That’s Charter Fair in the books for another year, and 2023’s instalment didn’t disappoint. It was a scorcher of a day that called for many drinks breaks and I also got a sun burnt forehead giving out leaflets which I still feel rather silly about. Next year I’ll be prepared and armed with my factor 50!
Every year Thrapston celebrates its market town status by holding the Charter Fair. The Market Charter was originally granted in 1205 by King John and at present, Thrapston is the only town in Northamptonshire to still regularly hold a livestock market.
At Auburn Fox Home we like to join in with the festivities and run some stalls outside the shop to raise money for good causes. We had our hook a duck with a prize every time including larger prizes if you hooked the special duck, this was very popular with the children and gave us many happy faces, especially when there was a bit of cheating going on to help them win!
We also had our find the fox den game where you could win some excellent prizes including instant win coffee and cake vouchers and even afternoon tea for 2 inside our Den Bistro. The top prize for successfully guessing the location of the foxes den was £100 voucher to spend in store.
This years good cause was Team Sebastian. Our Thrapston Store manager Lori is friends with Sebastian’s aunty so was aware of the families fund raising efforts. Lori shared with us Sebastian’s story and we knew that we’d like to help in any small way we could. On the day hook a duck and find the fox den raised £178 which we’re calling £200 for a nice round number. Thank you everyone who donated by playing the games, we wish Sebastian and his family all the very best and thank them for allowing us to proudly represent them.
If you’d like to find out more about Sebastian’s story or make a donation you can do so by clicking here and following the link.
In terms of business we gave away almost 1000 10% off vouchers, hence the aforementioned sun burnt head! The main aim here was to spread awareness of our Den Bistro and coffee shop which many people hadn’t realised was located inside the shop. There’s definitely been an increased uptake in The Den since Charter Fair day so thank you for coming in and giving us a try, feedback has been very positive.
10% off vouchers are all valid in store and online until the end of July. We’ve still got some left so if you want to make a saving call into our Thrapston store and pick one up. It’s definitely worth it, especially on larger items.
Finally, thank you to Lindsey and the rest of the committee for once again putting on a fantastic and well organised event. We look forward to next year! I wonder what the theme will be?
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A sofa performs as one of the main subjects of any living space. A focal point which should radiate invitation and ooze a sense of undeniable comfort. Selecting the finest sofa can be crucial as the best examples are an extension of yourself, it has to represent you, suit your home and your personality. At Auburn Fox Home and Interiors we understand the significance your sofa holds and that’s exactly why we work with the best manufactures to produce your new sofas and armchairs.
Established over 50 years ago, Tetrad have earned their place at the top of the hierarchy as the crème de la crème of British sofa manufacturing. Known for a superior quality with each piece meticulously handcrafted and composed of nothing less than solid engineered hardwood frames draped with elite fabrics and luxurious leather hides. Tetrad boast a diverse range of products stretching from modular and modern to vintage and velvet all of which are guaranteed to revolutionise your home. “High quality, traditional, and uniquely crafted” and we couldn’t agree more.
A company whose ambition aligns with our own, to deliver an irreplaceable service of beautiful and long lasting furniture. With the Tetrad factory in Preston, Lancashire UK we can promise a reduced lead time when compared with items upholstered abroad, bringing you closer to securing your dream sofas and armchairs.
Let’s talk neutrals…
Neutrals are a timeless palette, items which blend seamlessly with practically any other colour of your preference. The cool greys, soft beiges and earthy tones scream boho chic acting as a perfect solution for anyone searching for less high maintenance interior- or alternatively, a calm serine sanctuary to relax, or to seek shelter from the heatwaves!
Why not check out our neutrals?
These gorgeous pampas reed bushes are the perfect addition to any home, the ultra realistic texture and effortlessly customisable colours will have your summer BBQ guests wooing over your interior! With a bunch of 3 at only £4.99 (available only in store) it’s possible to have these towering eye catchers scattered all over your home, complimenting your perfect summer look.
(To see exactly how we style these, head over to our TikTok @auburnfox.interiors, make sure to leave a comment on how you styled yours- we’d love to hear)
Some other neutral items available at Auburn Fox...
Summer Colour…
Let’s admit it. Adding a shot of colour to your interior can be a significant jump from what you’re familiar with and also somewhat of a terrifying prospect! Colour can be a life changing addition to your home springing an individual, quirky vibe. It’s something we do inexplicably well here at Auburn Fox, not to mention, colour will ultimately maximise the effect of your neutrals.
The green moment is still in! A long lasting trend, disproving any speculation it may ever go out of fashion! The Verity Sofa is comfortable, a great colour and easy to care for. It’s a stunning, stylish and stand out piece. What else could you ask for?
Small bursts of colour…
Adding colour can be tricky, especially for someone looking to only add specs of illumination. That’s why we have some small, but impactful showstoppers to not only brighten your living space, but to brighten your life with their cute quirky aura.
We’d love to hear from you...
Despite specialising in styling tips, we can’t pretend we’d not love to be inspired by what you can do at home! Tag us in your marvellous interior creations and we’ll make sure to leave you with some inspiration and encouragement, or if you're struggling- drop us a comment on our TikTok, Instagram or Facebook pages and we’ll make sure to help you out!
Happy styling!
With all our love,
The Auburn Fox team.
Learn how to take your sofa from basic to brilliant with these simple sofa dressing hacks.
Experiment with cushions
When styling your sofa, the easiest place to start is with cushions. Cushions are an inexpensive way to instantly transform the look (and feel) of your sofa.
Match the colour and style of your cushions to other design elements in your room to really bring the whole look together.
Top tip: The number of cushions you select will have a huge impact on the overall look of your sofa, so it’s important you get it right. With this, balance is key, so we recommend opting for around two or three cushions at each end of your sofa, placing the larger ones towards the back and smaller ones at the front.
Throw on a throw
Not just cosy, but also very practical; a throw is a great way to introduce texture, colour, and comfort. You can use a throw to soften your overall design, inject a splash of colour or even incorporate a daring pattern.
Top tip: Our ‘go to’ throw choice has to be faux sheepskin – it works with EVERY type of décor.
Now to add some texture
When adding accessories such as cushions and throws to your sofa, it’s really important that you choose ones that are made from a different material to your sofa, as this will add depth.
Top tip: Look for fabrics that will stand out against the fabric of your sofa. Think velvet, faux fur, chunky knits, and tassels.
Pick a pattern
Choose a pattern that compliments your existing design. If you’re struggling to find a pattern you like, start by looking for something with a neutral base colour like taupe or grey. This will prevent it from looking overpowering against the rest of your sofa.
Top Tip: Patterns go in and out of fashion which can make them appear old fashioned very quickly. To avoid this, opt for traditional patterns like herringbone, pinstripes, and checks.
Bonus tip
Take your sofa dressing journey to another level by framing it with a tall lamp and adding a statement mirror on the wall space behind and maybe even an ottoman.
There’s certainly an art to it, but if you follow these sofa dressing ideas, you’ll be styling your sofa like a pro in no time.
Explore our stunning range of luxury sofas and armchairs.
Add a touch of style to your home with our collection of scatter cushions and soft furnishings.
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Traditional design elements are making a comeback
2022 will see traditional design elements sneak back into our homes.
Brass details, striped or floral textiles and timeless furniture pieces will all be making a comeback.
Statement Lighting
In 2022, lighting will be more than just a necessity; it will take centre stage and become a feature in the home, particularly in kitchens and main living areas.
Dramatic ceiling lights and chandeliers, statement floor lamps, and unique table lighting will all be dominant in our homes in 2022.
Green, Green, Green
Green will be the colour that dominates 2022, so much so that we’re calling it the ‘new neutral’.
Sage and mineral-based greens will be the hues on our walls, whereas deep jewelled greens will be the colours for sofas, soft furnishings, and accessories.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Foliage-filled and nature-inspired rooms will continue to be popular in 2022, with an emphasis on creating calming spaces that establish a visual connection with the outdoors.
Breathe life into your home with the addition of plants (real and faux), bamboo furniture and seagrass accessories.
Sustainable and vintage pieces
As a society, we have become much more conscious of where things come from, how they are made and how long they will last.
With an emphasis on mindfulness, we expect to see more sustainably sourced pieces enter our homes in 2022. Think reclaimed wood shelving, upcycled furniture and vintage accessories.
Cottagecore
Cottagecore was one of the biggest interior design trends to emerge in 2021, and we believe it will continue to dominate in 2022, too.
Floral fabrics, pastel colours and wooden or whitewashed furniture will be trendy this year.
Books are Back on the Shelf
Old style and vintage books are back in. We expect to see shelves of old-style books used add character to our homes this year.
Although we don’t sell books, we do sell some wonderfully unique book ends to help style your collection.
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Every interior design, big or small, begins with a mood board. But how do you create a mood board? Where do you start?
We're here to explain it to you and teach you how to create your very own!
A mood board is essentially a visual representation of ideas for a design project. It is a bundle of images put together. It's part of the initial planning stage before any design work occurs.
Here’s an example of a mood board we put together.
Mood boards are vital to visualise how you want the room to look before you start decorating. This way, you'll be able to measure your progress and watch it start coming together.
The first thing you need to do is choose where to create your mood board. We recommend Canva if you want to move and edit the images or Pinterest if you're going to have a simple collection in one place.
One thing you need to do when creating a mood board is look for inspiration. Pinterest is an excellent platform to look on for inspiration. This will give you ideas about the style, fabric, and colours you want to achieve. You'll be able to see the furniture you want to include.
You'll then need to gather all the images you want to use. If you're using Pinterest, save them or screenshot them using a different platform such as Canva. Although you need to make sure that everything that you're looking at is inside your budget range.
If you're using Canva, start to add the photos you've saved onto a plain background. If you're using Pinterest, you'll be able to add them all to a vision board or separate collection. You're well on your way already!
The next step is to arrange your images next to each other how they would be in the room. This way, you'll be able to get a proper justification of how it'll look in the room together. You might come to realise that doesn't sit right and you'll be able to replace it before you buy the item.
Your result should look something along the lines of this! Well done! That wasn't as hard as you thought it would be, was it?
Have a look on our website or in-store for any images or furnishings you need for your newly decorated room or mood board!
]]>Our Reindeer Tea Light Holders are a fabulous gift that are affordable and help to create a cosy feel in your home. These superb reindeer candle holders are made from metal making them sturdy but with an elegant look. Find out more here.
We have several battery-powered lanterns that create a vintage yet cosy feel to your home. These lanterns are perfect for creating mood lighting yet remaining as a decorative piece. The perfect spot for them would be as a centrepiece of a dining table or on a console table within a hallway. Shop here.
Looking for that fabulous gift? We have a range of soft furnishings and cushions here at Auburn Fox. From union jacks to fluffy wool, we have something that will go with every style of home. Our products come in many sizes and are all high quality and well made to ensure durability. To shop our range of cushions click here.
We have three styles of our smoked glass candlesticks which are made from 100% smoked midnight glass. These are the latest look in opulent trends, perfect for those with an eye for luxury interiors. Discover our three sizes of candlesticks here.
Our fairy garden collection comes with a range of decorative and dainty interior and outdoor décor. The collection is made from of resin with an aged bronze finished. Even though these ornaments look great individually, they look even better when arranged with our other fairy ornaments.
Our etched glass storage jars are the perfect combination of functionable and fashionable. The exquisite etched lids create a beautiful decorative piece for any home. Here at Auburn Fox, we have two sizes in these jars, so you can get both to style together or just one. Take a look here.
We hope this helps you find that perfect gift this year. On a final note, we’d like to wish all our lovely customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
]]>We are confident you’ll be making spirits bright this holiday season!
Our bunny lamp comes with its own quirks and personality, finished in antique silver or gold, with the bunny’s body forming the base and the ears sticking up above the black shade. This unique lampshade is a great talking point in any home as it’s eye catching and interesting. Because of its unusual look, it fits in many styles of home from more rustic and traditional homes to slightly more modern and conventional.
Our fairy garden collection comes with a range of decorative and dainty interior and outdoor décor. The collection is made from resin with an aged bronze finish. Even though these ornaments look great individually, they look even better when arranged with our other fairy ornaments. See below for our ‘Fairy and Snail’, ‘Fairy and Bird’ and a selection of our fairy houses.
Treat a friend or family member to one (or both!) of our nostalgic camper van ornaments. Choose between blue and red, to bring through a rustic feature to any home. Whether they’re a Volkswagen enthusiast or just love all things retro, this decorative piece will inject some colour and character into your interior décor.
Our James Martin Style Chopping Boards are like a scaled back version of the ones used on the BBC television show, Saturday Kitchen. These chopping boards come in two sizes, large and extra-large, and features a natural edging made from solid acacia wood. This really brings the outside in and provides the perfect charm. This is the perfect gift for anyone who is a cooking enthusiast. Because this is a handmade product, each board will vary which means your gift will be truly unique.
We have a selection of some fabulous toy soldiers that look stunning in any man/woman cave, gaming room or even as a talking point in an office or entrance hall! This set of 4 toy soldier figures features each one in a different pose and finished in red, yellow, green, and blue with a slight distressing look. Perfect as a colourful decorative piece in a child’s room, a unique home feature or as a gift for the military enthusiast.
If you’re still struggling to find that perfect gift, we have a fantastic range of gifts on our website. We understand it can be quite stressful time of year so we’re doing everything we can to make it easier.
We do in fact have the perfect solution to take the pressure off. Our Christmas gift vouchers are now back and are available in store and online. Why not let your loved one choose their gift from our extensive range of products.
]]>So here are our festive tips on how to prepare your dining table for Christmas.
If you want your Christmas table to have a real impact, we recommend always starting with the centrepiece. And in this case, it’s the choice of table! We have a range of unique dining tables that will catch the eye of every guest that walks into your home. You can then look to find some stylish dining chairs to provide the comfy seating you need during the many dinner parties!
The next preparation is how to dress your dining table.
Soft furnishings are a perfect way to start laying the table for Christmas. This could a table runner as a base, before layering up your look by adding stunning pieces for your table setting.
You can look to create a magical atmosphere by lighting some LED candles without the fear of the house breaking out into a fire. You can dress your candles with a pretty ribbon or place them on top of a candle stand to add that wow factor.
A bottle of wine is an essential during Christmas dinner parties, so why not give it its own space at the table? The unique octopus wine holder not only adds style but is a good conversational feature. It comes in two Christmassy colours: silver and gold. So there isn’t the worry of whether it’ll match your existing Christmas decorations.
A drinks trolley always comes in handy during Christmas as you want wine on hand for celebrations. This industrial styled drinks trolley provides plenty of room for glasses, as well as your favourite tipple.
Another extra special touch to your dining table at Christmas is making sure every delicious course is served on the right tableware. Try stacking soup bowls on top of matching dinner plates for a fabulous feel and then using different textures and finishes. If your Christmas decor throughout your home follows a certain theme, don’t be afraid to ramp it up in your dinnerware!
We only have these types of products available in store, so don't hesitate to pop into our Thrapston high street store.
]]>For those who now work from home or opting for a hybrid between home and office, September is a great time to give your office a bit of a refresh and channel that back-to-school feeling.
You’ll be surprised how much the small things can make a difference. Whatever your style, sometimes just swapping your standard desk accessories for something a little more fun can make you look forward to getting back to work each morning.
Plants can be the perfect addition to help connect with the outside world whilst sat at your desk. Not only can they be low maintenance accessory, but they are known to have many calming properties making them perfect for those stressful days at work!
We have some fantastic products to freshen up the feel of your home office, from desks and chairs to all your essential accessories.
Another great way to spruce up your home this month is to create a gallery wall. These are so easy to do and makes a room feel twice as big. This even creates the opportunity to display lots of fun family memories.
As we start to think about Autumn and colder months, there’s no better time to update your furniture and turn your living areas into a cosy nest of joy. This is where you can look to update your soft furnishings.
Creating a warm and cosy setting within your home often involves decorating furniture with soft cushions, throws and blankets. Here at Auburn Fox, we have a new range of soft furnishings, just what you need to add the finishing touches to your home refresh.
As we move away from garden gatherings and restart Saturday night dine with me gatherings, this is a fantastic time to give your dining set a deserved refresh. Dining tables are imperative as they are at the heart of every home and the main hub at the start and end of the day.
They're multi-functional and perfect for family meals, hosting parties or even using it as a working area. Basically, everything besides sleeping! Your dining table is essential for turning your house into a home so freshening it up could have a significant impact on the feel of your home.
Here at Auburn Fox, we have a range of new sets just waiting to be used for those dinner parties.
The sofa is the centre piece in your living room, and therefore it is essential for creating the perfect, comfortable living space. What's the point in having a living room if there's nowhere comfortable to sit? After all, we spend a lot more time on the sofa during the colder months, so this is the perfect back-to-school refresh.
When choosing your sofa, you'll need to take size into consideration and be sure to measure your living room beforehand, so you know just what size sofa you'll be able to purchase. It’s important to spend time researching the right sofa for your home as there are many options from large corner sofas to compact 2 seaters to love seats.
We stock a range of sofa styles in our shop in Thrapston, so if you find one online that’s of interest, don’t hesitate to pop into store to test it out.
]]>Here are our top tips and some easy ways to bring that summer feeling into your home.
Consider changing up the pillows and soft furnishings in your home and bringing out some lighter tones. Even if you already have a lot of neutrals in your home, look to add a variation of texture, fabrics, and patterns to your pillows to bring out a light summer feeling.
One of the simplest summer decorating ideas is to incorporate yellow. Put away fluffy, faux fur blankets and woollen cable knit cushions and restyle sofas, chairs, and bedspreads with a splash of summer yellow. For example, try styling a lightweight throw on your favourite armchair to bring through that breezy feeling. These yellow shades will certainly bring the summer in and lighten your mood when the weather is not so bright.
Rattan is great for creating an exotic, summertime feel in your home. It has an organic texture that brings rusticity to any space or room. If you don't want to completely overhaul your furniture, you can look to style rattan into your home decor instead. This could be through mirrors, hanging baskets, plant pots or lampshades. Because of its association with tropical holidays in the sunshine, rattan is a simple way to bring warmth and texture to your home in an instant.
The beach and summertime go hand-in-hand. Even if you don’t live near the beach, a few things from the coast are a great way to bring summer into your home. Whether it’s through a glass bowl of pretty shells, a container of sea weights, or rope wrapped décor like candle holders. You only need a tiny splash of the sea to bring that summer season into your home.
According to colour psychology, yellow symbolises energy, happiness, optimism, and joy. It is also associated with the sun, making the colour yellow a perfect summer decorating idea. The best bit is that citrus tones of yellow can be incorporated into your home with just a few simple home decor additions. You can look to swap vases and candle holders for summery yellow colours that you can use year after year. Or, bring summer in using a faux lemon tree, while creating an exotic feel reminiscent of an Italian villa.
Similarly, if you're not a big fan of yellow, blue and white are such a classic colour combination for the summer. You can have lots of fun infusing blue and white into your home. Whether it’s through wall décor or little knick-knacks, it always does the trick of bringing in that summer feeling.
Add some greenery into your home. While styling plants into your home may seem obvious, the impact of leafy foliage and green plants can often be overlooked. Natural greenery is ideal, but for a fuss-free alternative, artificial greenery works just as well. Plus, there's no need to worry about watering them!
You'll be surprised by how impactful a few simple greenery stems can be in an indoor setting. Start by adding 1 or 2 green plants, such as the popular potted succulent or hanging plant. Heighten the natural connection by using an abundance of leafy green trees and tall grass to create a botanical feel. You could even pick your own flowers or plants from your garden!
Once you bring in that blooming potted summer plant into your home, you will be hooked!
Whether you're dining in or dining alfresco, you can add a summery feel to your kitchen by updating your tableware and home décor. Wooden tableware brings through that rustic texture and establishes a subtle connection between the outside and in. From chopping boards to large serving bowls, these can be used to create a country-style display.
Similarly, ceramic pitchers in creamy colours, detailed with authentic wording can make charming centrepieces to bring that summer feeling indoors. Decorate with flowers or artificial stems that are in-keeping with the season and your home will create a warm, summer feeling.
Discover our summer sale to see what you can get your hands on at great prices. We are always updating our range of products to keep up with the latest interior trends.
]]>The leather used for our premium sofas and armchairs is 100% Italian natural full grain Aniline leather.
In this blog we’ll take a look at the most common type of leather available on the market, different leather grades and explain why Aniline leather really is the bees knees.
Full grain aniline leather swatches from the Auburn Fox showroom, Thrapston, Northamptonshire.
Leather is Leather, Right?
Not all leathers were created equal, some leather types have been processed so much that they hardly resemble the hide they started as. Others like bonded leather aren’t really leather at all! To make things even more difficult for us non-ranchers and cattle rustlers, the terminology used to describe leather types is really misleading. When you’re making an important and expensive investment like a sofa it pays off to invest in a quality piece made from the right leather type for your needs. More about types of leather later.
Leather Grades
The language used to name each grade is also super misleading. A common misconception is the term ‘Genuine Leather’. We’ve all seen products with genuine leather stamped onto them, we see them and we think great it’s not faux leather, it’s genuine, it’s real. Whilst genuine leather is real leather this isn’t actually what the term ‘Genuine Leather’ is referring to.
A cows hide is thick and so it is cut into 3 different leather grades using the various layers of the hide. If something is described as ‘genuine leather’ it’s actually referring to its grade not if it’s real or fake. ‘Genuine leather’ is actually the least desirable leather grade. I know, confusing. Here’s the three different leather grades and the layer of hide they’re taken from.
•Genuine Leather.
This is the lowest possible grade of leather. You’ll find it on items such as shoes, belts and cheaper furniture. It isn’t as thick or hardwearing and is what’s left once the top layers of the hide are stripped.
•Top Grain.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the ‘top’ must mean the highest... it’s actually the middle grade. I said it was misleading. It’s a corrected grain made by taking the full grain and sanding back the imperfections. It’s used by designer brands for wallets, purses and other higher priced leather items. It doesn’t age well and wears out over time.
•Full Grain.
This is the leather we use and it’s the whole grain of the hide including any imperfections from the surface. It’s the full thickness of the grain and the highest grade that there is. It is the most durable and hardwearing and you’ll likely have it for your entire life. It only gets more beautiful with age as it will develop a beautiful rich patina.
Leather Type
This is the next thing you need to consider when making your purchase. Not all leather types will be appropriate for your lifestyle and it’s important to consider how your piece will be used before committing to purchase.
•Bonded Leather
We won’t spend much time here and our advice is that you shouldn’t either. Bonded leather is a mix of leather dust and remnants mixed with vinyl bonded together and embossed to create a leather looking material. It’s only called leather because it contains around 10-20% leather scraps, a bit misleading in our opinion. It’s not very hard wearing and will last about as long as... oh it’s already cracked. You get the picture.
•Corrected Grain
A flawed hide, sanded down and finished with synthetic materials.
Corrected grain leathers are the most widely used type of leather around the world. They’re called corrected grain because the leather has been altered in a way that changes it’s appearance from the original hide. The leather is subjected to varying degrees of sanding and buffing to remove the original surface imperfections of the hide. The hide is then embossed in an artificial grain and finished with a pigmented top coat to create a uniformed finish hiding any imperfections.
The good thing about this type of leather is it reduces wastage by still allowing heavily scarred and disfigured hides to be used. Another advantage is that the top coat makes it more resistant to damage however it is often less breathable and less supple than uncorrected grains. In the short term it is more stain resistant and can be the best choice for busy households but ultimately it is not as hard wearing and will look old and worn over time.
•Aniline Leather
A close up image of the Aniline Leather on our sofas in the showroom.
So what is Aniline leather?
Aniline leather has an uncorrected grain coloured only with soluble aniline dyes. Simply put, it is the finest natural leather available and the most sought after leather type. It’s often reserved for use exclusively on luxury goods because it’s rarer to find a hide of high enough quality to use with aniline dyes, the finish is softer and more luxurious which is why it commands a higher price.
The hides with very little scarring and imperfections compared to others are the only ones used for this method. As the grain is uncorrected, the leather will still bear the markings of the original hide with scars and mottling visible on the leathers smooth surface, this can be seen in the image above. Aniline leather is softer and the most natural looking leather available as each piece tells its own story, is completely unique and full of character.
Like every person, every hide is different.
Our leather is completely natural and no two pieces will ever be the same. The texture and colour will vary from piece to piece and between batches as each hide will absorb the dyes differently. If you are ordering more than one piece and require a very near colour match then we can request that your order is manufactured from the same batch of leather.
An example of how the shade can vary between batches.
Aniline leather has a wonderful appearance, texture and warmth due to its lack of processing, however this does mean that it is more susceptible to damage. If you have young children or pets then it’s worth considering if aniline leather would be suitable for you. It’s certainly the most durable and long lasting however it does mark a lot easier.
If you’d like to know more about any of the sofas and armchairs we offer at Auburn Fox then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to answer any questions that you have and the most important thing of all, we’ll never sell you something that we know not to be suitable for your needs.
I hope this blog has been helpful and helped to dispel some of the misconceptions about leather and the terminology used by the industry. It’s by no means a comprehensive guide but is designed to give you enough basic understanding to have confidence in your purchasing decisions.
]]>If your decor is mostly creams, beiges, and whites, a well-placed piece of wood furniture instantly adds warmth to the space. This could be a coffee table, side cabinet, TV unit, or even gorgeous chunky shelves if you have the space.
Wood furniture not only adds a touch of warmth but also adds interest and gives a neutral space personality.
Bright, bold colours can easily look out of place in a neutral scheme. However, muted tones look fantastic and draw the eye around the room. Some of our favourites are sage green, blush pink, or soft blue.
Small accents of colour are all you need to make a big impact. To get started, pick one to two tones and add in throw pillows, ornaments, or even an accent chair.
Area rugs are a beautiful way to spice up neutral decor. A bold pattern or pop of colour draws the eye and gives a neutral room a focal point.
Make sure to get the size right. If you’re putting the rug in a living area, it should be large enough to accommodate the sofa and dining table. On the other hand, in a dining room, it should comfortably fit the dining table and chairs to centre the space.
Metallic decor is a timeless trend that never goes out of style. Gold light fixtures or metallic ornaments give a strong impact without the need for bright colours. If you do add metallic elements, make sure to add several to tie them together.
Chrome, copper, gold or silver hardware, light fixtures, and accessories around the room look stunning and give a modern touch.
It’s not just colours and patterns that can spice up a neutral colour palette, unique accent pieces easily add style and interest, no matter the colour. This is also something that can be easily customised to your personal style.
Choose one interesting piece such as a gorgeous lamp or ornament that will immediately draw attention when guests arrive.
Luxurious textiles such as leathers and velvets are the perfect way to make a neutral room more inviting. To make a bold statement, a leather or velvet sofa will ground the space in an otherwise neutral colour palette. For something on a smaller scale, velvet throws or leather footstools also give a big impact and add some much-needed warmth.
If you’re struggling to find the right pieces for your neutral room, we have a huge selection of warm, interesting pieces at Auburn Fox. From sumptuous velvet and leather sofas, to unique accent pieces to help you show off your personality, we’ve made it effortless to style any room of your home.
]]>The first thing you need to decide on is the shape of sofa you want. Even if you have a small room, you’re not limited to a traditional two or three-seater sofa. In fact, corner or L shape sofas are an easy way to add more seating to a small or awkwardly shaped room.
If you have a large room and you’re concerned a sofa will look lost, consider two sofas facing each other to help break the room up and give a focal point.
Next, think about the size of sofa that will work best in your space. In a large room, a small sofa is going to look lost. On the other hand, if you have a small space, an overly large sofa will make the room feel claustrophobic.
If you’re having trouble visualizing how much space a sofa will take up, grab some tape or string and mark out the dimensions. This way, you’ll be able to see how much space is left for walkways or other pieces of furniture.
The fabric you choose will help define the style of the room. For example, a leather sofa is a classic option that gives an elegant, vintage look. Whereas a velvet sofa is more luxurious and stands out as a feature piece in a room.
Don’t forget about maintenance when choosing the fabric. Leather tends to be easier to keep clean but is prone to scratch marks if you have pets. Whereas fabric will need stain protection to keep it safe from accidental spills.
The style of the sofa you choose comes down to personal preference. Many people prefer a minimal, contemporary style that helps the sofa blend in with the decor. Contrastingly, others prefer a bold style that stands out as a focal point.
Our range of Chesterfield sofas has a vintage, roll-top style that is a classic trend. They also come in a range of colours and fabrics to match the decor of any room.
Natural tones such as brown and cream are a timeless classic when it comes to sofa colours. But don’t be afraid to go for a bold pop of colour to give your room interest.
Mustard yellow and royal blue are just two of the most popular accent colours that look incredible on a sofa.
Looking for the perfect sofa?
If you still can’t decide which sofa is best for your space, take a look at our full sofa collection for more inspiration. Or come and visit us in our Northamptonshire furniture store to get some expert advice.
]]>Although not having to answer to anyone is a nice perk, It can be stressful, daunting and so time consuming when all of the responsibility is on your shoulders. You literally have to do everything, there are still tasks that you wont like doing and these tend to be the most important ones. The parts that you love doing often need to be left until last but you're tired and worn out so it's difficult to enjoy it as much. A common misconception is that when you own your own business you can take time off when you want and pick and choose what you want to do. The reality is, especially when you are in the infancy stages, you absolutely can't. If you don’t work and push your business then who else will?
It's not all doom and gloom though. I'd say that the best part of owning a business for me personally is when your hard work pays off. Watching it flourish after decisions that you've made or work that you've done is the positive reinforcement that we all need. It's the pat on the back that seldom comes when you're working for someone else.
Auburn Fox has evolved so much that it is barely recognisable. Starting from pallet wood creations in the garden to a showroom and web store. Selling furniture and home wares, sourcing furniture for people's homes, offices and businesses and even on-site upholstery classes and services. I'm extremely proud of how far we've come but the evolution continues, there will be mistakes but you learn something new every day and use those mistakes to improve and be better at what you do.
I can see my children are being inspired by watching me going through the never ending cycle of business paperwork, buying products, working in the showroom and being creative.
My son is 9. He has said to multiple people “my mum owns her own business” they ask if he’s proud and he always says “I’m very proud of my mum”. He has already said that he wants to own his own electricians business. This is by far the most rewarding part of the whole thing.
My daughter is 11, she wants to act on Broadway.... but hey, you cant win them all!
It sounds like I'm blowing my own trumpet here but those that know me personally will know that I'm not like that in any way. I'm humble and I recognise that we're not successful yet, that we need to keep working at it and striving to do better.
My intention here is to try and say, it is hard work but if you've just started out in business like us, if you've got an idea but doubt yourself and your ability or you haven't got any money to start then don't let that stop you.
Start small, you don't have to know everything straight away, you don't need an iron clad business plan or any of that stuff that you don't know where to start with. That's all stuff that a bank will want for a business loan but your lack of business experience doesn't mean that you wont pick it up as you go along.
You can do anything you want or be anything you want to be but it doesn't come easy. Take that leap, work hard and believe in yourself because you can do it.
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Interior design follows fashion when it comes to colour trends and what is bigger than New York Fashion Week? The colours that we saw there in February are now starting to make their appearance in interior design. In February the Autumn/Winter 19 colour trends published by Pantone for the fashion industry reported 12 stand out colours for the upcoming season.
Core colours include the ever popular elegant grey, creamy white, deep dark blue and an enriched green. These core colours coupled with the stand out colours create the versatile and creative pallet which we can now see starting to creep into the season.
Adding drama and excitement to the pallet is Chilli pepper red, extroverted pink, sharp yellow/orange, bold orange tiger and forest green. Whilst, blue stone, galaxy blue, peach pink and creme de peche bring softer tones.
The last three colours on our Autumn/Winter 19 pallet are typical Autumnal colours that you would find in nature at this time of year. Beautiful biking red, rocky road as a solid brown and sugar almond remind me of the fallen leaves on those crisp Autumn walks.
We are expected to see these colours all the way through Christmas with chilli pepper red and forest green being traditional Christmas colour tones.
We’ve selected some of our existing range that are bang up to date for the upcoming season so you can get a better idea of how to use real life furniture to stay on trend.
That’s all for now, until next time,
Vicky
🧡🦊🧡
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