Blue Interior Design Is Coming Back In 2024
2024 seems to be the year of tender and reassuring pastels like Pantone's "Colour Of The Year" Peach Fuzz but mid-blue is making its comeback too.
Live Japandi, Mix Between Japan and Scandinavian Style
The traditional style inspired by Japanese culture combined with the warming comfort of modern Scandinavian design gives you ‘Japandi’. A well-balanced mix of design and taste focused on the common interest in minimalism of these two faraway cultures.
Source: Cultfurniture.com
When the home designs from Japan and Scandinavian countries meet, you have 'Japandi'. Coming from the very antipodes, this interior design is made of balance, harmony and a touch of welcoming warmth.
Based on simplicity and functionality, Japandi has both core elements of Japanese ‘Wabi-Sabi’ meaning– a world view centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection – and the Scandinavian practice of ‘Hygge’ which is defined as a certain quality of cosiness.
Keep in mind the following elements; organic, clean lines, rattan, bamboo, light/dark woods and functional accessories. Get the idea? A good saying to stick to when creating this stylistic and comforting interior style is ‘Less is more’, keeping your space decluttered and airy is the way forward with Japandi.
Give your dining room a Japandi transformation starting with the basics. Have this colour palette with you – beige to a soft grey – then get ready to fill your baskets with the following: Heaven dining table and the Lund dining chair for all your fine dining needs. The Alma sideboard for storage and a few decorative elements such as Iguaze pendant light, Olbia vase, Marlborough stoneware vase and the Cango table lamp. Combine all these pieces together and your personal touch, then there you have it: your Japandi style dining room!
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Marlborough Stoneware Vase, Taupe £28
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Cango Table Lamp, Bamboo £79
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Iguazu Pendant Light, Jute £159
Alma Sideboard, Oak & Cane £499
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Heaven Rectangle 8 Seat Dining Table £799
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Lund Dining Chair, Dark Grey & Black £229
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Olbia Round Stoneware Vase, Green £42
At Cult Furniture you can choose from a wide range of modern and contemporary furniture, lighting, and artwork to create the perfect mood and ambience in this new 'Japandi' style.
Jimmie Martin Mannequin Lamp Collection
Eclectic and theatrical London-based interior design studio Jimmie Martin is sure to grab your attention with its mannequin lamp collection.
Glow Up Your Home With The Range New Collection
Illuminate your home in 2022 with the new lighting collection of modern lamps and light fittings from the Range. 
Ph. Sidekix Media, Unsplash
The new statement lighting designs by The Range will be brightening up our homes in 2022 taking us from dark and cosy winters to a fresh feeling spring.
Highlight the centre of any room and create a stylish atmosphere with the Industrial Weaved Ceiling Light Fitting. Available with either three or four bulbs, this ceiling light features black metal cages, through which light will stream to cast designs on your ceiling and spotlight the room. This light would look particularly stylish in a dining room or kitchen, where it can illuminate a counter, island, or dining table (£49.99). There is a coordinating floor lamp (£59.99), wall light (£14.99) and table lamp (£21.99) available in this style too.
With elegance and glamour packed into this compact Orla Jewel Droplet Table Lamp, your bedroom or living room will instantly feel a whole lot classier. Designed with a chromed stand, the Orla's light shade is made from white, translucent fabric, softly hazing the light and creating a warm glow. With large, acrylic jewels dangling from the under shade, this light will sparkle and stun when turned on. Table lamp (£24.99), floor lamp (£32.99) and lampshade (£17.99).
The Hana Table Lamp boasts a classic, timeless design making it the perfect addition to any room of your home. The sleek and stylish chrome-effect stand is offset beautifully by the elegant, pleated lampshade in a neutral tone that gives your space more depth and texture. Ideal for your nightstand, mantelpiece, or console table, this affordable lamp is sure to make your house feel more like home. Just £12.99!
Make your home feel super warm and welcoming with this Home Sweet Home LED Neon Sign (£49,99). This trendy neon light sign will glow in a soft orange to create a cosy atmosphere, while the 'Home Sweet Home' message will remind you to find comfort and peace in your house. This light would look fantastic across from your front door, so you can see it whenever you enter your sweet home, or perhaps steal the style of the swanky bar area featured in one of the Selling Sunset listings that recently got viewers swooning.
Super modern and a little bit futuristic, the Cyrilla Glass Table Lamp will look fantastic on your sofa side table. The base of this lamp has been painted with a high shine metallic paint and features a textured diamond pattern, which will reflect to create interesting visuals whenever you're near. Other table lamps in the collection include the Clara Table Lamp (£24.99), a simple yet sophisticated light that will add some class to your home as well as illuminate your room. The white ceramic base features metallic gold caps on the bottom and top, above which a large shade brings an entirely modern finish. This lamp is perfect for a living room or bedroom, where it can cast a glow about your space in the evenings.
The Caterina Table Lamp (£12.99) is inspired by beautiful art nouveau patterns in its embossed leaf design over a stunning golden base. The glamorously gold base contrasts wonderfully with the simple white shade, to ensure this stand-out light catches the eye but does not overwhelm the rest of your decor.
Guide to building the dressing room of your dreams
Many people dream of building the perfect walk-in wardrobe. Luxurious, spacious, glamorous, with or without an island, with plenty of shoe storage – everyone has different tastes when it comes to designing their dream dressing room.
Cheer up your home with some simple seasonal accents
Truly welcome in the warmer weather with a summery home refresh. Nothing major, just simple add-ons to spruce up your living room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, or even home office.
Photo by Curology, Unsplash
No matter your home's style, whether it is colourfully modern, sleek and minimal or super chic you are bound to find some inspiration that will complement your current interior. And as an added bonus these ideas complement the season's home decor trends like pops of live greenery and accessories in varying neutrals, greens, blues and mulberry tones.
Top tip - Use these creative ideas as your base, and then add your twist on it, it is your home so it should express your personality.
'These ideas are not just for the summer season so, if you are a lover of all things bright and light, keep them around all year long for a sunny and happy home.'
Pops of Colour
Summer is a rainbow of colour so, you will not struggle to find simple pieces that you can add to your bedroom or living room. Bring in that colour through a mix of new throw pillows, vases, and wall prints in your favourite summer colour.
Bohemian Accent Rug
Bohemian style decor is full of colours, patterns, and fun textures just what is needed for the summer season. So, start at your feet with a multi-coloured rug. That just exudes that vibe of well-travelled, relaxed and so boho.
Blooming Floral Walls
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a simple way to turn a blank wall into a chic upgrade. This is a great way to wake-up that blank accent wall in the entryway, living room, bedroom or even your bathroom.
Bright Lights
Bring light into your spaces with a bold coloured light fixture or table lamps and to make that colour pop even more add decor accents in a similar hue as your chosen colour.
Dried Floral Delights
A fresh floral centrepiece is always stunning but with dried flowers enjoying their moment in the spotlight, why not switch out the fresh bouquet for a bunch of dried flowers. They will add not just some colour but also texture to your space.
Coastal Accents
For an easy, summer-ready fix, mix in patterned pillows in tropical prints for added colour. For added texture and depth add pieces in rattan, robe and some greenery like a Fiddle-leaf fern or any of your favourite plants to set it off nicely.
Bright Yellow Accessories
Bring in the sunshine with yellow accessories like lemons on your kitchen table, flowers, and decorative plant pots and fill your spaces with the brightness of the sun.
Now it is over to you, to welcome summer into your home and make the most of this colourful and happy season.
A Wall Of A Statement
Picture Source: Adapted from Unsplash.comHome is where we will be for the next while and if that is where we are going to be we might as well make the most of it. And with it being spring which is usually the season to spruce up our homes. There is no better time than now to inject happy and positive color and playful patterns into our homes. And not forgetting that we are on a bit of a tight budget we have a quick, affordable and easy way for you to brighten your living room and bedroom.
Picture Source: Unsplash.comCreate An Accent Wall
We all know what it feels like when you feel boxed in and all you can see around you is four white walls. Aagh!! That alone will drive you bananas. So, the solution, create an accent wall. You can, of course, paint your accent wall but there are more fun and creative ways to make a statement. And here are two of my favorites that will create interest and add texture in your living room or bedroom.
Dress it with a piece of your favorite fabric. This works the same as hanging wallpaper and using fabric with a large floral pattern will add color and added texture to your room.
Picture Source: Unsplash.comYou will need:
● Textile fabric
● Scissors
● Drop cloths
● Stepladder
● Laundry starch
● Paint roller with low-nap roller cover
● Paint tray
● Wallpaper smoothing tool
● Metal straightedge
● Sharp utility knife
Instructions:
Prepare the Fabric and the Walls. Opt for fabric with a large pattern like floral's and make sure that you have enough fabric to cover your chosen wall. Make sure the fabric is clean and dry. If you want to be sustainable have a look through your old flatbed sheets.
Cut the lengths of fabric to fit the wall, allowing about 2 inches of extra fabric at the top and the bottom, and along wall edges. Wash the wall down and dry it before you begin, and remove everything from the wall.
Apply Starch - You can use starch to attach the fabric to the wall. This will not damage the wall or the fabric and will allow for easy removal Cover your wall to avoid too much mess.
Apply the starch to the wall using a paint roller as this is less messy and faster than using a brush or dipping the fabric into a container of starch. Make sure to cover all of the wall surfaces completely.
Hang the Fabric - This will take patience, but it is not difficult. Apply the fabric while the starch is still damp, beginning in one corner and moving across the wall. Get the kids to help to make sure that everything goes on straight. Have a helper stand back from the wall to ensure the pattern remains properly aligned and that they match at the edges. Use a wallpaper smoothing tool to flatten the fabric against the wall.
Now, roll more starch over the fabric and let it dry
Trim the Fabric - Trim off the excess when the starch and fabric are dry to the touch, use a straightedge and sharp utility knife. Just be careful with the sharp blade
After Care:
You can keep it looking fresh clean by simply cleaning it with a sponge and some dish-washing detergent. When it comes time to remove the fabric, use a wet sponge and soak the corners until they come away from the walls. The fabric should peel right off.
Picture Source: Pexels.comThis is a brilliant idea for small spaces with boring white walls. Follow the step by step instruction Emily’s Blog Everything Emily Blog, on how to use black washi tape to create a repeat pattern.
An oldie but always a goodie is a Gallery wall. Gather all the old frames that you have laying around the house and fill it with new wall art.
Picture Source: Pexels.comTips For Working From Home
Many businesses which have in the past worked out of large buildings, have realised that this way of working – where employees work from home, could be a way to reduce overheads and allow for more efficient business management in the future, once this lock down is all over!
With this in mind, Fashions Finest have some top tips, to help you get the most out of your time working from your home space, and help you to survive your isolation period while still working from home.
Unsplash.comGet Up And Get Dressed:
Getting up and dressed every morning will help to put you in a good frame of mind for working! You may decide you wear the same formal wear you would wear to work, or just comfortable sportswear, whatever works best for you is fine. The point is that the start of your working day is marked by getting out of bed, getting dressed and mentally preparing for a day at work!
This also means going to bed early enough to ensure you are getting a good amount of sleep and setting your alarm clock for your usual waking time too.
Set Regular Working Hours:
Working to regular hours, helps you to get into good habits for your daily routine, and it times like this, setting good routines are a great way of ensuring your day doesn’t drag on endlessly, and follows a pattern, which is great for your state of mind too. That way you know what time you start work, when you take breaks and for how long, as well as what time you clock off for the day. This is especially useful when you have a family. They know what time you will be available to spend time with them, and when you are effectively ‘at work’.
Sit At A Desk Or Table:
Having a desk or table to sit at ensures you maintain a good posture while working and you can organise your work space for the hours you are at work. This might be a desk in the spare bedroom, or even the kitchen table. Either works well to ensure you don’t slouch too much, and injure your back or hips in the long term, and it also helps to set you in the ‘work’ frame of mind, and ensure you are potentially more productive than snuggling up on the sofa with the TV and the lap top on your knees.
Take Regular Breaks:
Regular breaks help you to remember to eat, and stay hydrated too. Plenty of snacks and hot and cold drinks throughout your work day will keep your mind alert and firing! Break times can also include time to play with your children, teach a ‘maths lesson’ or do some arts and crafts sessions, or take a walk, have a little home workout session, or have a conversation with whomever you share your household. Its about doing whatever works for you and your own personal circumstances.
Spruce Up Your Work space:
Cambridge ImprintUK company, Cambridge Imprint make patterned paper, stationery and home-ware with a sophisticated palette, and their beautiful, yet practical storage and filing systems are the perfect way for you to create a stylish and homely and functional workspace in your home, while still ensuring the area as not out of keeping with your own home décor. Also, you never know, home working could become a bigger part of your new post Covid 19 daily routine, and with all these delights on offer, you will be able to hit the ground running!
Keep Moving:
It will improve your mental state if you plan in times of movement within your day. That might be a YouTube/home work out every morning, then a late afternoon walk around your area, or a park if you are lucky enough to live close to one. Alternatively you could try something different like yoga or a work out using the things you have all around your home already. If you want to spend some money, you could even find an online personal trainer to help you stay fit and healthy in these most strange of times too.
Most importantly of all, stay safe while you stay productive, and don't forget to keep washing those hands too!