Interior Design

Have you chosen the right accent wall?

Posted on July 29, 2022 at 8:50 am

Having an accent wall is a popular trend but how do you know which wall to accent? Choosing the correct wall would result in an eye-catching room but choosing the wrong wall and you’ll have a room that just seems off. There are no definitive rules on which wall to choose but in general, it would be the first wall that you see as you walk into the room. There could also be architectural clues such as a fireplace or built-in bookcase.

Always choose a wall that is symmetrical. Solid walls are also best, ones that aren’t interrupted by doors, windows or anything built in. You’ll also want to consider any existing furniture, an accent wall isn’t going to add anything to your room if it’s hidden by furniture. If you can’t find a wall that feels right, consider the ceiling.

Posted in Interior Design

How to hire and work with an interior designer

Posted on August 1, 2021 at 6:11 pm

Sometimes you cannot see the potential in a room, so hiring an interior designer can help you make the most of a space no matter what the theme.

When searching for an interior designer, ask for recommendations from people.  Knowing that someone has already worked with them and what they were like is vital in choosing your designer.  When you pick a designer, ensure that your vision and thoughts align and comfortable communicating with them.

At the initial discussions, ensure that the designer knows what the budget is and a contingency.  Make it clear if this is the maximum you can spend.

Ensure your chosen interior designer has the necessary qualifications and insurances in place before hiring them. This will help should there be any issues throughout the process.

Once you have hired, communicated your ideas and agreed on a design with your interior designer, it’s time to sit back and watch the room take shape.

Posted in Interior Design

Tips for Planning a Monochrome Interior

Posted on April 26, 2021 at 12:10 pm

One of the most trending interior design styles, in the UK, is going Monochrome. A monochrome interior offers a sleek, minimalistic yet elegant look, that is sure to ‘wow’ your guests. If you are considering on going monochrome, remember these tips:

• Think simplicity and opulence- with monochrome looks, keep things simple but beautiful. Keep it clutter-free.

• Symmetry is key- monochrome looks are best when there is balance, keep things symmetrical.

• Traditional yet trendy- modern designs typically offer less of the straight lines and sharpness that help a monochrome design pop.

• Prefer patterns- incorporate patterns to add definition and character.

• Don’t forget foliage- minimalism is key but you still can add an alluring burst of colour through strategically placed planters.

Creating the perfect monochromatic look means that you are not afraid to be bold yet can keep things simple. You will need to be creative and use patterns and lines wisely to keep from having a bland sea of white, black or grey.

Posted in Interior Design

Feng Shui for Your Bedroom

Posted on April 11, 2021 at 12:44 pm

One way of arranging living spaces that has been growing in popularity the last few years is Feng Shui. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that seeks to manage and increase the flow of “qi” or energy throughout a structure. Many people seek to use this method to increase their productivity and success. One important area, where you spend a great deal of time, is your bedroom. Even though you are typically there to sleep, the bedroom is an important space as it is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night.

Quick tips for Feng Shui in the bedroom are:

• Bed placement- ideally you should be able to see the door, whilst in the bed, without being directly in front of or in line with it.
• Electronics- any electronics such as tv or computers should be hidden when not in use.
• Minimise clutter- clutter is distracting and blocks qi.
• Mirror placement- do not put a mirror on the opposite wall as the bed and if you aren’t sleeping well, try rearranging any mirrors in the room.

Feng Shui encompasses so many more aspects but these are a few simple things you can do to help the qi in your bedroom. Beautiful or ‘lucky’ objects in the room can also help to stimulate qi.

Posted in Interior Design

How to Choose the Right Colours in Your Home Office

Posted on January 2, 2021 at 9:23 am

It is widely known that our mood and behaviour can be affected by the colours around us, so it is important that when you are considering the colour scheme for your home office you go for colours that are going to help you be focused and productive.

Blue
The colour blue helps to stimulate the mind and help people stay focused.

Red
Red stimulates energy levels and evokes a sense of urgency. Too much red could make you feel anxious so it might be best when balanced with a more calming colour.

Yellow
The colour yellow evokes creativity. It helps to lift spirits and stimulate happiness.

Green
Green brings balance, calm and reassurance.

Orange
Combines the happiness of yellow and the high energy of red.

Purple
Combination of red’s energy and blue’s productivity and has commonly been associated with royalty and power.

A balanced combination of a couple of these colours could help evoke several different moods at once and different cultures can have different feelings about certain colours, so it is really down to figuring out which colours make you feel the best. Even the different hues or intensity levels (saturation) of any one colour can have different affects.

Posted in Interior Design

Working with an Interior Designer

Posted on September 25, 2018 at 10:48 pm

Interior designers might not be seen as a necessity by some, but if you want to make the absolute most of your home, then a designer has to come into it. They will recommend ways for you to use your space in ways you would never have thought of, maximising your space whilst also making sure your home will look and feel just the way you want it to.

Choosing an interior designer will largely depend on what you want to achieve with your home. If, for example, you want more storage, then it might make sense to work with a designer who has relationships with furniture designers as well. They will pair up to help you with your home, and can make you bespoke home furniture as well.

Interior designers are the right choice for anyone who takes pride in their home. Speak to a designer, and you will see straight away the vision and creativity they have.

Posted in Interior Design

Basement Conversions – Creating a More Usable Space

Posted on September 27, 2017 at 10:00 pm

A basement conversion can help you create more space without the big step of having to move home. You can create a beautiful, usable space by extending down into the basement and making a larger living area. If you feel you need more space and have an unused basement, look into a basement conversion project.

First think about what you might do with your basement. This will help you come up with ideas. Do you want more living space? Have you always wanted a music room? Are you in need of an extra bedroom? There is so much versatility in a basement room.

Once you have decided on a function, you need to choose a contractor to complete your construction project. Choose someone who is experienced in basement conversions, as you space will need damp proofing, structural reinforcement and a lot of vision. For period properties, it is even more essential you choose someone experienced.

Posted in Interior Design

How to Style a Modern Home

Posted on August 30, 2017 at 11:28 pm

The beauty of a modern home is that it is a blank canvass. You won’t be faced with any rules and regulations (other than planning permission if you want to extend the building) and it is easy to make the space very much your own. Here are some ideas for personalising and styling a modern property:

  • Choose wooden flooring. This is neutral yet stylish, making a home feel more spacious and premium. If you want a little more warmth, put down some rugs and floor coverings.
  • Create an overall style. Decide on the overall look you want to achieve and extend this to your entire property to make it unified.
  • Concentrate on the inside as well as the outside. Accessorise your home with garden gates and good landscaping to make an impression externally.
  • Choose colours wisely. You want your home to have longevity so select neutral colours that will look stylish and modern for years to come.

Posted in Interior Design

How to Feng Shui your Home

Posted on March 13, 2017 at 2:01 pm

Feng Shui is a Chinese concept that is used to create balance and harmony within a building. Many people believe it has the power to make the home a calmer, more restful and more revitalising place to be. There are some simple ways to begin incorporating Feng Shui into your interior design scheme so here are some of the easiest ones to follow:

  • Build a fountain. Water represents wealth and the fountain should, if possible, be placed close to your front door so that wealth is able to enter into your home.
  • Get rid of the gaps. You should avoid gaps above cabinets – from a practical point of view, this stops dust collecting and from a Feng Shui point of view, it stops stagnant energy from collecting. If you do have gaps, fill them with plants.
  • Place your bed in the commanding position. It should be facing the door without actually being opposite it.

Posted in Interior Design

New Year – Time for a Home Renovation?

Posted on December 23, 2016 at 1:40 pm

New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start. Why not make a New Year’s Resolution like never before and do something brave, daring and exciting? If you’ve always fancied a renovation project, we think that you should take the plunge in 2017 and make the decision to buy and renovate a home.

Of course, there will be a lot to think about before making a decision like this. It’s certainly not one to be taken lightly. However, if you’re the kind of person who wants to do something like this, you shouldn’t let the doubts get in the way of your dream. The satisfaction you will get from completing the project well will be so worthwhile.

You will need to put some serious thought into how you are going to get the work done. Will you be completing a lot of it yourself or will you need to call in a lot of professional help? This will then help you to decide the budget you have for the house itself.

You will also need to think about kitting the house out. New kitchens and bathrooms don’t come cheap, though saying that, it does tend to be the labour that costs the most. Do some detailed calculations and keep on top of everything you spend.

Once you have sorted the practicalities of finding a building ready for renovation, the fun part can start. Planning is incredibly exciting and will be a brilliant part of the process. You can spend your days looking through home magazines and browsing websites for ideas.

Adding the finishing touches to the project may take a while, but don’t rush the process. It’s important that everything is finished to the right standard, or it will always annoy you in the future that you didn’t just take the time to do it properly. This includes things like making sure the paintwork has a high-quality finish and the skirting boards are all fitted properly. These small finishing touches will make your house feel like a home!

Posted in Interior Design, Uncategorized

Next Page »