Velvet Blog

I’m redecorating my living/dining area. The rest of my apartment is very modern so I want to stick with this look, but don’t want the room to look clinical. What do you suggest for my £1000 budget?

Katie Burton, via website

Emma says: ‘For a modern look that will stand the test of time I would suggest you actually look back in time to the cool curves and graphic shapes of the 1950s and 1960s. For a modern palette team dark browns with teal, or pale wood with chocolate and duck-egg blue. Choose wallpaper with geometric designs and fifties inspired furniture. Our new Autumn/Winter range will soon see the introduction of our Stockholm range (pictured). This sleek oak furniture would be a fabulous addition to your home and includes everything from dining room sets to sideboards and coffee tables.

With the housing market as it is, I’ve decided to redecorate rather than move! I’m willing to invest a fair bit to achieve a chic and stylish finish and I’m looking for some inspiration…

Nick Edwards, Shoreham

Nick says: ‘Wow, this is a tricky question as it all comes down to a matter of personal taste. Chic and stylish can be achieved in a number of ways but nothing beats timeless design classics to show off your taste for interiors. Walnut veneer furniture has a rich grain that creates a warm decorative finish and also works well with a wide spectrum of soft furnishings and paint colours – my favourites being earthy tones to create a retro look. Our Eames chair and footstool replica (£799) matches perfectly with our range of walnut veneer and stainless steel Morton sideboards and coffee tables – available to order from any of our stores.’

Tip of the week… keep white vinegar in your cleaning cupboard – it removes odours and stains, cleans windows and makes whites brighter!