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By Joe On September 23, 2011No CommentsIf minimalism was the defining trend of the noughties, then a new gothic revival has been a reaction. Whilst the style isn’t for everyone, for those who dare to be different bringing the gothic look into your home is an impressive fashion statement.
A common misconception about the style is that it relies on the totally and all consuming presence of black. Whilst this is an option, its far from the only one and we aim to show you a range of ways you can bring this style into your home.
WALLS: For the very adventurous we offer the Skulls Midnight Wallpaper by Barbara Hulanicki. It might be a bit much to cover an entire room with this paper, but for a few feature walls it suits perfectly and fits very well with dark grey and dark taupe shades of paint.
If skulls are a little more macabre than you can handle, then this Alphabet Peat wallpaper from Basso & Brooke, which features letters of the greek alphabet is perfect, bringing an atmosphere of playful intelligence to any room.
Moving away from grey and black, this vintage flock wallpaper from Kelly Hoppen in purple brings an air of intimacy, seduction and luxury to any room.
COLOUR PALLETTE: The gothic style isn’t just about being macabre and black, but about seduction, glamour and sexiness. Blood reds and crimson, deep, rich purples and, yes, grey and black are the appropriate colours when picking walls and carpets.
FABRIC: Leather. Luxorious black or darkly coloured leather is the ultimate new gothic fabric. When applying this rule to furniture remember too that leather will not be enough, furniture should have a seductive, aristocratic edge, with scrolling wood build etc. Velvet is also a good option, particularly with regard to drapes and curtains.
LIGHTING: Whilst we are not suggesting that you cast your rooms in red light a la True Blood, paying attention to the level of light and what casts it is extremely important. This Opal Lamp is a great example of a gothic light fixture, candelabra, mock chandeliers etc are also wonderful additions. Try not to flood your room with light, but don’t make it look too dank either, especially if you have covered the room heavily in darker shades.
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By Joe On October 7, 2011
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Available on Furnishings-Direct are a wide range of canvasses, perfect for decorating your walls. Here are a few highlights from our range. All our canvasses are printed to a very high standard, offering stylish subjects, and clear quality.
Reggie Yates, the actor, presenter, DJ and, now, photographer. Through his work, he has had backstage access to festival performances by some of the most fascinating artists of the 21st Century. On furnishings-direct we stock his range, featuring artists such as Lady Gaga and Bombay Bicycle Club.
A completely different range is that of Monsoon - their prints are based on more oriental themes, creating prints like the Lhasa Lotus and Kyoto Cherry Blossom.
Barbara Hulanicki, the NYC based designer, has been covered biographically here before. Her range of prints have a 60s/70s feel with modern twsits.
Next time you need wall decorations, consider furnishings-direct for all your canvases.
By Joe On October 3, 2011
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On Furnishings-Direct we sell a range of electric blankets. Their benefits as far as comfort and warmth go are obvious, however they can also benefit your health.
In fact, a quarter of people who buy electric blankets do so for the health benefits they provide beyond general comfort.
Using an electric blanket means that direct heat therapy can occur - applying this heat to muscles increases bloodflow; in turn this enhances muscle nutrition and relaxation, which helps with healing and pain and also eases sleep. Sufferers of back pain or tension may find relief through the application of heat and according to The Arthritis Foundation, the same is true for those who feel the muscle pain and soreness caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia. Equally, those with Raynaud’s phenomenon or post-polio syndrome may use heated bedding to avoid damage and relieve discomfort caused by poor circulation or cold intolerance.
Electric blankets can help health conditions indirectly, like sinus conditions and allergies. This is because they allow you to sleep in lower room temperatures and thus avoid breathing hotter dry air. The heat provided by these devices also reduces moisture in the bedding, slowing down the growth of dust mite populations, a common allergen; in fact using an electric blanket for a month or turning a device on ‘high’ for a few hours a month can reduce mites by up to 50%. An electric blanket also allows users to maintain a more comfortable temperature and gain the general benefits associated with deep and uninterrupted sleep.
So if you suffer from any of these conditions, or are merely looking for a better night’s sleep, buy an electric blanket from www.furnishings-direct.co.uk
By Joe On September 27, 2011
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The use of a form of Flock Wallpaper can be traced back to circa 1000 BCE, when the Chinese bonded natural fibers to fabrics using resin glue; in medieval Germany fiber dust was strewn onto walls coated with adhesive; In the court of Louis XIV of France, flocked wallpapers were the height of fashion. A couple of hundered years later, Flock Wallpaper has been making a resurgence.
Flocking is the application of fine particles to adhesive coated surfaces. Nowadays, this is usually done by the application of a high-voltage electric field. In a Flocking Machine the “flock” is given a negative charge whilst the substrate is earthed. Flock material flies vertically onto the substrate attaching to previously applied glue. A number of different substrates can be Flocked including; textiles, fabric, woven fabric, paper, PVC, sponge, toys, automotive plastic.
The majority of flocking done worldwide uses finely cut natural or synthetic fibers. A flocked finish imparts a decorative and/or functional characteristic to the surface. The variety of materials that are applied to numerous surfaces through different flocking methods create a wide range of end products. The flocking process is used on items ranging from retail consumer goods to products with high technology military applications – notably wallpaper in our case.
On www.furnishings-direct.co.uk , we offer a wide range of Flock Wallpapers in various colours and patters, such as this gorgeous Superfresco Elizabeth paper in black and white with a classic damask design and large scale pattern, or this Vintage Flock Wallpaper in white by Kelly Hoppen, a classic design with a modern twist, inspired by the decortation of Buckingham Palace.
By Joe On September 20, 2011
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Twiggy’s face is iconic. Finding her fame as a model in the early part of the 60′s, she progressed onwards and upwards as a model, an actress and a singer. More recently, she is perhaps best known for her work as a model for M&S fashion. Unknown to many,however, she has also designed a range of bedding available now on www.furnishings-direct.co.uk .
The range offers soft, light colour pallettes combined with more traditional construction – patterns, prints, detailing abound.
For example, this silver throw is indicative of the design: a soft, non-intrusive colour, perfect for modern rooms with modern designs, yet with diamond detailing, giving the throw interest. Or this Alisa Silver Oxford pillowcase, again offered in silver and grey, with subtle flower prints.
Twiggy’s range is definitely modern, yet the retain interest and features as opposed to some of the more stark features of modern minimalism.
By David C On September 19, 2011
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This particular trend will delivers the wow factor through the reinvention of glamour. References to classic design are provided through smart and considered styling. The aim, of course, is not to make your room look like a hostel but to deliver a romantic old world feel, glamorous and sexy. From our range on www.furnishings-direct.co.uk , i have slected some key items which reflect this trend and can either help or inspire your design efforts today.
The Minogue Mendez Slate or Fortini Amethyst bed covers offer the rich style and comfort that are so integral to this trend. Don’t be put off by the celebrity design tag, these covers are deeply stylish, and affordable too. Most importantly, they would not look out of place in a luxury hotel in Paris or London. The darker colour scheme makes them ideal for a more wintery, cosy atmosphere.
Curtains from Stella Navy are also a good starting place. In Navy or plum particularly, they do add the old world design that we so desire for this trend. A rich, darker pallette is the way forward!
When it comes to decoration, Hulanicki canvasses are a great starting place, though be sure that they match with your colour scheme. Framed city prints, like this of Florence, add class and style without seeming pretentious, they add to the glitzy feel of the room and allow you to imagine you are there or in New York instead of England! How very, very trendy.
