I believe Rugs are very important when it comes to space and heres why:

1. Zoning of a space- by adding a rug down on the floor it gives you the ability to zone and ground that space, which is especially useful for open plan living. It gives that little area or zone a real purpose and by grounding the area it visually looks very pleasing, complete and inviting.

2. Comfort- A rug allows for a different texture and pattern to be introduced into a space, even if it is placed on top of already carpeted floor. If the original carpet is neutral another pattern or complementary texture really adds that extra layer. ” ”

3. Style- A rug just adds an instant lift to a room, it can be the final piece of the puzzle or the beginning element. It adds style and allows one to interact with your floor space in a completely different manner.

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Interior Design again does not stop with your outdoor space, your outdoor garden etc is also a continuation of the style of your home and the experience in which you want to create. It is really important to embrace your outdoor space, especially if you are going to be doing a lot of entertaining over this period of the year. Making it comfortable and enjoyable is as simple as the little details again we were talking about last week. One of my absolute favourite places is IKEA because it has so much on offer and it really makes things accessible to everyone. They are running a fabulous campaign this summer about loving your space and making them your own, especially your outdoor one. If you are having trouble coming up with how to make your outdoor space come to life or embracing it, here are some of my questions and tips you should ask yourself to help bring it to life. By the way, I do not think you will find these tips or questions anywhere else, this is pretty much anything I myself as the designer would ask a client.

1. Think about the type of outdoor person you are? Maybe you do not like the outdoors, or maybe you do not have a lot of space. Even if you tick these particular boxes it does not mean you cannot have an outdoor area that does not cater to you. Think about what you like in this kind of environment and what you like to do out there. Is it reading? Is it tanning? Is it entertaining? Is it just for the kids? Ask yourself all these questions and I am sure you will find a link somewhere there that will help you begin to build a trend.

2. DIY! DIY! Are you wanting to recreate a space you have seen previously? Are there simple things you can do yourself to achieve the desired look? Do you have animals that you want to create a space for? Do not just think about the garden in terms of being on the ground and on a flat surface, the thing about your walls, maybe you do not have any space so you could benefit from a vertical garden or a series of hanging plants. Contact Men Behaving Handy and request a handyman to get all those DIY jobs you haven’t got time for done.

3. Do you like plants? Do you like flowers? Do you want to use fresh vegetables in your cooking?
Are you a herb person? I know these questions do not sound like typical interior questions but trust me it all comes into play when planning an outdoor space.

4. So now you have answered all the questions in number 1, but now what? Well, guess what? All those answers assist you in knowing what kind of furniture you want and will require to achieve your perfect outdoor space. Get planning!

Here are some of my favourite photos from IKEA in regards to outdoor living. I also wrote about this recently on my blog so you can also find out a lot more about it there.

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As the weeks go by Christmas is creeping up quicker and quicker, which usually means for a lot of us many different festive occasions and get-togethers that have to be attended, if in fact, you are entertaining yourself it can be lots of fun to create a festive environment. I want to really challenge the norm here when it comes to the festive season and I cannot lie, I very much prefer New Year’s Eve over Christmas. I feel as though the need to decorate and style for an event is something that is becoming more and more popular as it gives one the opportunity to create an environment and experience. I often ask myself why do we have to use traditional Christmas decor to create a festive environment? So, in saying this, I have a new colour inspiration that I feel is great for this summer season of festivity. It is a little different and would make for a great setting for a dinner party as I really feel the colours scream summer, relaxation and fun.

Orange and blue make for a perfect combination, they are two completely different tones that contrast so well and can be a very different colour inspiration for your festive occasions, it could be a pre-Christmas party or even a get together leading up to New Year. Put this combo together with a hot summer night, a great space, you have a winning combination. I think it is really important to think outside the square when it comes to colour, especially when it comes to events or entertaining, having a theme and or having a setting can really make for a great experience for your guests.

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Well, these are for me the three most important things to look out for;

1. The height of the ceilings.
2. Window placement and height of sills and frames.
3. How major areas of activities are or will be zoned.

These three things allow you then to begin your search of the perfect layout and furniture pieces to create a sense of scale and balance.

If you have really high ceilings for example, you should look at getting really large oversized paintings or images. Having something small on its own will look completely out of place. Alternatively with high ceilings but a very narrow hallway, then you may think about getting a very thin console and large mirror to assist in opening up the space and not crowding it.

If you have a small room and a large window, you may consider very light and sheer curtains to add some texture and also lighten the room up. Hang them high above the window frame to make the walls appear taller.

These are just a few examples of how playing with proportions and scale will allow you to understand

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One of the latest interior styles that has been getting a lot more attention over the years is the very raw interior. Now, when I say raw, I mean very natural, a lot of timber that is untreated, recycled materials and greenery.

To me these type of interiors are all about large windows, bulky and rustic looking furniture, things that are quite wide in size and uneven surfaces.

With a growing popularity in sustainability, it not only gives one the opportunity to have an interior that is very mindful of its natural surrounds but achieve that indoor and outdoor seamlessness that many adore and crave in their space. I really do think, this style is going to become even more popular the years go by, as it will allow us to be kind to our earth and utilise it within a respectful manner.

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This Friday I am sharing with you my top colour combinations and winter colour inspirational images that not only make me feel warm and fuzzy inside ( yes, you read correctly, to me they evoke a real sense of warmth ) but would be a great place to start with introducing some warmer tones into your home, through blankets, candles, rugs and accessories.

I think it is so important to think and look outside the box for inspiration, which is why the palette I have put together below is a college of things, places and foods that to me are the best way to discover a new colour combo for your interior.  I believe this winter season is going to be all about the texture combinations, tones and bright shades mixed with warm orange, plums and reds. Copper is big right now and can be found everywhere, as it is a great warm metal that can add elegance as well as a textural element to any space. It has so many different applications that your options are almost limitless! Teamed with any earthy or warm shade combo with greys, browns and orange and you have a winning winter interior palette.  Hope this keeps you warm for another week.

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This is why I love a bit of marble for a feature material, its natural and beautiful and when it’s utilised in the right can make for an edgy look too… see many different positives. Real stone has many different imperfections that are actually unique. Today I am not talking about anything to do with price tags, I am not talking about how practical it is ( you would actually be surprised ) Today I am sharing some fierce marble inspiration as I am looking at how different textures used in one given space can add dimension and depth to your interior ( stay tuned. ) This is one material I am slightly obsessed with at the moment and cannot wait to get the right brief to use some. Here are some stone images to inspire:

 Hope you enjoy the material palette and that it provides you with some inspiration.

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It is literally popping up in everything, pendant lights, pot plants and even furniture. Those who have been following my posts for a while now will know how much I love mixing textures and that is such a great way to create a layered interior, so it really wont be coming as shock when you hear me say that, concrete in your home, kitchen bench tops and bathrooms is seriously awesome.

Some may think that it is cold and would make a space quite harsh, but like anything treated in the right way, textured and layered with other materials such as timber, copper, gold, brass, warm lighting and other stones it will be anything but. One of the other great techniques we are seeing coming through with the concrete is the rendering inside the home. Usually render is used for outside of the house but more and more it is becoming a much more popular application inside to really create a high end industrial, loft feel. Here are just a few photos to inspire and demonstrate how concrete is really the hot trend right now!! Let’s hope it does not become a fad!

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Week one is all about the industrial interior. This interior to me is very harsh but is also very warm at the same time because it is all about layering materials and textures, which you all know I love to do. It is very raw as materials that are used are not often treated the same as they would if we were looking at a classic style interior. It is all about dark colours, strong contrasts not just in colour but in materials, streamline lines juxtaposed with rough edges and materials. High ceilings, wallpapers, eclectic, warm, copper, timber, metal, bricks, small tiles, concrete and the list continues. An industrial interior can often be a little retro too!

To give you a little more direction take a look at a series of images I have chosen below to demonstrate how to achieve an industrial look. To complete your look, pendants with exposed globes, leather and glass accessories with layered rugs allows you to bring the style together, do not be afraid to mix match. 

Styling tip: Look a like wallpaper is a great way to get the exposed brick, timber cladding or concrete wall look in your home. Not too expensive and easily removed!

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That is why it is essential to have a great design. We have focused on Kitchen design before over the last year on the blog, so today I want to inspire you with some great functional ideas that can be easily implemented into the home or kitchen design if you are renovating.

My number 1 tip for functionality in a kitchen is really important so remembering the triangle rule of thumb when it comes to your sink, oven and cook top is paramount. However, there are also some great other things to consider when thinking about how you like to be organised in your kitchen.

Here are some great ideas  which are fabulous DIY tasks or even something Men Behaving Handy can assist you with.
Ask yourself questions like the ones below to assist in figuring our what your needs are for your kitchen.

Do you like to have your baking elements organised separately to your other cookware?

Do you like to display things in your kitchen?

Is storage an issue?

Is it important for it to always be tidy and clean? (Let’s hope so!)

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