From eating healthily to drinking less and exercising regularly, we’re full of good intentions in January, but most fail miserably by the middle of the month (if not before). So why not ring the changes this New Year with interior design resolutions that are worth keeping?
From investing in quality design with enduring pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation, to being more instinctive and creative in how you decorate, the smallest updates can make the biggest difference. Here are a handful of ideas to get 2024 off to a beautiful start.
Upgrade your bedding
They say you should invest in two things: a good bed and good shoes, because if you’re not in one, you’re in the other. So, it makes sense to invest in quality bed linen to ensure quality sleep throughout the year. Casual but chic, our washed linen is carefully woven in Portugal using a sustainable process that requires fewer dyes and less water than cotton, while the weighty fabric keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.
It’s irresistibly soft and tactile, too. But don’t stop there: layer with one of our luxurious velvet quilts – made from 100% cotton velvet for noticeable plushness – in cool midnight blue or rich emerald green. It’ll be like bedding down in a boutique hotel 365 days a year.
Collect quality crockery
Gone are the days when one set of crockery suits all gatherings and seasons. Start a collection so you have just the right style to hand at your next soirée.
The Nordic Sea set by Broste Copenhagen is perfect for cosy winter get-togethers, with a hand-glazed finish and a grey-blue tone, while our Heal’s + L.F. Markey set features vibrant colours that make it spot-on for summer entertaining.
Meanwhile, the Pearl White collection from Costa Nova – comprising everything from bowls to plates – serves up timeless style for formal entertaining.
Top tip: why not invest in a stylish sideboard to house your new collection? The Lars, Verona or Amira combine form and function to spectacular effect.
Start an art collection
Have you been staring at a blank space in the hallway since last year? Curate a gallery wall for something to admire the moment you step through the door. It might sound obvious, but start by collecting what you love, whether that’s the artist, theme or medium. Visit galleries to develop your knowledge and browse online to discover your taste.
Heal’s is home to an exclusive collection of modern art, from Paper Collective to King & McGaw, that offers plenty of food for thought. Giving your collection a focus is always a good idea – perhaps a specific subject? – to bring separate pieces together. Above all, have fun – it’s a pleasure, not a chore.
Style more sustainably
Is there a better feeling than buying something you know has been ethically made from superior materials? We certainly don’t think so, which is why we’re committed to a sustainable approach to design, whether it’s crafting products that last – our solid wood sofa frames come with a lifetime guarantee – or focusing on natural or recycled materials (we grow a proportion of the organic cotton used in our towels, bed linen and mattresses, and use only natural fibres to fill our Soil Association-certified Organic mattress).
Surround yourself with beautiful things that don’t just make you feel good, but do good. You can read more about our commitments for change – and how we continue to assess and improve how we operate within the four key areas of materials, craft, environment and community – as part of Heal’s Cares.
Prioritise ‘you time’
In an increasingly busy world, ‘you time’ has been deprioritised in favour of work and social commitments, but carving out space to unwind is essential for our mental health and physical wellbeing. Think about what you do to relax – whether it’s a spot of yoga, curling up with a good book or simply indulging in your favourite hobby – and create the space to accommodate the activity.
Our Heal’s + L.F. Markey hand-tufted rug – featuring block colours and abstract patterns – can quickly and easily zone a corner for meditation; with a classic Mid-Century shape, the Eames lounge chair creates an indulgent spot for catching-up on the latest bestseller; and our Henley Desk provides a platform for writing, drawing or crafting.
Invest in pieces that change how you live this year.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Trends & Lifestyle
Christmas is coming, and with it the perfect excuse to throw open the doors to entertain family and friends, whether drinks and nibbles in the big-build up, a full-on feast for the main event itself or a glittering affair on New Year’s Eve.
But while gathering nearest and dearest in your home can be a joyful and rewarding experience, there’s no denying it can also be stressful, what with the decorating, cooking and hosting to be done.
But fear not, as we’ve compiled everything you need to make it go without a hitch in one convenient place, from tablescaping inspiration to Christmas Day hosting ideas and menu-planning, plus general tips and tricks. This year, you’ll be confident in welcoming one and all (just don’t forget to upgrade your dining table – a blank canvas for your creativity).
Why host a dinner party at home?
Despite the effort it takes to throw a dinner party, hosting at home can sometimes be more economical than going out or ordering in, while it gives you a chance to show off your beautiful tablescape and impeccable style.
Better still, there’s no need for a taxi at the end of the night for the host – meaning you can climb the stairs and be in bed the minute everyone has left.
Hosting your Christmas dinner party
The golden rule for any refined gathering? Plan ahead. And when you think you’ve done all the planning you can, plan some more. We’re not just talking about setting a budget – although that’s the first logical step – but setting a date and time that gives everyone plenty of warning to diarise, then sorting a guestlist by circulating (preferably printed) invites to those you want around the table.
Next, think about a theme – which, in turn, can inspire the food and drink – and start buying decorations and tableware so you’re not scrabbling around at the last minute. Even little things, like dressing the table or chopping the veg the night before, can help when it comes to hosting. Why not go one step further and select dishes you can make beforehand and freeze to seal in flavour and texture?
Then you only need to defrost, finish cooking and serve when guests arrive. Likewise, curate a playlist the weekend before your soirée over a glass of wine – it’s fun and will save time and faff when it comes to finding the right vibe on the night.
Creative Christmas dinner party theme ideas
You absolutely don’t need a theme to throw a dinner party, but Christmas is all about having a bit of fun, so it certainly won’t go amiss. There’s plenty of inspiration for Christmas dinner theme ideas on the likes of Pinterest, but the festive season lends itself naturally to concepts like a winter wonderland – think twinkling silvers, faux snow, handcrafted animals and icy blues – or ‘all that glitters’ with gold decorations at every turn.
Otherwise, you could go traditional – greens and reds are making a comeback as we seek comfort and joy in nostalgia – or be creative: the underwater aesthetic is making waves with pearlescent finishes, mermaid motifs and shell designs (this lobster-inspired dec is just the thing). The world really is your oyster, so think big and get creative.
Games and entertainment at your Christmas dinner party
It wouldn’t feel festive without a family game or two after dinner is done, would it? Old-school favourites such as charades and quizzes always go down a storm, as do classics like Scrabble and Pictionary, otherwise the collection of beautifully-designed games by Printworks are sure-fire winners – from Backgammon and Tumbling Tower to Yatzy and Four in a Row.
If all else fails, why not dust off the karaoke machine? It’s Christmas, after all. A simple Google will reveal a raft of Christmas dinner party game ideas, if you’re still stuck.
Festive Christmas dinner party décor
When it comes to setting the scene, Christmas decorations can add twinkle and sparkle, whether it’s in candles, fairylights, ornaments or flowers. Line pillar candles of varying heights down the length of the table or cluster together in a collection in the centre (overhead lighting should be dialled down or switched off); wind battery-operated fairylights around the back of dining chairs; and fill vases with groups of ornaments and use unique ones to add personality to each place setting.
Menu ideas for large Christmas gatherings
With the theme, entertainment and table sorted, it’s time to think about the type of food and format you serve up, which should initially be planned around the number of guests you have in attendance. For a big group, for example, a generous buffet that lends itself to everyone helping themselves is best.
Don’t be quick to judge – the buffet is back in a big way and is being elevated for contemporary entertaining by even the most respected party-planners. Think premium cheeses, pickles and condiments; butter boards topped with spices and herbs; wafer-thin slices of charcuterie; luxurious lobster rolls; bite-sized desserts and old-school trifles (yes, really); DIY spritz stations; and posh punch bowls. For this retro presentation style, consider upgrading your serveware with things like the Tundra Sharing Platter by Musango, our Sintra Salad Bowl and the Rotary Tray from Vitra.
For a tighter group – eight, say – a sit-down affair might be more appropriate with a centrepiece or sharing board placed in the centre of the table for everyone to dig in and help themselves. Forgo the traditional turkey in favour of something more fashionable like pulled pork or cauliflower wellington as a guaranteed conversation-starter.
Why not present on something pretty like the Tala Ceramic Platter by ferm LIVING? For groups or six or four, you may want to dish up individual plates in the kitchen before presenting them at the table, and include a starter, main and dessert before retiring to the living room for cheese and digestifs. Our box-sets – from the grey-blue tones of Nordic Sea to our colourful collaboration with LF Markey – make refreshing your crockery for Christmas easy.
As the big day itself can be quite the undertaking, we recommend keeping any entertaining you’re doing on Christmas Eve low-key, so stick to a single course for a small group or just two – oysters and Champagne is an always elegant pairing. These saucers from The Vintage List are timeless. However many you’re catering for, always remember to check dietary requirements beforehand, meaning there are no surprises when it comes to plant-based or gluten-free guests.
Don’t overlook drinks, either: while you’ll have plenty of beer, wine and spirits to hand, ensure you’ve got smart softs for teetotallers or drivers, too. Sober-curiosity – whereby people are consciously choosing to drink or abstain on different occasions – is becoming increasingly popular.
Remember, whoever you’re hosting and however you’re hosting them, it’s all about the company. So long as the conversation (and wine) is flowing, everyone will leave with a smile on their face.
Get inspired by more Christmas dinner party ideas.
While ‘quiet luxury’ is certainly having a moment in interiors - think subtle details, pared-back patterns, hush-hush finishes and whispered shades – there’s no denying that maximalism is making waves at the other end of the spectrum.
Unlike the ushered, understated spaces trending in TV shows like Succession, maximalist décor is all about a more-is-more aesthetic, whether in furniture, lighting, soft furnishing or accessories. It’s loud, proud and totally unapologetic.
But fear not: you don’t need to completely transform your home to try the trend. Here, we show you how you can channel your inner maximalist with just a few pieces, all personally handpicked by the expert team at Heal’s. It’s time to celebrate excess.
Punchy palette
No space is every truly maximalist if you’re still using neutrals. Layer a brightly-coloured backdrop of busy wallpaper or charismatic paint with similarly bold furniture and brave furnishings, preferably in a selection of playful shades.
Our luxurious sofas come in a range of strong colours, from the Devon in red to the Nuvola in petrol and the Wallis in green, while a smattering of scatter cushions in yet another vibrant hue will provide depth and drama.
Try our Bouclé cushion in cobalt, mustard or copper; or our Velvet cushion in teal, rust or claret. Remember, when it comes to maximalism, there really are no rules – so long as combinations of colours are considered rather than random.
Elsewhere, consider another accent piece in furniture – the Lars sideboard with its green-painted finish, perhaps, or the Lando sideboard with its high-shine and block colour – supported by a gallery of vivid artwork. Orange Landscapes 01 Print, Flores Nocturnas 01 Print and Cantilever Chair certainly aren’t wallflowers and are sure to spark conversation in the space.
Remember, curation is still key to ensure cohesion and stop the palette from becoming overpowering, so start by adding your dominant colours slowly to ensure they hang together. Sticking to a handful of three or five shades will certainly help to create an edited look. Once complete, this will act as your ‘canvas’ against which you can add further maximalist touches in lighting, textiles and accessories.
Dramatic effect
When it comes to lighting, the bigger and bolder the better, so look to contemporary spins on traditional styles, such as a modern chandelier dripping in drama. Our Rock Crystal LED chandelier in brushed gold makes a design statement and provides sparkling illumination; the Balance multi-arm chandelier can even be hung on low ceilings; and our Squiggle LED pendant in white completely flips the format on its head with a design that looks like a work of art whether illuminated or not.
Alternatively, self-taught British designer Tom Dixon is the master of maximalism, and his iconic Melt is no exception comprising seven large pendants within a signature organic shape. Think oversized and ornate when it comes to other lighting sources, too, and layer styles for a look that’s both eclectic and exciting.
Team towering floor lamps like Skipper by Tom Raffield or Kabuki from Kartell with look-at-me table lamps such as Multi-Lite by Gubi and Nevo from a-emotional and forgo complementary pairings with contrasting styles.
Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match materials. When it comes to lights, shades are a secret way of adding even more impact. The 9602 floor lamp is a case in point, bringing together Finnish lighting maestro Paavo Tynell and Parisian textile house Maison Pierre Frey to create a special edition of the 1935 classic.
Key to getting maximalist lighting right is that it’s as much about adding texture and colour as it is illumination and ambience.
Personality clash
Textiles are your friend when it comes to expressing yourself. Rugs, cushions, throws and bedlinen can quickly and easily turn drab to fab by adding to the sensory experience of a maximalist space.
Again, it’s all in the layering to achieve the aesthetic, from the New Zealand wool sheepskin in vibrant yellow to the bright colours of Christopher Farr cushions and the Amechi quilt with its bold patterns and embroidered beadwork. Remember: you can always swap textiles in and out so they’re a great way of experimenting without too much risk.
Be brave
In short, maximalism is the opposite of being restrained in your décor choices, and doesn’t work in half measures. You need to commit to create impact, although, as above, you can start by simply styling a bed or a cosy corner.
Browse and buy other maximalism pieces to try the trend for yourself.
Bridging the gap between ceiling lights and table lamps, contemporary wall lights for living rooms are a crucial part of layering a scheme, working to make your spaces feel cosier and bigger.
Not only that, but they can be used to cleverly highlight architectural features and cherished artworks, while the boldest designs can be iconic masterpieces in their own right. Better still, they can help to zone rooms, whether marking out a reading corner or a bar area.
In particular, a living room requires layers of lights for dialling up and down the ambience as and when required, from entertaining guests to reading a book and watching TV. Here, we explore how you can embrace contemporary wall lights for living rooms, along with plenty of bright ideas.
Use lighting to highlight a feature
From panelling to artwork, directional lighting can shine a whole new light on the things you love most about a space, so consider contemporary wall lights to bring out architectural features and cherished belongings.
Part of our new collection, the Milton features an extendable arm and adjustable head that mean you can pick out any details, while a glamorous brass finish and Mid-Century aesthetic makes it a real conversation-starter.
Alternatively, the linear form of the Saber is perfect for casting a warm glow above or beneath a picture frame with an LED light that can be rotated 180 degrees. Otherwise, how about a pair of Mooon LED wall lights by Fermob either side of a period fireplace or piece of furniture?
Use lighting to create a cosy corner or dedicated reading nook
Despite what you may think, it’s not only a strategically-placed floor light or table lamp that can help to create a dedicated reading nook. In fact, wall lights can be your best friend when it comes to a cosy corner, so long as the style is adjustable for directing the light to assist with turning the pages of your next big read.
You can either stick with the same style you have elsewhere in the space or opt for something altogether different if your corner is in a secluded part of the room to designate it as a separate zone.
We particularly love the traditional styling of the Type 80 – a wall-mounted reinterpretation of the classic desk lamp by beloved British brand Anglepoise – which is perfect for angling over your favourite armchair.
More contemporary is the Beat wall light by none other than Tom Dixon with a simple and structural design that’s both adjustable and dimmable for creating the perfect reading environment.
Use lighting to make a statement
Unusual contemporary wall lights can be used to make a splash without the need for anything else. Look to statement designs, noteworthy finishes and interesting features for something that will really pop on the wall and make for a talking point in your living room.
Case in point is the Neap wall light by Tom Raffield, cleverly steam-bent from sustainably-sourced oak and walnut and finished with gleaming brass fixtures. Inspired by the rugged Cornish coast, it shines light both upwards and downwards, while creating a relaxing and calming ambience.
Elsewhere, the Melt by Tom Dixon exemplifies the British designer’s innovative style with a stand-out copper design that’s squashed, squeezed, distorted and moulded into a beautiful ‘blob’ for either the wall or ceiling. While producing truly exceptional lighting, it boasts a shimmering mirrored finish when not in use, making for a work of art during the day.
Finally, what about the Bloom from Kartell? The handcrafted piece conceals the light within a bulbous structure of polycarbonate flowers with intricate levels of detail imitating cut-glass crystal. It’s a thing of pure beauty. We’d suggest mounting one either side of a dazzling mirror to add an artful flourish to your space.
More tips and ideas for lighting in your contemporary living room
Consider the colour for contemporary wall lights indoors, from black and grey to white and glass. Black adds an industrial element; grey is a versatile and timeless shade for any space; white makes rooms feel modern; and glass adds a touch of glamour.
Invest in multiples of the same style throughout your living room to create a consistent and coherent theme.
Ditch a central ceiling light in favour of wall lights. They will make the ceiling look higher – a clever trick of the eye – as long as the light is directed upwards to cast a vertical glow. Install the lights higher up the wall than you usually would, too.
Get inspired by more contemporary wall light ideas for a living room with the rest of the designs in our collection.
The sparkle of Christmas may be just around the corner, but ahead of that is autumn, a season that provides a chance to cosy up our spaces for the colder, darker months.
Less stressful than decorating for the festive period, autumn is when we spend more time indoors and start to entertain friends and family at home, making it a perfect opportunity to layer up and add comfort. Here, we round-up easy ways to get that autumn aesthetic (not a pumpkin or wreath in sight).
Layer on velvet
Whether in fashion or furniture, nothing looks and feels more appropriately autumnal than velvet, that irresistibly luxurious and tactile fabric. If you’re looking to invest in a new sofa ahead of the festive season, the time really is now, so get inspired by the likes of Devon – characterised by its scroll-armed profile and high-cushioned back – or Flora, comprising soft, undulating curves and sumptuous, plump cushioning.
Choose upholstery in dark, warm hues like mulberry, rust, espresso or cognac to complete the look. All available to order and get delivered to your home in time for Christmas. For a simple update, add a smattering of velvet scatter cushions in ochre, green or claret to your existing sofa, or a velvet quilt in blue, terracotta or grey.
Just add flowers
While flowers may seem more appropriate to spring or summer, seasonal varieties can add autumnal style in an instant, particularly when a generous bunch is displayed somewhere prominent such as a dining table, sideboard or fireplace mantel.
We love the foraged and wild aesthetic of the faux blooms from Abigail Ahern – particularly these wintery pine branch stems – paired with the rustic Massin vase. Add further elements of the forestcore trend, which takes inspiration from nature, with the Still Life 01 print of yellow drumstick flowers, the Faunacation cushion featuring a jungle print in green and black, and Serax’s Pure Seagreen dinnerware with its unique hues.
Bring on bronze
Gleaming metallics and shimmering surfaces can add much-needed glamour to your home, but bronze and copper are your friends when it comes to warming up spaces for autumn, from furniture to lighting and accessories.
These warm hues really cosy things up for the season, so consider pieces such as the Flash side table by self-taught British designer Tom Dixon, our Ryde table lamp, and these simple photo frames for adding a personal touch. Opulent and sumptuous.
Layer your rugs
Nothing helps to make your home more comfortable during the cooler months than a textural rug underfoot, so why not layer different styles for added warmth, depth and interest? For maximum impact, layer a colourful, patterned or textured rug over a simple neutral style, such as the New Zealand curly sheepskin or Heal’s + LF Markey rug on the Astral Spiral rug or Mae cream rug.
Get light right
Mixing and matching different lighting can also help to achieve an autumn aesthetic, providing much-needed illumination throughout the home as it gets darker and the luxurious look of a boutique hotel at home, so read our guide to layering your light here.
Remember, white LED bulbs provide a bright light that’s crisp and cool, while yellow LED bulbs wash the walls with a warm glow that’s just right for autumn.
Browse our furniture, lighting, accessories and textiles to get inspired for your autumn aesthetic.
There’s a seasonal shift in the air, from the shorter days to the cooler nights, as we finally bid farewell to summer and say hello to autumn. But fear not. There’s still plenty to look forward to, whether ordering your first pumpkin-spiced latte of the season or kicking leaves on a Sunday walk, not to mention cosying up at home.
Good news, then, that Heal’s is home to all the creature comforts your need for the months ahead. Lighting that can be layered to provide a glow on each surface and in every corner. Throws and cushions that can add texture and warmth to your sofas, beds and more. And tableware that welcomes guests with open arms. After all, sometimes it can be the little touches that make the biggest difference. Just call autumn your secret favourite season…
Glow up
There’s no quicker (or easier) trick in the book than lighting to add an instant autumnal update to your interiors. As daylight falls, it can be used to lighten and brighten even the darkest of spaces, while layering adds interest and depth.
Mix ceiling and wall lights such as Carta and Wave with floor and table styles like Bolha and Confetti to create a look that’s as interesting as it is inviting. As well as being bang on-trend, a portable light is a great way to create illuminated pockets where there are no plug sockets, whether by the front door or on the landing.
Try this oversized style from Kartell or this compact design by Flos. While you may not be taking things outside again before spring, string lighting such as the Tobias LED set by Sirius is a smart way to avoid looking through the window at a blanket of darkness, especially if you don’t have lights wired into your garden. Wind them around trees or drape them over a fence.
Material world
From textured bouclé to soft cotton and luxurious velvet, textiles are your secret weapon when it comes to getting a space ready for the season, from a couple of new scatter cushions (such as the Bouclé velvet, Lay and Alice check) that transform a sofa, to a throw or two (like our Chunky cord, Artic faux fur or Pure alpaca) that cosy up the bed.
Think about warming fabrics and seasonal colours, too – browns, rusts, yellows, greens – to really nail the look. Our Velvet cushion in ochre and Mohair check throw in green are just the thing. Alternatively, why not swap out your quilt for the season? The textured cotton, hand-embroidery and beautiful colours of our Amechi quilt will immediately transform your bedroom into a place you want to hunker down.
Top table
Sunday lunches gathered around the table. Pulling up a chair for late-night cocktails. Or dinner parties with loved ones over good food and wine. Entertaining can be one of the best bits about autumn with no pressure to leave the comfort of home. So, why not make it count and invest in a new dining table, such as our all-new Riga? It’s sure to steal the show with signature slats while combining veneered walnut and elegant ceramic (pair with the chair to complete the look). Otherwise, a few simple additions to your tableware collection will do the trick, whether crockery, glassware, textiles or accessories.
Inspired by the natural beauty of its namesake town, our St. Ives dinnerware brings winter coastal to any tablescape, featuring a two-tone colour palette in calming greys and blues. Smart glassware always seems better suited to winter, as opposed to the casual and rustic styles for summer, in which case these wine glasses and Champagne saucers from The Vintage List certainly fit the bill. Making a splash year-round, the tablecloth and matching napkins in our collaboration with independent fashion brand L.F.Markey are sure-fire conversation-starters, as is the Thyra vase, sure to draw the eye (along with a collection of candles) in the centre of the table.Get inspired by more seasonal refreshes from our New Collection
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