As we bid 2017 farewell and enter the fresh canvas of 2018, we’re sure that you’re awash with new goals and desires for the year ahead.

You’re back at the gym, doing dry January, the dream holiday is only months away and it’s time for a wardrobe cull.

So, what about injecting some new energy into your immediate surroundings?

Here at Hobson May, we’ve put together some home style tips to reinvigorate your home for 2018.

 

5 Home Style Tips for a fresh interior look

Tip 1: Mirrors

 

 

Brightening a room and creating a sense of space

 

With creative positioning, mirrors can reflect light into a room, opening up a room to make space appear bigger.

 

The large 19th-century giltwood wall mirror is a brilliant statement piece.

 

They can also provide a focal point for a room, acting as a statement piece.
Partner at HMC, Rachel McGrath says:

 

"Mirrors bring light and depth into rooms and have many benefits, reflecting colours, illuminating adjacent walls to create special effects and a luxurious feel. When positioned carefully, a mirror can create light, texture, space, and character, reinvigorating a room with a whole new dimension. Whether it reflects period or contemporary decor, an antique mirror always gives a sophisticated look."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A stunning set of four 19th Century Italian mirrors inject a sense of European style for a striking focal point. 

 

Hobson May Collection offer a range of beautiful antique mirrors from the 18th to early 20th century, including over mantles, dressing mirrors, and girandoles.

Our carefully selected pieces are popular with both interior designers and private buyers.

Tip 2: Chairs

Is it time to reupholster and add some new life to your favourite antique chair? 

Adding either a standalone antique chair to a room or a glamorous pair is a great way to infuse individuality into a room providing both luxury and comfort.

A pair of rare 19th century victorian sofas resting on curved mahogany forelegs. The deeply buttoned backs are stuffed with over-sprung upholstery recovered using traditional methods and materials in a beautiful pale gold damask.

Whether it’s a chic French antique piece, a majestic Jacobean style throne. a Georgian duo or a retro design - an antique chair is a versatile, interior asset, full of character and often less expensive than a brand new chair.

A luxury fabric covering a handsome framework can bring a new lease of life to a favourite piece of furniture.

It can be an opportunity to unite the quality of a durable antique with fresh, colour and texture.

The Edwardian barrel back chair upholstered in a neutral grey wool herringbone tweed is a great piece to add instant style to an interior and lighten the mood of a room.

 

Hobson May Collection offers many different styles of quality, upholstered antique armchairs, and sofas, sets of antique dining chairs, library chairs, hall chairs, Windsor chairs and many other antique chairs. All our upholstery is carried out by skilled craftsmen using traditional methods and materials. We offer a first-class service to ensure the protection of rare and delicate pieces during this process.

Tip 3: Decorative items

A vibrant ornament, such as a vase or sculpture can lift a room

A decorative item, such as a ceramic bowl, ornate vase or sculpture can draw the eye adding colour and texture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A fabulous large 19th century Chinese Jun baluster vase and lid. The mesmerising jun blue and green shades make this oriental artifact an impressive presence in the right location.

 

However, it is important to be discerning when selecting a unique piece. Be mindful of the scale and proportion of the item in the context of the room. A smaller item will be lost in a spacious room with high ceilings. Conversely, be careful of being so seduced by a huge piece that you don’t consider the best place to accommodate its size. You don’t want such a feature to overwhelm a restricted space.

We also recommend selecting quality over quantity. Mass produced items, albeit readily available can be soulless and uninspiring.

As with fashion, one classic, high-quality item from a boutique shop made from good materials, is often preferable to buying 10 cheaper items that everyone else is wearing.

Less is often more. Avoid the temptation to clutter the potential of a space with too many bits and bobs - a scattergun approach which lacks cohesion.

Tip 4: Fireplaces

Enhancing a fireplace to add texture and interest

 

For rooms featuring a fireplace, the addition of an antique fire screen can make this a decorative focal point during the Spring and Summer months when it is not in use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love this rare, 19th-century Chinoiserie firescreen find that has just arrived in our collection. It’s uncommon to come across an antique fireguard with such an aesthetic design, providing an attractive, exotic and oriental feature to a room.

 
The front of this exquisite antique firescreen is beautifully painted with a traditional Chinese garden scene of figures, oriental buildings, birds and trees under drifting clouds and edged with a gold foliate border. It certainly captures the imagination to take you to a faraway place. This unusual and beautiful piece would make an eye-catching addition to any interior, whether traditional or contemporary.

Tip 5: Antique Signage

Adding character and fun to a themed space

 

Adding something from a different context, such as advertising signage can inject a sense of fun into an environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are very excited by the latest arrival of this highly unusual and rare antique sign. Dated 1897, this large late 19th century carved oak shop sign for Boyson, Tailor and Habit Maker is of excellent quality. The bold gilt lettering contrasts beautifully with the weathered oak frame and the sign is glazed with the original glass.

 

With some creative thinking, imagination, and appreciation of a space the placement of one stand-alone piece can add that je ne sais quoi to a room and make it a delightful environment.

 

Hobson May Collection specialise in selecting carefully curated pieces of only the highest quality and originality for their customers.
 
To gain exclusive access to preview pieces before they are released for public sale - join our VIP collection. Contact us on (+44 )7768 304056 or drop us an email: sales@hobsonmaycollection.com for more information.
 
Best Wishes,
 
The HMC Team