Valentines: A table for two

I make no apologies for the fact that this week the blog is having a valentines make over. Food, cocktails and table inspiration will all showcase to help you enjoy a special evening with your loved one, so keep an eye open if you're planning a quiet night at home this weekend.

I'll help you keep it simple and stylish this Valentines, starting with the essentials for creating a romantic table for two...

Want to stay away from the cliche red this valentines, how about dusky pink and mint with a gold twist. A gentle, romantic colour pallet, pulled together with flowers, tableware and candles. And, even if this isn't your favourite colour scheme the below five tips will help create a special table for two, no matter what.

- Table cloth or runner
A quick and simple way to add a little luxury to your meal, I love the grey runner pictured, it adds sophistication and grounds the otherwise feminine pallet.

- Flowers
Valentines wouldn't be the same without them and they create a statement centrepiece for your table without requiring too much work. Tip: Keep flowers below eye level so you can hold a conversation over dinner.

- Candles
Use a mixture of tall candlesticks to create height, I have a gold set which would look at home with this scheme, and smaller tea lights and candles to create a soft glow. Remember, in design we work in odd numbers, 3,5,7. The same rule applies here, trust me, you'll make an impact with absolutely no fuss.

- Napkins
Go the extra mile this Valentines and add something special to your napkins. A pretty napkin ring, ribbons or a sprig of rosemary... And if you've got the extra time, two sprigs of rosemary joined together will make a fragrant heart.

- Set the table
Obvious, perhaps but set the table for two... plates, cutlery and glasses and you will have a complete table for two this Valentines. Enjoy!

Interior Design Styles - E Book

I'm very excited to tell you all about my first E Book which is now available for pre order.

Interior Design Styles: Popular interior design styles and how to identify your style.

Launch date: 1st May 2016

My new E Book is perfect for those of you who want to learn more about popular interior design styles from the comfort of your own home and is available to people all over the world.

The book will not only give you a detailed description of a number of popular styles but also hints and tips on how to create them in your own home, followed by a useful guide on how to identify your own style.

Best of all, if you order before 1st May, the book is only £5.00. What are you waiting for?

For further information or to book, you can visit my website here.

The Industrial Interior Design Revolution

Continuing my 'how to identify interior design styles' posts, I want to take a look at Industrial interiors. This particular style is instantly recognisable but what are the key principles which underpin an industrial interior?

I've got 5 top tips for perfecting an industrial interior whether you're renovating an industrial warehouse or living in a modest terrace house.

- Exposed Brick is trick No. 1
No industrial space is complete without exposed brick, of which you'll be in abundance if living in converted buildings, a converted warehouse for example... or if you're working on a smaller scale you may look at uncovering original features, when renovating a Victorian terrace I uncovered all the original brick fireplaces. There are also some fantastic wall coverings available now which allow you to replicate a brick wall if you do not live in a property with original features, take a look at Dreamwall wall coverings.

- Raw Materials
The use of raw materials is fundamental to creating an industrial interior...
Concrete
Wood
Copper
Iron
Steel
...They all have a place in an industrial interior and are easy to incorporate too, in some cases they are actually a very cost effective solution. Concrete floors for converted buildings or perhaps compromise with a worktop in your home, Copper bathtubs, unpolished wood furniture, galvanised steel chairs at the kitchen table... any table for that matter, they all sing industrial interiors.

*Top Tip for Bathrooms:
Use exposed copper pipes and handles for an inexpensive statement  in your bathroom, saving costs on hiding pipework and taps!

- Exposed Structural Materials
This will be a feature of many converted warehouses and you don't want to hide them, instead embrace the supporting beams, exposed pipework and create a focal point with them.

- Open Spaces
Essential for industrial interiors. Don't be afraid to knock down walls! Its not uncommon now to knock through to adjoining rooms to create larger, functional spaces and for vast areas you can zone them off with furniture to create 'rooms' within the space.

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- Unique Finishes
Along with raw materials, industrial interiors will use nontraditional materials and accessories. Some ideas may include:
       . Ladders in the bathroom utilised as towel rails
       . Scaffolding planks fitted as shelves
       . Exposed copper pipes instead of traditional bathroom taps
       . Vintage metal filing cabinets used for storage
       . Pallets converted into coffee tables
       . Photography lamps doing double duty as art and lighting

Industrial interiors come in all shapes and sizes, so be creative, you don't need a Manhattan loft or converted warehouse.

If you would like to know more, why not contact me laura@lauraadkininteriors.com or if you're interesting in learning about another style and want to see it feature on my blog, I'd love to hear from you.

www.lauraadkininteriors.com