pieces of furniture. By focusing on just one area at a time, they can clean it effectively and move on to the next section efficiently.

Cleaning hacks for kitchens

St. Ives dining set | @athomewiththepurcells

Start with your hob as it’s often the worst part. To clean grease off a flat-top hob, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda across the surface and lay lukewarm damp tea towels over it to soak. After about 15 minutes, you can use the tea towel to wipe off the bicarbonate of soda and all of the loosened grime.

Plus, the tea towels can go straight in the washing machine with any other load, as there aren’t any harmful chemicals involved in this cleaning hack. A similar method can be used to clean your oven as well, all you need to add to the soda is some vinegar and dish soap for this handy TikTok tip.

How to clean Tupperware

If you want to reuse greasy plastic take away boxes or have Tupperware that’s stained and difficult to clean, then you need to try this TikTok hack from @uzy-au. Just put some hot water, a pump or two of soap and a piece of kitchen roll in the box. Then close the lid, shake it around for 30 seconds, and voilà, they’re now beautifully cleaned ready for a rinse and dry, and then perfect for storing leftovers.
Keeping your cleaning clean…

Make sure you’re not spreading germs around the kitchen with a dirty sponge. Put a damp kitchen sponge in the microwave for 90 seconds to disinfect it. Studies show this will reduce bacteria by up to 99%. This trick saves you creating a small pile of sponges from just one clean while still keeping your home as germ-free as possible.

Easy ways to remove limescale

If you’re worried about the chemicals in traditional limescale removers, this might be a great alternative to try. Buy a large bottle of lemon juice or white wine vinegar, and every time your kettle needs descaling, fill it up halfway with either solution and boil it. Leave to cool and if there is still some limescale left, repeat the process again. Once you’re happy with the results, empty and boil it once or twice more with tap water and you’re all ready to go.

If you live in a hard water area, adding some white vinegar to your dishwasher will also prevent your glasses from getting mineral build-up, which can often be difficult to remove.

Cleaning hacks for bathrooms

Pexels | Karolina Grabwoska

Stay on top of your bath or shower cleaning with weekly wipe downs. Ideally, you want to quickly remove limescale and soap residue before they build up. However, if you’re too busy for a daily clean, you can tackle the hard-to-shift limescale using WD-40 as demonstrated by @rubycleansthings on TikTok.

Use what’s at hand

If you want to fit in some more regular cleans but don’t want to store cleaning products in the bathroom, then this surprising hack might be for you. Some experts say shaving foam works great for breaking down the limescale on shower glass. Just pop it on, wait 15 minutes and wash it off.

Go eco without the effort

If you’re trying to stick to eco or DIY products (or just don’t have time to nip to the shops) try this lemon and salt hack. Dip half a lemon in salt and scrub the limescale residue. The acid of the lemon and the abrasive salt work together to break it up. As a bonus, your shower will smell lemony-fresh too.

A bath of bicarbonate

We’ve already talked about how useful a dash of bicarbonate of soda can be when it comes to effective cleaning hacks around the home, so this one might not come as a surprise.

If there is a stain or build-up you just can’t get rid of, then try this trick. Just mix some washing up liquid with bicarbonate of soda and sponge it onto those hard to shift areas. Give it 10-20 minutes and then rinse it off, and you should be left with a sparkling clean bath.

Cleaning hacks for living rooms

Morgan sofa | @51stinthemanor

Living rooms are the cosiest room in the house, but they’re also a magnet for dust and hair. It’s easy to forget to clean fabrics as well as furnishings, but make sure you give your sofas, blinds, lamps and cushions the attention they deserve. Use a lint roller or vacuum brush attachment to clean them properly.

When it comes to cleaning your sofa, consider investing in a carpet cleaner or renting one to give it that extra fresh spruce. And, if you’re looking for the products you need to take proper care of your sofas, check out our fabric and leather care kits.

Cleaning hacks for bedrooms

Parquet bedside table | @new_build_forever_home

Your bed is one of the largest pieces of furniture in your home, and it’s where you’ll spend a good chunk of your time. Although we change and wash our bedding regularly, most of us overlook the mattress itself.

Freshen up your mattress on a monthly basis by sprinkling bicarbonate of soda on it and allowing it to sit for a few hours. When you vacuum up the bicarbonate of soda, it will have soaked up any odours and made them disappear.

How to get fresh sheets everyday

We all love that feeling of getting into freshly washed sheets, but there’s a surprisingly easy hack that can help give you that feeling every day. Buy some fresh smelling tumble dryer sheets, and pop one or two under your bed sheet in a place you don’t sleep on (like the top corner). This will give a faint but refreshing scent to your sheets for longer.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that if you make the bed as soon as you wake up, it might actually be better to wait and let it cool before doing so. Studies have found that an unmade bed could help get rid of dust mites and potentially reduce allergy or asthma symptoms. While not conclusive, you could try making your bed towards the end of the morning instead of the beginning and see if it makes a difference.

Cleaning hacks for dining rooms

Parquet dining table | @hausfifteen

In most households, the dining room has become a central hub for family life. In recent times it’s become truly multi-functional as a home office, a home work and crafting station and more. As it’s such a hive of activity, the dining room’s biggest challenge is being adaptable and tidy enough to accommodate all of these different purposes.

When it comes to cleaning your dining room, the top-to-bottom rule applies here. Dust cobwebs and light fixtures, cabinets and wall art, and then move on to the table, and finally hoover right at the end.

If you’ve got young kids or just love a good cocktail party, it’s easy for fabric dining room chairs to get messy. If you’ve run out of a proper fabric care kit, you could always try using fabric upholstery spray for cars, as this is often extra tough on stains. Watch @daysharae’s TikTok tying this to see just how impressive the results are. If it doesn’t remove the stain the first time, you might just need to do another round, so don’t give up.

Ready for a full spring declutter?

Malvern Sofa | @_homebyalessia

Let your pre-loved pieces find a new purpose with the help of our British Heart Foundation partnership which offers a complimentary furniture collection service. Schedule a slot at your convenience, and let the local heroes from BHF whisk away your items to be resold and raise money for this incredible charity.

We hope these cleaning hacks are useful for giving your space a new year refresh. If you’re loving how these hacks make your space look and feel, share images with us by tagging #OakFurnitureland on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your homes sparkle!

The post Simple steps to a spring clean 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.

After all, the festive season involves traditional elements while creating new memories. You might be adding a few new baubles to your tree, hanging them next to ones you’ve had for years. Perhaps your grandmother’s favourite fruit cake will be served as it is every year, but you’re eager for everyone to try the new Christmas cocktail you’ve mastered.

With a constant mix of old and new, your dinner table can easily reflect this, bringing together the rich tradition of years gone by, while looking ahead to a brand-new year on the horizon. Here are our top tips to creating a table that seamlessly mixes traditional and contemporary elements for a surprising new look.

Update your colour scheme

The perennial favourite of red, green, and gold is always a hit this time of year, it may seem that there’s no reason to fix what isn’t broken. While we love this traditional palette, consider choosing the trending shades of each colour for a slight update on this look.

On my table, I chose a warm fern green but mixed in both burgundy and blush pink for a nod to tradition but a thoroughly modern look. You may want to look to more saturated bright hues of lime green and cherry red or soften the scheme with sage and pale pink. Play with colour saturations to give it a whole new look while still giving a nod to more traditional Christmas schemes.

Mix and match dinner plates

On my own table, I chose a mix and match approach with my dinner plates, using three different styles in the same colour scheme which all have a vintage vibe.

You might want to look out for vintage style plates and cups on marketplace or auction websites, hit up your local charity shops, or even borrow sets from your family. There is no rule that says you must have a dinner party set that all matches, so save money and add a fun twist by combining sets you already have.

Reimagine your centrepiece

On my table, I chose a very contemporary globe style vase with a mix of flowers for the centre of the table. With more traditional flowers like roses, tree ferns and fresh eucalyptus, I’ve mixed in more modern shapes like Protea, waxflower and heather.

Don’t be afraid to marry more traditional greenery like holly, pine and eucalyptus with other flowers and stems that you don’t always see this time of year for something a little unexpected.

Mix old and new glassware

Much like the mix and match dinner plates, vintage sherry glasses were chosen for my table alongside modern blown glass martini glasses just for a bit of fun. Both share the glint of clear glass and a bit of gold to tie the look together seamlessly.

You can pick up vintage glasses in so many places including charity shops or online for very little money so why not mix it up on your table bringing in both old and new and get the conversation and the bubbly flowing?

The finishing touches

And finally, bridging the gap between old and new, consider other areas where you can mix more traditional elements with a touch of modernity.

For my scheme, the napkins are a simple linen with embroidery and tassel accents but are folded in a traditional way using a simple modern napkin ring. The look is finished off with a stem of traditional holly.

I used vintage style gold cutlery in a bamboo style, picked up for a song years ago in an online auction but of course, any style of cutlery old or new could work well, even mixing and matching different styles on the same table. The only limit for your Christmas table is your imagination, so why not embrace the fun and festivities of the season with your own take on modern meets traditional?

We’d love to see how you style your Christmas table. Share your home by tagging #OakFurnitureland on Instagram.

All images copyright Kimberly Duran – Swoon Worthy Ltd and used with kind permission.

The post How to create a traditional and modern Christmas dining table appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

When looking to design your dining room, there are plenty of things to keep in mind to ensure it doesn’t just look good and it’s a pleasant space to be in but one that’s practical and meets your requirements too.

Our tips today will guide you to create the perfect space, no matter what your budget or style.

Choosing your dining room table and chairs

As the star of the show, your dining room table and chairs are one of the most important considerations you will be making in your room. 

When choosing your table, your first step will be to look at the proportions of your room as this will likely determine how large your table should be and may dictate the shape as well.

Keep in mind that a long, rectangular room will suit a similarly shaped table where a square room may better suit a round table. Round tables are also great for encouraging conversation and adding softness while rectangular tables allow for more seating.

For your chairs, comfort will be a factor if you enjoy entertaining and like to host dinner parties that linger until the last drop of wine has been consumed. A softer upholstered chair will provide plenty of comfort if you also tend to work from home at your dining table.

If you have children then easy to clean and maintain wooden chairs or a bench may be a better option. Larger family gatherings also lend well to practical bench seating too, giving you an option to squeeze a few more bodies at the table when necessary.

Getting the proportions right

When you’re considering the size of your table, you’ll want to ensure there is adequate space for each proposed diner to sit comfortably. A minimum clearance of around 90cm between the walls and the chairs or other furniture will mean there’s also plenty of space for them to pull out their chairs.

Not sure how to correctly measure your space? Take a look at our tips to choosing the right size dining table and calculating how much space you’ll need.

Along with choosing a table and chairs that fit the proportions of your room, make sure the lighting you choose for above your table is proportional to the size of the table too.  A tiny light above a large table will look out of balance and in many cases, an oversized fixture will look better than an undersized one. So, as a rule of thumb, when in doubt, go larger than you think you should.

If you choose to have a rug underneath your table to add some colour and texture, make sure it’s large enough for the diner to be able to pull out their chair and still be on the rug. Not only does it mean the chair won’t teeter on the edge, but it’ll save your floors from scratches and scuffs too.

Lighting options for a dining room

Canterbury Display Cabinet | Canterbury Dining Table & Chairs | Canterbury Console Table

While the light (or lights) above your dining table will likely be your main source of illumination, make sure you put the light on a dimmer switch to give you options when it comes to how bright you need it to be. While working on homework with the kids will mean a brighter light is required, a dimmer, more intimate light will be more appropriate for a dinner party.

You also may want to choose a few other light sources to create smaller pools of light. Wall lights will provide a soft wash across artwork or a bookshelf and table lamps can be a great way to create pockets of light on a sideboard.

Considering colour

When choosing colours for your dining room, remember that warmer shades are more likely to encourage conversation and increase appetite. It’s why we see these colours used so often in restaurants. 

If you mainly use your dining room during the evening, then a darker colour on the wall can be used to add drama.

Wallpaper or a wall mural can also be a wonderful way to add pattern, colour and interest to the space, and with a myriad of design options available, you’re sure to find something that suits your style perfectly.

Deciding on storage

Another factor to consider is how much storage you may need in your dining room. Think about the different ways you might use the space. Does it double as a makeshift home office? Do the kids do their homework there or get crafty during meal prep? Do you host a lot of big family get-togethers?

Smart storage solutions like sideboards or dressers not only look good but create areas to hide away those things you don’t necessarily want to see all the time but still need access to like extra linens, glassware and crockery or even things like books, games and toys.

Consider displaying some of your favourite pieces in glass-fronted cabinets or gather glasses, spirits and mixers for a luxe bar area where guests can help themselves.

Dressing the space

Your final step will be to add softness, texture and personality to your room. An area rug can add softness underfoot as well as add texture and warmth to a room.

Consider hanging long curtains to add a touch of elegance or simple blinds or shutters for a more contemporary or casual look.

Add artwork to walls to pull your scheme together and don’t forget those all-important finishing touches that really add personality to a space, whether that’s showing off a collection of family photos or simply adding plants and flowers to soften and add life to your room.

The post How to design your dining room 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.

Contrast with textures

A lot of people are hesitant to mix and match texture, but it’s key to creating visual interest. We tend to gravitate towards spaces that give our eyes multiple elements to examine, which is what @171_hendy_house have done so beautifully. The mix of copper in the triple pendant, the industrial inspired Tosca Wall Clock, and the Rustic Oak of the Hercules Dining Table, layered with the jute placemats, complete this room. 

Cosy up

We love how @lovestartsathome has created a cosy and inviting dining area which kicks a super-stylish punch in their open plan kitchen diner. Texture is everything. Adding a huggable chunky blanket to our Arched Back Dining Chairs brings the contrast of warmth and opulence into this inspiring space.

Collectively coordinated

Pick a colour and accessorise, it’s that simple. @myarundelstory has taken inspiration from the rich light grey paint of the St. Ives range, using a table runner to coordinate their chosen theme. Finished off with touches of greenery on the sideboard and table instantly brings life to the room.

The dark side

When done right, dark walls can make a room look energising and full of life. @sandalwoodhome has created the perfect contrast with the dark wall paneling bringing depth and the white upper walls and accessories offering balance. The wood of our Dorset dining table complements the look flawlessly and is perfect for when you’re expecting extra guests as it extends. 

Have you incorporated Oak Furnitureland pieces into your home? Join our community on Instagram and share your decor and styling with us using #OakFurnitureland.

Lead image: @rachelducker

The post As styled by you: dining rooms appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

However, if you are yearning for the cottage style in your own home, you certainly don’t have to have a period property to enjoy it. Every home – even a new-build – can enjoy this easy-to-live-with, charming and forgiving country cottage look simply by incorporating all the classic elements of cottage style.

Classic Styles

Shay Dining Set & Shay Small Dresser

One of the most charming aspects of country style is its collected nature. Mixing classic and traditional details is a must, grounding the space in timelessness. Look out for pieces – either new or old – with elements that hark back to centuries-old tradition.

Pale and Airy Colours

Shay Double Bed, Shay Bedside Table, Shay Blanket Box, Shay Double Wardrobe & Shay Drawer Chest

Generally speaking, cottages tend to have lower ceilings and smaller windows. In order to keep things bright and cheerful, keep your palette light and airy, mixing creams and whites with soft pinks, duck egg blue, mint greens or buttercup yellow.

Comfortable Deep Sofas and Chairs

Gainsborough Sofa, Original Rustic Lamp Table & Original Rustic Large Sideboard

There’s no room in cottage style for stiff or unforgiving furniture. Give in to comfort by choosing sofas and chairs with deep seats, plush arms and comfy backs to sink in and relax a while.

Painted Furniture

Kemble Dining Set, Kemble Large Dresser & Kemble Small Sideboard

One of the most common elements of cottage style is painted furniture. While the popular shabby chic look relies heavily on distressing, there’s a fine line between the shabby and the chic. So make sure you mix in some newer painted furniture alongside more distressed furniture to keep the look fresh and welcoming.

Floral Fabrics and Chevron Patterns

Kemble Side Table, Kemble Coffee Table & Kemble Tall Bookcase

For the perfect country cottage look, choose your fabrics wisely. Soft florals reminiscent of a country meadow work well with this look as do chevron patterns. Mix these with plain and textured fabrics in a mix of coordinating colours.

Flowers and Plants

Bevel Drawer Chest

Of course, the country cottage look wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of fresh flowers and greenery. Avoid the long-stem-red-roses grandeur and look out for flowers that could have been plucked from your back garden. Loosely arrange them in vintage pitchers or vases for an unfussy but perfectly pretty embellishment for your space.

Vintage Accents

French Farmhouse Dining Set

And finally, be sure to bring some personality into your country cottage look with vintage lighting, accents and accessories. Hit up your local charity shops or car boot sales (or your older relatives’ loft space!) for inexpensive pieces that add life and history to your room.

If you are looking for more cottage style inspiration, check out our blog post here!

Is this a look you love? We’d love to see how you’ve incorporated cottage style in your own home! Share with us over on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

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