Floors for Effect

Floor are an extremely important part of any home, and can often dominate a design scheme without you even realising. The right floor can do wonders for your home’s look, and there are so many choices to think about. If you’re renovating, and are in the midst of picking out a floor, with just a few tweaks and twists your floors can be given a unique personality, which sets you aside from the rest. Or, you’re not in the position to be installing new floors in your home, you can think about different ways of updating your existing floors to give them your own stamp of style. From big ideas, or DIY projects, here are a few ways to get creative with your floors.

Painting your floors is an easy way to get the ball rolling. If you’re looking to update a room, changing the floor colour can add a whole new dimension to the space. Take this room below; clean, crisp white walls and ceiling are paired with this minty green floor, giving the room a jolt of vibrancy that still makes the room feel light and spacious.

Painted Floor from Pinterest

Everyone loves a good bit of herringbone, and the floor is of course a great place to have the pattern. Adding in a further aspect like this two-toned design gives your floor, and room something extra. The detailing of the wood and the herringbone pattern gives those close up something to awe over, while the bigger consignment of stripes creates that first impactful impression.

Two-toned Herringbone from Tobias Rocks Tumblr via Pinterest

If you’re installing a new floor and a thinking about tiles, I rather fell in love with this porch-area with white and neutral chequered tiles. It’s an alternative look to the classic black and white chequered style, and acts as the perfect base to the greenery of the outside; the combination of the potted plants on top of the tiles makes a fun but elegant look. A neutral chequered floor is a great way of adding glamour to a space whilst still keeping the theme understated. This would look great in an outdoor space, utility area or garden room.

Chequered Stones from X Surfaces via Pinterest

If you have an open-planned space, dividing up the area in more formal sections, for example seating and dining etc., can help give the space structure. An easy way to divide up the space is by utilising the floor. Sometimes this can be done by using rugs, but if you want to try something different, painting patterned areas can be a fun and creative way to use the floor in a practical sense. In the house below, they’ve created individual kitchen and dining sections by painting a rug-style pattern on the floor, which divides the areas but keeps them connected at the same time.

Painted Patterns from Apartment Therapy via Pinterest

If you don’t have the budget to replace a floor for your dream one, there is always the chance to get creative and take an alternative route to the style you want. I really like the way that this kitchen doesn’t have black and white chequered tiles, but rather painted chequered floorboards, its turned the idea into a whole new look, adding a sense of intrigue.

Painted Chequered Floor from Hello Tiger via Pinterest

Alternative Directions from Jean Fi Vintage Tumblr via Pinterest

I love how these floorboards are laid in alternating directions, creating a strong statement in this room. The different tones of the boards also add an interesting element to the look as well, showing that you don’t need matching pieces to create a cohesive look; in fact this concept could be carried out using collected reclaimed wood or scaffolding boards.

For a sleek and contemporary look, and a way to spice up a concrete floor, staining or painting the surface can immediately change the feel of the floor and room. Painting the concrete floor of your garage, or outdoor room that’s particularly functional (like a utility or storage area) will help to give the utilitarian space some personality. Equally staining concrete floors gives an almost luminous outcome. This simple concrete floor has been given a moody sea-like effect, making an unusual but dramatic statement.

Stained Concrete from Cute Decor via Pinterest

If you’re feeling a little extra creative, I like the idea of using stencils on old floorboards, or as I’m considering, my bland concrete slab patio. Buying a stencil, or making your own is a great way to give a room some personality. It could be a fun way to spruce up a bedroom or bathroom, and the pattern could be big or small depending on your style and the look of the room. Below someone dressed up this living space with this large pattern, really adding an interesting element to the overall look of the home; perfect for a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic.

Stenciled Floors from Pinterest

Finally, an outdoor rug can really make an outside area feel connected, but if you want to be a little more experimental, why not try a painted rug, a perfect way to jazz up some tired, old decking or veranda. This one below is a little wild, but really makes an eye-catching effect.

Painted Rug from Bella-Tucker via Pinterest

Making the most out of your floors, be it when putting in new ones, or updating your old, is a great way to insert extra style and design into you interiors and explore new ways of making your home feel special and one of a kind.

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Back to Black

When decorating, and filling our homes with wonderful things, it seems that we tend to lean towards using lighter colours, but I believe that there is an argument to be made from using darker shades, especially black. There’s something intriguingly stylish and timeless about the colour black, and using it within a room helps to frame and sharpen the overall look of a room. Whether you want to go hard and heavy or just have a little play around with the idea, here are some absolutely brilliant black accessories and furniture pieces to be thinking about.

‘Round Copper Art Deco Shelf’

The black metal frame that circulates this shelving unit creates a wonderful contemporary look, especially combined with the copper effect of the shelves. It’s a simple yet intriguing piece that would look stunning as a feature on any wall and is a lovely way to use a small amount of black within your home.

‘Ronde Pendant’ from Gubi

This matte black pendant from Gubi has a certain sleekness that is hard to replicate in another colour. It breathes cool, and is the perfect piece to use in a modern designed kitchen, perhaps using a few in a row for a truly sophisticated look.

‘Black Oak Parquet’ from Kardean

If using black interiors has really taken you fancy, go all out with a bold statement under your feet. A black flooring system really creates a modern, urban feel and will serve as a brilliant blank canvas if you want to add some depth to your scheme with a few colourful or contrasting rugs.

For example, a beautiful black patterned rug, this Paul Smith designed stunner is just the right amount of contrast to make the black on black work together making a powerful yet understated visual look.

‘Arrows’ by Paul Smith from The Rug Company

If you’re not quite ready to take the big plunge into the world of black interiors, a few simple accessories that follow the black motif are a great way to test the waters. This marble clock from Houseology is a worthy investment. Its timeless style means it’ll be well suited to many styles and will be adaptable as you move homes or change your interiors.

‘Marble Wall Clock’ from Houseology

This lamp base from Pooky combines black with pinch of cuteness, especially when you can mix and match with their wonderful patterned lampshades, which will add a bit of fun and playfulness into an interior.

‘Verona Table Lamp’ from Pooky

Another charming home accessory that will appeal to your softer side is this lovely black heart light. It’ll be super effective if you want to warm up a look of a room or space in your home.

‘Small Black Heart Light’ from Graham and Green

The award winning Philippe Starck has designed this stunning dining room chair, available via Houseology. Its sleek design is every contemporary lover’s dream, and would look amazing paired with a glass or white table. If you’re not sure about getting a whole set, then just purchasing two for the heads of the table will also make a wonderful feature piece.

‘Kartell Masters Dining Chair’ from Houseology

The canton collection from Lombok has a particularly elegant look, I especially love this four poster bed from the collection. It’s a simple and classic design, and accompanied by some beautiful bedding will really be the icing on the cake.

‘Canton Four Poster Bed’ from Lombok

Lastly, I had to squeeze in this little marvel from the ever brilliant Julian Chichester. For show stopping pieces Julian Chichester is a must, and this piece is no different. The gilded metal legs give the piece a lighter feel as though it is floating meaning that despite its black lacquer finish, it doesn’t appear heavy or bulky.

‘Twister Cabinet’ from Julian Chichester

If you’re brave enough to go in full throttle, or just want to have a little dabble, there is so much fun to be had and you may find your perfect little black piece of furniture.

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The Rug Life

Rugs are a significant, but often overlooked part of any room or home. More than just an accessory, if used correctly, they can change a room’s style, atmosphere and overall vision. When buying a rug, people are often quick to jump to a safe option or to a style that they have used in the past, but being brave and taking a chance on a new style or size of rug can be just what a room needs for a little revamp and revitalisation.

Finding the perfect rug for your space and taste can be a little tricky as they come in all shapes and sizes, and like a pair of ill-fitting jeans the wrong match for you could be disastrous and could turn your beautiful home into a big old mess. But fear not, we’ve been doing a little research and we’re here to show you the best and brightest in all price ranges to help you to find you rug soul-mate.

‘Ivy Trellis’ by Rodarte from The Rug Company

If you’re out on the prowl for your dream rug it may be a good idea to take a look at some designer and high-end rugs to find out what styles, colours, patterns you are most drawn to (that is of course if you can manage not to shed a tear at some of the prices!) The best place to head to for some inspiration is The Rug Company, they are host to masses of beautiful rugs including collections from some of the best designers. A few of our dream rugs at Angel + Blume are designed by the house of Alexander McQueen, and though we might yelp at the price it’s good to have aspirations…

‘Military Brocade’ by Alexander McQueen from The Rug Company

‘Monarch Fire’ by Alexander McQueen from The Rug Company

Once you’ve established your likes and dislikes when it comes to rugs, you can start shopping around. Companies like Graham & Green are a great place to start as their selection is well stocked and their prices reasonable. This is a charming take on a Moroccan style rug, and could be easily worked into an already decorated room.

‘Atlas Berber’ from Graham and Green

If you’re looking for a small rug to allocate a space in a room for a few chairs and a table, or a comfy seating area, Graham and Green have some lovely circular rugs in a few styles, which are ideal for creating an individual space inside of a larger room.

‘Round Pink Rug’ from Graham and Green

‘Circular Goat Skin Rug’ from Graham and Green

There is always a pattern vs plain debate when it comes to picking out rugs, and ultimately it boils down to your taste and the room itself. If you want a plain rug it would be best to make sure you add colour or a pattern in another component of the room for example the walls or curtains so that the room doesn’t become too washed out. This elegant rug from Scottish designer Anta is the perfect plain rug to complement other styles and colours you may want to include.

‘Large Owl Rug’ from Anta

When a room is in need of a contemporary and quirky patterned rug, either to set the pace or follow suit, there are a few designers you can try. Jonathan Adler always brings a sense of fun and originality to his designs and has a wide range to complement your style.

‘Red Arthur Kilim Flat Weave Rug’ from Jonathan Alder

This enjoyable design from Adler is the perfect companion to a modern home, and can be the only splash of colour needed if you’re into more of a muted, minimalistic look elsewhere.

‘Zebra Peruvian Llama Flat Weave Rug’ from Jonathan Adler

If you like your interiors to have a playful edge, and you’re a sucker for a faux animal print, this zebra rug is simply to die for, especially since no animals did!

Stair runners are an amazing way of decorating a home, and one of the best place to go in search of runners is Alternative Flooring. They have a wonderful range of styles and colours, and can tailor their designs to your specific needs.

‘Wool Blocstripe Sable Bone Bloc’ from Alternative Flooring

This beautiful monochrome design will add a bit of pizazz to a neutral hallway and help create a welcoming atmosphere as well as a style statement upon entering your home. Another contemporary style from Alternative Flooring is the Rock ‘n’ Roll Roxanne design which would be perfect for updating a home’s interior into a modern look.

‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Roxanne’ from Alternative Flooring

When it comes to choosing a rug’s size, it’s generally best to follow the ‘bigger the better’ rule. If you buy a pre-made rug the standard size is usually around 300x200cm, although it will always vary depending on which store or website you visit. If you have a large space to play with, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t end up with a rug that’s too small and therefore disturbing the room’s ambience and flow. One way to get around this is to order a section of carpet and have the edges bound. This gives you flexibility on the size and can be quite cost effective. We did exactly that with a client with the brilliant Crucial Trader.

‘Audrey Sunrise’ from Crucial Trader

‘Krakow Rug’ from Niki Jones

Niki Jones creates some wonderful classic contemporary rugs, as well as cushions and linens, which can be custom made into any size you like.

‘Optical Rug’ from Niki Jones

‘Polygon Rug’ from Niki Jones

The possibilities are fairly endless when it comes to rugs, big or small, plain or patterned, classic or contemporary, expensive or cheap. Start thinking about what you would really love on your floor and then track down the right supplier, this will save you from being overwhelmed by choice!

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Artwork on the floor

If you are looking to add luxury and glamour to a room, I think one of the most stylish ways to do it is to look to your carpet. These images are from Stark Carpet who produce some of the most gorgeous carpets and rugs on the market and they show how a beautiful carpet can make a room – I would go as far as to say it is artwork for the floor, so feast your eyes as well as your feet!

Stark Carpet Nairamat Collection, room by Gideon Mendelson

Stark Carpet Dorjee collection, hand made from silk, linen, wool and cotton

Stark Carpet Dorjee collection, hand made from silk, linen, wool and cotton

Stark Carpet Nairamat collection Crystox PW Tundra, room by Gideon Mendelson

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