Ideal Home

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• This hack is the secret to making cut flowers last longer - all you need is 2p
• How to build an outdoor kitchen – create a sociable and practical open-air kitchen
• Water feature ideas to add a new sense of flow to your garden
• Make family sofa time cosier with the new Brantwood range by Sofology with George Clarke
• Neutral bedroom ideas – ways to create a calming sleep space

This hack is the secret to making cut flowers last longer - all you need is 2p Posted: 09 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT You simply can’t beat a vase of fresh blooms in the springtime to cheer up a room. The only downside, as we all know, is that real cut flowers don’t last forever, however, this 2p hack could help them last a little longer. Whether you’ve bought a pretty posy of petals from the supermarket or a full arrangement from a regular flower subscription, the scent and colour is super mood-boosting. We’ve recently learnt a little trick from the experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk to keep your cut flowers fresh for longer. The answer apparently lies in your money box or purse. Popping a two pence coin at the bottom of a vase of fresh flowers is said to keep them looking lively for longer. Image credit: Sophie Allport 2p cut flower hack The reason that the hack is by helping combat the yeast, fungi and bacteria that grow in standing water. It’s these microbes that suck the life out of flowers in water. The copper in 1 and 2 pence coins is a fungicide and contains natural antimicrobial properties that prevent bacteria growth. The 2p coin flower trick is said to work particularly well with tulips. Image credit: Bloom & Wild Sugar, Apple cider vinegar, bleach and hairspray are all other household items that are rumoured to help improve the lifespan of your flowers. However, online florists Bloom and Wild say that trimming cut flowers, changing the water regularly and using cut flower food are the best ways to keep your flowers lasting longer. ‘Trimming your flower stems before popping them in water is a must!’ says Caroline Grimble, Lead Florist at Bloom & Wild. ‘It is also really good to cut at an angle, which creates more surface area for the flower to drink from. Cut 3 to 5 cm off the bottom of the stem.’ Image credit: Bloom & Wild ‘Make sure your vase is clean and refresh the water regularly ( I like to recut my stems by 1cm when I refresh the water)  to keep your blooms happy and healthy!’ she adds. However, if your daffodils are drooping or your wild roses are wilting and you don’t have any flower food, you can make your own using sugar. Dissolve three tablespoons of sugar into one litre of warm water and add it to a vase, it should work in a pinch. The post This hack is the secret to making cut flowers last longer - all you need is 2p appeared first on Ideal Home.

How to build an outdoor kitchen – create a sociable and practical open-air kitchen Posted: 09 Apr 2022 12:00 AM PDT If you want to transform your garden, decking or patio into a true extension of your home, a DIY outdoor kitchen is the way to go. Working out how to build an outdoor kitchen from scratch will, of course, take some careful planning, but it’ll be well worth it. First, you’ll need to decide which pieces of equipment you want to install, as well as thinking about plumbing and location. Having an outdoor kitchen will up your entertaining game, allowing you to enjoy cooking in the great outdoors without dashing in and out to grab utensils. If you’ve been brainstorming outdoor kitchen ideas and want to take on the task of building one yourself, we have step-by-step instructions from interior design blogger and home DIYer Luke Arthur Wells, which he shared as part of his work with COAT Paints. How to build an outdoor kitchen No matter how much space you have to play with – or how ambitious your plans may be – one thing’s for sure: you’re going to need some seriously hardwearing materials. ‘From a fully functional kitchen to a simple BBQ area, designing your outdoor kitchen will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and space,’ says Nick Whiley, Project Director at luxury decking and cladding company Trekker Global. ‘For a kitchen that is built-in, it is important to consider how you use the space. Having a proper prep area and worktop is vital, as well as possible storage options to keep items in throughout the year, such as cooking utensils,’ says Nick. ‘Make sure you choose a weatherproof material, like composite cladding and decking, so it can withstand the weather throughout the year.’ Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Before you order any materials or begin any DIY, think about the who, what, when where, and why of your outdoor kitchen. Above all, it needs to be practical, convenient, and sociable. Sylvia James, interior design expert at MyJobQuote says you need to think about what you want to cook, too. ‘Will a simple grill or pizza oven be adequate or are you aiming to wow guests with gourmet meals using rotisseries, smokers and professional grills?’ Sylvia asks. As Nick mentions above, Sylvia says it’s important to use good-quality products designed specifically for outdoor use, or you could end up spending more in the long run. Follow the step-by-step below to make a mini outdoor kitchen with wooden slats, a large, traditional sink, and a chunky wooden worktop. Materials you’ll need Treated exterior wood (Luke used 900mm decking spindles for the frame) Fence slats or 1 slatted fence panel Treated exterior wood for the worktop Outdoor screws Zinc-plated brackets Mitre saw Drill Electric screwdriver Orbital sander or sandpaper Exterior paint (Luke used a lovely olive green shade called Nomad by COAT Paints) Woodstain Belfast sink, with waste and pipes Spray adhesive (optional) Exterior instant grab adhesive Luke had exterior taps put in during a kitchen renovation. Image credit: @lukearthurwells Step-by-step 1. Build the frame for your sink First, build the frame around a Belfast sink. Turn the sink upside down, and start by creating the supports to go underneath. Luke used 900mm treated decking spindles from Wickes, which were the right height for the outdoor kitchen, but he needed to cut the horizontal pieces to size. Image credit: @lukearthurwells 2. Attach all of the pieces together To attach the frame together, Luke first used a spray adhesive mitre glue to secure the pieces temporarily. Then he drilled pilot holes and used outdoor screws to attach throughout. When you find later on that you cannot attach any more pieces with screws because of existing screws in the frame, you can use your zinc-plated brackets to join these pieces of the frame. 3. Join the legs with more horizontal supports Once the two sets of legs are made for the sink, join them together with more horizontal supports. Add supports between both the top and bottom of the legs for extra support. Image credit: @lukearthurwells 4. Add more horizontal supports Add horizontal supports at the front and back base to finish off the sink unit. Start to extend the kitchen unit base by creating two more legs, to the same proportions as the two vertical pieces on either side of the side. Image credit: @lukearthurwells 5. Join the legs and add brackets under the sink supports Join these together with horizontal pieces to the sink unit. Because of the screws already used, you'll likely have to use the brackets at this point. Take this opportunity to add brackets underneath the sink supports too, as this is the heaviest part. Image credit: @lukearthurwells 6. Paint the frame Now, paint the frame to make it easier once the slats are attached. 7. Remove slats from old fence panel and cut to size Next, if you're using a fence panel, you'll need to remove them from the frame with a crowbar. Hammer out any remaining pins or nails. Cut these down to size. You'll need 900mm ones for either side of the sink, then measure the space under the sink too. Don't worry if they're not perfect, but it’s better to be too long than too short. Image credit: @lukearthurwells 10. Paint the slats Give the slats their first coat with your exterior paint now before you attach them. Image credit: @lukearthurwells 11. Space the slats out neatly Work out the spacing between the slats by using a slat turned sideways to create a regular gap. To fix the slats onto the frame, use an instant grab exterior adhesive first. Pick one that takes 10-15 minutes to dry, which will give you enough time to adjust as needed before they stick. Make sure they're all aligned at the top of the frame when sticking. Once dry, you can knock a few nails in to secure. For a professional finish, fill over the nail holes with exterior filler, sand, and then paint. Image credit: @lukearthurwells 13. Tidy up uneven slats If your slats are looking uneven, you can cut along the bottom at this point using a multi-tool to ensure they all look even. 14. Add plastic feet Add some small plastic feet to ensure the frame is raised off the ground to avoid the timber being in direct contact with sitting water where possible. 14. Fix it to the wall Now you have your frame, it’s time to fix it to the wall. Consider using large brackets and long masonry screws. 15. Make and attach the wooden worktop To make the worktop, cut some chunky exterior treated wood to the size of your units on either side of the sink with a little overlap. Sand the edges to smooth out. Treat these surfaces with an exterior wood stain, then stick down using your instant grab adhesive. You can also attach some small zinc-plated plates to the underside of the timber to secure it into place. Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd It’s also worth thinking about landscaping and planting to help blend your outdoor kitchen in with the rest of your outdoor space. When you’re happy with your outdoor kitchen, you could also think about incorporating some garden bar ideas for creating homemade cocktails with friends and family this summer. And ahead of alfresco get-togethers, make sure you’re prepared by reading up on how to clean a barbecue. Can I build my own outdoor kitchen? Construction expert Gregory Smith from PriceYourJob says anyone can build their own outdoor kitchen – it’ll just take some planning. He recommends placing it on decking, which means you can combine the kitchen with an outdoor dining area or outdoor living room. Gregory highlights the importance of drawing up a strict budget and deciding on which components you want to include. The construction expert also suggests looking for a ready-built workstation made of iron or concrete rather than using wood. ‘These will last longer and survive the worst weather conditions,’ he says. Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd How do I build an outdoor kitchen on a budget? ‘If you do intend on building your kitchen from scratch, then work with salvaged materials, for example, reclaimed wood or recycled brick,’ says Gregory Smith. ‘This will help cut your costs and will create a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen space. ‘Another cost-saving method is to repurpose trolleys, such as bar carts. These work well in an outdoor kitchen environment, as they can be used as both storage and worktops. Most can be retiled and treated so they can withstand the outdoors, or you can simply bring them inside when the weather turns.’ Aaron Markwell, COAT‘s colour guru recommends looking for bargains on Facebook Marketplace or eBay for second-hand, more costly items like sinks and taps. ‘The rest of the kitchen won’t break the bank and using exterior paint will mean the paint will look fresh for years,’ says Aaron. The post How to build an outdoor kitchen – create a sociable and practical open-air kitchen appeared first on Ideal Home.

Water feature ideas to add a new sense of flow to your garden Posted: 09 Apr 2022 12:00 AM PDT Just as we’ve embraced making our homes relaxing spaces, it’s time to make sure our gardens are giving us what we need. Water feature ideas will help create a soothing atmosphere and add stylish good looks. There’s a design to suit just about every type of garden landscaping ideas – from contemporary cool to classical charm. Plus, the range of materials and sizes mean that water features can be found to work whatever you budget. ‘Water features are the perfect addition to any outdoor space,’ says Jonny Brierley, CEO, Moda Furnishings. ‘If you’re sourcing the ideal accessory for your garden ideas, then water features should be considered an aesthetically pleasing feature, which is guaranteed to encourage pure relaxation.’ As well as adding a new and soothing dimension to your garden, water feature ideas have other, perhaps unexpected benefits, on your space. ‘Water features are also great for those who want to attract wildlife,’ points out Chris Bonnett, founder, Gardening Express. ‘Traditionally that would be a pond or a birdbath, but modern day features will prove equally attractive to feathered friends and amphibians.’ Do remember that water features do require a certain amount of maintenance.  ‘With water features it's important to keep them clean,’ says Chris. ‘A good clean around once a month should do the trick. To prevent green or stagnant water you can use special additives to keep them looking their best.’ Water feature ideas ‘There are many styles of water feature ideas to choose from nowadays,’ says Claire Bassett, Senior Product Manager, Lights4Fun. ‘From zen buddha designs for the perfect tranquil retreat to more contemporary geometric shapes and whimsical pouring jugs to add character to your outdoor space.’ Read on to discover some of the water features catching our eye… 1. Take placement into consideration Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole ‘Think about where you want to place your water feature,’ advises Chris from Gardening Express. ‘A sunny spot is a great option which will make the water feature look beautiful when the sun is shining. If maintenance is a concern you may wish to avoid areas where overhanging trees could drop a lot of leaves.’ Surround wall hung or those on garden fence ideas with plant beds to make sure you still have that depth of colour and texture in the area. 2. Choose a classical fountain Image credit: Haddonstone There are a number of different main water feature ideas to choose from ‘The most common types of water features are ponds and pool surrounds, fountains, rills and waterfalls,’ says Will Haxby, Ornamental Sales Director, Haddonstone. A fountain can come in many forms, the main three are centrepiece, self-contained and wall. Although each of these come in modern and classical designs, the most traditional is the centrepiece fountain. These designs are timeless and especially suit older buildings and ornamental gardens, over contemporary urban spaces. 3. Keep the sound in mind Image credit: Future PLC/Adam Wallis ‘If you love the sound of running water then a water feature is a must for you,’ says Chris from Gardening Express. ‘Consider the kind of feature you want. Do you want a soft trickling sound of water or do you want something more noticeable? Water features can be great to mask other sounds and latent background noise.’ Consider how to install a water feature – to add life and movement to your garden. 4. Choose a light-up option Image credit: Lights4Fun/Oliver Perrott ‘Finding sanctuary at home has become essential to so many of us as we find a greater need to escape the busyness of everyday life,’ says Claire from Lights4Fun. ‘Gentle spaces with calming colours and soft mood lighting and the soothing sound of a trickling water feature are perfect for rest, recuperation and mindful self-care.’ Choose a warm white or yellow light for ultimate relaxation. If your outdoor space is more of a party zone then choose a fun neon shade. Or go full disco with a colour changing option! 5. Find the right style for your space Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole ‘With so many water features available on the market, it can be difficult to decide which style is most suitable for your outside space,’ says Will from Haddonstone. ‘Each water feature has different benefits, depending on the look, style and ambience you are trying to achieve.’ ‘Consider the size of your outside space. Large pools and ponds are perfect for wide open spaces. Meanwhile smaller self-contained fountains work perfectly on small patios and in courtyards. Personal style is important, too. Do you like things to be traditional, contemporary or classic? Water features can either complement your existing space, or even provide an interesting contrast against the design.’ 6. Opt for a contemporary look Image credit: Moda Furnishings For contemporary gardens, a modern metallic design is a great choice. A lot of these will look like artistic sculptures even when not switched on, meaning you’re getting double interest with one piece. Stainless steel is a popular choice for these contemporary styles – both for the modern look and the fact they are extremely resistant to corrosion. 7. Consider a rechargeable option Image credit: Hydria A new innovation in water feature ideas is the rechargeable version. ‘With a cord-free setup you can place your water fountain anywhere you choose and enjoy the soothing sight and sound of flowing water,’ says Simon Reeves Jackson, founder, Hydria. ‘Battery power provides all the performance of mains without installation cost and inconvenience.’ Since they’re mains free you also have flexibility in moving your water feature around. One design can move from your lawn, to your balcony to be situated on your patio ideas without muss or fuss. 8. Create a calming oasis Image credit: Future PLC/Bob Smith Look to warmer climes for water feature inspiration. A small courtyard can be transformed into a welcome oasis, even in the heart of a bustling city. Opt for pretty mosaic designs on these outdoor wall decor ideas, and keep the ground tiled to ensure the comforting water trickle echoes around. Top things off with exotic plants – or as exotic as can survive in your space! 9. Look to classic cast stone Image credit: Haddonstone ‘Cast stone is a very strong and frost-proof material,’ says Will from Haddonstone. ‘This mean that it is very unlikely to be damaged by weather for many years. It is available in a range of colours, styles and shapes. Cast stone ages beautifully and looks stunning both new and once it has weathered outside after several years.’ What are the different types of water features? Water feature ideas both in terms of style and in how they are powered. In terms of style you’re looking at everything from ponds and fountains to trickling jugs and contemporary waterfall designs. ‘When you visit your local garden centre you are presented with either mains or solar-powered water features,’ says Simon from Hydria about the main types of water feature power.’ Solar water features are convenient because they don't need to be plugged in but they only work well when the sun is directly above the solar panel which means that they do not always work when or where you want them to work. Corded water features do not have the performance limitations of solar, but you do have the expense and inconvenience of installing outdoor power sockets and hiding cabling.’ How do you choose a water feature? ‘When choosing a water feature, it is essential to pick a design style that'll suit your space,’ advises Claire from Lights4Fun. ‘If your outdoor area is a smaller balcony space, a discreet buddha will add subtle sophistication and a peaceful ambiance. For a modern patio, a larger statement piece such as a sphere or bronze pouring jugs will elevate your outdoor space into an urban oasis as the sound of trickling water paired with a dancing glow accompanies you into a tranquil summer's evening.’ Price is obviously important to – not only for the design, but installation and running costs. Make sure you do your sums if you’re looking for budget garden ideas. Ease of installation should also be taken into account. What is the best material for a water feature? ‘Natural materials such as stone or terracotta provide the best materials for water features because they look and feel beautiful, and durable, and will not suffer from significant water erosion,’ says Simon from Hydria. ‘Most water features are resin, and this can work well provided they are UV stabilised and will not fade in sunlight.’ ‘To ensure your water feature is long-lasting, resin or polyresin are great choices,’ adds Claire from Lights4Fun. ‘They are happy to be displayed outdoors throughout the year, they are also very lightweight so can be moved around your outdoor space with ease. Fibrestone is another superb option. Its textured finish will perfectly imitate that of real stone with the added benefit of being lightweight and weatherproof. How much electricity does a garden water feature use? The cost of water feature ideas is an ongoing on. Running costs vary on how they are powered, as well as the size and style of the design. ‘A medium sized water feature with a 12W pump will cost as much as a £1 per day to run,’ offers Simon from Hydria as a good rule of thumb. Do you leave water features on all the time? ‘There are reasons for and against doing this,’ says Will from Haddonstone. ‘Firstly, leaving your water feature on all the time can be expensive as most pumps run on electricity. Secondly, there is a risk of the pump burning out from being in constant use, or if there is a sudden loss of water. Sometimes this can be caused by storms where the water gets blown over the side of the pool surrounds or fountain.’ ‘Keeping the pump running 24 hours a day does however prevent the pump becoming calcified and this can in turn mean that it lasts longer. However, we recommend that anyone planning to do this keeps a close eye on their fountain to mitigate the risks mentioned.’ The post Water feature ideas to add a new sense of flow to your garden appeared first on Ideal Home.

Make family sofa time cosier with the new Brantwood range by Sofology with George Clarke Posted: 08 Apr 2022 09:00 AM PDT Nothing beats putting your feet up after a long day and cosying down with your loved ones to watch the latest hit on Netflix. Especially if you’re snuggling into a gorgeous new sofa from George Clarke’s Brantwood range. It’s the epitome of ultimate comfort with its deep seating, feather-filled back cushions and stylish detailing. George Clarke’s Brantwood range at Sofology Image credit: Sofology/Dominic Blackmore The Brantwood is one of two new incredible ranges designed by George Clarke in collaboration with Sofology; the other is the Midland Hill. Art Deco design Drawing on his wealth of experience in architecture, both designs form an exclusive collection of chairs and sofas that bring a mix of contemporary and timeless designs that will suit any style of home. The Midland Hill reflects the architecture of one of George Clarke’s favourite periods; the art deco era, and in particular the exquisite character and design of Oliver Hill’s Midland Hotel in Morecambe, north Lancashire. Capturing the building’s character wonderfully, you will find subtle touches of 1920s design through the stitching, sumptuous fabric colours, legs and overall shapes of the sofa and chairs in the range. Image credit: Sofology/Dominic Blackmore We just love sinking into the Brantwood on an evening; it oozes an understated yet elegant charm that will bring style to any home with comfort and snugness at the top of its game. It boasts a bold, square silhouette that sits neatly inside a unique timber frame that flows from the arms to the feet; just like a cocooning hug. ‘I didn’t want it just to look good,’ says George on the Brantwood. ‘It needed to be super comfortable.’ ‘Cosiness isn’t a thing that architects talk about that much, but for me it’s really important. When you’re in your home, you want it to feel comfortable and cosy, but beautiful as well. And that’s what Brantwood is all about.’ Incredible depth So what makes Brantwood so special? For us, it’s like a giant hug. It has an incredibly deep design, that beckons you to snuggle in and curl up. The depth makes it feel really comfortable and grand, giving the sofa presence in a living room. Image credit: Sofology/Dominic Blackmore If you’re redecorating the lounge from scratch, then take the Brantwood as your starting point and build the room out from there. You can choose from several sizes, with the Grande (£1,999) just perfect for the whole family to sit together. Striking structure We love its timber frame, too, which is unique and unexpected. It elevates the sofa and gives it that special edge against other boxy designs. ‘And the detailing on the side, the little vertical seams that we put in just gives it a little bit of rhythm,’ says George. Image credit: Sofology/Dominic Blackmore Rather than looking like one big monolithic piece, it’s broken up and softened. ‘The frame, the detailing on the side, and the depth are three quite powerful things.’ Sustainable style The Brantwood and the craftsmanship that has gone into making it deserves to be celebrated; it totally sets it apart from its competition. Greater now than ever, we grow more conscious of today’s disposable consumer culture, so we’re delighted that Sofology values this like we do. Its mission is to help you find a sofa that you’ll love for a long time; a piece of furniture that you can cherish and enjoy in your home, and play an integral part in your family’s life, for at least 20 years. In fact, each and every sofa from Sofology comes with a two-decade structural guarantee, so you can rest assured that the Brantwood piece you choose will last. To see the full Brantwood range and to find your perfect sofa, visit www.sofology.co.uk or visit your nearest Sofology store. The post Make family sofa time cosier with the new Brantwood range by Sofology with George Clarke appeared first on Ideal Home.

Neutral bedroom ideas – ways to create a calming sleep space Posted: 08 Apr 2022 06:06 AM PDT Neutrals are the ‘no makeup’ makeup of interiors – it looks effortless but totally isn’t. Neutral bedroom ideas are ideal if you want to create a soothing space to retreat to after a long day that makes you breathe a sigh of relief. Which is all of us, non? Whatever easy-on-the-eye hues you choose, rest assured that neutrals will never go out of style. They’re loved by the likes of Kelly Hoppen and Bobby Berk, and are sure to create a cosy, inviting and understatedly chic vibe. Neutral bedroom ideas There’s actually so much choice when it comes to decorating with neutrals in the bedroom. From fresh whites and buttery creams to earthy browns and soothing greys, neutral tones truly come into their own in the room we use to unwind and sleep. Dulux revealed that an array of neutral paint colours reign supreme on its website. A grey called Polished Pebble and an Egyptian Cotton beige are the two most popular paints of all, followed by a blush pink and white. Read on for inspiring neutral bedroom ideas that will tempt colour lovers over to the neutral side. 1. Layer plenty of different textures Image credit: Cult Furniture When you’re working with a pared-back bedroom colour scheme, it’s ALL about layering textures. This simply means bringing in a variety of materials. Take inspiration from the image above, which combines a riot of tactile elements. There’s bouclé and wool, linen, glass and ceramics, as well as some lovely wood and a woven material on the chest of drawers. By mixing a variety of neutral tones in differing textures, you’ll be able to create an inviting and cosy oasis. You could play with texture with a soft sheepskin rug by the bed, a velvet throw cushion and a clear glass bedside lamp. 2. Add warm metallic accents Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd / Simon Whitmore Incorporating some kind of metallic element is always a good idea, whatever room you’re decorating. You could have warm copper or rose gold light switches, or perhaps some brushed gold bedside lamps to match the details on your bedframe (as seen in the pic above). When choosing bedroom lighting ideas, from floor lamps to sconces, look out for metallic elements, as these will just bring that extra layer of interest and shine into your space. 3. Make a wooden accent wall Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd / Katie Jane Watson Create a wooden accent wall to add texture, warmth and visual intrigue. You really don’t have to be a DIY expert to create something like this, and it’ll give you something totally unique on a budget. The vertical wooden slats here help to create a clear focal point in the absence of a headboard. We’re also loving the cable knit throw, terracotta hues and the plants that bring a splash of natural colour. 4. Use grey as an alternative to white on your woodwork Image credit: Lick ‘To offer a beautiful twist to any room, I recommend choosing grey as an alternative to white when decorating your woodwork,’ says Tash Bradley, Lick Head Colour Specialist. ‘Make sure you are matching the undertone to the colours on your walls to add elegance, character and drama to the room,’ she says. Opt for a dramatic dark grey as seen in the image above or something gentler like Lick’s Grey 01. Paint panelling, skirting boards, picture rails and door frames to tie in with existing grey bedroom ideas. 5. Create a sense of height with fun lighting Image credit: Lights4Fun Fairy lights, festoons or simply a large pendant light can lift a space and draw the eye up, making it feel more airy. Replacing an existing pendant light with something that makes a statement will instantly elevate the space. The black festoon lighting here brings the outside in and creates some shape, contrast and ambience come evening. 6. Create a mini gallery wall Image credit: Dunelm Use the walls in your bedroom to display a selection of treasured prints, photographs and mementoes. The natural wooden frames here tie in beautifully with the calming neutral scheme. Hanging prints on the wall can feel daunting but it will add character and detail. 7. Add a single accent colour Image credit: Secret Linen Store Molly Freshwater is co-founder of Secret Linen Store, which has just expanded its range of naturals, creams and whites, as it predicts neutrals will continue to be extremely popular. Unless you’re wedded to an all-neutral scheme, she recommends using a splash of colour to keep things exciting. Rich forest green works beautifully in the scheme above, creating a bed we just want to climb into. ‘Try having the less expensive pieces as your opportunities for pops of colour – this could be prints, vases, candles or even colourful books,’ says Molly. ‘Plants and flowers are also a great way to do this, bringing in life and colour.’ 8. Clash patterns Image credit: Dekoria GmbH You can definitely afford to be bolder with patterns in a neutral scheme as there’s less to stimulate the eye. Striped bedding is a fantastic way to introduce some subtle colour, from a soft pink to sky blue, or you can stick with a taupe or brown. Pattern clashing might sound intimidating but throw away the rule book and experiment with a few different patterns united by a similar tonal palette. 9. Push some boundaries with blush pink Image credit: Interior Fox Is blush pink a neutral? We think so. ‘Muted colours, such as blush pink, can be worked into the interiors as a neutral tone,’ say Jenna Choate and Mariana Ugarte, Co-Founders of Interior Fox. ‘Its softness sits comfortably within a neutral heavy interior, adding a subtle element that will elevate an existing scheme.’ 10. Choose a theme Image credit: Desenio Neutral bedroom ideas fit in seamlessly with absolutely any interior design style. Fancy going for a New York loft vibe or Parisian apartment? Neutrals will work perfectly. Likewise, fresh white or cream walls and furniture form the perfect backdrop to a regency, Boho or Mediterranean-inspired space. Layer on decor pieces that fit with your chosen style, which you can constantly swap out. 1.. Create interest with shapes Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd / Colin Poole When planning out some neutral bedroom ideas for your serene and clutter-free space, look for interesting shapes in furniture or artwork. Striking silhouettes, whether it’s an armchair, side table or print, will bring visual intrigue to your pared-back room. How do you decorate a neutral bedroom? Jenna Choate and Mariana Ugarte from Interior Fox say decorating with neutrals is about using a variety of tones. ‘When working with neutrals, it's important to work with different tones, sticking to one colour throughout the interiors can make a room look flat,’ they explain. ‘Mix it up by pairing cool tones with warmer ones to create points of interest in the space.’ Jenna and Mariana also say that using rattan, seagrass, distressed wood and other natural materials will add dimension and depth. How do I add colour to a neutral bedroom? ‘Working with neutral shades allows you to create a base that is easy to build upon depending on the season or mood,’ say Jenna and Mariana. ‘Add in bursts of vibrant colour during the summer months or sumptuous and earthy colours during the winter. Whatever colour you choose, introduce it through soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, and rugs.’ If you’re decorating with grey Tash Bradley from Lick suggests picking a grey with a coloured undertone. Then, if you have a grey with a blue undertone, for example, you can pull out some of this colour with blue accessories. Pick your accent colour depending on how you want the space to feel. Tash says a grey with a pink undertone will create a nurturing feeling, green will bring life into a room and blue can be very soothing. The post Neutral bedroom ideas – ways to create a calming sleep space appeared first on Ideal Home.

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