Ways to create a more relaxing feeling at home

The lives we live are ever getting busier and more hectic, we are spending more time out of home than in it. Our lives are now so full of frenzy that we must take the time to slow down a little bit. 

Unfortunately for a lot of us, this isn’t something that still comes naturally and relaxation needs to be forced upon ourselves.

A chaotic disorganised home is not a relaxed one, but don’t fret, there are a few straightforward basic things that we can do to create a more pleasant and peaceful home to return to after a busy day.

·         Invest in some flowers, they are very soothing both aromatically and visually.

·         Place candles around to add an air of calm, but try and stay away from the scented versions as they can sometimes be a little overwhelming.

·         Let in the light, don’t block out a rooms natural sunlight. Natural sunlight is a great spirit lifter, so be sure to keep curtains and drapes fully open and blinds pulled up.

·         What paint colours you choose to use in your home can have a distinct effect on your mood. Go with blues, greens and greys to create a more relaxing atmosphere, white and beige are also suitable but stick with natural tones. When it comes to furniture and fabrics bright colours tend to energise, so stay away from them if you want a calm and relaxing room.

·         Clear your clutter, its distracting and will instantly create a sense of disorder. Ornaments and trinkets should be tucked away and replaced with fresh flowers and plants.

·         Grab a good book and surround yourself with soft throws and cushions.

Interior trends to look out for in 2017

While it was only the other day we were welcoming in the New Year, new design trends are already being though of and predicted for the following year. If you are thinking of building a new home or renovating an existing you might want to look out for the following trends in 2017.

Warm tones

Warm materials like terracotta tiles are going to replace the current trending cool and white tones.

Cork

That’s right; cork is coming back in this year and not only is it a stylish material that can add warmth and texture a space it is also a great material for soaking up sound, perfect for large, open plan homes.

Dark green

Say good bye to midnight and navy blues, the new sought after interior colour will be dark shades of green.

Upholstered headboards

Dramatic changes for beds in 2017 come in the form of upholstered beds which are set to replace the current timber bed frames that have been the current dominating type on the market.

Jewel tones

The current stars of the show are pink and blues, but these will soon be taken over by jewel tones that have been inspired by the likes of metals, space, stars, clouds and the universe.

If you would like any more advice or information on any of our products or services, then please give us a call on 0115 9258347 or email us at info@kingsinteriors.com where a member of staff will be only happy to assist.

Caring for your sofa

Sofas are one of the most frequently used pieces of home furniture and with prolonged use it is inevitable that the fabric upholstery will start to show signs of wear and tear. Though this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy many years of service from your sofa, you just need to take care of it.

Before going on to how to care for the fabric and sofa its self a couple of major things to avoid are 1: try and keep the sofa out of areas that will receive prolonged exposure to sunlight as much as you can 2: If you have pets, especially cats then you will need to be very vigilant about what they do with their teeth and claws.

If you have a fabric sofa

Accidents are bound to happen and for the best possible clean nothing will beat a professional service. But if it’s only a small spill, tackling it yourself shouldn’t be too taxing. Firstly you must resist the temptation to rub the stain, this will only drive it deeper into the padding, instead wipe the sofa with a damp cloth (not a wet one) and then wipe with a soft dry cloth straight away.

Vacuuming or brushing the fabric weekly will help remove dirt which can add to colour fading and general wear and tear. Also do your best to keep the sofa away from sources of heat and light to further minimise fading.

Ever wanted to know the history of Lloyd Loom furniture – Find out here

If you have a leather sofa

Fairly impossible to avoid to a degree but do your best not to spill anything on the leather but if the inevitable does happen treat just like the fabric sofa; wipe the sofa with a damp cloth (not a wet one) and then wipe with a soft dry cloth straight away. Never use any solvent based cleaners and try and keep sharp objects or anything that could cause a cut or scuff away from the sofa as it could prove to be very hard to rectify.

If vacuuming, vacuum cracks and crevices gently.

What about the cushions

Remove all the cushions that you are able to, hold from the opposite side and then give them a good squeeze to give them a reshape. If you cushions are the same material either side then rotate them to spread the ware evenly over time. You should aim to repeat this process around once a month for foam cushions but for feather filled cushions try to do it weekly.

If you would like any more advice or information, then please give us a call on 0115 9258347 or email us at info@kingsinteriors.com where a member of staff will be only happy to assist.

Five signs you need a new sofa!

How do you determine the signs it’s time for a new couch? When it comes to our homes we generally love everything in it, or at least we did at one point! You may love your trusty sofa –reliable, cosy, and even moulded into your shape - a good sofa can even hold good memories!

However, sometimes, we love them too much, which makes it difficult to let go when we should! If you are on the fence about whether or not to replace your old faithful couch, consider our signs it’s time for a new one!

You’re sinking....

The cushions are flattening; your knees are creeping up to your chin when you sit down, and leaving the couch seems like an almost impossible task. If your inking a little too far into your couch, it’s time to jump ship.

Fading away?

Your new friend from work comes over for lunch - “Ooh I love your sofa, Dave would never let me have a pink sofa!” You smile politely, far too embarrassed to admit that the now fuchsia two-seater was once in fact a burgundy red number! When your sofa starts to fade in colour it’s a big clue it’s time for something new!

Moultee settee?

Fringing can look great on a leather jacket or some denim shorts – not so much on your sofa! When your couch starts shedding its outer shell, and even when the fabric begins to fray a little, it may be time to consider a new sofa!

Creaky couch?

If your guests jump out of their skin thinking they may have sat on a mouse when they take a pew on your beloved couch, it’s probably a sign to get rid! A squeaky couch is basic screaming -“replace me pleaseee, I can’t bare you sitting on me anymore”. Do the kind thing.

You’ve lost that loving feeling

The final and perhaps most given reason you may be in need of a new sofa is that you simply don’t love the way yours looks anymore! Most of us wouldn’t dream of wearing something we wore 10 years ago, so chances are you’re not mad about the interiors you had back then either. If your sofa doesn’t fit in with you decor anymore, it’s time you brought it up to date!

We have a sofa for everyone here at Kings. You will find luxury sofas, fabric sofas, loose cover sofas, leather sofas, Knole sofas, Chesterfield sofas, chaise longues and sofa beds! See our full range here.