I read ‘buttoned’ furniture is big this season. Are trends like this really worth investing in?
Tim Roberts, Brighton
Nick says: ‘Firstly I would say that trends are only worth investing in if you love the style and items! Whereas our wardrobes are easily updated throughout the seasons, interiors are costly and time-consuming and you should stick with looks you can live with for years. You’re right, buttoned furniture is ones of this season’s hottest trends and luckily it is also a timeless and elegant one. If buttoned furniture is for you then I would suggest two looks; try traditional upholstered armchairs in floral or damask such as our Chatsworth Armchairs £449 (pictured) or for a modern yet classic approach try something such as a Barcelona Chair, £329. Both of these items are bang on trend but stylish enough to last for years on end.’
How can I go for a decadent French look in my tiny dining room?
Betty Powell, Patcham
Emma says: ‘There are lots of ways! Just because a room is small it doesn’t mean you can’t go all out with the furnishing and decoration. My first tip would be to wallpaper every wall if your walls are painted. Feature walls are still popular and I predict always will be, but all over wallpapering is a classic and stylish approach. We sell some stunning designs for £30 a roll. You can view them online or come in and have a look through our wallpaper books. Next, open up the space and add some light with a huge decadent mirror (from £80) and, you may already have one, but if not, invest in a beautiful upholstered dining chair and table set.’
NEW Credit Crunch Cleaning Tips!
- Vegetable Oil – Shine leather with a soft cloth dabbed with a little vegetable oil
I’m completely redecorating my 5 year old daughter’s room and I want to go for a look that will last her for many years to come. What do you suggest?
Charlotte Francis, Brighton
Emma says: ‘For the main pieces of furniture, the floor and walls I would aim for neutral colours, this way if her tastes vastly change, the room will be easy to update with new accessories. A very popular trend at the moment but one that will not quickly age is the shabby chic look. Our Belgravia collection offers a wonderful range of painted shabby chic furniture at a very affordable price (prices start at just £49 for bedside tables). A blanket box at the end of the bed will be perfect for storing toys and clutter. Co-ordinate the look with a gorgeous quilt (£95) and polka dot cushions (£12.50).”
I’m going to a wedding and I’m stuck for a gift idea, I want something original but I’m on a budget! Do you have any suggestions?
Sam Winterbourne, Hove
Nick says: ‘I guess it all depends on how much you want to spend Sam, but I can suggest several things for you. If you are on a budget you can pick up Scented Candles in a Gift Box (£9.95) or a gorgeous picture frame (£12.50) for their future wedding photos. If you’re looking to spend a little more money, we have a new range in stock with a product that would be just perfect. Our Wedding Box Set (£50) contains a Marriage Certificate Box, Photo Frame, Hanging wooden heart, Wedding book and a small bag, decorated with a pretty wooden heart, hand-painted with Love – ideal for any little keepsakes. The product is skillfully hand-made meaning that no two are alike!”
Tip of the week… a clutter free bathroom makes a relaxing soak! Use effective storage units, racks and hooks to help.
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!
I’m decorating my hallway, and want it to have a fun modern feel but with a twist of Rococo elegance! Could you give me some suggestions of what colour to paint the walls and how to furnish it?
Hannah Lewis, Kemp Town
Emma says: “Wow, this sounds like fun! My suggestions depend on who has to live with this decor, aside from yourself! One idea is to paint the walls a bright magenta – furnish with black classical French furniture, such as our Moulin Noir Range. Prices start from £195. And accessorise with damask prints in white, pink and black. Alternatively, using the same furniture, keep the walls white and decorate with bold pop art. A hallway must have is our hard-wearing coir doormats. They cost £18 and come in a variety of designs from stripes to damask, floral to polka dots.”
I heard that a trend in interiors this season is the ‘preppy’ look. What exactly does this mean for home style and how can I achieve it?
Richard Harrowing, Kemp Town
Nick says: “The preppy look this season is all about embracing that tailored college look. Think traditional desk lamps, trendy ‘Paul Smith’ stripes, letter emblems and vintage leather – and all in time for the new school term! This is a gentlemen’s smoking lounge look but with a modern, trendy and all together younger touch. The great thing about this trend though is its timeless quality – so invest in this seasons key pieces and you won’t regret it a few years down the line. We sell amazing vintage leather chairs and sofas that are just perfect for this look (prices start at £699) and ideal desk lamps starting at just £35.”
Tip of the week… if you get a chance, check out all the design shows that are happening in London
I’m getting married next month and I’m looking for cheap but pretty ways to decorate the reception hall. What sort of look should I go for and how can I achieve this?
Lauren Bavistock, Brighton
Emma says: ‘Firstly – congratulations, good luck with all the preparation. My sister has just got married and I know how much work is involved! There are lots of lovely little ways to decorate your hall on a budget. Firstly choose a colour scheme and stick to it. Why not use French style perfume bottles (from £3.50) and fill them with flowers. Scented candles (from £9.95) running along the table will add a romantic feel and retro bunting (£12.50) will go with this charming country style. Ribbon (from 55p per metre) is a cheap and effective way to co-ordinate all the decorations – bows for the bouquets, ties for the napkins. (Any lastly, we can now create wedding lists in-store should you want your guests to buy you lots of lovely gifts!)’
In a column a couple of months ago you recommended a country style kitchen range which was beautiful - it is my dream kitchen! What was it again?
Veronica Spinner, Hove
Nick says: ‘I recommended our Country Ash range (pictured) – it really is fantastic! Made from skilled craftsmen from top quality solid ash, it not only looks great but is hard wearing and long lasting. We can also order it in for you in an oiled finish to enhance the beautiful grain. Whatever you need and whatever your budget - from whole sink units and dressers down to smaller items such as cake tins, mugs and tea towels - we are sure Velvet will have everything you need to make your country kitchen dream come true!’
Tip of the week… give plain alcove shelving a glamorous finish by fixing skirting board around the front edges
Our beautiful Versailles Range is once again a celebrity hit!
