Late ’60s Flower Power Furniture Styling – Super Cringey

There was an advertorial in a homes magazine recently that remembered the dramatic starkness of the modern furniture revolution in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  Unlike today where you can wander around an out of town emporium geared entirely to supply the family with exactly the right style and type of sofa or oak furniture range, back then the trends were coming thick and fast.  The old heavy brown furniture was definitely not the required choice for many affluent young couple.   Those eye popping bright orange vinyl three seater settees with chrome legs and no comfy plump cushion were very much the ‘rage’ in the late 1960s.  Our neighbours, a youn, very up & coming aspirational couple, were very into this most stark modernism.  It was a ill selected phase early in their marriage.  But, give them their due, they did embrase the modern ideas, and suffered the dicomfort of having a shiny black vinyl settee that was in fact, rock hard with no ‘give’ and that was far too low for comfort, and also got damaged easily – they both smoked;  that was another popular fad of the era.  This was all years before the scandinavian revolution that brought in cheap man made products that were brilliantly manufactured to look just like wood.  One really popular range of book cases spread out to encompass side tables and all manner of extras.  The rubber wood came in pale birch colour, or darker beech – they are not a patch on oak and never pretended to be.  That quaity of a solid oak sideboard and matching dining set cannot be surpassed, by anything, anywhere!

Exploring the Charm of Interior Decorating in London

When it comes to beautifying homes, the vibrant cityscape of London offers a canvas as dynamic and diverse as its history. Engaging in interior decorating in London brings not only the opportunity to infuse personal taste but also to weave in the character of a world-leading capital. For those looking to transform their urban dwellings, here’s an enlightening guide to navigating the bustling world of London’s interior decorating scene.

The Unique Flair of London Interiors

A Melting Pot of Styles

London is globally recognized for its eclectic style that transcends epochs and borders. Interior decorating London is no less diverse. From Edwardian finesse to contemporary minimalism, London homes reflect a rich tapestry of influences. This gives decorators the unique opportunity to mix and not just match, creating interiors that are as cosmopolitan as the city’s inhabitants.

An Emphasis on Functionality and Aesthetics

Especially in a city where space can be sparse, London-based decorators often emphasize smart, sustainable solutions that enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of a space. Creative storage solutions, multifunctional furniture, and strategic layout planning are all part of the typical London decorator’s toolkit.

Why Hire a Professional for Interior Decorating in London?

Tailored Expertise

Interior decorators in London are adept at tailoring their services to the diverse needs of their clients. Whether you’re looking to overhaul a historic property or to style a modern loft, professionals bring a depth of knowledge about local trends, building codes, and available materials.

Time-Saving and Stress-Reducing

Taking on a decorating project can be overwhelming amidst the hustle and bustle of London life. Hiring a professional eases this burden considerably. Decorators handle everything from design conceptualization to the final touches, turning what could be a stressful endeavor into a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Access to Trade-Only Resources

One of the biggest perks of hiring a professional is their access to resources and materials that aren’t available to the general public. This can mean exclusive fabrics, furnishings, and fixtures that will set your London home apart from the rest.

Steps to Finding Your Perfect Interior Decorator in London

Do Your Research

Explore portfolios and read reviews to gauge a decorator’s style and reputation. Websites, social media platforms, and design magazines are great places to start.

Consider Your Budget

Interior decorating can vary widely in cost. Define your budget early on and communicate this with potential decorators to ensure their services align with your financial expectations.

Schedule a Consultation

Most decorators offer initial consultations. These meetings are the perfect opportunity to discuss your vision, establish compatibility, and get a sense of the decorator’s approach to projects like yours.

Conclusion: Elevate Your London Living Space

Interior decorating in London is more than just aesthetic enhancement; it’s a way to ensure your living space reflects your personal style while making the most out of the city’s vibrant, ever-evolving design scene. Whether you’re sprucing up a single room or renovating an entire house, the right decorator can transform your London home into a personalized retreat that is as functional as it is beautiful. Dive into the world of interior decorating in London, and watch as your urban living space turns into your personal haven!

Oak Church Seating & the Problem Of A Pew Too Few

It is always a joy to walk into someone’s house and smell wooden furniture. My own dining room has never lost the wonderful aroma of my light oak sideboard which sits behind the equally light oak dining set.  I used to have a scandinavian rubberwood set of even larger dimensions than my much loved current set but although it was impressively proportioned and easy to extend to seat 12, there was not the satisfaction of seeing the deep glow, or the warmth of oak.

When choosing furniture you must take into account budget and who’s going to use it.  Care must be given to wooden furniture to ensure it doesn’t sit too near any source of heat, a radiator or open fire or wood burning stove would dry it out so much if not treated with a good beeswax polish product – this feeds the wood and moisturises it.  I recall the oak ffurnishings in a church I used to have connections with.  The ‘new pews’ are of old oak and have been in exactly those positions since 1642 when they were provided to replace the originals that were damaged.  These pews were never quite big enough for the crowds from yesteryear and so one additional seat was added at the aisle end of each pew, with very crude fixings and then later, wire was added to hold them in more securely.  You should see the look on faces of visitors who are invited to take a seat on one!  They are very very old but so much loved by the same families, but many generations later.