fourwallsinspired

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15 Gorgeous Garden Paths

If your garden path is riddled with weeds and in desperate need of a good scrub down, these gorgeous walkways from around the world will certainly spur you on to give your walkway the TLC it’s crying out for.

By Bryony Pearce

It can be easy to let your path slip on to the backburner and focus your efforts on the parts of your garden that require regular maintenance – like flowers, shrubbery and grass. As you’ll soon see though, backyard trails can attract a lot of attention and make a big difference to the look of your outdoor space.

1. Wave your way down the garden path

2. Woody wonderland

3. Your very own rainbow realm

4. Blooming beautiful butterflies

5. Pretty little peacock

6. Get your path to glow in the dark

7. Living walkway

8. Grass, gorgeous grass

9. A diamond path fit for royalty

10. Serene stepping stones

11. Homely hearts

12. Blend your path into its surroundings

13. Motivational paving slabs

14. Who said romance is dead?

15. Mad for mosaic

[fourwallsinspired]

Clever Solutions for Small Space Living

Want your home to feel bigger, brighter, less cluttered and a lot tidier? Follow our expert advice to find out how… 

By Lucy Searle

Pic: House of Fraser

Use colour to stretch space

There’s no doubt about it, an all-white scheme makes a space feel bigger. But if you want a more interesting room scheme, adding a darker colour is totally doable… Where to put that deeper shade is important, though. The key to success is to keep the parts of the room that the day (or lamp) light hits in the palest tones – that means the floor; the ceiling; the upper parts of the walls and around the windows. Meanwhile, keep the colour – or a trendy dark monochrome – limited to the wall below dado level. Job done.

Pic: House of Fraser

Choose furniture with small proportions

Check out the furniture in this room: a sofa with no arms and thin legs; coffee, side and console tables, plus a standard lamp with equally slim limbs; tall, wide but shallow shelving. None of the pieces takes up much space, both literally and in visual terms. Perfect for making a small room feel that much bigger.

Pic: Very

Hang a mirror to reflect light and space

Need we say more? The bigger the better. More than one mirror is a bonus. Adjacent to a window is more effective than anywhere else. Reflect a pretty scene or view if possible. Enough said (finally).

Pic: Ikea

Use unexpected space for storage

Good storage instantly unclutters a space, which, in turn, makes it feel bigger. And in a small room it’s that much more important to be creative – meaning you have to use parts of the room for storage you might not normally consider. Above picture rail level; behind a headboard; beneath a bed; in a gap between a wardrobe and a wall; beneath a console; behind the closed doors of a wardrobe. How to ensure the finish is neat? Try to co-ordinate the storage furniture as much as possible and keep the colour scheme light and uncomplicated.

Pic: Ikea

Zone your space

Creating different designated areas within one room, however small, can make it feel much bigger. So, a living space might have room for dining, study or even play, as well as a sitting area for lounging. There are a few key ways to divide a room – with open shelving (which needs to be kept neat and not over-stuffed); with different – but complementary – wall colours; or even with lighting to highlight the various zones.  

Pic: Ikea

Minimise the floor; maximise the wall

The aim in a small room is to clutter up as little of the floor as possible. That means choosing furniture that uses vertical space – in other words, the walls. So, think tall but shallow and/or narrow pieces that give you plenty of practical storage but take up very little room. Simple.

Pic: Ikea

Make every awkward corner count

You needn’t spend a fortune to make an odd-shaped area of your home into a really useful space-saver. Here, tonnes of clutter has been neatly organised into what might otherwise be an under-used under-stairs cupboard. Better still, it’s a DIY job that’s very affordable. Right up our street.

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Out of This World City Greenery

With more and more of us living in cities and sprawling suburbs, it’s becoming increasingly important to find ways to keep and even expand the green spaces in them. Stay tuned as we take a look at some designs from around the world that push boundaries to create lush emerald sanctuaries in ways you’d never have imagined.

By Christos Stylianou

River running through

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Thomas Heatherwick – one of Britain’s most prolific designers, has proposed this lavish garden over the River Thames. This certainly makes a walk in the park seem tame in comparison!

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Merging views of water, the world-famous London skyline, towering shrubbery and dainty blooms, Heatherwick’s concept aims to combine the best of all worlds.

Climbing the walls

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

This amazing living tower in Sydney – created by Jean Nouvel, has vegetation climbing up every face. We feel sorry for the poor gardener who has to trim these hedges!

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

At night, the building becomes a firework display of LED lights. The towers even have their own cantilevered panel of mirrors to reflect light and help nurture the building’s plants. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the greenest of them all?

Scenic rooftops

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

This Vietnamese housing development really has put its green hat on. With land becoming more precious by the day, what a fantastic way of giving green space back to property owners.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

With flawless blue skies, greenery pouring over the roof and light flooding into the courtyard, this is a sight for sore eyes if ever we saw one!

Hotel Babylon

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

This ParkRoyal Hotel, in Singapore, wraps tropical garden areas around conventional tower buildings to form a series of lush formula one-like racing tracks.  

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Sandwiched between concrete, stone and glass, the greenery entwined around this hotel creates a tropical oasis in one of the most built-up of cities.

Don’t throw your high-lines away

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

You won’t see any trains on these tracks anymore! This railway-turned-park provides the perfect floral respite from the urban hustle and bussle below.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Rusty railway sleepers, stained wood seating and textured concrete complete this eye-catching look.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

The final phase of this High Line includes a lush cocooning amphitheatre. Who needs a stage curtain when the audience will be wrapped in this wonderful display?

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Just imagine kicking back to a performance with this stunning seasonal scenery in the backdrop.

[fourwallsinspired]

9 Divine Dining Rooms

It’s often tempting to ditch the dining table for the sofa come teatime, but we’ve put together a list of divine dining rooms you’ll never want to leave!

By Lisa Appleby

From canteen-style, industrial chic to the ornate dining halls of our dreams, whatever your space, budget or style we have something to inspire you!

1. In the pink

Image: tolltalks.tollbrothers.com

2. Canteen cool

Image: houseandgarden.co.uk

3. Downton dining

Image: houseandgarden.co.uk

4. The round table

Image: elledecor.com

5. French farmhouse chic

Image: houseandgarden.co.uk

6. A quirky twist on tradition

Image: houseandgarden.co.uk

7. Stripped-back supper

Image: houseandgarden.co.uk

8. Panelled perfection

Image: francesleejasper.com

9. Small yet mighty  

Image: stylisheve.com

[fourwallsinspired]

Repurposing Tyres for Your Garden

If, like most of us, you’re guilty of tossing your tired old tyres to the side, these ingenious tricks might persuade you to hold on to them next time you get replacements. Repurposing your tyres is also good for the environment.

By Bryony Pearce

From children’s toys and furniture, to garden décor and plant pots, there’s a whole load of tricks to upcycle vehicle tyres.

1. Multi-coloured plant pots

So simple, yet so effective. All you need is a few tyres, some pots of outdoor paint, a decent brush and you’re good to go. If this is too much colour for you, simply stick to two or three shades instead.

2. Put your feet up

A quirky alternative to traditional outdoor furniture. More effort is required, but the outcome will be worth it when all your visitors are in awe.

3. Flowers in a flower

If you’re after a bit of added colour in your flower beds, carefully plot some cut-in-half tyres into the shape of a beautiful bloom. Again, you can tailor the colour choices to your personal preferences.

4. Funky looking frog

A sure hit if you’ve got kids – you could even get them to help you create it. You don’t necessarily have to restrict your formation to a frog either;’ challenge yourself and have a go at designing a different creature.

5. Heavy hanging basket

A superb twist on the standard hanging basket. Remember though, tyres can be heavy so make sure you dangle it on something strong enough to support the weight.

6. Smart side table

A tyre and a half worth of work and you’ll have this bad boy ready to rest your drinks on. To put your own stamp on this concept, you could give the tyre a lick of paint or look into using a different material for the table top.

7. Pull up a pew

Another option if you’re on the hunt for a tyre-based seating solution. Up high or down below, these stools can be altered to suit your needs – make sure you use something suitable for your stool’s legs though!

8. Well-y good garden feature

This adorable makeshift water well will create a fabulous focus point in your backyard. Fill it with flowers, leave it bare or even store your garden tools inside it – there’s plenty of options out there to make it a multi-functional garden feature.

9. Children’s rocking chair

Why not repurpose your old tyre into something practical for the kids? Give your rocking chair character by adding a cute face to it – you could even try and imitate a well-known kid’s character.

10. More fun and games…

Another child-friendly option. Turn your back garden into a miniature playground with this playful tyre-turned-swing.

11. Cuppa anyone?

Give your blooms a base that’ll stand out from the crowd. From polka dots, hearts and stripes, to stars, solid colour and swirls, decorate your teacups to your own taste.

[fourwallsinspired]

The Very Best of Brazilian Buildings

The Olympics might be coming to a close, but let’s not forget the host nation in a hurry – we’re pretty certain we’ll have your jaws-dropped in no time with these brilliant Brazilian building designs.

By Christos Stylianou

1. Cidade das Artes

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Balancing on its concrete toes like a skilful ballerina, this music and performance centre hovers above the landscape. Who’d have thought heavy concrete slabs could appear so elegant and light?

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

The beauty continues inside the building too. Here the concrete is used to create abstract shapes, emulating expressionist art.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Pools of water, giant arches and an underbelly of concrete. The hidden spaces beneath this building shades visitors from the hot tropical climate, while creating a beautiful balance between light and shadow. 

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Far from your ordinary theatre, right? From afar the building’s spectacular abstract shaping becomes even more evident. With a perfect reflection in the serene pool of water at the fore and picturesque sunset in the background, it’s certainly a view worth stopping for.

2. Museum of Tomorrow

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Constructed by engineering marvel Santiago Calatrava, this magnificent museum takes onlookers back to the Jurassic period. Its skeletal-like ribs create extraordinary shadows while shielding the building’s internal infrastructure – making for a memorable museum experience.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Part dinasaur, part spaceship. The cohesive range of arhictectural elements that make up the Museum of Tomorrow ensures it lives up to its name in every aspect.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com The museum’s stunning cathedral-like window creates a real focus point in an otherwise minimal foyer – who needs bumf when you have a window like that beaming down on you?!

3. National Congress and Museum

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Known as the grandfather of Brazilian modernism, Oscar Niemeyer has done a fantastic job with his futurisitc approach to this duo – the National Congress of Brazil and the National Museum of the Republic.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com Like a planet sitting in space, this cosmological dome sets the tone for an out-of-this-world experience.

4. Jungle House

Image courtesy of dezeen.com Nestled in the heart of Sao Paulo, this Jungle House – designed by Marcio Kogan, is one worth lusting after. With glimpses of nature from every angle and level, it’s simply sensational.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Imagine opening your curtains to this remarkable landscape every day? We can only dream…

Image courtesy of dezeen.com Just when you thought it couldn’t possibly get any better…with a rooftop garden, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, Kogan’s done everything he can with this property to make you never want to leave!

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Sandwiched between walls built from boulders and timber, every aspect of this property blends into its tropical Brazilian landscape.

[fourwallsinspired]

Are You Making These 6 Living Room Design Mistakes?

I don’t care how adept you are at interior design, every single one of us has made a mistake at one time or another. But I often say that it’s only by taking risks and failing that we figure out how to create great design, and through trial and error that we improve.

By Kimberly Duran

However, there are a few things that you should probably avoid altogether if you want to end up with a fantastic-looking living room. After all, sometimes it’s better to know what not to do before you even start.

Have you made these design mistakes? Below are a few of the most common decorating missteps, along with some inspirational images to show you how it’s done right!

Your curtains are too short

Source: Suzy Hoodless

Using curtains that stop at the windowsill will make your ceilings look shorter and your room unfinished. Fix it by hanging your curtain rod between 1”-5” from the ceiling and use curtains that go all the way to the floor (they should just *kiss* the floor or have a 1” break – no more). This way your eye will follow the line created and the room will look taller. If you have an area where full-length curtains aren’t possible (a bay window or a radiator for example), use Roman blinds to soften the look or window shutters to add privacy.

You’ve hung your artwork too high

Source: Adore Magazine / Styling by Lucy Fenton  /  Photography by Jai Vasicek

In a living room, your artwork should never be so high that you have to crane your neck to look at it. Artwork should always be at eye-level and this is just as true in a space where you’ll be sitting down. If you are hanging art behind a sofa, you’ll want to hang it around 6”-10” above the back of the sofa. In other areas – above a cabinet or sideboard for instance – ensure the artwork looks like it’s close enough to the top of the piece so that the entire look is anchored and doesn’t look as though it’s trying to float away!

Everything matches

Source: Claire Brody Designs / Photography by Kayla Snell 

While having a coordinated design is always a good idea, getting too “matchy-matchy” with your furniture will result in something that looks a little like a catalogue – in other words, a bit boring and uninspired. So skip the matching 3-piece suite and consider furniture that complements one another without being exactly the same. An eclectic design will also date less quickly, so try mixing items from different eras and styles for a unique look that has big personality.

The TV is the focal point of the room

Source: Design Sponge / Design by Elizabeth and Tim McTague / Photography by Honey Lake Studio

Don’t get me wrong, television can be great. I’m currently in the midst of Mr. Robot on Netflix and I’m loving every second of it. But that doesn’t mean that the whole living room should be a shrine to the big black box. If every piece of furniture points in the direction of the TV, guess where your eye will go as soon as you enter the room? Yep, right to your telly rather than the lovely comfy surroundings you’ve worked so hard to create. Distract the eye by creating a more fitting focal point – a lovely fireplace or a large bay window filled with plants – and ensure the focus is on that rather than your television.

Your rug is too small

Source: Style at Home / Photography by Janis Nicolay

If you have a tiny rug the size of a postage stamp just under your coffee table, you’re going to need to scale up. A small rug will simply make the whole room look smaller. As a guide, rugs need to be big enough so that any furniture along the perimeter has, at the very least, the front feet sat on the rug. This will give the illusion of a much grander space. If you’re in love with your current rug but it’s too small, consider layering it over a much larger sisal or jute rug to create the scale you need.

You’ve forgotten to accessorise

Source: Swoon Worthy

Here’s the thing – you can have all the major elements in place that make up a living room: a sofa, a coffee table, a chair or two, a television and a stand, perhaps a bookshelf. But without a few accessories and finishing touches that bring in your personality, those items will fail to create a space that feels finished. Consider layering a few books on your coffee table, a few coordinated cushions and a comfy throw on the sofa and bring in some plants, candles, art and small knickknacks that give a visitor some feedback on who lives there. It’s these items that truly bring a space to life so get creative and add some life to your scheme.

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Interior Trends for Autumn 2016

Want your home to look bang up-to-date this year and well into 2017? Check out our guide to 2016’s interior trends.

By Lucy Searle

Pic: Very

1. 1970s-style rooms

Remember a time when avocado bathroom suites were at the top of any self-respecting homeowner’s wish list? When orange and brown wallpaper was a must-have, and when velour sofas were chic? Well, we’re back in that era, people, although, thankfully, the colour schemes have been updated, the materials have had a makeover 2016-style and the designs are cooler than a pair of hot pants.

What to look out for? Faux fur rugs over whitewashed floorboards rather than shag pile carpets; accessories in exotic coastal shades rather than dirty earthy colours, set against classic monotone schemes that never date; and subtle graphic designs rather than in-your-face post-psychedelic motifs.

Pic: Sainsbury’s Home

2. Rough luxe living

This look has been with us for a few years now. It came in with a bang when everyone clocked that it was trendy to move into a derelict property and never do any work on it. Luckily, it’s had an update since then – with rough luxe rooms noticeably less rough and decidedly more luxe.

What to look out for? You can nail the look with tonnes of natural textures – whether unfinished wooden floorboards, roughly painted wall panels or weathered metal furniture – then just add in one focal piece that’s more battered (but beautiful) than all the rest. Check out this sofa for example: spot-on rough luxe 2016 styly.

Pic: Very

3. Granny florals

You know the vintage look we all fell in love with (again) a couple of years ago? You can embrace it with granny florals, without turning a contemporary space into one that’s a homage to Cath Kidston (no offence, Cath, we think you’re great).

What to look out for? Stick to contemporary shapes and styling throughout, but add just a splash of granny-style pattern in accessories – the odd cushion, a lampshade, a throw or even some crockery will do the trick.

Pic: Sainsbury’s Home

4. Back to nature

To be honest, this look never really goes out of fashion – but it is being constantly updated. A brilliant interior trend for any home, whatever its period or proportions, we think it works best when combined with the subtlest of 1970s-style schemes.

What to look out for? Keep the colours neutral, rather than floral-coloured, adding in lots of deep, dark shades with metallics, slate and wood. Hunt down accessories at car boot or antiques’ fairs to give the scheme an authentic, period feel, and don’t forget to go over the top on houseplants…

Pic: Very

5. Pastel shades

Thanks to Rose Quartz and Serenity being named Pantone Colours of the Year 2016, pale pink, once banished to the bedrooms of little girls, has come right out of the closet and into living rooms, dining spaces and kitchens. And pale blue is also big news in interiors this year.

What to look out for? Getting the right shade of pink is a must – choose one that has bags of grey tones in it. Check out Dulux’s Adobe Pink 4 to get an idea. Combining the pink with the pale blue creates a pretty, fresh feel that’s not too girly – but if you want a look that’s more neutral, combine one or other of the colours with metallics.

Pic: Very

6. Warm metallics

Talking of metallic, they’re another big interiors trend for 2016. Perfect for adding glamour to any room, metallic accessories are easy to pop into an existing scheme, whether it’s in the deep, inky shades so popular earlier in the year, or the newer, paler tones that are so on-trend now.

What to look out for? The trend is for warm metallics rather than cooler ones, so think gold, brass and copper. Steer clear of accessories that are overtly fancy or over-the-top – less is more with this trend.

Pic: Very

7. Graphic stripes

This trend fits neatly into 1970s-style, with its love of graphic prints. And it’s so easy to add into just about any room – whether the kitchen, bedroom or living room.

What to look out for? Our advice? Wide stripes are all well and good, but if they’re going on walls, ceilings, floors or windows, they need to be pale and subtle if they’re not going to give you a migraine. Want big, bold stripes in primary colours? Limit them to accessories.

[fourwallsinspired]

15 Show-Stopping Shower Curtains

Looking to renovate your bathroom, but don’t have the cash? Then look no further! A shower curtain is a quick-fix bathroom makeover on a budget.

By Lisa Appleby

“A shower curtain?” we hear you say. That’s right, shower curtains are the hottest bathroom trend at the minute, and we’re obsessed.

If you need some inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of 15 weird and wonderful shower curtains from around the web:

1. Watch out for sea monsters                                  

Image: etsy.com

2. 999: shower emergency

Image: thinkgeek.com

3.Cat-lover’s paradise

Image: amazon.com

4. In your element

Image: uncommongoods.com

5. Book-ing awesome

Image: amazon.com

6. Out of this world

Image: amazon.com

7. Down to earth

Image: bedbathandbeyond.com 

8. Share your shower

Image: spinninghat.com

9. Merry-go-shower

Image: denydesigns.com

10. Gorgeous greenery

Image: urbanoutfitters.com

11. Extra bubbly

Image: modcloth.com

12. We couldn’t miss the dog-lovers out!

Image: etsy.com

13. All fun and games

Image: etsy.com

14. Sheer serenity

Image: etsy.com 

15. Pretty little peacock

Image: cafepress.co.uk

[fourwallsinspired]

Showstopping Scandinavian Architecture Designs

Oozing beauty from every corner, Sweden, Denmark and Norway have been producing world class original and functional archiectural designs for the last 60 years – there must be something in those Scandanavian waters!

By Christos Stylianou

With a new wave of unique Scandanavian craftmanship upon us, we’ve scoured the web to showcase some of our favourite showstopping designs.

1. Norwegian iceberg

Image courtesy of snohetta.com

This stunning creation seems to rise up from the fjord. When the sun’s out, the slabs of glass reflect the surrounding landscape and during the winter the building’s at one with nature, blending into the snowy scenery.

Image courtesy of archdaily.com

And on the inside…

Image courtesy of snohetta.com

These natural wooden fittings give an otherwise cold and open foyer a warm and welcoming vibe – a typical trait of Scandinavian designs.

Image courtesy of Snohetta.com

These contrasting – yet complementing - marble floors do a marvellous job of lining the floors that border the theatre rooms.

2. Treehouses

Image courtesy of archdaily.com

This trio of residential towers sits beautifully in the Norwegian landscape and reflects the earthy colours of the surroundings when the sun gleams down. . Built with concrete cores and timber framework, they are a fantastic example of a modern housing development.

Image courtesy of archdaily.com

With their timber bases forking outwards like tree stems, these towers are a treat to look at from beneath too. Incorporating children’s slides to exit from and plenty of open space, this trendy design’s admired by residents of all ages.

3. Garden shopping

Image courtesy of dezeen.com Quite unlike your typical shopping centre, huh? This traffic-stopping creation exudes style, originality and class. With vertical indoor gardens, multi-coloured car parks and a rooftop garden, Emporia boasts a shopping trip certainly worth shouting about.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

In time, what’s now brown and bland will become a lush garden full of gorgeous greenery. We’re fairly certain this will be a view worth peering out of a plane window for!

Image courtesy of dezeen.com With green-tinted glass and 100% natural hanging planters, the Emporia is equally impressive on the inside, too!

3. Mountain apartments

Image courtesy of archdaily.com

With a stairway-like exterior, floor-to-ceiling windows, river views and individual garden areas, this block of apartments is one worth boasting about – if you’re lucky enough to live in one, of course!

Image courtesy of archdaily.com

Tiered from top to bottom, this housing development manages to radiate individuality while blending in with its surroundings.

Image courtesy of archdaily.com

With hidden parking spaces beneath, designated bicycle lanes and beautifully lit communal areas, this architectural design puts a bright twist on an otherwise bland basement area.

4. Starfish aquarium

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Smooth and elegant curves flow around this striking starfish aquarium, drawing in passers-by with its unique folds and reflections.

Image courtesy of dezeen.com

Part landscape, part building, the outer walls of the aquarium mimic swirling water with their aluminium shingles.

Image courtesy of pipeinsulation.blogspot.co.uk

With the sunlight bounding off its scales, this magnificent creation is quite spectacular from a bird’s eye view – get your binoculars at the ready if you’re flying over!

[fourwallsinspired]

How to Create the Perfect Guest Bedroom

We all love to receive visitors to our home, and it’s even better when they stay overnight. A weekend visit is a great way to connect with family and friends, and gives us the chance to play host and show off our homes. But it’s not always easy if you don’t have enough space, and even if you do, how do you create the right ambience for your guests?

By Jen Stanbrook

Well, my handy checklist will help you get it right every time, without running around finding towels and bedding at the last minute.

Sleeping Arrangements:

All overnight guests need a good bed. If you have a spare room dedicated for guests then perfect - you can invest in a double bed (or larger if budget and space will allow) and dress it accordingly, so it’s always ready to go.

But if you’re not lucky enough to have that spare room, you need to be able to create a bedroom in a different space. Perhaps your kids could share a room or bed for the night, leaving a spare bed for a guest? Or maybe you have a home office that fits a sofa bed? You might even have a sofa bed in a downstairs room like the lounge, dining room or den. Wherever you have it, make sure there’s enough space to let it out comfortably, and for your guests to move around at night.

Privacy:

If you are using a multi-purpose room for your guests, ensure they have privacy. There’s nothing worse than being woken early in the morning by a baby wanting to get up! Or by the cat letting itself out through the cat flap at all hours. Ensure your guests can shut the door and be quiet and peaceful, safe in the knowledge they won’t be disturbed.

Make it Comfortable:

Even if you have a permanent spare room, your guests will need a few essentials to make their stay practical. Think about adding:

Somewhere to hang their clothes, or a chair to lay them out on.

 A bedside light

Alarm clock

Bedspread or throw in case of a chilly night

An extra pillow for comfort

Side table (or similar) to hold jewellery, money, phone and watch

A plug socket nearby to charge their phone

Add Some Luxuries:

Of course if you really want to make your guests feel welcome you could add lots of extra touches to make it a memorable stay:

Candles and room scent

A pile of fluffy towels

A clean, fresh robe

A selection of hotel-style toiletries in case of forgotten essentials

Hairdryer and mirror

Glass and water jug, freshly filled

A radio and/or TV

A vase of fresh flowers

A few additional touches really can bring the room to life as well as make their stay extra luxurious.

Even if your guest room is temporary, it’s still possible to make it special. Ensure you have a large storage box to hold the spare duvet and pillows, bedding and essentials. Have a cupboard in the room where you store the extras so you can easily whip them out when you know visitors are on their way. If you don’t have to move too much or spend lots of extra time setting everything up, you’ll feel so much better about guests arriving, and might even look forward to it!

Images Credit: Dunelm

[fourwallsinspired]

Brilliant design ideas for small kitchens

Just because your kitchen’s small doesn’t mean you have to compromise. Check out these clever ways to create a room that works perfectly for preparing food, cooking and even dining – and that looks good too.

by Sarah Warwick

Make your kitchen bigger with colour

Image source: Ikea

How big a room feels isn’t just about its actual dimensions, and there are plenty of smart decorating strategies that’ll make even a tiny kitchen seem more spacious. Pale colours are the way to go for walls and units because they’ll reflect the light and make the room seem so much bigger.

White or cream are an obvious choice, but other soft shades will do the job of returning light to the room. So if you like the idea of muted blue for walls and cream for the cabinets, or white for walls and gentle green for units – or any other light-boosting combination – a larger-looking kitchen can be yours.

Don’t have the budget to change old units that are making the room seem gloomy? Give them a makeover instead. It’s important to use a paint that’s suitable for the material the unit doors are made from, but you’ll find products and colours to perform a little decorative magic in most DIY stores.

Brighten things up to stretch the space

Investing in a new kitchen? As an alternative to white or another soft colour, cupboards with doors in reflective stainless steel will have a space-enhancing effect and create an on-trend industrial vibe. Want to go contemporary? High gloss finishes also bounce light back into a room, allowing you to select a colour that’s a little darker than you’d opt for if the unit had a flat finish.

Be clever with the lighting in your kitchen too, as dark corners make a small space feel even smaller. The solution is good ambient lighting that provides overall illumination, as well as task lighting for worktops so your eyes don’t feel strained while preparing and cooking.

Image source: Furniture Village

Add a dining area to a small kitchen

It’s possible to introduce a dining space into compact kitchens. If there’s no room for a rectangular or square table, will a round one fit? There aren’t any corners to bash into as you move through the room; you can fit more people around it and the central pedestal won’t get in the way; and chairs will tuck neatly underneath when it’s not in use.

When the floor area is so limited that the idea of any table at all is laughable, think breakfast bar. It doesn’t need to be the depth of a worktop: all that’s required is enough room for a plate, and a stool can tuck below the bar. This means you can position a dining area in a narrow part of the room, turning what was effectively a corridor into more useful space. Don’t forget that a stool without a back is even more space-saving than one with – although you’ll have to have good posture.

Image source: Dunelm

Use shelving to improve storage

It can be tempting to increase the storage potential of a small kitchen by fitting wall cupboards all round. Unfortunately, while creating more stash space, this approach can also mean the room feels cramped. How to have your cake and eat it? Consider glass-fronted units as part of the mix on the walls (where you can show off your loveliest kitchen essentials rather than pots and pans), and you’ll avoid the boxed-in scenario.

Alternatively, swap wall cupboards for shelving for an airier feel without sacrificing storage. Hanging rails with hooks as well as the shelves themselves will allow you to pack a whole lot in that looks good on show. Our advice? Keep the tableware and glasses you use every day on open shelving because (a) they won’t have time to get dusty (b) they’re to hand immediately, saving a rummage through a cupboard.

Image source: The Dormy House

Stay slim in a small kitchen

We’re not commenting on the size of your dinner here, but rather the appliances and furniture you opt for. Manufacturers know we don’t all have the palatial kitchens we’d love, but you can get luxury appliances to fit a small space. Consider slim or countertop dishwashers, range cookers that fit where a conventional oven would go and washing machines with less width and you can have it all.

Hankering after a larder or pantry? A freestanding cupboard is the answer, and there are versions with supermodel dimensions on the outside but generous storage inside for packets, cans and even all the kit you’d want for Great British Bake Off-style cake-making. Hurrah!

[fourwallsinspired]

How to Turn Your Holiday Souvenirs into Home Décor

You spend months and months counting down the days until your departure, you have an amazing getaway and then, before you know it, your holiday is over and you’re on your way home.

By Bryony Pearce

If you want to banish your post-holiday blues and re-live the trip of a lifetime day in, day out, take a look at some of these fabulous travel-inspired home décor creations.

1. Stack up some sand

To create a unique memento of all your holidays, make a sweet and simple memory jar filled with scoops of sand from each destination you visit. To ensure you know which destination each level represents, remember to label your layers as you go along.

2. Memory jar

To capture each holiday in its own magical memory pot, collect a variety of souvenirs and carefully arrange them in a reasonably sized jar. Shells, sand, pebbles and pictures make good filler items.

3. Wonderful wall art

If you’re after something more out-there and noticeable, this show-stopping wall-piece is the one for you. If you want something even more vibrant and eye-grabbing than this, simply use a collection of different colours for your frames and string.

So that it doesn’t look sparse to start off with, you’re better off beginning your wall feature once you’ve got a handful of pictures ready to work with.

4. Framed fondness

For something a little more subtle, have a go at these stylish souvenir frames. From maps, tickets and shells, to foreign currency, photos and postcards, you can work almost anything into this idea.

5. Bogus book

These fake book boxes are a great alternative if you don’t want your holiday memorabilia taking up space out on display. Instead, store all of your bits inside so they’re hidden away but easy to access when you want to take a trip down memory lane. To keep them relevant, you could paint each container with a colour correlating to the country the box is assigned to.

[fourwallsinspired]

8 unique lighting ideas

If you’re feeling left in the dark by lacklustre lighting, we’re here to brighten up your day with this list of eight truly unique lighting ideas.

By Lisa Appleby

1. Green eyed monster

Image source: imwm.org

 2. Anyone for tea?

Image source: bespoke-bride.com

3. When you wish upon a star

Image source: lovelaughmirch.com

4. Cheers!

Image source: mancaved.com

5. Loud and clear

Image source: fritzfryer.co.uk 

6. The dish ran away with the spoon

Image source: theartofupcycling.com 

7. Around the world

Image source: recyclart.org

 8. Put a cork in it

Image source: moxandfodder.com

[fourwallsinspired]

Gorgeous Granite Homewares

Granite is the high-end material of choice for many when it comes to floors, worktops and fireplaces. But how can you include granite in your home without forking out for the hefty price tag?

By Lisa Appleby

While browsing the web, we came across sculptor and designer John Julian. At his Wiltshire workshop, John and his team use traditional methods to create unique pieces which are full of character.

We’ve selected our top three granite offerings from John to get you started! 

1. Tea lights

Designed by John and hand carved in the highest quality black granite, this adorable pair of tea light holders are ideal if you’re looking to add just a touch of granite to your home. The simple shape and depth of colour make these tea light holders ideal whether you’re going for a minimalist vibe or a more decorated look.

2. Pestle & mortar

A favourite of celebrity-chef Nigella Lawson, this stainless steel and granite pestle and mortar combines sleek modern design with traditional manufacturing methods and materials. Described as “the ultimate crushing and grinding tool”, not only is this pestle and mortar aesthetically pleasing, it’s practical too!

3. Salt & Pepper

These traditionally shaped salt and pepper pots made from granite and porcelain are the perfect pair! The contrasting colours and use of two materials make this set of salt and pepper pots interesting and quirky while the simplicity of the design means they are perfect for day-to-day use. These pots can also be used for oils, dips and butter!

If you like what you see, why not head on over to www.johnjulian.co.uk to check out the full range?

[fourwallsinspired]

Top 5 Interior Trends For 2017

As someone with a passion for interior design, I am always looking for new ways to refresh my space. While I would never recommend that you base your entire home on current trends, adopting a few you love into your space is a great way to allow your surroundings to move with the changes and keep things fresh and different.

By Kimberly Duran

Today I wanted to share a few observations in terms of what I feel will be the big trends we will see in our homes over the next year.

1) Sunset Colours

Source: Pixers

Scandinavian design will continue to have a big impact on our homes here and with that comes the inclusion of the soft pale hues and natural textures that work beautifully with the monochrome looks that are popular there.

While blush pink will continue to be a trend, we’ll also see sunset colours moving into our homes. Think peaches, sky blues and even lavender – soft and easy-to-live-with colours that create a welcoming space.

2) Aquatic Influences

Image source: Photography: Hannah Blackmore  /  Interior: Three Birds Renovation  /  Art: Danielle Cross via Adore Home Magazine

We’re also seeing a move to the cooler end of the colour spectrum with pearl whites, dusty blues, cool greens and, of course, pale grey, which never seems to go out of style. This could translate into many forms, with even art incorporating seascapes or beach photography becoming more popular.

3) Natural Textures

Source: Erin Barrett via The Glitter Guide / Photography by Rachel Ashcraft

Immersed in technology throughout their day, people may want to surround themselves with those items that ground a space, bring them back to nature and give them a sense of balance.

We’ll see more organic shapes and textures by way of raw and unfinished wood, natural fabrics like wool and linen, along with plants, which will remain popular into the next year. Handmade ceramics will also continue to be on-trend, with soft shapes, curves and organic form in everyday items.

4) Bohemian Influences

Source: Jennifer Harrison-Ciacchi via The Glitter Guide / Photography by Carley Summers

For textiles, we’ll see influences from North Africa, India, South America and Mexico, with traditional designs and patterns creating a global and well-travelled look in our homes. This is perfect for those who like to surround themselves with reminders of journeys past and who like an eclectic mix of influences in their living space.

5) Reflective Surfaces

Source: Graham and Green

And finally, we’ll see the use of reflective surfaces become more popular with materials like coloured glass, pearl and mirror incorporated into furniture and accessories alongside warm metals like gold and brass. We’ll see these materials used in different ways, with transparent or iridescent effects popular and taking advantage of natural light to bounce it around a space.

[fourwallsinspired]

10 Homes You Won’t Believe People Live In

Most of us have probably dreamed of designing our own home at some point, but these ideas don’t always come to fruition.  

By Lisa Appleby

From eye-popping modern structures to isolated underground dwellings, we bring you 10 homes that you won’t believe people actually live in:

1. The Cloud House

Image: designboom.com

This unusual structure is an extension of a more traditional Australian home. The unique, one-of-a-kind design is unapologetic to the end and wonderfully creative.

2. Goose Creek Tower

Image: odditycentral.com

This Alaskan entry looks like something out of a fairy tale. This eight-storey structure was hand-built by Lawyer Phillip Weidner who say’s after 15 years, it’s still not finished!

3. Turf Houses

Image: en.wikipedia.org

Native Icelanders have been digging into the ground to create their homes for thousands of years. Not only does this building technique keep the occupiers warm, but it’s also eco-friendly and relatively cheap too!

4. Dacha

Image: uniqueshomedesign.tumblr.com Originally purposed as holiday homes, these quaint country structures are becoming the permanent residence for more and more Russian people. Interestingly, 40% of Russian food is grown in these idyllic retreats!

5. The Mushroom House

Image: hubpages.com

This one-bedroom wonder is certainly an eye-catcher! Construction began on The Mushroom House in Cincinnati in 1992 and lasted until 2006. Copper and timber feature heavily inside and outside of this quirky little dwelling.

6. The Nautilus House

Image: m.viralsection.com

This seashell inspired abode sits in Mexico City and was designed by Organic Architect Javier Senosiain. Built for a family with two small children, this home is fun and bright while also being eco-friendly and considerate of its surroundings.

7. Cave Houses

Image: realestate.com.au

These dugout homes in Southern Australia were established when Opal was discovered locally. Miners constructed these houses to stay cool in the scorching summer temperatures.

8. The Lonely Cabin

Image: cabinporn.com

This historic mining cabin in Colorado is shrouded in mystery. Its rural positioning means very few people know its location let alone that it exists. This place really is in the middle of nowhere.

9. Casa do Penedo

Image: beautifulabodes.blogspot.co.uk

Casa do Penedo translates literally to ‘House of the Rock’. Four huge boulders were used to construct the house, which took two years to build.

10. Dry Bridge

Image: britishlistedbuildings.co.uk

This bridge house in North Wales is beautifully surprising. Its rural location and quirky composition mean it oozes charm, although we’re not sure it retains its ambient feel if there’s a traffic jam going under it!