Home Decor | UK Lifestyle Blog

Create Your Own Outdoor Living Room

Summer is here and this the time of year when many people want to make full use of their garden spaces. And one of the best ways of doing this is by creating a living room environment in your garden. If this is an aim that you have yourself, this article will give you a few pointers about how exactly you can achieve this goal.

Make the Space Accessible

Many people choose to put their outdoor living rooms nearby to their houses so that they are able to access the amenities that they need from indoors. Putting your outdoor living room next to your house also allows you to provide some shelter from the elements.

Keep the Layout Comfortable

Keep your outdoor living room a similar size to your indoor space – or even smaller if you would like. Even if your outdoor furniture is different from indoors, you still want it to be comfortable. Check out the Rattan and Lighting Company for some possible options. One of the great pleasures of an outdoor living room is the fact that you don’t have to make it appear too overcrowded with stuff. Plush textiles, cushions, blankets etc will help to provide the finishing touches to the space.

Give Plenty of Lighting Options

There will be times when you want to continue the party after the sun has already set. On these occasions, you should provide enough lighting to make sure that all your guests can still see each other comfortably! There are plenty of outdoor lighting options to choose from. And while you are shopping for them, you could also look into the hearing options which are available to you as well.

Keep it Private

It is a lot harder to properly relax if you feel like the neighbours are going to poke their heads over the fence at any minute to see what is going on. There are a number of different ways that you can create an added privacy effect. Billowy curtains are a nice cost-effective and elegant option if you want to go down this path. Otherwise, you could consider investing in some screens, which are a moveable solution. If you have green fingers, you can shroud your living room in plants and flowers to shield your outdoor space from prying eyes.

Add a Focal Point

All good living rooms are supposed to have a focal point – and this is probably not going to be your big screen TV like it is indoors! Some of the favourite choices out there include fire pits, fireplaces, fish ponds, and water features. Otherwise, if you have a complete outdoor kitchen area as well, your focal point could be your cooker or grill.

Creating an outdoor living room will give you years of fun and memories – and you can always add extra features over time to make it even more special. Follow the strategic tips in this article to create the space that you are looking for.

Sam Charles 2018-08-08T18:37:35+00:00 August 8, 2018|Home Decor|

10 Swaps I’m Making for an Eco-Friendly Home (and You Can Too!)

A green lifestyle has become more and more attractive, especially to millennials. It’s so easy nowadays to be eco-friendly, so why wouldn’t you? You’ll help save the earth and conserve energy for the future – your future, your kid’s future, their kid’s future. It all starts with you.

From less chemicals to the reduction of plastic bags, people everywhere are taking charge and finding ways to go green wherever possible. If you don’t know the first thing about being eco-friendly, take the time to understand why going green is better for you, the planet and how it will positively impact future generations to come.

There are many ways you can contribute to an eco-friendlier environment – using all-natural makeup and hair products, boycotting plastic water bottles and driving less. It’s as simple as you make it, and it all starts in your own home. Read on for ten easy swaps for an eco-friendly home.

Get Rid of Paper Towels

The overuse of paper towels is almost inevitable in any home that has them readily available. They’re an energy drain on the environment because when they go through production, they require water, trees and energy – all so you can just throw them in the trash.

Don’t let recycled paper towels fool you because even those use water and energy during their production. Use old dish towels to mop up common kitchen spills (I recently treated myself to some lovely tea towels from the National Trust – they’re absorbent, reusable, and likely already available in your household.

Use a Natural Moisturiser

If you can’t pronounce the ingredients in your moisturiser, you probably shouldn’t use it. Lots of beauty products are loaded with chemicals like parabens, fragrance and more – all harmful to the environment and to your skin. Make the switch to coconut oil to save money and protect your skin. It’s inexpensive, natural and smells great.

Switch to Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Switch out light bulbs that aren’t energy efficient for those that are. They’ve been around for a long time, but people are just now catching on. There’s no reason not to use energy efficient lightbulbs if they’re available to you. They use less electricity and last longer, which means less replacing.

Update with Wood Shingles

If you’re roof needs replacing, update it with eco-friendly materials. Choose wood roof shingles because they are biodegradable, sustainable, all-natural and energy efficient. If you live in a warmer climate, wood roof shingles can maximise your cooling savings, and even if you don’t, they help to optimise the performance of your houses heating and cooling system.

Buy Compostable Pet Waste Bags

If you’re a responsible pet owner, you always pick up after your pet after they do their business in the neighborhood. This is a great thing, but those plastic dog waste bags sit in landfills for several years, even up to a century. Use compostable waste bags that are made of resin, vegetable oils and compostable polymers instead.

Say Goodbye to Water Bottles

There’s no reason you should use plastic water bottles unless you’re looking to throw money away and sabotage the earth. The great thing about a reusable water bottle is that you can use it over and over again and save yourself some money at the grocery store. Plus, you won’t have to lug a 24-pack of water bottles from your car all the way to your kitchen counter.

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Believe it or not, most laundry detergents are loaded with chemicals that seep into your clothes, then into your skin. Say goodbye to bottled laundry detergents, and make your own version with all natural ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, vegan castile soap, and essential oils for fragrance.

Utilise Power Strips

Even when you aren’t using your computer or television, they’re still sucking up energy. Conserve energy and the money in your bank account, and set up power strips so you can easily switch them off when you aren’t using your electronics.

Invest in Reusable Grocery Bags

Plastic bags from grocery stores are such a waste, and they take years to decompose. They are used to bring food from one place to another, then trashed. Invest in reusable grocery bags, and keep them in your car so you always have them ready to use.

Choose Eco-Friendly Appliances

The next time you go to the store to find a new appliance like a coffeemaker, toaster or hair dryer, make it a point to pick something eco-friendly. Even if you purchase a larger appliance, like a refrigerator or a stove, big, energy star appliances are not the way to go.

Making changes in your carbon footprint doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start at home with the ten simple swaps above. These changes will instantly make your home more eco-friendly and help to conserve the earth in the process. Plus, you will save yourself money by using power strips, making your own laundry detergent and updating your roof to wood shingles.

Sam Charles 2018-08-04T21:41:49+00:00 August 5, 2018|Home Decor|

Bedroom design hacks: We’ve redecorated the bedroom!

Have you ever had the pleasure of staying in one of those huge grand hotels? Where the rooms are massive, luxurious, and decked out to be super classy? If you have, you will know exactly the sort of bedroom I mean. Staying in these fancy hotels and stylish Airbnb apartments have given me heaps of inspirations, so I’ve spent the last couple of weeks redecorating (the big reveal is coming soon!).

As much as we love traveling, having a home I love coming home to is so important to me. When I moved into my new build a couple of years ago, of course I decorated it exactly how I wanted it! However, I didn’t quite get the chance to step back and focus on the details, because so much was happening at once. Now I’ve had time to think carefully about each room and it’s been so exciting making our house a home.

Here’s my top bedroom decorating hacks that I’ve stolen from our recent travels..

Mid-century chair c/o DFS and upholstered by me! Read more here..

The walls

Now, the walls are an important feature in any room, but in the bedroom, they can totally make or break your look. While you might find heavy damask wallpapers in luxe hotels, to keep your room at home modern and airy, try a plain white wall instead. Using this colour will stop the room become too old fashioned or oppressive. Remember too that you can add texture and opulence with personalised decorations, picture, and hangings instead of wallpaper.

The furniture

Now, furniture in a grand but modern looking bedroom can often be a sticking point, as some people get confused as to what sort of style they should be using. But the easy answer is that you are not limited to any one particular type, as long as you dress the rest of the room well.

😱➡️ 5 Tips for a Scandinavian Style Bedroom on a Budget

For example, you might choose to use classic mahogany pieces like these ones available at antiquesworld.co.uk. But then combine them with light walls and modern, bold patterns on the fabrics you use in the room to keep it looking up to date. Or you can use sleek Scandinavian style furniture, but increase the opulence in the room, with very plush high-end fabric and rugs. The choice is entirely yours.

The mirror

Something that is vital in a grand bedroom has a property place in which to get ready for the day. That is actually a dressing table with a mirror. Choose something on a large scale, and try to incorporate some backlights top make it as useful as it is attractive. Chose a similar style for coherence or clash styles for an interesting, eclectic look.

😱➡️ 5 Design Tips To Make The Most Of A Small Bedroom

The bed

So for grandeur, you need to get the biggest best that you can a) fit in the room, and b) afford. For most folks that will be a super king bed. Which are usually so big that you have to roll over several times to snuggle with your other half during the night. You will also want a plush, but modern style headboard for this look. Tufted headboards are very in right now. As are sleek modernist styles so you have a few that you can choose from.

You will need to dress is properly. That means not a just pillow and a duvet cover but going for the full works including shams, beds runners and throw pillows. You can find out more about this at popsugar.co.uk. Not only will these accessories ensure that your bedroom look luxurious, but they will help you to be as comfortable as possible. Just remember to go for something with a geometric design or stripe to keep it as modern as possible.

😱➡️ Here's How I Transformed My Bedroom Into A Luxury Retreat

Finishing touches

If you’ve been my house it’s pretty clear to see that I hate clutter. But there are a few little bits and pieces I like having around the house because it makes it feel like home. My latest is obsession is buying crystals.

I also have candles everywhere, and I always like to have some flowers blooming because they make my home feel so fresh and smell so good. I’m totally in love with Bloom Magic right now because their roses that arrive in a hat book make my bedroom look Pinterest-ready in 3 seconds flat. My room is now full of positive vibes 🔮✨

Sam Charles 2018-07-17T12:18:45+00:00 July 17, 2018|Archive, Home Decor|

Load More Posts