Arran's Outdoor Festival

Welcome to my blog - My name is Arran and I like to hold local festivals celebrating home design and art. You can find me in my home town Blakeney, which is on the North Norfolk Coast.

[arranoutdoorfestival]

Why buying a table protector can save you £££

So you just bought a brand new £600 beautiful oak dining table for your home so you can enjoying eating at the table with your family and friends. The last thing you want happening is that table top surface getting damaged. Whether it’s due to someone’s carelessness or a young child banging at the table!

Repairing damage to your table can turn out to be expensive and time consuming, depending on the extent of it. A DIY job would set you back £30 to £50 to get all the tools required and a would require some time researching on how to carry out the repair yourself. Furthermore there is always a chance that you may cause more harm than good if you do not have much experience in table repair.

To hire a specialist to refurbish the table would be costly also. My research tells me that it would cost on average £80 in the UK to have someone come to your home to repair the damage.

The importance of a buying a table protector can potentially save you having to pay out for repairs, and more importantly, save you the headache of worrying about people damaging it!

In conclusion, what I am trying to say is if you are willing to pay out £300+ for a decent table. Don’t skimp on getting protection for it because it will save you money, time and hassle in the future.

[tableprotectors-blog]

Here is a good reason to make sure your table protector is up to the job, a good table pad will protect your furniture investment

[arranoutdoorfestival]

My table needs protecting!

[johnburgessgroup]

The 9 Paint Color Mistakes You Should Never Make

Case in point: This bedroom — it makes four of them.

If you ever spent more time agonizing over the difference between “Sunshine Yellow” and “Daylight Yellow” than you have with your family in a given week, we feel your pain. Choosing a color isn’t a decision to take lightly, as it sets a room’s mood and impacts how your furniture looks. Don’t do these, say the pros:

MISTAKE #1: PAINTING A CEILING FLAT WHITE.

The biggest wall in a room is the one most of us don’t even think about. “I never paint a ceiling dead white because all white paint has a bit of gray in it, and it takes the room down,” designer Athalie Derse says. Her suggestion: Choose a cream shade instead. (And we suggest hiring a pro for this job.)

MISTAKE #2: GOING TOO MATCHY-MATCHY.

It’s tempting to keep things easy and just bring a fabric swatch to the paint counter. Not so fast. “You never want to match your walls to a color in one of your fabrics,” designer Sallie Giordano says. “It will be too strong. Find a grayed-out version of the color.”

MISTAKE #3: LEAVING OUT “PALATE CLEANSING” ELEMENTS.

Once you fall in love with a color, it’s easy to go overboard. “The biggest mistake people make when they’re trying to be colorful and exciting is to forget that you need to balance it with neutrals,” says designer Todd Klein. Architectural elements in white or simply a few gray throws can give your eye a place to rest.

[power-of-interior-design-blog]

Scandinavian Apartment With Adorable Art and Classic Colors

We have certainly seen some marvelous representations of the Scandinavian aesthetic on this blog before, but it is a theme that carries so well into modern design ideals and truly livable style that it’s worth revisiting. This apartment, with an interior designed by Duc Jimmi at Talenti Design, holds true to many of the elements that are so important in Scandinavian design including beautiful functionality, natural materials, and a creative use of color. While this particular apartment does not have the strict minimalism that many Scandinavian-inspired designs do, it still gives the impression of everything in its place, with a purpose and has enough whimsy to inspire a smile in any visitor.

The main living area is not very large, but its open floorplan and coordinated color choices make each section of the space work well together. The living room takes hold of a mostly neutral palette, from a chevron striped area rug to a classic gray sofa. However, the contrast bursts of orange, by way of a throw pillow and arm chair is daringly bright and jovial.

The two bedrooms in the apartment and simple but comfortable. The first carries the same color palette in from the living room with black, white, gray, and orange. The bed dominates the small space, but there is still room for a tidy study area and private television. 

The other room is much brighter with a cotton candy pink gingham duvet. Along with the white walls, these color choices make the small room, which only one small clerestory window letting in light during the day. Of course, that does make for a cozy sleeping chamber after the sun goes down. 

[power-of-interior-design-blog]

36 Bathtub Ideas With Luxurious Appeal

What could be more relaxing than a nice long soak? The answer: soaking in a tub that looks as good as it feels! When it comes time to unwind, slipping into those shimmering suds feels like a mini-vacation. And compared to hitting the spa for some well-deserved “me time”, a luxurious tub is an indulgence that pays for itself time and time again. Whether you’re looking for the latest features or just want something that fits your carefully coordinated decor, this curated collection of designer bathtubs is sure to inspire. So dim the lights, put on some soft music, and sink into the tub of your dreams. 

Irresistibly smooth and balanced. Fixtures centered on the wall of the tub can accommodate an occupant lounging in either direction.

A subtle pedestal permits a lighter aesthetic than designs that rest on the floor. The slender faucet lacks any excess or ornamentation, allowing its graceful curvature to capture the spotlight.

A separate feature holds the hardware and doubles as the perfect place to set a book or glass of wine – very usable, and a pleasure to look at.

An ovoid tub is the crown jewel of any minimalistic bathroom. This design features a subtle faucet and overflow so the comforting shape can take center stage.

It’s easy to fall in love with this bathroom. This round tub features a slightly curled rim and a defined bottom edge. The smallest details make all the difference in a space characterized by its simplicity.

Perfect symmetry, illuminated by a whimsical hanging light arrangement that drenches the occupant with a soft glow.

The smooth satin finish makes this black freestanding bathtub a delight to behold. The slightly recessed tile underneath is an especially inspiring touch.

A bathroom as bold as this one certainly deserves a truly distinctive bathtub. The Cuna tub, by Patricia Urquiola, is braced with a tubular bronze frame for a sense of structure and elegance.

A delicate balancing act with intriguing proportions.

This glossy bathtub is the perfect piece to complete a bathroom graced with an abundance of natural light, but its minimalistic form could work well in almost any space.

Sculptural and unforgettable, the Petali Bathtub offers a unique approach to bathroom design, where the tub is the centerpiece and a work of art as well. The space underneath each petal could easily accommodate a small bookshelf or dressing stool.

At first glance, the Ciotole Tub looks like two oblique basins, but this sculptural design is actually made from a single piece of masterfully carved beige marble.

Clean lines for a casual space. The thicker rim on the outer edge looks functional, weighty, and visually appealing.

A distinctive recessed setting allows the fine edges of this design to stand out from its beautiful alcove, rather than being hidden by it.

This minimalistic design has straight lines along the edges capped by gentle semi-circles that cradle the body – a sharp look with a soft touch.

In its setting, this tub is fiercely beautiful, stark, and eye-catching.

Here’s a contemporary take on the classic slipper style. This unique design forgoes the traditional claw foot in favor of straight lines and contrasting angles.

Sharp on the outside, soft and curvaceous inside – a fantastic paradox of geometry with unforgettable appeal.

Compact form meets enormous creativity. This tub is the perfect shape to cradle the upright body, perfect for those who don’t typically recline while bathing. It would look just as fabulous tucked away in a corner as it would displayed center stage.

The tub walls stand tall and vertical for that all-encompassing experience – a must have for serious fans of soaking.

This design makes the most of dramatic contrast – very elegant. The marble platform looks luxurious and serves as a functional way to protect a wood floor from the water.

Matching wall and tub cladding creates a cohesive aesthetic without the need to search for perfectly coordinated fixtures.

Dark and sumptuous, this smoky vessel shines with the same radiance as if it were carved from a smooth onyx stone.

A delightful bath with a unique profile that proves eye-catching from any angle. The pleasing shape provides extra back support while remaining easy to enter or exit.

A smooth stripe of white swirls around a base of charcoal-colored veneer, echoing the dynamics of flowing water. This modern bathtub design is part of the Salacia range from HJC Design.

Pristine and refined – a minimalist bath this sleek can make you feel fresher just by looking at it.

Slightly tilted edges give this tub a playful personality while providing extra support for the back.

Simply dripping with luxury. The scale pattern was once a staple of Art Deco design and here we see it re-imagined in a gorgeous contemporary setting.

Slightly flared at the rim and perfectly smooth all around – this elegant design looks fantastic paired with those sleek vessel sinks.

This spacious design is part of Jean-Marie Massaud’s Axor Collection. The rounded triangular shape looks comfortable and invokes a natural sense of tranquility.

Lush greenery surrounding a recessed outdoor tub – this imaginative concept would invite many new ways to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Sometimes details, such as smoothly integrated drain covers, can determine whether you simply “like” or truly love a design.

An incredible view for an incredible bathroom.

Who wouldn’t feel like the king of the world, soaking up a view like this one? Another breathtaking bathroom concept, as long as you’re not afraid of heights.

The balance of visual weight makes this egg-shaped tub especially exciting to view.

Organic, classic, and slightly rustic – the rich marbling and warm colors of the travertine stone invites relaxation. Travertine is especially well-suited for bathrooms because it’s formed over time from the mineral deposits left behind by hot springs.