Nearly time to “trim the tree” !  Here are some hints and tips which I hope will prove helpful.

Choose your tree – NATURAL trees are always nice, the fragrance and the experience of the family choosing the tree and bringing it home.  The down sides are needles and for those of us who are perfectionissts when it comes to trimming, they always have uneven branches !  Remember if you choose the natural option keep filling that reservoir with water to help prevent needle drop.

Choose your lights – The trend is for clear twinkling lights and many trees now come pre-lit which eliminates the endless checking of last year’s tangled lights to hunt down the faulty bulb!     If you still choose to use separate lights, start at the top of the tree and work your way down – remember to place lights inside the tree as well as the outer edges.  A rule of thumb is 30 lights per foot.  Stand back before decorating to make sure you have even distribution.

Choose your theme - Traditional, Red, green and gold sum up a traditional look but add some rich red velvet bows and plaids to add a warm cosy feel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50 Shades of Grey interiors work well with the clean sharp look of a natural or brilliant white tree covered with berry red baubles together with white wooden decorations and twinkling clear lights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glamorous  –  cover your tree in twinkling white lights and as many gold and silver baubles as you can throw at it  Include some white sparkly decorations and white feathers for an over the top theme.  The Kardashians have followed this rule !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quirky – who says we should follow the tried and tested route.  Opt out of the traditional brigade and throw up a white tree or a real funky pink.  Most of the major high street stores stock vibrant baubles in purple – lime – cerise pink – again go for bright coloured lights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If  money is no object – push the boat out with the world’s most expensive tree from a jewelers in Japan – £1.9 million –  if you’ve got it flaunt it !!

I I I Wonder if the Obama’s have been following our hints and tips  ???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a fabulous Christmas from Anne and Joanne at Gilding the Lily Interiors

Grey in the bedroom is anything but boring!

Okay – deep breaths and if you possibly can, put the Kindle down, for just a little while at least!

Falling between black and white grey may  be considered neutral but, when it comes to bedroom wallpaper and curtains, it is most definitely not boring.

Take inspiration from the book and “mix it up” !!!

Don’t get stuck in a rut and with fresh eyes consider what heights new wallpaper and curtains could achieve.  You could bring in lots of tones from dove grey through to deep charcal.  For bed linen a crisp white adds a touch of purity while firing things up with some cushions and throws in various textures – very tactile. Enjoy !

As interior designers we often have visitors to our showroom who are nervous about using colour.  Our advice is always the same – keep the large areas neutral and work in some colour  by using

• rugs
• window treatments
• cushions and
• accessories.

Each of these can easily be changed with the seasons or if you simply grow tired of them.  Using differing tones of a similar colour and adding texture to the mix adds depth to a room.

Look at the shape of your room – a long narrow room can be split into zones, office, tv, entertaining.  Group seating together to make conversation flow.  Add a focal point to the room.  This can be a fireplace, plasma TV or a stunning view.  A popular look at the moment is a feature wall, either in a beautifully patterned wall covering or simply painted in an accent colour.

When choosing furniture remember the proportions, large rooms need large pieces just as small rooms can be swamped by over-sized sofas.

The living room can be a difficult room to undertake.  It has to work really hard !  An area to relax in, home entertainment, kids play area, home office.  Storage is the solution.  Mount the TV on a wall to save space and hide all the “gadgets”, Cds, DVDs, speakers in a suitable entertainment unit – plenty on the high street to suit all budgets.  Coffee tables can also be useful if they incorporate a drawer or two.

If you would like some free, no obligation ideas about your living room, come and visit us in store.  Alternatively you can call us on 0141 883 7070 or request a call back.