If the visuals of interior design aren’t daunting enough, then there’s the language designers speak. The codified terminology, bits of jargon, the myriad different ways they’ll describe a chair, the seemingly endless eras and styles that get thrown around—it can all feel a little much.

Luckily, we’re here to clear up the basics. If you want to speak like the pros, first you need to know the common terms laypeople struggle with. Brush up on these definitions and prepare to impress.

1. MODERN VS. CONTEMPORARY

These two terms are the biggest mix-up in design speak. Even the pros can be guilty: They are often used interchangeably on design shows and online resources, and that makes it easy to get tripped up.

“Modern design” evolved from Modernism, the historical movement of the early 20th century, spanning across genres of design architecture art and more. New technologies in construction, particularly the use of glass, steel, reinforced concrete, plastics, molded plywood, changed the way furniture pieces were made (and what was desired). Think Bauhaus School, Eames furniture, Gerrit Rietveld’s Red Blue Arm chair, the Wassily Chair, Barcelona chair, anything Mies van der Rohe. The feeling was much more neutral and minimalist, thanks to the machine-made production.

Contemporary design, on the other hand, encompasses a range of styles from the late 20th century, with several key differenes from modern design. Think of contemporary design as a reflection of the current moment (which is sort of post-modern). You’ll notice more rounded and softened lines and more bold color than in modern spaces. But it’s ever evolving.

2. VINTAGE VS. ANTIQUE

Don’t let a salesperson fool you: vintage does not equal antique. An antique is a relic from the past that has considerable monetary value. Typically, the piece was created during a specific time period (aka Louis XIV, Baroque, or, more recently, Shaker folk work) that has now come back into popularity. A vintage piece, however, may not necessarily have any financial value. It’s something that was manufactured in the past, at least 30-50 years ago, and is now back in style. Case in point, vintage rugs might be just old and in fabulous shape, but an antique rug will cost considerably more—and require much more nuanced care.

3. LOVESEAT VS. SETTEE

A loveseat is typically between 55”-65” in size and considered any small-scale sofa that fits just two (hence the “love”). It’s meant for cuddling (or more dainty sitting).

A settee, while it can have the same dimensions, has a bench seat. Loveseats could have split cushions or all manner of upholstery, but a settee will always have a single cushion making up its seat and may provide seating for up to three. Settees are also more apt to have wooden legs/arms (think the type of French Louis XIV settee you might see in an entryway or breakfast nook).

4. ACCENT CHAIR VS. LOUNGE CHAIR

A lounge chair is normally deeper in size than an accent chair, and sorry to be so on the nose about it, but it’s made to lounge in, relax in, and maybe even recline in. Their purposes is comfort (not that it means you need to sacrifice style).

An accent chair can run the gamut. They can be upholstered or not (if they are, they do tend to have a slimmer profile). Designers sprinkle them into a space to inject personality, color, pattern, or texture. If you’re looking at a cute vignette with a chair next to a console or tucked into a corner, you might be looking at an accent chair.

5. CHEVRON VS. HERRINGBONE

Chevron patterns had a big moment for bit, but faded out of fashion in fabric and moved to the floor.

Sort of. Both chevron and herringbone pattern floors are on the rise, but they are not one in the same. Hardwood floors arranged in a herringbone pattern are composed of equal size rectangular pieces. They are arranged in a zig-zag and staggered slightly with the end of each plan meeting the side of another. Chevron pattern floors resemble an inverted “v” with the pieces cut at the edges in a 45-degree angle, while herringbone has the distinct broken zig-zag effect achieved by using rectangular pieces to create the same pattern.

6. DAYBED VS. CHAISE

A daybed is exactly what it sounds like—a bed that’s used for lounging during the day time. These three-sided pieces typically features a twin-size mattress as the bottom cushion (though you can find the occasional full-sized option). They fit regular sheets and are perfect for home offices, petite living rooms, studios, or guest bedrooms.

A chaise can either be part of a sectional’s seating configuration (the “L” of the sofa) or a standalone piece of furniture. Literally “long chair” in French, they are typically around 65” deep. A standalone chaise lounge can float on its own in a room, and are often seen in luxe boudoir type-scenarios.

7. COFFEE TABLE VS. COCKTAIL TABLE

What’s the difference? Nothing, to be completely honest. A coffee table is normally 16-18” tall, and it sits in front of the sofa. Guess what? It’s the same for the cocktail table. The distinction of terms is more of an old school vs. new school terminology, Europe vs. America.

8. CURTAINS VS. WINDOW TREATMENTS

Window treatments encompasses the entire set of options from blinds, drapes, shades, etc.

Curtains refer to a specific type of window treatment, fabric panels that hang on rods all billowy and puddling on the floor. Imagine those old theater spaces with the rippling velvet fabric hiding the stage.

9. PENDANT VS. CHANDELIER

A pendant is a light fixture that hangs from the ceiling with one cord. Pendants come in many shapes and styles, with the most iconic being a simple drum shade (a stout cylindrical shape).

On the other hand, a chandelier typically has lighting that branches off via cords or arms. When you think of the big bold dining room lighting fixture, this is it. While there are plenty of the classic French-inspired chandeliers in the world, brands like Lindsey Adelman and Apparatus are challenging those conventions. Sia should be proud.

10. ECLECTIC VS. MAXIMALISM

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they don’t mean exactly the same thing. There are eclectic minimalists in the world, and here’s how that can be true.

Eclectic means a mix of styles and periods—a little Mid-Century Modern here, a pinch of transitional, some global influences, etc. Maximalism isn’t about the mixture, it’s about the amount. Densely layered spaces with copious patterns, lots of accessories, or exceptionally bold choices that feel distinctively over-the-top qualify as Maximalist. You could be Maximalist and hew just to one style, but you often see those who want more wanting more from all over.

The post 10 Most Misused Terms in Interior Design appeared first on Décor Aid.

What don’t we love about this property? It almost reminds us of one of those picture-perfect American homes that you see in films, despite the fact it’s set on the outskirts of Dulwich, London rather than in Cape Cod.

In fact, it’s situated within what resembles its own private micro hamlet, in the Sydenham Hill Conservation Area, so you’ll still be treated to some tranquil living. Ash Tree Cottage is an enchanting Georgian four-bedroom home with three reception rooms, all set over 2,464 square feet.

Bright and airy, the house is full of character and has been sympathetically updated with lots of project planning to a high standard throughout.

Ash Tree Cottage exterior

Image credit: Knight Frank

There’s just so much to take in with this house. From the well-maintained gardens to the fresh white cladding and pretty pastel blue plantation shutters, Ash Tree Cottage has got style in spades.

We love that back porch, the large clock and that seating area where you could enjoy a spot of iced tea in the summer. For the creative types, there’s also a detached art studio and assorted outbuildings, too.

Living room

Image credit: Knight Frank

Coastal charm ahoy – this space is full of blue living room ideas. White metal lantern-style pendant lights, jute rugs and whitewashed furniture offer that laidback Hamptons look.

While the velvet sofas, feature fireplace and smart blue crockery keep the decor very much upmarket.

Kitchen-diner

Image credit: Knight Frank

If you’re after some white kitchen ideas, then look no further. The open-plan kitchen-diner is a beautiful space, with bespoke cabinetry.

There is a breakfast bar that’s ideal when entertaining and a continued white and blue scheme that ties in with the rest of the house.

Note the lamps on top of the wall units, adding ambience to the space instead of the usual spotlights, and the mirror above the sink which reflects the room and offers the appearance of a window.

We’re also a fan of that whitewashed dining table, which again gives the beachy vibe, despite the cottage’s urban setting.

Image credit: Knight Frank

On the other side of the room, you can see how beautifully thought-out the decor is, with smart plate display ideas of blue-and-white crockery everywhere you turn. There is also a large mirror at the entrance, which again makes the room feel even larger than it is.

Those beams overhead and Martha’s Vineyard sign add character, while a Velux window floods the dining space with light.

Image credit: Knight Frank

Windows aren’t the only part of the room that allows in the sunshine – large doors open out to a patio area. It looks as though there are some fold-back shutters for them too.

Bedroom

Image credit: Knight Frank

As we said, Ash Tree Cottage has four bedrooms, and each are equally stylish. An ornate French-style bed takes pride of place in this space, with pretty florals picked out in the cushions, bedding, rug and lamp. That blue crockery theme shows up again in the large artwork over the bed.

Let’s not forget those ruffled curtains and the small chandelier that give this room an overtly feminine feel.

Garden

Image credit: Knight Frank

Taking you back outside, you can see in more detail what a sweet seating area this is. And while we may not have the warm weather that you might find in the Hamptons, an overhead cover means you can sit out here and enjoy a drink, whatever the weather.

Ash Tree Cottage is available for £2,000,000 from Knight Frank.

Have you been won over by its charming blue interiors?

The post Inside a Hamptons-style home – you won’t believe it’s set in London appeared first on Ideal Home.

We may have seen flower walls popping up everywhere last year, but it seems there’s a new trend in town. ‘Holiday walls’ are the new craze sweeping Instagram.

The garden idea, according to home improvement store Wickes, is born out of a year of failed holidays. Instead, people are turning to their gardens to create sunny statement backdrops of their own that they can show off on their social media.

From rainbows and stripes to pretty florals, all you need is a blank wall and some paint – and of course a bit of creativity. Not only is it a fun small garden idea, but it’s something to make you smile, even when the sunshine ends and the grey days begin.

In a recent survey*, results showed that almost half (45%) of millennials (24–35-year-olds) are preparing to spend around £271 each on creating their holiday wall. A fifth said they would spend more than £500, with many basing their design on scenes from Miami or Ibiza.

Holiday wall trend

Image credit: @hannahfgale / Wickes

With 70% saying they’d need help to create the wall, Wickes partnered with DIY enthusiast Hannah Gale to show how you can create your very own holiday wall. Using a selection of Wickes products, costing a total of £170, Hannah has fully embraced the trend and created a sweet design of her own.

‘One of my favourite things about going on holiday is being able to capture amazing photos and make memories in places that look different to home,’ she says.

‘As someone who loves having friends and family over to enjoy the garden, I was keen to create this holiday wall to inject some colour and give my friends a fun backdrop to pose against for their Instagram pictures.’

‘I took inspiration from all the gorgeous colours and designs in the Miami Art District,’ Hannah continues. ‘With everything available at Wickes, the whole process from buying the supplies and painting the wall was so much fun, and my Insta feed is thanking me for it already.’

Image credit: @hannahfgale / Wickes

Hannah started using a wire brush to prep the wall by removing old dirt and paint, then laid down dust sheets to protect the floor. When it came to the painting, hand-mixing different colours to get the exact shades she wanted.

Then she measured up, drew on her designs and used Frog Tape were needed to create straight lines, such as the rainbow stripes. ‘I used rollers for the large areas and smaller brushes for the details,’ Hannah says.

‘I drew the flowers freehand. My advice is to make sure you allow yourself enough time, as some colours and parts of the wall will need extra coats and touch-ups.’

Image credit: @hannahfgale / Wickes

Once the design was finished, Hannah removed the Frog Tape, took away the dust sheets and got ready to enjoy her new holiday wall.

Has it inspired you to transform a wall in your garden, and which country would you be inspired by?

*Survey data from Mortar Consumer survey, conducted in July 2021

The post Move over flower walls – ‘holiday walls’ are the new trend taking over UK gardens appeared first on Ideal Home.

Looking at interiors may be our passion, but every now and again we see something that surprises us. A scheme that’s a bit more out there, a home that’s totally unexpected, or in the case of this three-bedroom house some insanely cool features that make it completely unique.

If you’re after some fantastic new children’s room ideas, or inspiration for a modern kitchen, then you’ll want to take a look inside.

Set in Fulham in London, in tree-lined Byam Street, this interior-designed home spans across 3,500 square feet. Having had an extensive refurbishment, it’s now available to rent and whoever takes it on is in for a real treat.

There’s a slide from the first floor down into a cinema room, a virtual golf simulator in the basement, and a net hammock that connects the children’s rooms so they can crawl between them! Add to that an integrated hot tub in the main bedroom and a laundry chute in each bedroom that feeds into a central utility room, and you can see why we’re a little bowled over.

We’re going to take a deep dive into some of the rooms, to uncover some of its surprising features…

Byam Street exterior

Image credit: Dexters

You’d never guess from this smart and traditional-look brick facade that behind the door is a quirky and ultra-modern interior, would you?

Living room

Image credit: Dexters

This room is bursting with living room ideas. Floaty sheer curtains cover the expanse of the large bay window, while a textured back wall creates a modern backdrop for designer-led furniture. You can’t see from this image, but on the opposite side of the room is an oversized built-in TV and beyond that the staircase, with LED lights and floating stairs.

Kitchen

Image credit: Dexters

The kitchen ideas are so sleek and modern that the space is almost space-age in design. The beautifully curved island and mirrored cabinetry would be unique enough, but there’s also a whole host of up-to-the-minute tech, from ceiling speakers to the latest appliances.

Look through the floor-to-ceiling glass and you can see part of the garden, with its pale wood bespoke bench seating and outdoor TV set into one of the foliage walls. Stunning!

Dining room

Image credit: Dexters

We don’t know what we love about this dining space more: those striking spider-like light fittings overhead or the bespoke shelving that runs the height of the stairs. Everything about this home is classy and considered, with stylish furniture and accessories that are completely luxurious.

Cinema room

Image credit: Dexters

Tired at the end of the day? Then imagine using this slide to take you from the first floor to your own cinema space! It’s such a talking point to the house and we bet guests would be talking about this for days.

We also love the plush modular seating that not only looks great for lounging on but has been selected in different colours and patterns.

Bedroom

Image credit: Dexters

And there we have it, the master suite, complete with its own hot tub at the back. Note it’s right by the window too so you can lay in the tub and look out on Fulham, while still having your privacy.

Another textured wall and ceiling take centre stage in this room and you’ll see that the lighting plays a big part, with a soft glow overhead from downlighters.

So, what do you think? Could you see yourself living here? If so, check out the listing at Dexters, where it’s up for £2,000 per week – yes, it’s not cheap, but just look at what you get for your money.

The post This ultra-cool London home comes with its very own indoor slide appeared first on Ideal Home.