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Mixing Different Metals In Your Kitchen
Ever found the perfect piece for your interior, but it was only available in gold whilst your décor was silver? Well, with this latest trend you don’t have to look for something else! Break the mould and mix your metals – pair gold with silver, copper with chrome, or brass with steel. Using one type of metal throughout your interior creates a clean and uniform setting, and we naturally strive for this because for years it has been seen as ‘the right way’. However, using two or three different metals can add interest and personality to the room. In this article we will show you some examples and discuss how to get the look. How To Use Multiple Types of Metal To start, choose a dominant metal to be used in key features throughout the room, then choose an accent metal for smaller details. In a large space, you could use up to three different varieties, but in smaller rooms more than two types may compete for attention and end up looking cluttered and overwhelming. Separating the different metals by height or by feature will create context within the space. For example, in the kitchen you could have copper pendant lighting, with brushed steel appliances and taps at worktop height, whilst anything below worktop height, like cabinet handles and bar stools, might have a satin black finish. It’s wise to stick to classic finishes like stainless steel for larger fixed appliances, and save more extravagant gold and brass for decorative items. This makes it easier to sell your home in the future, and it’s also much easier to find ovens and fridges with a steel finish. But, if you’re feeling brave go for a completely unique piece like the two-tone brass and steel oven below. Two-tone items are an easy way to try out this look, but as you can see this kitchen also features chrome taps and cookware with antique copper cabinet handles and accessories. With this style you get far more choice when decorating and choosing furnishings, as you’re not worrying about making everything an exact match. Don’t be afraid to combine different textured metals either, polished gold paired with antiqued brass will lend a sense of charm and character. A stylish way to do this is to choose two of the same item in different metals. For example, you might pick two identical bar stools and have one with a copper finish and one with a brushed steel finish. We have a range of designs that come in a variety of finishes, as seen in the Amp: Amp Bar Stool Copper Amp Bar Stool Antique Brass Amp Bar Stool Black How Metals Affect the Temperature of the Room Try to use metals that complement your colour scheme. For example, if your kitchen has a grey colour scheme with slate floors or concrete worktops, then a cool gunmetal finish will complement it well. However, this could end up looking quite cold, so you could try introducing warmer metals like brass or gold to balance the temperature. This is also a clever way to add some colour to an otherwise neutral room. If you would prefer to stick to all warm tones or all cool tones, opt for pieces with different textures to add depth. Pairing chrome-plated steel appliances with brushed steel bar stools is a good example, as they both have a similar silvery tone but the chrome has a shining polished finished whilst the brushed steel is more muted and matt. 3 Examples of Mixed Metal Kitchens In the first kitchen shown below (Fig. 1) there are three metals in use: gold, copper, and stainless steel, and they are divided by each section of the room. Along the back wall you can see there is a stainless steel work surface, with a matching sink and extractor hood. Then, the central island has a marble worktop in an orange brown hue, which complements the copper sink and tap. Finally, gold has been used up above in the pendant lighting, creating a clear separation of each metal. This arrangement works as the varying warm and cool tones in the tiling help to tie everything together, and the neutral ceiling and walls stop the kitchen becoming overcrowded. Fig. 1 This next kitchen (Fig. 2) is a more modest example but still includes three different metals: stainless steel, chrome, and black satin. The more classic finishes have been used in the fixed elements, as you can see in the chrome taps and the stainless steel oven and cabinet handles. Meanwhile, the decorative lighting and bar stools have an unconventional black satin finish. Choosing a bold finish for smaller inexpensive items allows you to experiment and easily switch up your décor when you fancy a change. The black satin in the kitchen below has an industrial quality that complements the rustic wood features. And, although all three of the different metals used here have cooler tones, the warmth of the wood works to balance the temperature. Fig. 2 Our final example below (Fig. 3) is not for the fainthearted. The dominant metal here is gold, making a stunning impression on the front of the kitchen island as well as the light fixture and side table. The sink has a stainless steel finish and is matched by the kitchen accessories. These steel features almost disappear into the dark grey backdrop, whilst the gold takes centre stage and adds a warm contrast to the dark walls and cabinets. As demonstrated here, choosing a spectacular metallic statement piece is an exciting way to introduce more than one metal. This may be a large antique brass pendant light, or a copper cooker hood, or even a gold kitchen island. Fig. 3 If you glance at our example kitchens above, the mixed metals may not even be the first thing you notice, and that’s because they do not look out of place! Different metals come in and out of fashion as the years go by, so why limit yourself to just one if it will look dated next year? Mixing metals will keep things looking fresh and interesting for longer, so take some inspiration from our tips and examples and don’t be afraid to do things differently. Shop All Bar Stools
November Fundraising
Throughout the month of November, Atlantic Shopping held a variety of staff fundraising events in an effort to raise money for Cancer Research UK, Mind, and the Movember Foundation. We are delighted to announce that we have raised a fantastic £1055! Take a look at all the fun we had for a great cause below: Atlantic Shopping Bake Off The month kicked off with the Atlantic Shopping Bake Off! Everyone was encouraged to bring in their best bakes, from sweet to savoury, with the chance to win prizes for tastiest, best decorated, tallest, and more. From cupcakes and brownies to cheesecake and cookies, so much effort went in, resulting in some really impressive bakes – including a cake shaped like a bar stool! Movember During the entire month, a few of our male members of staff opted to take part in Movember! This is a moustache-growing event created by the Movember Foundation – a charity that raises funds for men’s health worldwide. So, starting with a fresh clean shave on the 1st of November, our participants were sponsored to grow a moustache by the end of the month. As you can see below, they definitely did not disappoint… but why are they in fancy dress I hear you ask… Fancy Dress Day Our fancy dress day took place on the last day of the month (possibly to give our Movember guys a chance to coordinate their moustaches with their outfits). With prizes up for grabs for best dressed, most effort, most creative, funniest, and most original, we had an amazing turnout! Including the Super Mario brothers, Mary Poppins, Where’s Wally, the Queen of Hearts, and even a Christmas elf. A huge well done to all our staff for donating and taking part, and we will continue to have more events like this in the future – so stay tuned!
Steampunk Style In Your Home
Steampunk style has been up and coming in design and décor for the past few years. Many people have never heard of it, and those that have often assume it’s just another word for industrial style. However, there’s more to it than that, which we will explain in this article and also offer suggestions to get the look. Steampunk is described as a genre of science fiction, in a world in which the Victorians might have imagined the future to be. So you may recognise the style from time travel films and sci-fi television shows. Featuring retro-futuristic designs, it looks to the past and the future at the same time, combining the best of Victorian craftsmanship with modern practicality. Steam-power was at the forefront of technology in the 19th century, so this style often includes pieces inspired by steam-powered machinery, hence steam-punk. But it also keeps the ornate and exquisite details you typically associate with the Victorian Era. Where Did Steampunk Come From? The term steampunk actually originated in the 1980’s. American writer K. W. Jeter invented the word to describe his science fiction stories, which were set in an idealised version of Victorian London. Science fiction stories dating back to the 50’s and 60’s have since been characterised as steampunk. In the past decade the term and the themes within its fictional world have risen in popularity and now extend into fashion, culture, art, film, architectural style, and décor. What Makes a Steampunk Interior? Contrasting designs and textures are a distinctive characteristic, as elaborate Victorian style meets rustic industrial. Think plush velvet curtains and an ornately carved mirror hung against a bare brick wall with exposed incandescent bulb lighting. Focus on vintage metals, like gold, brass, and copper, in the kitchen this might be shining copper cookware or brass taps and cabinet handles. You could choose a dark wood dining table with elaborate turned legs and pair it with robust cast iron stools, or vice versa with a textured light wood table and grand velvet or real leather chairs. The key is to create a juxtaposed setting but maintain a common vintage feel throughout. Here are some suggestions to get the look in your interior: Whimsical Interior Accessories Focus on themes and ideas that Victorians were interested in, this includes invention and discovery, but also travel and exploration. Maps are an obvious choice, you could cover an entire wall with a sepia map, or go simple with an antiqued globe. Vintage-style suitcases can also make a great focal point, stack them up to create a statement on their own or choose a large one that can double as a coffee table. Use other navigational equipment, like an old-fashioned compass, telescope, or pair of binoculars, as extra whimsical details. Aviation and flying-machines were also a fascination in the 19th century, moving on from hot air balloons to airships and later even the concept of the airplane began to take off (no pun intended). So with that in mind, you could display a model air balloon or some vintage aviator goggles, or even use a model airship as a lampshade. As demonstrated in the image below, even the plainest of rooms can become steampunk with the right accessories and furnishings. With a strong emphasis on gadgets and mechanisms, you can’t go wrong by featuring gears, pipes, spools, and cogs in your décor. Steampunk relies on the recycled look, with enthusiasts choosing to create their own items. But if you’re not into DIY, readymade pieces are becoming readily available on the high street. This includes shelving made from industrial piping and metal gears turned into clocks – remember timepieces are a great reference to retro-futurism and time travel. Moody Colour Scheme Given the era it revolves around, a steampunk colour scheme tends to be made up of darker and richer shades. With a heavy emphasis on worn metals, there should be plenty of warm orange colours from the copper and brass. Black and grey are also prominent, along with dark browns coming through in the wood and leather elements. Sepia will work well to tie in any old photographs or maps on display, but if you’re looking for more variety in colour deep reds and greens are ideal. Below, you can see a great example of these shades in a real steampunk setting. The image above looks as though the piping spans an entire wall, but it actually occupies the space beneath a bar – as seen in the image below. This goes to show that you can create a steampunk aesthetic even in the most unexpected of places, just use a little imagination. One alteration that would enhance this bar is swapping those wooden leather stools for some with more of a steampunk theme. Repurposed Or Regal Furniture For your furniture, you can opt for the repurposed look with warehouse-style pieces, or you can go for lavish and luxurious designs – but you’ll get the best results if you mix and match! Wood and metal designs are ideal for factory-style, especially models with a quirky recycled look like our Vintage Swivel Stool Light Wood. Our Hydrant Stool (below) is also a fantastic play on the steampunk idea, as its four legs are fashioned to look like pipes. Plus, these unique designs keep with the whimsical theme too. Take a look at our steampunk style stools below, or check out our entire industrial bar stool collection. Hydrant Compass Vintage Swivel You can add some refinement and comfort by choosing classic Victorian-inspired dining chairs. Opt for grand dark wood pieces with velvet upholstery and button detail – the more imposing the better. Or, if you’re not a fan of velvet, leather chairs like the Ascot Dining Chair Black Leather will have an equally impressive effect. We have picked out our most ideal dining chairs below, two of which also have matching bar stools. Kensington Overture Ascot Steampunk is a really unique décor trend that has a striking impact. It’s ideal for those who love the quirky industrial look, but also appreciate luxury and detail. Why not give it a go in your interior?
Enhanced Delivery With DPD App
As always, when you place an order with us you receive the excellent ‘Predict’ service from our courier DPD. An email and text with a one hour expected delivery slot is sent to you on the morning of your delivery day, and you can also track your driver’s progress via an interactive web map. However, to make ordering furniture online even easier, you can download the ‘Your DPD’ app for a variety of extra features, providing a more convenient delivery experience! We outline all the extras below to show you the benefits of the app. 1. Delivery To Suit You When you download the app you can personalise each delivery to suit you. Not only can you track your parcel in real time, you can see exactly where the driver is on the in-app map and even see the name and a photograph of the driver. Plus, if you have a change of plans you can also select a totally different day for your delivery. 2. Push Notifications Once your parcel is on its way, you will receive a push notification when your driver is 30 minutes away, so you don’t have to wait in all day. If you’re not in, the parcel will be delivered as per your previously set preferences, or you can use the options to change your preferences right up until your parcel is delivered – these are outlined below. 3. Specify Your Safe Place If you’re not going to be in when your parcel arrives, you can choose a safe place on your property for your parcel to be delivered to. This could be a front porch or the garden shed, and you even have the option to upload a photo so your driver knows exactly what it looks like. Your driver will then send you a photo of your parcel in your safe place for extra peace of mind. 4. Leave With A Neighbour Maybe you don’t have a safe place or you would prefer your parcel left with someone you know? In that case you can choose to have it left with your neighbour instead. Understandably, not all of us get along with every one of our neighbours, so to make life easier you can specify your chosen trusted neighbour on the app! 5. Avoid The School Run If you have got children, you can request that DPD does not attempt to deliver during the school run. If you choose to make use of this feature, DPD will aim to deliver between 09:30 and 14:30, avoiding the school traffic and rush hour. This way, you don’t have to worry about missing your parcel while you’re dropping the kids off. 6. Missed Delivery What happens if you haven’t chosen a safe place and you miss your delivery? If you return home later that day the driver will attempt a second delivery at the end of their round, if possible. You will receive a notification confirming that the driver will return to you within the next 90 minutes. Enhancing the existing delivery service, the DPD app allows you to create a personal profile and view all of your past and present parcels, enabling you to personalise the way you receive each order. You can download the app to your smartphone or tablet using the buttons below, and on our Delivery Information page where you can also find our full delivery details.
What Do We Mean By Toledo?
We recently introduced two new lines to our industrial bar stool collection, both of which feature the name ‘Toledo Style Stool’. You might recognise the name, or maybe the design looks familiar, but what exactly is the Toledo Stool and where did it come from? This article explains all. The Toledo Stool is the original draughtsman’s stool. It was manufactured in Toledo, Ohio during the American Machine Age in the early 20th century, and so the stool later adopted the city’s name. Advertised as a chair for the office, to be used by the likes of bookkeepers and typewriters, the stool was originally created for draughtsmen. A draughting company had approached a furniture manufacturer and requested a new design of seating that would be functional and adjustable for their workers. Draughtsmen create detailed technical drawings and plans for architects or engineers. In the past, they sat at large wooden drawing boards or desks using tools such as pencils, rulers, compasses and protractors to create plans by hand. So to make a more efficient and comfortable work flow, an adaptable and durable stool was needed, to allow them to reach the entire drawing board with ease and to accommodate multiple users. Who created it? The above-mentioned furniture manufacturer was the Toledo Metal Furniture Company, founded in 1898 in Toledo, Ohio by brothers Philip and Clement Uhl. Situated next to the Maumee River and Lake Erie, the city’s main transport links were by boat. Then in the late 19th century extensive railroads were developed, providing better links and turning the city into a hub for railroad companies and the manufacturing industry. Hence the furniture company began as Uhl’s Cycle Emporium, where the brothers repaired and manufactured bicycles. However, with the development of automobiles in the early 20th century the market for bicycles saw a heavy decline. So, the brothers decided to branch out and began making chairs and stools for ice cream parlours, which expanded into furniture for schools, offices, and factories. Thus, the company was renamed Uhl Steel Art and in 1904 they incorporated as Toledo Metal Furniture. Today, the company is a division of Banner Metal Inc., they’re still producing office furniture but much more modern variations. Their original draughtsman’s stool remains their most successful and well-known design, and today we know it as the Toledo Draughtsman’s Stool. What does it look like? The stool is characterised by its heavy steel frame, with what the Uhl brothers referred to as the ‘locked truss-rail legs’. Forming the distinctive frame, cold rolled steel is used to create the curved bracing bars between the legs, and then a circular footrest surrounds them. The original frames also had a Japanned metal finish, which has a marbled matt black look, and then nickel, bright copper and bright brass finishes became available in later years. Plus, they added steel swivel feet to their later designs, allowing for use on uneven floors with their ball and socket mechanism. Originally made from bent plywood, the seat and backrest are curved and contoured in an effort to provide comfort to the user. The height of the seat can be adjusted by swivelling the seat, whilst the height of the backrest can also be adjusted and has a tilt function. These elements were combined to offer practicality, efficiency, and comfort, meeting the requirements of the draughting company and the needs of so many others thereafter. How is it relevant now? The Toledo Stool, and this style of steel furniture in general, fell out of fashion in the second half of the 20th century as more sleek and comfortable designs became popular. This was partly due to the increasing use of new materials in furniture, such as plastic. Plus, the traditional techniques used by draughtsmen were overtaken by CAD (computer aided design) and accompanied by more supportive, cushioned, and ergonomic furniture. Today the Toledo is seeing a revival, as the vintage industrial look is on trend in domestic and commercial interior design. Now you will find its varying designs being used in the home as bar stools at the kitchen island or breakfast bar, and it is also a popular choice for commercial bar areas due to its robust and solid design. It may be seen in a factory-style home office, but it’s very unlikely to be seen in the workplace. Its return has seen dozens of new adaptations with modern finishes like bright coloured paint, plastic, and brushed copper, along with wheeled versions and backless designs. We offer two designs, the Fuse and the Volt, in two different finishes, which can be seen below: Fuse Toledo Style Antique Steel Volt Toledo Style Copper Fuse Toledo Style Copper All great fashions make a comeback at some point, and right now with the popularity of factory-style décor and vintage inspired design, it’s like a second industrial revolution for the furniture trade. As the Toledo is often thought of as the original industrial piece it can be found just about anywhere at the moment, from kitchens to cafes, although not everyone realises its origin. Suiting almost any style from rustic to modern, it’s now more of a statement piece used to add character or contrast to its surroundings. So, why not try out this time-honoured design for yourself? Or browse our complete industrial bar stool range below. Shop Industrial Stools
How To Light A Bar, Kitchen & Dining Room
The lighting scheme is an integral part of any kitchen or dining room. So to help our customers create an efficient yet stylish bar area or an enticing dinner setting, we have put together our tips and advice on how to add the finishing touch with good lighting. Years ago, interior lighting was more of an afterthought with a purely functional purpose, but it has changed in recent years as technology has advanced. The fluorescent tubes of the 70’s are a thing of the past, and even halogens are being replaced by LED bulbs. Not only are there more discreet and inexpensive options, we now have the ability to change the function or mood of a room with lighting alone. In this article we discuss the different types of lighting and their different uses in the kitchen and dining room. Different Types of Lighting Technology has progressed to enable three main types of interior lighting, ambient, task, and accent. The different types should be kept on different circuits, as they will generally be required at different times, and certain styles and sizes are better suited to each. Ambient Ambient light is the main or background source of illumination, which is used to make the room visible. It always used to be the only type, due to its practical purpose, but it can be used to create a welcoming atmosphere or to change the mood. The best source is sunlight, and then when night falls pendants, lamps, and downlights can work together to provide ample luminosity. Task Task lighting, as its name suggests, aids in performing specific tasks and activities such as food preparation, washing up, and cooking on the hob. Designs with focussed beams such as spotlights and downlights work well for this, and some extractor fans are available with an integrated lamp for this purpose. Accent Accent lighting is a recent popular development that is used to draw attention to certain focal points or features in a room. This could be glassware in cabinets as seen in the photo below, open shelving, or a decorative architectural feature. Wall sconces and spotlights are ideal for this, whilst LED’s are popular for more difficult areas as they can be used in strips and their small design can easily be hidden. There is also decorative lighting, which involves making a statement with bold and eye-catching fittings whilst still offering some illumination. For example a chandelier is both decorative and ambient. Drift Oak & White Bar Stool Placement of Lighting in Kitchens & Dining Rooms The type of light and the placement will vary on the type of room, as different rooms have different functions, so you need to determine what the room will be used for. In the kitchen it is essential to keep certain areas well lit for safety. This includes preparation areas, the sink, cooktop, and walkways. In the dining room pay more attention to atmosphere and mood and make use of decorative shades and fixtures. Ceilings & Walls In the past, a typical layout for a dining room would be to hang a pendant in the centre of the room and then position the dining table underneath. Now, with the popularity of open plan rooms the lighting is designed around the furniture. Recessed ceiling downlights are a versatile choice, and can be used for ambient, task, and even accent lighting. Wall space is limited in the kitchen, but in the dining room you may have dimmable wall sconces or accent wall lamps to showcase photographs and artwork. Cabinets & Kickboards Under cabinet lighting is a great way to illuminate the worktops in the kitchen. Fluorescent tubes were used for this in the past, but now downlights and LED’s are the ideal choice. Due to their compact design, LED’s can be used to show off your best china inside glass door cabinets, or you can even install them inside drawers to shine on your cutlery when opened. Kickboard LED’s are also popular in the kitchen, especially when used at an island or bar, which can work to make a feature of your bar stools. If you have cabinets that do not reach the ceiling, you could use uplighting on top of your cabinets and opt for colour changing LED’s to change the mood. Freestanding Freestanding designs are better suited to the dining room as space is often at a premium in the kitchen and loose wires can be an extra hazard. If pendants in your dining room are unfeasible you could choose a tall standard lamp in the corner, or use a table lamp or two on your sideboard. The benefit of freestanding designs is that they can be moved around if your layout changes or to provide ambience elsewhere. Pendants & Downlights Pendants and downlights are two of the most popular designs for kitchens and dining rooms. Below, we discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and what to consider before installing them in your interior. Pendant Lighting Pendants were always the original design for interiors as ceilings were higher, so it was ideal to be able to hang the bulb at a lower height to light the room effectively. They have seen a revival recently as more fashionable and versatile options are now available. Before installing, just remember that any hanging fixtures should be above eye level and out of sight lines to avoid disrupting the flow of the room visually. Additionally, if you are mounting a pendant over a walkway, make sure it is suspended higher than the head height of the tallest occupant. Advantages: 1. Pendants are a relatively cheap option, however this does depend on the style of shade or fixture you choose as more extravagant designs will obviously be more expensive. 2. There is plenty of style choice to suit almost every interior style and there are many decorative options that allow you to create a feature focal point. 3. You can decide how high or low to hang your pendants and bring the light closer to where you need it, which is great for rooms with high ceilings. Disadvantages: 1. Rooms with low ceilings limit the use of pendants. They can still be suitable suspended over other items of furniture but would be impractical in a walkway. 2. Pendants usually produce a soft and dim glow, so you will often require more than one or other types of lighting to effectively illuminate a large room. 3. As they are often visual features and more noticeable they may need to be cleaned or dusted more often, particularly if the fitting is close to a food preparation area where they can get splashed with grease. Pendant Lights Above Tables & Worktops Hanging a pendant light above the dining table has always been popular and there is now a trend for suspending them above kitchen islands and breakfast bars to make a visual statement over the worktop. This often completes the overall design of a kitchen bar, but there are a few things to establish, such as measurements and quantities, before you get started. One large pendant may provide enough light for a relaxing dining area, whereas a breakfast bar may require multiple smaller fixtures. At a kitchen island or breakfast bar it may be a good idea to choose the same number of bar stools as pendants, this creates a balanced look and each seat has a well-lit surface to eat or work at. Be sure to leave a suitable distance between the tabletop or island top and the bottom of the fixture. An approximate guide would be at least 75cm, this avoids any interference with the work area and keeps the fixture out of sight lines, preventing anyone bumping their head too! If you have a small island that only requires one pendant, position it to hang in the centre of the island, or for two place them equidistant from the centre. For longer bars that require more, measure from the anchor point of the fixture and ensure the space between each pendant is equal and also larger than the width of the pendant. The distance between the edge of the island and the pendant can be less but the fixture should not overhang the island. Our diagram above illustrates approximate measurements, but to calculate the spacing between pendants for your own bar area we have a formula you can use as a guide: For dining rooms, the width of the fitting or shade should be between half and two thirds of the width of your dining table, this ensures it is in proportion with the table and the room. Downlights Downlights started to become popular in the 1990’s and 2000’s as homes were being built with lower ceilings, providing a practical alternative to pendants. They are ideally suited to 8ft ceilings as the fittings are usually recessed, but you still need to carefully consider their layout. Try to create a symmetrical layout, with equal spacing across the ceiling. One way to ensure this is to work in a grid system, or use architectural features like beams as a line of symmetry. You may use the work surfaces as a guide, or plan a grid above the kitchen island, and then space the rest evenly from there. In the dining room you may have a central pendant and then use downlights to brighten each corner of the room. In the image below you can see how the ceiling can look cluttered and unorganised if the layout isn’t properly planned. Be sure to think about where shadows will be cast once the room is furnished and used. Try to allow around 2ft between the walls and lights to avoid shadows. The distance between each light will depend on the size of the room. To find the ideal spacing, take the ceiling height of your room and divide it by two, for example if the ceiling is 8ft high you would space your fixtures 4ft apart. Glam Bar Stool Blue Velvet Advantages: 1. Depending on the lifespan of your chosen bulbs, downlights are an inexpensive and effective option that can work well in various room types. 2. This is the ideal choice for the modern and minimalist look as the source is concealed and therefore occupies little visual space. 3. This also makes them a perfect solution for rooms with low ceilings, as visible mounted fixtures and pendants will obstruct the line of sight and make the room height appear lower. Disadvantages: 1. Remember, downlights can’t be easily moved so be certain of your plan before the instalment as any errors or changes of heart are difficult to cover up. 2. If you use halogen bulbs, you will find they don’t last as long and it can be awkward to change the bulbs regularly, especially as you need to avoid touching the bulb with bare hands to prolong the life of the bulb. 3. To fit the downlights, holes need to be made in the ceiling so be aware that there may be some noise pollution from the rooms upstairs. Light Switches Generally, your switches need to be kept in convenient places. This may be near the entrance of the room or on the wall above the worktops, with dimmer switches included for more variety and choice of mood and brightness. However, new technology has been developed to provide programmable systems, which can be controlled by a single control panel on your wall or even wirelessly through mobile apps. This takes away the need for multiple switches, as you can control colour changes, dimmers, and timers with one panel. They can even be programmed to suit different activities or times of day, so you may have a bright cooking setting and then switch to an ambient dining setting. The design of a room is not complete until the lights are turned on. They add the finishing touch and instantly change the feel of the room. So it’s essential to give your lighting an adequate budget and priority in your kitchen or dining room designs. Finally, it’s worth remembering that when you use various types of lighting within one room, the colour temperature of the bulbs still needs to be consistent, and you can find out more about colour temperature here.
Creating a Seating Plan For a Commercial Venue
The key to an efficient and successful dining area in your business is to create a great seating plan. With a well-structured layout, excellent food, and quality service, your guests or diners will feel relaxed and comfortable, enjoying their experience and wanting to return. In commercial settings, such as restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes, the main aim is to maximise the sales area. The layout should also be a pleasant environment for customers and staff, ensuring it is visually appealing and functional for both. For venues that hold events like weddings and parties, the layout is often designed for the aesthetics, but the same principles apply to create a hospitable setting with plenty of room for everyone. We have created a simple guide to help you create the ideal seating plan for your space. Types of Table Layouts When deciding on the type of layout you need, determine which style will work best in terms of maximising space, accommodating diners, and providing an enjoyable atmosphere. Consider the type of guests your establishment attracts. For example, family settings such as weddings and fast food or buffet restaurants will usually have larger groups. A fine dining restaurant is more likely to have small groups and couples, whilst cafes and coffee shops attract more solo customers. We discuss four popular layout designs below: Banquet The banquet layout is typically used at weddings, parties, and restaurants. Round tables are suited to this layout but it can also work with squares arranged diagonally. The rows are usually staggered to allow sufficient room. In restaurants there is often a banquet layout in the centre of the room, with square or rectangular tables around the edges. Imperial The imperial layout is used in relaxed and casual restaurants, canteens, and even at weddings. It involves using long rectangular tables or several smaller ones pushed together, and it can work with either benches or individual seats. In this layout, it’s not unusual for diners to be seated beside people they do not know. Cabaret The cabaret design is best suited for seating at shows, performances, and awards ceremonies, or any event where guests will be looking at a stage or presentation. The chairs are arranged around one half of a circular table, with everyone looking in the same direction, this way guests can still eat a meal whilst having a clear view to the performance area. U-Shape U-shaped layouts can be used at small parties, private dining areas in restaurants, or for small weddings. Seats are usually placed around the outer edge of the U, creating an open sociable setting and providing easy access for waiters. The inner edge can also be used to accommodate more people. These are just a few examples, but you can of course use a combination, which will allow for a fluid and flexible layout. You can also change the layout for different times of the year e.g. Christmas time sees big company parties and family dinners, whilst Valentines Day requires plenty of tables for two. Number of Chairs vs. Table Size & Shape Once you have a layout in mind, you need to decide how many dining tables you will need to meet your number of expected guests or covers. A good start is to sketch out a scaled plan of your space and try out different shapes and sizes of tables using our diagram and advice below. You may find that a combination will work best, especially if your venue is an awkward shape. It also gives the option to change the layout day to day, and is ideal for venues that get completely rearranged for corporate events and weddings. The number of seats you can fit around each table will depend on its size and shape. You generally need to allow around 60cm width for each person, or a gap of 15cm between each chair. Our illustration below demonstrates examples of different sizes and how many chairs will fit around them. Please note, our diagram is a guide with approximate figures. Other factors such as the width of your chairs can affect your available space. It’s also worth remembering that while each diner may be able to sit around the table comfortably, they may not have enough surface space to enjoy their meal. For example, you may have centrepieces, candles, condiments and sauces already set out, so once all the food has arrived with extra sides, drinks glasses, water jugs, and wine bottles, the surface can become very crowded. Advantages & Disadvantages of Table Shapes So how do you decide on the right shape for your layout? We have put together a short list of advantages and disadvantages of different shapes to help you. We are focussing on square, rectangle, and round but another less common choice is the oval, which is similar to the rectangle in its features. Square & Rectangular 1. The rectangle is more practical as it is a neat streamlined shape, so most venues will be able to fit more rectangular designs than circular. They therefore make the most of the available space and accommodate more guests. 2. Square and rectangular designs can also be pushed together to make longer and larger tables. This allows for bigger groups and parties to be seated together. 3. Depending on the style, the legs of square and rectangular designs can get in the way, obstructing the leg room for diners sat at either end and also restricting the number of chairs that will fit. 4. The rectangular table becomes less sociable the longer the rectangle is and the more people there are. This is because diners can’t easily see or talk to every other person without leaning behind or in front of other diners. Round 1. Unlike designs with straight edges, a round table will not create extra space by fitting flush against a wall or in a corner. To maximise floor coverage, offsetting them in rows can work well instead. 2. The round design occupies less space, both physically and visually and so it is great for smaller compact settings like coffee shops. 3. This however means that they seat fewer people. Even if the diameter of a round table is the same, the surface area will be less than a square design as squares have additional space in the corners. 4. With a circular design, the space in the centre is often wasted, but this can be used for centrepieces, extra space for shared food dishes, or even a lazy Susan. How Table Shape Affects the Dining Experience The shape of your tables can affect the overall atmosphere of your dining area. So think about the type of environment you want to create to suit your customers or guests. Rectangular designs can reduce the sense of equality between guests, particularly for those sat on the end of the longer sides, as they are not at the heart of the conversation or party. Similarly, when the short sides are used there becomes a ‘head’ of the group, however this may be favourable for families. Squares usually seat an equal number of chairs on each side, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance that is easy on the eye, making the overall atmosphere more calming and relaxed. Squares and rectangles have a more formal feel. Diners are sat in lines directly opposite each other, which can feel confrontational in some settings but can be intimate with just two diners. Round tables make guests feel more sociable, as each diner can see and converse with every other person in their party. The circular design is also more welcoming as it creates a sense of flow that invites guests to take a seat rather than abrupt straight lines that can be seen as barriers. Our Dining Table Buying Guide has plenty of extra information, including advice on style, materials, and finishes, to help you decide. Arranging the Layout of Your Venue Not only do you need to provide enough room between each diner, you also need to allow adequate space between tables and backs of chairs, so guests and staff can make their way across the room with ease. When tables are positioned back to back with no main walkway in between, leave approx. 130cm between the tables. Around 40cm is then left between the backs of chairs when seated, allowing customers to comfortably get to and from their seat. Depending on your layout, you may need to think about the spacing between chairs and walls, and we have more information about this in our Dining Chair Buying Guide. To allow for a high traffic walkway or a service aisle for waiters, allow approx. 170cm between the tables. This leaves around 80cm between the backs of chairs to allow people to easily walk between. For walkways that lead to and from doors, an easy guide is to keep the walkway at least the same width as the door. If there is a bar area with bar stools, even more space is needed between the stools and restaurant chairs, and you may even consider creating a partition to separate these areas. This is particularly relevant if the bar is used as a social standing area or as a place for guests to wait to be seated. With square tables you can either use square or diagonal spacing, as seen in the image above. The square layout is more uniform and formal, whilst the diagonal is more interesting visually. If you opt for diagonal spacing, leave around 60cm between the corners of the square. This lets people walk between and also gives each party space so they don’t feel as though other diners can overhear conversations. Lastly, be sure to check that waiters have a clear path from the dining area to the kitchen and to the bar, and ensure doorways to kitchens, toilets, entrances, and exits are unobstructed. It’s especially important not to block fire exits or walkways for fire evacuation. Fixed Seating Another option to look at is fixed seating, such as booths and benches. This is more applicable to restaurant furniture rather than event layouts. A popular layout is to line the walls with booths and have an arrangement of freestanding seating in the centre of the room, but booths can also be placed away from walls and this provides easier access for customers. Customers generally prefer booth seating as they are usually more comfortable and create a private dining area, encouraging diners to stay for longer, which is good for restaurants that don’t rely on quick table-turnover. Plus, booths can save space by filling corners and tighter areas, and can also seat more people in a smaller area compared to freestanding furniture. Although this type of fixed seating always looks neat with no chance of untidy chairs, you can’t move it around to change the layout. In addition, freestanding seating allows easier access for the elderly and the disabled. Therefore, a combination of both will provide a more convenient and versatile seating plan. One way to do this is to edge one wall with bench seating and place tables and chairs alongside, as seen in the image below, this layout combines the benefits of fixed and freestanding seats. There’s no perfect layout to suit all, you need to find a balance that will benefit you and your venue, but hopefully our guide has given you key features to consider to get started on an efficient and well-organized seating plan. Shop Dining Chairs
Complete Website Upgrade to HTTPS
This week, the entire Atlantic Shopping website has been upgraded to HTTPS on every page and is fully encrypted. Plus, an upgrade to our server settings now means all pages download 30% quicker than before. All of our security pages, such as check out, log in, and account pages, have always been HTTPS secured, however we decided to implement HTTPS across the whole site to provide the fastest and most secure user experience for our customers. In order to ensure all information is protected, HTTPS encrypts everything on the page, and this in turn naturally slows the page down. So, in an effort to help this we upgraded all servers to HTTPS2, which essentially means that a browser can now download all page assets at once compared to the normal old HTTP, which only allows 6 items at a time. We still use Norton Secured, which is powered by DigiCert, the industries leading authority for security services, but now throughout the whole website with 128 bit encryption. This is outlined in our Make a Payment page, where you can find further information about our payment security. So, you can continue to browse our website with ease, and enjoy the addition of increased security and speed! The Atlantic Shopping Team
How Light Affects Colour
Colour is described as the reflection or emittance of light from an object. This means that the type of light you use and the natural daylight coming into your home will have an effect on your colour scheme. There are a variety of factors to consider to get the right combination of colour and light, as not only will it affect the appearance of the room, but it will have a psychological effect on your mood too. In this article we discuss the colour temperature of light, how it is measured, and how it has a dramatic impact on your interior. Fig. 1 Colour temperature is measured in degrees kelvin (K). The image above (Fig. 1) demonstrates the kelvin scale with some examples of light sources and their colour temperature. As you can see, the higher the kelvin rating the cooler (bluer) the light appears, and the lower the rating the warmer (more yellow) it appears. The kelvin scale applies to both artificial and natural lighting, and we discuss how each type can affect your interior below: Artificial Light Bulbs with a lower kelvin rating, such as traditional tungsten incandescent bulbs, will emit a yellowish glow, whereas a fluorescent bulb has a higher rating and will have a cooler whiter glow. LED’s come in various colour temperatures, from the warm yellow of a halogen bulb through to cool daylight. The incandescent bulb was once the only available option so its classic yellow glow was most common years ago. However, with the introduction of more energy-efficient bulbs and versatile LED’s, they are now less popular and may be phased out with new energy-efficient regulations. It’s important to consider your colour scheme when choosing your lighting. For example, cream cabinets under a halogen bulb will intensify the cream and create a warmer and cosier appearance, whereas white fluorescent lamps on grey walls may look too clinical and cold. Your furniture may also be affected, and this could be anything from your kitchen table to your dining chairs, so we have demonstrated the possible outcome on a white chair in our example below (Fig. 2). The fixture or shade surrounding your bulbs will also have an impact, as the light from the bulb will bounce off the inside of the shade and reflect its colour into the room. Your choice of bulb will also depend on its location, purpose, desired luminance and ambiance, for example you may opt for a brighter bulb in the kitchen to aid in food preparation. Fig. 2 Natural Light As you may have noticed, a room lit with bulbs in the evening looks significantly different when the midday sun is streaming in through the windows. The colour temperature of this natural light changes throughout the day as the sun moves higher and across the sky, and it also changes with different seasons and weather throughout the year. The midday sun characteristically casts a white light, whilst a cloudy sky has a cooler tint, and a clear blue sky has a blue cast. As the sun rises and sets the light becomes warmer, and these vast changes can alter the way your décor appears during the day. The immediate surroundings of the room can have an additional impact, as these surfaces will be reflected into the room through the window. For example, a grass garden outside may reflect a green shade into the room. The main factors to consider when choosing your colour scheme and lighting are the direction of your room and the time of day you use it. We discuss these differences below. Room Orientation & Colour of Light It’s difficult to cater to every form of natural light, so you should decorate to suit the time of day the room is used most. Generally the kitchen is used mostly in the morning and evening, when making breakfast and dinner, which will be dark for a large part of the year. So you will need a bright well-lit room to see what you are doing when preparing and cooking food. There are also LED’s available with colour changing settings, so you could use these to create different moods at different times of day. Meanwhile, the dining room is used mostly in the evenings and so a single ambient setting would be sufficient. The direction the room faces, or the direction the window lets in light from, will determine the colour of natural light for that room throughout the day: North facing rooms get the least sunlight and can look cold and gloomy. You could embrace this with darker paint and furniture and then bring in warmth with halogen lamps for a cosy atmosphere. Or in the kitchen, use bold and punchy colours and LED’s with a high kelvin rating for a crisp modern look. South facing rooms get the most even sunlight throughout the day, which is ideal for living rooms and means both warm and cool tones in your paint and furniture will be effective. East facing rooms get a warm glow in the morning when the sun rises and then become cooler throughout the day, so you could opt for blues and greens in your décor to enhance the effect. West facing rooms benefit from warm light in the evening when the sun sets. This makes them ideal for dramatic dining rooms, especially if choosing a palette with warm shades like red and orange. Fig. 3 Colour Casts Created By Mixed Lighting Even though we stress the importance of consistent colour temperature in your interior lighting, there will always be a contrast with any natural light entering the room. This is known in photography as a colour cast. The human eye can see this effect, but the brain naturally adjusts and balances any difference in colour temperature, so the real effect becomes clear when you photograph the room. Many interior photographers choose to turn the lights off when photographing to avoid this effect. In our example below (Fig. 4) you can see there are three different colour temperatures coming from different sources; the halogen spotlights, the pendants, and the natural light. Looking at the floor, the overhead halogens are giving it a warm yellow appearance on the left hand side, and this becomes cooler as you look towards the window with the blue daylight. What’s more, the polished dark wood cabinets reflect and actually emphasise the warm appearance, demonstrating how different materials respond in different settings. Fig. 4 Matte surfaces, like paint, coarse fabrics, and matte resin, will naturally absorb light and make colours look darker and muted, whereas glossy surfaces like ABS plastic, polished wood, and metal will reflect it and look brighter. They will also reflect their surroundings. In the image below (Fig. 5), the top half shows the original colour casts, the bottom half has been colour corrected to replicate what the human eye would see. Firstly, look at the chrome frames of the two bar stools with their backs to us. They have a yellow tint that is reflected from the yellow lamps above, whereas the stools closest to the window are being hit with a blue tint from the daylight outside. This is also evident on the left, with the chrome kickboard, mini fridge, and oven. The yellow overhead light also hits the wooden floor and reflects its brown wooden tone up onto these mirrored metallic surfaces. Fig. 5 So, when decorating a room make sure you test out samples of paints, fabrics, and surfaces at different times of day, under various lamps and bulbs, in corners and alcoves, and next to other colours in the room. You can also do this with different bulbs if they can’t be fitted until the room is decorated, which is often the case in the kitchen. It’s also worth remembering that, to the human eye, brightness increases the saturation of colour so any colour under a direct light can appear more vivid. In contrast, less light can make colours appear duller. If you’re still unsure, an interior designer can help you pick out the best options for your room.
Wabi-Sabi Design in Your Kitchen
“Wabi-sabi is a lifestyle and aesthetic principle that stems from Japan. It’s the practice of appreciating and accepting the beauty in simplicity, imperfections, and age.” Oslo Oak Stool What Does Wabi-Sabi Mean? The two words actually have separate meanings that have been reinvented many times. Today, wabi is described as simplicity, humbleness, and being in tune with nature, whilst sabi is the beauty of age and wear. It originated centuries ago with the Japanese tea ceremony, which is a Zen Buddhist ritual for making and sharing a cup of tea, but wealthy masters turned it into a way of showing off with extravagant and expensive teahouses and utensils. As a backlash, the wabi-sabi way of tea was formed when one respected tea master deliberately chose to use simple and imperfect bowls and cups. Since then it has become the time-honoured and renowned way to have tea in Japan. The term doesn’t have an exact English translation, but essentially wabi-sabi acknowledges and accepts the fact that everything is imperfect, incomplete, and temporary. What Makes a Wabi-Sabi Kitchen? You may already have a wabi-sabi approach to your décor and not even realise. That old kitchen rug you refuse to throw out because the frayed edges and faded fabric remind you of the story and history of your home - that is wabi-sabi. It’s quite the opposite of typical contemporary design, with more of a casual and relaxed aesthetic with few clean modern lines. That’s not to say it’s an excuse for mess, dirt, or carelessness, especially not in the kitchen, but not everything has to look perfectly pristine. Think more along the lines of shabby-chic and industrial style interiors, which have been on trend in the past few years with their weathered and country aesthetic. Take influence from nature, which is rarely perfect or symmetrical and will eventually decay, and replicate this concept in the kitchen. Choose to keep your old furnishings and watch them change and gain character with age, or buy simple handcrafted crockery and accessories and appreciate their subtle beauty. Materials Used The materials in a wabi-sabi kitchen should be rustic and natural. Opt for materials that will age well or have a natural patina already. For example, real leather will become worn and wrinkled with use, fabric will become threadbare, painted wood will begin to peel over time, metal will rust, and so on. These imperfections are to be admired rather than retouched or replaced. Steer clear of modern polished surfaces like granite and laminate, instead opt for rustic wooden worktops, concrete floors, and exposed brick walls. These all have interesting textures and unique blemishes and details that will add originality and history to the room. Soften up these rough textures with an old linen rug and fabric stools and chairs, or bring in another contrasting texture with a sisal or bamboo rug. For appliances and kitchenware, metals with a natural tarnish like brass and copper will suit the style much more than spotless shining chrome or stainless steel. Colour Scheme Colours fade and become less vibrant with age, and so a muted colour scheme is naturally formed and preferred in a wabi-sabi setting. Due to the natural materials used, a typical colour scheme will include earthy browns, warm oranges, greys, and creams. You can of course incorporate it into your existing décor, as the subtle rustic style can also make a striking contrast in a modern setting if you can’t commit completely to the simple understated look. Furniture Style Handmade furniture is an essential element in a wabi-sabi interior, and although imperfections are welcome, it is not an excuse for mistakes or poor craftsmanship. It’s more about embracing traces of the making process and the history of the item - a distinctive knot in a wooden piece of furniture or paint drips on a handmade bowl for example. An old leather chair with five years of wear and tear will have plenty of wabi-sabi character, so hold onto your old furniture for a simple way to get the careworn and aged look. Plus, it is better for the environment and easy on your bank balance too, which is in unison with Lagom, another lifestyle trend for this year. Recycled furniture or pieces with a salvaged look are also great for this, or maybe you have some antiques or family heirlooms that will lend a truly lived-in look. If your current kitchen is ultra-modern and lacking furniture that is likely to age, or if you can’t source any authentic antiques to get the look instantly, you could get a head start with some of our handcrafted and vintage style designs. The Vice Industrial Stool (pictured below) is a great example, with its solid wooden seat and antiqued frame forming a rustic piece with understated beauty. Take a look at some of our wabi-sabi style designs below: Vice Bloc Oslo So, wabi-sabi design is simpler than its name suggests! Once you learn to find the beauty in your weathered kitchen table and your tarnished brass taps, you’re half way there! Many of us take comfort in the familiarity and nostalgia of our cosy lived-in homes anyway, which just so happens to tie in nicely with last years popular Hygge trend. Shop All Kitchen Stools
Lagom: The Latest Trend For 2017
Every year sees the arrival of new trends, and this year it’s the Swedish term lagom that is set to steal the show, but what exactly is it? For the past few years, Scandi style has been at the top of the on-trend list. We know it as simplicity and functionality, but now it’s branching off and focusing on specific words and ideas from individual Scandinavian countries, as last year we saw the rise of the Danish word hygge. We have put together this post to shed some light on lagom, and make some suggestions to include it in your home and lifestyle. “Lagom loosely translates to not too little, not too much, taking just the right amount and living in moderation. It’s a balanced approach to creating a better quality of life and future, without having a negative impact on others and the world we live in.” Drift Oak & Green Fabric Stool You might be thinking it doesn’t sound like the most exciting trend, but as Denmark, Sweden, and Norway are ranked the happiest countries in the world each year, it’s no wonder the rest of us have taken to adopting their designs and ideas – even the less appealing ones. What Does Lagom Mean? The word is believed to have originated from an old Viking phrase ‘laget om’, meaning ‘around the team’. From a time when Vikings would share a drink of mead between them, and each person was trusted to only take a sip and pass it on so that there was enough for everyone. In 2017 it is being interpreted as living a pragmatic lifestyle. Making changes that will add value to your life in the long term, whilst not taking more than your fair share from the planet, whether that’s natural resources, energy, food, or water. With the concept of lagom you can save money, appreciate the simpler things and learn to find the balance that is ‘just right’. Not to worry if you were a fan of last years ‘hygge’, which is about creating moments of comfort and contentment, you can still indulge in that this year too – as it’s all about moderation! How To Embrace It In Your Home Bringing lagom into the home is easier than it sounds, it’s less about the style of the space and more about the practicality of your home’s design and features, this includes being eco-friendly, energy efficient, economical, and self-sufficient. There are both small and large changes you can make, depending on your existing design and lifestyle, here are just a few suggestions: Sustainable Design When redecorating and remodeling, consider choosing sustainable materials. There are an increasing amount of kitchen designers committed to creating sustainable interiors at an affordable price, using materials like wood, recycled glass and plastic, bamboo, and cork. Sustainably sourced wood is ideal for flooring, kitchen cabinets, worktops, and furniture, as seen here in our wooden bar stools. Bamboo is also highly recyclable and can be used for baskets and accessories in the home. If you want a little more luxury in your interior, invest in products and materials that will last for years to come rather than throwaway items that will need replacing often. Opera Bar Stool Oak & Beige Fabric The colour and décor style is completely your choice, but with the addition of natural or biodegradable materials and features, a lagom inspired space tends to have an earthy colour scheme. Plus, this eco-friendly trend could be one of the influences for the selection of Greenery as Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2017, reinforcing the appeal of ‘going green’. Sensible Spending Consider what you spend in terms of energy, and not only will you reduce your impact on the environment, but you will be spending less on bills too. There are a number of ways you can be more energy efficient in your home, with lighting, appliances, and even furnishings. In the kitchen, upgrading your appliances can have a positive impact. For example, an induction hob only transfers energy to the pan and will heat up faster, reducing the amount of heat wasted and cooking time. Most fridges now come with eco settings, and it’s worth noting that a fridge will use more energy keeping cool if it is next to an oven. You could also invest in a dishwasher to save water, one load in the evening will use less water than doing several loads by hand throughout the day. Try and make better use of the natural light in your home, this could be as simple as adding mirrors to reflect light around the room. An easy change is to switch to LED bulbs, they consume less energy and last much longer. Guilty of reaching for the thermostat every time there’s a chill in the air? Adding textiles to a room will add warmth without turning up the heating! Curtains, blinds, and rugs on bare floors all contribute to draught proofing, and this is where all those soft fabrics and faux fur throws from hygge come in handy! Self-sufficient Lifestyle Organisation throughout the home is beneficial, but in the kitchen it can help to reduce food waste and food bills. A clear layout will stop food being forgotten about and going out of date, for example, neat shelving with see-through labeled containers helps you to see the items you are running low on. Even planning your meals for the week stops you buying more food than necessary. Buying local food has a better impact on both the environment and the community, or become even more self-sufficient by growing your own. You’ll be able to provide fresh, pesticide free fruit and veg for you and your family, and it will save you money too. Plus, you are less likely to let food go to waste if you have spent time and effort growing it yourself. You could go all in and create your own kitchen wall garden, or if you’re short on space, make use of your windowsill and keep your plants and herbs within reach when cooking. Start with easier plants like salad leaves and tomatoes, or herbs like basil and coriander, and then expand your garden once you get the hang of it. Not only is it your own supply of food but it will brighten up your interior too, and having plants in the home also purifies the air making a better quality living space. What with the current economic state and the constant reminder of global warming, it’s likely that lagom is here to stay. So, will you be introducing it to your home?
Greenery: Colour of the Year 2017
Announced at the beginning of December last year, Pantone, the global specialists on colour, have named Greenery as 2017’s colour of the year. Following 2016’s unusual choice of two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity, this is a vibrant and zesty contrast. Set to inspire all aspects of design, its popularity can already be seen in fashion, interior design, furniture, art, and even cars. Predominantly used in print, Pantone release the CMYK values (Cyan 62, Magenta 9, Yellow 100, Black 0) for their colours, which can be seen in the image below, alongside a unique reference code – e.g. Greenery 15-0343. Associated mostly with nature, the colour green is only present due to a pigment in plants called chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis. It absorbs red and blue visible light and reflects green, which gives the plant its colour. Therefore, as a sign of life, we instinctively find this colour safe and reassuring, which is one of the reasons it was chosen for this year. As a particularly vivacious shade, it has many positive attributes and meanings: “Bright and invigorating, Greenery is an energising colour that symbolises the great outdoors. Its link to the environment lends a sense of freedom, revitalisation, and harmony. After a year of shocks and surprises, Pantone have selected a truly uplifting shade for 2017.” Psychology of the Colour Green All colours are said to have different meanings and a different effect on our mood, the same can be said for the colour of the year. With its organic roots, it often represents growth and progress, and is therefore seen as a positive colour - think of the phrase ‘given the green light’. It is also peaceful, calming, and relaxing, often used to illustrate safety and health, in a hospital for example. There are various superstitions and beliefs associated with green within different places and cultures. It is the national colour of Ireland with the shamrock representing good luck, and also signifies eternal life in Japan. Meanwhile, darker shades such as Emerald, Pantone’s 2013 Colour of the Year, can evoke certain negative connotations like envy and greed. Popular Green Bar Stools Mode Brushed Steel Stool Green £129.99 Scoop Brushed Stool Green Velvet £79.9 Drift Oak & Green Fabric Stool £109.99 Tide Wooden Stool Green Fabric £115 Madrid Real Leather Gas Lift Stool Green £249.99 Madrid Real Leather Wooden Stool Green £249.99 Chase Bar Stool Green Fabric £59.99 Boston Bar Stool Green Fabric £99.99 Hamilton Bar Stool Antique Green £115 Rio Wooden Stool Green Fabric £129.99 Pablo Bar Stool Green £99.99 Ferrero Brushed Steel Bar Stool Green £149.99 Paris Bar Stool Green Fabric £99.99 Viola Bar Stool Green Velvet £79.99 Lush Real Leather Chrome Stool Green £239.99 Vista Bar Stool Green Velvet £49.99 Prism Bar Stool Green Velvet £79.99 Caprice Bar Stool Antique Green £99.99 Mode Brushed Steel Stool Green £129.99 Scoop Brushed Stool Green Velvet £79.9 Drift Oak & Green Fabric Stool £109.99 Tide Wooden Stool Green Fabric £115 Madrid Real Leather Gas Lift Stool Green £249.99 Madrid Real Leather Wooden Stool Green £249.99 Chase Bar Stool Green Fabric £59.99 Boston Bar Stool Green Fabric £99.99 PrevNext How To Introduce Greenery Into The Home The easiest way to embrace it in the home is to introduce actual greenery! You could make a statement with a large houseplant in the living room, add a vase of flowers to the dining table for a dynamic centrepiece, or create a kitchen herb garden that is both colourful and useful. For a dramatic look, use it as the dominant paint colour in your interior, or choose patterned floral wallpaper with shades of green to bring the outdoors in. Or for those who are less daring, a feature wall in this vibrant shade will make an exciting focal point. If you prefer neutrals, use it as an accent in smaller features with green bar stools or dining chairs like the Grafton. Bring it in subtly in the lighting, artwork, and soft furnishings, or go all out with a glossy splash back as seen in the image below. Paradis Bar Stool Representing all things natural, it’s a fresh and flavourful choice for the kitchen, but its relaxing qualities are also ideal for dining areas, living rooms, and even the bedroom. What’s more, the human eye can see more shades of green than any other colour, so you’re guaranteed to find one to suit you and your home. As a starting point, why not take a look at our selection of dining chairs in this stunning shade below: Popular Green Dining Chairs Marcus Dining Chair Green £119.99 Shanghai Dining Chair Green Fabric £99.99 Lloyd Dining Chair Oak & Green £99.99 Troy Dining Chair Green Fabric £59.99 Caprice Dining Chair Antique Green £79.99 Chase Dining Chair Green Fabric £79.99 Grafton Dining Chair Walnut & Green £139.99 Genesis Dining Chair Green £99.99 Flare Dining Chair Green Velvet £55 Isabella Oak Dining Chair Green Fabric £125 Tucker Chair Antique Green £49.99 Amber Dark Oak Chair Green Fabric £125 Madrid Real Leather Dining Chair Green £299.99 Nico Chair Green Velvet £99.99 Lagos Dining Chair Green Velvet £59.99 Carlo Oak Chair Green Fabric £99.99 Roxy Dining Chair Green Velvet £59.99 Forte Dining Chair Green Fabric £69.99 Marcus Dining Chair Green £119.99 Shanghai Dining Chair Green Fabric £99.99 Lloyd Dining Chair Oak & Green £99.99 Troy Dining Chair Green Fabric £59.99 Caprice Dining Chair Antique Green £79.99 Chase Dining Chair Green Fabric £79.99 Grafton Dining Chair Walnut & Green £139.99 Genesis Dining Chair Green £99.99 For more inspiration on how to use 2017’s Colour of the Year, take a look at our Go Green Pinterest board. Green Dining Chairs