Confident in their creative use of colour and pattern, homeowner India Hares, along with her husband Tom and children, Honey and Rocco, have completely transformed their 1930s home in Balham, South London, beginning renovations during the height of lockdown.
India set up her Instagram account, @OurHouseEdit, to share their journey and inspire others in theirs. While the couple wasted no time in tackling the kitchen – characterised by chic terracotta tiles and pink painted cabinets – the living room was left as a bit of a dumping ground while other spaces took priority amid the ongoing pandemic. Not so anymore, thanks to a little help from Nicola from our Interior Planning Service, who collaborated with the couple to devise a scheme and select pieces of furniture to fit their space and style.
The result? A chic but comfortable living room that embraces colour and pattern to spectacular effect. It’s now a room for rest and relaxation; a place for gathering friends and family; and somewhere the couple can spend time together. Here, we catch-up up with India and Nicola to find out about the project, the process and how you can recreate the look in your own home.
Fine Edge Floor Arch Mirror, Purlin Tufted Rug, Eton Loveseat in Smart Velvet Cognac
Nicola, how do you start a project and a begin the process?
N: It always starts with a consultation with the couple: getting to know them and their requirements, understanding their taste, budget and timeline, and looking around their home. Getting a feel for the house is crucial, not just for taking measurements, but also understanding how people live in and use the space.
Once we’ve brainstormed together – a mixture of looking at moodboards or pouring over Pinterest – we browse the pieces in-store to spark ideas and fire imaginations. The rest of the room can then be built around these key items. For India and her husband, this was the Eton sofa in black and the Mega Junction chandelier, both providing striking focal points.
Mega Junction Chandelier, Double Hand Forged Wavey Candlestick, Twist Candles, Meridan Table Lamp, Massimo Bobble Vase
India, tell us about your renovation story. When did it start and how have you transformed the space?
I: After months of searching for a property in our preferred area, one Saturday we saw our house online - very run-down, but in the perfect location and oozing with potential. We immediately fell in love. It felt like 'the one'. I was unable to make the viewing, so after my husband saw it and confirmed it ticked all the boxes, we decided to make an offer before I had even seen it, which felt crazy at the time, but we knew it had so much potential to become our dream home. I could also blame him if it all went wrong!
The house is a 1930s semi-detached and was complete with retro polystyrene ceilings and lino floor throughout! It needed complete renovation (we later found out we were only the second family to own it since it was built in 1936) but we were so excited by the challenge. With lots of false starts due to the pandemic, we eventually moved in and spent the next six months planning, measuring, sketching and Pinterest’ing our hearts out.
We found it so useful living in the property at the time to get a real feel for the space and how it would work best for our family. It took five months to complete the work in total. We extended out at the back to create a large family kitchen living space, remodelled the separate toilet and bathroom upstairs to make one family bathroom, and gutted every room in the house to relieve it of its dated 70s interiors and features.
Purlin Tufted Rug, Cezanne Coffee Table, Silk Floor Lamp, Free Cushion, Magic Seeds Throw
How would you describe your style? Do you and your partner have the same taste? If not, how have you found the balance between your styles? Were there moments where you didn’t agree on the style or aesthetic during the design process?
I: I’ve always loved the use of vibrant colours and textures in my home combined with natural earthy materials. My husband has a preference for a more industrial, minimalist style so our tastes complemented each other well, although he was happy to let me lead the way and thankfully had faith in my vision for how it would all come together… although he did take a bit more convincing on the pink kitchen!
India and her husband have different tastes: Nicola, how did you manage to combine both in a happy compromise.
N: It was quite easy, actually, Not many couples have exactly the same styles – in fact, some can be the exact opposite! – so we’re experienced in planning schemes that bring together differing tastes. Luckily, India’s love of colour, pattern and texture complements her husband’s passion for an industrial, minimalist aesthetic, so everything works naturally together. Her fun, whimsical style is given a clean, masculine edge that creates a beautifully balanced room.
Eton 4-Seater Sofa in Black Velvet, Velvet Bolster Cushion, Botanize Velvet Cushion
Nicola, are there any key pieces from Heal’s you knew would work well in the space?
N: The Eton sofa in elegant black was a no-brainer for me as a way of giving the green living room a strong focal point – an ‘anchor’, if you will – around which everything else could revolve.
India, how did you find working with our IPS team? Is there anything in particular that you found helpful when designing your space? Were there pieces in the scheme that weren’t something you thought you’d have chosen but ended up loving?
I: Nicola from the IPS team was so friendly, talented and full of suggestions that we would never have thought of. Having someone take all the fragments of our ideas and add their own professional expertise and advice to bring it all together to create one look was invaluable.
After our initial consultation, it was so useful to walk around the store and see how all the pieces looked, which was a completely unique experience. We then had a back and forth over email to refine the ideas, which was so effortless and fun. It really felt like having a true partner who was as passionate about creating our perfect living room as we were. We may never have opted for the Eton sofa in black, but it works so perfectly with the green of the room and the feel of the rest of the house.
The lighting was another great example of where Nicola pushed us out of our design comfort zone, and we’re so glad she did, the Mega Junction chandelier is such a beautiful focal point of the living room - it feels like part light, part art installation. We absolutely love it!
Eton Footstool in Black Velvet, Two Tone Merino Throw, Hourglass Plant Pot
Sum up how you feel about the finished space. How would you describe it and how does it feel when you walk in?
I: We’re so overjoyed with result! We wanted a living space that was a contrast to our light bright kitchen but was still in line with the feel of the house. What Nicola and the team have created is the absolute perfect balance of a comfortable and cosy family living room, and a stylish ‘adult’ space - with its different fabrics, patterns, textures and lighting moods depending on the time of day. We couldn’t be happier!
Nicola: what advice would you give to people wanting to recreate the look?
N: India’s living room works so well because she has committed to the green colour by washing it on the walls and woodwork – it’s called colour-saturation. Then, we worked together to layer complementary colour and texture over the top of the green base, adding more depth and interest. A few key pieces in gleaming metallics complete the look and add further richness and glamour.
Fine Edge Floor Arch Mirror, Purlin Tufted Rug, Eton Loveseat in Smart Velvet Cognac, Double Hand Forged Wavey Candlestick, Twist Candles, Milo Table Lamp
India, what was your favourite part of the process and what would you say is your favourite piece?
I: Having Nicola visit our home to discuss and finalise our plans and ideas over a cup of coffee. This allowed us to imagine everything in the room and make sure pieces would work in the reality of the space. Where to begin on favourites pieces? We have so many!
But If I had to choose, it’s a close call between the Cezanne Square coffee table – with its beautiful marble top bringing such elegance to the space – the Eton armchair in a fabulous mustard – the perfect pop of colour – and the luxurious velvet Divine Savages cushions which finish the room off to perfection!
Need a helping hand with designing your space? Our IPS team is here to help!
Click here to follow along with India’s renovation journey.
It’s finally time to throw open the doors to entertain friends and family again. Whether they’re visiting from near or far, nothing welcomes loved ones in from the cold quite like a house filled with festive cheer, from a tree twinkling with fairy lights to a mantlepiece festooned with lush foliage and a table bedecked with sparkling treasure.
When it comes to hosting at Christmas, it’s all about creating comfort and joy, while making guests feel right at home. Here, we round-up the small refreshes and little touches that can make a big difference, from fluffy towels to five-star bedlinen and fold-out sofa-beds. But be warned: nearest and dearest may never want to leave…
Christina Lundsteen Paula Cushion, Christina Lundsteen Bolster Pink, Flows Rug Multi by Linie Design, Sheepskin Rug Large Long Wool by Nature’s Collection, Washed Linen Bed Linen Cinnamon by Heal’s, Washed Linen Bed Linen Mustard by Heal’s, Utility Footstool Large Vintage Cognac Leather Lacquered Oak Frame by Fogia, Barba Armchair Karakorum by Fogia, Oswald Sofa Bed by Heal’s, 9602 Floor Lamp by Gubi, Brew Tray by Tom Dixon, Nordic Bistro Mug by Broste Copenhagen, Warm White 480 LED Indoor or Outdoor Micro Lights Copper Cable by Noma, Deko Decorations Dusky Pink Set of 6 by Broste Copenhagen
Offer a turn-down service
Good times can only be enjoyed after good sleep. Which is why it’s crucial to create a restful space where guests can recharge and reclaim a little shut-eye between festivities. For those who don’t have a spare-room, a sofa-bed can be a smart way to maximise space and accommodate guests, styled-up with cushions by day and folded-out with bedding by night.
The smart Oswald, pictured, quickly and easily converts into a king-size bed while featuring hidden storage for stashing away luggage and keeping multi-functional spaces free of clutter. For extra style (and added comfort), swap out old sheets with crisp new bedding in seasonal colours and patterns, and layer with cosy throws in soft and textured materials.
Matera Large Corner Sofa by Heal’s, Pearl White Soup Bowl by Costa Nova, The Voice Within 01 Print from Mae Studio by Paper Collective, Christina Lundsteen Abigail Cushion, Christina Lundsteen Carla Cushion, Edinburgh Weavers Circles Cushion, Optical Cushion Ocre by Niki Jones, Sheepskin Rug Large Long Wool by Nature’s Company, Sheepskin Rug Small Long Wool by Nature’s Company
Spruce-up the sofa
A scattering of new cushions can really freshen up your sofa for visiting friends, adding colour, interest and depth. But think about a wintery palette of warm and toasty tones rather than clichéd shades and motifs for the coolest way to change things up.
Here, we’ve layered the Matera sofa with luxurious cushions featuring rich reds, earthy yellows and icy blues that complement the ochre tones of the furniture. With interesting patterns from innovative designers, they provide a conversation-starter over Christmas, too.
Round Bud Vase by Heal’s, Waffle Towel Charcoal by Heal’s, Spa Towel White by Heal’s, Ripple Clear Carafe by ferm LIVING, Ripple Smoked Grey Tumbler Glass Set of 4 by ferm LIVINGCreate a ‘spa-throom’
A few easy updates can transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis your guests can retreat to away from the hustle and bustle of the house. Stock-up on quality towels in soothing shades and luxurious textures – our pick are these for all the luxury of a five-star stay – together with high-end soaps for a spot of pampering and a designer diffuser to make the whole room smell wonderful. Everyone will be fighting for the bathroom.
Massimo Bobble Vase by Abigail Ahern, Botanicals Winter Spice Brick Candle by Heal’s, Winter Spice Tall Pillar Candle with Botanicals by Heal’s, Pillar Candle by Heal’s,
‘Christmasify’ a corner
Even if you’re not going all-out with a tree and all the trimmings, you can still help guests to feel cosy and festive, even in the most compact of spaces. Style up a single corner instead to add a touch of sparkle to a space: a sideboard or a mantlepiece can provide a platform for decorative touches while creating a focal point in any room.
Simply add a collection of candles – varying heights create interest – and a statement vase filled with natural foliage foraged from the garden, plus a few tree decorations here and there. A tangle of fairy lights is a nice touch, too, while a smattering of tealights finishes things off. The more corners you can create, the merrier.
Gift your guests
Create boutique hotel vibes from the comfort of home with a gift or two for guests left at the end of their bed: consider the Bitter Orange & Cassis Dusk Candle for creating a festive scent; the Milk Chocolate Stirrer for making a late-night cup of cocoa; and the Lambswool Hot Water Bottle for popping between the sheets. It’s the details that make a stay, whether at a hotel or in the home of a good friend, so pick something you know they’ll love to make them feel truly special.
Three more tips
1 Invest in a coat rack and shoe tidy ahead of the holidays to keep your hallway sleek and streamlined. First impressions count, so ensure your reception makes an entrance, even when you’ve got a full house.
2 Stock-up on games for rainy days during family stays. The collection from Printworks, including Backgammon and Yatzy, is so smart you won’t want to stash it away.
3 Hang a wreath on the front door and festoon it with our decorations. It sounds simple, but it’s the first thing guest will see as they arrive, so give them a sign of things to come with a festive flourish that says: ‘home for Christmas.’
We’re proud to host our very own Festival of Light every autumn, celebrated this year from 10 to 31 October, to showcase the world’s most exquisite lighting brands and designers. Not only that, but it coincides with the changing of the seasons, when the days get shorter and the evenings get darker.
After a long, hot summer, the annual event provides a chance to cosy up and hunker down at home, and our seventh lighting extravaganza is sure to help you get your light just right.
Here, our lighting buyer Claire Anstey rounds-up the brightest ideas for autumnal lighting, whether you’re looking for focus and concentration in a home office, or rest and relaxation in a living room. It’s time to switch it up.
Anglepoise® Original 1227™ Desk Lamp National Trust Sage
Working from home
As we continue to straddle working from home and going into the office, the spaces we’ve carved out for getting down to business remain crucial, whether it’s a dedicated office or a zoned corner. But while the light is bright and beautiful during the summer months – with evenings that seemingly stretch into eternity – autumn brings with it noticeably darker days that require a more considered approach.
Claire says: “Invest in a quality desk lamp that inspires creativity and productivity throughout the working day – even when it’s dull and gloomy outside. Choose something that’s beautiful to look as well as boasting quality lighting for all-important tasks – plus, a flattering glow on a Zoom or Teams meeting can only be a good thing!
For a timeless style, you can’t go wrong with a classic Anglepoise® Original 1227™ Desk Lamp, especially when it’s been given a contemporary spin in a recent collaboration with the National Trust.
Neat and sleek, it’s art for your desk, while featuring an iconic shade that angles light in any direction.” Claire adds: “If space is at a premium, shop smart by selecting a floor lamp that doubles as a desk lamp, such as the mid-century Milton Floor Lamp for modern and minimalist spaces.”
Manhattan Table Lamp Natural
Curling up on the sofa
Your next big box-set binge calling? It’s autumn: of course it is. Advises Claire: “When it comes to curling up in the living room over the coming months, it’s all about layering your lighting for a cosy feel, incorporating a mixture of different types to cater to all activities and atmospheres.
Ceiling and wall lights will brighten the whole lounge when you’re doing something other than resting or relaxing – reading and writing, or playing with the kids – while floor lamps and table lamps will create ambience throughout the area for entertaining or simply kicking-back and chilling-out.
The combination of everything together will create a collective glow while making a room feel interior-designed with plenty of interest and polish. This season, it’s all about sustainable style with natural materials and textures, so why not opt for our Manhattan Table Lamp with a natural stone base and a linen shade? Its dimmer switch means you can dial up or down the lighting accordingly.
Plump for a pair or mix-and-match with other styles for an eclectic look. Elsewhere, our Globe Wall Light casts a warm, ethereal glow across a space without being harsh or unflattering, its opaque glass, brass detail and marble finish adding elegance.”
Tala Knuckle Table Lamp with Sphere IV Bulb
Winding down before bedtime
Heading to bed with a warm cup of cocoa and a good book doesn’t necessarily mean a good night’s sleep. Claire explains: “Warm lighting is better for winding down just before you’re about to go to bed as blue lighting interferes with the circadian rhythm – the natural process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle – and can keep you awake.
With this in mind, I’d suggest a combination of dimmable table and wall lights to soothe you to sleep and help you drift of, avoiding any distractions such as the TV, your phone or tablet. Tala – the London design studio – crafts bulbs that feature a ‘dim-to-warm’ function. This means that when you dim them the light becomes warmer. Perfect for catching those zzzs.
The Tala Knuckle Table Lamp with Sphere IV Bulb is a brilliant choice for the bedside table with a compact design and an energy-saving bulb that mimics natural light sources with an American oak base that adds a stylish accent.”
Three more bright ideas
1 Choose bulbs with a warm temperature and colour. This is measured in kelvins: the lower the number, the warmer the bulb. Just remember to keep the colour of the bulb consistent in any given room for cohesion.
2 Make even more of natural light during the darker months rather than blocking it out with heavy curtains. Not only does it increase your health and wellbeing, but it strengthens your connection to the outside world. Add cleverly positioned mirrors to bounce it around.
3 Finally, don’t underestimate the drama of candlelight to increase the cosiness of a space. A flickering candle can set the scene for a fabulous bath or dinner.
Click here to put ideas into action in our Festival of Light.
When you’re in the midst of the madness, dust and destruction of a home renovation, sometimes it can be difficult to see the finish line and visualise how the finished project will come together.
Ross and Ian (@ross_and_ian) set up their Instagram account to document their renovation projects and are currently in the process of transforming their 'Victorian fixer upper' that they share with their two cats, Otis and Penelope.
Together with the help of Nicola from our Interior Planning Service, they picked the perfect pieces to create the ultimate cosy informal living space. We caught up with Nicola and Ross to find out all about the design process, the key pieces and how to get the look of this relaxed and oh so inviting set up.
Ross, tell us about your renovation story. When did it star and how have you transformed the space?
R: We purchased our Victorian fixer upper back in March 2021 after falling in love with the house on the first viewing. It was exactly what we were looking for and although it required a lot of work, it was a challenge we were willing to take on. From the outside, the house had lots of character but inside, the house was in desperate need of renovating.
The house had already been extended in the late eighties but this had caused a complex layout which was no longer fit for purchase. As part of the overall works, which included a new single story wraparound, we decided to completely alter the layout of the house and re-work the different spaces in the house. One of these spaces was to take the old Dining Room and expand it into a new, airy and light living space.
Massimo Bobble vase, Duck Bowl, Newgate Clock, Paper Collective prints
How would you describe your style? Do you both have the same taste? If not, how have you found the balance between your styles? Were there moments where you did not agree on the style or aesthetic during the design process?
R: We love all kinds of styles which always makes things more challenging when designing and planning a space as you have to take so much more into consideration such as how the rooms will flow with each other should you mix up styles. I would say we are neutralists at heart, and love everything monochrome while adding lots of blue and green tones to rooms. We often disagree (as we are both strong minded) but we always manage to come to an agreement in the end. We don't always get it right and I would say we are always learning with each renovation we do.
Nicola, what are the first steps when it comes to designing a space? We’d love to get some insight into how you approach a full room design.
N: We start with the shape, size and layout of the room. We look at how the space could work and then how it can work based on the customer’s needs and requirements. Firstly, we consider the main pieces to the room, so for this it was easy- it was the sofa. Naturally the room layout then lends itself around this. We wanted to make sure the sofa was in the best position to take full advantage of the space.
Bowl table, Islington cushion, Wavey candlestick
Did you find that Ross and Ian had different styles? If so, how did you find the balance between the two different styles?
N: I wouldn’t say they had different styles, more like they different views. Both of them liked the same pieces but it took a little warming up on both sides to hit a happy medium and compromise on what everyone liked. This is the best part of any interior when its more than one person living in it. Interiors should reflect personality and individual taste, it’s what gives them life and character otherwise they can be flat. I think we nailed it with all the pieces for them both.
@ross_and_ian
Were there any key pieces that stood out to you that you knew would be perfect for the space?
N: The sumptuousness of the Tailor corner sofa was a natural fit for the room that Ross and Ian wanted to create, as it looks great from every angle, and is the perfect sofa to sink in to after a long day.
So Ross, how did you find working with our IPS team? Is there anything in particular that you found helpful when designing your space? Were there pieces in the scheme that weren't something you thought you'd have chosen but ended up loving?
R: We loved working with the IPS team. It definitely helped us to push the boundaries a lot more than we probably would have gone. Looking around the Heal's Flagship Store, and seeing all the different brands under one roof certainly makes things easier. Being able to sit and test out all the sofa's and look over an array of samples at the same time is so much fun.
The IPS team understood what we wanted from our new living room space, taking everything into account. Designing the space and making sure everything fits perfectly can be tricky, with Heal's IPS service, this was all done for us so it made things so much easier knowing what sizes we could go for leveraging the IPS team's experience in what worked best.
The team also helped select some of the accessories for the space, which included a cushion in a style I don't think we would have chosen ourselves but after seeing it all come together it worked perfectly and it's probably our favourite cushion.
Nyoko rug, Merino & Cashmere throw, Cabana cushion, Eden cushion, Islington cushion
Nicola, how would you describe the finished space?
N: A calming and understated piece of heaven that oozes the perfect mix of comfort and style.
King & McGaw prints
And Ross, sum up how you feel about the finished space. How would you describe it and how does it feel when you walk in?
R: We couldn't have hoped for a better final outcome. The space works as it was intended. A cosy, informal family room that offers comfort and style in equal measure. The colours and tones also compliment our adjacent Kitchen so they go hand in hand.
Everyone comments on the room as they walk in, and our cats Otis & Penelope can't get enough of it too! We are super happy with the finished room and look forward to cosy nights in the Autumn/Winter snuggled up on the sofa under a Heal's blanket!
What was your favourite part of the process and what would you both choose as your favourite pieces?
R: For us it has to be visiting the store to see everything first hand and gaining lots of new inspiration along the way. Sitting down with Nicola in the IPS studio at the beginning and discussing our ideas and bringing it all together. I think our favourite piece is the Tailor Sofa along with the Rug.
Oh, but also have to shout out the beautiful bowl tables and our Timothy Oulton chair too. So many pieces to choose from it's really hard! We love the quality of everything and the service we received was fantastic. Couldn't recommend Heal's free Interior Planning Service enough, it is super helpful.
Finally, Nicola, what advice would you have for someone who is looking to get the look of Ross and Ian's living room?
N: Pick your statement pieces that are the focal points in the space and pair with varying neutral tones and textures, complete with touches of monochrome to create a cosy aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to add pops of colour and pattern to bring a relaxed, informal setting to life.
Need a helping hand with designing your space? Our IPS team is here to help!
Click here to follow along with Ross and Ian’s renovation journey.
Cartmel bed and Kendal bedside table
From bees in the walls to a birds nest in the ceiling, renovating a home can be full of surprises. At least that’s what Courtney and Lanre (@milliennialspad) found in their master bedroom when they began renovating their home. It can be difficult at times to see how everything will piece together in amongst the dust and destruction when you’re in the thick of a renovation project, but when you start to see your vision come to life, well, there’s no better feeling.
Courtney and Lanre collaborated with designer Nicola Smith from the Heal’s Interior Planning Service, to bring their tranquil and inviting bedroom to life. We caught up with Nicola and Courtney to find out all about the design process, the key pieces and how to get the look of this calm yet captivating set up.
So, let’s start at the very beginning. Nicola, what are the first steps when it comes to designing a space? We’d love to get some insight into how you approach a full room design.
N: We start with the shape, size and layout of the room. We look at how the space could work and then how it can work based on the customer’s needs and requirements. Firstly, we consider the main pieces to the room, so for this it was easy- it was the bed.
Naturally the room layout then lends itself around this. We wanted to make sure the bed was in the best position to take full advantage of the already built-in features in the room- the fireplace, the wardrobes and the bay window.
Courtney, tell us about your renovation story. When did it start and how have you found the process so far?
C: It all started back in November 2019 before we knew the country was going to go into lockdown a couple of months later. We put our offer in on a house that needed A LOT of work. We finally moved in August 2020, the longest wait of our lives and that's when the fun began!
We decided that we would focus on one room at a time so that we wouldn't feel like we were living in a full renovation. The main bedroom had to be tackled first as it had a hole in the ceiling with a bird's nest living in it and would leak every time it rained! So, the roof was the first job on our list to get repaired, however, as everyone knows tradesmen are not as reliable as you would hope, so it was a waiting game for at least a month.
From the moment the roof was fixed we used every little spare time we had taking the room back to brick so our builder (my Dad) could rebuild the walls again and we could get on to making it feel like a bedroom. I don’t remember the exact time frame it took to complete the main bedroom, but it was not quick at all, as we were doing a lot of work ourselves.
The floor sanding, the building of the wardrobes and restoring the fireplace. So far, we are still enjoying renovating, we love looking back on pictures and seeing how far we've come, and have picked up a lot of new skills, each room gets easier and easier as we now know what to do and in what sequence we should do things in. We may get the renovation itch as soon as this house is finished, who knows!
How would you describe your style? Do you both have the same taste? If not, how have you found the balance between your styles? Were there moments where you didn’t agree on the style or aesthetic during the design process?
C: I don’t know how I would describe my style, I just know what I like and what I don’t like. I LOVE wood, I feel myself gravitate to anything that is made of wood when scrolling through Pinterest, maybe I fit in the mid-century modern style category if I had to choose. Lanre on the other hand likes the modern luxury style he will be happy with an all black and white room with gold details.
The more we looked at rooms on Pinterest the more he warmed to wood pieces, so when we created a mood board just after we moved in it was a room we would both be very happy with. During the design process the only thing we did not agree on was the colour of the Elgin chair; Lanre wanted a dark green colour with black legs and I wanted beige and gold legs, after seeing the fabric and the room put together on a mood board I was won over and we decided to go with Lanre’s choice.
Fine Edge Arch Floor Mirror
Nicola, did you find that Courtney and Lanre had different styles? If so, how did you find the balance between the two different styles?
N: I wouldn’t say they had different styles-more different views. Both of them liked the same pieces but it took a little warming up on both sides to hit a happy medium and compromise on what everyone liked. This is the best part of any interior when its more than one person living in it. Interiors should reflect personality and individual taste, it’s what gives them life and character otherwise they can be flat. I think we nailed it with all the pieces for them both.
Were there any key pieces that stood out to you that you knew would be perfect for the space?
N: The Cartmel bed and the Kendal range. The Cartmel bed offers a beautiful, simple organic look and feel to it with its shape and soft edges. Due to the shape of this room, it was important we added pieces that complimented it and wasn’t too boxy or square. Courtney and Lanre where very open with what they liked but equally open to suggestions of pieces they may not have looked twice at initially.
For the bedsides and the chest of drawers it was evident that the Kendal range was the one. The groove detailing in these pieces reflected the built-in wardrobes that they had built. It’s like they were made specifically for this space.
Courtney, how did you and Lanre find working with our IPS team? Is there anything in particular that you found helpful when designing your space? Were there pieces in the scheme that weren’t something you thought you’d have chosen but ended up loving?
C: We loved every second of it! Nicola was very attentive, she listened to what we liked and came up with the most amazing ideas, she also knows the products very well, so was able to give us alternatives when needed. We found going into the showroom and seeing the items in person a huge help.
For example, you don't get to see the full beauty of the Cartmel bed online, so seeing it in person made us both fall in love with it. The Heat pendant light for me is the piece I would have never thought I would have in my bedroom, but I do. It’s the first thing people comment on when they see our bedroom; it’s such a statement piece on its own.
Nicola, how would you describe the finished space?
N: A calming and understated piece of heaven that oozes a mix of modern and scandi influences throughout.
Kendal bedside table and Joule table lamp
And Courtney, how would you and Lanre describe the finished space?
C: Zen. Calm. Tranquillity! A space we thought we could only see in a show room or on TV, we couldn't have imagined anything better. You can't walk into the room and not be happy or wake up in the room and not start your day with a spring in your step. There are little touches that complete the room like the pictures on the wall and the lamps. Everything we could have hoped for and more!
Okay, we know no one likes playing favourites, but if you were to choose what are yours and Lanre’s favourite pieces?
C: If I HAD to choose, it would have to be the Heat pendant light or the Cartmel bed. It's a toss between the two. Lanre is 1 million percent the bed; he absolutely loves it.
Finally, Nicola, what advice would you have for someone who is looking to get the look of Courtney and Lanre’s bedroom?
N: Keep to light finishes such as oak or veneer, don’t overthink or complicate the space and keep the textures heavy with layers and organic shapes and colours adding lots of greenery. This will give a sense of calm throughout. Add some brush brass to give a luxurious feel but keep it limited alongside strong accents of black in key areas, such as door handles and furniture feet/legs for example.
Need a helping hand with designing your space? Our IPS team is here to help!
Click here to follow along with Courtney and Lanre’s renovation journey.
Here at Heal’s, we’re firm believers that your garden should be an extension of your home. A recent survey of 2,000 Brits has revealed that 69% believe that the state of their outdoor space is just as, if not more, important than that of their home’s interiors.
Yet more than 2 in 3 people aren’t happy with their current outdoor spaces and want to make changes.
Petra outdoor dining table and chairs
So, today we’re sharing our tips to help you to reclaim your garden. The survey also revealed that, despite being expected to spend at least three hours outside every day this summer, 7 in 10 people aren’t happy with their outdoor spaces and wish they were bigger (28%), more private (20%) or better decorated (13%).
However, the research – commissioned by Heal’s – found that when looking to make improvements to their home’s exterior, 37% of people wouldn’t know where to start, or feel they don’t have the required knowledge and / or help to do so, whilst half of respondents simply lack confidence in their ability.
Meanwhile, 20% of Brits believe that the state of this space was actually more important than their interiors, and it was also revealed how time spent outside has a profound impact on people’s mental health, with 42% of people across the UK reporting that they use this part of the home to improve their mood.
A fifth are going outside to spend less time on their screens, while 27% are looking to connect with nature. In response to the findings, Heal’s has partnered with TV presenter, interior expert and design specialist Michelle Ogundehin, to help people get creative and make the most of their outdoor spaces – no matter how big or small.
Michelle, who is also former editor of Elle Decoration, advises: “Get set for some major Vitamin G! A few simple updates can transform an empty patio or small garden into an inviting outdoor sanctuary for you to enjoy this summer, and beyond.
“While 4 in 5 of us are lucky enough to have access to a private garden, those in urban areas often have to make the most of compact balconies, small backyards or limited roof terraces. But diminutive needn’t mean dull. The trick is to approach any exterior space as if it were just another room in your home, regardless of size.
Consider what works indoors, then take it outside! “Think portable table lamps or strings of festoon lighting to add layers of illumination. Add texture, depth and interest with an outdoor rug and plenty of planters. Keep it practical with a mix of comfortable seating, benches and a table. Don’t forget to layer in your comfort with cosy cushions and throws. And then add the plants!”
Commenting on the findings, Heal’s buying director, Sabina Miller, added: “At Heal’s, we really believe that you should fill rooms with pieces that you love in order to get the most out of the space, and exteriors are no exception.
“With many residents looking forward to getting green thumbed in the coming months, it’s worth considering how you can make the most of time outdoors. Treat furniture with the same consideration as you would an indoor piece, and look out for weatherproof materials, firm cushioning and durable fabrics that will maintain a high level of quality and style for years to come, whilst also withstanding the often unpredictable British weather.”
Visit www.heals.com to find out more.
