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!

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

Spring into Bold

With Cherished Gold named as Dulux’s colour of the year – this bold, strong yellow will be featuring on many a wall across the UK.  Used as an accent colour, striking a real contrast with the trend for naturalistic tones bright, jewelled colours are the perfect spring pick-me-up to lift the mood and stimulate the mind. 

Working particularly well in a kitchen, against the monotone of kitchen units bold bright colours will bring relief in 2016.

Consider some of the following in your home:

      

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.

Feel-good Interior Design

More than a synonym for luxury, the word luxe extends the concept from expensive and high quality, to the condition of being elegantly sumptuous. So where on-trend, nature inspired interiors could drift into looking ‘rustic’ or even ‘worthy’, bringing in a luxe element allows rooms to glow and the warmth of comfort.  The addition of luxe to a nature-inspired room is particularly useful when for in bedrooms or living rooms.

Ways to add luxe to your room:

Accessorise, Accessorise, Accessorise

Adding golden or bronze objets to your room brings instant luxe.  Work within the context of your surroundings – but be prepared to go big.  Big works best when it comes to luxe. Think mirrors, metallic sculptures and door furniture.

Fabrics and Furnishings

There are some fabulous lustre fabrics available. And hanging next to the window means that the shiny fabrics will give off a lovely glow. Made-to-measure curtains will ensure a quality finish and lift any room to elegantly sumptuous.

We can all benefit from nature, but bringing a little luxury into our lives helps us feel even more special.  The nature luxe is a really feel-good way to decorate your room.

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THE EVOLUTION OF GREEN IN 2015

 We might not all be able to afford to use one of the Times Top 30 Interior Designers to make our home look amazing. It's up to us to make the space around us fabulous. With a little knowledge the alchemy of attractive design can be ours for a fraction of the cost.

The major key trend from 2015 was nature, with green being the dominant hue.  It’s easy to see why when you think how many of us have to spend our days in an office or commuting through built up areas.  Who doesn’t get a lift from green?

Pale, subdued greens were the focus at the beginning of the year.  Think sage, eau de nil, moss and pastel tones.  Green feels tranquil and restful, and is often associated with fertility.  It is very wholesome and there are very few houses in the UK which wouldn’t benefit from a green room.

Things spiced up as the year progressed. In summer we saw energy levels rise with the inclusion of lime,pistachio and bright green among the best sellers.  Green blinds in conservatories were a popular choice as people attempted to bring the outside-in.

As the autumn leaves fell, so we see the shades of green take on darker tones.  Olive, teal and hunter green come to the fore as we all snuggle down for winter. Comfort and reassurance with tactile fabrics and soft-furnishings led us all a cosy end to 2015.

The trend for green looks set to continue with Spring 2016 seeing the introduction of bright, fresh greens, emerald and lustre fabrics. Watch for the launch of new fabrics from iLiv and Belfield in early 2016.

Dark Nights are drawing in - snuggle up with these warming ideas

It’s that time of year.  The weather in the UK is damp and foggy, we’ve all switched our heating systems on and daylight hours are becoming noticeably shorter. Is snuggling up a British guilty pleasure or winter survival technique?

Hygge is a thing

Broadly translated as "cosiness," "togetherness" or "well-being" and closely related to that “Christmassy” feeling we all get. Hygge is what gets Northern European’s through their long, dark winters.

Originally a Norwegian concept, it is thought that Hygge is responsible for Denmark topping the European Commission's well-being and happiness index for 40 years in a row.

Hygge is more than snuggling up on the sofa with a good book – but that’s a great place to start. You can Hygge your home by making it warm and inviting. Candles are great Hygge - so are luxurious curtains and cushions.  Spread Hygge amongst your friends by offering intimate and special moments together.  Host candle-lit suppers, board game evenings or mince pies and mulled wine, for the ultimate in Hygge hospitality.

More on Hygge on the Visit Denmark website.

Great Food and Great Company

Nothing warms the soul more than a fabulous seasonal feast eaten in good company.  This time of year the UK boasts an enormous array of vegetables in season. Think along the lines of large bowls of casserole, with crusty bread or even dumplings – followed by crisp apple pie.

Vegetables can be delivered to your door using an on line service or take a trip to your local farmers’ market; you may even be able to harvest them from your own back garden. Fresh produce will give you a vitamin boost to keep colds at bay and increase fibre intake aiding digestion as you become more sedentary.

However you get hold of them, seasonal vegetables will nourish the body as well as the soul when you snuggle down this winter.

Keep Moving Keep Warm

In cooler weather the temptation is to get warm and stay warm.  Close the curtains and settle down in front of the TV or with a good book.  But we must make an effort to get outside each day and brave the weather.  Keeping active during winter will help us maintain our vitamin D levels and keep our spirits up.

Oder people, in particular, need to make the effort to get out and socialise.  Can you help a neighbour or relative by offering to take them out for an hour or so? It will boost morale for both of you.

Far from a guilty pleasure, snuggling up this winter and spreading Hygge amongst your friends and family is definitely a great way to survive this winter.

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/

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.