We spend a lot of time in our kitchen, from that first cup of tea in the morning to family meal times, and long catch ups with friends over the kitchen table. It’s the heartbeat of our home. To create an orderly space that is easy to keep clean and tidy is a must. However, we don’t want this important space to feel sterile, rather a carefully curated mix of practical furniture and storage pieces that work to make our lives easier. Here are some ideas on how you can organise your kitchen into a character-filled space that brings you joy every day.
We love to add freestanding furniture to our kitchen – it gives this space a unique, one-of-a-kind feel, while at the same time offering plenty of extra storage and worktop space. The popularity of freestanding kitchen furniture has seen a boom in recent years,
Our kitchen is a collection of treasured pieces: like our antique dresser which houses our favourite ceramics, it’s a much-loved and much-used room. Create your very own bespoke kitchen with freestanding pieces and storage solutions for a truly unique space. When wondering about how to organise kitchen cupboards, we recommend choosing open shelves to house your favourite crockery or a glass-fronted cabinet to display your glassware. Not only is everything easier to find but each piece is a feature in itself.
It’s well-known in the design world that opting for a palette of neutrals and natural materials in the bedroom will have you feeling calm and relaxed – and, speaking from experience, we couldn’t agree more. Bring textures such as raffia, rattan and exposed timber into your room to create that outdoors-in feel, and blend them with cosy blankets, greenery and subtle pops of accent colours with home accessories such as candles and cushions.
Persuading the body and mind to sleep means calming all the senses, so tapping into the powers of aromatherapy is key. Invest in your downtime with favourite home fragrances and gently scented candles to really help you unwind.
When it comes to bedroom furniture, don’t overlook the humble bedside table. It’s an important sidekick to your bed and deserves just as much care and consideration. Having an easy-to-reach place to rest a glass of water, hand cream, or latest read also means you won’t have to get up again once you’ve started to drift off to sleep. You can even use a bedside table for hosting a notepad and pen – useful for when you feel the urge to write down any thoughts that are keeping you awake.
Thoughtfully chosen lighting is essential for creating an ambience that will make you feel relaxed at the end of a busy day. Whether it be a bedside lamp you can read your book by or ceiling bedroom lighting, try to choose warm-glow options that are dimmable and pair them with shades that will softly diffuse light.
When creating a bedroom sanctuary, you can’t go wrong with a rug that just makes you want to lay on the floor! At G&G, we always recommend a soft, warm and cosy sheepskin or a thick shag pile rug.
Instead of your bed, you might find it easier to unwind in a comfy occasional armchair. But rather than sitting in the living area with the TV as temptation, move your chair to the bedroom and use it as a place to read and relax before bedtime.
Remember Marie Kondo’s mindful method? If it doesn’t spark joy, then don’t keep it. But decluttering to make room for rest and relaxation is only half the battle – next, turn your attention to its organisation. Even tidying the places that aren’t on show like your bedroom drawers and wardrobes can have a real impact on your state of mind, helping you feel calmer and more relaxed.
Above all though, we want you to have fun creating your own bedroom sanctuary, filling it with all the things that bring you a sense of joy and tranquillity. So, to spark more ideas on how you can create a restful retreat, visit our full bedroom collection.
