Features: March '15

Editors Choice: Our favourite bedsteads

Barcelona White Bed by Coco Male

Searching for the perfect bedstead? Here’s our top three, and what makes them stand out from the crowd.

We've scoured our gorgeous range of bedsteads and put them under intense scrutiny. Here’s our top three, and what makes them special.

Everyone loves sinking into a comfy bed at the end of a hard day, but having a comfortable mattress doesn't mean you have to compromise on style, as our selection of stylish bedsteads prove. So it’s time to ditch the divan and use your bed to create a statement in the bedroom with our pick of the best bedsteads around.

Best for…contemporary cool

This simple yet ever so stylish Barcelona White Bed by Coco Male (see above) screams hotel chic.

With sleek lines and a high gloss white finish, this super cool bedstead offers a minimalist way to create a striking style statement in the bedroom.

Generous in size, the bedstead comes complete with sprung slats, which ensure your mattress is kept in place securely and gives you a great nights sleep, while the headboard features an understated grid design which adds subtle texture and pattern.

And if white’s not your colour, you’ll be thrilled to hear the Barcelona is also available in walnut, and the range includes a matching bedside table, mirror, wardrobe and console/dressing table so you can create a cohesive look throughout your scheme.

Top tip is to keep your decorating clean and simple to complement the sleekness of this bed and add in pops of colour by using attractive cushions on the bed and statement artwork on the walls.

Best for…classic style

Cane bedsteads have been popular for centuries but can be a little fussy in their design.

This Classic Weathered Cane Bed by Primrose & Plum is far from fancy and is ideal if you want to add a classic look to your bedroom but like to keep things simple.

Classic Weathered Cane Bed

Perfect for a modern country bedroom, the bed is made from solid ash and features a simple yet elegant handwoven cane head- and foot-board, which have been gently weathered to give a sophisticated, shabby chic look. Available as a king size, this large bed is perfect for creating an elegant style statement and will add a stylish focal point to any bedroom.

A great styling tip with this bed is to use delicately patterned wallpaper in subtle colours such as a faded floral or simple stripe design, with elegant white bed linen and textured cushions and throws.

Best for…French chic

If you love French-style furniture and regularly channel Marie Antoinette when decorating your home, then this Provencal Velvet Upholstered Bed by The French Bedroom Company is just the thing for you.

Perfect for adding a vintage touch to the bedroom, this elegant bedstead is finished in a simple ivory paint and features intricate carved wood detailing on the head- and foot-board. The real piece de resistance however, is the decadent headboard.

Provencal Velvet Upholstered Bed

Gently curved, the high headboard has been covered in sumptuous neutral velvet which has been gently buttoned and adds the final grand touch to this glamorous bed. And if you love the classic French look, you’ll be pleased to hear this bed is also available with a matching choice of bedside tables, dressing table, chairs and storage options.

To make the most of this luxurious bedstead team it with a sophisticated pastel colour palette such as dusky pinks and elegant greys, keep bedlinen simple by choosing a subtly textured white design, and choose a mohair or silk throw to add an additional touch of glamour.

Guide to creating the perfect kid's room

Wall Sticker Penguin Family by JasmineWay

With our handy guide, decorating your kid's room is as easy as ABC.

Decorating your little one’s room needn’t be a chore. In fact, with our handy guide of what and what not to do, it’s as easy as ABC.

Walls

Making sure walls are bright and interesting should discourage little people from grabbing the nearest marker and decorating the walls themselves! There’s a huge range of child-friendly wallpapers available to instantly brighten a scheme, or you could opt for wall stickers, which are much easier to install than wallpaper, and are easy to change and replace.

When it comes to paint, look for those which are washable and scrubbable so you can keep your paintwork looking as good as new even after attacks from sticky little fingers.

Furniture

A child’s room needs plenty of storage for clothes, books and toys. Choose furniture which will grow with your little one, for example a wardrobe with moveable clothes rails that can be adjusted as your child grows.

Amelie Childrens Oak Double Wardrobe with Drawers by Oak & Ash Furniture

The bed is all-important so opt for sturdy designs which can withstand rough and tumble; a truckle bed is a good option if your child often has friends over to stay, while a design that incorporates a desk or seating area is a good choice for older children.

If you don’t have room for a traditional desk, look for those that can be folded away or are wall-hung to save on space and make the room work harder.

When it comes to storage, look for boxes which can be stacked so they don’t take up valuable floor space. Clear boxes are a great idea as they allow you to see the contents at a glance but, if seeing your clutter puts you off, try wooden boxes which have chalkboard labels allowing you to scribble their contents on the side.

Flooring

Flooring for a child’s room is a bit of a Catch 22; on one hand you want it to be comfortable in case of any falling little knees but it also needs to be easy to clean. Rubber flooring is a good option as it’s soft enough to feel comfortable yet extremely easy to clean.

If you choose to have carpet, go for dark, bright colours or patterned options which can hide a multitude of sins, avoiding anything with a deep pile which can make cleaning tricky. Natural flooring such as sisal and coir may be a bit too rough underfoot for a child’s bedroom and doesn’t lend itself to be played on. If you opt for wooden or laminate flooring, remember to add a brightly coloured, patterned rug for increased comfort.

Accessories

Choosing accessories for your child’s room can be extremely enjoyable, especially if you get them involved too. If they’re old enough, work with them to create moodboards of how they would like their room to look and choose accessories together.

Decorative animal head - Mister Elephant by BODIE and FOU

Prints and framed posters offer a good way to brighten up a wall while patterned and colourful cushions and throws are great for adding interest to plain bed linen.

When it comes to window treatments, black out blinds are a must particularly during the lighter months while window film can be a good option for maintaining privacy while still allowing in light.

Lighting

Lighting is important in a little one's room and you should consider various types of light sources. Create a statement with your central light fitting by choosing a decorative pendant shade (there is a plethora of child-friendly designs available) and complement with a bedside table lamp.

Look for designs which offer a soft glow and can be left on during the night to comfort very young children. For older children, a desk lamp is an essential piece of kit; look out for ones which can be adjusted easily so your child can position the light just where they need it.

Editors Choice: Our favourite console tables

Embossed Silver Metal Console Table by Out There Interiors

Check out our top three favourite console tables.

Console tables are an essential piece of hallway kit. Whether your space is big or small, narrow or wide, a console table not only adds interest to your hallway, but is practical too. From somewhere to keep your post and keys safe to stashing away items you’d rather have out of sight, no hallway should be without one.

We’ve picked our favourite three and put them under the spotlight to help you decide what’s best for your space.

Our top console table for... adding glamour

When it comes to interiors, glamour is back with a vengeance and, while we’re not suggesting you go all Liberace in the home, a touch of glamour here and there will instantly lift your space.

The Embossed Silver Metal Console Table by Out There Interiors (see above) is the epitome of glamour and will create a real statement in any hallway.

Finished in embossed silver metal, this beautiful table has gently curved legs and elegant clear glass handles on the drawers.

But it’s not just stylish, it’s practical too - with a wide tabletop, there’s plenty of room to display all your hallway essentials such as a phone and table lamp. Then there’s the three handy, spacious drawers, which are perfect for keeping everything from phone books and keys to gloves, hats and scarves neatly stored.

Our top tip for using this console table in your hallway is to keep the rest of your decoration simple yet elegant, so combine with subtle patterned wallpaper, sophisticated neutral paint colours and unfussy flooring to let it really stand out and be the focal point of the room.

Our top console table for… adding industrial chic

Inspired by loft living and disused factories, the industrial trend continues to be a strong one when it comes to decorating the home, and this Loft Console Table by Alexander & Pearl is a perfect example which would look great in a retro or contemporary hallway.

Loft Console Table by Alexander & Pearl

Crafted with a conscience, this table is made from reclaimed timber, and its simple design is completed by gently curved, metal legs.

Featuring two sturdy shelves, the top one is generous in size meaning there’s ample room to keep even the messiest of hallways neat and tidy. The top shelf provides space for post, address books and other hallway paraphernalia while the bottom shelf could even be used for storing the odd pair of shoes.

While this console table has no drawers to keep your bits and bobs hidden away, there’s plenty of room under the bottom shelf place to some sturdy, metal storage boxes which will give you even more space to store your clutter.

Our top tip for this table is to choose your accessories carefully and opt for a factory-style table light and retro phone to keep the industrial look going.

Our top console table for… a minimalist look

If you like things sleek, simple and ultra modern, the Modern Glass Top Console Table by Coco Male is the perfect choice for your home.

Simple, understated, and very elegant, the brushed steel frame is accompanied by a super sleek glass black top, and is ideal for small spaces as it doesn’t take up too much room.

While there are no drawers to speak of, the tabletop has plenty of space for all your hallway needs, but we suggest keeping clutter to a minimum.

Modern Glass Top Console Table by Coco Male

If you do want extra storage in the hallway, a simple, modern coat stand or rack would complement this table perfectly and make sure your space remains clutter free.

Our top design tip for this table is to keep things plain and simple by keeping your paint or wallpaper choices neutral and adding a splash of colour with a modern, sculptural vase.

Get the Look: Hotel Chic

Hotel chic

Find out how with our guide to getting the hotel look at home.

Most of us come away from fantastic hotels wishing we could replicate the look at home - well now you can with our guide to getting the hotel bedroom look at home.

While you might not have a maid or 24-hour room service, that doesn’t mean your home can’t look as amazing as any of the best hotels around. With some careful planning and beautifully chosen pieces, your bedroom will soon be given the 5 star treatment.

Beds and bed linen

Typically the stand out feature of hotel bedrooms! When it comes to choosing your bed, it is always worth buying the best you can afford and, with its elegant good looks, the Provencal Velvet Upholstered Bed (see above) is a perfect choice.

If you opt for a divan, choosing a headboard will add interest and turn your bed into a stylish focal point.

When it comes to dressing the bed, crisp white linen is a great starting point. Choose designs with high cotton thread count and add interest by accessorising with cushions and throws in varying colours and textures.

Ruched Cotton Percale Bed Linen

Furniture

Most hotels choose simple yet elegant furniture so copy this look by choosing pieces with clean lines. In addition to the all-important bed, bedside tables, a dressing table and, if room allows, a comfy armchair or chaise longue are essential kit.

Look for bedside tables which have drawers or shelves to keep the top clutter free, and leave plenty of room for a lamp and reading material.

Storage is key to keeping the look luxurious and uncluttered. Fitted wardrobes can be a good option as they take up little room, provide a more streamlined look and are great for hiding a multitude of clutter while a chest of drawers or tallboy provides ample space for stashing away jumpers, tops and lingerie.

Barcelona Walnut Bedside Table

Lighting

You’ve probably noticed that hotel bedrooms tend not to use central or overhead lighting fittings. If they do, they are usually discreet, recessed spotlights which are connected to a dimmer so you can create and control the mood.

Choosing a combination of well-placed lights is key to getting this look right. Bedside table lights are a must; it's best to choose ones that can be adjusted for bedtime reading.

If you don’t have space for a bedside table, choosing a wall-mounted light is a good option. Wall lights are often used in hotel bedrooms and can work just as well at home. Look for uplighters in materials such glass and porcelain which gently diffuse the light and create a warming atmosphere.

Accessories

Mirrors offer a great way to brighten up a plain wall. Hotels often choose large, decorative ones to create a focal point in the room and this is an easy look to replicate at home. Choosing a classic freestanding design is also a good idea and can instantly update a dull corner.

Choosing artwork is where you can really show off your personality. Most hotels tend to stick to generic landscapes so put your spin on this by choosing something you really love and want to see everyday. Large-scale canvasses look great and can be used to create a dramatic style statement. Look for ready-made prints or have one made using a favourite photo to give your room a personal touch. A sculptural vase filled with fresh blooms is a perfect finishing touch to give your space a sophisticated hotel-style look.