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.

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.

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

Your home needs time to settle

Evie sofa | @new_build_forever_home

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

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

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

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

From the floor to the ceiling

Parquet chest of drawers | @709_design

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

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

Tackle the big jobs first

Scroll back dining chairs | @amy.elizabeth.home

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

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

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

Expect the unexpected

Parquet desk | @hannahcoates.design

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

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

What can you do to decorate a new build?

Romsey triple wardrobe | @insideours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highgate bed | Highgate bedside table | @our_skelton_in_the_meadow

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

Parquet large sideboard | @roseontherow

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

Brompton bed | @a_house_and_its_chows

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

Detroit console table

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

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

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

In this guide, we’ve gathered 24 creative and inspirational ways to elevate your chest of drawers to the next level. So let’s dive into these stylish ideas and give your chest of drawers the makeover it deserves.

1. Open up a corner by adding height

St. Ives chest of drawers

If you have a corner-positioned chest of drawers and want to create height and add visual interest, a tall vase with slender dried or fresh flowers is a great idea. Accompany with a gathering of smaller accessories that will enrich the overall look. We love how these classic pieces complement the simple, rustic charm of the natural oak top.

2. Display artwork while optimising space

Romsey chest of drawers

A chest of drawers is a great way to display artwork, provided you get the balance right. For larger pieces, position them on the surface or hang them around 8 inches above so they aren’t too removed from the rest of the display. Add a few minimalist accessories to draw the eye in.

3. Reclaim a corner with a bold and personal touch

Bevel chest of drawers

By combining a statement artwork with some of your favourite jewellery or trinkets, you can add personality and character to even the smallest corners of your room. Ensure the pieces are spaced evenly and don’t overwhelm the surface area. Consider adding accessories in complementing colours on the adjacent furniture to optimise the space further.

4. Create a beautiful ensemble

Original Rustic chest of drawers

For those who love styling that flows throughout the space, selecting a few complementary pieces from the same range or in similar woods brings a wonderful cohesion to your decor. Combine country cottage-inspired accessories with the solid oak king-size bed, double wardrobe and bedside table from our ever-popular Original Rustic range to create a fresh, airy space you’ll love to come home to.

5. Revel in nature from the comfort of your bedroom

Romsey chest of drawers

Whatever the season, introducing some nature-inspired elements into your scheme adds a beautiful freshness to your room. We love how the botanical theme extends throughout the bedroom, bringing out the sunny tones in the timber from our Romsey range. If your space can accommodate it, positioning your dressing table by the window is a great idea for making the most of the natural light. You can even increase the sense of space with a simple mirror.

6. Create visual interest by varying height

Durham chest of drawers

To create visual interest, include items at various heights to add balance and draw the eye upward, making the space around your chest of drawers feel larger. Tall table lamps, vases or artwork are easy ways to do this.

7. Relax in floral freshness

Henley chest of drawers

Place a beautiful bloom on your chest of drawers to bring springtime into your bedroom all year round. Position a botanical piece of artwork to the side or behind the bloom to emphasise the display.

8. Define a space with bold lines

Bevel chest of drawers

Bring out the beautiful simplicity of our more contemporary oak furniture with some strategically placed artwork in statement frames. Add smaller pieces to the side and on the floor to break up the display and create balance.

9. Create harmony with lower pieces

Newton chest of drawers | @houseofdan

Long, lower chests of drawers are wonderful spaces for displaying your treasures. By staggering the height of these accessories and wall-mounted mirrors, you reclaim some height and get the best of both worlds.

10. Create a soft finish

Orrick chest of drawers

A great way to complement a chest of drawers with rounded edges is to opt for a few softly contoured decorations like these stylish ceramic pieces. The flowers add further interest and freshness with their colours accentuated by the plinth and jewellery.

11. Incorporate different textures

Hercules chest of drawers

This chest of drawers creates a wonderful impact in any room. By accessorising with wall hangings and ceramics in bold and interesting textures, you’ll create a display that’s full of character but doesn’t overwhelm your space.

12. Add warmth with minimalism

Copenhagen chest of drawers

Minimalism needn’t mean compromising on warmth. These elegant vases, combined with the slim frame and tapered legs of our Copenhagen design, create a welcoming, well-balanced display, particularly when set against a rich-coloured wall.

13. Incorporate trays to display smaller objects

Copenhagen 5-drawer chest

If display space is at a premium use a tray or bowl to keep your bits and bobs in place while providing room for larger pieces. By carefully positioning all the objects, and balancing their height and shape, you can ensure the area doesn’t look cluttered.

14. Create a sanctuary with calm neutrals

Otto chest of drawers

Positioning a chest of drawers in front of neutral colours and incorporating some glass or ceramic accessories in similar hues will enable you to enjoy the sense of sanctuary and respite you’ve been waiting for.

15. Get the New York loft look

Maine chest of drawers

If you love the modern, industrial look but want to keep a softness to your living space, combine pieces from our Maine range with smooth, minimalist ceramics, soft furnishings and light, understated flooring.

16. Add depth with metallic hints

Parquet chest of drawers | @willowandmaine

Our Parquet sideboard looks beautiful when paired with an oversized mirror with gold detailing. Inky blue walls add extra drama to the space and create a cosy backdrop for mealtimes.

17. Make the most of your alcove

Hercules chest of drawers

We love how the striking presence of our Hercules chest of drawers owns this alcoved space. Create further height and space by adding accessories in varying heights and subtly contrasting shades and textures.

18. Celebrate your natural light

Parquet chest of drawers | @atnumberfourteen_

By selecting good quality oak furniture with warm tones and adding some neutral ceramics or accessories you can optimise your natural light, no matter what size and shape your room. Delicate plants with far-reaching stems or generous blooms will also help enhance your space.

19. Playful designs for children’s rooms

Romsey 7-drawer chest | @athomewithellesmith

With its curved edges and homely natural oak, our Romsey chest of drawers is the perfect choice for children’s bedrooms. With seven drawers, it offers ample storage for everything from clothes to toys, plus you can style the top with all your favourite furry friends.

20. Have fun with bold shapes

Hove chest of drawers

Don’t you just love the way the unusual shape of the accessories complements the retro-modern feel of our Hove range? Add in a geometric artwork or two and you’ve got a display to be truly proud of.

21. Create contrast with your wall colour

Parquet small sideboard | @insidenumber.3

Accentuate your stylish sideboard or chest of drawers by adding a bold colour to the backdrop to not only enhance the visibility of your wood pattern but also effortlessly frame your favourite photos and plant arrangements.

22. Embrace Scandi chic

Copenhagen 7-drawer chest | @renovating_wynd_house

Scandi-inspired design continues to enjoy huge popularity and with good reason. Our Copenhagen range features pleasing clean lines and is made from beautiful natural oak that looks right at home in any setting.

23. Go for all white interiors

Brompton 7-drawer chest

Create an elegant bedroom set-up with our Brompton collection. This beautifully painted off-white range features gunmetal hardware and a contrasting pale grey ash top and offers stylish storage that’s perfect for a restful sleep sanctuary.

24. Go for blue tones

Richmond chest of drawers

Make an impact with the Richmond chest of drawers. The inky blue painted finish creates a lovely contrast when paired with creamy walls, while the smoked oak top brings in added warmth.

We hope these tips have given you some inspiration for how to style your chest of drawers. Why not kickstart your journey today and shop some chests of drawers near you? Share your own chest of drawers styling with us on Instagram and tag #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

The post 24 ways to style chest of drawers 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!

The post How to Create a Cottage Style Home appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Asian-inspired décor highlights calm, peach and tranquillity – the perfect combination for a relaxing bedroom. From full-bloom florals to rich energising colours, if you are ready to get zen with Oriental-inspired décor in your home, today’s post will show you how to use these elements in a modern bedroom.

Mix and Match Style

Oriental décor takes its cues from various Asian cultures – from the simplicity and balance of Japanese styles to the more ornate and embellished Chinese offerings and even the explosion of colour and life found in Indian homes. While I would never recommend sticking rigidly to any ‘theme’, elements from any of these cultures can create a more worldly, curated look. I’d encourage you to dip in and out of what appeals most to you to create a look all your own.

Elements of Nature

Source: Diane Hill

One of the most prominent themes in Asian-inspired décor is nature. You will often see hand-painted cherry blossoms, birds and trailing leaves as a backdrop to a space and this is a wonderful way to create a nod to Oriental style in your space.

Combine it with more traditional or contemporary furniture and keep the colours more neutral, allowing the design to shine.

Balance

Source: Murals Wallpaper

In many Asian cultures, symmetry and balance are keys to creating a calm and tranquil space. Consider using matching bedside tables and lamps on each side of the bed for an understated elegance. Symmetry is easy for our brains to process and creates balance so take advantage of this trick for easy Oriental style.

Floral Motifs

Source: Swoon Worthy

Of course, you don’t have to stick with neutrals to create modern Oriental style. Consider a bold oriental-inspired wallpaper in a vivid hue and carry that look throughout your bedroom by using tones in the same colour family. In the bedroom above, a bold turquoise wallpaper is combined with a striking royal blue headboard in a more traditional style.

The eclectic mix of patterns could feel chaotic but sticking with a colour palette of blues throughout provides a sense of calm and makes it much easier to live with. If you wish to use a more saturated palette, consider choosing tonal shades to achieve a similar effect.

Oriental-style Furniture

And finally, consider more contemporary takes on traditional Oriental style furniture. You don’t need to fill your room with black lacquer to get the look – natural wood furniture gives a nod to Japanese culture of our Bevel range.

Using natural furniture keeps the look from appearing overly themed for the perfect balance of old and new.

Show us in your oriental inspired bedroom decor using #oakfurnitureland on Instagram!

The post Oriental Décor in a Modern Bedroom appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.