Category Archives: Interior Design Trends

A warm evening, best friends and delicious food. The three key ingredients for the perfect Summer supper party.

For special occasions go the extra mile, incorporating elements that will make things feel genuinely special. Touches that make the atmosphere celebratory from the moment your first guests arrive.

A fabulous display of flowers is enchanting and make a real first impression, not to mention a conversation piece. Making this arrangements is so much easier with life-like blooms. They are not going to wilt, they stay where they are put and can be organised in advance.

Begin with an old fruit crate from your local or farm shop or a rustic basket. Fill with large blooms such as Hydrangeas. Place at the entrance to the dining area to be enjoyed by your guests.

Set the tone of your table with:

1. Fruit and Flower centre pieces.
2. Flower petals scattered across the table.
3. Crisp white linen napkins elegantly folded and tied with coloured ribbon to match the centre pieces.
4. Coloured wine and water glasses, use as many different glasses as possible.
5. Large rustic bowls and servers for superfood salads
6. Add coloured throws to the back of each chair. They give and endearing look and come in useful if the evening turns chilly.
7. Candles – Hurricane Lamps
8. Lastly sit back, relax and enjoy a memorable evening.

Is your home due a spring clean? It’s time to decide what stays and what goes.

Letting go of excess “stuff” will help you feel more in control and less anxious. This will improve your mental well being and that of your family.

1. Hallway & Stairs

Keep it clear! This area is the first impression of you home no one wants to walk into a mess.
Keep shoes and coats in a under stairs cupboard. If this is not possible invest in a bench with storage for shoes and hang coats in a wardrobe. Hallways are the arteries of your home. If they are blocked the flow of energy is affected.

2. Sitting Room

With the present preference for open plan it can be hard to keep clutter out of sight. Use storage solution furniture. Antique chests make wonderful coffee tables and can house children’s toys after bedtime. Storage cubes are great for extra seating as well as keeping paperwork out of sight. Baskets can also look pleasing to the eye and house many items of different shapes and sizes.

To purchase these antique chests, please contact Gillian Forster: 07870 406613

3. Kitchen

The kitchen can become a dumping ground paper,post and sports bags. Keep clutter that can not be hidden to one area. Well used items such as oils and herbs can be decorative but keep to one side of the work surface. Having some areas totally clear is more aesthetically pleasing and gives more space to work.

4. The Home Office

Quick clear up tips… Tidy the desk and floor. Keep the desk as clear as possible. A clean and clear work space will clear the head and nourish the soul. Maximise shelving and title folders and files. Write a to do list and highlight priority items. Back up your computer!

5. Bedrooms

A chair in the bedroom can be inviting but it can also become a clutter magnet. It does not look so good covered in clothes! The bedroom should not be a dumping ground, take a minute to put clothes away. Keep work items out of the bedroom and limit electrical items. This will give you a more relaxing stress free environment to end a busy day.

To purchase this antique chest, please contact Gillian Forster: 07870 406613

6. The Bathroom

It is important to achieve as much storage space as possible in the bathroom. Many basins come on cupboard or drawer units great for hiding all those bottles. A family will also benefit from a wall mirror cupboard. Again it is a place that will benefit from baskets… idea for keeping children’s toys and toilet rolls neat and tidy.

To purchase this storage cube, please contact Gillian Forster: 07870 406613

Other Tips…

Look at the furniture in every room. Do you need it all? Is it all “doing a job”? Can any items be replaced with more use full pieces?

When organising shelves and other surfaces… Take every thing off, look at every piece with a fresh eye. Do you need it or want to look at it? If unsure donate to charity.

Is your home due a spring clean? An uncluttered home will create an uncluttered mind!

To purchase any items for in this article, please contact Gillian Forster on 07870 406613.

Gillian x

As the world gets more chaotic and technical, 2017 will see us hunt for something more real and natural as we reflect far more on what we consume and where our products are from. Take a look at these 2017 interior design trends for your new years inspiration:

2017 Interior Design Trend #1

#1 The New Nordic

Scandinavian style is here to stay, but 2016’s cutesy will be replaced by graphic contemporary in 2017.

Traditional whites or soft grey woods complimented with worn tan leather and natural wood will keep your décor on trend. For the brave among you – adding a dark wall will really set this look off!

Earthy shades are in fashion, bold yet understated, providing a sense of honesty to our homes – think sandy beige, rusty reds, oranges and deep green tones.

2017 Interior Design Trend #1

#2 Minimal Lines

Furniture that is slim, clean and has minimal lines will be a staple this year.

Think – sofas, chairs and side tables with light and slick skinny legs; then juxtapose with fabrics and materials of your choice (see #3).

#3 Vibrant Jewel Tones

Emerald, ruby and sapphire blend exquisitely with violet shades.

Choose plush pile fabrics such as velvet which is traditional yet surface detailed to compliment your minimal line furniture.

2017 Interior Design Trend #3

#4 Round Mirrors

It’s time to move away from square and rectangular mirrors – round or oval oversized mirrors are IN!
On the topic of mirrors… grouping a selection of mirrors together (as many as possible) makes rooms feel larger and adds an impressive feature.

2017 Interior Design Trend #4

#5 High Low Detailing

Match cabinet wood to a detail on the wall behind and paint them the same statement colour for a new look. Surfaces should be matte – gloss surfaces and woodwork are out this year (yes, even in the kitchen)!

#6 Rethink Bathrooms

Forget square and rectangular tiles this year and turn your attention to hexagonal tiles or metro tiles set in a herringbone design.

For fixtures and fittings, think beyond chrome taps – brass, copper and black give a unique new look.

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Happy New Year from Concept Designs – we hope you enjoy your home in 2017!

Gillian x