Today I come with exciting news!  We have recently launched a brand new range of covers that will give an even closer fit to your furniture!

Introducing…Easifit. The fitted underside finish and unqiue corner zip means Easifit covers are ideal for offering a beautiful fit on even the most unusual furniture.  The new collection is made up of over 40 fabrics and colours, offering a selection of co-ordinating checks, florals, herringbones and plain fabrics.  Today I’m going to explore three great looks that you can achieve with our new Easifit range.

Co-ordination

With fabrics specifically designed to work hand in hand, you can transform your whole room by mixing and matching your favourite designs.  We’ve chosen simple, plain fabric Windsor to star as the focal point of our room, accompanied by an eyecatching statement chair in on-trend check fabric Beaulieu. Throw in some matching scatter cushions and curtains in Claremont – Autumn. The result: a beautifully co-ordinated room you just can’t wait to show off to your family and friends!

Combination Looks

Similar to the co-ordinated look, combination looks are a great way of making your furniture unique.  Choose a different fabric for the base and cushions of your furniture to add extra interested and create a talking point in your room.  Again we’ve opted for a winning combination of Windsor and Beaulieu, this time in calming Wedgewood colourway.

Contrast Piping

Contrast piping uses a sepearate colour or pattern to pipe the edges of your furniture than that used for the base.  This can offer extra definition for your furniture and give a little more interest for a truely unique look.  I love how the white piping stands off these Hampton- Raspberry sofa covers! Remember, contrast piping is available on a selection of fabrics across the Plumbs range so ensure to ask your consultant for more details!

Be one of the first to view this brand NEW range! Request your FREE Home Visit here.

Recovering your sofa, chair or suite is a happy alternative to buying new, and when you buy new covers, you’re getting a lot more than just a new look.  Recovered furniture has so much to offer, so let’s explore exactly what you get for your money…

Unique furniture

When our furniture stops giving us the comfort and ‘wow’ that we originally fell in love with, it can be all too easy for us to replace it with a newer model.  But with more and more furniture being mass produced, how will your new suite ever feel as special and unique to you and your home?  The choice in recovering furniture allows you to really stamp your mark on your furniture, with a fabric and style that fits in perfectly with your home and reflects your personality.  Loose furniture covers offer you a chance to make your loved furniture something very special and individual to you.

Remember, we have over 600 fabric designs and colours to choose from!

Fresher for Longer

One of my favourite things about recovered furniture is the ability to simply take the covers off, pop them in the wash and refit them for a fresh ‘out of the showroom’ look time and time again. Give your new suite a year and it may look just as tired as the old one you replaced if you’re unable to remove and rewash the covers.

The majority of Plumbs fabrics are fully washable!

The Furniture You Love

There will be a reason why you chose your current sofa in the first place.  It may be an interesting style or be just the right shape for your living room.  Often furniture is also handed down through families and takes on a special sentimental value.  Recovering your furniture allows you to keep its best qualities whilst making it look like new.  This really is a priceless benefit!

I am often asked about the cost of recovering furniture.  The answer is, it’s difficult to say.   Everybody’s furniture can be so unique and your tastes and choices will naturally differ.  This is why we offer a comprehensive in-home service, FREE of charge to make sure you get a bespoke price and the best deals for your particular furniture.  I can tell you that at various times of the year you can recover a 2 seater sofa from just £199!  Our offers do vary so be aware that these details can change.  For a list of our current offers, click here.

Remember, we also give you a completely FREE no-obligation home service, where one of our trusted consultants will visit you to show you our stunning range of fabrics and discuss your needs.  I cannot stress enough that this is a no-obligation service, with absolutely no sales pressure.  If you do decide to order your consultant will see you through the entire process, even returning to fit your new covers when they’re delivered.

Why not give it a try – remember it’s your free chance to view all of our fabrics in your own home and find out more about your recovering and reupholstery options.  Click here to request your free home visit.

If you’re looking for some home design inspiration, why not visit our Covers Centre in Preston for our Special NEW Room Plan Event.  Come along on  Wednesdsay 23rd or 30th January 2013 between 1-4pm for free, no-obligation tips and advise on creating the perfect look for your home.  The event is completely FREE and there is no obligation to purchase.

You will be one of the first to our our NEW stunning Room Plan designs, with all product available from Plumbs to recreate beautuiful rooms in your home.  See an information demonstration on The Art of Reupholstery, and enjoy free drinks and nibbles  and a free raffle!  You will also be able to take advantage of special event offers.

What’s more, we will create a stylish mood board for any Plumbs fabric you choose, which will be sent free to you 7 days after the event.

This is set to be a wonderful afternoon, so don’t miss out.  It you would like to attend, please let us know (so we have plenty of free drinks and nibbles for you!). Call 01772 259 995 to book your free place.  We look forward to seeing you there!

I look once again today to the color pioneers at Pantone to get a sneak peek of what this year will have to offer in the way of homes and interiors.  According to Pantone View home and interiors 2013, there are 9 exciting colour schemes that we can expect to see coming into our homes this year.  Let’s take a look…

Connossieur

This palette brings a fresh, up to date edge to old world elegance.  A selection of soft, pastel colours like Pink Nectar and Beechnut Green mingle with warmer hues of Liquid Pink and Deep Mahogany to bring this balanced look together.  Offset against a neutral backdrop of Champagne Beige, this sophisticated palette is sure to be a popular choice.

Glamour

This palette draws on the glamourous era of Art Deco.  It’s mixture of bold tones like Rio Red and Monaco Blue, with the sparkle of Silver and Moon Mist make this an exciting palette that you can really have fun with.  Choose a neutral base and add accents of striking colour, or be daring with a leading shade like Jasper Teal to make a real statement in your home.

New Old School

With a combination of colours often found in banners and flags, this palette even has touch of the collegiate about it.  This preppy look would be ideal for quirky living rooms or an interesting study with fun shades like Ribbon Red and Nautical Blue.  Microchip Grey and Gargoyle will provide a solid, grounded base.

Rugged Individuals

Inspired by cowboy culture, this comforting palette combines Vintage Indigo, Stonewash and Raw Sienna.  This look would blend perfectly with weathered woods and polished leather for a lived in, welcoming home.

Extracts

This palette draws on the culinary to bring together spicy and fresh shades.  The result… a delicious mixture of Apple Cinnamon and Spiced Coral, with somewhat unexpected accents of Green Banana.  Perhaps the perfect look for the kitchen this year!

Footprints

This vibrant palette has a wonderful tribal feel with revitalising blends of Peacock Blue and Pink Flambe.  Last year’s hailed colour of the year Tangerine Tango also makes an appearance in this energising colour scheme.  A look that is sure to awaken the senses!

Sojourn

There’s an almost magical quality to this palette.  The earthy tones of Cobblestone and Shitake are given and unexpected and welcome lift with Foxglove, a delightful and luxurious hue.  This is my personal favourite for an enchanting and inviting living room.

Surface Treatments

From earth to sea now, this calming range of colours evoke images of the ocean with vibrant Maui Blue.  The addition of Tornado Grey gives the look a turbulent quality, a refreshing change to the usual blue-green combinations of marine inspired looks.

Out of the Ordinary

As the name suggests, this palette brings together a range of unexpected and exciting colours.  A touch of the carnival is created with Golden Rod and Bright Violet.  This colour range could give a home great personality, and a wonderful whimsical feel.

So 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting year of unexpected colour combinations and looks that can really show off your personality.  Bear these colour schemes in mind the next time your looking to redecorate.  Remember, if you already have neutral decor, you could create any one of these looks easily with a set of new loose furniture covers or curtains and a few new accessories to add those exciting pops of colour! 

Which look will you be choosing this year?

To kick start the year I’m exploring the potential of Pantone’s 2013 Colour of the Year.  The global authority on colour announced last month that they would be waving farewell to the fiery enegy of Tangerine Tango and embracing Emerald as their colour of choice for 2013.

Formally known as Pantone 17-5641, this vivid green is said to “enhance our sense of well-being by inspiring insight and promoting  balance and harmony”, according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.  Emerald green has long been symbolic of new life and regeneration in many cultures around the world, so what better colour to help bring new life to your home interiors!

Like the gemstones themselves, Emerald is a beautiful, luxurious hue.  You can really bring a sense of sophistication and a splash of fun to your living room with an Emerald inspired feature wall.  Keep furniture covers neutral so as not to overpower your room.  Whites and charcoal greys complement the look beautifully.

Image Sourced from Elle Decor

For a more subtle update,  you can choose Emerald accessories against a white backdrop.  This will give your new finds real stand out! Frames, mirrors, clocks, cushions and throws are just some of the items you can use to bring this on trend colour into your home.

Image sourced from Rachellabelle Interiors

However you decide to embrace the 2013 Colour of the Year, may it live up to its symbolism and bring you a sense of well being and prosperity throughout the year and beyond!

We would like to wish all of our customers, friends and employees a very happy Christmas.  We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Whether you’re nestled in the countryside or right in the middle of the city, your home is sure to see a rise in visitors over the coming season. Friends and family will soon be making the rounds to wish you good tidings and you’ll find yourself retreating indoors as the weather cools.

Ensure you have a beautiful and inviting home with some of my top tips for preparing for winter…

Inspired by Pantone Colours Silver Grey, Ivory Cream & Jet Black

1. Octavia, Parchment – Made-to-Measure Curtains – Plumbs
2. Branch Candelabra – John Lewis
3. Silver Love Wall Art – Very
4. Luxury Ravello, Rich Cream – Reupholstery by Plumbs
5. Faux Fur Sheepskin Black Rug – Quality Rugs Online

Now is the perfect time to invest in some good quality, lined curtains! With curtains drawn for longer, it’s nice to pick a design that adds interest to your room. Plus, lined curtains will help reduce energy loss and keep your room warm!

For me, winter is all about curling up in mounds of cushions and soft luxurious fabrics! Velvets and Chenilles really come into their own this time of year offering a beautiful feel. This Luxury Ravello fabric even gives a beautifully subtle sheen!

Black and Gold are a great contrast for creating a luxurious look. Adding silver metallic accessories will help to lighten the overall palette. The branch candelabra is a great touch for a wintry feel!

Inspired by Pantone colours Mosaic Blue, Purple Magic & Steel Grey

6. Silver Tree Stem Floor Lamp – Coach House
7. Chelsea Velvet, Teal – Reupholstery by Plumbs
8. Cottonwood Leaf Metallic Wallpaper – Laura Ashley
9. Mini Glass Lantern Two Tone Purple – Home Home Home
10. Plum Pudding Collection Lady Figurine – Dunelm Mill
11. Astoria Mirror Console Table – John Lewis
12. Spider Purple Rug – Rugs Centre

Rich Teals and Purples can be a contemporary alternative this season. Use alongside a neutral palette of white and silver for a balanced look.

You could opt for an eye catching occasional chair in a stunning colour like this Chelsea Velvet – Teal; or choose a large, plush plum rug to accentuate your seating area.

Again, metallic accessories can be so effective this time of year. You could even add to your wintry wonderland with twig designs for your wallpaper and furniture. This is a popular trend at the moment so there are plenty of great finds around!

Every now and then we can become tired with our furniture. Staring at the same old design can become tedious, or it may even have seen better days. But fear not! There is an easy way for you to revive your sofa or suite by becoming your very own furniture designer!

Reupholstery allows you to take the reins and turn your furniture into something truly unique for you and your home. I’ve compiled a list of just some of the ways you can individualise your furniture with reupholstery.

FABRICS

The quickest way to give your furniture a unique look is by choosing a brand new fabric that is right for you. It’s amazing the difference a fresh new colour and new design can make to your sofa.

If you currently have plain, modest fabrics why not opt for a radical burst of colour for a dramatic transformation. Or if you’re simply looking to refresh your suite, choose a similar design that you know will fit with the rest of your room. Sometimes just a new take on a traditional design can be all your furniture needs to look fresh and new!

There is so much choice when it comes to fabric design so be creative and have fun with it! Remember you can mix and match fabrics, so you could choose a bold design for your feature sofa with a more subtle fabric for your chairs. Or if you’re looking for something with real ‘wow’ why not opt for a different fabric for your seat cushions and a co-ordinating fabric for the base!

Chairs Re-upholstered in Chelsea Velvet with Jacobean Opulence backdrop

Remember, at Plumbs we have over 600 fabric options and colourways to choose from so you can find the perfect look for your home!

FEATURES

If you want a completely new look, reupholstery can help by maintaining (or taking away) features like button backs or piping. Button backs can give furniture a grand, luxury feel especially when combined with a luxurious fabric such as a chenille or velvet. Similarly you could change the entire look and feel of your button backed sofa by simply reupholstering over this feature to give a smooth, modern finish.

Chair Re-upholstered in Chelsea Velvet - Cream

Adding piping to your furniture can give a subtle change when using the same fabric as your furniture, adding definition to the shape. For an original look you could even consider contrast piping, using a completely different colour to the main fabric. This can look particularly effective on occasional furniture.

FEET
Furniture can be given a new look and feel simply by changing or adding castors or feet. You may be surprised to discover the variety of shapes and sizes that are available out there, and the different effects they can have on your furniture.   Knowing what styles to choose can be a minefield so get to know your options and how they can add to your current furniture.
For example, if you have a traditional piece but are looking to add a modern edge, try to find angular, metallic feet which can give a great contrast, or look for bun feet, which are a chunkier design. Combining modern and traditional elements is a popular way to renew your furniture and bring it up to date whilst being respectful of its traditional qualities.

An example of Furniture Feet & Castors

Not only are furniture feet a great way of individualising your favourite sofa or chair, they also have a number of more practical plus points! Since feet come in all different sizes, you could alter the height of your furniture, making it more comfortable for your specific needs. Adjustable feet are a great way to combat uneven floors and a good advantage of opting for castors is that furniture can become easier to move around. So if you prefer to pull your favourite armchair a little closer to the fire, you can do so with ease.

Although we don’t supply furniture feet, our re-upholsterers are more than happy to add your own new feet or castors whilst working on your furniture.

THE FINAL RESULT
With a choice of fabrics, features and feet options there are almost endless combinations that can be created with reupholstery, resulting in truly unique furniture that is exactly how you want it!

Sofa Reupholstered in Chrysanthemum - Coffee Cream

Remember, Plumbs offer free no-obligation advice and a chance to browse through our fabric range in your own home. So next time you’re fed up with your furniture, why not take a look at how we could help you give it a unique make over!

Sometimes the thought of redecorating can seem all a bit much like hard work, especially this close to the festive season!  But this time of year more than ever your dining room in particular could benefit from a quick sprucing up!  And what easier way to do it than choosing a brand new set of dining chair covers!  You’d be amazed at what a difference they could make to your room!

Loose Covers are an easy and effective way to transform any room, and the dining room is no exception.  Take a look at just some of the ways you could create an instant new look with  these made to measure dining chair covers.

Co-ordinating your textiles can bring a whole room together.  We chose to combine the subtle tones of Elegant Rose – Soft Green & Cream, with Curtains in Strata – Sauterne & Francesca – Gold Blind.

A classic floral design is the perfect partner for a traditional dining room.  Opt for plain walls and simple decor to offset busier patterns like this Tamana – Blue/Cream from Crowson.

Rich, luxurious fabrics like this Mandalay – Rich Terracotta help to add a sense of occassion to your dining room.  Remember, loose dining chair covers don’t need to be permanent.  You could simply use them to transform your room for special guests!

Even simple plain fabrics can make a huge difference to your dining room.  You can even play around with the skirt options to transform the shape of your chairs.  We’ve chosen a half skirt to show off the beautiful wood.

Your dining chair covers need not be all the same fabric.  We had great fun mixing and matching these fabrics together.  The plain Hampstead – Fucushia helps to break up the striking stripes.

What’s your favourite dining room style?

With just 47 days left to go until Christmas what perfect way to indulge in interior design and Christmas decor bliss than at the Ideal Home Show at Christmas! The event, held at Earl’s Court, London this week between 14th – 18th November promises to be full to the brim with sparkle, home craft and decor inspiration.  Plus, this year we’re joining in the fun for the first time ever!  Why not come along to our stand (1N70) and say hello – we’d love to see you there!

Here’s a little of what you can expect for this great day out…

The show has everything from Interiors and Furnishings to Food and Drink, and the latest festive fashions.   Highlights of the event will include Christmas Room Sets designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen; a helpful ‘How to’ theatre full of DIY projects and craft idea; a winter catwalk and many more festive treats!

Over at the Plumbs stand we will have our very own reupholsterer Mick Delaney (as seen on TV!) who will be demonstrating the art of reupholstery live and in real time.  Mick and handful of our consultants will be on hand to answer any of your reupholstery or loose cover questions.

One of our traditional reupholsterers - Mick Delaney

We will be taking all of our 600+ fabrics with us to Earl’s Court so you can get a real feel for exactly what we have to offer for transforming your furniture.  With the festive season approaching and the new year just peeking above the horizon – now is the perfect time to consider a new look for your home.

So why not bring your family and friends and be inspired at the Ideal Home Show at Christmas!  You won’t be disappointed!