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The art of the rug: Choosing between plain and patterned rugs
Selecting a rug is an investment in the visual foundation of your space. U&G Lifestyle, boasting decades of experience in textiles, understands the transformative power of rugs. However, navigating the vast array of plain and patterned rugs can be daunting. Fear not, for we are here to equip you with the knowledge to make the right choice to complement your style. Patterned rugs From bold stripes to captivating geometrics, patterned rugs are fantastic additions to home decor. They can completely transform a space, adding personality, depth, and a focal point. Liven up a plain space In a room dominated by neutral furniture and walls, a patterned rug injects a touch of timeless elegance and creates a stylish contrast between old and new. Create a focal point Large or open-plan spaces can occasionally feel devoid of character. A patterned rug serves as a captivating focal point, drawing the eye and infusing the space with a sense of depth and purpose. The illusion of space Surprisingly, patterned rugs can enhance the perception of space. Opt for vertical stripes or long, runner-style rugs to create the illusion of length, while horizontal stripes subtly widen a room. Featured: Our exquisite Lola rug in a stunning patterned aqua blue. Plain rugs Plain rugs, while often viewed as less exciting, offer a platform for luxurious textures. Imagine a cosy sheepskin rug, a plush shag, or a clean-lined flatweave, each adding a unique dimension to your space. Minimalist Plain rugs are the foundation of a minimalist aesthetic. They provide a blank canvas for creating a cohesive look through texture while maintaining a uniform colour scheme. Balancing act Have you got patterned furniture or statement wallpaper? A plain rug ensures a harmonious space, free from visual clutter. Spacious saviour Especially in compact rooms, plain rugs create a feeling of openness and can visually expand the area. Finding the perfect match The key to a successful rug choice is ensuring it complements your existing design, not overpowers it. Here are some tips from our fabric experts. 1. Less is more in small spaces Small rooms can be overwhelmed by busy patterns. Opt for light, solid colours to create a feeling of spaciousness. 2. Embrace texture Craving texture but worried about overwhelming patterns? A rug with a large-scale design can add subtle interest without being too much. 3. One pattern takes centre stage As a general rule, avoid a cacophony of patterns. Each pattern adds visual weight, and too many can make a room feel cluttered. If you’re feeling adventurous you can match the pattern on your rug to your furniture for a striking statement in a large room. Just ensure the patterns aren’t too busy and have a clear hierarchy. 4. Wallpaper wisdom Bold patterned wallpaper and a bold patterned rug can be a recipe for visual overload. Limit statement patterns to one area, either your walls or your floor. Visual balance is the cornerstone of good interior design. When choosing between a patterned rug and a plain rug, consider how each option will complement the overall feel of your space. Remember, U&G Lifestyle is here to help you navigate the wonderful world of rugs. Visit our online rug collection or pop into one of our stores for expert advice. We’ll help you find the perfect rug to bring your design dreams to life.
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How to choose the perfect bed linen
We’ve all been there. Standing in the bed linen aisle, overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices: thread counts, fabric blends, weaves…it’s enough to make anyone yearn for the simplicity of a childhood blanket fort! But fear not fellow South Africans! This guide from U&G Lifestyle, with our 45 years of experience in fabrics, will transform you from a bewildered shopper to a confident bed linen connoisseur. Bed linen guide: Understanding the essentials Before diving into specific fabrics, let’s establish the basic components of luxurious bed linen: Duvet covers: Encasing your duvet (the fluffy comforter), duvet covers protect it from dust and spills and come in a variety of colours and patterns to reflect your style. Duvet inner: The workhorse of your bedding, the duvet inner provides warmth and comfort. Protectors: A mattress protector shields your mattress from allergens, spills, and dust mites, extending its lifespan. Sheets: The sheet that directly touches you is the fitted sheet, while a flat sheet covers the top of the mattress and tucks under the duvet. Pillowcases: Encase your pillows for hygiene and comfort. Different types of bed linen Now, let’s explore the wonderful world of bed linen fabrics! Cotton 50/50 cotton blend Affordable champion: This blend balances breathability and wrinkle resistance, making it a budget-friendly option that’s easy to care for. 80/20 cotton blend Comfort on a budget: A step up in comfort, this blend provides more of cotton’s luxurious feel while retaining some wrinkle resistance. Egyptian cotton The ultimate indulgence: Made from the Gossypium Barbadense plant, a specific species known for its extra-long fibres, Egyptian cotton creates a luxuriously soft, smooth, and breathable sleep experience. Egyptian cotton is often prized for its high thread count, typically exceeding 200 threads per square inch. However, due to the longer fibres, Egyptian cotton can deliver a luxuriously soft feel even at thread counts around 400, whereas other types of cotton might start to feel rough. Percale vs. sateen weave Percale Cool and Crisp: A crisp, cool weave with a matte finish, perfect for hot sleepers. Sateen Hotel Luxe: A smooth, lustrous weave with a slight sheen, ideal for those who love a hotel-like feel. Understanding thread count Thread count refers to the number of threads woven per square inch. While a higher thread count generally indicates a softer feel, it’s not the sole factor. High-quality, long-staple cotton fibres like Egyptian cotton can create a luxuriously soft feel even at a lower thread count. Balancing affordability and comfort At U&G Lifestyle, we understand that everyone has a budget. Here’s how to find the perfect balance between affordability and comfort: Budget-conscious sleeper: A 50/50 cotton blend in a percale weave is a great choice. It’s breathable, easy to care for, and won’t break the bank. Comfort seeker: An 80/20 cotton blend in either percale or sateen offers a step up in softness without a significant price jump. Luxury lover: Egyptian cotton in a sateen weave is the ultimate indulgence. It’s incredibly soft, breathable, and will last for years. Finding the right warmth Duvet inner fillings come with various comfort levels: Duck down: The softest and most luxurious filling, offering excellent warmth and breathability. Feather: Firmer and more affordable than down, but still breathable and warm. Microfibre: A hypoallergenic alternative, known for its cosiness and ease of care. Microfibre can trap heat, so consider this if you sleep hot. Explore U&G Lifestyle’s bed linen collection We offer a wide variety of high-quality bed linen to suit every budget and preference, including: Oxford duvet covers: Crafted from 100% cotton for a crisp, cool feel. Egyptian Cotton duvet covers: Indulge in the ultimate softness and breathability. Fitted sheets: Available in various sizes and weaves to perfectly fit your mattress. Scatter cushions: Add a touch of personality and comfort. Duvet inners: Available in duck and down, feather or microfibre. Now that you have a better idea of shopping for bed linen, browse our exquisite collection and discover the perfect bed linen to transform your bedroom into a haven of rest and relaxation.
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Embrace cosy with winter linen
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our homes become our sanctuaries. It’s time to embrace the season of warm and inviting nights in and transform your space into a winter refuge. Here at U&G Lifestyle, we know a thing or two about creating ultimate comfort with winter linen. Try these decorating tips to get your home winter-ready with heavier fabrics, winter colours and warm accents. The bedroom: Snuggle up in warmth Switch to winter linen Swap out your lightweight summer sheets for something more luxurious. Indulge in super soft Egyptian cotton sheets or a homey duck and down duvet inner. Pair them with hotel-quality duvet covers for the perfect combination of warmth, comfort, and style. This will ensure you trap heat and stay toasty warm all winter long. Layer up for pure indulgence Think beyond just sheets. Add a layer of warmth with a knitted blanket or a comfy throw. U&G Lifestyle has a fantastic selection of scatter cushions in various textures and colours to suit your style. Light the way to relaxation Dim the overhead lights and opt for warm, ambient lighting from lamps. Arrange candles around the room for a truly calming atmosphere. The art of layering Here’s where winter linen truly shines. Start with your softest sheets as the base, then layer on texture with a chunky knitted or a hand-loomed blanket. Don’t forget the pillows! Layer various sizes, textures and colours for added visual interest. The bathroom: Create a spa-like retreat Winter bath sheets Replace your summer towels with something more indulgent. Thick, plush bath sheets or towels in wintery whites or calming greys feel wonderful against the skin after a hot shower. Winter linen bathmats Step out of the shower onto a soft and cosy winter linen bathmat. The living room: The heart of hibernation Incorporate luxurious drapes Heavy curtains not only add warmth but also help retain heat. Our luxurious Lindt drapes are perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere. Warm up your space with a rug A plush rug underfoot adds instant comfort. Consider an antique-style rug or a soft, textured rug for a more welcoming space. Decorate with natural elements Bring the outdoors in. Deep wood tones, wooden furniture, or even a few well-placed plants create a natural and calming atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to add quirky decorative accents to reflect your personality. The guest bedroom: Winter welcome awaits Prepare for overnight guests Make your guests feel right at home with a winter-ready guest bedroom. Dress the bed in luxurious winter linens and add a couple of scatters for extra comfort. Carve out a snug reading nook Curl up with a good book in a dedicated reading nook. All you need is a comfy armchair, a good reading lamp, and a pile of your favourite books. Drape a blanket over the armchair for added cosiness. Winter is the perfect time to lean into your hibernation era. With U&G Lifestyle’s winter linen essentials, you can transform your home into a haven of cosiness and relaxation. Browse our online shop or pop into one of our showrooms for expert advice on creating your perfect winter hideout.
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Thoughtful home gifts for a cosy holiday season
Creating a warm, inviting home is a beautiful gift, whether for yourself or a loved one. U&G Lifestyle brings together essentials that make every space feel special and ready for the holiday season. From soft bedding to luxurious bath linens, here’s a guide to thoughtful home gifts that add comfort, style, and elegance.
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