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22nd September 2020 Preparing Your Home for Autumn

Image: Alstons Reuben

Summer is quickly fading into darker mornings, cooler evenings, with wet weather on its way! Now is a great time to get your home in order and ready for the coming autumn and winter months. Here are a few things worth doing to make sure that your home stays cosy and warm when the cold weather really kicks in.

Have your boiler serviced

There’s nothing worse than being without hot water and central heating when the temperatures have dropped to freezing cold. Stay ahead of the game by making sure your boiler is serviced and ready to face the upcoming months.

Sweep the chimney

Regular chimney maintenance is essential to guard against chimney fires and to ensure that everything is in good working order. Have a chimney sweep check out your chimney, or if you don’t have one, have a specialist service any gas or electric fires to ensure that they are in good working order.

Check the roof

It’s not often we think about the roof until it’s too late, so nip any potential issues in the bud by checking for any buckled or cracked shingles and check for any holes or missing tiles. Speak to a qualified roofer about getting repairs done so that it is ready to stand up against any strong winter storms.

Replace your sofa

The chances are that you’ll be spending many a cosy evening wrapped up warm on your sofa, so if yours is looking a little tired or worn, now is a great time to look into replacing it. We have a great range of sofas and armchairs available in our showrooms and online, get in touch today to see how we can help you to have the cosiest lounge this winter!

Wash the curtains

While there is still time to dry them outside on the line, give your curtains a good wash to prepare them for all that use they will be getting in the winter months!

Pack away the garden

With the colder weather setting in the garden is likely to start seeing less use, so take the time to mow the lawn, pack away garden furniture, barbecues, and paddling pools, and clear out vegetable patches and borders.

Looking for new furniture for your home? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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23rd July 2020 How to Create a Peaceful Bedroom

Image: Portbury Bedroom collection - available in a choice of finishes.

It is estimated that we spend a third of our lives sleeping – which is a lot of time to spend in the bedroom! Creating a peaceful, bedroom environment is one of the best ways to promote good quality sleep, which is essential for helping us to feel calm, relaxed, and happy.

So, what are the best ways to promote a relaxing environment in your bedroom?

1. Declutter
Cluttered spaces tend to make our minds feel cluttered, which is not the best start when you’re trying to get to sleep. Take a look around your space and remove anything that isn’t necessary for creating a peaceful environment. The clearer the space, the more relaxed you will feel in it.

2. Use neutral colours
Pillar-box red or aquamarine blue might well be your favourite colours, but bold colour schemes can make a space feel dark and claustrophobic. Stick to neutral, non-jarring colours such as whites, beiges, creams, pastels, and natural tones to create a light and airy space that feels clean and comfortable.

3. Incorporate natural materials
One way of fostering a sense of peace and calm is to include elements of the natural world wherever possible. Wooden bed frames, knitted throws, sheepskin rugs, and plants are a great way to make space feel grounded and calming. Always check the compatibility of plants before you place them into the bedroom, as some are not suitable.

4. Use a sunrise clock
Waking up with the sun is easy in the spring and summer months, but in the autumn and winter, it can become very difficult to get out of bed. Use a sunrise alarm clock to help your body adjust to the start of each day naturally.

5. Throw the windows open
Let out any stagnant air that accumulated through the night by throwing open the windows every morning. It doesn’t have to be for very long, especially in the winter, but a few minutes is enough to replace the air and make it feel like a new space.

If you're looking for a new bed or bedroom furniture for your home, head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements. Can't make it to the store? Shop online at your leisure.

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10th July 2020 Tips for Bringing Summer Indoors

Long, sunny days and balmy, relaxed evenings mean that summer is well and truly underway! Whether you’re spending your days lounging in the garden or sipping ice-cold drinks in the shade, it’s safe to say that summer tends to bring out the best in us. So, why not bring some of that positive magic inside the home as well? If your home feels a little blue after spending all that time in the sun, then perhaps it’s time to turn up the summer vibes inside so you can enjoy this season a little longer.

Go bold

Summer is a time for expression, so think bold, bright, sunny colours for your interiors. Use warm, sunny yellows or tranquil, watery Aquas as accent colours in your living spaces. Let nature inspire you for mixing and matching different shades, such as trendy corals and jades or apple greens and lavenders. Think sunshine meadows, colourful hedgerows, and glistening beaches.

Embrace florals

Many people avoid florals for fear of creating a dated space, but there are plenty of fresh, contemporary floral patterns out there which can turn the heat up in your home while keeping it looking modern. Add a floral pattern to a couple of throw pillows or switch up the curtains for a new, effortless finish.

Go green

One of the fastest ways to liven up any space and evoke the feeling of summer is by bringing in plenty of plant life. Even if you’re terrible at keeping plants, there are plenty out there that can give you that green look without requiring too much maintenance. Look for cactuses, succulents, or spider plants to bring some zing into your living space.

Lighten up

Heavy drapes and luxurious textiles might be great for winter, but when it comes to the summer, they can feel a little dark and dreary. Cover a sofa with a light throw, pack away heavy rugs and switch up your bedding to incorporate more cottons.

Looking for a new set of summery furniture for your home? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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23rd January 2020 5 Sleep Tips for 2020

Image: Harrison Lima 7200

If you are starting off the new year with a fresh perspective and some positive intentions, then you’re not alone! Thousands of people use the start of the new year as a time to make some changes in their lives. But there is one change that you can make today that will help you to achieve all of your goals for this year.

More sleep!

It is estimated that nearly a third of us do not get enough sleep, but it is vital for us to function properly. Without proper rest, it can be much harder to achieve goals that we have set ourselves. So, here’s how you can make 2020 the year that you get enough sleep.

1. Stick to a schedule
Make sure that you wake up and go to bed at the same time every day as this will set your natural circadian rhythm. Try to stick to this even at the weekend so that your body always knows when it’s time to wake up and go to sleep.

2. Have a morning routine
We all know how hard it can be to get out of bed in the morning, so make it a little bit easier by having plenty of things to look forward to. Drink a glass of water, have something tasty for breakfast and take a hot shower to prepare yourself for the day.

3. Meditate
If you have trouble nodding off in the evening, then meditation is a great way to relax and unwind the mind before you go to bed. Listen to a soundscape or guided meditation to help you drift off.

4. Avoid stimulants
Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can all stimulate the body so it’s a good idea to avoid all of these things for at least 4 hours before you go to bed.

5. Address your sleep surface
If you’ve been waking up feeling achy or stiff, then perhaps it’s time to replace your mattress. Studies have shown that it is best to replace your mattress every 5-8 years, depending on wear and tear. If your mattress is sagging in the middle, is uncomfortable or has springs poking out of it, then it’s time to seek out a new sleep surface.

Looking for a new bed? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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8th January 2020 New Year New Lounge

Image: Sherborne Nevada collection

The start of a new decade means lots of resolutions, goal setting and positive intentions for the coming year. Whether you’re planning on getting fit, starting a hobby or learning something new, resolutions are a great way to start your year off as you mean to go on. And it is no different when it comes to your home.

If your living room is looking a bit worse for wear after the festive seasons, why not spend some time sprucing it up for 2020? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Create a vision board

A great way to collect your ideas for your new space is to create a vision board with your favourite colours, pieces of furniture, styles and furnishings. You can either cut pictures out from magazines or use a virtual pinboard on Pinterest. Once you have collated your images you will start to notice themes appearing which you can use to help design your living room.

Declutter

One of the major tasks in any space is to remove the unnecessary clutter before you can get started on improving it. Get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose and find a new home for things that don’t fit in with the vision board for your new lounge.

Address seating

The most important function of the living room is to ensure that everyone has somewhere comfortable to sit. Make sure that your sofa is big enough for the space you have and cleverly include additional seating that doubles up as other pieces of furniture, such as a large ottoman.

Include storage

Even after you have decluttered, there will still be plenty of things that need storing. From books to DVDs, it’s important to ensure that you have enough space to store them so look at getting a sideboard or TV cabinet to help you stash these items stylishly.

Add colour

Neutrals are still big news in interiors for 2020, but even if you decide to stick with a neutral scheme it doesn’t mean that you can’t use pops of colour with scatter cushions and upholstery.

Looking for some new furniture? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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16th December 2019 How to Make Your Own Christmas Wreath

Nothing quite says Christmas like a big, beautiful wreath to greet you and your visitors at the front door. Whether you prefer glamorous elegance, minimalist chic or you love traditional styles, there is a wreath to suit every taste. The best part is that it is possible to make a wreath at home and it is a craft that the whole family can get involved in.

Create the base

The first thing you need to do is create a base to work from. The most popular base tends to be grapevine as this is sturdy and flexible and leaves you plenty of room to add your own decorations. You can also make a wreath from wire and it is also possible to use a pre-made foam wreath that you can add your favourite embellishments to.

Find your foliage

Once you have your base sorted, it’s time to find your foliage. The best way to do this is to head to your local park and forage for some greenery. Look out for fir cones, pine boughs, holly branches, moss and ivy. Don’t take more than you need and try not to damage any plants and trees in the process!

Trim the stems

Head back to your house with your haul and set about trimming the foliage so that it fits neatly around the wreath.

Wrap the wreath

Now it’s time to wrap the wreath with your foliage. Pick out a group of stems and lay them diagonally across one side of the wreath. Secure the ends with wire and continue to wrap the wire around the foliage and the wreath, leaving the ends to fan out. Add another bunch of stems and repeat. Keep repeating this process until you have covered the wreath.

Add embellishments

Here’s the fun part! Decorate your wreath with shiny baubles, sparkly lights, berries, cinnamon sticks or dried fruit to personalise it. Let your imagination run wild. Then all you need to do is hang it over your door!

Need some new furniture? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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14th November 2019 The Amazing Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep

Image: Sealy Royal Mohair 2300, 5’0” (150cm) King Size divan with 2300 pocket & mini-pocket springs. With easy care, no-turn mattress with pashmina, mohair & bamboo plus Geltex. Quantum Edge support. Contains Sealy Smart Fibres. Plus a Platform base for enhanced support. View More

It is estimated that we spend more than a third of our lives sleeping, so it is super important that we make the most of those resting hours! A good night’s sleep can have a huge impact on our mood, emotions and overall physical well-being, which is why the benefits of a good night’s sleep shouldn’t be underestimated. So, if you’re getting mediocre rest on a regular basis, check out these reasons why a great night’s sleep is better for you.

Improves memory

If you’ve ever had a bad night of trying to sleep, then you’ll know how difficult it can be to remember things the next day. This is because our brains organise memories as we sleep, storing up the things we learned and processing the things we need to remember. The better your sleep, the more you remember.

Strengthens immune system

The winter months can be especially tough on the immune system, with colds and flu viruses coming at you from all over the place. Sleep is a vital factor in keeping your immune system strong enough to fend off those germs because your body produces protein molecules to fight infections as you rest.

Improves weight loss

While sleep can’t directly contribute to weight loss, it helps the body to regulate the hormones that are responsible for appetite and cravings. The less sleep you get, the more likely you are to give into cravings for fatty, sugary foods.

Keeps your body healthy

Not only does sleep help to reduce stress and inflammation, but it can also improve heart health, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Our body also repairs itself during sleep, so injuries and illnesses are much improved with plenty of good quality sleep.

The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to make sure your bed is the best it can possibly be. It is recommended that we replace our mattresses every 5-8 years, so if your mattress is showing signs of wear and tear, or you’re waking up feeling achy or groggy in the morning, perhaps it’s time to replace it with a new one. You will thank yourself later!

Need a new bed? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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10th October 2019 How to Feng Shui Your Living Room

Image: Parker Knoll Hampton Sofa & Armchair

One of the busiest rooms in the home, the living room is the setting for everything from chilled out movie nights to big social gatherings. So, it is super important to get the feel and flow of the room just right. Whether you’re entertaining friends and family or simply watching the TV, how the room feels will have a huge impact on how well you can enjoy it. This is where the ancient art of feng shui comes in.

Feng shui is the practice based on the idea that our homes are mirrors of what is happening inside of us. The purpose of it is to get your environment in alignment with your own energy so that everything works together in harmony.

Sounds bonkers? Maybe! But if you have nothing better to do on a rainy afternoon, why not try and give your living room some feng shui.

Start by making sure your room is well lit and ventilated. This means that energy can flow freely through space and will avoid any stagnant patches developing.

Next, it’s time to address the layout of the room. It’s important to make sure that people can move around furniture easily, so keep all pathways clear. Avoid placing chairs in awkward places so that people have to walk around them and keep sofas parallel to the wall behind them to maximise the space around them.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to angles. Sharp angles are known as poison arrows, which point negative energy around the space. Rounded edges are a much better way of softening the room and promoting restfulness.

To make the most of your feng shui space, ensure that you minimise clutter as minimalism can help the flow of energy. Pay attention to colour by selecting neutral colours that help you to feel relaxed. Also, create balance by making sure that one piece of furniture or wallpaper doesn’t overpower the entire room.

Need a new sofa? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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27th September 2019 5 of Our Best Bedside Tables

When it comes to creating the perfect sleep oasis, a bedside table is one of the most essential ingredients. Not only does it provide a surface for lighting and somewhere to store books, glasses and a drink of water, but it also helps to create a finished, stylish look in your bedroom. If you’re looking for a bedside table to update your room, check out our top 5 bestsellers.

Baker Bahama Bedside Chest

The Baker Bahama Bedside Chest is constructed from reclaimed and recycles wood and given a warm, silky sundried wheat finish. The subtle scratches and colour variations make each piece truly unique and one of a kind. The distinctive finish is created by hand polishing and brushing each piece with high quality, environmentally friendly oils to create or enhance a genuine aged patina. Metal handles provide the finishing touch for this very distinctive collection. Baker furniture is also part of the Trees 4 Trees project which reduces the effect of deforestation by increasing the area of community planted and owned forests.

Verona Bedside Table

The Verona bedside table comes from a collection of beautiful traditional bedroom furniture with hints to the classic Louis Phillipe design. Constructed using oak solid and veneers, with a subtle lacquered finish, the rounded profile and recessed latch handles add a touch of sophistication and blend with almost any interior.

Welcome Cambridge Bedside Table

Ideal for a contemporary or modern interior, the Welcome Cambridge Collection is available in a choice of high gloss drawer front colours as well as a choice of colour for the carcass. The sleek style is ideal for adding an elegant touch to your bedroom. Delivered fully assembled, all you need to do is add the brushed steel effect handles.

Baker Cotleigh Bedside Chest

Constructed from reclaimed and recycled wood and finished with a beautiful two-tone stained and painted finish, the Baker Cotleigh Bedside Chest is a perfect mixture of Scandinavian design and contemporary styling. Ideal for almost any interior, the bedside chest adds plenty of ample storage as well as a pull-out shelf. Baker furniture is also part of the Trees 4 Trees project which reduces the effect of deforestation by increasing the area of community planted and owned forests.

Baker Northfield Bedside Chest

If it’s a traditional look that you’re after, then it doesn’t get much better than the Baker Northfield Bedside Table. Assembled in stunning mahogany solids and veneers with a rich, deep patina and gloss finish, the bedside table is the perfect addition to any traditionally styled bedroom. Supplied fully constructed with both metal and wooden knobs.

Need a new bedside table? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

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18th August 2019 Tips for Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party

Learning how to host the perfect dinner party is a life skill that will never go to waste. While there are many amazing restaurants that you could visit instead, there is something magical about inviting friends and family to dine in the comfort of your own home. So, whether you’re planning on hosting the biggest dinner party since Christmas, or you are hosting a quieter, more informal affair, these tips should help you to ensure that all of your guests have the best possible time.

Create the menu

First and foremost, everyone will be coming to your dinner party for the company. So, in some respects, the food is a secondary concern, however, it is still worth putting time and effort into creating the perfect set of dishes for your guests. Keep it simple so that you don’t get flustered on the day and end up spending all of your time in the kitchen. Stick to a straightforward dish such as roast chicken or chilli and serve with heaps of fresh bread, salad and homemade side dishes to add a bit of wow factor.

Select your drinks

A dinner party is no fun without a few tipples! It’s worth spending a bit of time working out which drinks will suit your guests and the meal and ensuring that you have everything you need to serve them, from fresh limes and mint to ice and glasses.

Set the stage

Products in the image: Andrena Pelham Collection
Your dining table is going to be the backdrop for the main event, so making it look amazing is a crucial step in creating the atmosphere you want for your party. For a rustic look, add slate placemats and candles, or if you prefer a more elegant approach add plenty of fresh flowers and crisp white napkins.

Ramp up the ambience

Product in the image: Ruark R5 All-In-One Music System
When it comes to creating the mood for your dinner party, lighting and music are key. Instead of using your stark overhead light, stick to dimmed lamps, fairy lights and plenty of candles to add a dramatic feel to your party. Create a 4-5-hour playlist for your party so that you don’t have to keep getting up to change the record every few minutes.

Have fun!

It can be super easy to get swept up in the stress of cooking but that means you’re not putting much effort into the business of entertaining. Remember to relax, have fun and don’t be hard on yourself if it doesn’t go the way you planned. After all, it’s about the company!

Need a new dining table? Head on down to our showrooms in Street and Weston-Super-Mare or give us a call on 01458 445555 (Street showrooms) or 01934 626326 (Weston showroom) to speak to our highly experienced, knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you with all your interior décor needs and requirements.

Don't forget you can stay up to date with all our latest news and promotions by signing up to our Mailing List and following us on Facebook.