It's a cover-up

Top tips: Let the colour of the year inspire you!

Pantone has revealed "Radiant Orchid" as colour of the year for 2014. Radiant Orchid blooms with expressivity, warmth and confidence and sparks the imagination and creativity. Let yourself get inspired by purple, fuchsia and pink undertones and use for sofas, chairs, beds, curtains or cushion covers..

Visit www.bemz.com to update your home with this lovely colour!

Use purple on a large piece of furniture only and let the rest of the room consist of neutral colours like grey and white..

Bemz cover for Tylösand sofa, in Krokus Brera Lino and Nils chairs in Ivy Brera Lino, design by Designers Guild for Bemz.

..or mix several different shades of pink and purple on sofas, cushion covers, carpets and curtains. This colour palette also goes really well with bright yellow, a spot-on-trend colour for 2014, and orange. 

 
Bemz cover for Stockholm sofa in Rose Tegnér Melange. 

Photo: Elle Decor

Eyelet curtain in Candy Pink Panama Cotton.

In this picture they have worked with fuchsia in three different places which create a focal point while avoiding a cluttered look in the following photo.

Photo: Holly Kidwell Interiors

Add contrast and interest by mixing pink and purple with graphic black and white. 

Photo: Sköna hem

Transform your dining room with slipcovers in purple in pure linen. Get this look here.

Photo: House Beautiful

Add details like flowers or decoration accessories for the final touch. 

Photo: Sköna hem

Top tips: Hottest interior design trends in 2014

Let’s start the New Year by taking a look at the hottest interior design trends that will define 2014, with a focus on colours and textiles. 

The biggest trends are undoubtedly lots of fabrics in cool pastels, bright yellow and strong patterns, especially graphic and floral patterns, which when combined create a fresh, modern yet highly personal look.

Update your home by mixing these trends with your current interior. Whether you want to make big or small changes you can easily change the expression of any room with Bemz products. We picked out some inspiring photos with examples of how you can use these trends in your own home.

LITTLEPHANT FABRICS AVAILABLE FROM MARCH
Söderhamn sofa cover in Big Waves White/Aqua. Klippan footstool in Waves Gray/Gray. Cushion cover in Saga Forest Black/Multi. All by Littlephant. Mattress covers in Sun Yellow and Peach. Curtains in Blossom Brera Quadretto by Bemz. 

The vibrant and graphic patterns mixed in this room complement rather than clash with each other thanks to a restricted colour palette of pink and green that is repeated throughout. Pops of bright yellow ground the look and ensure it stays spot on trend for 2014.  

 

Bemz bed skirt with frills, Loose Fit Country style in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen.

A bed skirt and cushion covers in lavender and green pastel colours adds warmth to a bright bedroom and help it maintain a sense of peace. Combine them with wood furniture in honey tones, which is also big for 2014, for a trendy yet classic look. 

 

Bemz cover for Karlanda in Mineral Blue Tegnér Melange. Bemz cushion covers in Dusty Rose, Straw Yellow, Soft White Belgian Linen Blend, Sand Beige Raffia.

Create the perfect balance in a room by mixing warm and cold pastels. In this room blue and pink dominate. The trendy brass table lamp and patterned shade makes the look complete. 

Stockholm sofa in Rose Tegnér Melange. Henriksdal chair in Silver Grey Tegnér Melange. Nils footstool in Sun Yellow. Nils chair in Dusty Rose. All from Bemz. 

Create a dining room that gives you a sense of joy by adding beautiful colours and patterns. Because pastels are bright and calm, they are easily paired with a broad range of colours range and mix equally well with a variety different patterns. 

 

Beanbag covers in Gotland Stripe Silver Grey and Sun Yellow.

Bright, joyful yellow brings your home life and colour without being intrusive. Use it in details or let it be the colour theme for a room or why not your entire home? 

 

Bemz cover for Klippan in Fuchsia Flamingo Park. Cushion covers in Stockholm Stripe Jet Black, Paler Shade of Grey and Fuchsia. 

Floral patterns are not only stylish, but give you a home to thrive in. Do you prefer cooler colours, choose floral patterns in blues, grays or black/white. If warmer, more feminine colours are what you are after, then pinks, purples, reds, yellow or green will get you there. Alternatively, mix warm and cool shades exactly as you want if you want something in between. 

 

Bemz Artist Series Cushion covers; Orange Fiskis, Pink Fiskis and Orange Kvarter.

Yellow, pink and purple are a wonderful combination of colours. Add interesting and modern patterns to this combination and you´ll have a match made in heaven. 

 

Bemz cover for Karlanda in Trianglar by Viola Gråsten for Bemz. 

Graphic patterns in black/grey and white create a home that feels sophisticated, contemporary and adds interest. If you want to soften the expression but like the colour concept, use floral patterns in black, grey and white instead. 

Top tips: How to measure for curtains

Happy days! Bemz has just launched curtains - adding to our extensive range of textile products for the home.

Bemz Eyelet curtain in Candy Pink Panama Cotton, Mysinge sofa in Jet Black Stockholm Stripe and a selection of Bemz cushion covers

At Bemz, you can now buy a wide range of made-to-measure curtain styles in over 200 different machine-washable fabrics, including designs by famous brands and designers such as Designers Guild, Marimekko, Strömma, Viola Gråsten and more.

Bemz Rod Pocket Curtain in White Japan by Göta Trägårdh

So while browsing through our lovely fabrics and gearing up to order your new curtains at Bemz, keep in mind these simple tips on how to measure for the perfect curtain size.

1) Use a metal tape. They are more rigid and will provide a more accurate measurement.

Bemz Heading Tape Curtain in Black Classic Ruta

2) Measure the pole, rather than the window, to determine the width needed. If you are using a curtain track, measure its full length. For curtain rods, measure the length of the rod only, do not include the decorative pieces on the end.

3) Use your curtain rod or track length to work out the width of your curtains. If you are ordering a pair, then divide your curtain rod or track length by two.

Bemz Curtains in Duck Egg Brera Lino and Bed Spread in Cloud Brera Fino by Designers Guild for the Bemz Designers Collection, and assorted cushion covers from Bemz

4) Add a further 2-3 cm to the width measurement for each curtain to allow your curtains to overlap in the middle when closed.

Bemz Heading Tape Curtain in Black Classic Ruta and Bemz covers for Söderhamn sofa in Noir Brera Lino by Designers Guild and Melby chair in Absolute White Panama Cotton

5) Maximum width for curtains is determined by the maximum width of the fabric. In almost all cases when shopping curtains at Bemz this is 140 cm with the exception of Bemz's Rosendal Prewashed Linen fabrics, which have a maximum width of 130 cm.

6) Curtain widths may vary by +/-2 cm from the ordered size.

Curtains in Duck Egg Brera Lino, cover for Söderhamn sofa in Noir Brera Lino and cover for PS armchair in Duck Egg Brera Lino by Designers Guild  for the Bemz Designer Collection

7) Indicate the desired length of curtain you want - available at Bemz up to 6 metres long!

Bemz's new curtains are available in four made-to-measure styles: with tabs, pencil pleats, eyelets or rings; and two flexible sizing options: readymade, in four standard sizes that fit the most common window sizes, or made-to-measure, in narrow panel curtains or full size lengths.

Tab Top curtain in Silver Grey Gotland Stripe, Henriksdal chair cover in medium skirt in Sun Yellow Panama Cotton, Cushion cover in Jet Black Stockholm Stripe all from Bemz

For more details on how to measure specifically for Bemz Heading Tape Curtains, Tab Top Curtains, Eyelet Top Curtains, and Rod Pocket Curtains and more, as well as tips on how to choose tiebacks and curtain care instructions visit our website and you'll be an expert at sizing up your new curtains in no time.

Top tips: Compact living done right

It's back-to-school time and many of us are looking for easy, creative ways to make our small spaces seem larger and more livable.

This tiny Upper West Side apartment of graphic designer and Etsy shop owner Michelle Konar is a great example of how cramped quarters can be transformed into open, airy spaces, using accent colours, decorative cushions and savvy storage.

At just 30 square meters, Michelle’s space may be small, but her creative eye has made her home the envy of her friends!

The apartment’s light blue aqua wall brings warmth to the space, and is picked up in the kitchen area with faux aqua-colored bricks that Michelle made from pieces of cork. Adding a vintage buffet separates the kitchen area from the dining table, and also doubles as the work space for slicing and dicing up meals and garnishes for drinks.

Michelle made the space her own by hanging a painting series that she designed herself while in college over the dining table.The paintings and table sit adjacent from the comfy sofa, which is strewn with boldly patterned decorative cushions, adding flair to their comfort.

The sofa is also where Michelle sets up her work station to put together her hand-bound books.

She salvaged a used hospital bed from a thrift store, and refinished it in a deep blue. Adorned with more graphic decorative cushions, the bed ties in with the pattern of the rest of the apartment.

Just next to the bed, the sliding glass doors open onto a beautiful private balcony. Michelle's tiny studio feels larger with the precious outdoor space, which is just enough for a few lounge chairs and a garden of lush plants.

For more inspiration on how to stretch your space visit the Bemz website. You'll also find tons of smart tips on how to get the most out of your space right here on It's a Cover Up.

Credits: Text and images via Stumbleupon.com and Apartment Therapy

Destination Stockholm: top tips for design lovers

Make the most of a long, late-summer weekend in Stockholm with a short list of design must-sees from the Bemz design team.

From the charm of the old town and the über chic shopping streets of Östermalm to the creative vibe of Södermalm, Stockholm is a beautiful city and a great place for any traveller to visit. As a destination for design lovers, it is pure heaven.

Indeed, if interior décor is your thing, then you will be in your element in Stockholm, every inch of this trendy city is filled with cutting-edge design stores and museums. And on any given day there are enough design-related activities to fill a month of Sundays. So cut to the chase with the following top list of must-do’s put together by the Bemz design team.

1.Start off with morning coffee at Millesgården, Herserudsvägen 32, Lidingö, an oasis just 10 minutes from downtown Stockholm and take in Carl Milles’ home, studio, collection of antiquities and garden full of sculptures and fountains – as well as Annes Hus. In design terms: Swedish grace at its best. Visit before September 22 to catch a solo exhibition of work by illustrator Mats Gustafson.

This illustrious artist is repeatedly hired by some of the top fashion houses: Yohji Yamamoto, Dior, Comme des Garçons and Hermès, with his drawings regularly featured in Italian, French and British Vogue and other major fashion magazines.

2. Continue to Liljevalchs, Djurgårdsvägen 60, to take in the exhibition Home Sweet Home: Furnished Tales – open until September 15 – an artistic interpretation of Swedish design icons and their stylistic ideals.

Follow this with lunch at Liljevalchs’ historic neighbour Blå Porten, a walled-in gem of a secret garden.

While there, say thank you for the music next door at the newly opened opened Abba museum and have a bop on the flashing disco floor.

3. Next up is the stunning roofscape of Strandvägen and the iconic Svensk Tenn store at Strandvägen 5 – home to the work of legendary designer Josef Frank – and a must for anyone who wants to take home some classic Swedish design.

4. From there – provided you are in Stockholm on a Thursday or Saturday – stroll up the main shopping stretch Birger Jarlsgatan to the Lotta Agaton store at Rådmansgatan 7. Agaton, renowned for her chic, understated decorating style, has handpicked a selection of her favourite items for the home including homeware, furniture and textiles in a colour scheme of black, white and grey. A visit to her store is a crash course in contemporary Scandinavian design.

5. Finally, wrap up your day at the Bemz Inspiration Store at Odengatan 22 – and check out our fabulously (in true Swedish style) functional sofa covers, chair covers, daybed covers for Ikea furniture and more.

Browse through 200 different fabrics, including designs by famous Swedish designers such as Stig Lindberg, Strömma, Viola Gråsten. View our different patterns and models, purchase fabric per meter or take home fabric swatches for inspiration.

Credits: Hover over each photo to see the source

Top tips: Ten shades of summer & how to use them

Here are some super tips on how to pack a punch in your home with the top ten shades of summer.

Bemz covers for Nikkala sofa in Sun Yellow Panama Cotton and Karlstad armchair in Candy Pink/Absolute White Stockholm Stripe

Sun Yellow: This bright, happy colour can't help but make you smile. Furniture covers and decorative pillows are two simple ways to let the sunshine in to your room. To make the colour pop even more, pair it with a soft neutral, such as grey or white.

Bemz cover for PS armchair in Duck Egg Brera Lino by Designers Guild

Sky blue: Just like the sky itself, his shade of blue has a serene, calming presence. Use it in healthy doses on furniture and large accessories. It can bring the same quieting effect to any space where you like to relax and unwind.

Bemz cover for Klippan sofa in Magenta Bayshore, by Designers Guild and Bemz cover for Karlstad armchair in Candy Pink/Absolute White Stockholm Stripe

Candy Pink: We all know pink is the ultimate girl colour — nothing else can give a room a feminine touch like this blushing hue. That's what makes it the perfect choice for a girl's den or bedroom. Highlighting different shades in a floral fabric and pairing it with purple only intensifies its playful appeal.

Bemz cover for Klippan sofa, Loose fit Urban style, in Leaf Brera Lino

Luscious Lime: You know how a hint of lime makes everything – from a cocktail to salsa – just a bit better? The colour can have the same effect on a room. Use it as a statement piece, bringing in smaller accessories in the same colour to complete the look.

Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard in Rosewood Brera Lino, Bemz bedskirt in Rosewood Brera Lino, Bemz bedspread in Cloud Brera Fino

Captivating Coral: As one of the sea's most vibrant hues, coral is a standout shade no matter where you use it. Accessories are a natural fit for this accent colour, whether it's a headboard, bed skirt or pillow cover.

Bemz cover for Klippan sofa in Red Unikko, design Marimekko

Bemz cushion covers in Crimson Red Raffia, Real Red Tegnér Melange, Real Red Urban Tapestry

Ravishing Red: What better place to make a statement than your living room? Not only does this room set the tone for the rest of the home, it entices guests to want to see every room of your space. A cheerful red is inviting and happy, like the smile of the friend who welcomes you.

Bemz cover for Nikkala sofa in Deep Navy Blue/Sand Beige Stockholm Stripe

Bemz cover for Söderhamn sofa in Indigo Brera Lino by Designers Guild

Bemz cushion covers in Soft White Panama Cotton, Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill, Deep Navy Blue Stockholm Stripe

Nautical Navy: If you follow fashion trends, you may have noticed navy is one of the hottest "new neutrals." Just like black, white and grey, navy can create a statement without overpowering a room. Pair it with bold colours, such as red or pink, to create style-setting combos. Want to follow the nautical trend? Consider using it in a striped pattern like the cushions shown above.

Bemz curtains in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen and Bemz Daybed in Absolute White Panama Cotton.

Bemz bedspread in Loose fit style, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Crisp White: Like laundry draped across a clothesline, a brilliant white can give any space a fresh, clean look. Use white as a neutral backdrop, and then accessorise with accent pieces in your favourite colours, or create a monochromatic design by enveloping the room in a white on white palette.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair, Loose Fit Urban Style, in Saffron Brera Fino and curtain in Lime Brera Fino

Bemz cover for PS armchair in Cinnamon Brera Lino by Designers Guild

Fresh-Squeezed Orange: Whether it's juice from a roadside stand or cool sherbet on a hot day, orange has long been the colour of summer. For a quick spruce-up, add orange or mandarin throw pillows to a neutral sofa. If you're a true fan of the juicy colour, add statement pieces such as an armchair or sofa.

Bemz cover for Karlstad armchair, Loose Fit Urban style, in Cobalt Brera Quadretto and Bemz cover for Karlstad footstool in True Blue Panama Cotton

Bemz covers for Nils stools in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend

Water's Edge Blue: No matter where you live, nothing is as inviting as a cool water on a summer day. Get the same feeling in your living areas by immersing the room in this cool shade. For a dramatic effect, use the colour on upholstered pieces and accessories.

For more tips on how to colour your World this summer visit the Bemz website.

Credits: Tobi Fairley Interior Design via HGTV

All Photos from Bemz.

Compact kitchen design: Six ways to stretch your space

Follow these smart décor tips from the Bemz Design Team to create space (or, at least, the illusion of it) and personalise your spatially-challenged kitchen.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair, Loose Fit Urban style in Cobalt Brera Rigato, Noir Brera Fino and Cloud Brera Fino, design Designers Guild

Small kitchens dictate small-scale, visually light-weight furnishings, with savvy storage and worktop solutions helping to squeeze out the last smidgen of space.

Bemz covers for Nils chairs in Peach and Aqua

1. Opt for a cohesive palette of light, bright shades and materials to create a seamless, expansive look and an illusion of greater space, dotted with bold accents of colour.

Bemz Multi Fit chair cover in Sage Brown Rosendal Pure Washed Linen and Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair, Long, in Soft White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

2. Use a long, narrow table, which doubles as a food preparation surface and dining table.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair in Jet Black and Bemz cushion cover in Bamboo Green

3. Add a bench, a great space saver, softened with cushions in chic, colourful cushion covers in a variety of styles and textiles from Bemz. The recently released 3-pack cushion covers from Bemz, such as the Scandinavian Country No. 1, is the perfect design tweak, with cushion covers in Silver Grey/Absolute White Gotland Stripe and Candy Pink/Absolute White Stockholm Stripe Panama Cotton, and Vanilla Yellow Belgian Linen Blend.

Bemz 3-pack Bohemian Chic

Bemz 3-pack Scandinavian Country

Both the bench and the table can be pushed up against the wall when not in use and give you some precious extra inches.

Bemz covers for Nils stools in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend

4. Group stools or chairs without arms around the table, as they are easier to get in and out of when space is tight. A set of Nils stools or Henriksdal chairs from Ikea are the ideal solution, given a fresh look in new stool covers or chair covers from Bemz.

“Here, you can have fun with accent colours, enabling you to create a highly personalised style in your kitchen.” says Bemz Creative Director Lisbeth Toivonen. “Set a casual, family-friendly mood for mealtimes by mixing and matching covers, swapping for new tones when the mood strikes. For example, inject summer into your kitchen with new crisp Panama Cotton chair covers in Aqua, Peach, Light Denim Blue and Sand Beige from Bemz.”

5. Lighting is key in making your small kitchen look spacious. Let in as much natural light as you can – swapping bulky window dressing for neat café curtains in lovely linen. Although whites and creams are obvious choices, muted pastels, such as Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen, are also great for conjuring up a roomy, airy feeling. A new line of made-to-measure curtains will be available from Bemz in August this year.

Bemz fabric per metre in Mandarin Orange Gotland Stripe and Fuchsia Panama Cotton (placemats)

6. Create a focal point in the kitchen with a stunning tablecloth or place mats, made from Bemz fabric per metre, available in over 200 machine-washable colours and patterns. A summer-inspired striped tablecloth in Mandarin Orange/Soft White Gotland Stripe will make your narrow kitchen feel broader and breezier.

Bemz Loose Fit Urban style covers for Henriksdal chairs in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

For more inspiration on how Bemz can help you style your compact kitchen, visit www.bemz.com.

Credits: All photos from Bemz except for the Café Curtains photo from Martha Stewart

Top tips for a super family summer with lovely linens

Nothing says summer quite like linen. It is light, airy and perfect for hot, humid days.

Bemz cover for Nils stool in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend

Just as a linen shirt can put you at ease in the heat of summer, linen touches in the home have the same cool, calming effect on your family.

Bemz cover for Ektorp sofa, Loose Fit Country style, in Cobalt Brera Quadretto, design Designers Guild

According to Bemz in-house designer Katarina Wiklund, Summer 2013 is all about relaxed linen in timeless stripes and checks, which sit beautifully alongside muted solids like Soft White, Sand Beige and Deep Navy Blue.

Bemz cover for Nikkala sofa in Sand Beige Belgian Linen Blend

"Don’t be put off bright and breezy colours because you have little fingers around," Katarina stresses. "One of the best things about linen covers from Bemz is that they are stain resistant and machine-washable. Twice as strong and durable as cotton, linen covers from Bemz get more beautiful and softer over time. And perhaps even more important to families, this fresh summer-friendly fabric is eco-friendly, non-allergenic and a natural insect-repellent!”

Bemz cover for Klippan sofa, Loose Fit Urban style, in Lapis Brera Largo and Bemz cushion covers in assorted Designers Guild linen fabrics

Katarina’s top five tips for keeping the family cool and comfy this summer - inside and out - without sacrificing on style are to:

1. Treat your sofa to a Bemz cover in chic, laidback Brera linen by Designers Guild, so you can enjoy yourself without having to fret over melted ice-cream or paw stains as your children and furry friends romp around.

Bemz Multi Fit armchair cover Tie Arm Classic and Bemz cover for Karlstad sofa in Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz cover for Ektorp sofa, Loose Fit Country style, in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

2. Move your favourite old armchair in a Bemz Multi Fit cover in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen outside to watch your children play.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair medium long, Loose Fit, in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Via Country Living

3. Host a dreamy summer al fresco dinner party for family and friends around a long wooden table surrounded by Henriksdal chairs in crisp linen covers from Bemz.

Bemz cover for Tomelilla armchair, Loose Fit Country style, in Soft White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Bemz curtains in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

4. Add flowing linen curtains that billow in the breeze. Although whites and creams are obvious choices, muted pastels are also great for that chilled summer look. For extra drama, keep the curtains longer than the length of the window so excess fabric can bunch on the floor. In August, Bemz will be launching a brand new line of curtains, offering made-to-measure up to six metres long!

Florö bed frame in Soft White Belgian Linen from Bemz

Bemz bedspread in Loose fit style, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

5. Swap winter for summer bedding in Absolute White linen from Bemz to help you and your loved ones sleep comfortably on hot summer nights. And while you are at it, add a matching linen bed skirt and headboard cover from Bemz, to create a versatile, coordinated look for tiny tots, teens and up.

Bemz daybed cover in Deep Navy Blue Belgian Linen Blend, Bemz cushion covers in Zinc Grey, Charcoal Grey, Black Classic Ruta and Graphite Grey Belgian Linen Blend

For more inspiration on how to get your home ready for summer using lovely linens visit Bemz.com

All photos from Bemz with exception of one from Country Living. See captions for more information.

Top Tips: South American dinner party with pizazz

With spring here and the weather warming up, it's time to spice up your home entertaining with a South American dinner party. Follow these five easy tips from the Bemz design team for an unforgettable fiesta - beyond the food.

Bemz cover for Nils stools in Jet Black Stockholm Stripe, Light Denim Blue Belgian Linen Blend and Bemz fabric per metre in Mandarin Orange Gotland Stripe, Deep Navy Blue Herbarium, design Stig Lindberg for the Bemz Desginer Collection

1) Try new recipes: According to food trends for 2013, sustainability and local ingredients have not lost their mojo. Menus are venturing to South America to include feisty flavours from Brazil, Argentina and Peru. With its roots in simple home cooking, South American cuisine is the perfect choice to serve at a dinner party. Don’t be scared to try a trendy variations on the popular seafood dish, ceviche, or to organise an Argentine asado (an Argentinian BBQ).

Bemz fabric per metre in Mandarin Orange Gotland Stripe and Fuchsia Panama Cotton (placemats)

2) Staging your entertaining is just as important as getting the food right – as well as great fun. Decorate with colours and patterns that are a feast for the eye.

Bemz covers for Nils armchair in Lemongrass Flamingo Park, Nils chair in Black/White Coconut Grove, Henriksdal chair in Fuchsia Flamingo Park, all designed by Designers Guild, and Henriksdal chair in Fuchsia Panama Cotton

Use festive, colourful streamers wherever you can, and a tablecloth in bold strong colours and patterns for extra pizazz. If you have potted plants around the house, collect them in your entertaining area to get a (however slight) feeling of tropical beauty.

Daybed in Black/White Coconut Grove by Designers Guild. Cushions in Sun Yellow and Soft White also from Bemz

3) Set the mood. Play the sultry tones of Brazilian Seu Jorge or some salsa by the Latin Brothers. And don't forget the flowers and candles.

Bemz Daybed covers in Candy Pink & Absolute White Stockholm Stripe and Candy Pink Panama Cotton, with a mix of Bemz cushion covers and a Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair long in Sun Yellow

4) Chill out. While cooking and serving your meal, stay relaxed: South American food is hearty, flavoursome and doesn't call for perfectionism. Focus on enjoying your guests instead.

Bemz cover for Kramfors sofa in Cobalt Espanola Way, design Designers Guild and Klippan footstool in True Blue

5) The clean up: Since all Bemz covers are durable, stain-protected and machine washable, you don’t have to worry if you splash a bit of Chilean wine or spill chimichurri sauce on them.

Bemz covers in a variety of Designers Guild fabrics

Visit our website for more ideas about how Bemz can help you style your next dinner party.¡Salud!

Top tips: How to bring that posh hotel suite home

Stepping into a boutique hotel is about as luxurious as it gets. If only you could create that same experience in your own bedroom, right?

The Standard Hotel High Line, NYC

Whether you long for a sleek, streamlined design or something more rich and elegant, follow these easy tips from Bemz in-house designer, Katarina Wiklund, to give your bedroom the 5-star treatment.

Bemz bedspread in Grey Frescati Plaid, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz bed skirt with box pleats both in Zinc Grey Raffia Textured Cotton

Vanvik bed frame cover from Bemz, available in three sizes, 140 cm, 160 cm and 180 cm, with or without a bed skirt in Sand Beige Raffia

Katarina says that transforming your bedroom into a stylish, sophisticated haven is as simple as sticking to a monochromatic scheme - choosing neutral colours like creams, beiges, and plenty of greys and boosting interest with splashes of colour.

Bemz bedspread, Loose Fit, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard, Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

The bed is the focal point of your room so make it a showstopper.

Bemz bed skirt with box pleats in Bayshore Magenta by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection and a Bemz cover for Ikea's Bådalen headboard also in Bayshore Magenta.

Bemz bedspread in Loose fit style, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Outfit it with a crisp white duvet and sheets, then heighten character and texture with a luxurious 100% linen bedspread, a matching bed skirt and extra pillow covers in the same or contrasting colour. This will make the room look and feel heavenly. A complete look like this can be created with the Bemz bedroom collection.


Bemz bedspread, Regular fit, in Unbleached Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz bedspread. Loose Fit, in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

If space allows, give the room a whisper of opulence by introducing a chair, bench or ottoman then give it the designer treatment with a coordinating Bemz cover.

Bemz cover for Lillberg armchair in Graphite Grey Belgian Linen and Bemz cover for Karlanda bench

Other tips from Katarina include matching curtains to your walls for a calm, cosy feeling or to your bedding for an elegant touch. For extra drama, she suggests keeping the curtains longer than the length of the window so excess fabric can bunch on the floor.

Bemz bed skirt with pleats in Mocha Belgian Linen Blend and Bemz cover for Bådalen headboard also in Mocha linen

Straight bed skirt in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend from Bemz

Conceal your television and electronics as well as your clothing and accessories in an armoire or cupboard for a grand and serene look, not to mention a more restful sleep! Then keep it polished and sophisticated with nightstands and dressers free of clutter.

Made-to-order bedspread in White and Grey Japan from Bemz

Your choice of lighting will create the ambiance: lamps either side of the bed for reading and symmetry, while a chandelier, crystal lamp or wall sconce for a touch of grace.

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame in Dusty Rose Hounds Tooth

Finally, a vase of fresh cut flowers on your nightstand or table will pretty up the room and add a hint of romance.

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame cover in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend


Bemz bed skirt with frills in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Photo credits: All photos from Bemz except the first, which is from The Standard, High Line, NYC