Research by VonHaus has revealed that on average, first-time buyers spend £1,397 on furnishing within the first 12 months of moving in. It can be daunting to splash the cash on home furnishing without knowing how long your pieces will last. This is why buyers should consider upcycling older items if their pieces of furniture need some extra TLC. Putting your DIY skills to work and making old items look as good as new can be a fun challenge. Alternatively, if upcycling isn’t for you, make sure you research reputable furnishing websites which stock good quality items. This can be more expensive, but your items are likely to last for the long haul than upcycling already worn items. “The life expectancy of most pieces varies by several years and is greatly dependent on the original materials used and construction of the pieces, the amount of daily use, and the amount of care taken during the use of the furniture. A sofa in a family room with small children, teenagers, and lots of pets will not last as long as one in a formal living room,” commented Katie Thomas, Interior Designer and Founder of KTM Design. “Although there isn’t any specific life expectancy on furniture as a rough guide, sofas and chairs last between 7-15 years, dining tables between 15-20 years and beds between 15-20 years, however it is all dependant on usage and care. “It’s obvious when it’s time to replace your milk or an everyday essential like your toothbrush, but the expiration dates of our furniture isn’t always clear. While furniture doesn’t have an expiration date like packaged foods, most consumers no longer purchase home furnishings with the plan that they will last forever.” The top 10 best and worst housewarming gifts Searches for ‘best housewarming gift 2021’ were up 600% last year, showing that Brits are conscious of gifting their loved ones with the best or most thoughtful items possible.. Whilst it’s a lovely tradition in the UK to gift an item to someone when moving house, there are some presents which first-time buyers would prefer not to receive. A survey conducted by VonHaus reveals the top 10 housewarming gifts that are perfect for a new home as well as the 10 worst housewarming presents which appear to be better left on the shelf. The housewarming gifts that people really want: Money (28%) Gift cards (27%) Plants (24%) DIY Tools (17%) Kitchen crockery (17%) Alcohol (16%) Scented candles (16%) Basket of tea and coffee (13%) Food (12%) Glassware (11%) The housewarming gifts that people don’t want: Toilet paper (28%) Exercise gear (27%) Air freshener (19%) A house pet (17%) Prints with quotes such as ‘live laugh love’ (15%) Underwear and socks (15%) Second-hand appliances (14%) Calendar (14%) Novelty drinking cups (13%) Teddy Bear (13%)

Leading the way in sustainability, award-winning interior design studio Andrew Henry Interiors has launched a new service focused on creating environmentally friendly designs for its corporate clients in the housebuilding industry. The comprehensive service for show home design is another addition to the expanding design practice, which aims to add more green features in the interior design process as the industry veers towards a new sustainable way of working. Created to suit individual projects, budgets will be bespoke to requirements where design specifications will focus on upcycled furniture, artworks, flooring, lighting and mirrors individually sourced, without compromising on quality. “As the ESG agenda becomes an increasingly key priority within the industry, it is more important than ever to offer a service to our customers which will allow them to be more environmentally conscious, while still delivering beautifully designed products. We are thrilled to be working on our pioneering sustainable show home design for Newland Homes and are looking forward to further projects like this, as the industry joins the sustainability movement,” commented Andrew Henry, Director at Andrew Henry Interiors. The design studio’s first ever fully sustainable show home will be created for developer Newland Homes, at its zero carbon homes development in Tickenham, North Somerset. This property will showcase their responsibility to the environment using elements sourced sustainably including reclaimed and upcycled pieces. The design inspiration for this four- bedroom show home is focused on creating a modern abode for a prospective family. Eclectic, warm and welcoming with some rustic elements in the furniture, the impressive design will be complete in February 2022. “Newland Homes is on a journey to create more energy efficient homes for our customers and we are delighted to be able to reflect the zero carbon values of the new homes at Tickenham through an exceptional interior design process. Working together with Andrew and the rest of the AHI team has been enlightening and we can’t wait to see the final results of this innovative show home,” said Chris Parker, Marketing Manager at Newland Homes.

Most people use the terms wicker and rattan interchangeably, but they aren’t really the same thing. Rattan is a material, and wicker is a type of furniture manufacture. The specific type of weave used to make this furniture is called wicker, and it is one of the oldest methods of making furniture. Today you can get wicker furniture in a number of synthetic and natural textiles, but rattan is still the most popular. Wicker can also refer to a specific material used in the weave To make matters more confusing, wicker is often used to describe synthetic fibers used in weaving the furniture. You might also see these synthetic materials referred to as resin wicker or synthetic rattan. Rattan is a natural, sustainable product, but isn’t suitable for outdoor use. Synthetic wicker furniture can stand up to the elements when placed on a patio or covered porch. Even though this furniture might be rated for the outdoors, you should still consider where you might store your outdoor furniture during severe weather. Even the strongest furniture may not stand up against a tornado, hurricane, or tropical storm. You can see some examples of these outdoor wicker pieces at 1Stopbedrooms furniture: purchase online and save. How wicker furniture is made Wicker weaving is a traditional way of making furniture from natural fibers by weaving them into a rigid form. You might think that the wicker weave is only for decoration, but often this furniture utilizes the same material for the frame, legs, main support, and is still decorative. Wicker furniture is one of the rare types of furniture that is still made by hand. There is no way for a machine to equal the quality and durability of hand-woven wicker furniture. Rattan is the oldest, and still popular, material for wicker furniture. In fact, there were rattan wicker furnishings found in King Tut’s tomb, likely sealed over 3,000 years ago. Talk about durable furniture! Of course, today synthetic fibres are used to create wicker furniture, but it is still hand woven. How wicker furniture is maintained Wicker furniture can last seemingly forever, but that doesn’t mean it can’t fail with improper use and neglect. Even though some resin wicker furniture is designed to be used outdoors specifically, it is still a good idea to protect your furnishings to make them last as long as possible.  Whether or wicker furniture is indoors or out, you should dust it regularly. Once dust begins to build up within the weave of the furniture, getting it truly clean and looking like new will be an incredible feat. Natural rattan furniture won’t hold up well against regular submersion in water, making it even more imperative that you keep up with dusting at least once a week. When your furniture is outdoors dust can build up on an almost daily basis. Dusty wicker furniture left out in the rain becomes muddy furniture that is difficult to clean. Even if your wicker furniture is safe for outdoor use, you should at least cover the furniture when not in use to cut down on dusting and protect the upholstery.

Modern and contemporary furniture pieces are a must for creating welcoming spaces. Simplicity has been a recurring theme in modern furniture and décor pieces. This trend has undergone series of changes since it first surfaced in the late 1800s.  It’s not surprising that many elements now come with minimal embellishments. Apart from that, several individuals are embracing clean lines, neutral walls, and eco-friendly décor pieces. More homeowners prefer open floor spaces, which is a key factor in clutter-free interiors.  Furniture Island’s website is user-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about finding delightful pieces that meet your needs. You can also take advantage of different filters to narrow down your options.  Without much ado, here are the top reasons why you should visit www.furniture-island.co.uk right away.  A wide range of products  One of the features that make Furniture Island stand out from the rest is its wide range of products. Customers’ tastes differ and keep evolving. They are proactive about satisfying the needs of their customers and have what it takes to produce furniture pieces of different designs.  Variety is the spice of life, and these words hold in the home décor sphere. Reputable furniture suppliers often have fresh inventory from time to time. They also update their stores with the latest designs. Taking a look at their past work will reveal their level of expertise which is top-notch.  Professional staff  Furniture Island hires highly-skilled experts with several years of experience. These individuals have more than a basic understanding of the products and customers’ behavior. They will prioritize your preferences and budget before offering suggestions.  Their customer service support staffs are courteous and offer timely support to both new and returning customers. You can get additional information about contemporary furniture pieces before checking out.  High-quality furniture pieces  As you navigate the Furniture Island website, you will discover that they offer corner sofas, cabinets, wardrobe pieces, dining tables, to mention a few. The manufacturers they collaborate with never run out of innovative ideas, so it’s easy for them to design functional pieces.  Many homeowners want comfy and luxury furniture pieces at a fraction of the price. Furniture Island can help you design the home of your dreams. You will be saving money in the long run once you take advantage of their offers.  The bottom line is to have a reasonable budget and do your due diligence.  Exceptional service  It’s common for online visitors to run a background check on a brand before doing business with them. Furniture Island’s past and current clients usually share glowing reviews about them. Their staff will allow customers to weigh their options instead of pressuring them to make a decision.  You can go through their testimonial section to get a glimpse of their customized services and products.  Convenient location Location can be a deal-breaker when shopping for stylish furniture pieces. This is the real reason why you need to choose a supplier in your area. It’s ideal to consider the additional cost of transporting the pieces to your home when searching for a furniture store.  Furniture Island delivery charges to Mainland England, Mainland Scotland, and Wales are quite affordable. Ensure that you go through the terms and conditions regarding their delivery service. 

Living spaces have been getting smaller over the years. We can’t overlook the perks of this growing trend. For instance, it’s a great way to start if you’re passionate about adopting a minimalist lifestyle. More so, it can help you reduce your carbon footprint.  A lot of homeowners with tiny apartments often look for space-saving furniture that will complement other home décor elements. This type of furniture is the key to keeping your home organized and will make your stuff easily accessible.  Fortunately, brands like Furco.co.uk are proactive about providing functional solutions for small spaces. It’s imperative to invest in the furniture pieces we’ve listed below.  1. Sofa beds  Sofa beds are both practical and comfortable. They are now a favorite piece for small apartments and families of all sizes. A sofa bed will offer a 3-in-1 function comprising of a bed, sofa, and storage option. The creative storage solution is useful for storing your bedding and other items.  Corner sofa beds are versatile and will come in handy when you’re alone or in the company of your family or guests.  2. Floating desk  A floating deck is a practical, convenient, and cost-effective solution for reading and working. Some wall-mounted models feature storage sections. The good thing is that this piece of furniture will only take minimal space in your home.   You can install a floating desk in your living room, bedroom, or home office. It comes in different variations, so it’s best to assess your needs and the space you can spare before making a purchase.  In case you’re planning to use it for work, go for an option that is large enough for your PC and a few supplies.  3. Wardrobes  Built-in wardrobes remain one of the top modern living ideas. You can incorporate double hanging to maximize your space. Another space-saving hack is to place storage baskets on top of the wardrobe for storing accessories.  Install hooks on the inside of your wardrobe door to keep jewelry and other accessories. It’s ideal to use the floor space in your wardrobe creatively too.  Try decluttering your wardrobe from time to time. This will save you time and space. 4. Wall-mounted ironing board  We usually pass a message to others with our choice of clothing. Clothes that are crispy and wrinkle-free will boost your confidence, thereby making you irresistible.  This type of ironing board is a must if space is at a premium in your laundry room. Install a quality one in the right spot, and remember to fold it once you’re through with ironing.  New models of wall-mounted ironing boards have features such as flexible board, adjustable height, built-in hanger, and can even double as a mirror.  5. Murphy bed  A murphy bed will ensure that you have enough space to entertain your guests and sleep comfortably. This furniture piece relies on a smooth mechanism that enables it to emerge and retract seamlessly.  It’s suitable for individuals who want to use their guest room as office space without trading one for the other. Most murphy beds come with features like shelves, drawers, and desk flaps. 

The process of staging your home to ensure a sale involves a lot of different practices. First and foremost, you need to thoroughly declutter any and all space you’re showing to make things nice and tidy. You’ll also need to do a thorough cleaning, manage small repairs, and invest in more significant improvements if possible. Amidst all of these efforts though, you should also keep your furniture in mind. It can almost be easy to neglect furniture, because the general assumption is that prospective buyers are considering investing in the home — not what’s in it. Unfortunately though, taking furnishing and décor out of the picture when assessing a property is easier said than done. Even if people viewing your home are well aware that they aren’t buying the furniture as well, how it looks and how it’s arranged will impact their impressions of the property. Given this, we’re presenting a few furniture-related staging tips to keep in mind. Get Rid of Old or Damaged Furniture The first and most important tip is to get rid of old or damaged furniture. This may seem like an obvious tip for those who are used to staging successfully, or those who are inclined to take a thorough and careful approach. But again, many make the mistake of assuming prospective buyers will look past furnishings, and thus ignore any disrepair in this area. The truth is that furniture in bad condition is considered to be one of the main reasons home staging can stall a sale. Simply put, furniture that appears old, worn, broken, or even outdated can change the entire complexion of a space. It can turn an otherwise beautiful, inviting, and well-staged home into a less appealing space, and in doing so prevent a sale. This can even happen on a subconscious level, such that someone viewing the home doesn’t necessarily nit-pick about furniture, but still comes away with a worse impression than he or she might have had the furniture been in better shape. Find Sale Pieces Aside from the misguided assumption that home viewers will simply look past old or unimpressive furnishings, another thing that holds some homeowners back in this area is the simple fact that new furniture can be expensive. Staging a home can actually be a costly process given that it often involves a few repairs or remodelling projects, and budgeting in new furniture simply to make a good impression isn’t always a priority. For this reason we suggest that anyone considering staging and/or selling a home in the near future should begin keeping an eye out for some of the sales occasionally run by respectable brands in this category. For reference, an up-to-date overview of retail sales recently pointed out that customers can sometimes get as much as 50% off items from brands like Silentnight, Hudson Living, and others in the furniture space. Sales of that nature, as well as the occasional discount at a major online retailer, can give you plenty of options, such that you may well be able to affordable re-furnish a home for staging. You may just set yourself up with some excellent pieces to stock your own new home with as well! Look Into Rentals If the idea of buying new furniture specifically for this purpose seems a bit much, or exceeds your budget, furniture rental for home staging is also an option. In this case, you simply need to find a local company that will rent out pieces (or which at least has a lenient return policy) and figure out what you need in order to temporarily replace old furniture, or make a few key rooms stand out. Where rentals are concerned, the issue is sometimes the effort required. Ultimately it’s a fairly big job to find the right store, choose the right pieces, and organise them in your home, all on a temporary basis. And it still costs money as well! For these reasons alone, some prefer to simply purchase new pieces. That said, renting is sometimes more affordable in the long run, and can thus be worth considering. For that matter, you can also try a mix of buying and renting — perhaps purchasing furniture you’re confident you can use wherever you may be moving, and renting the rest of what you need. These are simple tips, but vital ones if your home staging effort is to be effective. The state of your furniture is every bit as important as presenting a tidy space or emphasising desirable features. It is thus necessary to ensure that old pieces or those in disrepair are replaced by newer and more attractive alternatives.