What do you do when you want to refresh your home without knocking down walls, emptying your bank account, or explaining to your partner why the sofa had to go? Soft furnishings are one of the best places to start. Also, it’s a fantastic way to welcome in summer or winter.

Change The Lampshades

A new lampshade can make a room feel instantly different. It doesn’t have to be a new one; it can be the one you put away at the start of winter. We have a gorgeous selection of custom-made lampshades, or we can arrange for shades to be made for you. Have a chat with us in store or via email shop@heritagetrading.co.nz

Throw In Some Blankets

Blankets are the cosy equivalent of a hug and what you cuddle up in wearing your oldest pyjamas and holey slippers. Drape one over the sofa, pop one on the bed and suddenly your home looks stylish instead of like you’ve given up on tidying, and they cover up the pyjamas and slippers. Substitute table runners when you put blankets away for summer or use them as decoration by rolling them up and displaying them in baskets. Our lovely Nynke’s handwoven pieces are perfect as blankets or on tables, and they’re all different.

Cuddle Some Cushions

Cushion covers are the easiest things to change so consider having a set for the warm and cool seasons. They don’t have to match. Start with one you love, choose a colour or theme, and build around it. We have gorgeous handmade, one-off covers in store.

Roll Out a Rug

A rug can pull a room together — and hide the crumbs. It can be a great starting point to build the décor of a room. Choose something that makes you smile and that isn’t too high maintenance if you’re allergic to the vacuum cleaner like me. English Country is supposed to look worn and aged – a great excuse to keep the vacuum on snooze until it must come out. Just check the size before buying; a tiny rug floating in the middle of a room can look like an island nobody wants to visit. We use our rugs in unusual ways so look around when you’re in the store.

Books

Books are a wonderful way to stage or highlight your favourite things and create interest by stacking things at different heights. It’s also a clever way to use coffee table books and keep them on hand.

The Easy Makeover

The beauty of soft furnishings is that they’re easy to change. No builders, no dust, no dramatic life decisions. Just swap a few pieces, add some texture and colour, and voilà — a fresh new look. Put away winter and bring out summer, and in six-months-time do the reverse.

We have pieces that are utterly unique and will help your home tell your story. For inspiration visit our website www.heritagetrading.co.nz