Features walls are a fantastic way to display your creativity, break up large expanses of space and add interest.

From using paint and paper to mirrors, books, paintings and ornaments, there are a myriad of ways to create a feature wall which reflects your style and compliments your home.

If the overall colour scheme of your living room is neutral a wall of colour, such as around your fireplace will draw the eye and create a stunning backdrop. You don’t have to use a bright colour as you can create a beautiful effect with a tone a few shades darker than your base colour, such as dove grey wall set against pale pink. Pick out similar shades in your accessories to pull the whole look together, such as the Madison cushion with fan detailing in taupe.

Similarly, a wall of block colour at the head of your bed provides a dramatic look, particularly

Read more ->>>>>

It’s February and almost Valentine’s Day. Whether you consider it to be a lovely expression of togetherness or a mass-marketed commercial sham, you can’t really avoid it.

Around the world there are different traditions for Valentine’s Day. In Japan, school girls make chocolates, not for their boyfriends, but for their friends.

Why not follow their example and get the girls round for a couple of glasses of bubbly and some gorgeous chocolates?

The Nelson wine cooler will keep your favourite tipple chilled, while the Milo wine glasses in red or black are quirky yet elegant.

And the interiors world is certainly feeling the love this year, and celebrating with an abundance of themed furniture and accessories.

Jan Constantine has a range of cushions to suit every look and her Luxurious Velvets Collection in white and ivory with silver embroidery are absolutely beautiful. Available in five designs with ‘Love’ and heart motifs, they’d make the perfect

Read more ->>>>>

Metal is a useful material, hard wearing and malleable in its liquid form, it’s strong, durable and tough. But it can also be beautiful. Metal can be twisted into a myriad of shapes, it can be matt or polished to achieve a high shine and it can be used to create intricate patterns and designs.

Decorative metals is a trend which has begun to spring up and bloom long before the season changes.

Basically if it’s embossed, punctured, twisted or shaped it’s a must have item.

Mirror with a decorative edging is one of the ways to try the look, and the Casanova Decoration O mirror from Barker and Stonehouse is a perfect example. A thick mirror engraved with round Murano glass bevelling, it’s available in a choice of shapes and sizes.

And for those who like their mirrors a little less mainstream, the Lotus and Frasca mirrors from Porada are individual leaf and

Read more ->>>>>

In recent months there has been a growing trend for simple décor and a stripped back aesthetic. And as we move towards spring the desire for a less cluttered space intensifies. It’s a sort of reversal of the winter hibernation mode we all go into. Where the focus was on warmth and comfort during the colder months, now we start to think about a cleaner look. 

Middlesbrough-based furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse has teamed up with Newcastle energy consultancy Orchard Energy as it embarks on a nationwide initiative to improve energy efficiency at each of its eight UK stores.

Rising overheads have prompted the company to look at a range of measures including meter downgrading, forward purchasing of energy and microgeneration.

Vince Lithgo, operations manager at Barker and Stonehouse said the efficiency drive was designed to counteract the rising cost of business overheads, particularly energy bills.

“Businesses aren’t immune from the rising energy costs that are hitting domestic users at the moment and we’re determined to find ways to reduce the impact without passing the cost on to our customers,” said Lithgo.

The independent family run firm has been working with Orchard Energy to streamline energy contract renewals at each site and negotiate with suppliers.

“The measures are helping us manage costs and protect our budgets from gas and electricity price

Read more ->>>>>

The decorations are down and the tree is back in the loft for another year. The aftermath of the festive season can leave your home looking, and feeling, a little bare, so now is the perfect time to invest in some new soft furnishings and gorgeous accessories to dress it up.

One of the most interesting trends this year is the global traveller. A blend of cultures, themes and materials, it’s about collecting and bringing beautiful pieces together from all over the world.

Ideally we would all be able to pair the stunning silk hand-embroidered rug we sourced in Malaysia with the clay pot picked up at a fabulous little market in South Africa, but in today’s economy, expensive travel is just not an option for the majority of us.

So if your typical holiday destinations are more pre-packaged trips than exotic adventures, you can still get the look with a few well

Read more ->>>>>

Traditional winter colours tend to be either festive; think reds, golds and greens or cool tones such as iced whites and silvers or hot berry shades.

But turquoise spans the seasons, and the colour wheel. 

A mixture of blue and green, turquoise is a spiritual colour meaning ‘open communication and clarity of thought’ and named after the distinctive colour of the turquoise gemstone.

Teal is a darker version of turquoise which works wonderfully with other jewel colours such as amethyst and sapphire and looks equally stylish alongside dark or light wood.

A chesterfield style sofa with buttoned back detailing, rolled arms and hand studding, the stunning Violetta three seater sofa from Barker and Stonehouse is a vision of crushed velvet in ‘elegance teal’. With scatter cushions in a contrasting colour and fabric its turquoise at its most regal.

For a more rustic take

Read more ->>>>>

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about redecorating. Cold days and bad weather are ideal for indoor craft activities and there are endless sources of inspiration. With this in mind I’m once again going to advocate the moodboard.

Once we’ve gotten through the festive season it’s easy to experience a post Christmas slump. But the New Year brings with it new ideas and a fresh perspective.

As every designer knows, keeping a moodboard or even a scrap book of ideas helps you to focus your creativity. Cut pictures of furniture you like from magazines, take photographs of places or objects which inspire you and create a collage of loveliness.

The New Year also brings a whole new season of fabulous trends and one of the biggest trends for 2012 is yellow. Yellow is the colour of happiness and positivity, but it sometimes gets a bad reputation in the design world.

For some

Read more ->>>>>

One of the dominant fashion trends this season was plaid. A multitude of Tartans, checks and tweeds graced the autumn/winter catwalks of everyone from Chanel to Agnes B and the interior design world has followed suit, with Living Etc recently dedicating eight pages to all things plaid with a 21st century twist.

Plaid is warming, cosy and natural. It’s unisex and versatile and, if you get the details right, it will take you right through winter and into 2012.

The key to updating plaid and creating a fresh and modern look is with a bright accent colour.

Traditionally, plaid featured tartan checks in red, blue, green, navy and very occasionally, yellow, representing the different Scottish clans. But a myriad of coloured plaids and tartans has filtered down to the high street.

The Fairfax sofa is a fun juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary. Its Chesterfield shape, button back detailing, rolled arms and wooden feet are

Read more ->>>>>

The best antidote to cold weather is really good home-cooked food, and the best way to enjoy good food is seated at a fabulously dressed dining table.

Whether you are hosting an elaborate festive dinner party, or just cooking for family and friends, this winter you want to make sure your dining room is as delectable as the culinary delights you are serving.

The basis for a divine dinner party is a table which comfortably seats all your guests – there’s nothing worse than being forced to sit too close to someone you barely know because there just isn’t enough space for both your meals.

The Marseille monastery table from Barker and Stonehouse is a beautiful, French inspired solid oak dining table with a rustic farmhouse style which oozes mid-century charm. Available in three lengths, with cross legs and bar, it’s a stunning and practical piece of furniture which will age naturally over

Read more ->>>>>

We all like to be kept cosy during the colder months, but in the true festive spirit of giving, Barker and Stonehouse are offering you the chance to help those less fortunate feel cosy too.

Trees4trees, Barker and Stonehouse’s fair trade initiative, is all about taking responsibility for manufacturing by creating ranges of furniture made from ethically sourced wood from trees grown specifically for furniture production.

All the collections in the Trees4Trees ranges are ethically and responsibly sourced, sustainable furniture for a sustainable future.

And as it’s Barker and Stonehouse furniture, you get all the quality you expect.

Take the Grosvenor bedroom collection for example, an eye-catching blend of rich detailing, gracefully shaped curves and exceptional beauty. Inspired by the Victorian age, Grosvenor is meticulously hand-crafted from solid mahogany which has been especially selected for its distinctive grain and character.

Staying with mahogany, the elegant Chapelle collection of bedroom furniture is made from solid Indonesian

Read more ->>>>>

With the nights getting darker, it’s time to consider if your home is well-lit.

A well-lit home can help you create the right atmosphere for each room, and what could be lovelier during these chilly evenings than a soft, warm glow to welcome guests into your home?

Lighting isn’t simply a necessity, your lighting choices can make or break the look you are creating and it’s easy to feel in the dark about your options.

Fortunately, Barker and Stonehouse has a huge selection of lighting to ensure no matter what look you are going for, there’s something to suit your style.

And if elegance with retro twist is what you’re after, then look no further than the beautiful 2097 – 30. Whilst the name may suggest an order number for an engine part, the 2097 – 30 is actually a timeless pendant light, designed in 1958 by the visionary Venetian engineer Gino Sarfatti.

Read more ->>>>>

Life is full of tough choices - tea or coffee? blonde or brunette? rugs or carpets? Difficult as these questions may be to answer, Barker and Stonehouse is here to help with a range of stylish solutions for all your flooring woes.

With stunning hard flooring, a gorgeous selection of carpets and a smorgasbord of rugs to choose from, you can be sure that no matter what your taste, your home will look fabulous and you’ll have toasty toes throughout the winter months.

The choice between hard flooring and carpets can be a difficult one. You want something which you can keep clean but also something which will provide year-round warmth. Get the best of both worlds by installing hard flooring and plenty of large rugs.

It’s important to ensure that your hard flooring and rugs compliment each other as well as the rest of the room’s furnishings. Fortunately Amtico’s range of hard

Read more ->>>>>

This season we are all about hibernation, cosying up and snuggling down for what promises to be a long cold winter.

Hibernating is a thoroughly appealing idea but most of us have to brave the cold and face the working day. So when you do come home and it’s time for bed, you want to create a luxurious and cosy environment where you can curl up and sleep soundly.

The vintage inspired Willard wing bed in stunning hand dyed dark rose moleskin fabric with a hardwood frame and hand studded detailing from Barker and Stonehouse is the ultimate in opulence and provides a touch of glamour for your bedroom.

A gorgeous bed, such as the Willard, will give your room a fabulous centerpiece, but for maximum comfort you need to make sure you have the right mattress too.

Convention tells us we should change our mattress every five to ten years, but really it’s

Read more ->>>>>

As winter approaches it’s time to get your house ready for the colder months. This winter is all about warm natural colours, soft fabrics and big comfy seating - in other words, it’s time to cosy up.

Barker and Stonehouse’s Tompkins range of beanbag sofas and chairs tick all the boxes for cosying up this winter. Available in a range of colours from red hot rust to mellow mink, these sofas and chairs have taken the humble beanbag and given it a stylish re-invention. Tompkins naturally wrap around your body as you sit or lounge, using your own body heat to keep you warm and snuggly.

For a more traditional feel try the Parker Knoll York wing chair. Its high back and dark mahogany legs echo the feel of a grand country house, but its recliner means it’s equally at home in front of a widescreen TV.

With an array of neutral colours

Read more ->>>>>

 When it comes to decorating a large open plan space, I’m a big fan of a clean and simple look which relies on the existing structure of a building and embraces the raw materials within it.

So when I was asked to create a look for Barker and Stonehouse’s new autumn brochure I decided to go for a new take on the industrial look a modern interpretation that I call ‘industrial fusion’.

Working against a stripped-back setting of white walls, exposed brickwork and unvarnished floorboards, I chose contemporary designs with lots of leather and some bold prints to provide an interesting juxtaposition with the industrial backdrop.

The Dyce from Barker and Stonehouse is a fabulously styled corner sofa made from sectional pieces available in a huge selection of colours and fabrics allowing you to be as bold and playful as you dare.

This look doesn’t require an excess of furniture but I incorporated lots

Read more ->>>>>

 Achieving the right balance between glamour and ostentation can sometimes be tricky. Fabrics such as silk and velvet form the basis of a luxury look but can feel very heavy in dark colours.

Instead plump for a bronzed colour scheme with accents of cream, like Barker and Stonehouse designer Jill Molnar.

Jill blended luxury fabrics in golden shades with metallics and glass to create a look of tailored opulence for Barker and Stonehouse’s autumn brochure.

Jill says: “A dark toning palette of browns, taupes, bronze and gold creates an opulent yet cosy haven.”

Texture is all important when creating an opulent look – incorporate lots of silks and velvet through soft furnishings and luxurious bedding.

The Mariana double bed formed the base of Jill’s bedroom look which she then accessorized with high shine metals and mirrored surfaces to compliment the Mariana’s aluminium frame.

Dress the bed in style with embellished scatter cushions in silk and satin

Read more ->>>>>

Libraries have long served as places of quiet relaxation and inspiration offering sanctuary to those seeking shelter from the stresses of everyday life – so why not create a literary haven in your own home?

The new Barker and Stonehouse autumn brochure features a stunning ‘laidback library’ look created by interior designer Trish Ridley that could easily be replicated with a few carefully selected items.

Part of Barker and Stonehouse’s interior design team, Trish feels her contemporary interpretation of the classic British library offers up the perfect laidback, stylish atmosphere. With the right mix of leather, dark woods and polished surfaces Trish believes that anyone can create a room “as rich as literature itself”.

The classic yet contemporary feel of the laidback library theme is perfectly demonstrated by Barker and Stonehouse’s Renoir armchair. Taking a classic, stylish design with a high winged back, classic curves and studded detailing then modernising it with a

Read more ->>>>>

It is always a pleasure to be inspired by another designer and Graeme Fuller’s striking ‘modern retro’ look, created for Barker and Stonehouse’s new autumn brochure, had us all reaching for the bold geometric prints.

Graeme has used a mixture of striking prints, reclaimed woods, chic 50s styling and black leather to create a retro look which is bang up to date.

A good starting point for this look is a vintage style sofa, such as the gorgeous Carluccio from Barker and Stonehouse. With beautiful buttoned back and seat detailing in butter soft liquorice leather, the Carluccio is a timeless classic.

Modern items with a quirky twist such as the EA coffee table with its plate like top and shaped legs stop the look becoming too retrospective.

Graeme says: “This retro look is great for mixing found items or sale room bargains with new pieces”.

Read more ->>>>>

We all like to be beside the seaside, and for Barker and Stonehouse designer Emma Birch cultivating a beach house style interior is the key to serenity.

Emma says: “It’s a look that is perennially in favour, easy to live with but stylish and flexible too.”

Emma created a beach house look for Barker and Stonehouse’s new autumn/winter brochure and you can re-create it with a few key pieces and some matching accessories.

Firstly, beach house style is laid back, so avoid polished surfaces and glossy woods. Instead go for roughly painted furniture and stripped back aged pine.

The pretty white-painted Carisbrooke dining collection is perfect for your beachy interior. Rendered in reclaimed pine with turned legs and a sundried ash finish top, the dining table and matching chairs give a relaxed yet stylish look.

Light reflecting neutral shades such as whites, creams, sand and taupe will maximise natural light and occasional accents of pale

Read more ->>>>>

If you live in a period property, it can be tricky to get the decoration right. Modern furniture and accessories can look out of place and spoil the overall look.

There are however major aesthetic advantages to living in a period property. You will often acquire a myriad of features that just don’t exist in a new build.

High ceilings and big bay windows are just some of the gifts you can expect from a period property. Longer length curtains may be necessary and larger windows can take more fabric.

During Victorian times, lights used to be placed closer to windows to counteract the lack of natural light coming through. Baring this in mind you may find your lighting is not central, particularly in bedrooms, so take this into account when choosing your fixtures and fittings.

Coving, alcoves and ceiling roses are all pretty features of period properties. If you do have a ceiling

Read more ->>>>>

With the London 2012 Olympics less than a year away, there is only one colour on the minds of the nation - we are striving for success and we are going for gold.

Gold is the pinnacle of achievement, the optimum level and the ultimate prize. It is also a gorgeous shade for interior design. Warm and inviting, rich and deep, gold is an excellent choice for any room where you want to relax and feel pampered.

If you really want to make a statement, a living room with a golden touch screams affluence and a gold sofa is the height of opulence. To help you achieve this look, Barker and Stonehouse has the Duresta Kublai Khan sofa.

Named after the Mongolian emperor of China in the Middle Ages, the Kublai Khan has a distinctively oriental flavour. Its glorious gold colouring and bold geometric pattern make it deliciously decadent, while the full bodied

Read more ->>>>>

Year after year animal prints come back into fashion, both on the catwalk and in the home. Expressive, sensual and glamorous, prints, skins and fake fur tap into our animalistic origins. We all have a wild side and decorating with animal prints allows you to show off yours.

Leather, faux fur and skins are all big news in the world of interior design with the Elle Deco website featuring houses of some of the biggest names in fashion – Roberto Cavalli, Donatella Versace et al, all decorated with a distinctly animalistic flavour.

Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon’s Manhattan living room is adorned by a stunning leopard print carpet and fuchsia sofas, but if you don’t want to go quite that wild, try a skin rug instead.

Barker and Stonehouse has a wide range of cowhide and cowskin rugs, from pure white cowskin to the more exotic zebra print in aged beige but the

Read more ->>>>>

 Rainbows are a natural phenomenon which occur when sunlight hits water and produces a spectrum of colours.

The most common colours seen in a rainbow are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.

This means we are used to seeing these colours together, despite their clashing nature and find the combination of shades pleasing to the eye, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a riot of rainbow colours.

Rainbows can also be produced through glass. Hanging clear crystals or prisms either over the window or over a light will produce real rainbows. Chandeliers such as the stunning Chantilly will send rainbows cascading across your walls and ceiling if the light hits it right.

Alternatively, you can create the appearance of a rainbow room by building up bright colours.

The rules for decorating with rainbows are similar to those for stripes because choosing one colour from the rainbow in a paler shade as a

Read more ->>>>>

Talk of the end of the world has no doubt been greatly exaggerated. Naturally that hasn’t stopped sci-fi shows such as The Walking Dead and Falling Skies from cashing in on the paranoia and depicting a grim apocalyptic future.

But not so in the interior world. Designers are embracing the future with a trend towards space style. Indeed, respected blog The Trend Bible predicted that furniture with a futuristic feeling to it will be big news this autumn/winter.

So, the usual rules apply – you can follow as much or as little of the trend as you like, the key is to make it work for you.

Unsurprisingly, futuristic style involves a lot of metal – steel and chrome in particular - but glass and clear plastic also feature heavily.

Barker and Stonehouse’s Tonelli Kat occasional table is a work of art, three kinds of glass - smoked, frosted and transparent - are brought

Read more ->>>>>

Established by Japanese designer Kuniko Kataoka in 1998, Wabi Sabi is loosely based on the material representation of Zen Buddhism.

Wabi, stemming from the root word of ‘wa’ has come to mean unmaterialistic and in tune with nature, whilst Sabi means ‘the bloom of time’ and refers to the acknowledgement that beauty is fleeting.

Wabi Sabi is a paired back approach. Its beauty comes from its simplicity and the textures which are used to create different dimensions.

Walls should be ‘washed’ in milk or naturally made paint and a low key natural shade palette should be maintained. Lighting should also be kept minimal and natural as Wabi Sabi is also linked to shadows.

Materials from metal, stone, glass and even paper are used to create a myriad of textures. Meanwhile furniture is constructed on clean lines and low levels.

And Wabi Sabi furniture does not have to be of Eastern origin because it

Read more ->>>>>

Interior design has long been inspired by nature. We often subconsciously seek out colours and designs which reflect the natural world because it is comforting and familiar.

Similarly, floral motives recur season after season because they are a universal symbol of life and also due to their inherent beauty. Be it ditzy prints or full blooms, flora and fauna are springing up everywhere this month.

To get the look, first decide what kind of flowers you like. For example full lush flowers such as camellias in pastels colours will give you an opulent look while blossoms feel more oriental.

The Ayanna cushion from Barker and Stonehouse strikes a balance between bold design and subtle beauty with its striking floral motif. The stunning design, gorgeous mulberry shade and duck feather pad filling have made the Ayanna a long time best seller and it is not hard to see why.

But you don’t have to go

Read more ->>>>>

 Metal has recently returned to being a valuable commodity and the market price of gold and silver is rising.

Most definitely a ‘precious metal’ silver is sizzlingly hot, as both a material and a colour.

For silver with real punch, the Duresta Hornblower from Barker and Stonehouse is a grand and imposing three seater sofa.

Standing on mahogany legs with brass castors and piped in two tones of shimmering silver, the Hornblower features matching scatter cushions filled with duck feathers and large tassels to finish the look.

If you prefer your silver with a little less flounce and a little more substance, Barker and Stonehouse also has the Portland coffee table.

With a solid hardwood frame, steel sheeting and a spitfire finish, the Portland is an industrial hard-wearing table which includes a large draw in the side for clever storage.

Silver can be understated. The Ballet table lamp has delicate mirrored ellipses suspended between chrome rings

Read more ->>>>>

Art Deco was a movement born out of the western world finding its feet after a period of enormous emotional and financial upheaval.

In England we were coming to terms with the fallout of World War I, while across the Atlantic, the Americans were recovering from the Great Depression.

Design has always reflected the times and based on a philosophy of celebrating life and freedom in the 1920s and 30s, the Art Deco movement was all about opulence.

Traditional but distinctive shapes dominated the furniture design in this period and due to a new found freedom to travel, Eastern and African influences started to creep in. Skin rugs were a popular addition to the home of the well travelled and the more exotic the animal the better.

However you don’t need to take up game hunting to get the look – Barker and Stonehouse’s Rodeo Cowskin rug is printed with a zebra pattern to

Read more ->>>>>

When it comes to interior design, inspiration can come from magazines, the natural world or the catwalk, but being invited to share someone else’s creative vision is always a thrill.

As such I am very excited by the launch of world renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen’s new concept store at Barker and Stonehouse Newcastle.

I have long admired Kelly’s unfussy attitude to design and elegant style, she blends of vintage influences and materials with a thoroughly modern finish and her latest designs are simply stunning.

Kelly loves photography and has reflected this passion in the monochromatic palette she has chosen for the collection. However unlike most monochromatic colour schemes, Kelly’s vision incorporates shades of grey and beige from charcoal and slate to taupe.

The aim is to create the look of a black and white picture and with a few pointers you can achieve a similar level of monochromatic perfection in your own home.

Visualising

Read more ->>>>>

Wood is an infinitely versatile material. It’s pure, organic and long lasting and best of all it can be used to construct just about anything!

A bit like precious stones, wood varies in value depending on its rarity, colour, shine and durability.

Fruit woods such as mango wood and other ‘luxury’ woods such as rosewood are often used as inlays for furniture because they are rarer and therefore more expensive than pine or oak for example. But American colonial furniture was traditionally made in its entirety from these beautiful woods, praised for their colour and patina.

Barker and Stonehouse’s Starbay Goa four panel screen is made from solid rosewood with brass inserts to give you a little taste of colonial luxury in your own home.

Always a staple in the furniture world, wood is having a bit of a moment right now, particularly in relation to accessories.

Danish company Rosendahl have bought the rights to

Read more ->>>>>

When it comes to interior decorating, a certain amount of restraint is usually recommended, with the thought that guests may be put off by anything too elaborate or flamboyant.

However as your bedroom is very much your own, you have more licence to let your imagination run wild.

Fairytales stay with us from our childhood and often affect our adult dreams. If you wish, you can turn your bedroom into a paradise of girlish perfection, fit for a princess but for grown up take on fairytale style, go gothic!

There is nothing childlike about the gothic fairytale, it’s dark, sensual and fabulously dramatic.

To create a look like this you need a standout piece which will serve as inspiration for the rest of the room. And if you go ga-ga for gothic, you will fall in love with the gorgeous Gelivra bed from Barker and Stonehouse. Crafted from ash and with oak veneers and

Read more ->>>>>

There has been a bit of a Mondrian movement happening in the interior design world recently, with geometric prints and monochrome with brightly coloured accessories making something of a comeback.

Named after Dutch artist Pieter Cornelis "Piet" Mondriaan, Mondrian is the term used to reflect his work in the 1910s when he experimented and honed his distinctive style while living in Paris, London and New York.

Mondrian design is a grid of black and white lines with occasional squares of colour and for Mondrian purists, the inserts must be of the three primary colours, red, blue and yellow.

The Platinum rug from Barker and Stonehouse is black with white and blue lines, giving a subtle nod to the trend.

But if you want to take the look a little further, the Ciara and Esta shelf units come in black

Read more ->>>>>

 Feng Shui, the practice of placing buildings and objects in relation to energy flows to increase positive energy and reduce negative energy is an ancient art dating back at least 2000 years.

And, along with all things astrologically inspired, it is currently experiencing something of a revival.

Feng Shui, which means wind and water, works on the principle of the five Chinese elements – fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Inanimate objects are associated with the different elements and meanings are ascribed to the objects.

Mirrors are water elements which should therefore not be introduced into a fire zone as it will dilute the positive fire energy. However in a water zone, an oval or round mirror, particularly in wood is associated with wealth and is therefore a good choice for an office or study. The Earlston round mirror in bleached old pine, from Barker and Stonehouse, ticks all the boxes.

To get started

Read more ->>>>>

 Coffee shops have been big business since the early 1990s and while really good coffee accounts for most of the appeal, customers flock to these places for the ambiance too.

A great coffee shop will be relaxing and smell wonderful. You can create a similar atmosphere in your home by using a combination of coffee and toffee shades with cosy yet full-bodied furniture.

Start with comfortable leather seating. Barker and Stonehouse’s Tendu sofa fits the bill perfectly, with its plump toffee coloured cushions and generous proportions making it a gorgeous combination of comfortable and chic.

An easy chair is also the perfect compliment to these relaxing shades and the Copeland in saddle nut leather with a solid steel frame is built to be hard wearing without compromising on style or comfort.

And when it comes to dining, the leather Anna dining chairs from Barker and Stonehouse are simple and sophisticated, in cream or dark

Read more ->>>>>

Now is the time to look forward to summer - longer days mean we can adopt a more leisurely pace and perhaps dip into the easy style of another nation – and nobody does it quite like the French.

That certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that the French exude has always made them ones to watch in terms of design.

Many of the classic shapes of furniture, such as the chaise long and the wing chair still have a French influence. For a fresh take on the wing chair, Barker and Stonehouse has the Pasha, a traditional wing chair shape formed in transparent polycarbonate to instantly update the style. 

But what constitutes French design today?

On the catwalk they are the most elegant of designers but often delighting in a flamboyant twist. They tend

Read more ->>>>>

If you like bold design but are not a fan of colour blocking, why not try stripes?

Stripes are a fabulous way to incorporate a pop of colour or dip your toe into a particular trend. Navy and white stripes will immediately lend your home a nautical air, while a single horizontal stripe will break up a large expanse of wall and add length to a room.

If you are intending to paint stripes onto your walls, masking tape is essential to achieve a smooth finish, but don’t be afraid to experiment with varying widths and lengths.

When it comes to striped furniture, you can of course paint your own, but for stripes without the stress, Barker and Stonehouse have some stunning pieces and none more so than the Jeff Banks striped rugs.

Our favourite is the PC14,

Read more ->>>>>

Sizzling citrus shades are big news this season and vibrant orange is the juiciest shade of all. From coral to carrot, tangerine to pumpkin, zesty orange always makes an impact.

For unashamed orange, look no further than the gorgeous Love chair in tangerine. A long time Barker and Stonehouse favourite, the beautifully handcrafted Love chair is constructed from European Oak and features love heart button detailing.

Orange is actually an incredibly versatile colour too, you just have to find a shade that works for you and experiment with different combinations.

For bold summer style, splashes of bright pumpkin work well with white walls or a sunny yellow backdrop, you can blend clementine with rich chocolate shades to achieve a sophisticated look, or team cream with accents of tangerine to spice up a neutral palette.

But

Read more ->>>>>

We Brits love a bit of kitsch, and the royal wedding has given designers a licence to go Union Jack crazy!

Royalist or not, we all appreciate the true meaning of the royal wedding (an extra bank holiday!) and, as such, Barker and Stonehouse have a plethora of patriotic products to help you fly the flag in style.

The viewing figures for the first real royal wedding in decades are expected to be astronomical, so comfort during the viewing of the Big Day is important.

Barker and Stonehouse has Union Jack cushions in a variety of shapes and sizes, in black and grey and even a monochrome leopard print for those who are looking for something a little bit different.

And if you are having a right royal knees up this bank holiday weekend, go the whole hog and decorate the room

Read more ->>>>>

Easter has arrived and with it, along with massive quantities of chocolate eggs, the promise of renewal.

If you want to refresh your home and get it ready for the second half of 2011, sugared almond shades such as lavender, lemon, duck egg and pale pink will give you a fresh spring look which is perfect for Easter but will last long after the last egg has been eaten.

Barker and Stonehouse’s La Marie chair in light yellow is made from transparent polycarbonate and conjures up images of baby chicks and pale spring sunshine, without being too cutesy, while Kartell’s Maui chairs in pale blue and pale green look effortlessly cool and fresh. Both chairs are fully stackable and can be used outdoors, always a bonus in the spring and summer months.

Decorating a child’s bedroom can be anything but child’s play.

If girly glamour isn’t your thing, and you are tired of all the frills, take a leaf out of Jessie J’s book and ‘do it like a dude’ with masculine style.

Masculine decorating does not mean turning your beautiful home into a bachelor pad - there will be no ‘lad’s mags’ posters or dirty socks lying around thank you very much.

Masculine style is all about achieving maximum comfort with minimal effort. Most men are happy to pay a bit extra to get everything they want in one go and they love gadgets – ‘boys and toys’ as they say.

Barker and Stonehouse’s sound and vision collections combine modern design with technology, allowing you to listen to music and watch the TV or even create a home cinema experience, all controlled from your sofa.

The Natuzzi Surround is

Read more ->>>>>

We’ve had an exciting month here at Barker and Stonehouse, preparing for the launch of our fabulous new BASE collection (Barker and Stonehouse Elements).

BASE brings together furniture from the world’s leading design houses to form a collection which is unique, beautiful and inspirational.

Featuring the cream of the crop from Ligne Roset, B&B Italia, De Sede, Kartell and more, BASE is the very best of the best, cherry picked by us and presented to you as one amazing new collection.

Ligne Roset design comfortable contemporary furniture with a twist and the incredible Togo sofa is a best seller. Constructed from five different densities of foam, and available in a choice of juicy colours and fabrics, Togo is the original all foam settee, and still the best. And then there’s the Harry, a French designer’s take on

Read more ->>>>>

Blue works in any room, giving a clean and contemporary look to a bathroom or kitchen, while adding depth to a bedroom or living room. But it is the darker shades which are taking centre stage at the moment.

Softer than black and more sensual than navy, indigo and cobalt are the shades ‘du jour’. The spring catwalks are awash with blue creations, and interior designers have followed suit.

Indigo is a moody blue, a deep rich colour which evokes thoughts of oceans at night and endless starless skies. Play up the drama with contrasting jewel colours such as amethyst and topaz in sumptuous silks and velvets.

Barker and Stonehouse’s striking leather Nia chaise longue is available in pacific aubergine and would compliment a blue background beautifully.

 After enjoying our pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, one of my favourite ‘holidays’ and one of the few occasions when some of us cook, it is time to turn our attention to the kitchen.     

Whether you are a culinary genius or more of a tea and toast type, the kitchen is the heart of any home. And it’s often neglected. Elle Decoration devoted a whopping 31 pages to the kitchen in their March edition, showcasing brightly coloured ovens, sparkling fridges and dazzling accessories.

Spring is an excellent time to update a tired looking kitchen, but the expense of new cabinets and worktops can often leave our eyes watering.

Try freshening paintwork, updating tiles with transfers and painting walls in light reflecting colours to maximise sun exposure. Changing door

Read more ->>>>>

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not hearts and flowers are big news this spring so even if you won’t be getting a dozen roses you can treat yourself to something lovely for your home.

If you’re going for florals then the trend reports say that they must be big and bold think Cath Kidston and her bright, flowery designs or our own rather striking Hartnell Grand sofa. The Harlequin rug is also spot on......

If flowers

Read more ->>>>>

What could be more snug than using chic Scottish style in your home this winter?

REGIONAL charity the North of England Children's Cancer Research Fund (NECCR) has received another welcome boost from this year’s Great North Run and dedicated Barker and Stonehouse staff. 

A team of 20 Barker and Stonehouse staff from as far afield as Nottingham and Hull joined forces to run for the 10th year in a row in the race that generates thousands of pounds for good causes.

Barker and Stonehouse has so far donated more than £90,000 to NECCR to help with its research at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne.

MD James Barker said “I am immensely proud of our team and the dedication, hard work and generosity they have shown for what is a really worthwhile cause.

“Barker and Stonehouse is part of the community and we want to give something back. Many of the staff feel very passionately about the NECCR and are delighted that we’ve been able to renew

Read more ->>>>>

A PARTNERSHIP between two of the Tees Valley’s most recognisable names has exceeded all expectations this year after switching operations from the South of England.

Middlesbrough-based furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse, which imports products from all over the world, needed a more effective and environmentally friendly solution to its supply chain logistics and decided to switch its port operations from the South to local facilities at PD Ports, Teesport.

PD Ports Teesport, the third largest port in the UK, has since handled more than two hundred consignments – a staggering 40,000 items of bedroom, dining and occasional furniture from Europe and as far afield as Vietnam, Indonesia and China.

James Barker, managing director of Barker and Stonehouse said: “We source our furniture from around the world so it is vital we can then deliver back to the customer quickly and efficiently.

“We have made a significant investment in our warehouse operations at Middlesbrough

Read more ->>>>>

A non-profit community reforestation programme in Indonesia has launched a new ethical range of timber furniture in the UK, aimed at providing a responsibly -sourced, ethical range of products via the independent and small retailer market.

Trees4Trees has been founded with support and funding from leading independent UK furniture retailer, Barker and Stonehouse. The firm has provided finance, support and marketing advice to the not-for-profit foundation which aims to empower Indonesian communities through partner reforestation programmes and long-term education and training.

James Barker, managing director of Barker and Stonehouse said: “Trees4Trees has been founded to ensure that timber used by responsible manufacturers in furniture production is replaced to the benefit of local communities.

“The Trees4Trees programme gives high-value tree saplings – i.e. Mango, Teak or Mahogany – which offer real economic benefits to these communities. The programme is underpinned by long-term support; education so that communities can take ownership

Read more ->>>>>

TOP furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse has been short-listed for a prestigious national award alongside some of the UK’s biggest and best-known names.

The company, which has its headquarters in Middlesbrough, is in the running for the title of “Responsible Retailer of the Year” in the Oracle Retail Week Awards 2009.

Barker and Stonehouse is the only independent retailer to make the short-list which also includes Marks and Spencer, Asda and Morrisons.

MD James Barker said: “This is brilliant news for us and great recognition for the time and commitment that Barker and Stonehouse has devoted to being a responsible retailer.

“We are sitting amongst some very respected and well-known high street names but being recognised in this way demonstrates that independent retailers can match, if not lead the way with green and ethical issues.”

A hugely important event in the retailing calendar the responsible retailer award recognises retailers

Read more ->>>>>

One of the biggest names in furniture retailing, Barker & Stonehouse, has launched an industry-leading scheme in mattress and furniture recycling.

The family-run business with eight stores across the North of England has teamed up with Hartlepool based charity OFCA (Owton Fens Community Association) to offer customers a mattress and bulky furniture recycling service.

Mattresses are currently one of the most difficult household items to recycle and account for millions of tonnes of landfill a year in the UK alone.

Vince Lithgo, Operations Manager at Barker & Stonehouse said, “We have been working extensively with the Carbon Trust to reduce our carbon footprint. As part of our Environmental Action Plan we looked long and hard for a partner to work with us on recycling our mattresses and furniture. We were delighted when we found OFCA, based on our doorstep at Hartlepool.”

“We’ve been incredibly impressed with their SHELVE

Read more ->>>>>

Thousands of canny north east shoppers queued up to beat the credit crunch at Barker and Stonehouse this weekend as the furniture retailer opened its doors for a huge warehouse relocation sale.

More than 8,000 people braved the weather over the weekend in the hope of getting the best pick of hundreds of items of furniture at hugely reduced prices.

Queues snaked all the way round the store and the extra marquees placed in the car park with many people arriving hours before the store opened to get to the front of the queue.

MD James Barker said: “The atmosphere in store was electric - queues of people waiting to pay for and collect furniture wound their way out of the reception area and down the stairs to the front door. Our takings for the first 2 hours on Saturday were equivalent to a normal full weekend sales.

Read more ->>>>>

TOP furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse has been short-listed for a prestigious national award alongside some of the UK’s biggest and best-known names.

The company, which has its headquarters in Middlesbrough, is in the running for the title of “Retail Environment of the year” in the Homes and Gardens Classic Design awards.

The award ceremony takes place in the impressive setting of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The aim is to celebrate the best in contemporary British Design and this award recognises excellence and innovation in the retail space.

A hugely important event in the retailing calendar the awards are the only ones to recognise excellence in commercially manufactured design for the home.

Barker and Stonehouse is the only independent retailer outside of London to make the short-list.

Each year the winners are catalogued and made eligible for the honour of being acquired by the V&A as

Read more ->>>>>

Anyone for tea?

Bargain hunters looking to snap up a great deal at Barker & Stonehouse’s Christmas sale are in for a refreshing surprise.

For those struggling to keep warm in the hours before the doors open on Boxing Day will be issued with their very own flask full hot tea.

Barker & Stonehouse managing director James Barker said he was delighted to be able to repay the loyalty of the store’s keenest customers.

The flasks were surplus stock following last year’s 60th anniversary celebrations – and supplies are limited to the first 20 customers at Barker and Stonehouse’s seven stores.

James said: “There are always great bargains to be found at our Boxing Day sale, so we’re used to people starting to queue outside the store from the early hours to make sure they get the best items.

“It’s pretty chilly out there at this time of year,

Read more ->>>>>

Cutting edge design combined with handmade craftsmanship are the hallmarks of a new collection launched this week by one of the region’s leading furniture stores.

The Love Collection - an exciting new capsule furniture collection with a cunning twist - is a collaboration between Barker & Stonehouse and Newcastle-based design team Deadgood.

The collection comprises three products - a console table, Chesterfield chair and mirror - all designed to showcase the best of British craftsmanship and inspired by a passion for fabulous furniture.

Oak is the material of choice, harking back to traditional British furniture designs of the past, more specifically the Georgian period, while keeping in mind contemporary styling. The use of the heart motif is not meant to be soppy, but rather a cheeky little design device made to appeal to the English eccentric in all of us. Look out for its more subtle application on the

Read more ->>>>>