Autumn Home Improvements

Kitchen island ideas that make a style statement

From extra worktop space in a small kitchen to a sprawling piece of furniture complete with seating in an openplan area, most homes could benefit from an island. A focal point of the modern kitchen visually and practically, this freestanding unit can be used to prepare meals, dine together and even for home working. And because an island is accessible from all four sides, it offers great storage potential too.

George Forsyth, from Drew Forsyth & Co, sets out his top tips for making this sought-after piece of furniture work, in spaces large and small.

Ask yourself, what will you use a kitchen island for? A space for cooking? A spot for breakfast with the family? More formal dining? Answering these questions first will help to decide what your island should include, like storage, appliances, sink and maybe even a wine cooler.

Choose the size. If your kitchen is compact or has a galley layout with cabinets on both sides, consider a narrow or freestanding option like a chef’s table or butcher’s block. The larger the kitchen, the more scope for what the island can include, like bar stools for wining and dining. Try not to make the island too wide though, so it’s always possible to reach the middle.

Do you need an island or a breakfast bar? A little less formal than an island, a breakfast bar or peninsula adds extra worktop space. Useable on three sides, this is a good option for smaller kitchens. It’s important to make sure there’s enough room to move around an island, to open cupboards or appliance doors. If not, then a peninsula could be the ideal solution.

Consider some colour options. As a freestanding unit, an island can be the perfect opportunity to add contrast to your décor, perhaps by choosing a deeper shade than elsewhere in the room or even opting for a different colour completely to really go bold. With bespoke and painted furniture, the choice is almost endless.

Speak to a professional designer. They can help solve a lot of problems that come with kitchen renovation, and by using their creative expertise and insider knowledge, redesigning your kitchen becomes a much simpler task.

Autumn inspired décor for your home

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Autumn is the season of Halloween, Bonfire Night, nights drawing in and getting cosy in the home.

The evocative rich browns, deep oranges and reds of autumn are ideal for bringing a bit of the outside in when the weather may not inspire you to actually leave the house. There’s no need for a complete overhaul though – small and simple touches can make all the difference when it comes to creating an autumnal feel in your home.

You may like to go all out for Halloween with traditional ghoulish decorations, but as soon as 31 October has passed, they quickly become dated. In contrast, autumn-themed touches won’t look out of place throughout the season, and can stay in place until you decide it’s time to get the Christmas decorations out.

Autumn decorations are becoming more popular, and are easy enough to source, but the season also lends itself to crafting – and the results can be surprisingly effective.

Autumn wreaths

Door wreaths have been used for centuries and an autumn wreath is said to celebrate abundance and the harvest. If you plan to make your own, make the most of the colours of the season, using natural materials such as fallen leaves, berries, small squash and dried flowers. Now is a good time to put your wreath up, and the cooler temperatures will mean your materials will hold their colour.

Natural decorations

Bringing natural elements in from outside will give your home an autumnal feel with little effort involved. Choose a bowl that complements the seasonal colours – either gold, or coloured glass, and fill with items that inspire you. Think pinecones, mini pumpkins, hawberries or rosehips and dried flowers.

Lighting

Once the evenings draw in, and you’re ready to relax, low level lighting will complete the mood. Lamps with warm-coloured bulbs and rusticcoloured shades will complement the look. Or you can use candles which, at this time of year, often come scented with indulgent fragrances such as apple, cinnamon or nutmeg.

Soft furnishings

Chances are, you will be spending more time on the sofa as we head into the colder weather, so you’ll want to be comfortable. Make sure you have plenty of cushions, and you can’t go wrong if you have a stack of chunky, warm blankets to cuddle up under either.