Summer Soft Furnishings

Scatter cushions, rugs, seat pads, throws, pouffes, blinds and curtains all add interesting textures, patterns, colours and focal points to our living and entertaining spaces.

So, if you’re ready for some summer soft furnishings inspiration, let’s dive in. We’ve got plenty of exciting ideas for you!

Bifold and patio doors are a popular choice for bringing the outside, inside and allowing plenty of natural light to flood your living or dining area.

But if you also want to create a cosy, private space in the evenings or during the cooler months, opt for a curtain solution that doesn’t affect the overall aesthetic of your contemporary glazing.

Recessed tracks create a seamless ceiling finish, so when your curtains are pulled back, no unsightly track or pole interrupts the view of your outside space. Recessed tracks can also be automated, adding an extra touch of luxury.

Above is a wave curtain on a recessed curtain track, the curtains are flush with ceiling.

We discussed some of the many benefits of blind and curtain automation in last month’s newsletter, including ease of use, increased security and creating that cosy atmosphere from afar. If you missed it, don’t worry. You can check it out on our blog. https://nikissoftfurnishings.co.uk/2023/05/15/lets-get-summer-ready/

If you’ve got a property renovation happening in the next few months, talk to us about the options available, so the wiring and position of switches can be factored into your installation plans.

A recessed curtain track works brilliantly with large patio doors.

As the weather warms up, kitchen renovations become increasingly popular as it’s much less disruptive than during the colder winter months. Many people are also looking forward to entertaining come Christmas (We know it’s only June, but it’ll be here before we know it)!

A popular choice in American kitchen areas, banquet seating is becoming more and more popular on this side of the Atlantic too.

Above is the banquet seating we made for The Smurf house in Salcombe.

If space is a little tight, banquet seating is a fantastic option as you can achieve maximum seating without the need for lots of chairs taking up valuable floor space. They also create a fantastic entertaining space meaning you can comfortably seat the whole family for special occasions and get-togethers.

If you would like to explore this style of seating more, click the button below.

An upholstered headboard creates an immediate wow factor in any bedroom!

Whether you opt for a dramatic, bold pattern, luxurious velvet or a piece of sleek linen fabric, an upholstered headboard can make your room feel instantly snug and comfortable.

Take your project to the next level and create even more of a style statement with added pleating, deep buttons or contrasting trims. There’s so much opportunity to create something entirely bespoke for your bedroom!

Roman blinds may appear to be a simple window covering, but there’s more to them than you might realise!

Firstly, they’re fantastic at controlling the amount of light coming into your bedroom. And with the evenings and mornings getting so much lighter, this is especially important if you have young children, are a light sleeper, or work unsociable hours and need quality sleep during the day. For maximum light control, consider adding a pelmet to your choice of blinds. And don’t forget blackout lining too!

You can find out more about the benefits of blackout curtains and blinds in one of our previous blogs.  https://nikissoftfurnishings.co.uk/2021/10/13/5-benefits-of-blackout-curtains-and-blinds/

Roman blinds are also easily customised in a fabric of your choice, and with different drape styles available, they’ve certainly stood the test of time.

Here are just a few of the different blind types you can choose from:

Stacked Roman blind.
This Roman blind creates a sleek, minimalised look and allows plenty of light into your room. When the blind is pulled up, you’ll see level folds of equal size.

A stacked Roman blind we’ve recently fitted into a holiday home.

Cascade Roman Blind.
This traditional waterfall style of Roman blinds suits a larger window as they’re more voluminous than flat blinds.

Cascade Roman blind

Soft Roman Blind.
Also referred to as pleated Roman shades, soft Roman blinds have no slats but are highly versatile in colour and texture. This is an excellent option to create a subtle, traditional look and feel.

A soft roman blind we’ve recently fitted into Langdon Court Manor.

If you’re unsure if Roman blinds will work in your property, we have a helpful blog. https://nikissoftfurnishings.co.uk/2018/04/25/will-roman-blinds-work-in-my-window/

Roman blinds may be a classic choice, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be brought up to the 21st century with helpful and safe automation! You can read more about the many benefits of automation in last month’s newsletter https://nikissoftfurnishings.co.uk/2023/05/15/lets-get-summer-ready/

The process of reupholstering can be a little time-consuming.

Firstly, our clever upholsterers must remove the old coverings. Then they check to see if any structural or padding repairs are needed. Next, your chosen fabric must be measured and cut to size. Lastly, it’s all sewn together and secured firmly in place.

And voila! It’s a brand-new, one-of-a-kind piece ready for you to enjoy.

As the weather gets better and better, we inevitably head outdoors and spend less time snuggled up in our favourite pieces of furniture. If you have a sorry-looking armchair, chaise lounge, dining chairs, sofa or headboard that you want to inject new life into, get in touch to book your project.

Above is an armchair we have recently given a new lease of life with upholstery.

If your outdoor furniture looks worse for wear after a long winter in the shed or garage, there’s still time to revamp it!

To ensure your outdoor furniture is practical and fit for purpose, remember to opt for UV, water and mould-resistant fabrics to ensure it can last for years to come. We have a fabulous range of fabrics, so get in touch to find out more.

A quick and easy way to change up your interiors for the summer is to use seasonal scatter cushions on sofas, armchairs, beds or window seats.

At this time of the year, why not play around with bright tropical prints, summer florals or bold geometric designs?

To inject your unique personality, don’t forget the finishing touches, such as fringes, tassels, pom poms and piping.

Be brave and go wild with your scatter cushion designs!

Blood Cancer UK formly Bloodwise is the UK’s specialist blood cancer charity. They work hard to fund world-class research, raise awareness, and provide practical and emotional support to patients and their families.

This charity is close to our hearts as two of our lovely staff members have personal experience with Leukaemia. We’re delighted to say that one of them is celebrating their 10^th-anniversary leukemia-free, and the other has a nephew who is also a survivor.

To find out more or to donate to this worthy charity, click the logos below:

Like our homes, sometimes a business needs a little revamp too!

Later this year, we’ll be making some small tweaks to our branding and website. We’ll also have a dedicated commercial and home furnishing divisions, which we’re super excited about!

Our graphic designer is busy in the background exploring colours and designs. And we can’t wait to share it all with you when it’s finished, so watch this space!

We hope our latest newsletter has given you plenty of inspiration and advice.

Wishing you a fantastic start to what will hopefully be your best summer yet!