Household Treats to Bank on this August

The August Bank Holiday weekend is upon us, and whether you’re planning a few home improvements or entertaining your family or friends, we have found some lovely home accessories to give some extra added touches to your home on this extra long weekend.

If you’re having lots of guests this weekend and you’re in need of some more seating space then have a look at some of the ottomans and footstools at Oka Direct. They are the perfect addition to any living room or seating area, and can be a great decorative element, as well as being handy when you have a few more people to fit in.

These Karaman floor cushions from Oka Direct are super convenient for this time of year as they can be easily moved inside and outside depending on the weather so that you can entertain or relax in any part of your house or garden, plus they make a simple but effective beautiful new feature for your home.

If you’re thinking about doing some DIY this Bank Holiday, then you may want to start with the addition of some new hooks or antique trimmings for your home. Willow and Stone has some beautiful designs and original antiques for sale that could be the simple but special extra touches your home needs. These hand painted ceramic coat hooks are absolutely adorable and look great both as a mix-match of colours, or all the same, or even just a single hook for a minimal but sweet effect.

Another find from Willow and Stone are these elegant bobbin light pulls, recovered from an old textiles factory. They’re understated addition that would make any room of the house feel a little more complete.

If you’re thinking about hosting a dinner party this weekend, here are some ideas to help create a beautiful setting for your guests.  The Linen Works have a collection of gorgeous tablecloths at the moment, which will lay the perfect groundwork for a wonderful dinner party.

If you’re looking for some stand out centerpieces for a dinner party or just to decorate your home in general, then have a look at An Angel At My Table. They have some wonderful pieces that are eye-catching and innovative. This candelabra makes a bold statement and is perfect if you feel like being adventurous and having a little fun with your finishing touches.

Another stunning piece from An Angel At My Table are these science test tube style vases, a beautifully creative and modern way to display flowers, and will certainly be a conservation piece.

If you want something a little more classic and understated, something to compliment your existing accessories, try out these Peacock Antiqued glass vases. They make a subtle yet sophisticated addition to any table and could be used all year round for any occasion.

This Bank Holiday doesn’t have to be about spoiling just yourself, how about splurging on your beloved pooch?  This adorable wicker dog bed from Somerset Willow will be the icing on the cake to all your new additions to the house and it’s the ideal spot for your dog to take a snooze instead of your lovely new furniture!

So enjoy the Bank Holiday and enjoy treating yourself to a few little home accessory temptations whilst you’re at it!

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Home Improvements

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website.

The August bank holiday is so often ear-marked as a time for home improvements and with this in mind, we have put together a collection of accessories from some of our favourite designers and shops that we hope will inspire you to make those small but effective changes to your home, so that if the big DIY project doesn’t materialise, at least you home will be looking new and improved!

Lighting

Changing your light fittings will make a huge difference to your home. Add lamps where you can and select pendant lights that are beautiful in a room as well as giving the right kind of light for the space.

 

Single glass shades with black fabric twisted flex and dark bronze ceiling rose in purple, smoked olive, sky blue and yellow ochre. £262 www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

Rugs

A new rug will add colour, comfort and style to a room and is a great place to add colour or pattern or both. Keep the rug as large as possible and don’t be afraid to sit the sofas and chairs (or other furniture) on it.

Niki Jones Lattice Rug  Hand knotted in 100% New Zealand wool. Available in two colourways, shown here in Ash Grey and Chartreuse Green £1250 http://www.niki-jones.co.uk

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a lovely accessory in any room of the home and will bring a welcoming, well-loved feel to your home.. Try to pick flowers and vases that fit in with the style and colours of your home but most importantly, pick flowers you love!

WildGarden Bouquet in Jug. Forget Me Nots, Anemones and Rambling Clematis. £65 plus delivery www.wildatheart.com

Cushions

I am a very big fan of a cushion or two as I think they add luxurious finishing touch to a space, not to mention a splash of colour and pattern. Try to add a selection of different cushions and avoid over co-ordination of fabrics.

Vintage Daisies and Roses Cushion Cover Approximately 50cm x 50cm, envelope back fastening with chunky shell buttons. £57 www.paleandinteresting.com

Bed linen

A new set of bed linen will not only make your bedroom look ship shape but will also be a wonderful reason to get an early night when the bank holiday weekend is over. I think some colour or texture (or both) in your bedlinen ensures that the bed is the centrepiece of your room but if you prefer plain white, a bedthrow will do just as well.

Andrew Martin Arrowstripe Duvet Covers, Multi from John Lewis

£99 – £125 Duvet cover for the duvet cover www.johnlewis.com

Mirrors and pictures

I am always amazed at the difference that hanging pictures and mirrors make to a room – they not only personalise a space but they also draw the eye upwards from the furniture to make a room seem bigger. If you don’t have a great art collection (or even if you do), well framed family photos, mirrors, prints and wall hangings will dress your walls in style. Think carefully about where each should hanging considering the background (paint or wallpaper), the lighting and the height that each piece is hung.

Graham and Green Grand Daisy Mirror 97 diameter £395 www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Bath towels

A great way to get a bit of colour and luxury into the smallest room in the house is to splash out on some coloured towels. Remember to get a selection of sizes from little hand towels to big bath sheets and check to see if you need additional hooks or towel rails to save them from all being piled onto the towel warmer or radiator.

Designers Guild Saraille Lime Towels £5-£45 www.designersguild.com

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