Interior design: Big tips for a small space

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As we all know, in this day and age space is a big issue.

We are finding it harder to find homes with the space we were hoping for, and often find ourselves having to compromise for more compact living arrangements.

Many of us have that one room that doesn’t get the attention it deserves because of its size. But now, more than ever, it is so important to make use of every last inch of space available.

Decorating a smaller room can seem like the biggest of challenges, but you have more freedom than you think. It is a general belief that when working with a small space it is better to keep décor minimal, and with a neutral palette, but we disagree. You wouldn’t dress head to toe in beige and brown, so why treat your home any differently?

Remember - small doesn’t have to mean subtle, or insignificant.

Click here for interior design ideas from our made to measure range

Using curtains and blinds, or home cushions in clashing patterns and a variety of colours actually works very well in a smaller room. When a large space is filled with colour and pattern it can be overwhelming. Just remember to stick to the same colour scheme throughout to stop the room feeling claustrophobic. If you simply can’t bare to stray too far from your beloved neutrals, try one shot of colour. Far too often bathrooms are made spartan in their design and colour scheme, but bathrooms don’t have to be boring. Try a vinyl floor, blinds or shower curtains in a bright unexpected colour.

Homes & Gardens Magazine May 2013 issue

A variety of textures in a small space also keep the eye moving. Using throws and pillows in differing styles and fabrics bring interest without the need to fill a room with unessential knick-knacks that take up space.

And while a focal design feature may get lost in a larger space, a small room perfectly highlights it. A rich, jewel coloured sofa with matching colour accented pillows and curtains will bring a sense of real eye-catching opulence!

Click here for home decor ideas from our vast fabric range

So give a small room a chance, and make sure it is never used for storage again. Even if your house is more shoebox than palace – when it comes to interior design there is no excuse to give your home anything less than the royal treatment.

by Annabel, UK Curtains and Interiors

www.ukcurtainsandinteriors.co.uk

Go Mad with Fabric!

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Patterned textiles can add a decorative touch and pull a room together. What could be more fun than selecting your favourite fabrics and using them together? Do not apologise for this bright and bold trend, instead mix it up as much as you dare to add charm and character that can really pack a punch. Keep backgrounds simple and paired down and this look will work a treat. As we already know the colour pallet this season is vast so almost all colours work well within this trend and can inject a sense of fun to any home. Remember to stick to similar or complementary colours and you won’t go wrong. Check out our favourite picks for this bold punchy trend.

Click here to browse our wonderful selection of fabrics

by Louise, UK Curtains and Interiors

www.ukcurtainsandinteriors.co.uk

Style your home in bright colours this summer!

Click here to explore Poppy Red and Earthy Oranges Colour combinations

How exciting that the colour direction for this spring/summer is at its most dynamic with funky brights taking centre stage. Colour can lift your mood instantly so why not create a colourful haven at home.

As we all balance different areas in our life, our themed colours in this season's palette can create a perfect balance, they sit well together and create a cohesive look. Being the start of summer, we thought this is good time to give you a little refresher on the colours for summer 2013 and how to use them.

As you know, green is undeniable one of strongest colours with the wonderful Emerald Green being Pantone colour of the year. Green can offer the perfect balance in a home and bring a harmonious warmth to any room. This year’s colour predictions from Pantone offer 3 levels of green from the wonderful emerald to a soft leaf green with the added warmth of the complimentary Dusky Blue. Dusky Blue is a good option for a lighter summer neutral.

Click here to explore Blue and Green Colour combinations

Other bright’s this season that must not be overlooked are the bright Poppy Reds and Earthy Oranges, this palette works well within itself but can be equally fun when matched with Warm Violets or Zesty Lemons to bring out those brighter oranges.

We cannot of course forget the natural palette and a Warm Linen is a good base for any of our bright’s this season. In fact, a Warm Linen can sit perfectly with all of this year’s colours and offers a light base from which to build.

You can choose from so many ideas at UK Curtains and Interiors from plain brights to bold colourful prints. So why not have some fun and don’t be afraid to mix it up! Remember to sign up to our Newsletter and be the first to know about our amazing offers and design tips.

by Louise, UK Curtains and Interiors

www.ukcurtainsandinteriors.co.uk

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Novelty Cushions

Click here to see our patterned cushion range

One of the biggest ongoing trends at the moment is the novelty cushion.

What better and inexpensive way is there to bring your room to life. A cushion or even better a selection of cushions can transform any room and inject a sense of fun. You can mix and match styles of cushions in a way that other home furnishing will not allow. So bring your room right up to date and make it entirely your own by choosing from a selection of novelty cushion that can reflect your personality and make you feel cosy at the same time. You can select from our range of stand alone cushions or for a really unique take we offer a bespoke service where you can select any of our wonderful fabrics and we can make one for you or you can buy our fabric by the meter and get creative on your own!

Click here to see our cushion range

by Louise, UK Curtains and Interiors

www.ukcurtainsandinteriors.co.uk

Create a Fresh Look Home

Click here for Key on-trend fabric designs – with leaf motifs

One of the big trends this summer is leaf prints. For those of you who follow our blog you will remember our Emerald based blog which showcased Emerald being this year’s wining pantone colour, which is the very reason why leaf designs are very much on trend.

This look works best with neutral walls and flooring, the clean backdrop is perfect for showing this classic look. As we know green is the most relaxing colour so is perfect when used in the rooms that we choose to relax in. below are some of our favourites from our made to measure  fabric section.

By using the leafy green with duckeggs and warm beiges you can create a warn and completely relaxed atmosphere. And, if you don’t want to buy into the whole look why not just add a few cushions for a fun and funky look!

Click here for Printed Cushions - designs inspired by nature

by Louise, UK Curtains and Interiors

www.ukcurtainsandinteriors.co.uk

It’s all about stripes!

As predicted at the start of the year stripes truly are one of the hottest trends of 2013. So when Living etc magazine promoted stripes in their July issue we were thrilled because it gives us the perfect excuse to showcase our favorite picks from our ever expanding range.

Stripes are showcased this year from the catwalk to the living room. Whether used in a soft subtle way or strong and bold this seasons trend is not one to be missed. Check out our ready-made items such as curtains or cushions that will easily fit into your home and really do this fashion trend justice.

Stripes can be Timeless and simple and can update your room in an instance as they can fit quite easily into existing decor schemes. Stripes are also wonderful for sitting with and complementing other patterns that you may already have for example stripes sit wonderfully with large bold floral prints and can equally be used to complement some of these seasons graphic prints. Stripes can also be versatile whether it be vertical or horizontal, pinstripe or a broad stripe you are sure to find the stripe that is right for you and your home. 

by Louise, UK Curtains and Interiors

Want a good night's slumber?

Well, according to a new study the answer is to decorate your bedroom blue.

The study of 2,000 British homes for Travelodge hotels reveals how a bedroom colour scheme can affect the quality and quantity of sleep!

The survey showed that Blue is the best colour for your bedroom if you want a good night's sleep.  Interestingly this colour scheme resulted in an average of 7 hours and 52 minutes' sleep each night.

So with a good night’s sleep only a click away what better reason to update your bedroom. At UK curtains and Interiors we have chosen our top blue bedding accessories to ensure you jump out of bed each morning ready for the day ahead.

Mirabel Aqua Bedding Collection

Luxury Bed Set

Abstract Blue Bedding Collection

Checkmate Blue Bedding Collection

Cambridge Blue Bedding Collection

Luxury Bed Set

by Louise, UK Curtains and Interiors