More often than not, your style isn’t simply modern or traditional, but a melange of the two. Which is good news, as a fusion of contemporary and classic décor is effective in creating an eclectic home that feels lived-in and is full of interest, not to mention being bang on trend.
What’s more, most of us have pieces that have been gifted or inherited, so it’s important to know how to incorporate these into our schemes to avoid waste, not just because buying everything brand-new is seriously expensive. But the best bit about mixing styles? Because it’s not entirely trend-led, it enables you to create a home that’s uniquely yours – indeed, you’ll never see the same interior on the pages of a magazine or a similar room in the home of a friend. After all, in 2023, the ultimate bragging-right is individuality.
Helen Belcher, senior interior planner at our Interior Planning Service, explains: “A home should be a collection of things you love to tell the collective story of those who share the space. Blending treasured antiques or vintage finds alongside more contemporary designs creates a truly unique home...
At Heal’s, we suggest spreading these older pieces throughout the home to ensure ‘patina’ items that create intentional contrast, old and new, while ensuring the final look feels fresh and eclectic, rather than cluttered and dated.”
Read on to discover how to master the art of mixing old and new to create a home that truly reflects the best of both worlds.
Modern style in a period home
Have you moved into a traditional home with period features? Think original floorboards, high ceilings and ornate cornices, all of which add to the charm and character of a house with real history.
But how to decorate? Classic décor certainly has its appeal, but if you want your spaces to feel like part of the 21st century, then offsetting old features with modern furniture can look effortlessly chic.
Consider a contemporary sofa, like the curvaceous Nuvola in on-trend bouclé, or a statement sideboard, such as the luxurious Lars with its painted finish and walnut detailing.
Add further modernity in futuristic lighting(sleek and minimalist Saber is sure to bring the drama), a gallery of wall art that wouldn’t look out of place at MoMA – think colourful pieces and abstract prints – and contemporary objets d’art (see Broste Copenhagen, Hay and Ligne Roset for inspiration).
With a little know-how, and a dash of inspiration, a period home can easily set the stage for the next generation.
Traditional décor in a contemporary space
One of the benefits of moving into a new-build is that it offers homeowners a completely blank canvas on which to express their personal style. That said, it can hard to inject warmth for those leaning into a modern aesthetic with similarly contemporary décor, which is when vintage pieces can be the key to success. In a neutral space with little to no interest, a classically-inspired sofa like the Devon, featuring a scroll-armed profile, high-cushioned back and gently-tapered legs, adds much-needed character.
White or grey walls? Plump for colourful upholstery – petrol-blue or forest-green, perhaps? – in a tactile fabric like luxe velvet for depth and texture. Underfoot, furnish with a vintage-inspired rug – luxury carpet maker Louis de Poortere is cleverly reinventing Oriental styles for a snip of the price – for pattern on a plain floor.
And, finally, breathe even more life into a modern room with a design classic, such as an Anglepoise Original 1227 floor lamp, to make it look like it’s been curated over years.
Classic and contemporary furniture together
You may love modern furniture, but you might also have traditional pieces that have been passed down from generation to generation, in which case there’s an art to pulling mixed styles together. Firstly, start with a simple colour palette on the walls that allows eclectic furniture to do the talking – there’ll already be a visual feast so you don’t want to add one element to many – and favour hardwood or solid flooring layered with rugs over fitted carpet (which can look odd with vintage pieces).
Likewise, keep window treatments clean and unfussy, once again allowing your furnishings to be the star of the show. Finally, when combining vintage and contemporary, avoid making any single item a statement piece. Everything should have equal weighting to create a sense of cohesion and calm with each being beautiful and interesting in their own right.
Browse and buy contemporary furniture or design classics to inspire your own interior decoration.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Tips & advice
You’ve heard of table-scaping, followed by mantel-scaping and even tray-scaping, but what about picnic-scaping? Just in time for summer, we’re now looking for ways to style up our picnics with online searches for inspiration growing, providing the perfect way to entertain outdoors this season.
Our buying director, Sabina Miller, says: “Now that long summer evenings are upon us, the table-scaping trend we saw explode during the pandemic is now extending to the spreads we are enjoying in our gardens and parks.
Whether you are playful or sophisticated, Heal’s has got everything you need to elevate your picnic and get those ‘likes’ flooding in.” Ahead of long al fresco days, we round-up the hottest products to browse and buy for your seasonal picnics, along with our tips and tricks for styling yours like a professional. Go on – take it outside.
The seating area
For a modern take on a picnic blanket, why not assemble a luxe collection of cushions on the lawn for a chic but casual seating area? A scattering of these, from our first exclusive collaboration with independent fashion label LF Markey, is just the thing to add colour and pattern to your garden gathering, while the Cabana stripe cushions in multiple colourways make even an open invitation feel like a members’ club.
To save your soft furnishings from getting dirty, why not add an outdoor rug – such as the Diamond Kilim by GAN – as a protective layer? Alternatively, traditionalists may prefer a blanket, in which case a vibrant throw like the checked Poppy Merino in pink or the abstract Pop Wool in green from Brita Sweden should do the trick. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
The dinnerware
Then, it’s all about layering your seating area, starting with beautiful dinnerware. This year, our new collection features plenty of colour and pattern to ensure your spread packs a punch, and these fresh plates from Harlie Brown Studio – Citron, Fig, Crevettes and Radicchio – are fast gaining something of a cult following on social media.
You don’t want everything to match, though, so ensure you throw in a couple of other styles, such as this Ottolenghi Feast Face serving plate by Serax or the 12 piece box set by Heal’s + LF Markey. Great for catering to a crowd. The Sintra salad bowl, recently introduced, will look cracking in the centre of the table filled with something delicious and nutritious for guests to tuck into.
The glassware
What would a picnic be without a drink or two in the sunshine? A jug of Pimm’s. A bottle of rosé. A glass or two of Champagne. And, of course, plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated in the heat.
The Aurelia jug by LSA International or the Wiggle jug from Harlie Brown Studio make for statement pieces for your H20, while the Terrazzo tumbler by Late Afternoon and Tint wine glasses from HAY are colourful vessels for everything else. Clink and drink.
The details
With your basics sorted, it’s time to build a centrepiece, which can be achieved via a mixture of vases filled with faux flowers and a combination of candles arranged down the centre of your seating area.
From LSA International, the Canopy Trio is made from recycled glass and displays stems beautifully, while these dinner candles by True Grace look stunning popped into the rainbow-coloured candle holder by HAY.
And what would a picnic-scape be without a little shade to shelter you from the sunlight? The Messina outdoor umbrella by Skagerak evokes all the elegance of a bygone era while being tough enough to withstand the elements.
The lighting
Not only will outdoor lighting add a little ambience your picnic, but it will enable you to carry on the celebrations until after dark, too. Luckily, options for your great outdoors have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, from the Balad LED lamp from Fermob – featuring a handle for carrying or hanging with three temperatures including a candle effect – to the Muse portable table lamp by Tala for a style that combines ultra-modern tech with classic aesthetics.
Otherwise, a string of lights, like these from Sirius, hung over the fence, twisted around a tree or nestled in a bush add an inviting glow to any backdrop. Illuminating ideas, indeed.
3 more style secrets
1 Not everyone likes to sit on the ground – no matter how comfortable or stylish you’ve made it – so it’s worth having a back-up plan. The Tanso bench, in sturdy teak, enables you to recreate all the splendour of a picnic in the park from the comfort of home.
2 Sometimes, it’s the little touches that level-up your picnic, such as real cutlery or napkins over plastic or paper ones. Our linen napkins, in a spectrum of summery shades, are spot-on; while our Charingworth cutlery, in a brushed steel effect, evoke restaurant vibes.
3 Have a stack of games to hand to extend the fun beyond the feast. Luckily, HAY has completely reinvented classic boardgames in a series of striking designs, from backgammon to chess and yatzy. Sure to stoke competitive spirits.
After what’s seemed like months of winter, spring is finally in the air, and with it lighter, brighter days. From decluttering spaces to organising rooms, spring-cleaning will set you in good stead for the season, helping you to create a harmonious home. After all, is there anything more relaxing than knowing everything’s in order?
Whether The Home Edit or Marie Kondo, sorting has never been more in-vogue, and it’s not a moment too soon. Here, we round-up the ways you can master the art of storage, satisfaction guaranteed.
Amira AV unit by Heal's
Tidy your TV
Find yourself staring at clutter rather than the screen when you’re watching a movie? It’s time to swap out your TV unit with one that helps conceal unsightly cables and electronics. New for Spring Summer ’23, the Amira AV unit – designed by Adam Daghorn – is inspired by classic Mid-Century styling.
Blending form and function, its handsome solid and veneered walnut in rich chocolate is matched by generous storage, featuring four drawers with soft edges that enable everything to be hidden away to create a clean line of sight. Better still, two open shelves mean you can still display a select edit, from covetable tomes to objets d’art.
Toolbox by Vitra
Organise those odds and ends
Sometimes, it’s not the bigger items that cause the most chaos, but the odds and ends that usually end up in a designated drawer of doom in the kitchen (we’ve all got one). The Toolbox by Vitra is just the thing to help you tidy those bits and pieces.
Available in a range of colours – from tangerine orange to pale rose and sea blue – each features six compartments within a handy grab-and-go caddy, and can be stored in a cabinet or on a shelf. Whether stationery, batteries or coins – you name it – categorise and contain items with a single practical but pretty organisational tool.
Lars shelving module by Heal's
Sort your shelves
Storage can be stylish when you group items together, rather than have them scattered throughout a space, and the Lars shelving module – part of our new-season collection – is a case in point.
Designed by Danish studio Says Who exclusively for Heal’s, the blocks can be configured in a number of creative ways, flexing according to the needs of your storage requirements. Versatile pieces for the wall or floor, simply choose how many you need – and a finish in either contemporary grey or classic walnut – to customise accordingly.
We like a combination of both colours arranged vertically up a wall, featuring a mix of open and closed modules, to accommodate a curation of striking vases neatly and beautifully.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to design your own solution, invest in a ready-made shelving unit, such as the Eames ESU shelf by Vitra – a timeless and practical design – or Agnes high shelving unit by SCP, a Scandi-inspired take on shelving.
Componibili cabinet by Kartell
Declutter your bedsides
From jewellery to electronics and books, a bedside table without storage capabilities can quickly accumulate all manner of unwanted accoutrement, but with the Componibili cabinet everything can be easily kept out of sight.
The design classic from Kartell is made from renewable raw materials and features slide-open doors to reveal spacious compartments within a sleek circular form that fits neatly into even the tightest of spaces. Select from a spectrum of shades – black, gold, green or red, amongst others – and make a statement or blend seamlessly.
Lift storage divan bed by Heal's
3 more tips
1 Bolster the storage in your bedroom with a bed that offers somewhere for clothes, towels and bedding within a clever design. Simply lift the base, store and conceal without taking up valuable floor space.
2 Bathrooms should be kept clean and clutter-free to keep them calm and relaxing. This bathroom storage stand will help you do just that with deep trays in sustainably-sourced oak or bamboo that offer a well-designed home for everyday items.
3 Coffee tables can become a dumping ground for everything from cups to magazines, but this table features a shelf made from tightly-woven rope beneath the glass top for storing said items while keeping the surface pleasingly clutter-free.
Just like you’d throw on another layer on a particularly chilly day - a chunky cable-knit, or a soft pair of socks - cosying up your home for the winter follows the same principle. From changing-up your bedding with thicker, more textural choices, to layering your sofa with luxurious throws and cushions, there’s an art to keeping warm over the coming months. Here, we show you the simple tips and tricks to stave off the cold, while adding plenty of style.
Organic Cotton Sateen Bed Linen by Heal's
Bring on new bedding
Whether curled up with a good book and a hot water bottle, or simply enjoying a lie-in with a cup of coffee listening to the pitter-patter of rain, there’s plenty to stay in bed for during the coming months. But cool linen sheets just aren’t going to cut it when it’s chilly.
Our Organic Cotton Sateen Bed Linen, in grey, petrol blue or white, is soft to the touch with a lustre finish. Made from 100% cotton in Portugal - and featuring a 200-thread-count weave - it’s a treat for the senses.
But layering shouldn’t stop with your bed linen: pair with a thick and cosy Velvet Quilt in rich midnight blue or emerald green, sure to keep you warm this winter, while the addition of a tactile Sheepskin Rug makes for an even toastier space.
Faunacation Velvet Cushion by Divine Savages
Shake-up your sofa
From watching the next big box-set binge to enjoying a Saturday-night takeaway and cuddling-up with someone special, the sofa sets the stage for some of the season’s cosiest moments. But a leather sofa can be cool to the touch while a living room without layers can leave you out in the cold.
Luckily, a few easy updates can warm your sofa up effortlessly, whether a wool throw over the arm - this beautifully soft Pure Alpaca Throw in rich burgundy is spot-on - or a smattering of cushions on the seats (with bold prints and luxe fabrics, the cushions and bolsters from Divine Savages add depth and plushness).
Alexandra Rug by Gan
Roll out a carpet
Treat your feet to something comfortable underfoot. Not only do rugs add interest and texture, but they retain the heat, too, ensuring bare floorboards work hard for the season.
Go for a neutral palette in browns, creams and beiges to keep things grounded and earthy - the Chaddar Rug by GAN in toasty camel, for example, woven from a chunky and textured fabric while being beautifully hand-embroidered. With a boho vibe, it’s sure to transport you to sunnier climes, while adding tactility.
Otherwise, something rich and colourful warms things up equally well, whether the Kilim Rug Fez Red from Louis de Poortere - its coppery tones inspired by the sun-baked souks of Morocco - or the Alexandra Rug by Gan with its combination of shades, knots and embroidery cosying things up.
Waffle Bath Towel by Heal's
More ways to make your home cosy
1 It’s not just textiles that provide comfort and warmth; layering up your lighting can have a similar effect, from table lamps to pendant lights and floor lamps in any given space, creating a cocooning vibe with different light sources at varying heights.
2 It sounds obvious, but re-stocking your towel supply for the season ahead can make a huge difference, replacing thin and lightweight towels with thick and fluffy iterations to envelop you after another hot shower or soak in the bath. Hotel vibes, in an instant.
3 Lastly, invest in quality candles to light, whether it’s for romantic dinners at the dining table or cosy nights on the sofa. It’s amazing how the flicker of a flame can make you feel warmer, just by looking at it, while adding to the ambience.
Welcome the new year by shaking things up for the season ahead. Thankfully, you don’t need to get the paintbrush out – or throw out what you have – to give your house a whole new lease of life this winter.
Likewise, there’s no need to buy everything from scratch – a few key pieces here and there can completely transform a space and reinvent a room. Here, we round-up the clever hacks to refresh your home without redecorating, as revealed by the expert team at Heal’s.
Lilli Right Hand Curved Corner Sofa by Heal's
Make a statement
Our ethos at Heal’s is to ‘buy well and buy once’ – across everything we curate and create, from designer pieces to own-brand – so rest assured a piece of furniture bearing our name is a solid investment. Not only is everything built to last, but designed to transcend seasons and trends, too, meaning pieces can be enjoyed for years to come or handed down to the next generation.
With that in mind, think about changing a big-ticket item in a single room to make the biggest impact, whether a sofa, bed or dining table. As a centrepiece around which everything revolves, new furniture can dramatically change how a room looks, not to mention how you use it.
Our stylish Lilli sofa is a sound choice: made using individual modules, it can be customised according to your home and taste, while being reconfigured when you choose. Better still, its curved corner design saves on space while being effortlessly timeless, and the frame can be upholstered in a selection of sumptuous Heal’s fabrics, including cosy bouclé. Enduring style, guaranteed.
Supernova LED Round Pendant Light by Heal's
Let there be light
A statement light can give a space a completely new lease of life – whether it’s because of stand-out design or spectacular illumination. Select a fixture that has pride of place – above a dining table, behind a sofa, or over artwork – to reset the scene; or simply update a corner with a lamp that switches things up.
When it comes to pendants, Supernova brings the drama with cutting-edge technology and a space-age design, while Saber is as practical as it is beautiful with seven tubular light sources that can be adjusted to create a beautifully random effect or a considered spiral cascade.
Meanwhile, reading nooks or work desks can be completely reinvented with a marble and brass Selena LED Table Lamp or asymmetrical wooden Verso Floor Lamp, adding interest without dominating rooms. Bright ideas indeed.
Nordic Sea 12 Pieces Box Set by Broste Copenhagen; Ripple Glassware Clear by ferm LIVING; Linen Napkin in Midnight Blue by Heal's; Santol Cutlery 42 Piece Set Stainless Steel by Charingworth
Turn the tables
Sometimes, little touches can make a big difference, and case in point is tableware. Requiring significantly less outlay than redecorating – but garnering similar reward – swapping out crockery, glassware or cutlery for the new season can completely overhaul your dining room and the occasions you host in it.
Tired of trad? Choose a contemporary set – hand-glazed Nordic Sea in a grey-blue tone, for example – to update your look in an instant. Team with sophisticated Ripple Glassware and contemporary Santol Cutlery to add further modern accents. Remember: you can never have too much covetable tableware to collect over the years, so use January as a chance to top-up (and change it up) for 2023.
Her Print by Paper Collective
Remix your artwork
Make your walls talk even more by rethinking artwork galleries. Swap pictures around – both within and outside of their existing groupings – and assemble in new and interesting shapes and rooms. Bored of prints going up the stairs? Clear the decks. Fancy something to look at from the sink? Put something up. There are no rules when it comes art – think outside of the box with what you already have and throw in a few new pieces to keep things fresh.
Our eclectic selection of prints from Paper Collective – bringing together designers, artists and illustrators from around the world – is sure to inspire with a range of wall art for any style and space. Remember: hanging pictures isn’t the only way to display. Try leaning your art against walls or displaying on furniture to keep things interesting.
Ziri Rug by Linie Design
Top-up textiles
From a smattering of new scatter cushions to a different rug underfoot and a fresh throw over the back of a sofa, textiles have a surprisingly transformative power. Better still, it’s one of the easiest – and most economical – updates you can make to freshen things up, fast.
Cosy up for the winter with one of our classic Velvet Quilts in emerald-green to add richness and depth; lay down a luxurious floor covering with the hand-knotted Ziri Rug by Linie Design for texture and warmth; and style-up the sofa with a striking Edinburgh Weavers Circles Cushion or three for added comfort and interest.
Nothing sets the scene for seasonal celebrations quite like a festive table. But forget the picture-perfect table-scapes you’ve seen on Pinterest and Instagram. Instead, consider yours a blank canvas for no-holds-barred creativity, and a chance to express your personality, showcase your tastes and make your guests feel truly welcome.
This year, more than ever, it’s about investing in a few key pieces, mixing-and-matching with what you already have, and fashioning a table that’s uniquely (and unapologetically) yours. Here, we show you how to table-scape your way – and more, besides – helping you to create a background against which to eat, drink and be very merry indeed.
Massa Dining Table by Heal’s
Set the stage
A table-scape begins with the table. Not just for Christmas, think of yours as an investment piece to inspire many future gatherings with friends and family, from casual mid-week meals to glamorous dinner parties and themed seasonal soirées.
First, consider the size of your space and family – as well as the number of friends you usually entertain – and pick a table with appropriate proportions. It needs to sit everyone comfortably while providing enough room to move seamlessly around it.
For small-space living, an extendable table (like Massa, pictured) is just the ticket, scaling-up and down as and when you need it. Next, pick a style that suits your home and tastes: traditional, contemporary or something in-between? A modern style can look spectacular in classic surroundings, and vice versa, while something timeless might be a longer-term investment than trend-led.
Lastly, think about the material the table is made of, and whether the surface is tough enough to stand up to life. Massa is heat-, scratch- and thermal shock-proof, while being non-porous.
Loveseat by L.Ercolani, Stacking Chair by L.Ercolani
Choose your chairs
Next, think about the chairs to tuck beneath the table and seat your guests: matching chairs never go out of style while mismatched couldn’t be more in vogue. The Stacking Chair, pictured, is spot-on for maximising space as the outward-facing legs allow it to be stacked vertically when not in use.
Better still, its ergonomic design in solid ash timber invites guests to linger a while after dinner is done, preferably with a digestif in-hand. For something a bit different, an iconic Loveseat – also by L.Ercolani – enables guests to cosy up to one another while its gentle curves align with the natural contours of the body.
Both are comfortable and create a beautifully eclectic look around the table. Remember: you’ll be forgiven for pulling up a few extra chairs from elsewhere in the house at Christmas, too.
Sheepskin Short Wool Curly Pearl 90x60cm, Christina Lundsteen Paula Cushion 40x60cm, Edinburgh Weavers Circles Cushion 45x45cm by Heal’s
Add some texture
Once you’ve chosen your furniture, it’s about adding texture for extra warmth, depth and interest, so consider a cushion or two for padding seats or a selection of cosy throws for slinging over the backs of chairs.
When it comes to colour or pattern, there are no rules, but why not get inspired by the shades of your Christmas decorations or the style of your crockery and glassware? Choose a few contrasting but complementary textiles for character.
Pearl White Dinner Plate by Costa Nova, Pearl White Salad Plate by Costa Nova, Pearl White Soup Bowl by Costa Nova, Tvis Cutlery Rose Gold 16 Piece Cutlery Set by Broste Copenhagen, Champagne Saucers Lens Set of 2 by The Vintage List, Hammered Glass Tumbler Set of 4 by Broste Copenhagen, Red Marble Crackers Set of 6 by Undercover, Linen Napkin by Heal’s, Deko Decorations Gradiated Dusky Pink Set of 6 by Bronte Copenhagen, Warm White 480 LED Indoor or Outdoor Micro Lights Copper Cable by Noma, Deko Decorations Dusky Pink Set of 6 by Broste Copenhagen, Glass Acorn Decoration with Beaded Top Dark Green by Gisela Graham, Gold Glitter Tin Snowflake Decoration Set of 3 by Gisela Graham, Double Hand Forged Wavey Candlestick by Heal’s, Frankincense & Pine Tall Pillar Candle by Heal’s, Twist Candles Set of 2 by Broste Copenhagen
Pick your place-settings
When it comes to place-settings, it’s all about layering for luxury, starting with plates – we suggest keeping it simple in neutrals with a plate for the starter placed on top of a plate for the main – followed by cutlery (gleaming metallics add seasonal magic) and sparkling glassware of varying heights and styles for the drinks you’re planning to serve (water, fizz and wine).
Then, it’s all about dialling up the drama in details, from statement crackers placed at jaunty angles, neatly-folded (and ironed) napkins spruced-up with a Christmas decoration, plus a centrepiece of faux or natural foliage surrounding pillar candles. Finish with taper capers in different colours for a look-at-me flourish and a bowl filled with Christmassy walnuts to wrap things up.
Supernova LED Long Pendant Light
Style the space
While a table-scape may begin with the table, it certainly doesn’t end there, as the lighting that hangs above and the rug that sits beneath can help to set the stage for a festive feast.
Certainly, a gathering of nearest and dearest provides a timely reason to refresh both, so look at statement lighting that will make for a conversation-starter while casting just the right light for dinner and drinkers (a flattering glow, naturally).
Styles like the Balance Linear Chandelier or Supernova LED Long Pendant Light should do the trick. For underfoot, consider something hard-wearing that’ll endure heavy-traffic while dressing-up the space at the same time, such as the Hadschlu Rug by Louis de Poortere. Patterned or textured, too, can hide a multitude of sins and withstand a spill here or there…
Anais Console Table Marble by Heal’s, Manhattan Natural Table Lamb Natural by Heal’s, Sky Coaster Set by Georg Jensen, Tank Whiskey Glass Set of 2 by Tom Dixon, Float Decanter by LSA International, Fein Bottle Opener by ferm LIVING, Brew Tray by Tom Dixon, Hammered Glass Tumbler Set of 4 by Broste Copenhagen, Cocktail Glasses Spears Set of 4 by The Vintage List, Deko Decorations Dark Red Set of 6 by Broste Copenhagen
Raise the bar
Nobody wants to be stood around all day serving drinks. Fashion a sideboard into a drinks station by assembling an assortment of wine, spirits and mixers; a variety of gorgeous glassware; a bowl of garnishes and a bucket of ice; and a few decorative touches like Christmas decorations and presents.
A statement lamp at one end adds further style and a warm glow. Then, simply announce that the bar is open and allow guests to help themselves!
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