Latest Trends

The 12 Most Instagrammable Lights To Illuminate Your Space

Lights are both essential and a chance to express your creativity. A lot has changed within the lighting space in recent years and with many new styles coming out every year it is hard to keep up. But looking at the most Instagrammable lights is a great place to start. With the dark of winter almost here, a lighting update is the perfect way to make your home as cosy as possible - especially with many of us spending more time indoors again due to lockdown restrictions. To find out which lights are the most popular, the researchers at Heal’s have created a list of the designs that have been shining through on Instagram. Plus the lighting buyer at Heal’s, Claire Anstey, solves the lighting mistakes we’ve all been making and offers her top tips on creating the perfect atmosphere. LED - 8,010,263 posts LED lights take centre stage on Instagram with over eight million posts featuring these eco-friendly lighting options. And with a wide range of styles and colours you can tailor this lighting choice to suit your own style. LED lights are not only eco-friendly, they are wallet-friendly too with bulbs lasting up to 15 years. They are also a safe option for the home as they contain no toxic elements. Chandelier - 2,948,840 posts Chandeliers are a great choice for those who want to add some elegance to their home. Entry halls, staircases and even above dining tables are the perfect places to make this sophisticated addition. Expert Top Tip: Chandeliers don’t have to be old fashioned and exclusive to manor homes, you can find some great modern pieces that reflect you. Neon - 2,145,021 posts Not just for nightclubs, neon lights make a statement in any room. As the perfect mood lighting for dark rooms, they are also excellent for capturing epic Instagram shots. Expert Top Tip: From statement custom signs to small quirky table lamps, a neon light brings a sense of fun and personality to any room in an instant and makes for a great talking point. Table Lamp - 338,330 posts Whether it’s for a bedside, coffee or console table these portable pieces are a staple non-committal piece. Plus no dangerous acrobatics needed to change the bulb. Expert Top Tip: Table lamps look best in pairs, nothing completes a bedroom more than matching bedside table lamps. Pendant lighting - 165,190 posts Pendant lights are great statement pieces, a classic choice to hang above kitchen tables. These Instagrammable lights can be mixed and matched for an interesting and eclectic display. Expert Top Tip: Clustering pendants gives an effortlessly classy look and will add extra dimension to a room. Desk Lamps - 81,106 posts A desk lamp completes the office setup, plus they don’t have to be standard Pixar shaped lamps, they now come in many shapes and sizes to suit any aesthetic. Expert Top Tip: According to studies, cool light bulbs are best for studying and learning performance. Architectural sconces - 58,810 posts These beautiful wall mounted Instagrammable lights may seem high commitment but they can be easily switched up with different bulbs. Perfect in pairs or stand-alone they add the right amount of light to any room. Expert Top Tip: Sconces look amazing either side of your bed, and make great alternatives to bedside table lamps for that clean look. Wall lights - 48,715 posts Wall lights are an excellent way to both light up the room and fill wall space without disturbing the look and feel of the room. Expert Top Tip: These Instagrammable lights look great when synchronised throughout different rooms to create that clean organised look. Floor Lights - 8,101 posts Floor lights and lamps are the perfect finishing touch for any room, with the freedom of movement, you can put it wherever you like. Expert Top Tip: Floor lamps that have removable lampshades are great for people who love to swap out seasonal colours, having a customisable lamp will give you complete design freedom. Art Deco Lights - 6,453 posts This simple addition to a room will take you back in time, perfect for the quirky individuals who love everything vintage. Expert Top Tip: Art Deco lights come in many different styles if you want a mix of contemporary and vintage, deco pendant lights are the perfect fit. Cove Lights - 2,065 posts Cove lights are an excellent choice for those who love simplicity and clean interiors. The perfect mood setter, they add light into those hidden spaces. Expert Top Tip: This style of lighting adds extra depth and dimension to your room, giving the illusion of more space. If you want to spice up your space during the evening, try colour changing lights. Layered Lighting - 378 posts Layering lighting is a classic interior design technique that can be used to create the perfect atmosphere in a room. Layering warm coloured lighting adds brilliant depth to darker coloured rooms. Expert Top Tip: Warm light is key to layering lighting, it will brighten the room but not create harsh blinding light. Like what you see? Discover more lighting here.

In People’s Homes

Modern Wall Art Ideas To Refresh The Home

As we’ve spent most of (if not all) our time indoors this year, we’ve come to realise how important the home really is. So it’s inevitable that many of us will now be searching for ways to refresh or revamp our interiors. And modern wall art offers the perfect solution. Whether you’re looking to bring your empty walls to life or searching for a way to create a stylish centrepiece, wall art will bring instant charm and character. Regardless of your style or the size of your space, we’ve got the simple tricks to transform your decor. Here, we share those tips with you. Create a gallery wall A gallery wall is the perfect way to bring charm, character and colour to bare walls. A curated display of modern art, posters and prints, it will instantly update your interiors and create a focal point in the home. Opt for simple frames in a single finish or wood, or mix it up with elaborate variations. Then extend from the floor to the ceiling to create the illusion of space. Display throughout the home Modern wall art has the potential to bring every room in the house to life. So don’t neglect the bathroom or the home office, or even the kitchen. Oversized prints or photographs will demand attention and set the mood in small spaces. While monochrome prints will work well in minimalist spaces and vibrant pieces will enliven considered interiors. Match the space If you’re an avid fan of consistency, choose your modern wall art carefully. Select colours or patterns that match the tone and decor of the room you wish to display them. Choose pieces that match the style of your space, including any furniture or soft furnishings that you’ve already accumulated. Incorporate symmetry Experimenting with symmetry is the perfect way to inject a little visual interest into the home. Try hanging a large piece of artwork directly above a sideboard or cabinet, then place two table lamps on top on either side. This will not only transform your dull and drab walls, it’ll also bring character and charm to the entire room. Choose a theme If you chose your home decor based upon a theme, why not apply the same logic to your wall art. If you have beechy, bright walls and light floors, try light sketches and illustrations. And if you’ve dark, punchy walls, choose more bold and bright pieces. If you’re not sure of a theme, have a little fun experimenting until you find the one that’s right for you. Mix it up When it comes to wall art, you can really think outside of the box. While we love an artistic print, they really just are the start. Try hanging tapestries, throws or fabrics to create a sense of softness in your space. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even pin up a quilt. Whatever your style, try a little something different. Experiment with display Modern wall art shouldn’t necessarily be confined to one method of display. Of course you’ll want to hang some of your pieces, but you don’t have to hang them all. Try leaning artwork against the wall in some areas. A piece, or clutter of pieces, resting on a sideboard or sitting atop a bar cabinet can also look very stylish. Stick to a single piece As much as we love a gallery wall or collection of matching artwork, some rooms require a lot less. In more minimal or serene settings, a single piece is enough to make a statement on a blank wall. Illustrations and line work pieces work particularly well in these settings. Use a mirror to catch the light Nothing highlights the intricacies and beauty of artwork quite like artful plays of light. Try hanging a mirror in the centre of the room to catch the light. This will work to cleverly expand the room and illuminate both the room’s decor and your modern wall art. The reflection will also help to make a small space feel a lot bigger. Discover more modern wall art for your home.

In People’s Homes

8 Calm Living Space Ideas

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.

In People’s Homes

How To Create A Cosy Bedroom

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.

In People’s Homes

Unique Lighting Ideas For Dark Winter Evenings

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.

In People’s Homes

10 Storage Ideas To Quickly Tidy Up Your Living Space

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.