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Having invested time and money into having your custom curtains made, it's important to make sure that they look their absolute best in your home.
If you're hanging your custom curtains yourself, there are a few easy steps to take which will ensure that your curtains hang beautifully and look amazing.
How you care for your fabrics can be the difference between curtain and upholstery that last for years, and ones that are faded and frayed in no time at all. Understanding the washing symbols that come with a fabric is essential.
By properly washing your curtain, upholstery, and dress fabrics, you're not only elongating their lives, but you're maintaining their texture and colour too! Many fabrics, such as silks and velvets, are dry clean only, so check carefully before beginning to clean your fabric.
Have you ever looked at the huge range of duvets available to purchase and wondered 'What's the difference?'. For many people, it can be difficult to know what type of duvet to look for, and to make a smart purchase.
To make life a little bit easier, we've put together this handy guide on researching and purchasing the perfect duvet, to keep you warm and cosy on even the coldest of nights.
Here's what you need to consider when buying your next duvet:
A duvet's tog rating is one of its most important attributes. This tells you how well a duvet will trap warm air. Basically, the higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet.
Duvets start at a tog rating of around 3, which would be your lightweight summer duvet. A tog rating of between 7 - 10 is perfect for Spring and Autumn nights. A tog rating of over 10 is perfect for cold Winters, and means you'll be kept warm all night. Duvets with a lower tog rating are generally best for children also, as heavier duvets may well be uncomfortable and too warm for small children.
Select a tog rating that's perfect for you, based on your own preferences. Anything from your home heating to whether you share a bed or not can affect the tog rating you need, so make sure you think about your situation before you purchase!
It's not just important that your duvet is filled, it's also important to think about what's filling it!
There are countless options nowadays when it comes to choosing a duvet filling. From the hypo-allergenic health benefits of synthetic fillings, to the cloud-like comfort of goose down, the options are endless. It's important to consider your own needs when choosing the filling you would prefer. Let's take a look of the pro's and con's of a few varieties of fillings:
Natural Fillings are best known for being breathable, perfect for keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Duck & Goose Down is a popular natural filling that is used world wide. Down is the soft, insulation feathers found very close to the bird's skin. These feathers are used to stuff both duvets and pillows, with goose being the higher quality, though more expensive, option. This type of filling provides a very warm and comfortable night's sleep. However, it may irritate those who suffer with allergies, and it's important to ensure that your goose or duck down is humanely sourced. Duvets stuffed with down are generally extremely durable, with a lifespan of around 10-20 years.
Synthetic Fillings have the benefit of being lightweight, hypoallergenic, and faster drying after washing. Most also offer the same level of warmth as naturally filled duvets. Their lifespan is much shorter than that of a naturally filled duvet however, with regular washing diminishing that lifespan even further.
Washing your duvet is important in removing dust mites from your bedding. Washing at 60C is ideal for killing dust mites, and keeping your bedding fresh and dust-free.
Your duvet is only as good as the pillow you rest your head on. A poorly chosen pillow can lead to a variety of back & neck problems, so picking the right one for you is important for maintaining your health.
You may wish to choose a pillow type based on how you sleep. For example, those who sleep on their backs are recommended to use a pillow of medium firmness, for support and comfort and to maintain the correct alignment of the spine throughout the night. Someone who sleeps on their side might choose a firm pillow, to help support their head, neck and spine as they sleep, while someone who sleeps on their front should probably opt for a soft pillow, to support the head without disrupting spine alignment.
Like duvets, pillows are also available with synthetic and natural fillings. You might choose a down filled pillow, which will be soft and comfortable. These pillows range in firmness (the more stuffing, the firmer they are). However, they are limited in just how much support they can provide. Synthetically filled pillows are becoming more and more popular, as memory foam options become more available due to their higher levels of support and associated health benefits.
Again, washing your pillows regularly is of utmost importance. Pillows can usually be washed in a large capacity machine. Washing at 60C is ideal for killing any dust mites that may be residing inside your pillow. Synthetic pillows are useful in this regard due to their quick drying time.
All our duvets come in set sizes of single, double, king, and superking, which are sized as follows:
Knowing your bed size is essential for making the right decision on your new duvet.
However you sleep, making the right decision on your duvet & pillows can be the difference between a good night's sleep and waking up unrested, with a sore neck and back. Do yourself a favour and invest in some top quality bedding, for a great nights' sleep.
Adding botanical elements to your home is quickly becoming one of this year's biggest interior design trends. It's also one of the easiest trends to get involved with! Whether you're planning on going green entirely, or just want to add a few natural touches to your home, everyone can go botanical with their home decor this season.
If you're dying to go green too, but you're not sure how to get started, here are a few tips to start you on your way:
While flowers can be a beautiful addition to any home, a truly botanical look focuses on leafy greens, rather than vibrant flowers. This creates a calm, peaceful atmosphere in the home, as green is well renowned as being one of the most calming colours you can choose in home decor. So, when you're picking out the perfect botanical pieces for your home, be sure to opt for leafy and green over colourful and floral.
From large statement pieces, to small accents, any botanical element placed in the right space can help you seamlessly achieve the look you desire. Analyse the space you have to devote to this look, and work out what kind of pieces would best help you achieve a botanical theme.
If you have a lot of space, one large statement piece can be enough to give the room a botanical look. If the space you're in is small, try placing smaller plants off the ground to give them more prominence in the room, and choose plants that are small in size, but leafy and dense to maximize on their effect.
Once you have added the elements of natural foliage, you can enhance their effect by adding well placed, botanically themed soft furnishing around your home. From curtains, to cushions, throws and rugs, there are countless ways for you to enhance the botanical theme of your home.
You can match the shades of green you're using for a uniform look, or mix and match a few shades to create a more natural and diverse botanical effect. You can also opt for nature based designs - leaf designs are perfect.
Why not take a look at our botanical collection for some ideas?
Empty wall space is the perfect canvas for adding a botanical feature to your room. Whether it's wallpaper that makes a big statement, or some beautiful pieces of art that add a natural element to the room, adding wall art is a great way to complete your botanical masterpiece.
Identify the kind of space you have and how you want to use it - whether it's a wall segment you want to wallpaper, or an empty wall that would suit a botanically themed painting. Be careful in choosing your colours and patterns when it comes to wallpaper, so as not to make the room appear to be too dreary or dark.
Here are a few ideas, from wall paper to decals, from around the web that we just loved:
Wall paper, wall decals, and even just some well chosen botanical prints or paintings can go a long way in transforming your room into a botanical wonderland. Small touches are all that's required, so don't go over board - particularly with big statement pieces such as wallpaper!
Have you introduced a botanical theme to your home? If so, we would love to see how you did it! Get it touch with us and share your interior design creations via email or through our Facebook and Twitter pages.
The new year is nearly upon us, and as with every New Year's celebration , it comes with a whole new range of trends, predictions, and new looks to introduce into your home in 2017.
The year ahead is tipped to be filled with DIY projects, natural colours and textures, and a move away from technology. Get ready for a few months of auction trawling for unusual pieces, upcycling, and creating your own unique haven at home. A return to rustic features, combined with warm colours, is on the cards, as well as maintaining some principles of the 2016 craze Hygge, with escapism and meditation featuring heavily in design features for the year.
So what can we expect to see in the design world in 2017? Here are the features we're tipping to be big this year:
Pantone have named 'Greenery' as the colour of the year, suggesting a big focus on this vibrant shade to come in 2017. This fresh shade of green is sure to highlight the arrival of spring, and keep your home vibrant and lively throughout the year.
Accents of this shade are perfect for creating splashes of colour in a room, so keep an eye out for cushions, curtains and throws in that perfect shade of green!
Technology has made its way into every aspect of our lives, and now as we reach 2017, people are trying to move away and create spaces for meditation and relaxation. This means comfy nooks and crannies, designed for getting cosy with a cup of tea and a book.
This follows on from one of 2016's big trends, Hygge, celebrating everything warm, comfy, and cosy.
Rustic, warm, and inviting - Terracotta is set to be one of the biggest trends of 2017. Whether it's updating your flooring, or adding terracotta accents with flower pots, this warm reddish tone is set to feature heavily in home design throughout 2017.
Even soft furnishings can play into this trend. By adopting the warm tones of terracotta for your cushions, curtains or throws, you can make the most of this warm, subtle shade.
From farmhouses to distressed furniture, the rustic look is making a comeback. Whether it's cheap and cheerful pieces you picked up from a local auction or sale, or that old cabinet hidden away in the attic, if it's old and a little battered, it's the perfect piece for your home in 2017.
Exposed beams and brickwork are certain to become even more popular, as the 'old farmhouse' look re-emerges as one of the favoured interior design trends of the year. So for 2017, whatever you're decorating, make sure to add that rustic element!
As everyone looks towards creating a sustainable future, recycling is starting to make an impression on the world of interior design. By reclaiming old, unloved pieces, you could do more than just save yourself a fortune - you could also end up with some beautiful, unique pieces to place around your home.
Whether it's upcycling pieces you already own, or salvaging furniture, tiles, or wooden beams to make your own pieces, this is the year to get creative, cut costs, and think sustainability.
Have you made any interior design predictions for the coming year? Or will you be renovating your home in line with one of these fantastic trends? Let us know in the comments!
Christmas is growing ever closer, and each year we are left with the dilemma: what do I get for my nearest and dearest?
Thankfully, some people have such a vast range of interests that you can always find them a quirky, fun, and useful gift. Crafters are one such group of people! If you have someone who loves to work with their hands in your family, what better way to show your love this Christmas than to give them the gift of creativity? Craft gifts come with all the joy of creating your own project, whether it's a jumper, a dress, or some beautiful cards, as well as the pleasure of enjoying your creation for years after it's finished!
Whether your loved one is an experienced dressmaker, or a beginner paper crafter, you're sure to find a crafty gift that's going to suit them. There are loads of different options available, so let's take a look at a few gift ideas:
Anyone who's interested in creating their own fashion design and making their own clothes will absolutely love a sewing machine this Christmas. Even a very basic model can let you create amazing and unique fashion pieces! This gift comes with hours of enjoyment, fun, and creativity, so it really is the gift that keeps on giving. The Brother LS14 model is a flexible and versatile machine, suitable for all skill levels.
What dressmaker doesn't dream of a model who can't fidget, complain, or leave? The Adjustoform Sewdeluxe Leg Body Form is a perfect gift for anyone who loves to create their own designs. You can easily alter it to a huge variety of dress sizes, perfect for making clothes for other people.
A bodyform is the perfect way to measure and create designs, without bribing a friend to stand for you while you get to work! A dressmaking model who can't complain about getting poked with needles? Sign me up!
Craft is taking the world by storm. From adult colouring books, to a resurge in knitting, people are starting to come back to creating home accents with their own hands, for truly unique pieces (as well as a new skill!).
Give someone you love the gift of creativity and fun with a craft kit, whether it's therapeutic zenbroidery or knitting up a storm!
What do you get for the crafter who has everything? Somewhere to put it all!
Delight the craft fanatic in your family with a beautiful sewing or craft basket - perfect for keeping all those small bits and bobs that are essential for craft neatly tidied away and easy to find!
For a little extra treat, why not fill the box before you give it as a gift? There are countless craft and dressmaking items that are perfect for filling up these basket - and they're sure to give the recipient a wonderful surprise!
Craft Kits are great fun and can give someone endless enjoyment! We have a brilliant range of craft kits for both kids and adults.
Whatever their interests, you're sure to find a meaningful, fun, and crafty gift for any friend or family member at Hickeys! Why not take a look at all of our fantastic Christmas stock?
The Danish concept of 'Hygge' is taking the world of interior design by storm, and for good reason.
But what is Hygge? And should you care?
Hygge, pronounced 'hoo-gah', is the Danish idea of comfy and cosy living. This includes enjoying down-time with family and friends, as well as taking that hour to yourself to wrap up in a blanket with a hot cup of tea with a good book, guilt free. This idea has made its way into interior design, with warm throws and blankets with chunky wool knits and comforting candles dominating idea-sharing networks such as Pinterest & Instagram in the last few weeks and months.
Unlike some other interior trends, however, Hygge isn't hard to achieve. Plus, it promotes DIY crafts such as knitting and sewing, which are perfect for down-time and meditation.
Hygge is one of the easiest trends to achieve at home, so it's perfect for anyone to try. Here's how you can get started:
Crafting is the perfect activity when you're looking for some alone time. What's better for promoting a peaceful outlook than sitting down and spending an hour quietly knitting or sewing? No distractions, no multi-tasking, just you and your craft. After all, in this busy, non-stop world, we all need some time to switch off and relax. So get knitting or crafting today!
Many interior design trends don't list comfort as a priority. This is not the case with Hygge. If it's not warm and comfortable, it's not Hygge. If you want to get in on this trend, you need to create a home that's a haven for the weary. Place warm throws on your couches and arm chairs. Ensure scented candles are adding an ambiance in the evening. Prepare decluttered spaces for hobbies, such as a quiet reading corner with a comfortable chair, nice blanket, and a convenient space for your cup of tea. Before you know it, your home will be the living embodiment of Hygge!
When decorating your home for comfort, it's important to utilise colours that you find calming. Try choosing neutral, natural or pastel shades to maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Whether it's cushions, throws, or pictures around the room, promoting calmness and peacefulness when decorating should always be front of mind.
What creates a comforting and warm effect better than wool, felt, and other cosy textures? Choose knitted throws, velvet cushions, and other textures you might like. Pick what suits you too - use materials that may have a nostalgic value to you, and create your own personalised refuge from the stresses of life within your home.
Hygge isn't just for weekends, it's for life! Promote calmness and balance on a day to day basis too. This means spending time with friends and family, taking a walk, enjoying a guilt-free slice of cake, or taking a long, uninterrupted bath. Generally, just take time to stop and smell the roses. Make sure you take some time to yourself on a daily basis, and indulge in the activities that make you happy!
There's good reason why residents of Denmark are noted as being the happiest in the world. It's a country where peacefulness and self-care are widely promoted, and the world is starting to take note as countries and communities across the world begin to mimic this ideology - from the world of fashion, to food.
Add Hyyge to your home with ease.
Get involved in one of the world's healthiest trends, and let us know your best Hygge tips and tricks, for creating a peaceful, balanced life!
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare your children's costumes than to make them yourself!
It's easy to create a beautiful and unique Halloween costume with Hickey's Easy Sew Witch's Dress - which goes perfectly with the Easy Sew Witch's Hat to complete the look.
Create something truly unique this Halloween for a night of trick or treating that you'll never forget. Plus, when it's so easy to create a memorable costume, you can get the kids involved and make creating this Witch's dress a family activity!
Looking for more ideas? Check out our Halloween Wooki Costume and Spooky Cape!
It's easy to create a beautiful and unique Halloween costume with Hickey's Easy Sew Wooki Jedi Costume - complete with pants, bag & mask to complete the look. It's the perfect Halloween costume for any Star Wars fan, and is sure to turn heads this October.
Create something truly unique this Halloween for a night of trick or treating that they'll never forget. Plus, when it's so easy to create a memorable costume, you can get the kids involved in making it too!
Get creative and try out the Easy Sew Witch's Dress & Hat Costume.
Create something truly unique this Halloween for a night of trick or treating that you'll never forget. Plus, when it's so easy to create a memorable costume, you can get the kids involved!
Get creative and try out the Easy Sew Witch's Dress & Hat Costume or Wooki Jedi Costume.
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