Autumnal Colours Bring the Tasteful Warmth of Spice

As the evenings begin to draw in and the summer fruits ripen on the trees, colours mellow from vibrant summer pinks and greens to the warm hues of russet and gold. Sumptuous textures and engaging designs mean fabrics this season are comforting and confident. 

Many of the russet hues of Autumn are named after spices - and rightly so - they bring warmth with their tasteful style. In this article we look at how a bedroom can look mellow in chantreuse;  a funky spice pattern brings autumnal style to a retro living room and how burnt orange can be used in a traditional living room to bring comfort and style.

Read on.....

Inspired by French Liqueur - Chantreuse 

   

 This bedroom uses a chair in the colour Chantreuse with browns and beige to give a clean modern look. A made-to-measure eyelet curtain reaches elegantly to the ground, providing the perfect backdrop for the main feature - a large bed.

Chantreuse is the name of a French liqueur which is actually a yellow-apple green.  Made up of 50% yellow and 50% green, the colour Chantreuse sits beautifully with autumnal colours.

Spice up your life!

Featuring the colour spice - this funky fabric called Fjord Ferle gives a really uplifting autumnal ambiance to any living room. Other similar fabrics in colours such as Cayenne, Paprika and Cinnamon continue the spiced theme.

Confident Traditional Styling

 

This fabulous fabric in burnt orange shows how Autumnal colours can lend warmth and style to a traditional room. 

Choose browns and oranges for your living room now the kids are back at school. Be bold with vibrant orange – you won’t regret it as Autumn light fades into winter. Claim the space as your own.

The timeless qualities of Dusky Pink

There is a reason why dusky pink is a best seller on the Aspire Made-to-measure Curtains and Blinds website.  It is calming, versatile and can be used almost like a neutral - with some fabulous results.

Inspired by this article on WGSN I decided to write a short article about why Dusky Pink has such a timeless quality. Starting with its traditional roots, exploring how Farrow and Ball paints has influenced its success and ending with some practical uses.

Traditionally pretty in Pink

We all think of pink as being a very very feminine colour - used classically in a little girl's room you can see how inviting it looks.  Pink is calming and safe, comforting and warm - all with a light, uplifting feel.

Indulge your feminine side and treat the special little ladies in your life to a beautiful dusky pink room,  Be careful not to stray into the sickly pink, bubble-gum hues which is hard to make tasteful or elegant.  

Contrast with sky blue to prevent the room becoming flat and enjoy!

Calming Chamomile

Described as dusty and romantic Smoked Trout from Farrow and Ball is packed with a variety of pigments which gives it a magical quality. In darker areas it appears to be a dark mushroom tone but in well lit rooms it appears almost purple, giving it a romantic and almost ‘dusty' feel. The perfect dusky pink.

But my favourite is the lighter Chamomile, named after the lotion. It is delicately fresh and has a blue undertone which prevents it from being too sugary. Both would match this beautiful fabric from Aspire Curtains and Blinds called Marisa.

In the Pink

Putting a modern twist on pink is easy.  With the current trend for vintage, pink can be seen in every trendy cafe and hotel.  However, clever designers are giving it a really contemporary twist pairing it with grey and mustard.  I love it - but you'd have to be really careful where you used those three colours together!

Eleven Ways to use white for windows

Bright, light whites and creams bring to mind feelings of purity, cleanliness, and airiness. These tones are often lovely for pairing with a bold accent colour or black for a modern feel, or touches of browns or other natural tones for a subdued and elegant look. Shared spaces like living rooms can be made to feel larger and roomier by playing with these psychological effects of the colour white.

Here we address the tonal qualities of white to give you eleven ways to use white soft-furnishings in your room.

1.     Snow White for Children’s Rooms

This crisp, clean white gives the purity of the colour a cold backdrop. The colour snow white as a subtle hint of blue in it, so beware of using snow white in a north facing room or one with very few windows. You may add an unwanted chill which could make the room feel unwelcoming.

The colour  works well in children’s rooms when paired with pastels, which appear to pop when placed next to snow white. It can be remarkable practical for curtains in a child’s room by providing a constant neutral backdrop when the décor in the room is updated as the child grows. However, teaming white curtains with blackout blinds is highly recommended, if you want to get any sleep!

2.     Arctic White in a study

The deep blue tones in arctic white give it a clean crisp finish.  The colour is great when used as a neutral when a modern minimalist finish is desired. And ideal when used with black.  If arctic white is overused it can give the feeling of ‘snow blindness’ making a room appear featureless and dull.  Layer the colour with tonal whites for a more homely look or contrast starkly with a strong colour for impact.  

Arctic white roman blinds are ideal in an office or study.  They serve to keep the room fresh and light, while shielding the worst of the glare of the sun from screens.

3.     Ivory for classy living rooms

Warm tonal shades of white, such as ivory are great for living rooms and communal spaces.  The use of a light colour lifts the energy in the room and gives a far more uplifting neutral than beige.  Installing Ivory coloured curtains and an ivory sofa allows the savvy homeowner to make the room work year round.  Introducing new accessories each season - even moving the furniture - makes the décor in the room as varied and interesting as modern life.

Don’t be afraid of the practicalities of using white in such a busy space.  Modern fabrics are easy to clean and the shabby-chic look relaxes the rules when it comes to perfect white.

4.     White in dining rooms

Think crisp white linen; think sheer white curtains and white folded napkins.  Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or using all the spare chairs in the house on Christmas Day white can unify any space to create a stunning dining room.

If the flooring in your kitchen differs from your dining room, you can unify the two spaces by using white linen and soft furnishings. And white goes with anything! So, whether you’re using the best china or plastic picnic plates you’ll be able to create the perfect atmosphere for your dining room with white curtains, blonds and table linen.

5.     Chrystal white for bathrooms

Where else do we classically see white but in the bathroom?  It is a classic look for a reason.  It works. The more turquoise blue in crystal lends itself to the watery world of bathrooms. When you want a room to appear clean and fresh there is no better colour than chrystal white.

White blinds and soft, sheer curtains soften the light in a bathroom making the first glance in the mirror on a cold winters morning that little bit easier.

Often the smallest room in a house, using white in a bathroom can often make it appear more spacious, especially with added mirrors.  This gives you an ideal backdrop to accessories in line with the personality of your home.

6.     Chalk white in hallways

With a warm tone, chalk white can open up cramped hallways without making them feel cold. Corridors and passages seem to have more space with the light reflecting qualities of chalk white. And what nicer way to welcome someone to your home? Entrances and landings suit the white treatment.

Chalk white never seems boring like beige, yet it can be used in all the same ways. Used in a hallway it has the ability to co-ordinate with all the coloured rooms which open onto it, unifying them.  The ultimate in versatility.

7.     Textured fabrics in white

Where white can be stark and cold, a white textured fabric helps to overcome this.  Softening the appearance with the tonal effects of texture printed or woven into a fabric can give a luxurious, opulent look to a home.

Take care when mixing textures as well as colours. When done well a pair of white curtains with a contrasting blind can look amazing.

8.     Go dotty for spots on white blinds

The upbeat tend for spots, particularly in kitchens, allows the designer to add colour, with the open space of white.  Spots can be in a single colour matched with co-ordinating block colours or choose a curtain fabric which brings your room together with multi-coloured spots on a white background.  Most of all – have fun!

9.     Formal stripes

Stripes have added impact when they include white.  The contrast allows the colours to sing.  Whether bold bright or calming pastels, there are some fabulous fabrics which make use of stripes and white to great effect.

Vertical stripes add height to a room; making a large window into a striking feature. Horizontal stripes are used to declare bands of colour – often ringing a room together. Beware when buying horizontal striped curtains that the stripes exactly match when the curtains are closed.

10.Checks and gingham

Whether contemporary or classic, checks are synonymous with style and so easy to use. Checked curtains instantly give a room status.  We often see them in hotels and castles where their timeless quality adds to the atmosphere.

Make sure to pattern match your checks along the seams of your soft furnishings.  A mis-match is particularly noticeable when the curtains are drawn or when lengths are joined in large windows.

11.Whites and florals

Nothing says summer more than floral white curtains blowing in a gentle breeze. And when it is not sunny outside, remind yourself of hazy, lazy days with summer blooms all year round. Using white a a background to your floral curtains allows the fabric to co-ordinate with the rest of the room.

Beware of using busy floral fabrics in a room which has other fussy features – stick with a dainty design.  Colour match your binds, curtains, tie-backs and cushions by purchasing them from the same supplier.

FOUR WAYS TO CLEAN YOUR CURTAINS

Spring is in the air, and after a long dark winter most of us feel energised by the sunny days and like to clean our curtains at this time of year. Heavy curtains, as a general rule, should be dry cleaned periodically or washed according to the label sewn into the lining. But if you are short on time here are a couple of different ways to spruce up your windows this spring.

If you don’t want to go to the trouble of removing your curtains, most fabrics can be vacuumed with an attachment, spot-cleaned or steamed. For a better result remove your curtains from your windows and either tumble dry to remove dust, wash according to instructions or send away for specialist dry cleaning.

You may decide to replace them with a brand new set of made-to-measure curtains or a roman blind from Aspire Curtains and Blinds. Whatever you chose to do this spring, say curtains to dirt and enjoy lovely clean windows.

1. How to Steam Clean Your Curtains

Did you know you can steam most fabrics, using a hand held fabric steamer? The steam will revive them and remove odours giving your room an instant refresh. The whole process should take around 10 minutes per panel, then a further hour or so with the window open to dry the curtains completely.

• Close the windows and curtains.
• With your steamer work from bottom to top to maximise the effectiveness of the steam as it rises.
• Glide the steamer over the curtains in sections, placing the nozzle about an inch away from the fabric. 
• Hold lightweight fabrics taut with one hand; heavier fabrics will do the job for you. You should only need to steam one side.
• Open the windows to help the curtains dry.

Ref: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/spring-cleaning-short...

2. Vacuuming your curtains whilst still hanging

For those of us who don’t have a steamer and don’t have the time to remove our curtains, we can simply spot-clean any stains and remove dust build up with a vacuum. Allow 15 minutes per window.

• Draw the curtains to maximise the available surface area. Starting with pelmets and Hoover systematically, working from the top to bottom. 
• Use the extension hose so you don’t have to stretch or climb too much
• Reduce the suction so you don’t drag and damage your curtains.
• For embroidered fabrics use the round brush instead of the upholstery tool to prevent damage.

Ref: http://www.spring-cleaning-tips.com/heavy-curtains-cleaning-tips.html

3. Two minute Quick fix to refresh your curtains

For a quick fix simply spray lightly with a fabric refreshener from a distance of about 30 cm. This may be all that is needed to allow you to move on to your next task.

4. Easy way to refresh your curtains without washing or dry cleaning

If you simply don’t have the time to take your curtains to a specialist cleaner, have you thought about removing the dust from them in a cool tumble dryer?  In around 15 minutes all the dust will be removed from your curtains. Providing you hang them while still warm, shouldn’t need to iron them.

• Remove your curtains from your windows, taking care to remove every hook or ring
• Roll the curtains carefully, to help reduce creasing
• Dampen a piece of clean white cotton and place your curtains in your tumble drier for 15 minutes, one piece at a time
• Remember to set dryer to a low temperature and check frequently
• Clean your windows while the curtains are removed
• Re-hang curtains as soon as possible after tumble drying to avoid wrinkling

Texture to add atmosphere

We have five senses and great interior design engages all of them.  Imagine the smell of a soft-leather suite, the touch of luxury fabrics, the hushed sound of footsteps muffled by a deep pile rug and the taste of freshly baked bread. Well OK, perhaps not the bread, but you get the idea. Appeal to more than that which our eyes can see and suddenly your room has atmosphere and ambiance.

KEY IDEAS

1.   Before starting on your room, include a variety of textures in your mood board
2.   Rough stone floors, deep pile rugs or minimalist matting – instant atmosphere
3.   Vintage furniture may bring the aroma of its history – are you comfortable with that? Or would a bit of restoration mask some of the charm – but all of the smell!
4.   Exposed brick work may look fab in your loft apartment – but warm throws on the sofa and furs on the floor will get you through a British winter
5.   That gentle click of the slow closing cupboard – quality will show through in your furniture.  If you want a luxury feel make sure your sofa springs don’t squeak and your cupboard doors don’t slam.

 However you choose to decorate your room, make sure the atmosphere you create engages all your senses and that it a perfect reflection of the aspirational you.

Four reasons I use blinds in my kids’ rooms

Decorating a bedroom for a child is great fun.  With the enormous range of fabulous products on the market it’s hard not to go overboard!  However, there is one thing I always choose. I always buy blinds for the windows.  And here’s why...

1 They’re Practical

The practical side of me want my child’s room not only dark at night – but also at nap time.  So blackout blinds are essential.  I tend to go belt and braces here buying both black-out curtains and blinds to ensure everyone gets to sleep soundly.

2 They Protect

With the light on passersby can see directly into your home.  If your child’s bedroom or playroom is at street level, protect them from prying eyes by fitting translucent blinds.  These will allow the light in whilst at the same time protecting them from unwanted attention.

3 They’re Safe

Fitted close to the window, blinds do not cause a trip hazard unlike long curtains. Ideally use cordless blinds or make sure the cords have a cleat and breakaway fixings. There is an enormous range of child-friendly designs on the market and all are designed with child safety in mind thanks to standards brought in during 2014.

4 They’re Stylish

Pick a colour, any colour and you can get a blind to match.  Made-to-measure blinds are easy to buy online and blinds can be made from any fabric to suit any room. Delivered in less than two weeks blinds are the perfect choice when decorating a child’s room.

Beautiful Rooms: We must be doing something right

There are an increasing number of articles in the press at the moment about how successful retailers are adding made-to-measure services to boost sales. As you know, here at Beautiful Rooms we are keen to promote made-to-measure services as part of the Beautiful Rooms ideology.

Here's a couple of snippets we've noticed:

Dunelm Mill - Made-to-Measure Curtains lead 12% sales Growth

Dunelm saw a 12% rise in profits during 2015 and state that this is largely due to sales growth of made-to-measure curtains  coupled with their home delivery service, for which they charge £3.95.

Online services such as Aspire Curtains and Blinds provide made-to-measure curtains and blinds for 20-30% less than on the high street - with FREE delivery and unlimited FREE samples.

http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/110685/dunelm-reports-sales-and-profit-hike-110685.html

John Lewis displays Beautiful Rooms with made-to-measure service

Displaying products in a room setting, allowing customers to order their own versions via a made-to-measure service, the new £14 mill John Lewis expansion promises to build on the success of online made-to-measure retailers by giving the customer the ultimate in product selection.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/interiors/curtain-up-john-lewis-unveils-new-14-million-home-department/

Extend the barbecue season by making use of your Conservatory

Simple design features to make more use of your conservatory over winter.

We’ve had a fabulous summer; lots of lazy days with the kids and lots of informal gatherings around the barbecue.  It seems a shame it should end as the clocks go back. We can all fit far fewer people in our lounge than we can in our garden, so tend to hunker down for the winter and become anti-social.

If you are lucky enough to have a conservatory on your house then here are some ways you can make it work for you and your social life this winter.

• Keep it neutral & accessorise for the season

Neutrals are a must for every conservatory. They allow you to play it cool in the summer and heat things up in the winter.  Neutrals go with everything.

• Coordinating blankets and cushions in the winter allow your guests to snuggle up and look out at the weather
• Draw the blinds down and open the doors to our lounge – voila an instant extension for entertaining large groups
• Keep it light and bright in the summer, earth tones and pastel hues will fade less than bold colours
• Change the cushions, rugs and throws regularly to give this often neglected space an occasional new lease of life; coordinate with your choice of blinds.

• Think practical and make sure the space works

Think about how you use your conservatory. If it is a back entrance to the house, make sure there is space to get in and out; and a shoe rack or risk muddy footprints.

To  use your conservatory as an extra dining room when friends and family come to visit – then make best use of the space by clearing out the sofas and installing a table.

You can make great use of a rug in a conservatory – as the amount of sunlight means carpets are impractical.  Make especially sure the rugs don’t slip on hard flooring, especially if your meal includes wine for your guests.

• Bring the outdoors in with foliage and plants

One lovely thing about a conservatory is its location near your garden.  Make a feature of this for your guests.  Overwinter vulnerable plants and enjoy their foliage – or even use the space to grow exotics.

Allow your choice of fabric to reflect the garden setting.  There are some great nature inspired fabrics choices on the market. Your guests will enjoy the outside-in feeling – especially if you are hosting a barbecue on a chilly evening.

• Heat things up for the cooler months

As well adding blankets and rugs to your conservatory for the winter season, candles can give a warm glow and add to the ambiance, but keep them away from curtains. Coloured spotlights or even fairly lights can add a lovely glow to the space. And remember, the Christmas tree looks during December!
Just a couple of tweaks and your conservatory will serve you well throughout the winter.

How to avoid becoming the next Big Brother celebrity on your street

We’ve all been there. Walking the dog after work, just as night is drawing in - we can see straight into our neighbours’ houses.  We don’t (really) want to, but it is all there for us to see. 

Avoid minor celebrity status in your street by following our simple tips.

·         Think cosy, think cocoon

It’s Halloween and Coronation Street is about to come on.  The door bell has been ringing all night with groups of pink witches and cute cats demanding sweets.  But you’ve been in the lounge with the lights off for 25 minutes now and seem to have fooled them.  Will turning on the TV to see how Fiz and Tyrone are getting on with Hope's prognosis end up giving you away?  Are your curtains going to block out the light and absorb the sound from your TV?

To ensure a lovely warm room, safe from prying eyes of passers by the single best thing you can do is hang a gorgeous pair of fully lined luxury curtains. Not only will they absorb some of the sound from your TV and block out the light but they will make your room feel luxurious by adding an extra layer of protection from the outside world.  Create your own cocoon this winter.

·         Contemporary blinds make a stylish alternative to net curtains – yes really!

We are all proud of where we live.  Our home is a reflection of ourselves. However, the house-proud women of our Grandmothers’ era would not approve of our lack of net-curtains.  The colour of your ‘nets’ said a lot about how you cared for your home.  What was it about ‘nets’ that was so important?

Well, previous generations were onto a good thing when they insisted on net curtains at every window.  They provide a barrier against drafts; protect you and your possessions from prying eyes as well as allowing light in. They defuse the light in a bright room – and bring a cosy feel to colder parts of the home.  The curb appeal of matching curtains cannot be underestimated, whether they are twitching or not!

Most of the benefits of net curtains can be achieved with some of the new contemporary binds.  Roman blinds protect from drafts and coordinate beautifully with the furnishings of a room.  They are also cheap enough to have a set at every window. So make your granny proud and get yourself blinds for every room.

·         Protect kids with funky blinds

Your six year old is old enough to play in her room on her own; dressing up, making up dance routines or playing on her iPad. With the light on, her activities are fascinating to passersby.  They will love to see her change from Anna to Elsa and perform her own rendition of Let It Go – but do you really want them watching? Do you want them to see her iPad abandoned on her top bunk bed? 

Protect your child and her possessions by shielding the windows with a funky blind. There is an enormous range of child-friendly designs on the market.  You can even get blackout blinds to help her sleep or translucent blinds to let in the maximum of light during the day.