Buying Guides

Why A Sofa Bed Is A Good Investment

A sofa bed is often a practical addition to living spaces, offering a comfortable place for impromptu guests to sleep. Furthermore, it takes up less space than a guest room and offers more comfort than an inflatable bed. Long gone are the days when having a sofa bed meant tolerating an uncomfortable sofa to sit in. Thanks to modern technology and a larger focus on comfort, the market is full of sofa beds worth the investment. Better than a standard sofa Nowadays, furniture designers and manufacturers like Heal’s have poured over every detail to ensure optimum comfort. Modern designs don’t necessitate discomfort for the sake of having a pull-out bed. With designs like the Pillow Sofa Bed, you can have a modern sofa without sacrificing feather-filled cushions and comfortable padding. Nowadays, your main living room sofa can easily have an integrated bed without it being obvious to the sitter. No compromising on comfort If your sofa bed is going to be regularly used as both a sofa and a bed, you shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort. In this case, designs such as the Snooze Sofa Bed stand above the rest. Offering premium comfort as a sofa, it also unfolds into a comfortable double bed. Most interestingly, a pocket-sprung mattress is integrated into the design. Pocket-sprung mattresses have long been regarded as a superior option, offering a higher level of comfort than standard foam mattress. A versatile sofa For occasional use, a simple fold-down sofa could be the answer to your prayers. These versatile sofas provide a comfortable place to sit, but transform into a sofa in a matter of seconds. You can find this style of sofa in a variety of styles and finishes, but we love the Hinge Luxe Sofa Bed. This comfortable sofa is available in a host of upholstery options so you can find one that suits your space. Furthermore, the cushioning boasts pocket springs for comfort that’ll guarantee a good night’s sleep. Easy to unfold Whilst fold-down sofa beds are remarkably easy to use, more traditional mechanisms aren’t difficult to master. Over the years, advancing technology has meant that modern sofa beds with metal frames are easy to use. In addition, uncomfortable foam padding has been replaced with memory foam mattresses. The Heal’s Oswald Sofa Bed is one of our most-loved designs. Shop Sofa Beds

Buying Guides

Design Your Own Dining Table

Want to design your own bespoke dining table? Well, thanks to the Heal’s Bespoke Dining collection, it’s never been easier to step into the role of designer. By choosing your own legs, wood, size and finish, you can create a table that suits your taste. There are over 2000 options available and coordinating benches to complete the look. We’ve created this useful guide to help you get started designing your own table. 1. Choose your leg style Find your perfect table legs with four different styles to choose from. The criss-crossed Oslo base offers a contemporary silhouette. Slim and splayed, Madrid is ideal for bringing a sleek and minimal look to your home. Harking back to the Arts and Crafts era, Lisbon features a refectory-style base. For more industrial homes, Prague is ideal thanks to its wide metal structure. 2. Choose your edge profile Now you’ve selected your legs, the next step is to choose the edge profile to suit you. Fans of clean lines and minimalist finished are likely to be drawn towards the straight edge profile. If you’re looking for a more contemporary design, a chamfered edge may be a good choice. This lends a touch of detailing to the table and streamlines the aesthetic. A natural edge follows the natural grain of the wood and lends the finished design a more organic aesthetic. 3. Choose your finish Now’s the time to select the ultimate surface. Each table top is crafted using solid wood and is available in six different finishes. These finishes include oiled oak in blonde, smoked, white, grey and natural finishes, as well as a natural walnut option. Each piece of wood boasts unique grains, knots and cracks that showcase the one-of-a-kind nature of your design. 5. Choose your size Next, grab your tape measure and figure out what size table you would like. The Designed By You collection offers seven lengths and two different widths. If you’d like a spot of guidance on choosing your table’s size, why not consult our dedicated buying guide?DINING TABLE BUYING GUIDE 6. Filled or not filled? This can be considered a baffling question, but really it’s quite simple. A filled table has a smooth surface with no holes for crumbs or dust. An unfilled table top showcases its grain in all its natural glory, with knots and cracks on display. Your choice will depend on your preference as well as how the table will be used. DESIGN YOUR OWN TABLE

Styling

How To Create A Picture Wall

Found in living rooms, offices and cafés across the globe, the picture wall trend shows no signs of stopping. Also known as a gallery wall, this versatile feature is a great way to add personality to your home. The best part is that it’s easy to do yourself. While creating a picture wall can be a daunting prospect, there is plenty of helpful advice out there. We will guide you on how to pick your prints, how to hang a picture frame and what mistakes not to make. Choose with care First of all, select what you would like to display on your wall. Combine art reproductions, original drawings and pressed flowers with photographs and children’s artwork. When picking your frames, don’t be afraid to get crafty. Spruce up an old frame with a lick of paint or recycle leftover DIY materials to create your own personalised design. TOP TIP: A picture wall comes into its own when it looks collected. We recommend taking your time to compile every print and frame you’d like to include, rather than buying them in bulk. Laying it out One way of laying out your picture wall is to plan it round your favourite piece of artwork. This can mean coordinating your colour scheme round it or using it as a central focus for the entire wall. Once you’ve made your selection, use masking tape on the wall to find the perfect placement. Before you get the hammer out, consider whether using nails is the way to go. If you live in a rented property or are likely to reorganise your gallery wall regularly, then picture hanging strips might be a good choice. TOP TIP: Don’t just stick to traditional frames. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not use washi tape to display your prints? This works particularly well when displaying low-cost items like postcards. Now to hang it Once you’ve created a template for the gallery wall, it’s time to start hanging the pictures. At this point, you may choose to enlist a builder or decorator to help. However, for the DIY enthusiasts it’s time to get crafty. For small prints, a simple nail or hook will likely do the trick. Medium-sized prints call for two hooks or nails. This is especially the case if the frame is displayed landscape as it is more likely to stay centred. For heavier frames, opt for a more robust anchor, such as a plastic wall plug, to secure it. If your frame has a wire, remember to take it into account when measuring up. SHOP WALL ART SHOP FRAMES

Styling

Five Ways To Style: Mirrors

A well-positioned mirror can work wonders for a room, transforming it into a bright and open space. To help you on your interior design journey, we’ve compiled some of our favourite ways to style mirrors in your home. Make an entrance A contemporary mirror in your hallway will make the entrance feel light and airy as soon as you walk in. It also provides the perfect place to pause before you leave the house. Position your chosen mirror above a slim console table, or place a floor-length mirror at the end of the corridor to elongate the room. Now, thanks to the Heal’s Designed By You collection, you can step into the shoes of designer and create the perfect mirror for you. Find out more here. Brighten up the room Struggling to bring natural light into a dark space? A carefully positioned mirror could be just what you need. Use a leaning mirror to capture the sun at the right angle and bounce light back into the room. Alternatively, affix a mirror to the wall opposite the window to reflect light back into your space. Paired with warm lighting and delicate curtains, your home will be feeling brighter in no time at all. The illusion of space When positioned well, mirrors can be used to open up a room and as such make it feel larger and create the illusion of space. By affixing a large mirror above the mantelpiece or sofa you can elongate the room and make it seem larger than it is on paper. It also lends an opulent finish to the room. Opt for contemporary designs or a more traditional flourish, as we’ve shown here with the Classic Overmantle Mirror. Additional storage Whether it’s in your bathroom, dressing space or bedroom, a mirror is a clever way to conceal additional storage. For example, the Brunel Lean Mirror boasts a small shelf for shoe storage and a hanging rail for clothes. In addition to providing some much-needed storage, these designs provide a practical place to get ready and brighten the room. Artistic statement Creating a statement piece of wall art doesn’t stop with prints, posters and frames. A decorative mirror such as this one from Homka will add an extra level of intrigue to your room. Sophisticated splashes of colour, integrated lighting and architectural shapes all present playful options depending on your space. One of our favourite ways to style decorative mirrors is to arrange different finishes in a cluster on the wall. The added bonus of decorative mirrors is that they also bring light and the illusion of space into a room. What’s the best way to clean a mirror? Smudged fingerprints and specks of dust are less than desirable when it comes to mirrors. Luckily, it’s an easy thing to fix using items you’ll already have in your house. If there are more stubborn marks, start off by tackling them using a cotton pad and some rubbing alcohol. Next, use your glass cleaner of choice and a microfiber cloth to clean the mirror, moving from top to bottom. Whilst this advice will be suitable for many mirrors in your home, always check its individual care instructions first. Shop Mirrors

Styling

Five Ways To Style: Velvet

As one of the biggest trends year in, year out, velvet is a must-have addition to your décor. The luxurious fabric is suited to minimalist, mid-century abodes and contemporary apartments alike. The cotton-based fabric is incredibly versatile but boasts an upmarket edge. By selecting the right silhouette, statement piece or accent, a touch of velvet can overhaul your space. Statement velvet sofa A sofa is a staple of your living space, and a textured velvet sofa will provide a striking centrepiece for years to come. As with the Richmond Velvet Sofa shown, opting for jewel-like colours will add a touch of opulence to your space. If you’re looking to enliven a muted colour palette, a vibrant yellow or green sofa will add a splash of colour. In contrast, if a neutral, pared-back colour scheme suits you, then select from natural shades of grey, cream or tan. With various sizes, shapes and colours available, you will find the perfect velvet sofa in the Heal’s collection. Pair with a coordinating velvet footstool or ottoman for a finishing flourish. Textural accessories Looking to invest in something a little smaller than a sofa? A colourful cushion will keep you up to date with the latest trend without overhauling your entire décor. Furthermore, it creates a clever contrast with other fabrics and materials in your home. This simple and effective technique will provide an instant update to your space. We recommend using velvet to create pops of colour, like this ochre cushion paired with a grey easy chair. However, you could also use softer, neutral hues to blend perfectly with the rest of your décor. A velvet twist on a classic Whether it’s the living room, dining space or office, a velvet chair is versatile enough to be used throughout the home. For example, a velvet accent chair by the fire will create a comfortable centrepiece for a room. Similarly, upholstered dining chairs in a formal eating area provide a comfortable seat for dinner guests. Choose from upholstered classics, like this mint Platner Lounge Chair from Knoll, or create a personalised Designed By You armchair. Velvet headboard The addition of a statement velvet headboard will create a truly inviting bedroom. You can even create your own bed thanks to the Heal’s Designed By You collection. Here you’ll be able to choose from a series of headboards, divan bases and feet to create the ultimate bed. Complete your bed with a supreme mattress, cushion cluster and crisp bed linen and you’ll be ready to catch forty winks. Bold bedroom accents There’s nothing more luxurious than a velvet quilt to create a warming a cosy ambience in your bedroom. The key is selecting the right colour for your space. To create a calming ambience, choose lighter, more natural hues. For a more vibrant interior décor, select from jewel tones such as plum, midnight blue or ochre. Complete the scene with Egyptian-cotton bed linen, a mattress fit for a king and deluxe down pillows. How do you clean velvet? Despite being plagued with the misconception that it’s high maintenance, velvet is actually a remarkably robust fabric. To get the most out of your velvet furniture or accessories, we recommend gently vacuuming it weekly to remove dust. If you spill anything, the most important thing to remember is to not clean it with water or rub it. Instead, simply blot the spillage with a highly absorbent cloth without putting too much pressure on the fabric. Read more about maintaining your velvet in our specialised care guide. Shop Velvet Sofas Shop Velvet Headboards

Styling

What Do We Look For In Home Design When Buying A House?

When it comes to redecorating your house, it can be a struggle to maintain a balance between on style trends and timeless classics. This can be even more important if you are looking to sell your house in the near future. With the general uncertainty in the housing market showing no signs of disappearing, any small change could make a huge difference to the likelihood that your house will sell. To investigate this further, Heal’s looked into what exactly the British public are looking for in their home design when they are on the hunt for a new house. Choosing a style that will last One of the most difficult decisions has to be choosing a style that will last. Something that will stand the test of time and live through emerging trends. By analysing Google Search trend data, we were able to track the popularity of some of the most sought-after décor trends from the past decade. Using this information, we determined which trends have come and stayed and which have very much gone! From the data above, it’s very apparent that the most popular trends like shabby chic, Bohemian and the currently popular Scandanavian-style, dip in and out of fashion. Following this, Heal’s asked the British public what they look for in décor when hunting for a new home. Decisions, decisions… From a survey of 1,000 UK residents, Heal’s found that currently the most desired décor for Brits is the clean-cut, Scandinavian-style, with a whopping 33% of people choosing this as their most preferred look. This trend was closely followed by a traditional style (17%) and art deco (16%). Surprisingly (or perhaps not) the Scandanavian-style décor style came out on top for both men and women. If you’re looking at putting your house on the market and live in the Belfast, Cardiff or Glasgow areas, now is the time to upgrade your décor so it oozes Scandi vibes! The least popular décor for us Brits was the once very popular shabby chic (3%). Think blank canvas over cluttered and bold With so many variations in what people are looking for in their next home, it’s clear from our research that it’s important to ensure your home is presented in the best way possible in order for it to sell. Over a quarter of Brits struggle to visualise how a room will look with different décor and furniture, with 25% of people unable to visualise other potential styles and over a third (36%) only finding it moderately easy. Our study showed that almost double the number of women than men found visualising different styles extremely easy, with 37% of men saying they find it very difficult to visualise a room in a completely different style to theirs. Aurore Martial, Founder of Domus Venues confirmed that neutral tones are the best way forward when preparing a home for a sale, but that doesn’t mean you need to depersonalise your home. “When looking to sell I’d say yes, go for neutral tones, but by all means avoid the staged furniture look! Staged flats all look the same with grey furniture, grey walls, exposed bulbs in line, and totally lack personality.” What are people actually looking for? Your furniture choices are extremely important when it comes to presenting your home if you’re ready to sell. Our survey data showed a clear selection of items and elements to embrace, and those to stay well away from. Think real wood floors (92%), oversized mirrors for creating the impression of more natural light (64%) and built-in wardrobes and storage (64%), ideal if people don’t want to bring these bulky items with them when they move. The major décor faux pas to avoid are definitely those retro 70’s fluffy toilet seat covers (100%), wording written on the walls, for example the ‘live laugh love’ stickers (83%) and taxidermy (80%)! With taste changing from person to person, Aurore Martial offers the below advice on how to style your home, to ensure your purchases last as well as making your home look appealing to potential buyers. “Focus on great furniture, a mix of design classics and statement pieces - because these will stay with you for a long time! Pick something you like, in a harmonious palette. Something that can move with you from place to place, or something that will look good with a different background colour.” It’s safe to say that if you’re looking to sell your home, the British people want to see a clean-cut, Scandinavian vibe that they can imagine themselves living in when they come for a viewing. Think neutral tones with small touches of personality such as houseplants and impressive pieces of artwork, and your house is bound to be snapped up in no time.