Design Agreement

Keep It Tidy

2011-01-04T12:48:00.001Z

All those New Years Resolutions need to be kept tidy - but on view as a reminder!!!
Why not put them on a notice board?

We have some in stock...but can also make them to compliment your room.

A Soft Reflection...

2010-12-30T12:35:00.001Z

This has still been a difficult year for many. Most of my customers have decided not to move house- but rather improve / update the one they live in. I have been happy to advise and help them along the way.
This has meant I have been making curtains and cushions as well as the odd bit of upholstery - great fun I have to say.
It is always amazing to see what a difference a few small changes in the way of soft furnishings, can make.

On trend door stops

2010-12-22T12:43:00.001Z

Door stops are 'the thing' to keep your door open in style.
I have a selection available- but can also make them to complement your room.

Need a tradesman?

2010-12-10T12:19:00.001Z

Find a recommended tradesman near you;
http://www.problemsolved.co.uk/

Soft colours?

2010-11-10T12:17:00.000Z

Peach and Beige are this summers most fashionable colours according to Crown Paint...
is that goodbye to vibrant colours?

renew or repair - cheaper than replace

2010-09-28T17:13:00.000+01:00

If you have a tired, but still loved leather chair or sofa - take a look at www.lynplan.com/leather.

They can put a new surface on the leather.
You can have the colour refreshed - or even changed!!
well worth a look

Making Eco-changes

2010-08-17T14:02:00.001+01:00

It's not just new-builds with hi-tech modern features that can be eco-homes....
You can make some easy changes to make your home more energy efficient and save some money into the bargain!
So next time you are decorating or making any home improvements - think eco...

use locally sourced or supplied building materials - and local tradesmen
ask your builder to reduce his building waste and recycle where possible
make sure your boiler has been serviced - or even upgrade it
lower the thermostat - even a few degrees = savings
swap to energy saving lightbuulbs as they need replacing
Recycle furniture - think ebay and charity shops
use heavy fabrics with a good lining for curtains -cut out the drafts and reduce the heating costs
draught excluders are becoming trendy - so get one before the winter!

Added Value

2010-08-10T12:16:00.000+01:00

SO today's report says that property prices have decreased!!! - what are we to believe.
If you are trying to sell your house - take steps to creat extra value for yourself...

First Impressions Count - make sure the outside is spick and span, clean any dirty windows,tidy the garden and polish the brass door knob/letterbox.
Hang a mirror in the hall to reflect light and give a "bigger" impression
Clear the clutter - it will make all rooms look bigger
Think about how you are presenting the 'spare room' and who you hope to attract as a buyer i.e is it a gym,an office/study, playroom or attractive guest room?

Property Prices

2010-08-04T09:56:00.001+01:00

A report by Primelocation.com states that average property prices increased by 0.3% in July.
Yorkshire, the Humber and North West all recorded growth.
There is still a demand for property in London - although there is still a degree of caution around.

Yes, you do deserve an Interior Designer.....

2010-05-12T15:53:00.002+01:00

It really isn’t just footballer’s wives who use interior designers....

We offer a service to help ANYONE make changes to their homes.

We have all become tired of the ‘look’ of a room – or even a house. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but just a few changes can make a real difference and update or refresh a room.

You may have bought a house and now have a limited budget to makeover someone else’s decor. We can help you make a few changes that will make it ‘your home’

OR – you may have moved into a brand new house which is a blank canvas – and you have no idea where to start.

We can help by looking at the aspects of rooms and advising on which colours will work best. We can offer anything from basic advice through to a complete project management.

We work after listening to you – what you like - what you don’t like! And what the budget is. We are happy to help in any way at all to make your home somewhere you will love to live.

The Mystery of Mood Boards

2010-04-26T09:30:00.001+01:00

What is a mood board? - why do I need one?
A Mood Board is usually the starting point for decorating/ redecorating any room.
The first item on the board can be a piece of fabric, a swatch of colour , a favourite picture or something from a magazine.
This is the first building block as you source the elements of any room.
The mood board can be an invaluable way of making sure you don't make any expensive mistakes - make sure that colours and patterns work before you spend too much money.

for some inspiration why not check out ; idealhomemagazine.co.uk/moodboards

A quick face lift

2010-04-20T09:05:00.003+01:00

For a quick, effective and economical face lift for any room - repainting will liven up any space and it's a great weekend diy project.
Neutral colours with a feature 'rich' colour will open up any room.
Dulux 'Raspberry Diva' or ' Muddy Puddle' are very popular at the moment.

Spring is in the air...but not many daffodils are in sight

2010-03-16T14:23:00.000Z

I heard on the radio today that there are very few daffodils out - and we are half way through March.
BUT - blooms of all different varieties are springing up all over the place for inside our homes.
Think floral cushions and curtains and don't forget coordinating everything from sofas to mugs!!

Brilliant Blinds....

2010-02-22T16:27:00.007Z

Having experienced first hand the service from Premier Blinds we are very happy to recommend them.
It would appear that they can provide any type of blind to meet what ever our customers want - at competitive prices and with first class service.
We look forward to working with them again soon.

http://www.premierblinds.uk.com/

one for the boys

2010-02-16T16:24:00.001Z

Described as ‘perfect for the bachelor-pad’
diy.com have a lovely matt-black Triton Excellent Mixer Shower...but it’s not really just for the guys!

Nothing to do at the weekend?..

2010-02-11T12:15:00.002Z

How about a quick ‘makeover’ - ...liven up a room & your mood!!

• Add a stencil... make sure the wall is clean, position your stencil with low-tack masking tape – and away you go. [check out The Stencil Warehouse]

• Update some texture – dye some towels or bed linen - its less expensive than buying a new set!

• Create a gallery – team up all those lovely frames that you buy and put in a cupboard, with some photos you have kept in a box!! – And group them together for impact.

• Be creative in your home office – paint a wall with blackboard paint and leave yourself a memo to be more creative

Bath time smiles

2010-02-09T11:30:00.002Z

Just spotted a fabulous bath toy for the kids who hate bathtime....check out paramountzone.com and see the Stuck plug fish...let the reluctant bather grab the tale at the end of the ritual!!!

Whats going to be new this year.....

2010-01-08T14:11:00.000Z

I'll be going to Interiors Birmingham to check out all the latest trends - and deals!!

New Year - new look

2010-01-07T16:18:00.000Z

Just before the snow fell - we completed flat no 5 for our client in Battersea...

A two bedroomed. split-level flat...with viewings already booked!!

Ready for Rental

2009-11-23T13:02:00.001Z

We have now finished four units in Battersea - ready for the rental market.

The client is delighted- and more importantly the flats have created interest...and already being rented out - that is the best result for everyone....Happy client and happy tenants!

The WOW effect - achieved!!

2009-10-04T22:12:00.000+01:00

It was fantastic to see the finished entrance to the new offices - and as requested, we had created a WOW Effect - with the use of wall decals that continued up the infinity wall, dramatic spotlights and fabulous chairs!!

Most importantly - the client is also 'Wowed'!!

Opening Doors Workshop

2009-09-15T16:23:00.000+01:00

Attending the WiRE Opening Doors Workshop -
I'll be gaining skills to help my business...very exciting! - and hopefully save me the cost of so many other advisors

GRAND DESIGNS back at the NEC

2009-08-20T08:56:00.000+01:00

Just Announced.....
Grand Designs Live is back at the NEC 9-11 Oct...
be sure to book your tickets....
I'm off to get mine now!!!

http://www.granddesignslive.com/home

Not The Best of Summers? - brighten things up inside!!

2009-07-30T09:48:00.001+01:00

We don't seem to be getting the hot summer that we were promised - but the latest trend is to use bright, bold colours in our homes - and it will make you feel it is summer after all.

Adding bold colours to a normally neutral room will give an instant revamp..a quick change that gives maximum impact....

PAINT a feature wall in Cinnabar Red matt emulsion from Fired Earth....
Use FABRICS in bold bright colours - find remnants make some cushions to liven up the plain sofa
GLASSES & TABLEWARE can be found in bright funky colours in stores like IKEA and Habitat....

just bring the sunshine into your rooms!! - happy holidays

Spring 2009

2009-03-12T12:42:00.000Z

With a Credit Crunch taking it's toll, now is the time to Improve rather than move. Making a few small changes can make you feel like you have a whole new room - and will also update the room ready for the market returning.
Why not try;

Cool Duck-Egg Blue and rose pink [used sparingly]. It will give a contemporary, elegant look. You could also add an oriental twist to keep it fresh.

or
Heather & chalk with creamy off-whites - It will look great with warm natural wood & leather.

Other hot trends are;
Ethnic and global - simple lines and organic shapes
Vintage glamour - pick up a bargain from a Charity/antique shop to create a boutique feeling
Geometrics, inspired by Art Deco for a feature wall.