Whether you’re a fan of period dramas or not, you’d have been hard-pressed to let Bridgerton pass you by since it first hit our screens back in 2020. The Netflix show, inspired by Julia Quinn’s novels, was the most-watched series when it premiered and is set to return for a third series mid-May. It also spawned a resurgence in Regency-style decor and sparked the Regencycore trend that continues to influence the world of interiors today.

Parquet TV unit | @donna_dunham_babertongrange

The show follows the lives of the Bridgerton siblings – Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth – as they navigate London high society during the Regency era, with Lady Whistledown the unseen author of the scandalous tittle-tattle Society Pages newsletter.

The hotly anticipated new series will tell the unfolding love story between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, alongside the captivating early chapters of Kate and Anthony Bridgerton’s union.

Premiering on Netflix on Thursday 16 May 2024, we’re throwing the spotlight back on Regencycore and showing you how to add a bit of historical glamour to your home.

The inspiration behind the trend

Credit: Netflix

Regencycore, the regal relative of cottagecore, reimagines the decadent looks that were characteristic of this period – think elegant drapery, lashings of colour, luxurious fabrics, decorative gold accessories, ornate patterns and panelling.

Credit: Netflix

Choosing Regency-style furniture

Henley coffee table | Henley TV unit | Henley side table | Malvern sofa

Furniture in this period was neo-classical in style and heavily influenced by discoveries made during travels across Europe and beyond. Symmetry, both in terms of design and room layout, was a key characteristic of the Regency era, with painted furniture also popular during this time.

Montgomery armchair | Burleigh sideboard | Burleigh side table

Elegant scroll arms were often seen on chairs, chaises and formal-style seating, with our Montgomery armchair and sofas the perfect way to introduce these subtle and beautiful curves into your own living space. The use of dark woods in furniture also gained momentum during the Regency period, with the delicate turned feet of our Montgomery tapping into this aesthetic.

Newton four-poster bed | @livingwith_sienna

For a more modern take on this era’s iconic style, our four-poster bed from the Newton range brings instant regal elegance to your space. For ultimate flexibility, the four-poster element can be removed so you can easily adapt it to a standard bed frame if your space or taste changes further down the line.

Adding Regency colours to your home

Credit: Netflix

From muted pastel tones to radiant shades, colour was a key feature of the Regency period, and while white was a popular choice for clothing, yellow, green, pink, blue and purple were also shades that were seen in both interior and fashion design.

Credit: Netflix

The Bridgerton family’s signature colour is Wedgewood Blue, an iconic and understated heritage shade that takes its name from the 18th-century pottery brand. This beautiful colour is woven into their gowns and the decor of the Bridgerton family home, and is often teamed with delicate golds.

Credit: Netflix

The Featherington family’s style is much more flamboyant and their use of lime and olive greens reflects their vibrant household. Adding accessories, such as velvet cushions, in these colours is a subtle way to add a touch of Regency flair to your space without committing to painting the walls or replacing your sofa.

Burleigh chest of drawers | @thelightshesees

Panelling was also a design feature that often appeared in properties during this time. If you don’t live in a period home that has original wall panels, you can easily recreate the look, with half or full walls now particularly popular. Paint it in a different colour to make a focal point of the panelling, or go tonal for a more subtle take on the trend.

Picking Regency-style prints

Hove bedside table | @danielle.lisle_

Using prints and patterns on furniture upholstery, the walls and even decorative ornaments, was a popular design feature during Regency times. Patterned wallpaper, particularly damask and floral motifs, was used to add an extra dimension of elegance to rooms. For a contemporary take on this, choose a modern black and white palette that references botanical design.

Parquet double bed | @houseofjackandboo

Another nice way to introduce Regency-style details to your home is through artwork. Choose botanical or floral prints in similar colourways, and for maximum impact group together to really make a feature of the space.

We hope you have picked up some ideas for adding a touch of Regencycore to your home. Make sure to tag us at #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome on Instagram as we’d love to see your style.

The post Bridgerton decor: a modern take on Regency interiors appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

We chatted to Asta Foufas, Head of Product at Arena Flowers, to find out how to pick the best flowers for Mother’s Day bouquets so you can get organised for Sunday 27 March, plus she shares top tips for styling and making your blooms last longer.

Which flowers are in season in March?

Beautiful spring tulips are in abundance at this time of year and look striking on their own or arranged with other seasonal flowers or greenery.

What’s your most popular Mother’s Day bouquet?

Shay tallboy | Arena Flowers Mother’s Day Tulips | @rachel.ducker

From our letterbox collection, the Spring Favourites, a mix of delicate-scented hyacinths and pastel-coloured tulips, is a popular choice.

For the bouquets, it would either be the Mother’s Day Tulips, or the Darling Mum, which features arrangements of lisianthus, charmelia, roses and snapdragons in different shades of pink.

Is there a particular flower that’s on trend at the moment?

St. Ives dresser | Mother’s Day Lilacs | @that.makes.six

Rather than a specific variety, I would say fresh flowers in neutral colours or soft toned palettes are cropping up a lot. And of course there’s a big demand for ethical and sustainable flowers, something which Arena specialises in.

We’re also seeing a lot of dried flowers, a trend that’s back from the 80s, but now they are more stylish and beautiful.

How do you choose the right vase for displaying your blooms?

Shay tallboy | Arena Mother’s Day Tulips | @rachel.ducker

When picking the right vase, first consider the size of your bouquets. The length of the stems should be no more than one-and-a-half to two times the height of your selected vase. I find the most suitable shape for all bouquets is the hourglass vase, which is wide at the bottom and slightly flared at the top.

What are the basic rules of flower arranging?

Waldorf lamp | Arena Flowers Pretty in Pink bouquet | @layered.home

There are 5 basic rules to consider:

• Balance: to maintain balance and create a look that’s visually appealing, when assembling your display, make sure you arrange the flowers so don’t have sides that look too crowded or too sparse.
• Colour: whether you want bright yellow happy blooms, pretty pink blossoms, or a classic all-white bouquet, consider how colour will reflect the occasion and set the right mood.
• Scale: think about the space where the arrangement or bouquet will go so you can decide how big or small to make your display.
• Texture: try to use different varieties, including main flowers mixed with foliage or fillers, such as gypsophila, to cover any gaps in the arrangement.
• Dominance: choose one dominant element, maybe your favourite flower, to create a harmonious look.

What are your top tips for making bouquets last longer?

1. Use a squeaky clean vase
2. Fill the vase with the lukewarm water with the flower food provided
3. Remove lower leaves, there should be no foliage below the water line
4. Cut stems with a clean disinfected secateurs or scissors
5. Keep flowers cool and away from fruit bowls
6. Change water frequently and recut flowers every two days

Hopefully you now have plenty of ideas for arranging beautiful flowers for Mother’s Day and beyond. We’d love to see how you style flowers in your home. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram. And for more flower inspiration, be sure to follow @arena_flowers or visit arenaflowers.com.

The post Guide to choosing Mother’s Day flowers appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

To help you get started, we chatted to brand content creator Lily Sawyer of @layered.home to find out how she approached her recent bedroom renovation. Plus, Lily shares top tips for how to add your own style and personality to your home. So, grab a cup of coffee, take a seat and prepare to be inspired!

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I’ve always loved being creative and trained in fine art. I did a BA and MA and then decided to pursue a career in teaching in higher education with my post-graduate. After seven years, I started a family and decided to give it all up! But, I guess creativity was always calling and I became a photographer and then a window opened in interiors.

In 2017 I started my interiors Instagram account which led to where I am now – working with brands on their product styling and promotions on social media. It’s been an insightful ride having worked with over 200 brands in the last few years.

Where did you get your inspiration for your bedroom makeover?

Langham lamp | Brindle side table | @layered.home

I’m not one who rushes into ripping things off. I guess I’m a recycler at heart and want to first consider any recycling options before replacing anything. For this room, I wanted to keep the character features and juxtapose them against more contemporary furnishings like the velvet bed, big modern lampshade, the large-scale artwork and the mirror.

Having a bit of contrast here and there adds soul and dynamic in any interior scheme. Bringing together styles from different periods adds an eclectic touch and also increases interest in any space.

What are your tips for planning a room overhaul?

I always start with how you want the room to feel. Just because the house may be a period property doesn’t mean you have to stick to that period alone in terms of design. I think you should create a space that is right for you regardless of trends and style.

How you want to feel when you’re in the space, the kind of emotions you want the space to evoke… these are my starting points when designing a room from scratch.

Do you moodboard in advance?

Parquet range moodboard

Most of the time I do. I’m a visual person and it helps me to actually see things side-by-side or in the same space. I often envision things in my head but when I put them down on a moodboard, they don’t work! So moodboarding gives me confidence that my choices are right for what I’m trying to achieve. Besides, it’s also a creative and fun thing to do!

Do you have any advice for how to make a space feel unique to you?

I know inspiration and influences are all around us. My advice is to get inspired and be wise on choosing who and where to be influenced by. Don’t do things purely because they are trendy; chances are they are not going to last long. Instead, do what is right for you and what brings you joy.

Why did you choose these particular Oak Furnitureland pieces for your bedroom project?

Langham lamp | Brindle side table | Hope painting | Madeline wall mirror | @layered.home

I wanted this room to have a soft, calm feel and big black furnishing would not be right for it so I chose the gold Madeline wall mirror. I love that it is tall and fills in the space between the high ceilings. It is also a statement piece above the mantle and the gold finish really draws the eye in.

However, smaller touches of black are needed to act as various points of contrast dotted around the room to lead and invite the eye to explore the space. I love how the Langham lamp does exactly this and it’s such an elegant shape too. The black on the large scale Hope painting acts as another punctuation to pause the eye, causing it to linger and take in the design for a moment.

Brindle side table | Langham lamp | Madeline mirror | @layered.home

To continue the theme of contrast, I chose the traditional style Brindle side table in traditional duck egg colour. It is a quiet piece that ties in with the calmness of the room.

How do you style empty walls?

You can never go wrong with some sconces and art. I have evolved a bit and now like my gallery walls to be more orderly and less higgledy-piggledy. I love maximalism but without the clutter.

What’s your advice for creating good images and video content for Instagram?

Hope artwork | @layered.home

Strong images need to capture attention and interrupt pattern. This could be achieved via angles, colour, composition and textures. Videos nowadays need to be really short, 5-20 seconds are usually enough!

Which other Oak Furnitureland pieces would you love to use in your home and how would you style them?

I am feeling the classics at the moment and you have plenty of beautiful classics to choose from. I love the Mira and Dorchester lamps; they’d go in any room, any design.

I adore this piece of art, it’s so striking and sure to catch attention. You can never go wrong with a touch of black and white! This will sit perfectly on any wall.

Thanks to Lily for sharing her expertise with us, we hope you are full of ideas for your next home makeover. Discover more of her beautiful home on her Instagram @layered.home or visit her blog layered.home.lilysawyer.com. And, don’t forget to follow Oak Furnitureland on Instagram as well.

The post On the sofa with Lily Sawyer Interiors appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

What to expect from the updated showrooms

The stores’ interiors have undergone makeovers to inspire customers with styled roomsets that create the look and feel of real homes, and feature soft furnishings and accessories as finishing touches, with beds made up with luxe bedding from beddable. The new inspiration areas display complementary mixes of our hardwood furniture ranges, covering living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and home offices, along with sofas and armchairs.

Jeremy Baxter, Head of Creative at Oak Furnitureland, said: “Our redesigned showrooms have been carefully developed to bring our furniture to life in an authentic way that our customers can relate to. We’ve created dedicated areas in our atrium that mix and match different combinations of our furniture and accessories, which is a first for us, but something we all tend to do in our own homes.

“We’ve ensured there’s a nice balance of our painted, natural and rustic finish cabinetry, in traditional and contemporary looks, and we’ve styled with bedding, cushions, curtains, plants and accessories to create an inspirational home look. We’ll also be sharing style advice on how customers can mix and match our ranges themselves.”

An enhanced shopping experience

We’ve also launched a brand new app, available on Apple and Android, alongside introducing QR codes that are displayed throughout our updated showrooms. This enables customers to find out more information about the products and add them to their wishlist in the app while browsing in store.

It’s the perfect partner for an enhanced shopping experience that offers you the ability to save your favourites and easily view them again when at home. You can then tap into our handy Augmented Reality function to see how our sofas and cabinetry fit into your homes.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our redesigned showrooms. And, if you’re looking for more interiors inspiration, head to our Instagram where you can see how our customers have styled their Oak Furnitureland pieces.

The post Find home inspiration at our redesigned showrooms appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

When it comes to making the most of your unloved space, the possibilities are endless. Using contrasting colour on the walls, furniture as room dividers or even rugs to differentiate each area can help you create the multipurpose space of your dreams in no time.

If you’re struggling with making room but don’t fancy packing up and moving elsewhere, we’ve compiled a list of some of the easiest ways to make the most of your home. Read on to find out how to roll a guest room, office space, and playroom into one.

Working from home

Parquet desk | @elliesdecorandmore

For when the days of working in the office seem few and far between, we tend to gravitate towards shared spaces, like the living room or kitchen. While sitting at the breakfast bar or lounging on the sofa seems to require minimal effort to set up, these spaces can be hugely distracting and aren’t always helpful for a working mind.

Don’t fret if you don’t have a whole room for an office in your home; it’s easier than you think to find office space you aren’t already making the most of. If your existing spare room only sees guests on annual events or those rare special occasions, consider splitting the space in two so it’s part bedroom and part office.

Leave sufficient room for a standing desk, or a desk with plenty of storage space underneath, so that your electronics and any other items that you need to work can be safely tucked away when you aren’t using them. Learn about how to set up your home office to boost your productivity. If there’s a double bed that takes up a lot of floor space then swap it out to a single, or find yourself a nifty sofa bed for ultimate versatility.

A playroom for little ones

Highgate bookcase | @somerford_manor

Anyone with kids knows how much space they need to do their thing. That said, if the mountain of scattered toys piling up on the floor is starting to impact your productivity, using another room as a substitute playroom might be a great way of using the space.

If you still want the room to function as a guest room as well as a playroom, incorporate hard-wearing and stylish drawers for clothes, a blanket box for spare room bedding, then add in a bookcase or cubby storage to be used on those days when the train tracks and teddy bears need putting away.

Same goes for the office space. If you have important documents or electronics you want tucked away from little hands, try a lockable storage unit or keep extra boxes on high shelves. Keep things colourful and make soft and pretty furnishings work for practical use.

Dressing room

Reclaim a cluttered corner of your bedroom and transform it into a dreamy dressing room. Invest in a stylish and comfortable chair to go with a statement dressing table to create a beautiful focal point of your room.

Unloved alcoves or awkward spaces around a fireplace are great for small free-standing wardrobes or full length mirrors, and can add to that luxurious dressing room feel. Alternatively, if you don’t have space for a dressing table, utilise your bedside table or even a small chest of drawers for your make-up station. Add a cosmetics stand, jewellery box and great light, and anything goes.

Reading room

Copenhagen chest of drawers | @renovating_wynd_house

For those of us who love to read, a space to display all your favourite books is absolutely vital to making a house feel like a home. Transforming an unloved corner into a cosy reading nook might be the perfect way to make that dream a reality.

Add a touch of ambience with a statement floor lamp and a stylish but sturdy bookcase for showing off the best of your covers. If your corner is too small to accommodate a bookcase, try installing shelves above a loveseat, armchair or even a bean bag for easy access to new reads without taking up too much room.

Home cinema and entertainment room

Parquet TV unit | @newcountryhome

If your living room has turned into a battlefield for who gets which remote, it might be time to turn an existing room into an alternative space where you can watch your favourite programme without interrupting someone else’s plans.

Turning an office space or playroom into a home cinema is easier than you think. Add a comfy corner sofa or space-saving sofa bed and shine a screen projector onto an empty wall for the big screen experience.

If you have a multipurpose room that you want to share, make sure you tag us in your Instagram photos using #OakFurnitureland.

The post How to create multipurpose rooms appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Today, a nest of tables can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. From industrial-style metal frames with marble tops to a more traditional nest of tables in oak, there’s a design to suit every taste.

Whether you’re short on space or love entertaining guests, these versatile tables offer endless possibilities. Read on to discover plenty of placement and styling ideas.

Why choose a nest of tables?

St. Ives nest of tables | @edwardian_house_to_home

A nest of tables, also known as nesting tables, is a versatile and stylish furniture staple that adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to any home. Consisting of a small set of tables that graduate in size, they fit neatly together, often without the legs touching. Though traditionally seen as classic or old-fashioned, nesting tables have evolved into modern, chic pieces that complement contemporary interiors just as well as traditional ones.

Tuscany nest of coffee tables

The key advantage of nesting tables is their space-saving design. Stackable when not in use, they are ideal for compact living spaces and can be easily pulled apart when extra surface area is needed. The flexibility of stacking tables allows you to rearrange them to suit your needs, whether for serving snacks, displaying decor, or even as an impromptu footstool.

Canterbury nest of tables | @our_radleigh_home

Their versatility goes beyond practicality. With countless styles, finishes, and materials available, a nest of tables can complement any decor — from rustic farmhouse aesthetics to sleek, minimalist spaces. They epitomise practical elegance, offering both form and function in one neat package.

Where to place nesting tables

Detroit nest of coffee tables | @clean_and_cosy_home

Nesting tables can be used both within and far beyond the traditional living room setting, so we’ve collated some convenient and creative placement ideas to inspire you…

• • Lounging essentials: A nest of coffee tables is a popular choice for multifunctional living rooms that need to adapt for hosting duties.
  • In awkward corners: Transform unused spaces into stylish nooks with a decorative lamp or houseplant.
  • Bedroom nightstands: Swap bulky bedside tables for sleek nesting tables to achieve a modern look.
  • Bathroom vanity: Perfect for displaying beauty products or toiletries in smaller bathrooms.
  • Playrooms: Create kid-sized surfaces that are easy to move and store.
  • Conservatories: Display plants at varying heights for an indoor garden sanctuary.

How to style a nest of tables

Original Rustic nest of tables

While often chosen for their practicality, nesting tables can also serve as eye-catching decorative features. Here are a few tips for styling them effortlessly in the home…

• Layer with purpose: Use the varying heights to create depth. Place a statement lamp on the tallest table, a stack of coffee table books on the middle one, and a decorative bowl or candle on the smallest.
• Incorporate natural elements: Add greenery with small potted plants or vases of fresh flowers to bring life and colour into the space.
• Play with textures: Mix materials like glass, wood, metal, and ceramics to add depth and visual interest.
• Keep it minimal: For a clean, minimalist look, select a few carefully chosen items, such as a single sculpture or framed photo, to keep the tables clutter-free.
• Reflect your colour palette: Tie the look together with accessories that complement your room’s existing colour scheme.

Can you customise nesting tables?

Hove nest of tables | @number10herwick

If you have an older set of nesting tables, you can easily give them a fresh look with a bit of DIY. Depending on the wood finish, simply sanding them down and applying a new coat of paint or varnish can revitalise their appearance. Alternatively, we offer a variety of painted styles and finishes, saving you the hassle of doing it yourself.

Detroit tall bookcase | Detroit large sideboard | Detroit nest of tables | @our_ascot_home_anwyl

Whether you’re looking to save space, add flexibility to your layout, or simply introduce a stylish new element to your home, a nest of tables is a fantastic choice. Their ability to adapt to different settings and functions makes them a timeless piece of furniture.

St Ives nest of tables | @taraandlukehome

Thinking of adding a set to your home? Explore our latest collection of nests of tables to find the perfect fit for you. And don’t forget to share how you’ve styled yours by tagging us on Instagram with #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

The post How to use and style a nest of tables appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Minimalism

Brooklyn dining table

Minimalism is a gorgeous trend that pops up regularly, but this year it’s come back bigger and better than before. This style focuses on open space and intricacy and works in both big and small homes, making it even more versatile.

If you’re looking to design your home in the minimalist style, the key is to focus on limiting the amount of stuff that you have and ensuring that the pieces that you do have on display work together to create a flawless theme throughout the room. Pick your colour scheme and stick to it, and remember that less is more!

Maximalism

A perfect contrast to the minimalist trend, maximalism is an incredibly exciting style that isn’t for the faint of heart. This really is the opposite of the minimal theme, where you can focus on creating layers of colour and print to make an almost-too-much feel when you walk into the room.

Animal prints and clashing colours are what this is all about, and while most people may think that this trend is an easy one that you can just throw anything at, it’s actually tough to perfect. You need to strike just the right balance for this to work, and it can take some time to find it. The best way to approach it is to work in layers and keep adding until you hit the sweet spot.

Monochrome

A classic style, black and white, will surely never go out of fashion – however, this year, we’re seeing this trend in the bathroom, which is a big change. Generally, bathrooms sit on the neutral colour palette, with lots of whites, greys, and stone shades. The introduction of black into the bathroom is a stunning one that we wish we’d seen before now!

It can feel like a very intimidating colour, but black hues can be added gradually until you hit the effect that you’re going for, so focus on your accessories first and then work up to something bigger. Shower frames in black give an amazing sleek and clean-cut look to bathrooms and transform the room with such a small change.

Boho

This trend is another that’s been on and off for a little while, but we’re seeing it come back with a bang, and it’s entering homes across the country. This trend focuses on the scandi-style patterns and gives off Aztec vibes.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate the bohemian vibe into your home, looking at pillows, throws, and rugs with the classic zig-zag patterns and working with warm-toned colours. Think burnt sienna, mushroom, and cinnamon to combine and create a soft, indie home.

Cottagecore

The cottagecore style has been growing since 2020, and this year it’s coming back harder and stronger than ever. Focused on nature and simplicity, this trend is the perfect way to get back to your roots and provides an escape from the pressures of the real world – something we’ve all wanted over the last year.

For this style, nature comes into the home in the form of plants, prints, and colour, welcoming in deep shades of green and stone that work together beautifully. Vintage furniture also fits well into this aesthetic and gives the home a softer, more welcoming feeling, as if you’re retreating from modern society into a simpler time.

Bright and bold

Bevel double bed | Hercules side table

Previously, the go-to colour scheme in homes was grey and white, with touches of blush pink or mustard. These shades are stunning together, but this year we’re seeing houses bursting away from those palettes and delving into things much brighter, especially in bedrooms.

Brighton left hand chaise sofa | Brindle side table | Brindle large sideboard

Jewel-tones are becoming hugely popular across the country, with stunning hues of emerald-green, sapphire blue and ruby-red spreading through each room of the house. This trend is such a popular option as you can use as much or as little of the colour that you choose as you like; for those who don’t want to go all-in, adding new accessories in these shades make a big difference. Bolder decorators are choosing to move forward with feature walls or even the entire room in these shades, which gives a glorious effect.

The best part of these design trends is being able to personalise them to your taste, so no matter how you want to incorporate them, you can find the perfect balance when you redecorate!

Let us know if you decide to incorporate these latest trends at home by sharing your photos using #OakFurnitureland on Instagra

The post Popular interior design trends of 2021 appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Romsey large sideboard | @herandhers_

What is a ‘trend’ in interior design?

Trends are defining characteristics that influence the products that are available on the market as well as the shopping habits of vintage collectors – trends certainly control how we mix and match the old and new! Just like in fashion, interior design has seasons and, in each season, new emblematic features emerge, be they certain colours, materials, shapes, patterns or even ways of styling. Macro trends have a long-lasting influence, whereas micro trends tend to evolve quicker but not stick around for as long.

As in most industries within the context of trends (this can include everything from technology, to travel, to books, to food), interior design is also driven largely by trend forecasting. These experts analyse a myriad of factors that influence consumer behaviour, including their spending habits, lifestyle changes and needs and desires. You may be surprised to find out that trends are usually predicted years in advance!

How do trends in interior design develop?

The key thing to note is that trends hardly ever appear spontaneously. So many facets of society, culture and social science affect what will be ‘in’ this season. They are an amalgamation of fashion, our changing needs, previous season’s trends, popular culture, current affairs, architecture, world events, economic patterns and so much more. Social media is a huge source of information for what consumers like and dislike, so many trends have begun and ended here.

How do you keep up to date with interior design trends?

1. Follow your favourite brands on social media

Like the style of a particular shop or website? Follow their social media profiles! The products and imagery are usually curated by buyers and influenced by interior design experts who stay abreast of the latest trends and developments so you don’t have to. That way, they’re always in your feed and inspiring you a little every day.
Like our style? Give us a follow on Instagram or like on Facebook and if you like any of the images, you can always save them in an inspiration collection for easy access at a later date.

2. Read interior design magazines

There are loads of publications both in print and online that are entirely dedicated t0 interior design. Much like fashion, decor publications plan months in advance so you’ll be getting insight into what trends will be hitting the shops in the not so distant future.

Have a look through some of our personal favourites: Elle Decoration, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Ideal Home, and so many more.

3. Browse Pinterest

Pinterest is an evergreen source of inspiration and is a major resource for interior design lovers around the world. Discover what’s trending here and save the images that you want to go back to. If you’re interested in finding out what topics are trending on Pinterest, they’ve created a handy hub, rounding up the popular trends from around the world.

4. Follow interior design influencers

One of the great things about social media is it connects you to people with homes just like yours. All the inspiration you need is within scrolling distance. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite home decor influencers – give them a follow and see how they’re making realistic, budget-friendly updates to their homes.

Original Rustic console table | @stylishhomesearch

5. Get inspired by your area

City-dwelling style might not always be suitable for a country retreat, so let your locale inspire you. What architectural elements do you need to consider? How are your friends and neighbours styling their homes? You can even look to local shops and restaurants and incorporate their design elements into your private space.

6. Don’t rely solely on trends and trend forecasting

As interior design fiends, we all love to stay ahead of the curve, but it’s important that, while you may want to refresh your home every season, your core pieces are versatile. You want your furniture to stand the test of time, not only in quality and durability, but also in terms of taste. For example, you can invest in a timeless sofa and update the pillows, throws and other soft furnishings to constantly update its look without being wasteful or breaking the bank.

Feeling like you’re ready to tackle the trends? Show us how you interpret them over on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland.

The post How to stay up to date with interior design trends 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.