We are so used to our 9-5’s, living for the weekend and enjoying coming home at night and settling into our cosy homes, but now we have found ourselves using our dining room table as our office desk, our kitchen is now a central hub for zoom calls and the most exciting part of our day is the endless amounts of parcels we have ordered online during our ‘lunch hour’.

In the space of a few days our home has went from this tranquil escape from the world to us wanting to go to Tesco’s just to escape from our home. Our’ new normal’ seems further away from anything that we are used to, and whilst it feels like this nightmare is never going to end, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Some days you may feel like you can take over the world, and other’s the piling laundry and dishes are being shoved into an empty room and having the door firmly locked. Here at #teamBlakely we are all trying to adjust to our ‘new way of life’ just like everyone else and we certainly don’t have all of the answers, however we hope our top tips can help.

Suddenly all of those ‘I’ll do it on a rainy day’ jobs are becoming more and more obvious,  the walls that you have been dreaming of painting pink for months, the bathroom tiles that have been sitting in the garage for months, the handles you have been meaning to change on your freshly painted chest – now is your chance.

Whilst this scary time has the entire world falling apart around us, this is also our chance to use this time in the best possible way, get stuck into that project that you have been putting off.

Although our doors may be closed for now with our team safely at home, we are so excited to get stuck into your projects once we are all able to come back again, so what do we suggest?

Pinterest:

This incredible app will be your best friend, pull all of the ideas and dreams that you are falling for into one place, search for inspiration and fantasise over stunning designs. We suggest pulling together your ideas into a board and our team of designers will be more than happy to work with you on bringing them to life.

Instagram: Did you know our social media outlets are full to the bring of stunning projects that we have undertaken as well as lots of tips and tricks on how to create your dream home?

www.blakelyinteriors.co.uk: Our website hosts blogs, brands and lots of incredible information that we definitely suggest you take a look at

For anything further please do feel free to contact our team on any of our social media outlets or by emailing us on: enquires@blakelyinteriors.co.uk

The post Making your home work for you. appeared first on Blakely Interiors.

Last month our team of designers headed off to the Titanic exhibition centre in Belfast ahead of Self build live 2020.

The weekend proved to be a great success with lots of exciting new projects coming our way and the chance to once again work alongside existing clients.

This fantastic event ran over 3 days and always captures a great attraction with people thinking about building, young couples starting off in their new homes and everything in between. Self build live houses some of the best and leading companies within the world of homes and everything in between.

It is also a brilliant event to gather knowledge with leading companies presenting their top tips on several stages across the weekend, including our very own Stephen Blakely who took to the stage not one but twice to give us his “9 Interior secrets to transform your house into a home

Why 9 and not 10? “You won’t remember the guy who gave you 10 top tips, but you will remember the one who gave you 9”.

1. PLANNING IS KEY.

Okay your foundations haven’t even been dug yet, why would you need to be thinking about where you are going to put your plug sockets?

Actually, this is the perfect time to think about it!

We describe the designing process as a triangle.

The bottom of the triangle is where you have all of your options, flooring, layouts, colour, shape etc but what happens when you make a decision? You go up the triangle and suddenly that decision that you made at the beginning you weren’t quite sure about has now narrowed all of the choice that you can have and you are stuck at the top of the triangle with a ‘it’ll do’ finish, rather than a “I love this” finish.

2. BE PRACTICAL WITH YOUR SPACE…

You’ve been scouring Pinterest searching for inspiration and suddenly you have fallen in love with a panty specifically for baking, you studently find yourself falling in love with the idea of baking on a rainy Sunday afternoon in this secluded space that is designed around that vision …sounds perfect doesn’t it? One tiny problem…you don’t bake, you don’t even enjoy cooking yet, so why are you creating a space for a hobby you don’t and probably won’t ever do?

Think about the uses of each room, who will be in it, when will it be used? What do you need in this space for it to be practical? If you can answer these questions honestly and with a clear mindset then you have the hard work done!

“Ssh, the architect isn’t always right”. If your space isn’t working around you or your family, then change it!

3. BE COLOUR CONFIDENT…

When moving into your home the easiest thing to do (we absolutely don’t recommend) is to paint the entire house one colour.

Why is this bad we hear you ask? Remember that triangle we mentioned…

By painting the entire of your house one colour you have narrowed down every option for wallpaper, fabrics, furniture, carpets, etc without you even knowing it.

Our recommendation? Stick to the main rooms you will use the most of first i.e. kitchen, living room, bathroom and a bedroom.

Carve your design and style into these spaces by taking the time to image what you want the finalised space to look like, how do you want it too feel?

By asking yourself these questions and again taking the time to find the answers will end up saving you a lot of time and money down the line.

4. STRIKE AT THE HEART OF THE HOME…

Make your kitchen work for you. This is the room that you will spend the majority of you time in. Where you will prepare meals for the family, where you will entertain, catch up with your loved ones etc. so this space needs to be right for you.

This is where your planning ahead will come into play.

Have you thought about your storage needs? Do you want equipment such as toasters and microwaves on your worktop? If not, do you have a dedicated space for them?

5. MAKE YOUR SPACE WORK FOR YOU

Plan ahead with your space, think about how accessible it is. You don’t want to be trekking round the house with your Tesco bags, so think about the location of your kitchen in relation to doors and access points.

Consider elements such as the location of your plugs and electricals, will your splashback allow for enough space to house plugs needed for your kettle and toaster etc?

Do you have enough storage? Is there enough lighting in the space? Working with a designer can help you not only answer these questions but to ensure that you get the best possible layout from that space.

6. INVEST IN UPHOLSTERY

We do have to say this since we make and reupholster all of our own soft furnishings and upholstered furniture.

Key pieces such as a feature chair or footstool really can draw attention to the room, add depth and design as well as pulling the entire scheme together.

This is also your chance to add a pop of colour or texture into your space, need inspiration? Why not have a look at our social media pages, you will find us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Houzz as well as our website.

7. WINDOW DRESSINGS.

Oh we could write a book on this. Your architect has talked you into an apex window, a 12 ft wide window or lots of little ones… that may look great but how do you dress it?

Not only will dressing the window cost you a small fortune in buying shares in a fabric company, but you could also be compromising in the natural light being allowed in, the mood within the space as well as the tranquillity of the flow throughout the area.

8. LIGHTING IMPACTS EVERYTHING.

By incorporating natural lighting and working with materials such as reflective surfaces, recesses lighting and spot lights within the room this can add character and help to remove the room from being dark and cramped to personal and warm.

This can also be done with the introduction of artificial lighting such as chandeliers, wall lights and lamps.

9. IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!

You are the one who will be living there, you are who is paying for it and it’s you that will be the canvas for inspiration throughout the space.

Make sure that everything going into your home is a representation of you and your style, not one that you have been forced into.

Working with a designer can eliminate false buys such as items you seen in Pinterest but doesn’t look right in your home or choosing a room schemes because you seen it in your friends house, you need to decide for you.

This may all seem overwhelming, however the team here at Blakely Interiors are on hand to help

The post 9 Interior Design Secrets To Transform Your House Into A Home appeared first on Blakely Interiors.

2020 also showcases the release of the much anticipated ‘Colour of the Year’. This year is the turn of Classic Blue, or as it is informally known: Pantone 19-4052. Described as “a timeless and enduring blue hue” this colour is effortlessly beautiful!

Timeless, elegant and a designers favourite (although to be honest we are just happy to see anything other than grey).

This stunning tone will work perfectly within any space or room, adding character, depth and a modern twist.

This shade is described as “thought provoking” and desirable, and we have to agree! Just imagine coming home from a long day at work to snuggle up on your favourite chair, and unwind in a space that has been designed purely for relaxation, whilst also being oh so chic!

Blue is always a timeless colour, it is adaptable in creating a drastic mood change  whilst also making the room seem cosy and snug. We are loving this breath of fresh air adding some creative depth to the neutral pallets of new homes, with designers such as Harlequin, Zoffany, Mark Alexander and Designers guild to name but a few releasing brand new collections incorporating these stunning tones you are sure to fall in love!

Classic blue is definitely a winner for us! Our designers diaries are now open for 2020 so if you would like to incorporate this beautiful shade into your home then please feel free to contact us.

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The decorations have been taken down, there’s only the purple ones left in the quality street tin and let’s be honest, you feel pretty miserable, well were hoping we can cheer you up!

We spend weeks decorating our homes ahead of the big day, finding the perfect tree, spending countless hours choosing baubles to match the room and adding fairy lights to every available space. Suddenly your home is a vision of happiness, excitement and passion, you long every day to come home and snuggle into your cosy space by the beautifully lit tree, watch Christmas movies and entertain family and friends in your decorated home so when the time comes to pack everything up (Yes, even that last set of lights that you were hoping no one would notice) both reality and your mood can come crashing down.

All of the excitement is over and January is here – simply the most horrible month. New year, new me, the gym has gotten 10x more busy, your friends are doing Veganuary, Dry Jan or saving until pay day, the weather outside is miserable and you are often stuck inside looking at your now bare walls …so what can you do to make sure your home doesn’t look bare and empty after the holiday decorations are put up?

You loved your home before Christmas, you can love it again! Space isn’t a bad thing – nor should it be scary! Create a feature or focal point in your room and point

So what can you do so your home doesn’t look bare and empty after the holiday decorations are put up?

1. Embrace the empty space!! We are a culture of clutter, often buying things because they are on sale or we feel we NEED to have the latest home craze, but you don’t! Find a few items whether that be personal or decorative that you simply love and allow them to do all of the talking in your room – remember less is more!

2. Do a deep clean – no really! Once you start to hover up all of that excess glitter and celebration wrappers you will begin to like your simplistic, clean space. You suddenly have less places to dust, the hovering takes 2 minutes and your electric bill is halved!

3. Move things around – Sometimes moving a chair to the opposite corner of the room can transform your space, rearranging your ornaments or photographs can also add a new depth to your walls that you didn’t have before, it can take the bare look off the walls and therefore also adding character.

4. Evaluate your design … Are you happy with the room? If not, why not? Is it the shade of paint? Is your sofa torn and in need of a facelift? Is that lamp that your mother in law forced you to have 15 years ago really in the best place? Grab your paintbrush and try out those sample pots you have been holding onto, choose a stunning new fabric to reupholster that old couch in or create a new look by adding a selection of scatter cushions to hide the tear in the arm. A few simple changes really can make all of the difference.

5. If you don’t need it, get rid of it! You have countless throws, cushions, lamp shades and even rugs stored in the loft that have been gathering dust for years now …you’re never going to use them are you? Why not sell your items? Bring them to a car boot sale, donate them to charity, put them on gumtree and use the money you make to buy a beautiful piece for that room instead. Use your money wisely, often buying cheaper items ends up costing you much more as they just aren’t the right shape, size or colour and you really should have spent the extra £10 on the vase that matched the wallpaper perfectly. We’re not talking about spending every last penny on 1 item but being more careful and refined with your accessories purchasing.

6. Ask yourself 3 questions:

Do I need it?

Do I have anything similar?

Will it add to my room?

Good design doesn’t have to be expensive; it doesn’t need to include designer items as often high street stores such as Home Bargains, The range, Next or TK Maxx will have the most beautiful pieces for very little. So, the next time you go into these stores take photos, measurements or samples – then in your room decide where you would put it, Do you need to move something else? Or get rid of something completely? This may sound like hard work and admittedly it would be easier to just buy the items and worry about it later but then you end up back with a room full of unused items.

We hope that by following these design tips you will be able to create or transform the home that you love, the home you can’t wait to come back to after work each day, and of course our fabulous designers are always on hand to help you with any project. Simply contact us to book your consultation today!

From everyone at Team Blakely’s we wish you a Happy & Healthy new year and Good Luck in getting through January …. you can do this!

*Accessories and Giftware available in our new showroom, open Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm and Saturday’s 9.30am – 4pm.

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2020 IS HERE, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? 

The post January Newsletter appeared first on Blakely Interiors.

Deck the Halls…with FABULOUS new curtains of course

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas songs playing all around, lights and glitter fill our days and excitement pours through the air, and with the big day now less than a week away it can feel overwhelming trying to create the ‘Perfect Christmas Home’.  So, its your turn to host the family this Christmas, you have the food and drink sorted, everyones gifts are wrapped under the tree but your home just isn’t screaming warm and cosy….what do you do? Firstly…DON’T PANIC! You have had a busy year, your Pinterest board is bursting with home inspiration, DIY Christmas decorations and a tutorial on how to up cycle your furniture – we are all the same! There may be less than a week and you have 100 other things to do but with our simple tips and tricks you can make your home perfect.   KEEP IT SIMPLE Your decorations don’t have to be from a designer store, be covering every room in the house and using up all of the electric, instead keep it simple. Using some pine cones, greenery and a mason jar you can create the most magical moments. *Add orange slices, cranberries or cinnamon sticks for that little extra Christmas experience.  SETTING THE TABLE You’ve worked on a seating plan separating the couple always sure to have a row before the turkey is set down, but have you thought about what will be decorated around it? Think about your colours: napkins, crackers, plates – once you have a theme start to build around it, use the leftover acorns, greenery or mass jars to create a feast for the eyes. *Ask a joiner to cut a large chunk of mdf, spray it gold and add some candles and greenery – simple yet effective!  MAKING A FEATURE As your guests arrive into your home why not create a feature of the hallway? Get creative and spray some snow spray on that large potted plant, add some fairy lights and your hallway has already become much more cosy and welcoming. *Drape a garland around the staircase for that extra touch. WISHING ALL OF OUR CLIENTS, SUPPLIERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR FROM EVERYONE AT BLAKELY INTERIORS  CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS  Friday 20th December – 5.30PM CLOSE Reopen:  Thursday 2nd January 2020 @ 9am – 5.30pm Friday 3rd January: 9am – 5.30pm Saturday 4th January: 9.30am – 4pm

The post Christmas at Blakely Interiors 2019 appeared first on Blakely Interiors.

When designing homes this season, decorating the dining table is as important as the Christmas tree (well almost). Sparkle this season with our interior design decorating tips for your dining table.

1. Choose a colour scheme and stick to it. Choose up to 3 colours (max) in crockery, textiles and glassware, making sure they all complement each other.

2. Be eclectic and use different styles of crockery and glassware. Mix & match if needed but stick within your chosen colours. It will work!

3. Linen table cloths and napkins add a sense of occasion and sophistication. Keeping these plain helps highlight your personal touches and creative ideas. Feel free to scatter some chestnuts or crystals around your table to add extra texture.

4. Placemats will anchor the setting and add interest and texture to the table, then add both a dinner plate and a side plate on top.

5. Fill various vases and pots with spare baubles and twinkle lights to create a centre piece with a difference. This will also create a focal point for the celebrations.

6. Give your guests plenty of arm and leg room.

*Tip: Place utensils 2cm from the edge of the plate and line them up evenly. Utensils in the outermost position are used first (for example a soup spoon and a salad fork, then the dinner fork and the dinner knife then desert utensils.) Always place the blade of the knife towards the plate.

7. Bring a sense of the season indoors by adding a seasonal flower to each guests’ setting.

*Tip: Tie some sprigs of rosemary or seasonal holly and berries in a bundle.

8. Add some frost to your guests drinking glasses by dipping the rim into sugar. A sweet and simple touch.

*Tip: Position drinking glasses and/or wine glasses to the top right of the place setting.

9. Add a warm glow to your table setting with some candles of all shapes and sizes. These could be tiered to add dimension to your setting.

10. Wow guests with a small wrapped gift. This makes a thoughtful name setting and finishes the look. (A gift-tag with a personal message is also sure to put a smile on your guests’ faces).

More questions?
Our experts can help answer any questions you have – simply get in touch:

028 4062 2666

enquiries@blakelyinteriors.co.uk

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C H R I S T M A S

‘Tis the season to be jolly’

Christmas usually begins in the home; when the nominated family member is given the challenge to rescue the decorations from the attic, (which have just about survived last year’s celebrations).

From the very first box retrieved from the attic we find ourselves moving furniture into the dark corners of our homes; to make room for the Christmas tree and its entourage of baubles, ornaments and never-ending fairy lights. This can disrupt our interior design schemes and can make our home seem somewhat disjointed.

Here are a few festive tips to keep your interiors right this Christmas…

Light up your life…

Everything looks better with twinkling lights, especially at Christmas, when the evenings are darker and colder. Whether you go big, bold, and bright or dull, dim and subtle – fairy lights will add a glow to your home whatever the style.

*Tip: Don’t be afraid to spread the magic – add fairy lights along your mantel, window frames, or stairway banister to continue the glow throughout your home.

Seasonal elements…
Be sure to make a visit to your garden and gather up seasonal elements such as holly, twines, or pinecones to bring a rustic approach to your space.

*Tip: Add them to an empty vase with battery powered twinkle lights for a quick DIY feature or plant them in a pot of pebbles and decorate them with delicate baubles to create a Christmas tree with a difference.

Subtle decorations…
If your space is compact or your interior design scheme already includes vibrant bold colours or prints – keep minimalistic.

*Tip: Keep it simple by choosing just one subtle colour to decorate your home with at Christmas. Gold, silver, white, grey or brown are preferred colours to choose from. Choosing one colour and use in repetition throughout your home at Christmas, will keep your tree uniformed and can create a bigger impact than a multitude of different colours.

Be eclectic…
A little mix match is allowed at Christmas – displaying different items together to create a festive vibe in your home adds dimension to your space when decorating mantelpieces or dinner settings.

*Tip: Gifts, candlesticks, vases, and ornaments work well together when all one colour but in different shades and shapes. Also, don’t be afraid to have them vary in height too.

Coordinate…
If your Christmas tree is replacing a piece of coloured furniture that usually brings your home decor together; try to colour coordinate your Christmas decorations with existing colours to avoid the tree looking misplaced.

*Tip: Nothing looks better than coordinating the wrapping paper of gifts below your tree too. This helps to complete the entire look and fulfill the colours that are usually in the space.

We hope these tips will give you a little helping hand when preparing your home for Christmas – we want you to choose decorations that not only work for your home but work for you and your family too.

Merry Christmas from our team at Blakely Interiors 

02840622666
enquiries@blakelyinteriors.co.uk

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Our team at Blakely Interiors recently designed, supplied and fitted-out another show home for Lotus Homes. “We have used a mix of colour throughout the showhome. Teal, orange, grey and hints of lilac have played a part, with lots of physical and visual textures”. says Stephen Sharpe (residential design manager)     “This house feels like a home the very moment you step inside” says Stephen Blakely (Creative Director) Artwork and metallic accessories have been significant to anchor each space in the home. This lets the design of the home flow from room to room.            Blakely show home ~ a bright, creative and and relaxing space. www.blakelyinteriors.co.uk

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