If you’re lacking inspiration, take a cue from our customers. They’ve transformed their spaces into inviting, productive hubs with home office desks, clever storage, and styling touches that feel personal yet practical. Here’s how they’ve approached it.

Contemporary simplicity

Newton desk | @home_atno34

Sometimes the best choice is a small desk that lets the rest of the room breathe. The Newton desk’s modern farmhouse design stands out against warm neutral walls, pared-back accessories, and a single leafy houseplant. It proves you don’t need much to create a workspace you love, just the right centrepiece.

Smart storage

Parquet desk | @elliesdecorandmore

Your office isn’t just for your laptop; it’s also the home for paperwork, stationery, and all those bits and pieces you reach for daily. A desk with drawers is beneficial, and Ellie’s space shows why. Her oak desk pairs warm honey tones with a soft sage green wall, creating a calming, organised environment that’s as beautiful as it is practical.

Pair with the perfect chair

Original Rustic desk | Harper chair | @indigo_casa

Even the most stunning office desk needs a comfortable partner. @indigo_casa matches our country cottage-inspired Original Rustic desk with the leather-look Harper dining chair for stylish support. The result? A multitasking setup that blends seamlessly with the rest of the home’s aesthetic, proving that comfort and style don’t have to compete.

Let the light in

Hove computer desk | Hove tall bookcase | @viewof22

Light is essential for a focused, energised workday. Natural daylight not only keeps you alert but also prevents eye strain. @viewof22’s airy workspace shows just how it’s done with her home office desk bathed in sunshine by day and softly lit by a rose gold-accented lamp by night. The coordinated metallic touches, from pendant light to stationery holder, pull the whole look together for a space that feels both chic and functional.

Match with your accessories

St. Ives computer desk | @home_at_thornberry_gardens

Styling your desk and work from home space is all about harmony. Keep your office cohesive with accessories that match your walls, floors and furnishings. Rose’s grey computer desk with natural oak top coordinates perfectly with her homewares for a polished, cohesive look that’s easy on the eyes and the mind.

Parquet desk | @newhomeadventures_no23

Here, the Parquet desk takes on a mid-century aesthetic, styled with rattan and wicker accessories for a light, Scandi-inspired feel. It’s the perfect reminder that your desk can adapt to any interior style with the right finishing touches.

Opt for pastel tones

Hove console table | @viewof22

We love the chance to have another sneak peek at the rest of @viewof22’s office, where pastels aren’t just for bedrooms; they can inspire creativity in your workspace, too. Ruth’s geometric rose gold feature wall behind our Hove console table is proof that your office can be a place of beauty as well as productivity. It’s a reminder that a little colour and pattern can go a long way in lifting your mood.

Ready to bring your home office vision to life? Explore our full range of home office furniture to keep your space neat and clutter-free. Share your space with us on TikTok or Instagram using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome, you might just inspire the next big office makeover.

The post As styled by you: home office inspiration appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

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.

Whether you actually live in a country cottage, a converted barn, a more contemporary townhouse or a new build, you can easily create a modern farmhouse feel by choosing furniture and design details that echo this trend.

Find inspiration for your own home with our latest farmhouse-inspired collections, featuring painted cabinetry, luxurious beds, and comfy sofas, which epitomises this style perfectly.

A welcome entrance

Richmond console

Set the scene as soon as you walk through the door by adding a stylish storage console to your entrance hall. The inky blue colour of the painted acacia base, teamed with the smoked oak top, brings a sense of grown-up elegance to the space.

A large houseplant always creates a warm welcome and beautifully blends the transition from the outdoors to indoors with a soothing touch of nature.

Brompton console table | Brompton large sideboard

Not only do consoles and sideboards provide handy storage for keys, umbrellas, hats, and more, but they also offer a lovely spot for decorative accessories, allowing you to style the space with all your favourite things.

Time to dine

Richmond table and chairs | Richmond dresser

Introduce farmhouse elegance to your dining space with the Richmond extendable table and dresser. The table’s timeless design, crafted from oak with a smoked finish, pairs effortlessly with the tan, scroll back chairs to add warmth, evokes barn decor and complements the character of the space.

Henley large dresser | Harper chair

Dressers are a key piece for creating this look as they instantly bring a touch of country chic to your home. Both practical and stylish, they offer cupboards and drawers to store all your dining essentials, while the glass-fronted shelves can display your favourite pieces that deserve to be seen.

Henley small dresser | Henley dining table | Isobel chair

The more visible side of dressers provides a useful space to keep your most-loved cookery books, along with pretty crockery and glassware. The storage cupboards below are ideal for the less aesthetic and practical kitchenware, such as pots, pans and small appliances. Don’t forget to style the very top with some fresh foliage for an injection of greenery.

Luxurious lounging

Richmond coffee table | Richmond TV unit | Richmond nest of tables | Koko rug

Embrace the dark side of country style with a modern twist by adding rich, luxurious blue cabinetry, which contrasts perfectly with natural wooden features. Lift your living room’s look with plump neutral seating, simple accessories and subtle patterned rugs.

Brompton nest of tables | Brompton small bookcase | Montgomery sofa | Farne rug

The Brompton range is perfect for creating a light and airy feel that marries beautifully with our grey velvet Montgomery sofa. The button back design and tactile fabric bring a luxurious element to living rooms, complementing the white and grey details of this collection.

Henley coffee table | Malvern sofa

Add shades of green through your accessories and soft textiles to enhance the cosy combination of the Malvern sofa and Henley coffee table. This will keep the decor inviting while maintaining a lived-in, relaxed look.

Bedroom bliss

Henley bed | Henley bedside table | Henley chest of drawers | Eden rug

The Henley painted bedroom furniture set is the epitome of modern farmhouse style with its beautiful warm neutral cabinetry. Add a touch of colour to the range and choose delicate shades of subtle pink or green for your bedding. Then, let your accessories, lamps and artwork pick up the tones of the brass effect handles.

Richmond wardrobe | Richmond bedside table | Richmond bed

Enhance your bedroom style and function with a generous, panelled wardrobe offering plenty of hanging space to ensure your clothes always look fresh, along with extra drawers to keep any clutter at bay.

Evesham bed | Copenhagen bedside table | Copenhagen tallboy

A close trend companion of modern-farmhouse is cottagecore, which you can subtly introduce to your bedroom with the Evesham bed. The softly curved headboard and light oak turned feet bring an understated look, while the neutral upholstery creates a serene backdrop for nodding off. Plus, there’s clever hidden storage to keep extra bedding close at hand for those cooler months.

Home office heroes

Henley desk | Henley sideboard | Harper chair

 Whether you work from home full-time or are in the office a few days a week, most of us now adopt a hybrid approach to our 9-5. Therefore, it pays to have a suitable desk, even if you don’t have space for a dedicated home office.

Brompton desk | Brompton tall bookcase | Marlene chair

The Brompton desk packs a farmhouse-style punch while offering all the necessary drawers to neatly organise your paperwork and accessories, along with desk space to accommodate a laptop or monitor, and room to fit a comfortable chair under.

Richmond bookcase | Richmond desk

Complete your stylish home office arrangement by adding a statement bookcase that’s perfect for storing all your WFH essentials. Plus, you can display decorative objects, frames and plants to add instant personality to the space.

We hope this has given you some ideas for how to add modern farmhouse decor to your different rooms. We’d love to see how you recreate this look in your own home, so make sure you tag us at #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

The post Styling modern farmhouse decor appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

With so much emphasis on the spaces we share with others – from our living rooms to kitchens – the bedroom is often pushed down the priority list in favour of rooms others will see.

That doesn’t mean if you are working with a smaller budget, you can’t achieve beautiful results. Creating a cosy haven doesn’t need to mean spending large amounts of money – just a few fun ideas, creativity and a willingness to spend some time giving your room the attention it deserves.

So, if you are looking to add a bit of style to your bedroom but you don’t have a big budget, look no further than this round-up of affordable ideas to create a bedroom you love.

Paint the walls

Noah triple wardrobe | @therowe

One of the least expensive and easiest changes to make is a fresh colour on the walls. Most of us can wield a roller and a paintbrush and within a weekend, it’ll create a big impact without having to fork out a lot of money.

For the best results, make sure you prep the walls before you start – fill any small holes with filler and wipe down any dust or dirt before you make a start. Taping off areas you don’t want to get paint on will give you more professional results too.

Add wall panels

French Farmhouse bed | French Farmhouse bedside table | @a_house_and_its_chows

Panelled walls are a big trend that shows no sign of disappearing. It’s a simple way to add character to otherwise plain rooms and is particularly popular with new-build homeowners, looking to add more traditional features.

Simply cut the pieces to size and use a small nail gun and adhesive to attach them to the wall in a pattern. Use a spirit level to ensure everything is straight, and fill any gaps with decorators caulk. There are lots of tutorials on Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok to help you get started, with cut-to-size MDF available from many DIY retailers if you don’t want to cut it yourself.

Introduce texture

Wren bed | Wren bedside table

When it comes to styling your bedroom furniture, you’ll likely want to add items that create cosiness and warmth. Texture will help you to achieve that, so consider adding things like woven baskets to stash extra throws, a few decorative cushions on the bed, or a large rug to keep your feet from cold floors first thing in the morning.

Evesham ottoman bed | Copenhagen bedside table

You might also want to consider hanging shallow baskets, woven wall hangings and artwork or rattan mirrors, which add texture and interest to the space above beds.

Get creative with mirrors

Madeline mirror | @layered.home

If your room is on the smaller side, use mirrors to add the illusion of depth to your space. Mirrors will also bounce light around a darker room (hang one opposite a window for the best effect) while also handy for getting ready in the morning.

Whether you like the idea of circular, rectangular, statement or window-pane style, we’ve got a wide selection of mirrors to choose from. Plus, we’ve got several styles that match our furniture for a perfectly coordinated look.

Bring the outdoors in

Hove chest of drawers | @atthelisles

Nature has a calming influence and offers a way of connecting us to the outdoors. You don’t need to hit the florists on a weekly basis to get the look, as this can really add up. Choose faux blooms or opt for plants instead. As long as you look after them, plants are a more long-term way to introduce greenery to your home.

Not only do they look nice but they also have health benefits, with naturally purifying plants ideal for bedrooms. Don’t miss our houseplants guide to help you become a green-fingered expert.

Style your surfaces

Durham chest of drawers | Hamilton accent chair

While bedside tables and chests of drawers often become dumping grounds for everything from yesterday’s post, to clean laundry waiting to be folded, resist the urge to clutter up surfaces.

Instead, decorate with accessories, photo frames, candles, books and fresh foliage to achieve the design ethos of less clutter and more style.

Add personality with art

Hope wall art | @layered.home

One of the simplest ways to make your bedroom look more polished is with artwork. A striking piece can liven up a blank wall in an instant, while a gallery wall is a lovely way to bring some of your favourite memories together.

We’ve got an impressive collection of different pieces of wall art, all at affordable price points, that add a stylish finish when hung near bedroom furniture such as beds, above chests of drawers or as standalone features.

Layer throws for a luxe look

Parquet bedside table | @our_hanbury_hideaway

And finally, even the plainest of bed linens can be lifted by some considered layering. Choose complementary colours and layer each on the bed along with two or three cushions for maximum comfort and style.

For a hotel-chic look, choose matching bedside tables and lighting to achieve a truly polished finish that will ensure the most peaceful of slumbers.

Hopefully, that’s given you plenty of inspiration to help you style your bedroom on a budget. We’d love to see how you style your space. Make sure to tag us at #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram and browse our complete collection of bedroom furniture sets for the perfect foundations for your sleep sanctuary.

The post Affordable bedroom ideas appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Accent furniture is a statement piece that stands out from the rest of the room by adding colour, definition, or drama to a living space. It’s a perfect way to add some personality to your home with new colours, textures, or shapes. Plus, accent chairs are versatile enough to be used anywhere such as in your lounge, bedroom, office, hallway – or perhaps a quiet nook where you might like to take a seat and have a few minutes of peace.

So, in the hunt to find your perfect accent chair, we’ve pulled together some things to consider…

How will I use it?

Alexander chair | Henley tallboy

If you’re creating a reading nook, then depending on the space, you might want a chair that is a little bigger to relax in. If the chair is to be a focal point in your living room and is likely to be used quite regularly then you could consider something that reclines, or perhaps team it with a matching footstool for a bold style statement.

In the bedroom, a chair can create a cosy ambience but probably needs to be a bit smaller to allow free movement around the room. Likewise, for a hallway or any other high-traffic area in your home, a smaller, more compact chair would be most suitable.

You could also use your accent chairs as extra seating for your dining table. The perfect way to cater for additional or unexpected guests, without the need to have spare dining chairs stored away or having to get the wobbly stool out of the cupboard! Ensure that you select firm, sturdy chairs that are the correct height for the table to allow your guests to reach the table comfortably – as a guide, a chair that has a seat 16-18 inches from the floor works best.

What colour armchair should I choose?

Harris chair | Richmond nest of tables

Now here comes the most fun part of choosing new furniture.

Since you want your accent chair to create visual interest in a room, it’s a good idea to choose something that contrasts with the existing decor – think ‘opposites attract’. If you have a room that is full of colour or pattern, then choosing a simple plain piece can add variation and depth.

Alternatively, if your room is decorated in a more muted style, a striking chair that picks out a colour or tone in the room can bring a pop of colour. Or throw total caution to the wind and choose a colour that is completely different to make a statement. In a nutshell, when it comes to colour there are no rules, anything goes!

Do I need to consider the fabric?

Aside from colour, it’s also worth considering the fabric you choose. If the room has a lot of woven fabrics, perhaps a leather chair would offer a bit of variety and provide a durable, hardworking solution for busy rooms. Similarly, if leather isn’t your thing,why not go for a plush velvet to add an interesting texture?

How do I pick a style of armchair?

Halle chair

As you have probably guessed, we favour contrasting our accent furniture with the rest of the room, whether that be through colour, fabric, or even style. A modern, fresh, and minimal room will look fantastic with a traditional wingback or curvaceous chair in a paired back colour, adding an interesting silhouette to the room. When it comes to choosing accent furniture, then the possibilities are endless!

We’d love to see how you use accent pieces in your home. Don’t forget to share your photos with us by tagging us on Instagram or using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

The post How to choose an accent chair appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

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.

Whether you have a dedicated dining room space or a kitchen/diner, the first thing to consider when choosing your table is how much space you have to play with and how many people you want to fit around it on a regular basis.

We offer a wide range of solid hardwood dining sets, with a choice of sizes, including useful extendable tables that are ideal for special occasions when you host extra guests.

Whatever your taste, we’ve got a table that’s right for you – from industrial-style designs and Scandi-inspired ranges to glass-topped contemporary and rustic farmhouse-inspired tables, with a choice of chairs and benches.

Read on for inspiration on how to style your table and the space around it – perfect for bookmarking when you’re ready to purchase the table of your dreams.

Luxe Living

Oliver Dining Set with 6 Chairs | Oliver large sideboard

Experience the epitome of dining luxury with our Oliver walnut-stained oak dining table. The statement plinth legs adorned with beautifully fluted panelling ensure every gathering is imbued with a little grandeur. Style with coloured glassware and accent upholstered chairs or dark wooden seating to create the perfect place to dine in style.

Industrial cool

Brooklyn dining set | @bellway_easton

Add a touch of industrial style to your home with the Brooklyn dining set, bringing together beautiful natural wood with galvanised metal details. The fusion of the two materials creates a perfect modern loft aesthetic teamed with exposed brick and contemporary green tones.

Scandi-style

Durham table and 4 chairs

Embrace the allure of Scandinavian-inspired dining with our Durham table, a masterpiece of understated elegance designed to enchant. Fashioned from solid oak, its smooth natural finish exudes an effortless charm that seamlessly harmonises with any interior decor. Durham epitomises minimalist sophistication, making it the perfect piece to work alongside other natural wooden accessories and neutral wall colours for a cosy and intimate dining space.

Match perfect

St. Ives dining set | St. Ives dresser | St. Ives console table | St. Ives sideboard

Create a cohesive dining room look by choosing coordinating pieces from the same range. The warm grey tones of our painted St. Ives range adds a touch of country style that works perfectly in modern homes and period properties alike.

Table for two

Dorset dining table | @home_of_roberts

Whether you’re enjoying mid-week dinners or dedicated date nights, make mealtimes an occasion by setting the table. Our natural oak tables are the ultimate blank canvas and lend themselves to all kinds of styling set-ups. Go for a retro, pared-back look with vintage-style crockery and natural accessories.

Family-friendly comfort

Romsey extendable dining table | Scroll Back dining chair | Romsey small dresser | Romsey tallboy

Our Romsey range, with its soft rounded corners and simple design, is the perfect choice for busy family homes. The understated modern range teams beautifully with bright coloured accessories and design details that complement the natural oak and add a fun and playful finish to the room.

Art deco design

Islington dining table with 6 chairs | Islington large sideboard

For those who love to host in style, look towards our Islington dining table, an enticing fusion of Italian Carrara marble and dark wire-brushed acacia. Its striking geometric legs and polished marble top will transform every meal into a sophisticated affair. Team this mixed material table with the elegant yet simple coordinating dining chairs and statement lighting to complete this inviting look.

Embrace natural light

Dorset dining table | @our_claytoncorner_

Place your dining table and chairs as close to natural light sources as possible to allow the sun’s rays to flow in all day long. Not only can you enjoy mealtimes in this light-filled space but it’s also a calming spot for afternoon cuppas, post-school snacks and homework hubs.

Bring the outdoors in

Highgate dining set | @mo_morshuis

Make your dining space an extension of your garden by adding a menagerie of houseplants. The inky blue and natural oak tones of our Highgate dining table look lovely paired with the different greens of indoor plants. Pick up tips and inspiration in our decorating with plants blog.

Orrick dining table | @thetraditionalhome

Beautiful blooms always create a striking and uplifting centrepiece for your dining table and are especially attractive teamed with our natural oak furniture.

Browse our selection of dining tables, chairs, and dining room furniture, plus you can also create the perfect set-up for your home with our dining set builder.

We’d love to see how you style your dining tables. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome on Instagram to share your homes.

The post How to style your dining table 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.

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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!

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But how do you make this practical piece perfect for your home? If you’re struggling to find the right console table or need some decor inspiration, here are easy ideas to style this multifunctional piece of furniture.

Bright and beautiful

Shay console table

Often found in the hallway, you can use a console to create the illusion of space. The pale painted finish of our Shay console table helps keep this entrance hall light and bright and, combined with a runner, it elongates the passageway so the eye is drawn to a stylish focal point.

Irresistibly tactile

Parquet console table | @new_build_home_forever

Our multipurpose console tables are perfect as bedroom furniture. Smaller in stature than our traditional dressing tables, consoles are ideal if you’re tight on space in your bedroom. Parquet is a beautifully tactile range that adds warmth and texture to your interiors, making it an ideal choice for a peaceful sleep sanctuary.

Simple Scandi

Copenhagen console table

Scandi aesthetic has the less-is-more style down to a fine art. This ever-popular trend is ideal for those who crave furniture with clean lines and subtle symmetry. Our Copenhagen range combines slender design details in beautiful natural oak to create simplicity without looking too stark.

Dramatic monochromatic

Hove console table

Black and white are eternally stylish. The chalky white finish of our Hove console table is the perfect way to explore this ever-fashionable pairing. For maximum impact dial up the drama by choosing dark charcoal or slate as a backdrop which creates a beautiful contrast with the cabinetry’s light-reflecting surfaces and fuss-free lines. The solid oak top and pop of greenery soften the look but still allow for an arresting interplay between light and dark.

Antique eclectic

St. Ives tall boy | Wiltshire console table

By their very nature hallways tend to be a magnet for all kinds of stuff. While lots of us might look for solutions to streamline this, you could make a feature of it by dialling up the eclecticism with antique finds and quirky collections of treasures and playing with textures, weaves, patterns and finishes. Our Wiltshire console table anchors the scheme and creates a sense of order with two drawers as a place to pop keys, phones and other everyday essentials while the low shelf can house shoes, wellies, blankets and throws.

Elegant industrial

Brooklyn console table

If you like the idea of industrial interiors but don’t want to go all out then take the softly, softly approach and introduce a feature element with the bold form of our Brooklyn console table. The pared-back honey-toned oak and architectural metal frame has a sturdiness that contrasts beautifully with a tactile mix of ceramics, eucalyptus and natural weaves. It’s a trendy update that’s also super useful.

In the blue

Highgate console table

Providing a subtle nod to nautical design, blue, wood and brass make a classic combination that is enjoying a major revival. Our design feeds are brimming with dramatic inky blues and are proof you don’t need a home on the coast to channel this look. Our Highgate console table looks fresh against muted neutrals but is just as striking if you want to take the plunge with an accent shade as a backdrop.

Modern farmhouse

Brompton console table

Our white painted Brompton range instantly adds a classy touch of farmhouse chic to any space. The white Shaker-style range offers a modern take on the popular country aesthetic and looks perfectly at home in everything from period properties to contemporary new builds.

Embrace darker tones

Detroit console table

Make a strong design statement by opting for dark-coloured cabinetry. Our Detroit collection is a stained and glazed oak range that features contrasting black metal legs and hardware to create pieces that radiate urban style. Soften the look by incorporating fresh colours such as a cool blue or eucalyptus green on your walls.

Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration. Browse our complete collection of console tables to find the perfect fit for your home. Plus, we’d love to see how you style your console table. Tag us using #OakFurnitureland on Instagram to share your real homes with us.

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