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Tips & advice

We show you how to give a foal point to that plain wall with tips and tricks on accessorising with a Contemporary Mirror. If your home isn't blessed with soaring ceilings, south-facing picture windows and vast proportions, some well-placed mirrors can make a huge difference. Try these simple steps and see how a few designer mirrors can help add a sense of space and light to the room. Shop Mirrors Mirror, mirror: Mitre Rectangular Mirror £200, Verona Walnut Mirror £550, Circle Section Mirror £145 and Oval Oak Mirror £550. Clever tricks with mirrors To amplify light, prop a mirror behind a light source - think candles on a mantlepiece, chandeliers or cluster lights in a dining room, and bedside table lamps To improve your view, put a mirror alongside or across from a window. The reflection maximises natural light and allows you to appreciate outdoor views from more than one angle. To break up visual clutter, pull a mirror into a decorative grouping to give airiness to busy display of objects, or stop a highly patterned wall from feeling overwhelming. Mirror image: Basic Copper Mirror £350, Walnut Framed Mirror small £285, Tondo Round Mirror £1395, Cuba Armchair in camel leather £395 and Dali Walnut Wall Mirror £1595. How to hang them Hanging a mirror on the wall may seem like the most obvious way to display it, but try propping larger ones at slight angles against a wall too. They will reflect the ceiling and most the room to suggest extra space. Through the looking glass: Quartz Mirror £795, Cadeau Square Mirror £249, Francis Round Wall Mirror £450, Bio Round Mirror £299 and Round Dusty Pink Mirror £166. Shop Mirrors Back to top
In the first in a series of designer how-to guides, internationally renowned interior stylist Emilio Pimentel-Reid teaches us the art of table setting beginning with his ideal contemporary dining display for summer. Summer is finally here and with it comes a whole new approach to dining and entertaining for friends. Whether it be a barbecue or an alfresco evening, a more laid-back approach is the order of the day both in terms of dress and design. To make the most of those long sunny evenings, we asked interior stylist Emilio Pimentel-Reid to provide some expert advice on how to recreate his beautiful Midnight Sun dining setting. Shop now Midnight Sun “For my first table setting, I have selected pieces that give a rustic yet refined vibe. The mesmerising forms of the Northern Lights are blended with a palette of warm orange and yellow tones to create a relaxed, summer feel... The sleek, modern lines of Georg Jensen’s glass and white china dinnerware ranges are complemented by the abstract forms found within the brightly coloured Splash bowls from Da Terra plus Pols Pottens range of Bubbles Tumblers.” Sun kissed dishes: Splash Dinnerware from £15, Cobra Dinner Plate £19, Bubbles Tumbler in Orange £6, Edge Red Wine Glass £40 (set of two), Santol Cutlery from £12, Linen Napkin in Slate £10 and Connaught Vase in red £55. “In amongst these statement pieces, a subtle mix of metallic finishes adds an opulence to this informal setting as shown by the Ilse Small Brass Bowl and rose gold embellished Edge wine glasses. This setting is designed for chilled out dinner parties on glorious summer evenings with the injection of vibrant oranges offset by cool navy blues.” Metallic touches: Edge Red Wine Glass £40 (set of two), Cobra Glass Carafe £54, Ilse Small Brass Bowl £105 all by Georg Jensen. Introducing Emilio One of the UK’s foremost interiors stylists, Emilio Pimentel-Reid is an authority when it comes to styles, trends and design direction. Having started his career working for fashion brands such as Calvin Klein and Oscar de la Renta, Emilio made the move into journalism as an Editor at the ground-breaking American interiors magazine Nest before becoming an award-winning Shopping and Decorating Editor at ELLE Decoration UK. He now consults with top British and International interior brands as well as regularly contributes to interiors publications both online and in print. Feeling inspired for summer? Then why not discover our full range of Dining designs and save up to 40% by shopping the Heal's Sale today. Shop Sale Back to top
Whether it's intricate ethnic patterns or minimal blocks of colour, monochrome dinnerware provides the perfect palette for vibrant seasonal dishes. Like a stylish wardrobe, every kitchen and dining room needs staple pieces to frame both your gastronomic creations and everyday dishes. So to help you add some ying to your yang, we've brought together a few of our favourite new and classic pieces of black and white themed dinnerware. Shop Dishy Designs Loft White Dinnerware from £7 shown with Mahogany Satin Cutlery £145 (24 Piece Set), O Wine Tumblers £25, Linen Tableware from £10, Ink Ceramic Bottles in Diamond £30 and Stripe £20, and Arbori Dining Table £1,495. You can't go wrong with the crisp, clean look of fine white china dishes and plates especially when they're designed and made by legendary ceramicists Thomas Rosenthal. The subtle concentric pattern of the Loft Dinnerware range, shown above, contributes wonderfully towards stylish modern home decor. Moroccan Dinnerware from £9 shown with Mahogany Satin Cutlery £145 (24 Piece Set), Monochromatic Bowl £10, Linen Tableware from £10, and Traditional Moroccan Glass from £3. Ethnic inspired patterns give an eclectic feel to the dining room as shown by this beautiful collection of dinnerware which has been traditionally fired and hand painted in Morocco. Pair bold patterns such as those above with simple accessories and solid woods to really bring out the exotic feel. Siirtolapuutarha Dinnerware by Marimekko including Side Plate £20 and Teapot £67. When it comes to "food porn", brunch is by far the most popular meal of the day for insta-influencers. So if you're planning to show off your culinary creations try Marimekko's iconic collections of dinnerware - mixing modern Nordic form with their trademark illustrative patterns, these dishes are just the thing for lazy Sunday dining. Coal Black Enamelware by Falcon including Deep Plates £40 (set of four). The utility-chic of enamelware has made a major resurgence over the last few years in no small part thanks to trendy start-up restaurateurs who love its simple style and durability. While Falcon's classic blue with white rim design is still a staple of the kitchen cabinet, these new black and white dishes give a sharp, modern contrast to the range. Shop Dining Back to top
Feeling blue? Our beautifully curated colour board is just the thing to perk up your space. The colour of the sky and the sea, blue is expansive and open. It’s the go-to colour for coastal homes and works brilliantly with white for an easy, fool-proof decorating scheme that looks effortlessly chic. In the winter months though, blue and white can feel a tad cold so deeper indigo and midnight blues work well, especially when layered, blue tone on blue tone with greys mixed in. Dark navy is a great alternative to black when you’re looking for an anchor colour as it’s not so hard but has similar depth and intensity. Browse the Blues The Mistral Armchair £1,195 and 4 Seater Sofa £1,995 both in Velvet Midnight shown with Merino & Cashmere Throw in grey £130, Mohair Cushion in black & white £45, Modem Rug £310, Trio Round Coffee Table £1,746, and Marble Tea Light Holder £25. Heal's 1810 Ink range: Bowl £8, Side Plate £8, Dinner Plate £12, Mug £8, Large Round Tray £40, Jug £25, Salad Bowl £25, Ceramic Bottles Stripe £20, Diamond £30 and Spot £40. Cocoon King Bed £1,795 shown with Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen from £14, Merino & Cashmere Throw in grey £130, Contrast Stitch Melange Throw in grey £60 and Elysia Lounge Chair £3,594. Blue doesn't have to be overpowering. Accents of colour such as a feature wall or decorative pieces can help bring a space to life especially when set against smooth solid woods and monochrome schemes. Brunel Console Table £95, Vanity Mirror £40, Stool £95 and Hanging Rail £275 shown with Primary Cog Clock in black £65. Shop Now Back to top
While home garden bars may have become popular during the pandemic when traditional pubs, bars and restaurants were shut to the public, they have shown no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Searches for garden bars are still soaring as people look for inspiring new ways to inform theirs, whether tiki-style arrangements with tropical cocktails or pub-esque set-ups with craft beer. But why are homeowners still looking for dedicated spaces to serve up professional-style drinks in their back gardens when the world of hospitality is open again? There are a couple of reasons. Increasingly, outdoor spaces have become an extension of our homes – often referred to as ‘the fifth room’ – so we’re investing more time and money than ever into making them places we want to spend time. Not only that, but with the rising costs of going out, entertaining at home with friends and family is a more economical alternative. And all without stepping foot outside of the front door. To celebrate the end of summer, we show you how to style a garden bar with a raft of ideas, proving that staying in really is the new going out. Pick a position First thing’s first: the position of your garden bar. Consider a spot that’s both practical and sociable: perhaps it’s somewhere close to the kitchen for quickly and easily topping-up supplies in the shade of the house; or maybe it’s as far as possible from the house to avoid keeping the kids up if parties are likely to carry on until late. Some form of shelter is crucial, too, weatherproofing your home garden bar from unpredictable British summers. You may want to consider a covered pergola or similar. In short, find somewhere that suits your functional needs, while offering a scenic outlook. Choose a theme Next: what style of home garden bar would you like? Choose a theme that reflects your outdoor space and interior décor. Contemporary or classic? Smart or casual? Minimalist or maximalist? British or Mediterranean? This will inform the concept. Secondly: what kind of establishments do you enjoy visiting when you go out? Gastro pub VS wine bar? Cocktail den VS Champagne lounge? This will direct the décor. And lastly: what type of experience are you looking to recreate? Chilled-out and conversational or conducive to parties? This will inspire the ambience. Failing all that, you could throw caution to the wind and create a high-concept home garden bar, inspired by something fun and irreverent: think Studio 54 or South Pacific to get you started. It’s time to think outside of the box and give yourself licence to be playful. If you’re going high-concept, there’s just one rule of thumb: carry it through into everything, from the décor to the drinks, to really make it sing. Select the ‘bar’ part of the bar Our garden bar ideas don’t stop there. With your location and concept sorted, it’s time to source the bar itself, whether it’s an existing surface you style up, a mobile drinks trolley you wheel out, or something you build from scratch. Even a table in a forgotten corner or against the fence can become a dedicated home garden bar with a little imagination and know-how. Free-standing or built-in, the choice is yours, just ensure it’s a focal point of your entertaining space. Editor’s picks Turn the lightweight Eos outdoor café table into a temporary serving station by styling up its square surface and getting everyone to gather around. Take your tipples into the garden using the Flip trolley by Kartell laden with bottles, glasses and accoutrement – simply tell guests to help themselves. The EOS picnic house by Case is perfect for displaying and serving drinks with built-in seating and roof. A ready-made bar, no effort required. Sort your seating You’ll need somewhere for you and your guests to sit outside, whether stools, chairs or sofas. No space and after small garden bar ideas? Don’t worry: even a couple of outdoor cushions provide somewhere casual and convivial to curl up with a cocktail or two under the stars. Editor’s picks Pull up a pew with an elegant Eos outdoor bar stool or two. Be swept off your feet with a series of stackable EOS outdoor side chairs for easy storage when not in use. The Tanso outdoor sofa or Kodo outdoor lounge sofa both provide a comfortable seat for al fresco socials. Decide on décor Take the indoors out with décor that blurs the boundaries between home and garden. Think colourful, patterned and textured cushions, throws and outdoor rugs. Stylish and eclectic objets d’art. Even mirrors or artworks framed and hung on outside walls or fences. Remember: not everything needs to be designed for outdoors. You can always bring décor in after the day is done. Editor’s picks Roll out an outdoor carpet for guests with the Garden Layers rug by GAN and provide added comfort, texture and interest. Lean the Lucka outdoor mirror by Deknudt against an outdoor wall to reflect the space and catch the light. Add soft furnishings with the Cabana stripe cushion and Pop wool throw to cosy up your home garden bar. Switch up lighting. The right outdoor light can create just the right ambience for your home garden bar, whether it’s flickering candles to set the mood or string lighting to frame the space. Editor’s picks Create a beautiful backdrop for your garden bar by winding a set of Tobias LED outdoor string lights around a tree or draping them over a fence. Add the polish of a professional bar with an Orion portable LED outdoor table lamp. Cluster groups of Aston LED outdoor portable solar jar lights by Sirius together around the garden. Add your accessories. Now, the fun part: finishing with garden bar accessories. From different glassware to accommodate various drinks and covetable barware for serving them in style, furnish your home garden bar with everything you need to play host with the most – sure to make the neighbours green with envy. Editor’s picks These gin balloon glasses from LSA International provide the ultimate vessel for everyone’s favourite poison. Is it even a garden party without celebratory bubbles? Try these Champagne saucers from The Vintage List. Crevettes by Harlie Brown Studio is the perfect plate for aperitivo hour. Inspired to style your own home garden bar this summer? Browse and buy designer pieces to give yours a professional flourish.

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