Whilst there’s nothing quite like live flower arrangements to brighten the home, artificial flowers are a fantastic alternative. Low maintenance, cost-effective and elegant, faux flowers and foliage provide the perfect finishing touch to your décor.
From seasonally-suitable arrangements to uplifting blooms, there’s something to impress even the most enthusiastic botanist. But how to style them in the home? Well, it’s easier than you think. To help you create a beautiful bouquet, we’re sharing our top tips for styling faux flowers in the home. You’ll never have to worry about killing your botanicals again.
Arrange a bouquet of artificial flowers
Real flowers and their stems are often far from perfect. So avoid symmetrically arranging your artificial blooms. Instead, try to place each stem as you would with fresh flowers.
Experiment with bending the stems to create a natural look that softly bows over the side of the vase. And always style each one individually before adding to an arrangement. This will help to make your bouquet look far more realistic.
Choose the right vase
Using the correct shape vase will make a real difference to the look and feel of your fake blooms. Choose the correct vase to complement both your interior decor and the flower arrangement itself.
From tall, slender shapes to voluptuous open-neck designs, there’s a vase to suit every taste. And always remember the general florist rule. The length of each flower should be no more than two times the height of the vase.
Keep your artificial flowers simple
The key trick with artificial flower arrangements is to keep it simple. Try to stick to one or two colours with fresh greenery for added texture. This will bring an elegant, relaxing feel to a room without being too overbearing.
From single stems to bespoke bouquets, stick to a sole theme or colour scheme. You could also incorporate your faux blooms into real floral displays for added versatility.
Add greenery
A wonderful way to add texture and depth to a floral arrangement is foliage. Greenery works to partner and enhance most faux blooms. And it’s often these fillers that complete the look by adding interest and shape.
So why not experiment with different types to find the one that’s right for your home. You could try a spray of artificial eucalyptus with wintery whites or purple-hued botanicals for an impactful finish.
Change it up
Faux blooms are malleable, so don’t be afraid to ditch the vase and experiment. Get creative by intertwining stems around the frame of your headboard or favourite framed artwork.
Artificial flowers and plants have endless possibilities. They also really come into their own in less frequently used areas. Try putting a bunch of stems on the bedside table or adding a small potted plant to the bathroom.
Complement your decor
Try choosing varieties of fake blooms that complement the room’s décor. Think voluptuous hydrangeas in the bedroom, welcoming blush mimosas in the hallway and dramatic plum peonies in the dining room.
And without the cost of buying fresh flowers each week, every room in the house can benefit. Why not try lush green sprays in the bathroom or gorgeous garden roses in the kitchen.
Care for your artificial flowers
Faux flowers are far less maintenance than their live counterparts. But they still need some TLC from time to time. If your flowers become dusty, just use a quick blast of the hairdryer on a low setting to keep them looking fresh.
If you prefer a more thorough clean however, take a damp cloth and gently clean each stem. To keep them looking beautiful for longer, try to display them away from too much direct sunlight or moisture.
Discover more artificial flowers and foliage here.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Tips & advice
Corner sofas are increasingly popular thanks to their size and the cosy corners they offer. However, with so many options available, how is anyone to choose? Well, to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite corner sofa living room ideas.
Premium corner sofa living room ideas
This corner sofa is part of our Eton collection. With beautifully plump cushions, chrome legs and a modern silhouette, we reckon it’s perfect for contemporary homes. If you’re lucky enough to have a large living space, position the sofa away from the walls in the centre of the room.
Plus, for a truly modern look, try positioning a statement floor lamp over the corner sofa. Not only will this provide a valuable source of light, but it’ll make the sofa the centrepiece of the room.
Curved corner sofas
If you’re looking for something a little different in your living room, opt for an out-there corner sofa. Think gentle curves, modular seating and colourful upholstery. In a space like the converted barn in this shot, the Luna Sofa adds and extra flourish of modernity. Alongside the glass windows, ethereal lamp shades, coffee table and wood burner, the refurbished space looks incredibly contemporary.
Stand-out corner sofa
Like the saying says, go big or go home. This Matera Corner Sofa with vibrant rust-red upholstery sure went big. It has space for all the family and a timeless silhouette that won’t go out of style any time soon. Whilst it looks great in this modern home, it will look equally impressive in more traditional spaces as an added touch of modernity.
Designer corner sofa living room ideas
If you’re searching for bold corner sofa living room ideas, look no further than the Togo Corner Sofa. This design icon is popular in homes across the world and has been for over forty years. The best thing? It’s modular. So, you can switch up the sizes, colour and configuration depending on your room. If yellow isn’t quite your colour, no fear, there are plenty of other options available. If you’re after something slightly more subtle, perhaps opt for some textural grey or cream upholstery.
Modern chaise sofa
If you’re somewhat short on space but still want the comfort of a corner sofa, perhaps consider a chaise sofa. Instead of curving around the corner, a chaise sofa features an integrated ottoman so you can still put your feet up.
Often, they’re left or right facing, but the Brunel Sofa in this shot is adjustable. The footrest can be moved from left to right according to your space.
Velvet corner sofa living room ideas
If you’re looking for something that strikes the right balance between a chaise and a corner sofa, consider our Cumulus Sofa. This spacious sofa has space for all the family without being too overbearing.
Blue velvet upholstery adds an extra touch of luxury to the design. However, other upholstery options are available if velvet doesn’t suit your tastes or needs. Not keen on this design? There are plenty others available so have a shop around.
Traditional corner sofa living room ideas
If your space and tastes are slightly more traditional, that doesn’t mean a corner sofa is out of reach. This Tailor Sofa looks right at home in more classic homes without being too dated. Its sumptuous cushions and elegant silhouette mean it looks and feels incredibly comfortable. Plus, it’s spacious enough to offer room for all the family.
Like what you see? Shop corner sofas at Heal’s.
Black is undoubtedly one of the most versatile colours around, meaning it goes with almost anything. So, when it comes to black sofa living room ideas, it comes as no shock that there’s plenty of choice. To help you decide, we’ve compiled five of our favourite black sofa ideas. Each one is styled creatively and can be adapted to suit your home.
Go big or go home
Painting a room in a dark blue, brown or black hue is a statement in itself. When paired with a black floor, black leather sofa and dark accessories, it’s bound to make a splash. Brass and glass accents throughout enhance this living room’s luxury feel and make it a great place to unwind.
The key thing about these black sofa living room ideas is that the rooms are often flooded with light. That doesn’t mean to say this look wouldn’t work in a darker room. Just make sure you choose the right lighting to make sure it doesn’t feel gloomy.
Mid-century black sofa living room ideas
When it comes to mid-century design, our mind normally turns to tan leather. However, a black sofa can offer an equally refined look with added versatility. Our Hepburn Sofa in this shot embodies mid-century design. The addition of dark wooden legs ties it in with the rest of the room and adds to the mid-century feel.
It’s also the perfect canvas for adding colour. Like in this shot, we recommend keeping the colours tonal and muted so as not to look cheap. Plus, note how the grey concrete floors lift the room and ensure it doesn’t look to dark.
Lap of luxury
The Eton Sofa with velvet upholstery is one of our favourite black sofa living room ideas. Undoubtedly glamorous and perfect for formal living spaces, a black velvet sofa is a refined choice.
Paired with the light wood herringbone floors and natural light streaming through the window, this look puts a modern edge on tradition. Opt for brushed brass accents throughout the room for an added touch of opulence.
Keep it light
A black sofa can be quite a bold addition to a living room. So, unless you’re after a darker vibe for your space, balance it out with some lighter shades. Think cream cushions, light wood floors and neutral carpets. Similarly, an off-white wall is a great choice if you want to brighten up the space.
However, we recommend avoiding bright white colours as this may make it look a bit monochrome. The addition of a carefully positioned plant alongside the Torino Sofa in this shot also helps to lift the space.
Industrial black sofa living room ideas
If you’re after an industrial look for your home but don’t want to compromise on comfort, we recommend our Matera Sofa. Like our other black sofa living room ideas, this sofa is very versatile and would work in many different homes. We love it in this shot with the whitewashed brick walls Crittall doors and plum-hued accents.
Like what you see? Shop black sofas at Heal’s.
Decorating a children’s bedroom can be hard. More specifically, finding the right balance between your design taste and your child’s is a difficult task. Whilst you might find pared-back, pastel hues to your taste, it’s worth considering some vibrant hues to inspire little ones.
It’s also important to consider the longevity of your design choices. If you’re eager to redecorate every few years then choosing a trend-driven décor isn’t necessarily a problem. However, if you want this redesign to last for years then choose pieces that will grow alongside your child. Clearly you know your child best. So, consider each investment purchase you make and decide if it’ll still be right for them in six years’ time.
To help you out, we’ve selected some of our favourite children’s bedroom ideas. Scroll down to be inspired and read our top tips to consider when decorating.
Iconic design in a children’s bedroom
Iconic design doesn’t just belong in adult spaces. There are plenty of scaled-down design classics that would look right at home in a children’s bedroom. Take these miniature Panton Chairs from Vitra for example. You could also opt for Ligne Roset’s iconic Togo Sofa or Philippe Starck’s Ghost Chair in child sizes.
The major benefit of all these designs is that they’re fit for play. Crafted using sturdy plastic and hardwearing upholstery, these chairs are all perfect for children’s bedrooms and play areas. Plus, their vibrant hues are great for creating an inspiring space.
Space for sleepovers
Whether it’s with school friends, cousins or siblings, spare duvets and mattresses are essential for hosting the ultimate sleepover. When you aren’t entertaining, then it’s good to have somewhere to store all the extra bedding. That’s why we recommend our Storabed. This easy-to-operate single bed has a second bed and mattress neatly stowed underneath it. It switches from one to two single beds within a matter of seconds.
If you already have perfectly good bed and aren’t looking to upgrade, then there are still tons of options. Consider a sofa bed, folding bed or bed in a box. Most of these options can be stored out of the way when sleepovers aren’t in session.
Toys or accessories?
Toys are such important parts of a child’s youth, with favourites being kept for decades. These designer toys will last them for childhood and beyond thanks to their design kudos.
Both the miniature and regular-sized Eames Elephants can be clambered on, join in play and attend important tea parties. They also come in plenty of vibrant colours, ideal for colourful bedroom schemes.
Other designer children’s toys include Alexander Girard’s Wooden Dolls. These dolls are so iconic and beautiful you almost won’t mind them not being tidied away. Each one is crafted using wood and hand-painted, meaning they definitely don’t want to join in for bath time. But their smiling faces and colourful designs make them coveted attendees of the latest toy concert.
Simple storage
Baskets are a saving grace when it comes to children’s bedrooms, playrooms and living spaces. These Restore Baskets from Muuto are particularly great. Each basket is stackable and feels great thanks to its recycled felt construction. Plus, their large cut-out handles mean they’re great for transporting toys from one room to the other.
The added bonus of adult-friendly storage is that you can adopt it as your own once you’re child no longer uses it.
Rugs in a children’s bedroom
Rugs play many important roles in our homes, particularly in child-friendly spaces. A carefully positioned rug in a living room creates the perfect place for little ones to play. Plus, it’ll help keep their toes warm if you have wood flooring.
Similarly, in a children’s bedroom, a rug provides a great space to play. In particular, rugs with patterns and shapes are extra fun as they can be used as part of creative play. Rugs in bedrooms also help make the space feel cosier and warm, ideal for difficult bedtimes.
As the centre of the home, a modern living room that’s designed round you and your tastes makes all the difference. Whilst structural elements like the room’s layout and paint choice matter, you’ll also want to consider furniture. No matter how contemporary the space, if the furniture in it is dull and lacklustre then it won’t feel like a modern living room.
To help inspire you, we’ve compiled some of our favourite modern living room design ideas. If something catches your fancy, click on the image to find it at Heal’s.
Switch up the silhouette
One way to make your living room feel really contemporary is to rethink shape. One way to do this is to opt for a gently curved sofa or angular design to really make a statement. Remember to consider your comfort and lifestyle when choosing a sofa with a bold silhouette.
For example, if you like to lean back then a low back may not be right. Similarly, if you like to rest your head on the armrests then that rules out wood.
Traditional with a twist
Creating a modern living room doesn’t mean leaving traditional influences at the door. In fact, classic sofas are constantly being revisited to suit modern homes. Bold upholstery, metal accents and sumptuous cushioning will all bring a traditional sofa into the 21st century. Plus, with all the conveniences of modern technology and materials, a modern sofa should last much longer than an original.
Colour me green
Playing with colour is something you’ll find lots in this list of modern living room ideas. That’s because a splash of colour will instantly bring life to a room and make it feel more up to date. Be sure to pick a colour that you know you’ll love for years to come and isn’t driven solely by trends. If you don’t want to invest in a brand new sofa, consider using a throw to revitalise your existing sofa or armchair.
Colourful modern living room
A splash of yellow in an otherwise pared back space will lift the room and make it feel as fresh as the outdoors. Light colours like yellow, white and cream make the most out of natural sunlight to refresh otherwise dark rooms.
Plenty of pattern
Unless you’d like it to, pattern doesn’t have to mean chintz and kitsch florals. In fact, a subtle pattern can make a real difference to a modern living space. Try opting for tones in similar hues on cushions, curtains or even the sofa. We love the way this sofa draws in hues from around the room without overpowering it.
A modern living room
This living room embodies modern living. With dark wood floors, luxurious metal accents and bold, clean-lined silhouettes, this home is on the cutting edge of design. We love the way colour is added to the room through some choice textiles and accessories. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling windows bring brightness to the room and connect it with the outdoors.
Compact but cool
Smaller spaces still deserve to make a design statement. A slim-line sofa will make the most out of the space, whilst compact floor lighting adds a different dimension to the décor. We really like the way this modern living room has stuck to a core colour palette and accessorised with vibrant hues. This allows you to switch the room up each season, year or month without buying new furniture.
Airy and bright modern living room
No matter how modern an on-trend your living room is, no space is complete without comfortable furniture. Nowadays you don’t have to sacrifice style to achieve comfort. Opt for sprawling corner sofas with plenty of space for lounging and accessorise with plump cushions and sumptuous rugs. We love how modern this sofa looks paired with the contemporary wood burning stove and statement lighting.
Modern with a nod to the past
Modern interiors are sometimes strikingly traditional, with designs remaining current decades after they were first created. This is particularly true with mid-century furniture. This modern living room features a contemporary sofa that takes its design notes from the Art Deco era. One of the benefits of buying a modern sofa rather than an original is that modern technology means they’re often comfier.
Classic but make it bold
Want to keep your interior décor classic and elegant whilst making a statement at the same time? Then opt for a clean-lined, sophisticated sofa with vibrant upholstery. We think the teal blue sofa in this modern living room really enlivens the space and connects it to the outdoors.
Decorating your workspace can be a challenging task when you consider all the storage, lighting and decorative options. To help you avoid getting stuck in a rut, we’ve complied four simple tips for creating a motivating workspace.
Start decluttering
They say a clean house helps to clear your mind. Well the same can be said for your workspace. Take some time to declutter and organise your desk so that returning to your desk feels as calm as possible. Use baskets, shelves and integrated desk storage to streamline your space.
If you’re short on room, make use of all space by transforming the wall into clever storage. We love Vitra’s Uten.Silo for its unique design and creative possibilities.
Hang inspiring art
Your workspace should be a source of inspiration for you, so upgrade it by hanging some of your favourite artwork. To help retain a calming ambience in the room, we recommend soothing hues of blue and grey.
However, if you find vibrant artwork more inspiring, then opt for that instead. A magnetic or cork memo board can also be a useful addition to your workspace depending on your needs.
Find out more about creating a picture wall here.
Light bulb moment
Finding the right lighting for your home office is essential as it can change the mood of a room in an instant. Home-based workspaces often lack harsh office lighting, so keep it this way by using lampshades to diffuse and reduce glare.
Position your desk as close to the window as possible to make the most of natural light. If you’re low on space, then fitting a task lamp to the wall will help provide targeted lighting when needed.
Invest in comfort
If you’re working from home then the odds are you’ll spend a lot of time sitting in your office chair. So why not make your workspace as comfortable as possible? Look out for chairs that have been ergonomically designed to keep your posture aligned during long seated periods. If you don’t want a traditional swivel chair, there are plenty of modern designs to choose from.
Shop our collection of contemporary office chairs here.
SHOP HOME OFFICE
Discover more
-
Behind The Design
-
Trends & Lifestyle
-
At Heal's
