Rest and relaxation have always been essential to well-being. But keeping your mind, body and soul healthy and nurtured is more important than ever right now.
As life becomes filled with more uncertainties, we all find ourselves needing a place to go to escape, relax and unwind. And a calm living space provides exactly that.
By experimenting with light, texture and tone, you can create a stress-free haven in the heart of the home. Here, we show you exactly how to achieve it.
Declutter
Very few things create mental unrest like clutter. The tidier your space is, the more relaxed you will feel. It’s as simple as that. Start by tidying away anything that you don’t need.
Stack any books, magazines or newspapers onto shelves and neatly arrange any candles and photo frames. Ottomans and sideboards also make perfect storage solutions.
Soft textures
Mimic the snug comfort of your sleeping quarters by adding ultra-cosy soft furnishings to your living space. Opt for sumptuous velvet textures and woven designs for heightened comfort and warmth. Then drape cosy throws across the sofa and accompany with layers of plump cushions. You’ll find yourself in a calm haven in no time.
Neutral tones
Set a serene scene with light, neutral tones. Neutral colours are perfect for creating a sense of harmony. But that doesn’t mean you have to confine yourself to an entirely bare space. Instead, use a variety of soothing tones and textures to create depth. And as light colours are wonderful at enhancing daylight rays, they’re a guaranteed mood booster.
Plant power
Bringing the outside in will help to create an overwhelmingly calming atmosphere. Houseplants not only look great, they also have fantastic health benefits. Plants cleanse the air and oxygenate the home, which in turn promotes tranquillity and serenity. But if you’re not particularly green fingered, artificial plants also offer a great way to create a green utopia.
Strike a balance
You don’t have to be a master of feng shui to successfully create harmony within the home. Simple ways to promote a more calm environment include playing with the positioning of living room furniture or experimenting with light and dark textures and tones. The key is to try a few different set-ups to find the one that flows and feels equally weighted.
Natural materials
Using materials such as linen and wool is a perfect way to connect with nature and create a deep-rooted sense of calm. While houseplants may not be for everyone, natural textures promote the same levels of tranquillity and calm. Original woodwork or woven designs can prove particularly effective in working to ground the overall feel of the room.
Soothing sounds and soft scents
Evoking the senses is key to creating a calm living space. An all-round sensory experience works to perfectly complement soft textures, neutral tones and natural materials.
Why not introduce gentle fragrances with scented candles and aromatherapy essentials oils. And don’t forget the room’s acoustics. Use rugs and throws to help absorb sound.
Sunlight and candlelight
Nothing promotes clarity and wellness quite like natural light. A naturally lit room can boost productivity, improve mood and create overall tranquillity. So try to let as much light in as possible.
For darker days and evenings however, create a landscape of ambient lighting using candles. After all, there’s nothing more calming than the warm, flickering glow of a candle.
Like what you see? Discover more soothing home accessories here.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Trends & Lifestyle
Now more than ever there’s nothing quite like escaping the chaos of modern life and retreating to a cosy bedroom to hunker down in hibernation. With this in mind, the bedroom should inevitably be the most tranquil room in the house. But how do you transform yours into a haven for rest and relaxation?
Well, that’s where we come in. Whether you’re set on overhauling your sleeping quarters or just looking for a quick way to spruce up your space, we’ve got you covered. From introducing soft textures and calming colours to experimenting with light and fragrance, here we highlight simple ways to create your very own snug bedroom.
Soft textures
Layers, layers and more layers. Layered soft furnishings are perfect for creating both an eye-catching focal point and a warm haven to drift off in. Introduce soft throws and cushions to the bed for a quick way to make a warm, inviting space. As the bed itself should be a sanctuary, try to dress it in velvety textures, luxe bedspreads and sumptuously soft throws.
Ambient lighting
Create a relaxing atmosphere by switching off the ceiling fixture after dark and concentrating on low light. Introduce matching bedside lamps and strategically positioned floor lamps to maximise the room’s potential. Lighting that emits a soft, warm glow is perfect for setting an intimate mood.
Snug rugs
Start from the ground up by adding extra cosiness with a plush rug (or two). As the bedroom is typically used barefoot, it’s essential to have a soft floor surface. Particularly when climbing in and out of bed. Rugs offer the perfect way to introduce more warmth, additional texture and that all-important super-soft flourish.
Calming colours
We often retreat to the bedroom when we need to switch off and unwind. Therefore, focusing on colours that evoke calm and serenity will create a much cosier atmosphere than bold patterns. Choosing soft throws, faux fur blankets and cosy knits in neutral tones is a great place to start.
Natural materials
Bringing the serenity of nature to the home will help to create a cosy bedroom. Rich, sensuous textures and pared-back elements work to evoke a sense of inner calm. Which in turn, sets a warm, welcoming tone. Clean lines, raw materials and contemporary silhouettes are perfect for this.
Banish clutter
Decluttering is key to creating an ample space for rest and relaxation. While a bedside table and reading nook are perfect, try to avoid cramming in too much else. Unnecessary side tables, desks and bookshelves will make the room feel cramped and crowded. Instead, stick to the essentials.
Soothing scents
Nurturing all five scents is key to creating the ultimate cosy bedroom. Introducing scented candles or essential oils will work to evoke calm and happiness. Fragrances with notes of lavender offer a great place to start. As an esteemed aromatherapy tool, lavender is perfect for reducing restlessness and anxiety.
Comfortable mattress
A bedroom can’t be cosy if it isn’t a comfortable place to sleep. Invest in a good mattress and you’ll never look back. Always make sure you opt for the right type, size and tension to ensure restful sleep. As purchasing a mattress is a long-term commitment, choose the right one with our helpful guide.
Cosy nook
If your bedroom has the space, create a cosy nook with a comfy armchair and soft lighting. Ban technology (with its glowing lights and intermittent hums) and use this small space as a reading corner. Reading is a wonderful pre-sleep activity and a great one for general relaxation too.
Go dark
If you like to make more of a statement with your interiors, darker hues will add dramatic cosiness. Paint the walls (or stick to a single feature wall) in a deep, relaxing shade to bring in added warmth and comfort. Try to focus on one solid colour and steer away from statement patterns.
Incorporate knits
Knitted throws and blankets are perfect for adding extra warmth and texture to the bedroom. Neutral tones and soft fabrics work particularly well in conjuring comfort and calm. Cocoon the bed in chunky knits or drape fine knits over a statement armchair to create the ultimate cosy atmosphere.
Leather accents
Experiment with texture and depth by introducing leather accents. Investing in a leather headboard with a simple, considered design will help to keep the room clean and serene. Whilst also introducing warmth and comfort. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not opt for a luxurious leather chaise lounge.
Scandi simplicity
Simplicity, functionality and beauty are at the heart of Scandinavian design. And they should be at the heart of your bedroom too. Focusing on raw materials, soft textures and clean colour palettes will bring warmth, cosiness and comfort to your space. Minimalist design also helps to create a calm, serene place to rest your head at night.
Discover more cosy bedroom designs here.
As the nights draw in and daylight hours dwindle, it's all too easy to let the lack of daylight get to us. But there are plenty of ways to bring light and joy to the home during the winter months. Starting with unique lighting.
To help, we've compiled a selection of our favourite unique lighting ideas to help inspire your lighting vision. We're talking unusual designs, playful shapes and bold colours.
What's not to love? Interested? Simply click on the image to find the product online.
PH5 Pendant Light
By Louis Poulson Not only does the PH5 Pendant look impressive. It also brings revolutionary light technology to your home. Designed by Poul Henningsen, this striking pendant produces the ideal combination of downward and lateral light. This ambient glow gently illuminates the surroundings and the fixture itself. The three-tier shade system then diffuses the light and prevents glare.
Bud Portable Light
By Melissa Yup for Innermost The Bud is the unusual do-anything light. Available in a kaleidoscope of colours, this portable lamp is easily rechargeable thanks to the micro USB charging socket on the underside. It lasts for up to 20 hours from one charge, making it perfect for illuminating dark nights or setting an ambient mood. And as it offers three levels of brightness, it’s also hugely versatile.
Melt Floor Lamp Chandelier
By Tom Dixon If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional chandelier, you’re in luck. Eccentric and extraordinary, each one of Melt’s seven shades is crafted using pioneering vacuum moulding.
Emitting a mildly hallucinogenic light, this striking lamp creates a mesmerising hot blown-glass effect when on and a mirror-effect when off. Evoking otherworldly imagery, it makes a bold design statement.
Filigrana T2 Cylinder Lamp
By Sebastian Wrong for Established & Sons The Filigrana T2 harnesses the mystery of traditional Venetian glass blowing. Its distinctive candy stripes and elegant structure make it a real focal point in the home.
The surface of the lamp is also intricately acid-etched to allow for a soft and diffused glow to be emitted. Crafted in Spain using a 16th-century technique from Murano, each lamp is truly unique and unusual.
5321 Table Lamp
By Gubi The 5321 table lamp brings the romantic charm of the seaside straight to your home. Its bulb appears subtly from beneath the unique seashell-shaped brass shade, which evokes images of pearls resting in the deep sea.
While its rattan-covered stem brings a playful touch to its mid-century design. And as its finished with a brass-hued textile cord, it brings a timeless flourish to any space.
Mytilus Pendant Light
By Arturo Alvarez The Mytilus will transform your space with its ethereal glow and sculptural structure. Arturo Alvarez designed this modern pendant having drawn inspiration from the moving seabed and the ocean’s currents. The stainless-steel mesh shade curves round the artisanal glass orb that surrounds the integrated LED light. Put simply, it's a mesmerising statement piece.
Arame Wall Light
By Tom Raffield Combining sustainable craftsmanship and sculptural design, let nature guide the way with the Arame Wall Light. Crafted using steam-bent wood and arranged in a tessellating pattern, it mimics the organic shapes and movements found in the natural world.
When switched on, it casts a kaleidoscopic pattern onto the wall. But when switched off, the light maintains its sculptural aesthetic.
Knuckle Table Lamp
By Tala The Knuckle Table Lamp is the perfect compact design to illuminate a desk or bedside table. Paired with an exposed energy-saving Voronoi II bulb, it mimics natural light sources to dim from cool to warm light. In turn, this works to bring visual and physical harmony to any room in the home. Crafted using FSC-grade pure American oak or walnut, it’s easy to find the right one for your space.
Hebe Floor Lamp
By ferm LIVING The Hebe takes the structure of the classic lamp and transforms it with artistic flair and strong shapes. Initially sculpted by hand, the lamp base is crafted from ceramic to a fluid silhouette. Taking its cues from nature, this raw design creates a majestic focal point in any room in the home. To complete the look, combine the lamp with a matching textile lampshade.
IC Low Table Light
By Flos A harmonious balance of form and finish, the IC T1’s slender silhouette defies gravity. Inspired by street performing acrobats, designer Michael Anastassiades distils their movement in sculptural form. Characterised by a use of lustred metal and glass, its sculpted silhouette creates a unique focal point. The glass’ frosted finish then emits a warm glow to light the home on dark evenings.
Basalt Triple Pendant Light
By Tala The Basalt Triple’s delicate angular form is inspired by nature’s beauty. The unique light combines three irregular pendants with three mouth-blown glass bulbs. With its mix of strong materials and dimmable LED technology, it’s perfect for softly illuminating the home. Moreover, as it’s designed to mimic the natural processes that inspire it, it creates a striking focal point.
Multi Lite Table Lamp
By Gubi The Multi Lite embraces the golden era of Danish design to make a statement in your space. The lamp’s elegance and decorate form make it appear almost sculptural. Whilst the multi-purpose design works to direct light upwards, downwards or in asymmetrical patterns. As the darkness sets in, this lamp is perfect for creating a unique lighting solution in any living space.
Torch S1 Cone Pendant
By Sylvain Willenz for Established & Sons The Torch draws inspiration from typical torch and car headlights to bring a fun, vibrant look to the home. The bold yet functional conical shade mimics the handheld nature of the torch. While the diffuser’s textured surface references typical torch and car headlights. It’s also entirely dimmable. Which allows for a warm glow to be created throughout the room on dark nights.
Luna Disc Wall Light
By Gabriel Kakon & Scott Richler for Gabriel Scott The Luna emits a soft glow to gently illuminate the home. Handcrafted in Canada, it takes its structural cues from the original bespoke Luna series. The striking light is crafted from layers of mouth-blown glass. With the spherical structure mimicking the moon’s silhouette. When switched on, this modern design emits a warm light that replicates the moon’s diffused glow. Discover more unique lighting here.
Here, we share some of our favourite living room storage ideas that are both perfectly practical and simply stylish and then make sure you check out our living room ideas gallery.
In living rooms, storage can be tricky. The space is often full of furniture (a sofa, an armchair and TV units) and they are usually in need of a storage solution that allows them to feel spacious without sacrificing style. The key to getting your living room storage spot on is choosing pieces that offer as much multipurpose storage potential as possible. Think a coffee table with a shelf and drawers, built-in shelving solutions or wall mounted cabinets.
If you are searching for living room storage ideas that are both practical and stylish, the storage experts at Heal’s have you covered with storage ideas that are both practical and stylish. Plus Elena Paparozzi, Senior Furniture Buyer at Heal’s offers her top tips on choosing the right storage options for your living room.
Add a cabinet or console table
An elegant console table not only gives plenty of extra storage space but also an elegant display to brighten up your living room. Built-in drawers are a perfect place to store letters and extra linens can be neatly folded in a basket underneath. A cabinet dresser is also a functional yet attractive way to add storage space to your living room.
Elena says: Sometimes it’s a shame to hide our favourite pieces away, but you can display them while keeping them dust-free with a dresser cabinet. A console table also allows you to display accessories. Which in turn, add colour to your room while storing away less show-worthy items.
Use strong vertical lines
Use strong vertical lines to draw the eye upwards in a small space. Try using a ladder shelf as an attractive way to add vertical lines to your living space, while also giving you a creative way to add storage space. You can use the ladder as an attractive way to store books or letters while accessorising with a few plants and ornaments. This will give the illusion of more space.
Elena says: A tall shelving unit will also work for adding vertical lines to your living area. The industrial trend is still going strong so consider adding an industrial unit which will give the illusion of height. The metal frames are also ideal for coping with the weight of numerous books and vases.
Add extra storage with a coffee table
Coffee tables are an essential feature to our living area and they are also excellent storage solutions. Opt for a coffee table with deep drawers and a shelf so that you can optimise the amount of storage.
Elena says: Your coffee table is probably always covered (think magazines, remotes, coasters, and books), it only makes sense to get a coffee table that doubles as a place to stow away your personal items. For added durability opt for a coffee table made from reclaimed wood and a toughened glass top.
A sideboard will add pretty living living
Every living room should have a sideboard, they’re great for hiding away items that you don’t want to be seen. Sideboards with wide tops can also be used to add elegant touches such as lamps, candles and your favourite mementos.
Elena says: Sideboards are a great piece of furniture for any living or dining area. A sideboard will offer plenty of storage space and is the perfect place to display flowers and picture frames. For a timeless look, go for a good-quality oak design as it will stand the test of time. And it's super stylish too.
Storage baskets are perfect for decluttering
Baskets are one of the best living room storage ideas. Endlessly useful baskets come in all shapes and sizes - they have a fabulous tactile quality that adds character to a scheme. They are ideal for a pretty way to declutter your living area.
Elena says: Belly baskets are very on trend. The numerous patterns and shapes available make them ideal for incorporating into any layout. They can be used for storing blankets, magazines and plants.
Save space with wall shelves
If space is an issue, getting as much furniture as possible up off the floor gives the illusion of a bigger room. Wall shelves are ideal for this. Deep shelves can be used to display and store a range of items such as books, pictures and plants.
Elena says: Stay organized in style. A compact shelf design will give you the opportunity to decorate without taking up too much space. Wall shelves turn bare walls into functional storage areas. And, if the shelves themselves are attractive and their display areas are styled well, they can become pieces of wall art in their own right.
Maximise space by storing items under the stairs
Nooks and crannies are perfect for storage. You can easily transform the empty or untidy space underneath your staircase into an organised haven using a range of pretty boxes and baskets. Elena says: Unlocking the potential of this pocket of space can help you find a new home for books, toys or shoes. Without a door to conceal them, it also gives you the opportunity to get creative in how you display your storage. Stack your boxes and baskets into streamlined piles to tidy unsightly clutter.
Add nesting tables
Nesting tables are ideal for smaller spaces. They can be used around the room for drinks when you need them. Then once they are not in use they can be fitted under each other and stored neatly away. You can also add some elegant touches such as house plants and lamps.
Elena says: Nesting tables are great space-saving solutions for small spaces. They allow you to save space without having to compromise on practicality. By opting for nesting tables you save a lot of floor space.
Purpose built shelving
Purpose built shelving is the perfect option for living room storage solutions to make the most out of your space. Tricky alcoves and sloping roofs can naturally lend themselves to built-in storage solutions.
Elena says: There are no limitations with built in shelving units. You can get them designed to fit the space perfectly and they can even be designed to incorporate televisions, books, photos and ornaments. This makes the area handy for storage and also a key feature of the room.
Think ottomans
Space is at a premium in small living rooms so furniture that can double up as storage is always a bonus. Storage ottomans are perfect for adding style and storage to your living room. Whether it’s towels, blankets, bedding or shoes you’re wanting to store away, ottomans make a lovely addition to any room not just your living area.
Elena says: Storage ottomans come in all shapes and sizes which makes them so versatile for any size room.
You can opt for a beautiful upholstered version in a bold jewel hue for a style statement that works double duty as a secret storage spot.
Shop living room furniture here.
We can’t deny that the dark nights and cold winter months are approaching. Outdoor drinks and cocktails might soon be on temporary hiatus, but that doesn’t mean you and your fellow cohabitants can’t enjoy a tipple together inside.
You’d be wise to upgrade your at-home bar game. An easy way to improve your drinking experience is to make sure you’re using the best cocktail glass for your beverage of choice, the same way your favourite bar does.
Technically any glass will do, but there are specific shapes designed for specific drinks, intended to take your drinking experience to the next-level. Emily Dunstan, Home Accessories Buyer at Heal’s in collaboration with Holly Tudor, Cocktail Development at The Alchemist brings you the ultimate list of beautiful glassware to pair your tipple of choice with.
The simple yet elegant pairing
The long stem on this glass will help keep your drink as cold as possible. Better still, this style glass is a lot less likely to lose its contents over the rim and onto the floor if you’ve had a particularly good evening. And unlike some other martini glass styles, these are dishwasher safe, so there’s no need for hand-washing.
Emily says: This pair of stunning champagne saucers adds a touch of delicate, Art Deco style to your evening drink.
Holly says: These glasses are the perfect vessel for something simple yet elegant like Carrie Bradshaw’s favourite, the Cosmopolitan.
How to make at home: Pour 35ml of citrus vodka, 20ml of lime juice, 20ml of triple sec and 40ml of cranberry juice into a shaker with cubed ice. Shake for 15 seconds or until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Fine strain into your saucer and garnish with a flamed orange zest.
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Best cocktail glass for fizzes and gins
The aptly named highball is a classic standby that’s used for all sorts of cocktails, and fizzes particularly tall, cold drinks (often filled with ice) that are popular in the summer months when wanting to stay cool.
Emily says: We suggest keeping the style simple with a highball, and these fit the bill beautifully. Highball glasses will enhance the aroma of gin's botanicals due to their subtly flared shape, perfect for any gin lover.
Holly says: This sophisticated calls for a sophisticated gin classic – the Tom Collins.
How to make at home: Pour 60ml of gin, (we like to use an Old Tom style gin for a sweeter and more citrusy drink) over cubed ice, add 25ml of lemon juice, 10ml of sugar syrup and top with soda. Adjust the amount of syrup in the drink to your tastes. To finish, garnish with a squeeze of lemon.
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Best Cocktail Glass for Wine Spritzers
Choosing a wine glass for spritzers doesn’t need to take a lot of thought, you can use the same wine glass you usually use for wine. However, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough room in there for ample wine and soda.
Emily says: These glasses will bring an added level of refinement to special occasions. Each glass is expertly mouth-blown and presented in a beautiful box, making them perfect for gift giving.
Holly says: These wine glasses give a classy edge to everyone’s favourite summer beverage – the Aperol spritz.
How to make at home: Pour 50ml Aperol, 125ml Prosecco over ice and top with a dash of soda water to lengthen. Give it a quick stir and finish with a squeeze of orange.
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Best Cocktail Glass for Spirits on the Rocks
An old fashioned or double old fashioned glass is usually your best bet when it comes to sipping whiskey, vodka or any other spirits on the rocks.
Emily says: Designed for the connoisseur, tumblers will bring a suave and debonair feel to your home bar. Ideal for a single malt whiskey or a short cocktail. The mouth blown glass is worked into a curvy silhouette that fits perfectly within the individual walnut base.
Holly says: This glassware is perfect for impressing your friends with one of the oldest cocktails going, the Old Fashioned.
How to make at home: Add 2 tsp of demerara sugar and 1 dash of bitters to the bottom of your glass and stir to combine. Add an orange zest, 15ml of Woodford and 2 cubes of ice. Stir to dilute and add another 15ml of Woodford and 2 more ice cubes. Repeat this another 2 times until your Old fashioned is diluted to your taste. Top with more cubed ice and garnish with an orange zest.
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The After Dinner Cocktail Glass
This glass is perfect for margaritas and after dinner classics with its wide top and tapered bottom. Each glass is blown using fine crystal glass and boasts an elegant curved silhouette with a slim stem and flat base.
Emily says: This glass is ultra modern and will add a touch of elegance to your home bar.
Holly says: These cocktail saucers would pair amazingly with an after dinner classic like the espresso martini.
How to make at home: Add 30ml of vodka (or dark rum if you fancy a twist) 15ml of coffee liqueur, 10ml of sugar syrup and 1 shot of fresh espresso to a cocktail shaker and shake hard for 15 seconds or until condensations forms on the outside of the shaker. Fine strain into your cocktail saucer and garnish with espresso beans.
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A Reminiscent Art Deco Evening
Glasses which have a wide, shallow saucer allow just enough space for your favourite Champagne cocktail or negroni. This simple set adds a little sparkle with a metallic rim and they come in gold or silver to match the rest of your barware.
Emily says: Champagne glasses add a touch of style to your evening drink and home bar setting and these smoked grey additions provide an Art Deco aesthetic. The tinted glass is a unique twist on typical champagne saucers, creating an energetic expression that will stand out in any drinking set.
Holly says: The colour of these smoky champagne saucers work amazingly well with the deep red hue of one of my favourite cocktails - the Boulevardier. A whisky twist on the negroni.
How to make at home: Add 30ml of bourbon, 30ml of Campari and 30ml of sweet vermouth to a mixing glass with cubed ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into your saucer and garnish with a pink grapefruit zest.
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A Spin on a Classic
This pair of stunning yet unique wine glasses adds a touch of flair to your dining experience. Make your home bar the most on trend with a unique twist on the classic wine glass.
Emily says: These glasses are a unique twist on typical wine glasses, creating a dynamic expression that will stand out in any drinking set.
Holly says: I really love the look of these wine glasses, I think the size and shape lend themselves really well for putting a slightly different spin on a refreshing long drink such as the Paloma.
How to make at home: Add 45ml of Tequila, 15ml of lime juice, 40ml of grapefruit juice and 2 tsp of agave to a cocktail shaker and fill with cubed ice. Shake for 15 seconds or until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into your wine glass over cubed ice and top with soda. To finish, garnish with a squeeze of pink grapefruit.
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The Perfect Mixer Glass
This contemporary long glass design is perfect for a relaxing drink in the evening. The unique art deco-inspired design will comfortably hold your favourite cocktails, but will also bring the flavours and aromatics of your drink to the forefront.
Emily says: The vertically-ridged surface and narrow base provide a contemporary aesthetic, making this set stand out from the rest. The thick glass and heavy base make them a robust addition to any dining and social scenario.
Holly says: I can see these being the perfect glass for something ice cold and refreshing like a Mojito.
How to make at home: To make simply add 25ml of lime juice, 15ml of sugar syrup, 45ml of white rum and a handful of mint straight into the glass and top with a scoop of crushed ice. Use a bar spoon to churn the drink and release the oils from the mint. Once mint is well dispersed throughout the drink, top with soda and fill with crushed ice to the top. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a lime wedge.
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As the entrance to your home, having the right modern hallway ideas to hand when redesigning your home is essential. We have compiled some of our favourite inspiration to help you design the right hallway for you. Think space-enhancing mirrors, statement coat racks and storage that thinks outside of the box.
The ultimate modern hallway
Truly cutting-edge hallways need a centrepiece and a mirror could be just the ticket. We’re so inspired by this modern hallway idea. The clever positioning of the mirror means the concrete steps are showcased from multiple angles.
The Hook Hanging Mirror from Porada is a great choice because its clean aesthetic fits seamlessly with the contemporary interior. If you’d like to make a similar statement, look for mirrors with clean lines, architectural detailing and size.
Contemporary coat stands
A coat stand may not be the first thing on your mind when looking for modern hallway ideas. But, in recent years coat stands have stepped away from traditional design and now have a place in contemporary hallways.
We love this Passe-Passe Coat Stand from Ligne Roset. Made up of two wooden laddered racks attached together, the stand has a natural, relaxed aesthetic. The horizontal rungs also provide space to display scarves and bags. You could also recreate this designer look in your own home by leaning a modern ladder against the wall.
Colourful coat hooks
One way to bring personality to your modern hallway is to bring in playful elements. Charles and Ray Eames’ Hang-It-All Coat Rack for Vitra is our go to for this. It’s available in various colourful finishes as well as in black and walnut.
Aside from being a design classic that will never go out of style, it’s also incredibly functional with lots of hooks. If you aren’t won over by the Hang-It-All, there are plenty of other coat racks or hooks you can use to personalise your hallway.
Statement hallway runners
Upon removing your shoes at the door, stepping directly onto a cold floor isn’t pleasant – especially during winter. To solve this, we recommend adding a hallway runner. Not only does a runner pull together all aspects of a hallway, it also provides welcoming comfort underfoot.
Don’t forget to use it alongside an anti-slip mat so it doesn’t slide all over the place. If you have statement tiles that you’d like to take centre stage, then consider a more muted rug. Natural materials like jute could be a good choice in this case.
Statement mirror
Whether you’re rushing out the house or taking a final glance at your evening outfit, a hallway mirror never goes amiss. If you have the space, we suggest going bold. We love this walnut Giolo Mirror from Porada. With its oversized design and organic shape, it lends something extra to traditional mirror designs.
Even in smaller spaces, a large mirror will make the room feel bigger. Plus, when it comes to modern hallway ideas, adding a statement mirror is an easily achievable change.
Get organised
Storage affixed to the wall is great for saving space without sacrificing the perfect place to leave your keys. This Uten.Silo from Vitra has space for all your odds and ends, loose change and spare keys. Requiring just four screws to affix it to the wall, this slimline wall storage is one of our favourite modern hallway ideas.
The beauty of this hallway wall storage is that it can be easily moved to different rooms if you fancy a change. It works equally well in bathrooms, kitchens and office spaces.
Modern hallway mirrors
A trick that works especially well in small spaces is adding a mirror or two. This is because they reflect light to make the space seem even wider and brighter. Our clean-lined Fine Edge Mirrors are perfect for thin corridors.
Their slim frames don’t extrude too far out of the wall, so your modern hallway design flows uninterrupted. Mirrors also have a place in larger hallways where you may have space to go a little bigger and bolder.
Modern hallway lighting
When it comes to creating the perfect space, modern hallway lighting is essential. Luckily, you have lots of options. You could suspend pendant lights along the length of a corridor or opt for one large chandelier in the centre of the hallway.
Whilst ceiling lights might be the popular choice, wall lights create an atmospheric and warm entrance. Greta M. Grossman’s Cobra Wall Light for Gubi will bring refined design to any hallway without overwhelming its aesthetic. We love how they’ve been positioned over a hallway table here.
Traditional with a twist
Modern hallway furniture takes all shapes and sizes, but we particularly love it when it’s functional. This blanket box offers the perfect place to put your shoes on as well as extra storage. Plus, it’s ideal in a medium-sized hallway as it doesn’t take up too much space. A blanket box is sometimes seen as a traditional design. But, with the addition of tapered legs and modern upholstery, it is perfectly at home in contemporary spaces.
Space for seating
If you’re lucky enough to have a large hallway, one problem that may arise is filling under-stair space. Many people choose to add additional storage or bookshelves, but we love the idea of creating a small seating area. Depending on your home, it could be the perfect spot to escape with a cup of tea and a book.
Similarly, hallway seating is the perfect spot to wait for loved ones who are still putting their shoes on. Or, position the landline next to it and use it as a phone call spot.
Modern hallway benches
If you haven’t got space for an accent chair or armchair in your hallway, a bench is a great alternative. It creates the perfect space to put your shoes on or to organise school bags and coats. For extra storage, opt for a modern hallway bench with seating underneath. You can keep your shoes, winter knits or slippers there without the space feeling cluttered.
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