A contemporary living space is characterised by simplicity, clean lines and use of texture. The uncluttered yet homely design remains a popular decor choice for homes.
Whether you're looking to freshen up your existing home or are completely renovating a property, every little saving along the way helps! We explore contemporary living room ideas on a budget.
Crisp and clean lines feature heavily throughout a contemporary home, providing cohesive structure to the space. Use sculptures, furniture, lighting and decorative accessories to run these clean lines throughout the home.
They don't just need to be clean cut lines, opt for curvaceous lines to soften the overall look too. You could use a curved kitchen island, or a curvaceous sofa set to provide diversity and command attention throughout the space. You don't need to break the bank to achieve this. See what items you already have available and pick out some key decorative pieces that provide those clean, structural lines.
No contemporary living room is complete without the furniture. When fitting out a room it's always best to start with the furniture which is the biggest asset, and focal point of a room.
One of the characteristic features of contemporary furniture is that the legs of sofas and armchairs are almost always exposed. Tapered, angled wooden legs are preferred over traditional turned ones on castor feet or those hidden under a skirt.
The fabric, material of the furniture is also an important consideration. Marble remains a popular feature in contemporary furniture thanks to those smooth, and ultra clean lines. Whilst colour shouldn't be shyed away from, neutral, muted tones are favoured throughout contemporary design. Furniture can be a big expense. So, do look at antique fairs, charity shops and Facebook marketplace to pick up a specific piece for less.
For a more affordable contemporary refresh, why not change the existing wooden knobs on your cabinets and pieces of furniture to something more contemporary? A quick refresh like this can transform a tired piece of furniture into something that looks amazing, and will last in your home for many years to come.
Contemporary homes demand texture throughout the space, creating a cosy, contrasting space. Even if you are pulled more towards the minimal aspects of this interior design style, you'll still need to build texture throughout the space.
This can easily be created in a living room which is naturally a place of cosiness and relaxation. Various layers of texture you can include are rugs, throws and cushions. Then put a focus on the type of material and don't be afraid to contrast. Use leather, fur and matte finishes to create visual interest in the room.
It's important to consider your lighting when creating a contemporary space. It should flow seamlessly from floor to ceiling. Recessed downlights are a very contemporary lighting choice for a living room, especially when combined with other layers of lighting. Opt for dimmable downlights so you can control the ambience of your room as role changes throughout the day.
To layer the lighting scheme, combine with sculptural wall lights or pendant lights to create that soft, yet contemporary feel.
Metal accents are warmly welcomed throughout a contemporary interior, but don't just keep it contained to your furniture. Metal interior hardware details such as sockets and switches and cabinetry handles will create a contemporary, yet subtle feel to the room. Try to keep to the same metal finish to avoid chaotic clashing.
Most metal finishes are well suited to a contemporary home and it is much down to personal preference, but the uncomplicated finish of both brushed chrome and polished chrome is perfect for a contemporary style.
Muted, neutral tones are favoured throughout this design style due to the uncomplicated nature of them. But don't make the mistake of thinking that bright white is the answer. It's certainly okay and acceptable to use contrasting colours as you may want to create specific focal points for a specific piece of furniture or design feature.
To create that confident contrast, a monochromatic colour scheme works incredibly well in a contemporary space. It allows you to move from one extreme to the next with precision.
There are plenty of ways to breathe a contemporary feel into your home without breaking the bank. Focus on the foundations of colour first before bringing in the other elements.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Whether you’re looking to freshen up your existing home or are completely renovating a property, we explore contemporary living room ideas on a budget.
Pink is a colour that no longer needs to be shyed away from in interiors. Millennial or blush pink is one of the most popular pink hues, whilst it can stereotypically be referred to as a colour for girls, it's no longer just a shade for feminine inspired interiors.
If you're looking to bring this shade into your home, we take a look at the colours which go well with pink.
If you're using a softer pink such as dusty pink or blush in your interior, grey will complement it perfectly. This colour combination is soft, fresh and ultra modern.
If you're using pink on your walls, ground the lighter pink with darker accents of grey, and even black to prevent it from looking too feminine. If you're looking to create a feminine and delicate space then stick with a lighter shade of grey.
For a sophisticated and elegant look, pink and olive green work harmoniously together. Combine the two with furniture, throws and decorative accents. Treat either pink or olive green as the main focal colour to not overload the space. Then incorporate the second colour with gentle accents.
In fact, it's not just this shade of green that complements pink well. Any introduction of a subtle hint of green brings warmth to the space whilst contrasting well against the pink. Introduce greenery, fake plants and subtle decorative touches.
Red is a similar colour to pink on the colour spectrum yet they can work well together when used in the right doses. As they are similar, too much of either colour will completely overpower the room. It's a good idea to introduce a third colour into the mix such as white or grey to use as the foundation colour.
Pink and red should be considered as complementary colours, use them sparingly in the space for throws, cushions, bedding and decorative accessories.
This makes for a colourful, and bold pairing that is incredibly effective in an interior. Opposites certainly do attract, with so many different shades of blue, you can create a different look and feel with each shade. Midnight blue creates an opulent look, whilst pastel blue and baby pink could suit a child's room or nursery.
You don't just have to create a bold and visual contrast with these colours. Create a calm and serene space with softer hues of pink and blue with white as a foundational base in the room.
White provides a no nonsense, perfect base for pink and it's one of the most popular colour combinations. Whilst creating a bold contrast, it still helps to achieve a neutral base for pink. Incorporating grey for further warmth and visual interest.
White can be used throughout for the walls, whilst pink could be featured subtly through the furniture, decorative accessories and artwork without looking garish.
Copper is still very much the metal of the moment and pink and copper are the ultimate millennial crush. They complement each other so well due to the warmth that the copper provides. You often see pink furniture with copper frames, and used subtly as an accent colour.
Copper can look tacky if it's used too much, using it sparingly throughout a home can help to add those final finishing touches whilst enhancing the room around it. Copper sockets and switches add a perfect finishing touch, whilst a copper light might be all you need to add that gorgeous contrast against the pink.
Pink is an incredibly versatile colour , available in a huge range of hues so you can find one that perfectly fits into your home. It can work in harmony with a range of colours to help create a balanced, and beautiful interior.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]If you’re looking to bring this shade into your home, we take a look at the colours which go well with pink.
Simply adding a new light fitting to your home is considered to many as the 'lighting plan' for their home. But lighting design is science led and is the application of light to spaces. It is the foundations that will help that light create the desired look, and your home to flow throughout. You can't do one without the other.
Lighting design is all about how lighting can guide you through a home. Creating an effective lighting strategy, whilst formulas on the placement of the lights plays a huge role in pulling it together.
Lighting design is the art of delivering effective light to spaces, and to pull you though a home. An ineffective lighting plan can impact satisfaction, visibility, task performance, mood and atmosphere. In addition to this, an effective lighting design will enhance your interior, helping it achieve its true potential.
It is also about understanding the needs of each room, what intensity of light is required in each room, does the role of the room change throughout the day? Is flexibility required in the lighting scheme? Is there a focal point of the room which needs illuminating. The answers to these questions will help to guide you with lighting design. This is when the real science, and art of lighting comes into play.
There are various formulas that can be used to calculate lighting layout and the quantity of lights required per room for the best output and performance. This is an example calculation of lighting required in an office space. However it can be applied to any home, or commercial setting.
For example, for a dining room you will need the following input;
The calculation then uses the input data in 8 different steps.
Perhaps one of the most common questions to do with lighting design is where should lights be placed, particularly in kitchens where recessed downlights are used. It's about the quantity and placement to ensure there is adequate lighting to aid food preparation, yet not too many lights so the room ends up over exposed. You need to take into consideration both the height and width of the room, how the room will be used and whether it is open plan.
To work out an approximate number of downlights required for a room you firstly need to work out the square footage of the space. You can measure the square footage of the space by multiplying its width by its depth. With this figure multiply it by 1.5, to give you a guideline of the total wattage to light the room.
The next step is to choose the bulbs and wattage that you want, then divide the total wattage figure just calculated by the bulb wattage that you want to use. This will then indicate the number of fixtures you require. This is only an approximate method of working out the optimum number of lights required, however an electrician or lighting design consultant can guide you further during the installation, as well as factoring in any other important considerations.
When using recessed downlights for task lighting in a kitchen it is recommended that over a countertop, the lights are fitted 24 inches out from the wall. The placement of this provides the optimum levels of light to aid tasks such as food preparation. Focus on the beam angle when purchasing your downlights so you know how far the light can spread.
Adding flexibility to your lighting scheme is key to controlling the ambience, and mood of your choice at the touch of a dimmer switch. Certain rooms require an ambient change throughout the day, such as a bathroom, kitchen or living room that needs to be brighter in the mornings but dimmer in the evening to create a relaxing, tranquil space.
Lighting is so much more than just brightening a space, it can help to set the mood, and enhance your mood. A dimmer switch is the easiest way to gain control over your lighting setup. Not every room necessarily needs a dimmer switch, but it's highly recommend to install one for rooms where the role changes throughout the day such as a kitchen and bathroom.
There are so many assets to lighting design to help enhance your home, and your experience within it. If you liked this article, you might also enjoy reading what is colour temperature - another incredibly important aspect of lighting design.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Lighting design is all about how lighting can guide you through a home, creating an effective lighting strategy to enhance your home.
How can I make my small room look bigger is the age old question. It's likely that all of us will have had a small room at some point that we've drastically done everything to it in the hope that it stops looking so pokey.
Unless you're extending your house, there isn't anything you can do about the physical space. But there are many space saving tips and decor tricks to help give that illusion of a bigger room.
There is a common misconception that bright white paint will instantly brighten and give the illusion of more space. Whilst it's true that white paint reflects light, it will only reflect what is in the room. Making a room brighter is key in a small room, but you need to uncover the reason it's dark first. Is it North or South facing? Are the windows small? Is it encumbered with furniture? Understanding why it's dark in the first place is the best step to working out what the best paint shade to use is.
If your room has little natural light or colder light due to being North facing, adding bright white will actually make your room feel flat as there is not enough light to bounce off the walls. If you do opt for a white, find one with gentle undertones that bring warmth into the space. Colour chart palettes will list all the shades underneath that complement that colour through their undertones. Investing in the right type of shade for a small room will help to make it look bigger, and cosier.
If you have small windows or no natural light available then you need to focus on adding the most effective lighting to your space. All rooms will benefit from high CRI lighting. High CRI lighting 95 > enhances the true colour of foods to aid preparation, can help with colour-based tasks such as painting, improved clarity and definition of images and text and lift your general mood and home life.
This is one of the reasons why a paint colour might look different in one room to another. High CRI lighting will greatly improve the clarity in the room, and it's the closest thing to natural 'artificial' lighting.
Having a small room requires all of the space saving hacks to really make the most of the space you have. Opt for a bed with a base that can double up for storage space. Add shelving to keep things off the floor and if you have drawers, purchase draw inserts so you can really look to fit as much into them as possible.
Keeping the floor as bare as possible will make the room feel more minimal, clutter will quickly take over a small room.
There are many things that can create an optical illusion of space to make a room appear bigger. Hanging floor to ceiling curtains is one of them, having curtains that sweep onto the floor instantly creates that illusion of space, and higher ceilings.
Adding in skirting boards with more depth can also give the illusion of having a higher ceiling. This in turn helps with making the room feel, and look bigger.
Mirrors are a well known object that can help to create the illusion of a bigger room. Hanging mirrors from walls allows for light to easily bounce around the room from windows whilst creating the illusion of more square footage.
There's plenty of ways to make a small room look bigger without increasing the square footage. Start with getting the foundations right like lighting and paint before bringing furniture and decorative accessories into the mix.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]There are many space saving tips and decor tricks to help give that illusion of a bigger room without increasing your square meterage.
A question that is commonly asked surrounding LED lighting is about lumens and watts. Do they both matter? How are they different? What do they mean, and how are they comparable?
There are many different types of LED light bulbs on the market which makes it even more difficult to decide what is right. Most manufacturers will include both a wattage and lumen rating so it is easier to compare between light bulbs. But first, you need to be able to understand what lumens and watts are, and why they are so important when selecting the right light bulbs for your home.
Lumens are perhaps one of the most important things about a light bulb as they tell you how bright a light bulb is going to be. Lumens measure the amount of light emitted by the bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light is going to be. The chart below demonstrates the colour the light would emit in comparison to its lumen rating.
Lumen information can be found in the ‘Technical’ tab of all of our light bulb product pages.
Watts measure the amount of power that is consumed by the bulb in units. When one amp flows through of one volt, its result is expressed in terms of watts.
It does not tell you how bright the bulb is, lumens are a more accurate indication of how bright the light is. The higher the wattage, the more light that is emitted. A low wattage indicates a more energy efficient light.
A high lumen value doesn't mean that the wattage will also be high. You can see from the chart below what a wattage is of a bulb in comparison to the lumens. It is best practice to look for these two readings on lights to identify how bright the light will be, and what energy they will consume.
It is useful when identifying a bright light which is also energy efficient. Look for the light output (lumens) that you require and then find one with the lowest wattage. This will be the most energy efficient light to suit your needs.
When it comes to bulbs it is not just about the aesthetics. It's really important to keep an eye out for these two figures to make sure that you get the most out of your lighting setup that is bright, whilst being energy efficient too.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]We explore what lumens and watts are when it comes to LED lights, why these figures are important and how to compare them both when choosing lights.
There are a variety of sockets on the market including USB sockets, Switched Sockets, Unswitched Sockets and 5 Amp Sockets. This can make the purchase process more difficult than it needs to be.
Switched sockets are the most commonly used type of sockets in domestic settings. Switched sockets have switches on which need to be turned on in order for the electrical supply to feed to your devices.
Unswitched sockets cannot be switched on or off and are not used like regular plug sockets. They are connected to the source of the signal, and sometimes connected to the lighting circuit so they can be switched on and off via light switches in the room.
Unswitched sockets are usually used for powering appliances that are in use continually such as fridge/freezers. Typically, they are used for appliances that are not easily accessible such as fridge/freezers. They are then isolated with fused connection unit which would isolate that one socket.
They can also be used for floor lamps where you might want to connect them to same the lighting circuit. So, when you switch off your lights at the end of the day, the lamp switches off with them too. Although, 5amp and 13amp sockets are more commonly used for this.
Unswitched sockets are not illegal, but they are not commonly used in homes for a variety of reasons. As the socket is always 'live' this can cause safety concerns if for any reason it needs to be quickly disconnected.
The main reason that we have switched sockets is to isolate power to a circuit. In the event that something was to happen and the power needed to be pulled then you can easily stop the power from the source by switching it off. The switch removes the power from the socket when nothing is connected making it safer than an unswitched socket which could take much longer to disconnect. However, most commonly they are also isolated with a fused connection unit which would isolate that switched socket.
If you have small children in the house, this again poses a risk if they put their fingers into the live socket. However, this could happen with a switched socket if they were able to turn the switch on. Therefore, where possible, socket covers should always be placed into sockets when not in use to protect children.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]There are a variety of sockets on the market including USB sockets, Switched Sockets, Unswitched Sockets and 5 Amp Sockets. This can make the purchase process more difficult than it needs to be. Switched sockets are the most commonly used type of sockets in domestic settings. Switched sockets have switches on which need to be […]
Telephone sockets are one of those things that we all have in our homes. But how much do you know about them and the purpose they serve? There are two different types of telephone sockets which can cause instant confusion when you're looking to refit existing sockets. Keep on reading as we explore telephone sockets in detail.
It's common for every home to have a master telephone socket. This socket is needed to connect your home to where the phone line enters into the house. This is the main telephone socket.
The master telephone socket is usually found in the hallway of your home. If you can't locate it, try to find the wires on the outside of the home and trace them inside to locate the box. When you move into a new house, or are looking at your existing sockets you might notice that you have more than one of these that look similar. However, the master socket is the one that will be found closest to where the line enters into your home.
A standard BT master telephone socket can be replaced with any of our master telephone sockets.
There is a possibility that you might have a master socket which has two sockets on it. This means that the line has already been split for telephone and broadband services. Therefore, the hub you receive for your broadband connection could be plugged straight into the correct port on your master socket.
Whilst a master socket is always needed in a home, a secondary slave socket is only required if you need a connection in other rooms. Secondary slave sockets can be placed in additional rooms where you might also need a connection. For example a bedroom for a phone or in an office for convenience. The secondary slave socket then feeds from the master socket.
Functionality aside, from a build perspective of the two sockets, the only difference between them is that the master has the ring components built in and a slave socket doesn't.
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Telephone sockets are one of those things that we all have in our homes. But how much do you know about them and the purpose they serve? There are two different types of telephone sockets which can cause instant confusion when you’re looking to refit existing sockets. Keep on reading as we explore telephone sockets […]
Light switches are one of the most appraised, viewed and functional assets in a home. For something that is used and viewed on a daily basis, it's important to consider the aesthetic side of light switches, as well as their primary function.
There are many different styles of light switches on the market. Ranging from your cost effective, white plastic switches to brushed brass screwless light switches. When you start introducing different metals and styles, you do need to consider whether they will compliment your existing interior decor style. In this post, we're going to explore minimalist light switches and what switches are perfect for this style.
A minimalist interior can be likened to a modern interior style. It is characterised by simplicity, clean lines and bare essentials to create an uncluttered space.
This is a popular interior style which also uses a limited colour palette. A monochromatic style is often used for accent colours through decorative accessories and furnishings.
Of course, every element is important in creating a minimalist interior right down to the finishing details, such as light switches.
Light switches can sometimes be obtrusive to the eye and are bulky. Minimalist light switches should have a flat plate or profile. Be screwless, and an appropriate colour for a minimalist space.
Perfect for a minimalist home, the white metal switches by Soho Lighting offer everything you could need for a minimalist light switch. The screwless white metal flat plate is unobtrusive and will blend seamlessly into the walls of your home. Their fresh appearance is minimal and clean with those simple clean lines that we see running throughout this interior trend.
Most traditional switches on the market still feature screws which can be unsightly. The flawless, screwless finish on these flat plates really does make a huge difference to the overall aesthetic.
If you are looking to incorporate some monochromatic elements into your minimalist scheme, these black nickel switches would work perfectly as those accents.
The flat plate switches are contemporary, stylish and slick like no other. They have a much slimmer profile to traditional face plates.
Whilst finishes are an important aspect of choosing your minimalist switches, the switch type should be considered too. Some people do prefer the aesthetic look of a toggle switch over a dimmer and rocker switch. These more traditional switch types look bulky and obtrusive in comparison to the intricate detailing of a toggle switch.
A toggle switch is delicate, intricate and perfectly minimal, lending itself to a minimal interior perfectly.
Minimalist light switches are perfect for minimalist and both contemporary and modern homes. Finishing details that don't detract from the rest of your interior.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Light switches are one of the most appraised, viewed and functional assets in a home. For something that is used and viewed on a daily basis, it’s important to consider the aesthetic side of light switches, as well as their primary function. There are many different styles of light switches on the market. Ranging from […]
Beige is an interior colour that is easily overlooked as being a bland and boring option. Usually trumped by white for its minimalist look that can be brought to life with other pops of colour.
This underrated shade offers a lot to interiors, with neutral colours becoming a popular colour palette for homes. To give a better understanding of how beige can be incorporated into your home, we explore the colours that go well with beige.
If you're looking to create a really minimalist setting in your home, beige and white are the perfect colour complements for one another. Whilst the two colours are both neutral, the stark and crisp white provides a lovely contrast against the beige.
This pairing is popularly used in living rooms and kitchens as it helps to create the illusion of an airy space. It can also be used to create a cosy feeling throughout rooms such as a bedroom.
Don't forget that other neutral colours could be brought in through decorative accessories for a bit of warmth. Such as rusty red, earthy green and browns.
Light beige paired with dark brown creates a wonderful colour combination. Both colours represent natural, earthy colours, whilst the brown helps to create warmth in a room.
They could be used throughout a home with beige being the perfect colour for wall paint. From there, you could incorporate dark wooden furniture for that natural element, and by bringing in brown accessories for maximum impact.
For a soft and feminine interior, beige and baby pink work perfectly together. The result of the two together creates a soothing and gentle room. This brings a touch of delicate warmth to the space. This colour combination is not suitable for every room, but it is favoured in nurseries and children's rooms because of that effect.
It's best to use beige for the walls and bring the baby pink in through furniture and decorative accessories.
Like brown, earthy green shares the neutral and natural colouring association with beige which makes them highly compatible in your interiors. These two colours can create a fresh and inspiring interior. You might want to incorporate a third colour into the mix such as brown through wooden furniture to keep that neutral, yet natural balance running throughout.
It doesn't just have to be earthy green, beige can work well with other tones of green such as olive, forest and dark green.
Despite both being neutral colours, beige and grey are a powerful and warm pairing. This colour combination would work well in a kitchen, living room or gender neutral nursery.
If you choose to paint the walls beige, keep it modern by bringing grey accents in like throws, rugs and linen.
For a sophisticated and luxe look, gold can add a bit of style to a beige backdrop. It can turn an otherwise boring space into a comfortable, and luxurious space.
Brushed brass is another gorgeous pairing in small doses, especially for interior hardware and decorative accessories. Brushed brass sockets and switches will make the room look more appealing and stylish, the finishing details really do matter.
Once you delve into this neutral colour there really is more than meets the eye. Beige is far from boring when complemented by other colours in your interior.
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]To give you a better understanding of how this colour can be incorporated into your home, we explore the colours which go well with beige.
Rising gas prices in the UK pose a huge cause for concern for many households as Autumn sets in. Many small energy suppliers are being pushed out because of the rising prices that don't meet with the price cap. This is forcing consumers to switch which is resulting in even higher energy prices.
Whilst the gas prices remain an uncertain worry for many, the good news is that things can be done to help reduce your electricity bills.
The darker nights are starting to draw in. That means it's the perfect time to consult your current electricity usage to see how to reduce your bills.
One of the simplest ways to instantly start saving on your electricity bills is by switching to LED bulbs. In September, halogen bulbs were officially banned from sale. However, it's not illegal for existing halogen bulbs to still be used in homes. But if you've not already made the switch, you could be spending a lot more on your electricity bill than necessary.
Spread over a 3 year period, you could make an 86% saving on your current lighting costs. The table below illustrates the savings that could be made by switching from incandescent to LED bulbs. Whilst the initial investment of LED bulbs is slightly more, this will pay for itself over and over again in the cost saving you will reap on your electricity bill.
Easily overlooked, switching off the lights is perhaps one of the easiest ways you can start saving on your electricity bills. We recently delved into the impact of leaving the lights on, and it's worse than we think.
6.5 million people admit to leaving the lights on when they aren't in the room, a yearly cost per user resulting in an additional £838.66 on your electricity bill. I think we'd all prefer to see this figure in our bank accounts. And something as simple as switching off the lights can really ease those purse strings.
It's likely that it's become a habit, so leave notes on the back of each door as a gentle reminder. Check each room upstairs before you head downstairs, and when you leave the house that all lights are switched off.
Many of us leave our appliances on standby mode constantly, mostly for convenience. But did you know that just by switching off everything when it's not in use could save on average £30 a year? This marginal saving could make a real difference to your annual bill in conjunction with the other savings.
It can be all too easy to stick with your current electricity supplier year in, year out for convenience. There are many price comparison sites available that you can use to search for the cheapest electricity on the market. You can compare estimated yearly and monthly costs as well as your annual savings if you were to switch.
It's worth doing this every year to see if you could be saving yourself even more money by just making a switch.
Whilst rising gas prices can be a cause for concern, learning how you can keep costs down will really help your overall outgoings. The good news is that there are some really easy ways to make savings to your electricity bill!
[related_products is_auto_added="1"]Rising gas prices in the UK pose a huge cause for concern for many households as Autumn sets in. Many small energy suppliers are being pushed out because of the rising prices that don’t meet with the price cap. This is forcing consumers to switch which is resulting in even higher energy prices. Whilst the […]