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.
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Tips & advice
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!
Grey sofas are an incredibly popular choice for many people. Not only do they look elegant, timeless and sophisticated, they also come in many different shades. Plus, a grey sofa is a great option for houses with pets or young children because any spillages and crumbs are less noticeable.
The biggest benefit is that a grey sofa is a completely blank canvas, so you can express your personality through cushions and throws. When it comes to choosing what colour cushions go with a grey sofa, you have plenty of options. It will pair well with most shades of pink, red, green, blue, yellow and purple, as well as many more.
Stay away from grey cushions as too much of the same colour can make the sofa feel flat and dull. Read on to find some of our favourite cushion colour combinations with a grey sofa.
Brighten a grey sofa with bold colours
Brightly coloured cushions bring playfulness to rooms with plenty of subdued colours and a grey sofa. The best part is that this look couldn’t be easier to achieve. From reds and blues to yellows and greens, most bright colours will work with your grey sofa. Simply choose a combination of colours that speaks to your style and that go well together.
Mix and match in different sizes and colour but keep the cushion texture the same to create a cohesive display. Adding in more texture as well as different sizes and colours could lead to quite a chaotic look.
Calming Grey Sofa With Beige Cushions
If your living room is the place you go to unwind, relax and be tranquil, you might want to keep the colours fairly pared back. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your design. Decorating your grey sofa with natural-coloured cushions will lend an air of calm and sophistication to your living room.
Bring in pattern and texture to add more depth to the cushions and your grey sofa will look great. We suggest looking for cushions in natural materials like linen and cotton.
Blue Cushions With a Grey Sofa
Blue is one of the colour cushions that goes incredibly well with a grey sofa. It’s a pairing that can look incredibly sleek and put together when done right.
In this example the cushion features hints of blue in the pattern which is a great way to tie blue into the room without going overboard. However, if you’re after a bolder look then you could choose a pattern with more blue in it or even a block colour.
If you’re creating a cluster on your grey sofa then we suggest choosing different shades of blue for each cushion. This will make it look more refined and elegant.
Grey Sofas With Jewel-Toned Cushions
If you’re looking to elevate your grey sofa and lend it a more luxurious aesthetic, why not accessorise with jewel-toned cushions? That means colours like amethyst, emerald, ruby and sapphire. These bold, beautiful colours will bring warmth and comfort to your sofa, whatever shade of grey it is.
Using jewel-toned cushions is also a great way to bring colour to your space without painting walls or investing in new furniture. Despite being particularly on trend at the moment, jewel colours are incredibly timeless hues, meaning they’ll have a place in your home for years to come. For an even more opulent look, use materials like velvet, fur and silk in jewel tones.
These materials have been celebrated as premium fabrics for centuries and it’s still the case today. If your sofa has finely textured upholstery, then these premium fabrics are perfect for your cushions. Mix and match using both colour and texture to give your sofa a luxurious depth.
Yellow cushions on a grey sofa
A grey sofa can feel quite overwhelming in a darker or more shaded room. Pairing your grey sofa with yellow cushions is a great way to brighten it up. This works particularly well if your cushion has some sort of pattern or texture to it. Too many block colours and fabrics in the same weave can make the scheme feel a bit flat and boring.
Yellow also works well with blue tones. So, if you want to create a cluster of pillows in different colours then yellow and blue makes a great choice. If natural hues are more your jam, then opt for light yellow cushions instead. The beauty of a grey sofa is that most shades of yellow will go well with it. Looking for some new cushions for your grey sofa?
Check out our collection of premium cushions.
For centuries marble has been a key feature in opulent interiors. Not only does marble create a sense of grandeur, it’s also incredibly practical and durable. So, it’s no wonder that you may want to decorate your home with marble.
Our curated article shows you how to incorporate the must-have material into your design scheme.
Make marble the centrepiece
Choosing marble for a dining table, kitchen worktop or floor is a great way to make a statement with the material. It brings a timeless elegance to a room and can make it feel incredibly luxurious when used correctly. Marble’s durable nature makes it a worthwhile investment for everyday family life.
In many Italian homes, locally sourced white Carrara features prominently on worktops, counters and coffee tables. That’s because it’s a robust, durable material that stays cool and will look beautiful for years to come. This dining table has a curved white marble table to come.
This dining table has a curved white marble tabletop that looks elegant in both modern and traditional rooms. Paired here with dark wooden floors and furniture, it brings a little more light and texture to the space. By keeping the accessories within the same colour scheme, the marble is encouraged to take centre stage as the star of the show.
Make light use of marble
Unlike other more brittle types of stone, marble can be carved very thinly while keeping a solid shape. Lighting designers have taken advantage of these natural properties and use marble to create decorative diffusions of light. Arrange a series of marble pendant lights in a cluster to make a statement or choose a marble lamp base for a more subtle infusion.
Marble is also often used to bring a more polished edge to rustic or industrial interiors. Here, Tom Dixon’s Stone Pendant Light brings opulence and warmth to a concrete interior. Paired with polished brass accents, the light elevates the room even more.
Invest in key marble pieces
Let’s face it, decorating your home with solid marble furniture, walls or surfaces can be a big investment. If you want to inject a luxurious marble aesthetic into your home without breaking the bank, we suggest investing in some key pieces.
Marble has been ‘on trend’ for decades, so you can rest assured that your investment furniture won’t go out of style anytime soon. Marble coffee tables are a great option because they stand out as an elegant centrepiece in the living room.
Whilst this table’s modern form wouldn’t look out of place in a cutting-edge, minimalist scheme, it works just as well in a homely sitting room. Pair it with some modern soft furnishings, colourful accessories and it will lend an added depth to your room.
Pair marble with woods
In a room dominated by wood, you might be at a loss for what materials to pair it with. Luckily, marble could be the answer. Marble’s natural veined pattern adds an elegant contrast to a room setting dominated by solid woods.
Where wood can offer a more rustic, traditional appeal, the addition of marble balances it out and brings a sophisticated, polished edge. White marble and walnut make a particularly sophisticated combination, however light woods also compliment the natural material.
If you’re looking to make a real statement, we suggest considering a darker marble with dark wood. The result can be incredibly striking.
Marble also looks stunning when accenting a piece of wooden furniture. This white marble and walnut console table exudes sophistication and elegance. Plus, it cleverly pulls together the white walls and dark herringbone floors.
Accessorise with marble
If you’re looking for a more subtle injection of marble into your interior design scheme, marble accessories could be the answer. From trays and coasters to bowls and vases, marble accessories will bring that luxurious edge into your space without breaking the bank.
Marble is also a great choice when used for serving dishes and offers many years’ service compared to wooden chopping and charcuterie boards. Seduced by its functionality and style, more and more designers are returning to marble to create accessories. They’re carving the ancient material into contemporary shapes and introducing modern solutions.
For example, Vitra’s L’Oiseau shown here. This special edition accessory was reimagined in marble and brings a luxurious edge to Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec’s charming design.
Check out our collection of furniture to find the perfect marble design for your home.
Creating a bedroom that encourages good sleep and mindful practices is a great way to start every day right. Instead of hitting the snooze button over and over again, a well-styled bedroom will help feel ready for the day.
It’s surprisingly easy to transform your bedroom into a more mindful space. So, here are some of our top tips.
Natural textures
One of the best things you can do to create a calming, mindful bedroom is to invest in natural bed linen. So, that means choosing materials like cotton and linen instead of synthetic fabrics. That’s because materials like polyester and acrylic can be scratchy, unbreathable and lead to poor sleep.
Plenty of bed linen is made using these synthetic fabrics, so always check the label before buying. In contrast, natural materials like linen and cotton can seriously enhance your slumber. They’re both breathable, sumptuously soft and better for the planet.
Bringing more of these natural materials into your bedroom will help create a mindful ambience. Plus, they look as good as they feel. At winter, we suggest layering up with a toasty quilted bedspread layered on top of your cotton bed linen.
And you needn’t stop at your bedding either. Use natural textures and materials in your rugs, curtains and upholstery for a truly comforting bedroom.
Calming colours
The right colour can make or break a bedroom, you’ll want it to feel calm, revitalising and atmospheric. When choosing colours for your mindful bedroom we suggest sticking to muted, warm tones and avoiding bright hues like red or gloomy dark greys and browns.
Our personal favourite bedroom colour is blue, and there’s serious science behind why it’s a great choice. In fact, the brain can recognise more shades of blue than any other colour. Plus, when the brain senses blue, it isn’t stimulated by it, encouraging it to create more sleepy hormones. Bring shades of blue into your room through the curtains, accent chairs, rugs and bed linen.
Toned-down shades of green and yellow also make brilliant calming bedroom colours. However, if bright colours are your thing and you feel comfortable nodding off surrounded by them, then keep it bold. If it works, it works.
A natural flourish
Bring the outdoors in by adding some specially chosen house plants to your bedroom. In the same way that forest bathing helps to calm and reenergise the mind, adding plants to your bedroom will help create a mindful, calming ambience. Plus, plants look great and will add an extra design flourish to your bedroom.
One of the biggest benefits of having plants in your bedroom is that they help to purify the air. That means they pull toxins from the air, trap them and release oxygen, helping you to have a mindful rest. But remember, not all plants are known for air purifying, so choose carefully.
Warm lighting
The right lighting will do wonders for creating a mindful bedroom. After all, the last thing you need before nodding off is a harsh white light in your eyes. Atmospheric, warming lighting will help create a relaxing, inviting bedroom. Luckily this is an easy fix. Light bulbs come in warm and white hues. So, simply switch your white bulbs out for warm ones and your bedroom will feel more relaxing instantly.
Or, if you’re currently redesigning your home, now might be the right time to ask the electrician for dimmer switches. Dimmer switches mean you can control the ambience of the room without changing bulbs. So, they’re perfect for all occasions.
If you’re looking for a grander solution than new light bulbs but something easier than dimmer switches, then new lighting may be in order. When choosing your lighting, opt for shades made using frosted glass. These will diffuse the light and create a more subtle glow, perfect for bedtime.
No mobiles before bed
If you’re investing in warm lighting and comfortable bedding, then you’re on track to create a truly mindful bedroom. However, an hour spent scrolling on your phone in bed could undo all your good work. Not only will their bright blue light trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime, but the constant stimulation will keep you wide awake. We recommend turning your bedroom into a no phone zone.
This could mean the whole room, or it could mean leaving your phone on the opposite side of the bedroom to avoid temptation. Avoiding television in the run up to bedtime will also help to improve your sleep and help you drift off faster.
Avoid clutter
Looking to sleep better and wake up feeling mindful? Then a tidy, clutter-free room should set you on the right path. In fact, studies have shown that it takes people with messier bedrooms longer to fall asleep. This means tiredness the following day and less energy to tidy up too. So, ditch the chair that’s piled high with clothes, pick your socks off the floor and neaten up that bedside table.
A great way to achieve a tidy bedroom this is through hidden storage. Whether that’s an ottoman bed with storage space underneath, shelves with opaque doors or cleverly designed wardrobes. Together, these innovative storage solutions will help you create a clutter-free, mindful bedroom. Want to create your own mindful bedroom?
Check out our Bedroom edit.
Sofas and carpets are both big investments, so you’ll want to get them just right. Luckily, one of the best things about having a grey sofa is that it’s versatile. That means it will look great alongside most colour carpets or flooring.
Plus, you can switch it up with accessories whenever you fancy. But with so many carpets out there and sofa upholstery in countless shades of grey, it can all seem a bit overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve whittled down the options to highlight the best colour carpets to go with a grey sofa.
Grey sofas go with neutral carpets
For an understated and versatile living room design, we suggest pairing your grey sofa with a beige carpet. Neutral beige, cream and off-white tones will match the tone of your grey sofa perfectly and creates the perfect base for a versatile room.
On the surface, a neutral carpet and a minimalist grey sofa can seem a bit bland. However, they are both costly investments and you don’t want to choose something you’ll hate in a year. Luckily that’s where accessories come in handy. You can bring pops of colour to your room through cushions, throws, decorative accessories and accent chairs.
So, having a minimalist carpet needn’t make your living space a colour-free space. Having a neutral carpet is also a great tip for smaller living spaces. That’s because lighter tones like beige or cream help to brighten your room and make it seem bigger. So, if you’re worried a grey sofa will darken your compact living room, perhaps consider a cream or beige carpet.
Grey sofas go with wooden floors and an accent rug
Not strictly a carpet, but still a floor covering worth considering, wooden floors complement grey sofas perfectly. They help to bring warmth and timeless style to most rooms and can stop the grey feeling too dull.
For a little more comfort underfoot, add a rug to the living space. Not only will a rug keep your toes warm on cooler nights, but it also helps to pull the room together. Pair it perfectly by choosing a rug with tones of grey that tie it back to your sofa.
An accent colour like blue, pink or green running through it will help to create a truly premium room design. Plus, a rug is far easier to switch up than a carpet. So, there’s no need to redo the entire floor if you fancy a change in a few years’ time.
Grey sofas go with grey carpets
Pairing a grey sofa with a grey carpet might feel like a bit of an overload, but it works surprisingly well. For example, if the room has a striking view, then keeping the sofa and carpet grey will help direct the gaze towards it. Even without a view, a grey sofa and carpet is a timeless combination.
The key thing to remember is to mix up the tones of grey as well as the textures. For example, you could pair your dark grey sofa with a light grey carpet. Or you could choose a deeper grey sofa and a concrete-coloured carpet. This helps to create a slight contrast and breaks up the grey.
When it comes to textures, we suggest finding a carpet with a different texture to the sofa. For example, a carpet with a chunkier texture will look best with a sofa with tight, clean weave.
If you are pairing a grey sofa with a carpet in a similar colour, then accessories will come in useful again. Introduce tones of green and blue to the space to give it more depth, whilst staying true to your grey colour scheme.
Grey sofas go with pink carpets
Pink and grey are a dream duo in many respects and look great together in a living room. In fact, we’re obsessed with this grey sofa and pink carpet combination. Investing in a pink carpet may be a bold choice for some people, but natural blush colours are surprisingly versatile. Pink goes well with many shades of grey, green and blue, so you can really get creative with it.
Instead of matching all your accessories to the carpet, choosing different hues of pink will look more premium. That means choosing throws, cushions and lampshades in different shades of pink and ideally different textures.
Looking for a grey sofa? Discover our premium grey sofas here.
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