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.

In People’s Homes

Glassware Essentials For The Ultimate Home Bar

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. Get this glassware 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. Get this glassware 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. Get this glassware 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. Get this glassware 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. Get this glassware 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. Get this glassware 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. Get this glassware 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. Get this glassware

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Fiona Coleman: My Career As A Trend Forecaster

As we continue our series focusing on careers in design, we chatted with trend forecaster Fiona Coleman. Now a freelance fashion and textiles consultant, Fiona began her career as a designer for the likes of Paul Smith, Uniqlo, M&S, Next and Benetton. She then went on to spend ten years working for leading trends platform WGSN. Her work has taken her across the globe and seen her speak regularly at events and as a lecturer at British universities. She is also a member of the British Textile Colour Group. This involves playing a key role in creating biannual colour palettes for Intercolour. Most recently, she has been working as a specialist consultant for ITC SheTrades. As part of this role, Fiona works on projects advising women entrepreneurs on how to develop their businesses for international trade. Read on to discover more about Fiona’s path to becoming a trend forecaster and her key advice to help you. What is trend forecasting? Most trend forecasters, especially for the fashion and interiors sectors, use a combination of intuition and analysis of consumer insights to spot new micro and macro trends. Social, political and cultural information all impact on what trends emerge, how they evolve and how long they will last. Trend forecasters work in every industry. Depending on product lead times and type of industry either long-term (2-5 years) or short-term (6 months – 2 years) forecasting is used. Long-term forecasting has to do with macro trends—major shifts in fashion that will be relevant for over two years. These are the big-picture trends that define the fashion business. For example, changes in demographics, lifestyle and the way clothes are made and sold. Short-term forecasting for the fashion, footwear, interiors and textiles industry involves predicting upcoming trends. This includes colour, materials, textiles and print that will spark consumer demand. https://www.instagram.com/p/CFPKQ02gelb/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CD_9DBMgdpQ/ How did you get your first job as a trend forecaster? I was lucky that my first role as a designer was with a supplier to M&S. Working for a large company I was offered training and responsibility. My first job was great. However, it also made me realise that I wanted to do something more creative and lead rather than follow trends. So, my second job was actually my first as a trend forecaster. This was in a multi-client design and trend agency in London. It worked on bespoke information for clients who ranged from big retail groups to international brands. This was pre-internet, so all the work was presented on boards and we worked face to face with clients. Nowadays, most presentations are delivered digitally, sometimes in person and sometimes remotely. How has trend forecasting changed throughout your career? WGSN was a game changer when it came to forecasting. They were one of the first, if not the first, online forecasters who offered a subscription model. Before that, companies bought seasonal trend forecasting books, many by companies like Promostyl, Carlin and Peclers. Many of them were French and set up in the 1960’s. Whilst these seasonal books still exist, those companies also have online offerings. https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtTh7TgILc/ https://www.instagram.com/p/B6nYdiKgGTu/ What is one major lesson you learnt from your first job? How to be adaptable and how to work for multiple clients at the same time, on different products. I also travelled a lot to wherever our clients were. The job opened my eyes to the world of multiple clients and tight deadlines. Do you need to have fashion experience to work as a trend forecaster? Everyone has different routes into trend forecasting and it depends what area you end up specialising in. If it’s more on the consumer behaviour side, then sociology and journalism as backgrounds can be useful. If you want to work on the colour, materials and macro trends side, then many people have backgrounds in textiles. Part of forecasters’ role is to challenge brands and retailers to think differently. How did you find the transition from in house to freelance? I’ve always interspersed working full-time for companies with periods of freelancing. I realised early on that I thrive on variety so I’m lucky to have worked in different environments and countries. You do have to be good at time management and have a good network though. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByiVnpHA9YK/ https://www.instagram.com/p/B7-cdsBgrSZ/ Tip to making a splash in your first job? Be enthusiastic and a team member. Your older colleagues have all been in your position and have had to work hard. Plus, they probably know things that you don’t even know you don’t know yet. First of all, make sure it’s something you really love doing. Although many people think first jobs are just stepping stones, they really can shape the direction of your career. Do respect and learn from those more experienced and learn the dynamics of your workplace. We only absorb so much while at university, it’s when you’re in the working world that you really start learning. Find yourself a mentor. Any key advice you’d give to someone looking to get into trend forecasting? First of all, you must be someone who loves researching and is constantly curious. I never completely switch off-even when I’m on holiday; I’m looking around at different cultures and patterns of life. There are now courses specifically for trend forecasting. However, whilst these give you a great insight into the business, nothing replaces practical experience. I would recommend spending as much time as possible looking, researching, documenting, evaluating and compiling as possible. Plus, try and gain some experience presenting your work to others. It’s all part of the job. We hope Fiona’s advice inspires and helps guide you on a future career as a trend forecaster. Good luck!

Latest Trends

Grey Sofa Living Room Ideas

Grey is an incredibly versatile colour so it’s no wonder many choose a grey sofa for their homes. There are plenty of options when it comes to grey sofa living room ideas, from gunmetal grey to paler hues. Each one is perfect for creating a layered, textural interior scheme. To help you choose, we’ve selected some of our favourite grey sofa living room ideas. Play with hue and texture We love how the Cane Sofa Bed is positioned in this shot alongside shades of grey and off-white. The addition of a concrete floor and fireplace lend texture and depth to the space. Whilst concrete floors can look particularly industrial, the sofa’s cane accents lend it a more natural touch. The same can be said for the modern wooden coffee table and nonchalantly draped throw. The way it is cleverly positioned alongside a coordinating rug makes this image one of our top grey sofa living room ideas. Versatile grey sofa The beauty of a grey Richmond Sofa is that it’s incredibly versatile. By simply replacing the cushions in winter or summer, you can create a seasonal scheme. We love how the geometric blue cushion in this grey sofa living room idea draws on the upholstery’s blue-grey hue. Plus, the addition of a faux fur throw and cushion make it perfect for colder months, evoking imagery of snow. Grey and Pinks When you choose a grey sofa for your living room, that doesn’t mean the whole room needs to be monochrome. In fact, a grey sofa provides the perfect base for a splash of colour. This grey sofa living room idea incorporates pastel pinks and off-white to create a welcoming space. Warm lighting and natural wood accents keep it feeling fresh, modern and cosy. Plus, since the Torino Sofa finds the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, it’s ideal for all living spaces. Grey leather sofa living room idea Not only does a grey leather sofa look great, it’s practical too. Easy to clean and incredibly durable, choosing grey leather upholstery is a great choice for those with kids or pets. Plus, grey leather is a rarity in peoples’ homes, so it’ll stand out as a considered design choice. Pair it with pared-back walls and modern accessories for a contemporary look. Corner sofa seating When it comes to grey sofa living room ideas, nothing gets better than a spacious corner sofa with space for all the family. The grey upholstery on the Eton Corner Sofa in this shot is as luxurious and premium as it looks. Pairing it with chrome legs and positioning it alongside dark woods like walnut really adds to the overall aesthetic. Plus, the pared-back colour scheme really allows the floor-to-ceiling windows to take centre stage. Coastal Scandi The Mistral Sofa in this shot boasts recycled fabric upholstery made from fashion industry off-cuts. Pairing it with light wood legs and surrounding it with plants and large windows means it feels aligned with nature. Again, the addition of soft pinks really makes the room feel on-trend and welcoming. Plus, the grey upholstery is versatile enough that it would also work well in plenty of other spaces. Like what you see? Shop grey sofas at Heal’s.

Latest Trends

The 16 Most Instagrammable Rug Styles

A rug is the perfect accompaniment to any room, they can add character to an otherwise lack-lustre layout. The choice of rug can completely change the tone of a room. There are so many rug options to choose from, It is hard to know which rug type to choose. To make that difficult choice easier, our researchers have compiled a list of the most Instagrammable rugs based on popularity. Plus, our home accessories buyer, Emily Dunstan, offers her top tips. Persian Rug - 203,344 posts Persian rugs are one of the most popular and unique rugs on the market. Plus, they are incredibly versatile in both look and price. Produced by rug artists in Iran, the beautifully intricate designs are great as statement pieces. However, they can also be toned down for a subtle but equally elegant look. Emily’s Top Tip: Patterned rugs like Persians are great in high-traffic areas like living rooms as they wear in a beautifully subtle way. Get the look Moroccan Rug - 76,841 posts Traditionally hand-woven in Morocco, this type of rug was originally made for functional purposes. However, western culture has begun to notice and admire the wonderful colours and patterns. With bold patterns and adventurous colours, this rug choice will add that extra kick to your room. Emily’s Top Tip: Moroccan rugs can also double as wall hangings where they can be admired in full. Get the look Kilim Rug - 69,254 posts Full of unique patterns and textures, a Kilim rug is the perfect statement piece. Kilim rugs are great for high-traffic areas as they are very easy to clean. Plus, most Kilim rugs are reversible which is ideal for busy homes. Emily’s Top Tip: Colour matching the rug to surrounding furniture is key to making busy rugs like Kilims fit in perfectly. Get the look Oriental Rug - 60,844 posts Despite often being thought of in the same category as Persian rugs, not all 'Oriental' rugs are Persian rugs. An authentic 'Oriental' rug will only be made of wool and occasionally with silk too. Beautifully intricate designs fill these rugs, a perfect expression of skilled craftsmanship. Emily’s Top Tip: Try pairing detailed rugs with neutral colours or with other accent colours within the room to create a seamless décor. Get the look Berber Rug - 42,330 posts With North African roots, this traditional rug is full of character and earthy tones. A dense pile provides the ultimate softness and a thick feel, modernised Berber rugs commonly utilise geometric patterns and styles. Emily’s Top Tip: Pairing Berber rugs with earth tones like terracotta can create a rustic and earthy feel. Get the look Runner - 18,091 posts This long thin rug type can be used for both practical and visual reasons. It’s the perfect addition to hallways, walkways or in front of the sink to catch spillages. Emily’s Top Tip: This type of rug is best used in hallways as a runway rug to create the illusion of direction and to open up the space. Get the look Fur - 17,946 posts Real fur rugs are dying out due to their non-vegan credentials, nowadays faux fur rugs are much more popular. Faux fur rugs add extra luxury to a room during the winter months. Emily’s Top Tip: Fur rugs look best when they’re the centrepiece of the room, and are not overshadowed by other furniture. Try placing this rug in areas with little traffic to keep it looking full and fresh. Get the look Shag - 16,010 posts Shag rugs have a deep pile which gives it its textural appearance and high comfort levels. These rugs became very popular during the 60s and 70s and remain a highly sought-after rug even now. The only downside to the shag rug is the difficulty in cleaning it. Emily’s Top Tip: When placing furniture on this rug, remember to use furniture coasters to stop the pile from becoming flattened. Get the look Overdyed - 10,892 posts Overdyed rugs are made by bleaching and dyeing rugs to create vibrant colours. It’s often a great way to revitalise old rugs and brighten up a room. Emily’s Top Tip: Overdyed rugs are a great way to modernize old Oriental rugs and to change up colour schemes. Get the look Woven - 4,415 posts Woven rugs are a great accessory to any room, they can instantly change the décor. The woven rug is a very popular component of the farmhouse style interior due to its rugged and informal look. Emily’s Top Tip: Woven rugs look amazing when they are layered on top of each other for an effortless look. Get the look Abstract - 4,270 posts The perfect expression piece, abstract rugs are popular in modern homes, they can give the room an instant chic feel. Whatever the pattern, these rugs fit very easily into any room. Emily’s Top Tip: This rug deserves admiration in full, avoid placing busy coffee tables or furniture on top or nearby. Get the look Geometric - 1,846 posts Another modern rug, these geometric rugs are often very bright and have crisp lines throughout. This rug looks best in maximalist settings where patterns allow for self-expression. Emily’s Top Tip: Colour matching is key for this rug, choose key colours and feature the same coloured accent pieces to make the carpet pop. Get the look Recycled Rug - 1,470 posts These rugs are perfect for eco-friendly homes and are available crafted in all manner of recycled materials. Recycled pieces have a bad reputation as being boring, these rugs, however, have just as much character as other styles. Emily’s Top Tip: Recycled rugs come in a variety of different patterns and designs. They often look great in gardens. Get the look Ikat - 586 posts Ikat is a dyeing technique which produces bright and beautiful patterns throughout the rug. In recent years, Ikat rugs have become increasingly popular. Emily’s Top Tip: Ikat rugs have complicated colours and patterns. So, stick to using complimenting neutral colours for other furniture in order to keep the rug as the stand out piece. Get the look Trellis - 561 posts These contemporary rugs are commonplace in modern and minimalist homes. Moroccan building domes inspired this pattern. Due to the patterned nature, any surrounding furniture should complement the rug and shapes must not conflict. Emily’s Top Tip: Trellis rugs look great with white and grey rooms, this design screams elegance and sophistication. Get the look Plain - 378 posts Plain and simple, these rugs come in a variety of colours and are the perfect bold addition to a room. Whether you choose a neutral or bright colour, this style is a classic. Emily’s Top Tip: Plainly designed rugs offer pops of colour or neutralise an otherwise colourful room. Get the look

Latest Trends

Parisian Style Interior Design Ideas

The French capital is the centre of effortless, luxurious style, from fashion to furniture. So, it’s no wonder you might want to bring elements of Parisian style into your own home. Over time, French style has shifted from gilded furniture, chandeliers and rich tapestries, becoming somewhat more pared back. Today, the look can be achieved by combining traditional styles with modern touches. Think decorative ceiling moulding contrasted with a bold rug for a uniquely Parisian flair. Even if you don’t have a high-ceilinged apartment and a Juliet balcony, there are still ways to channel Parisian style. The equivalent of a statement lip Parisian style is all about making statements, whether it’s understated or out there. Like a bold lip, there’s always room for a stand-out sofa. Like in this photo, opt for a sofa that complements your space. Here, the canary yellow colour pairs perfectly with the herringbone floor and is accented by accessories throughout the room. With such a bold sofa, keep the walls and fixtures light. Out-there shapes Parisian style is all about being yourself. So, when it comes to your furniture choices, don’t shy away from bold shapes and colours. In this shot, Ligne Roset’s Togo Sofa fulfils both criteria. Again, when opting for a bold colour, use neutral hues around the rest of the room. However, even in cream upholstery, the Togo Sofa still packs a punch. Modern elegance Despite being separated by just a slim stretch of water, Parisian and British architectural styles vary widely. However, if you’re lucky enough to have original features like stone floors and huge windows, then definitely make the most of them. Choose pared-back, modern furniture that enhances a room rather than overwhelming it. These Ligne Roset armchairs and the statement black bookshelf sit independently in the room, letting its features shine through. It’s all about timelessness Parisian style isn’t about what’s on trend. It’s about what’s going to be on trend for the next fifty years. To get the Parisian look, invest in refined furniture that’s well made and sure to last a lifetime. Think premium woods, natural materials and neutral colours. To express a certain je ne sais quoi, scour markets and antique shops for vintage furniture. Well-thought-out vintage additions will lend a sense of history to a space without making it look tired. Creatures of comfort The reason Parisian fashion is so popular is, in part, thanks to the emphasis on comfort. Whilst the stiletto-equivalents of the interior’s world still exist, by combining them with comfortable aspects, you create an inviting space. This spacious Mariposa Sofas from Vitra even have adjustable arms so you can customise them for your comfort. We love how they’re a similar tone to the walls to keep the room calm and fresh. Note the hard-to-care-for bonsai tree, aka the stiletto of the interior’s world. Don’t be flashy When it comes to fashion, Parisians are rarely flashy. Logos are kept to a minimum and wardrobes consist of timeless staples. We suggest doing the same with your interiors. Opt for a few key materials and colours to use throughout your home and stick to them. For example, in this image white marble, natural wood and brass reign supreme. Infuse these throughout the rest of the home for a cohesive, Parisian style décor. Space to socialise Britain’s reputation for cold weather and rain means Paris’ bistro culture is practically non-existent on our side of the channel. Instead, we tend to prefer entertaining in our homes. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add some Parisian style to your dinnertime. Opt for classic Picardie Glasses from Duralex and crisp white crockery to enjoy your hors d'oeuvres from. Try to keep table décor simple. However, if you do want to create a centrepiece, channel Parisian opulence with a floral bouquet. Keep it simple We love how this image channels Parisian style by combining two similar wood types. Rather than having everything matching perfectly, using similar hues lends a certain nonchalance to the décor. So, although it’s clearly been carefully thought out and designed, the space doesn’t feel ostentatious. Note the lack of clutter on the shelves and the tonal accessories that have been chosen? These add to the sense of simplicity as they don’t stand out in a brash way but still boast design kudos. Like what you see? Shop modern furniture now.