Period living – a revival

Furniture aesthetics and design have been part of our living experiences since the beginning of history. As an intimate part of our homes and lives, each piece can invoke a new response in every individual which is why many homeowners and interior designers choose to place importance on what pieces of furniture they choose to surround themselves with in their homes. 

As furniture styles have progressed from art nouveu through to contemporary designs a raft of imitation and revival styles have started to appear alongside vintage and retro look designs.

These more often than not have included the reappearance of Victorian and Georgian inspired designs which have proved popular mainly for their contrasting bold looks.

While the Victorian style is one of plump heavily upholstered furniture, the Georgian look inspires delicate designs with a symmetrical style.

Our range of Chesterfield sofas at Kings offer inspired designs taken from the Victorian style era. While the upholstery you choose to cover your chosen sofa in is entirely your choice we have a range of swatches also inspired by the art from Queen Victoria’s reign with bolder colour use in our Contrast designs.

Our Duresta Connaught Sofa, available in both leather and fabric upholstery is the most luxurious of all our Chesterfield sofas and takes part of its inspiration from the Victorian era shown in the sofa’s round and plump appearance and heavy upholstery.

An eclectic mix of styles present in these designs, taken from the masculine Gothic and feminine Rococo periods work well together and are perfect for anyone looking for a piece of Victorian inspired furniture to flatter the rest of their home furnishings. The optional ornamentation of wooden finishes and upholstery piping also compliment the Victorian inspired design.

The sofa, made from a hardwood frame, comes with duck filled seat cushions with an optional foam core. A varied range of wood, fabric and leather designs are available to choose from to enable our customers to work to their own tastes.

Georgian inspired designs lay in our Contrast upholstery winged chairs with their subtle and delicate style with slight hints of Palladian glamour without appearing so overt that they overpower your living room or study.

Such Georgian inspired chairs; like these are designed to encourage the use of space and light to create the illusion of regency and air should you prefer that influence in your home.

Whether you choose to keep to the original Georgian style though by opting for lighter and paler colour schemes for your upholstery is entirely your choice. Whatever you opt for we will attempt to cater to those tastes.

All the Georgian inspired chairs are made in the UK using high quality standards of workmanship, and should you choose to opt for the studded designs, these will also be applied individually by hand.

Whatever design period that you choose to influence your choice in sofas or chairs – whether it’s to revive or contemporise we have a range of fabrics to suit classic, refined, eclectic and even modern preferences.

Our range of flooring can also be used to compliment different period influences with carpets, wood and laminate flooring and of course rugs, we have a variety of colours and patterns to choose from.

Whatever the era, Kings Interiors is prepared for the return of period living.

Carpet v Wooden Floor: Which is best for you?

One of the biggest questions facing anybody sprucing up their home is: should I have a carpet or a wooden floor? Here are some of the pros and cons of each one to help you reach your decision:

Carpets

Pros

1. Absorb Sound: a room without a carpet often echoes. The carpet absorbs sound so the echo effect goes away
   
2. Warmth: carpets provide a warm surface so that you can walk around in bare feet without the risk of catching a cold.  Furthermore Cormar Carpets come in a wide range of colours that will suit your room so that there is a warm ambience as well as an increase in temperature.
   
3. Cheaper: Carpets have been used for decades partly because they are a lot cheaper than the alternatives. They can last for many years if they are well looked after.
   
4. Low Maintenance: essentially all a carpet needs is to be vacuumed once a week and ideally remove your shoes when walking on it. 

Cons

1. Absorbs Dust: carpets hide dust and it is often not clear that a carpet needs vacuuming so it might be left unattended for weeks. Naturally if it is not vacuumed for a prolonged length of time it will gather dust and cause allergies.
   
2. Difficult to Clean: when something is spilled onto a carpet it often requires chemical products to remove it. If the spillage is not dealt with straight away it may become a permanent stain.
   
3. Pets pick at it: cats love to exercise their claws on a carpet which can cause a lot of damage.
   
4. Bleach: when removing a stain sometimes the bleach might remove the colour of the carpet and actually make the appearance worse. However, this is unlikely in modern carpets.
   

   

   Cormar Carpet from Kings Interiors

   
   

Wooden Floor

Pros

1. Modern: if you watch any home-decorating programmes you will know that wooden floors are usually desired by people who want a modern-looking home.
   
2. Natural: it gives your home a natural feel. If you want a rustic look then you can add wooden furniture as well, or if you want a light, updated look then a fabric sofa will complement it as well.
    
3. Easy to Clean: although it needs sweeping frequently, it is very clear which parts of the room have gathered dust which means that cleaning is a quick process.
   
4. Better for Allergies: it cannot absorb dust which makes it more hygienic particularly for people who are prone to allergies. 

Cons

1. Noisy: one of the most common complaints about a wooden floor is the level of noise that it emits. If anything is dropped on it such as a remote control the sound will give you quite a shock. You’ll be surprised how often you drop a knife, a pen, or a book, and jump out of your skin.
   
2. Dents: although wood can last a long time, it will dent and scratch as time goes by. If you move furniture around or have a pet with claws then you will notice that little marks begin to appear.
   
3. High Maintenance: dust is very obvious on a wooden floor because there is nowhere for it to hide. This means that it needs sweeping regularly in comparison to a carpet that can be left for over a fortnight without appearing messy.
   
4. Cold: you might notice a sudden drop in temperature if you replace a carpet with wood. The wood won’t insulate your home the way a carpet does because it can’t absorb warmth.
   

Wooden Floor - flooringinspectors.co.uk

Kings interiors sell a wide range of Cormar Carpets at great prices. If you would like to find out about the wide range of colours and materials that you can use then visit http://www.kingsinteriors.co.uk/cormar-carpets.htm and have a browse of our collection.

More Chic than Shabby: the Ideal Shabby Chic Room

Shabby chic is a timeless trend that never seems to go out of fashion. We can’t resist a room that looks as if it has been thrown together yet somehow magically everything has landed in place. But how can you achieve this effect in your home? We have collected a list of ways that you can add a touch of shabby chic to a room:

Distressed Furniture

If you have been watching any home design programs within the last few months you will have undoubtedly come across the trend for upcycling furniture. One of the most popular techniques used when designing a shabby-chic room is to distress any wooden fixtures that you already have. Distressing a chair for example transforms it from an ordinary modern seat into an antique (looking) piece of art. Simply rub the chair down with sandpaper - only very gently! – then add scratches and holes at random to give the impression of woodworm. You can do this to tables, bookshelves, and cabinets as well as chairs.                 

Pretty Patterns

Heavily patterned curtains and cushions are a key component of a shabby chic room. They are a brilliant contrast against plain walls. Particularly green or pink patterns produce a feminine, shabby chic look. One of the most modern ways of achieving this style is to present one wall in heavily patterned wallpaper then pick one colour out of that wallpaper and paint the remaining walls that tone.

Throw It All Together

Frilly throws over the settee or bed will emphasise the shabby chic feel. For some people this will immediately conjure up images of their grandma’s house but it does not have to be old fashioned. A frill on the cushions, the mat, or on a throw is just a small feminine touch that adds to the theme. Choose light colours such as whites, cream tones, pale greens, dusky pinks, and light blues to provide fresh ambience in the room.

Bring Nature Indoors

A wooden floor will bring the traditional, feminine theme into the 21^st Century. Wooden floor look great but they are also very practical. They gather much less dust than carpets and are easier to maintain. Put plenty of plants into the room so that they, together with the floor, add a sense of nature to the room. Leafy green plants will complement the pales pinks and greens of the furniture as well.

Shabby Chic Settee

The feature that will bring together the whole shabby chic theme is the settee which should have a rustic, homely look but still be very high quality. The only risk of a shabby chic theme is to accidentally take the shabby aspect too far and end up with nothing more than an untidy room. However choosing a sofa that looks top quality will prevent this from happening.  Tetrad sofas are handcrafted which is evident in the detail of their designs. Their loose covers fit perfectly into the shabby chic look because it appears as if the sofa has effortlessly been put together. Tetrad furniture is not just somewhere to sit; it provides a seat of total relaxation. Kings Interiors sell a large range of fabulous Tetrad furniture at reasonable prices; see for yourself by visiting the website: http://www.kingsinteriors.co.uk/brands/tetrad-upholstery

How to Interview Applicants Effectively

Many people feel nervous when they are preparing to be interviewed but it is often forgotten that the interviewer has plenty of preparation to do as well. If anything they have more responsibility because it is up to them to make the interview run smoothly. Here are some simple steps to planning a successful interview:

Step 1: Work Out What You Are Looking For

Decide what personal and professional characteristics your ideal candidate would have. Professional characteristics refer to qualifications and experience. Many large companies such as KPMG want graduates but do not mind what subject the graduate studied. However you might want an IT graduate if the role is very technical or an arts graduate if the role requires lots of writing. Personal characteristics mean the type of personality your ideal candidate would have. Does the candidate need to be confident and chatty or quiet and determined, for example?

Step 2: Pick Candidates to Interview

A large pile of CVs can be tiresome to look through but take your time to study all of them. Most candidates will list their skills but many will forget to provide examples of them. Which CVs show solid evidence of teamwork and initiative? Those are the most worthwhile people.

The covering letter is just as important as the CV. Remove candidates who have included spelling errors - this is not a sign of their spelling abilities; it shows a lack of attention to detail. Which candidates have researched the company? Some applicants will mention recent news related to your company; this is their way of telling you that they are truly interested in your business and not just sending the same application to everybody.

Step 3: Prepare the Interview Room
The interview room shows each candidate the quality of your business and why they should want to work for you. Some interviewees will not get the job but may end up working for a company whom you want to build a relationship with in future; everybody’s perception is important.

Paint a light tone on the walls such as magnolia which is neutral but warm. Invest in a good make of furniture such as Tetrad because the quality of the furniture should reflect the quality of your company. Tetrad sofas look beautiful and are a very comfortable seat for waiting candidates. Tetrad furniture stands out because it is hand-crafted and has delicate detail. Investing in Tetrad is worthwhile because you will have a world-renowned brand in the office for years.

Step 4: Plan Questions to Ask

Every interview needs to have a structure so it important to prepare one in advance. Before the interview begins think of a list of 10-20 questions with the most important ones at the top. You will not get through all of them but each interview should last at least 30 minutes so if you have some spare questions there should not be any awkward silences.

Step 5: Make the Candidate Relax
Begin with questions that will encourage the candidate to relax such as asking about their hobbies or what they do at the weekends. If interviewees are too nervous then it is very difficult to judge them so keep smiling and nodding and ignore any stuttering or signs of nerves. Do not interrupt their answers; a good measure of how well you’ve interviewed is to check that the candidate has spoken more than you.

Step 6: Move onto more complex questions

As the interview progresses ask what they know about the business. This will help you to distinguish who has truly done their research from those who just want a job from anyone.
With experience you will learn how to probe candidates; after hearing an answer you can ask for further details about that answer.

Step 7: Reach a Conclusion
Sometimes it is very difficult to choose between 2 candidates particularly if they are very similar. A second interview is a good way to ask more detailed and practical questions such as when they can work and whether they would be available for overtime. A cheaper alternative is a phone interview. Finally, you choose somebody!

How to Choose a Carpet

At Kings Interiors we are passionate about the quality of our products and are proud to stock a superb selection of carpets from leading brands including Westex, Brintons, Cormar and Manx. Whether you need to replace your stair carpet, update your living room carpet, or fully re-carpet your whole house, Kings Interiors will have the carpet for you. 

Choosing the right carpet can be difficult, so at Kings Interiors we can provide advice and guidance so that you make the correct decision. You can be confident that you’re getting the best price too, we buy ranges from the leading brands in bulk so can bring you the most competitive prices around. We’ve also got a continuously changing selection of carpet remnants available, where you can save up to 50% on the original price.   

 

So now you know where to come for all your carpet needs, here are some points to consider when choosing your carpet. Don’t forget that the experienced team at Kings Interiors will be more than happy to provide a wealth of information as well.

TYPES OF CARPET

• Twist Pile Carpet – Made of tightly twisted tufts which make a slightly textured, low pile.  Available in wool or man-made fibres. Low pile is less prone to shading and flattening.
• Velvet Pile Carpet - Luxurious, smooth and soft, quite similar to twist piles.
• Wool Loop Pile Carpet – Made of tufts which are produced in loops and left uncut. Makes an extremely hard wearing carpet which is easy to clean.
• Saxony Carpet – Fibres are twisted tightly together then straightened with heat to product a carpet similar to velvet but not as smooth.  They have a luxurious deep pile but are prone to holding foot marks.
• Patterned Carpet – Smooth surface which is durable and resilient and suitable for areas with high foot traffic.
• Sisal, Seagrass & Coir – Natural flooring which can be expensive but is really hardwearing.

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Carpet can provide warmth and insulation, ideal for family rooms and bedrooms, and will contribute towards energy efficiency as well as absorbing noise from foot traffic. 

• Stairs and hallways are areas of heavy foot traffic so should be carpeted with a durable carpet option.
• Dining room carpet may not need to be incredibly hard wearing, but it may be wise to opt for a carpet resilient to stains.
• Many people prefer living room carpets to be luxurious, but you may want to consider how durable this may be.
• When you purchase a new carpet, new underlay is a must. It will prolong the life of your carpet and enhance its appearance.
• Patterned carpet can act as a focal point but may make small rooms look even smaller.
• Plain carpet offers a greater degree of design flexibility but can make a large room look empty and any stains will be harder to disguise.

Our website is a great place to start for carpet inspiration, or visit our showroom to see our full range of high quality carpets.  Please contact us for more information.

Duresta Upholstery

Duresta at Kings Interiors

Duresta upholstery has been designing and manufacturing bespoke upholstered furniture for over 74 years from their base in Long Eaton, Nottingham. At the heart of every design is a sense of traditional English style, creating sofas and chairs synonymous with understated elegance and classic style. Duresta furniture is extremely well made from quality materials and above all, is superbly comfortable and durable. 

From start to finish, every piece of Duresta furniture is can be made to your exact specification by expert furniture makers. Skilled frame makers construct the frame from a selection of hardwoods which are dowelled, glued and screwed by hand. After selecting your fabric, whether it be real leather, a rich velvet, natural linen or textured stripe,  Duresta’s highly accomplished cutters and seamstresses will produce a pattern matched and hand sewn cover to complete your piece of furniture, all finished to the highest standards.

Each piece of furniture can be fully customised to suit your individual taste. Whether you want matching scatter cushions, contrast or self piped seams, wooden legs and castors or a hand sewn balance, you can create a sofa or chair unique to you and your home.

Classic Collection 

 Popular models include the Trafalgar and Hornblower which evoke the elegance of ‘English Country House’ style with their graceful silhouette, finials, solid wood legs and antique castors.  Selected designs have been endorsed by The National Trust and are based on traditional English heritage styles and fabrics, and the parks and woodlands that the National Trust cares for. These styles will sit beautifully alongside other furniture which is equally as formal, as well as with more relaxed and simple items.

International Collection 

For more eclectic tastes the International range includes embellished and luxurious models like the Wolfgang, Kubla Khan and Beowulf, inspired by the opulence of the Far East. As will all Duresta upholstery, these pieces are made to your specification so you can create your perfect sofa right down to the wood finish and seat filling.

 

At Kings we have a dedicated Duresta showroom at our Beeston store where you can browse through the selection of luxury handmade sofas and chairs. In addition, we can offer you the best prices in the UK on all Duresta International models. 

For more information about the stunning range of Duresta Upholstery please contact the team at Kings and we will be happy to give advice or answer any questions you may have.