News

18th July 2019

5 of Our Best Footstools/Ottomans

The humble footstool is one of those essential pieces of furniture that belongs in every home. With their ancient Egyptian origins, footstools, or ottomans, are a great way to bring versatility into every kind of living room. Not only do they add extra storage and seating, but they can also create a focal point and bring the design of a whole room together. That’s even before you put your feet up on one after a long day! With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of our very best footstools. What’s more – these footstools are currently in the sale!

Alstons Cosy Legged Ottoman

 
The Alstons Cosy Legged Ottoman comes from a contemporary Alstons collection which features a super stylish design with comfort and practicality. The ottoman has a huge amount of storage space which makes it ideal for those looking for space-saving pieces. Available in a wide range of fabrics, this ottoman is available online and can be delivered in a colour and style to suit almost any interior.

Tetrad Constable Large Rectangular Footstool

 
For a superior finish and high-end luxury, it doesn’t get much better than the Tetrad Constable Rectangular Footstool. Featuring a divine combination of luxurious velvet and beautiful leather, this footstool is the ideal way to create a stunningly casual but elegant statement to any room. Available in our Street and Weston stores and currently in the sale.

Parker Knoll 150 Collection - Camden Ottoman

 
The Parker Knoll Camden Ottoman is a design piece that will complement the interior of almost any room. Heavily Art-Deco influenced, this piece takes inspiration from some of the most influential moments in design history while providing practical storage space and superior comfort. Available in a wide range of plain and print fabrics, the ottoman is available in both our Weston and Street stores.

Alstons Georgia Ottoman

 
The Alstons Georgia Ottoman hails from a super classic collection of coordinating sofas and chairs that bridge the gap between traditional and modern. Featuring a large storage space as well as a sturdy finish, the footstool is available in an extensive range of fabrics and is supplied with a durable cold-cure cushion as standard. 

Parker Knoll Moseley Footstool

 
The Moseley Footstool by Parker Knoll is one of many available from the Parker Knoll classic range and just like the sofas it can be covered in a range of beautiful fabrics and durable leathers. Available in our Street and Weston stores, this footstool is the perfect piece to finish almost any style of interior.

Need a new footstool? 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 July 2019

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Bed

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Bed

Image: Sealy Genoa Wool Deluxe 1400

When it’s time to replace your bed, the options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Searching online and in stores, working out what will suit both you and your partner, and navigating the minefield of springs and foam can often leave you wondering whether the whole process is worth it. But it most definitely is! A new mattress can work wonders on your physical and mental well-being, which is why we have put together a handy guide for choosing your next bed.

Before you begin, check your current bed to see whether it needs replacing. If it is sagging in the middle, or you have had it for more than 7 years, then it is definitely time for a new investment!

Head to the store 

You may find some amazing deals online, but it is no substitute for actually lying on the bed and testing it out. Head on down to your local bed showroom to test out a few different mattresses and get a feel for what you and your partner both like.

Consider the size 

The size of your bed is an important factor. If you are planning on getting a bigger bed than your current one, make sure you take plenty of measurements to make sure that it will fit. Ensure that your door and wardrobes can be opened with a bigger bed in the space. 

Access to the home and bedroom is also very important. Always double check you can fit your new bed through the corridors and up the staircase if you have one. This is a problem people encounter when buying a new bed or mattress, especially if it's a larger size than previously owned. If you think it will be a problem, perhaps consider the zip & link option. A zip and link mattress is essentially two separate mattresses that can be zipped together to form one bed or separated to make two individual beds. 

Determine whether you need storage 

Storage beds have a huge advantage in that they provide plenty of extra places to stash bedding, clothes and other items when space is at a premium. Whether you prefer divans or ottoman beds, having extra storage could be the solution you need to maximise your space. 

Choose a mattress 

Arguably the most important step, choosing the right mattress can mean the difference between a great night’s sleep and none at all! Whether you prefer firm, soft, foam or sprung, work out which combination works best for your back and provides you with the most support by visiting your nearest bed store.

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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26th June 2019

5 Steps to Styling a Dining Table

5 Steps to Styling a Dining Table

Image: Trafalgar by Sutcliffe

When it comes to hosting dinner parties, the focus is often on the food, wine and company. As it should be! But the unsung hero of almost every dinner party is the table. The stage for your perfect dinner party, the dining table should be dressed so that it does not compete with the meal or company but complements it perfectly. So, how do you make sure your dining table looks amazing?

 

Choose a theme
A theme doesn’t have to mean something specific like a holiday or celebration. It can be more about choosing the right colours and atmosphere for your dinner party. Are you hoping to create a fresh, summery feel? Or are you looking for more of a moody, midwinter look? The seasons can be great inspiration for dressing a table, but you can also look elsewhere, such as woodland inspired décor or seaside themes. Once you have an idea of what you want to achieve, you can begin a vision board to collect ideas for colours, decorations and textures. 


 
Select a cloth, placemats and napkins
Arguably the most important foundation for your dining table is the cloth. This will provide the backdrop for the rest of your tableware, so choose wisely! If you are planning on having a darker theme, select a tablecloth that contrasts with the placemats to bring a dramatic feel to the table. Lighter, summery tables look great with lace cloths and macramé placemats, while rustic themed evenings would look great with an exposed wood table and slate placemats. Napkins are the perfect finishing touch for any dining table, try to choose ones that will complement the aesthetic of the other pieces on the table.


 
Arrange the tableware
When there is a lot happening on the table, often it’s a good idea to keep the tableware simple. White crockery and silver cutlery work best with any type of theme. It’s a good idea to set out the tableware in advance, just work out how many courses you’re serving and arrange the crockery accordingly. 


 
Choose a centrepiece
The centrepiece is the ideal way to complete the look of a table, and it can be as simple as a vase filled with fresh flowers or a trio of pillar candles. You can be as creative as you like with the centrepiece, just remember that practicality is important – people still need to see each other and pass things around the table without too much hassle!


 
Finish with glasses
The final touch is to add the glasses you will need for the dinner party – a jug of water and tumblers are essential, as are wine glasses if you plan on cracking open a bottle or two.


 
Need a new dining table 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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5th June 2019

Choosing the Perfect Wardrobe

Choosing the Perfect Wardrobe

Image: Rauch Imperial Sliding Door Wardrobe

It is fair to say that the humble wardrobe is as essential as a sofa or a comfy bed. But, more often than not, it tends to be the last thing we think about when it comes to furnishing a new house or redecorating our bedrooms. In fact, more than two thirds of us use a temporary clothes rail in place of a proper wardrobe – which is no surprise given how expensive it is to move house these days.

So how do you find the perfect balance of style, functionality and affordability? Here are some top tips.

Size

It’s no surprise that the top consideration for a wardrobe is its size. This is all going to depend on the room that you plan to put the wardrobe in. Larger rooms can handle big, free standing wardrobes with plenty of doors and drawers, while smaller rooms will need much more stringent planning when it comes to measurements.

Contents

Before you go any further, have a think about how many things you’re going to need to store in the wardrobe. Now is a good time to empty your existing one and have a good clear out of any old or unwanted clothes so that you have a better idea of what kind of space you will need to store them.

Style

After measuring and deciding how much space you’re going to need, think about the style that would work best in your room. There are plenty of different styles to choose from, such as:

Once you’ve chosen the style of your wardrobe, it’s time to decide on the colour. Whether you prefer a dark stained finish or a light, bright woodgrain, there is a wardrobe out there to suit your tastes.

One last thing – always work out how you are going to get the wardrobe into your bedroom! Whether it comes flat packed or in one solid piece, manoeuvring it upstairs will be a tricky task, so always ensure you have enough space.

Need a new wardrobe 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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7th May 2019

5 Hacks for Moving Home Without the Stress

5 Hacks for Moving Home Without the Stress

When it comes to finding a new home, the excitement of moving into it often overshadows the reality. Days or weeks of list making, organising, packing and unpacking can take a lot of the fun out of moving home, but there are a few ways that you can minimise the stress associated with it.

Declutter 

As soon as you make the decision to move to a new house, you should start decluttering each and every room of your current home. It is never too early to start this process! After all, the less you have to move, the easier it will be. Start with the top of the house and work down so that you can be sure that each room has been addressed. The loft is usually a huge source of unwanted or unneeded items, so begin there before working your way on to the bedrooms and then the downstairs. Donate, gift, repurpose and recycle anything you no longer need or want to lighten the load when you move.

Make a schedule 

The earlier you can start getting ready for the big day, the better. It’s a good idea to give yourself between 8-12 weeks to get organised so that you’re not frantically trying to cram a whole house move into a few days. Allow yourself plenty of time to do each room so that it is not too difficult to unpack and find everything you need at the other end.

Pack an essentials box 

Instead of spending ages rummaging around to find the kettle or the cutlery, pack a box with everything that you will need for the first few days in your new home. This could be anything from toiletries and teabags, to pet food and cooking utensils. After a long day of shifting heavy boxes and keeping track of your items, you will be super grateful to have an easy way of finding the things you need to unwind!

Set aside time for cleaning 

While the move itself will take up plenty of time, so will cleaning your old house and potentially sprucing up your new one. Make sure you set aside time for leaving your previous home sparkling clean and giving your new home a quick freshen up. Keep all cleaning supplies in a separate box that’s easy to locate and tackle each room one by one to make sure you get every nook and cranny.

Take care of yourself 

Often, moving to a new house can take up so much time and energy that it can be easy to forget about sleeping properly, eating well and generally taking time out to relax. This can lead to all kinds of stressful situations, so try to eat a balanced diet, get at least 8 hours sleep a night and spend a few minutes a day doing something other than thinking about moving home.

Need some new furniture for your new 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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8th April 2019

The History of Parker Knoll

The History of Parker Knoll

When it comes to high quality, British made furniture, one of the first brands that always springs to mind is Parker Knoll. Since the start of the business, more than 147 years ago, the company has innovated some of the best furniture technologies and produced some of the most iconic designs in the industry. So how did the Parker Knoll legacy begin?



 

Royal Beginnings

In 1869, a 24-year-old Shoreditch-born cabinet maker named Frederick Parker set up business creating high-quality British furniture. His work was of such a high standard that it wasn’t long before the Royal family took note of his designs and summoned him to Buckingham Palace to measure King Edward VII for a chair. The King was extremely pleased with his initial prototype and ordered one to be made. Thus, began a long-standing relationship between Parker Knoll and the Victorian gentry which would be the basis on which would last well into the next century.


 

Demand Increases

The business continued to do well in the early 1900s at which time the business was moved to even bigger premises in High Wycombe. The company received an order from the RMS Aquitania to furnish the Palladian Lounge, which it gladly fulfilled. In 1929, Frederick Parker’s sons took over the running of the business and soon combined forces with an ex-fighter pilot named Willi Knoll. After spending plenty of time sitting in uncomfortable aircraft seats, Knoll had spent some time innovating comfortable furniture and so the resulting partnership between the Parker company and Knoll in the early 1930s led to the introduction of luxury spring furniture.


 

Strength to Strength
 
The new Parker Knoll brand was the first to advertise nationally and received great success. They were commissioned to furnish the new BBC headquarters in 1932 and used their factories to assist with the construction of aircraft during World War 2. By the 1950’s, however, a new era of design had descended, and Parker Knoll led the charge with their innovative design and luxury comfort. They were the first to introduce a recliner chair and have continued to impress at design fairs every year since.



Watch Full Timeline:



Want to find out more about Parker Knoll 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. Or shop online now.


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26th February 2019

5 of Our Best Sideboards

Seriously underrated and often overlooked pieces of furniture, sideboards are not only a practical way to add storage, but they are perfect for finishing off a room. Whether you are looking for a sideboard for your bedroom, dining room, hallway or lounge, we have a beautiful range of pieces to match any kind of style.

Reclaimed

 
If you are looking for chunky, rustic furniture to fit in with an urban, industrial, or farmhouse look, the sideboards from the Baker Nickel collection could be perfect for you. Constructed using reclaimed materials with a natural finish, these eco-friendly sideboards will bring warmth and character to any room in the home.

Country

 
Add a touch of French country glamour to your living space with a sideboard from the Baker Cotleigh range. Reclaimed timbers are enhanced by a gently distressed elegant two-tone finish to create a fresh and contemporary look with bags of character and charm. There is also the option to add a dresser top to create a statement piece worthy of any country kitchen! 

 

 

 

 Mid-century modern

 
The mid-century modern look is still going strong in interior design, which is why we love this stunning sideboard from the Porto range. Its brushed stainless-steel legs and walnut veneers combine to create a chic and contemporary finish on a classic design. One of our personal favourites.

  

Contemporary

 
For a contemporary finish, the sideboards from the Kingstown Alpha collection are a great way to bring modern styling into your home. The on-trend contemporary designs combine with the flexible functionality demanded by modern living to create practical and super stylish pieces. Available in a Light Grey and a Dust grey finish. 

Traditional

 

For a solid, traditional piece of furniture that will last for generations, the Portbury 3 Door Sideboard could be perfect for you. The Portbury is part of an extremely well priced and extensive collection of living, dining & bedroom furniture. All items are available in a choice of finishes. For the dining & living ranges, there is a choice of oak all over with antique handles, or oak/stone painted finish with silver handles. Alternative handles are available as an optional extra. The majority of items are supplied fully assembled. The oak all over items are constructed using a combination of oak solids & veneers. For the painted finish, the tops are constructed using oak solids & veneers, with the painted parts being constructed using pine and manmade board.

Want to find out more? 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 February 2019

Top Tips for Mixing Patterns in the Home

When it comes to interior design, people often think that one of the trickiest styles to master is the art of mixing patterns. However, it is actually a lot simpler than it looks. Not only does it add colour, interest and depth to a space, but it actually makes the process of finding accessories for your home a lot easier. Just remember to stick to a few rules.
 

1. Start with one design
 
Image: Alstons Stockholm

Whether it’s a statement rug or a cushion you just fell in love with, your pattern journey always starts with one design that you can’t live without. If you have previously been into neutrals and monochromes, breaking out into patterns can feel daunting at first but once you start it is very difficult to stop!


 
2. Use different scales

Image:Parker Knoll Boston 2 Seater Sofa

A good way to start building your patterns is to use different scales throughout the room. Use large scaled patterns on curtains and larger pieces of furniture, and smaller patterns on accent pieces and accessories. Switching up the scales adds interest and prevents the patterns from looking too ‘matchy’.


 
3. Build on a colour scheme
 
Image: Living Homes Beach House

If you already have a colour scheme in mind, build on it by using similar colours in other patterns. For example, making sure that all of your patterns have a shade of blue in it will help to unify them. If you would prefer the multicoloured approach, choose contrasting colours that clash next to each other.


 
4. Stick to a consistent hue

Image: Ashwood Hamilton Corner

If you are decorating your room in pastels or a specific hue, it’s a good idea to use patterns and tones in similar hues rather than adding in bold jewels tones. Conversely, bold rooms look great with other bold colours layered against them. 


 
5. Work with odd numbers of patterns
A good rule of thumb is to work with odd numbers of patterns. Start with three, work up to five and if you are feeling super brave try out seven, or even nine!


 
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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25th January 2019

Design Ideas for the Bedroom

Design Ideas for the Bedroom

Image: Baker Bahama Reclaimed & Recycled Collection

It is said that we spend a third of our lives in bed, so when it comes to interiors, your bedroom is the most important room in the house. Whether you prefer an oasis of restful calm or a luxurious boutique boudoir, there are a few things to consider before making a start on creating the bedroom of your dreams.

Style

The most important thing to think about when designing your bedroom is the style you are hoping to achieve. Spend some time looking through pictures for inspiration and create a mood board of your favourite styles as this will give you an indication of the sort of colours and accessories you like. You may find that you thought you liked country styles, but your mood board might show a collection of more contemporary pictures. Look for things that the pictures have in common, such as bold prints, dark walls, colourful accessories or minimalist furniture.

Lighting

Carefully positioned lighting can transform a room. The key is in layering it. Work with floor lamps, overhead lights and bedside table lamps to create a multi-level effect so that it is easy to change the ambience in the room simply by turning a light on or off. Decide whether a chandelier style overhead light would work best, or spotlights and consider installing a dimmer switch. Add in easy to reach lamps next to the bed so that you don’t have to get out of bed to turn them on.



Colour Scheme

Colour schemes can be the most daunting part of decorating, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. For small or dark rooms, work within a neutral palette to give the illusion of light and space. If you love the bold, bright look but aren’t sure about committing to painting the walls with strong hues, choose an accent wall to display your chosen colour or use it in the accessories to make your room pop.

 

Furniture

Whether you’re working with a big room or a tiny space, the furniture you choose for it will make a big difference to how the room feels. Ottoman beds are perfect for adding in storage to smaller spaces, while mirrored wardrobes are a great way to bounce light around the room while saving on wall space at the same time. Don’t forget the quintessential bedside table for your books!

Browse our wide range of beautiful bedroom furniture, we have something to suit all styles and budgets.

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.   

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21st January 2019

A Guide to Finding the Perfect Dining Table

A Guide to Finding the Perfect Dining Table

Image: Baker Nickel

From hosting dinner parties to the everyday family meal, there is something magical about the perfect dining room furniture. The setting of memories, a dining table is the most essential component of any family home. Whether you need a casual café style table or a formal hardwood affair, there is something for every style and budget at Living Homes. So, how do you go about choosing the perfect dining table for your needs?

The first thing to consider when buying a dining table is the use it will get. For example:

  • Casual use:

For everyday family dinners, a casual use table is the way to go. For this type of table, you will need something hardwearing and comfortable that is easy to clean and sit around. Extending tables can work well for families as they can be increased in size when there are special occasions.

  • Formal use:

Formal dining tables work super well in larger homes that tend to host a lot of dining evenings. Large, more ornate tables with an elegant finish and sumptuous chairs are perfect for this type of setting.

  • Kitchen use:

If you are looking for a table to slot into the kitchen for breakfast meals and everyday use, a smaller, more robust table is a good choice.

The next step is to think about the size. A good place to start when deciding on the size of the table is to measure the space it will fit into. Work out how much space each chair or bench will need when pushed back from the table and then figure out how many chairs can fit into that space. If you have plenty of space, start by working out how many people will be using the table.

Lastly, consider the style. There are several different options to choose from.

  • Contemporary:

Modern spaces will suit the sleek lines and angles of glass and chrome. Industrial styles are very popular at the moment and often feature a mixture of aged wood and metal.

  • Traditional:

Warm woods, chunky legs and minimal details will look perfect in a traditional or period space.

  • Country

Distressed finishes and rustic legs are ideal for country and shabby-chic style rooms.

Browse our wide range of beautiful dining tables, we have something to suit all styles and budgets.

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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