2016 Trends

While the following thoughts are by no means set in stone as to what trends in interior design lie ahead, they are based on patterns we see emerging.

Certainly over the years architects and designers have approached design with "wellness" in mind. Much of this is to offer spaces which allow individuals to live and function in a positive environment.  In fact you only have to search wellness to see how relevant it is in many

sectors from food to town planning.

From here we see the family bathroom receiving the greatest makeover. No longer just a space to bathe or shower,  it has become the starter for creating that multi generation space. From wetrooms to steam rooms , showers are still evolving. Technology includes mirrors doubling as flat screen TV s,  electronic sensor taps, thermostatically controlled showers, led shower heads, sound systems recessed into ceiling, and air injected taps to reduce water use.
Ordinary tiles and grout on walls have been making way for ceiling height water proof panels. White raised shower trays being replaced by wetroom floors.

One crucial area too has been in the importance of good branding. By that I don't mean having Downton Abbey initials on some type of unknown porcelain, but the clear branding of suppliers like Villeroy and Boch, Hansgrohe, Laufen... It does seem that people once fooled by cheap quality are now looking for the tried and trusted.

While there will always be a favourite accent colour in furnishings, the bulk of showhomes still play safe with a neutral pallette.  Magnolia has long gone, with white being around some time. What we might see is layering of whites. By this I mean a few shades of white close to each other that work to highlight different surfaces. This is something that many people who use Farrow and Ball paint will be used to doing, but tricky to get right.
As an alternative to white, grey is becoming more popular.


Surprisingly feature wallpaper is still hanging in there. Big bold, brash, and often shiny - 3 rolls is generally all needed. Thankfully there are alternatives in the form of  faux brick, and both engineered, and recycled woods which bring more texture and life to a room.

The industrial  look is perfect for apartments and older properties. Shiny chrome taps have been replaced by antique brass or nickel to compliment a more relaxed kitchen space. It is surprising how many cookery shows have a background of exposed brick in the kitchen areas.

A few years ago it might not have been out of place to install a bright red signature kitchen. Now the look is more refined, greys and creams as popular as white.
Much more attention is given to the work surface.  In fact many granite suppliers will say how much in demand that product is now. Overall the use of natural materials like granite and porcelain have  been on the increase in the last few years, and this doesn't appear to be slowing down.
Porcelain on the floor is perfect for heavy traffic areas.

What I have written about elsewhere in this blog has been bio flame fires. While I see no emerging trend as such, they have been spotted in prestigious London apartments recently. They really do look stunning, so that will be my one off the wall prediction for 2016..

For advice on delivery of any of the products mentioned, contact me 

The Guest Bedroom

As I write this I am reminded it is only 56 days until Christmas. Certainly many people may have started their planning for the event. The Christmas cake may be soaking in sherry, the pudding made, you may even have ordered your turkey- or bought present. Certainly I have read in the press in the last few days of people who have already decorated the outsides of their homes!

So before major panic sets in, have you looked at your guest bedroom? Perhaps you are lucky, or unlucky, to have guests staying for a few days over the Christmas period. Is the room looking its best?

Quite often the guest bedroom door is only opened when there are visitors.

A fresh duvet cover and sheets are always pleasant. The smell of newly laundered bedding really does help people to sleep more comfortably in what is not their own bed.
An inexpensive throw and a few cushions  add that little bit of luxury.

Have a look at the bedside lamps. They often carry a lot of dust, and it is easy enough usually to replace shades if they are showing signs of fading.

If there are young children staying in the room is it worth considering adding some loose blackout linings to the existing curtains?

Maybe the ensuite tiling, or your own main bathroom tiling, is looking a little grubby.
There is no reason to painstainkingly regrout when you can cover the tiles with inexpensive sheets which mimic the effect of tiles and grout. These sheets can be fixed directly over existing tiles and are completely watertight.

Some of the homes around here have little sinks still fitted in bedrooms. Why not try changing the dull chrome taps for something like these from Samuel Heath. They really do add that little touch of luxury and look so much nicer.

If there is no denying that the room does need redecorating, then think about using a great eco alternative paint from Reborn. They have a great selection of colours, and you will be preventing paint ending up in landfill. The coverage is excellent. Do check out their website and support this great initiative.

It is always thoughtful to have a small bottle of water and a glass by the bedside. Many visitors feel uncomfortable about moving around someone else's home in the middle of the night searching for a glass of water. A clean towel in the room and you are done.

Once your visitors are relaxed, you can relax too.

The Perfect Bathroom

There is nowhere else in the home that needs to have so much technically going on that also needs to be a relaxing space.
While it is important to engage the services of a qualified, and competetent bathroom fitter, there are a few pointers worth knowing.

Understanding how the room is to be used is key. How watertight do the surfaces have to be? Many homes are including wetroom style areas. These are a great idea for smaller bathrooms and can replace the standard shower enclosure making a room feel larger.

The preformed shower wall panels are ideal in place of normal tile and grout. These boards are tongue and grooved with finished edges and can easily be cut to fit.

There are also a range of worksurfaces, and in some cases shower trays, to match. At this point it is also worth considering an extractor fan to promote ventilation of the room.

There is nothing worse than a cold bathroom. While many rooms may have existing radiators it is worth considering other options. Underfloor heating is a great addition and works particularly well under tile flooring.  There are also some fabulous designer radiators available in a variety of sizes and colours. Stainless steel radiators are more efficient as they conduct heat, rather than the  chrome ones which feel hot but do not radiate the same amount of heat.  Many of the designer radiators include towel rails or even shelving - ideal for where storage required too. Of course it is easy to replace a cumbersome, old, white radiator for a new one which may be more efficient.

There are online calculators which will take your room sizes and advise how many BTU's you will require (British Thermal Unit). Check with the manufacturer of your radiator, as 1 kw = 3.41 BTU.


Lighting is another area where some thought and imagination can create a comfortable environment.  It is worth checking out the zones which require lighting and ensure that what is sourced is safe and practical. While downlighters are popular, it is worth considering where practical other sources. There are some great zone 2 chandeliers and uplighters which might suit a more traditional bathroom. LED backlit mirrors are also an excellent source of functional lighting.

Practically it is worth understanding the impact of low water pressure before choosing showers and taps. Additionally some sinks will have no overflow hole and will require a different waste system.

Then the fun starts!
There are some really excellent ranges of vanity furniture available with very generous storage. And don't think the unit has to be white, light oak, or wenge only! Colours are definitely in, with oranges, purples, floral effects, and linen looks.  Radiators too can come in a multitude of colours and finishes.
And did you want swarovski crystals on your taps?

Children's bathrooms can be fun! Funky colour basins and taps, co-ordinated with a coloured radiator can be fabulous.  Styled with an unusual flooring, this room can really make a statement.

There are no limits to how stylish a bathroom can become.  In fact if you want any help then email me or come visit us at 80 Market Street Hoylake Wirral.

I Saloni 2015

Decastelli

Buster and Punch

It is  Design Week in Milan. It is I-Saloni, one of the biggest design calendar events. Before I have even got on the plane I am excited as to what there will be to see. There are also 2 factory visits planned.

With over 2000 exhibitors and 201,000 sq metres of exhibition space, I Saloni is huge. While the exhibition is divided into different areas there were some interesting recurring themes.

Some very interesting use of mixed metals, copper, brass, rose gold in both furniture and lighting. Also seen quite a bit of block colour .

 Euroluce is the lighting arm of the show with 475 exhibitors showcasing the best in indoor, outdoor, and commercial lighting systems. There were some spectacular chandeliers with the focus on LED.

#

I was impressed with the lightbulbs and accessories from Buster and Punch They have a fantastic range and their website definitely worth a glance.

Decastelli  were another company with some innovative designs. Primarily working with metals, there are funky chairs, wall art and storage in different metal finishes. They describe their American vine leaves as "theatrical vertical garden".

Fraumaier

 Fraumaier have some excellent block colour lamps in a vast array of colours. The frames are colour co-ordinated to match shades.

Decastelli

Also noted birch plywood lampshades, the use of pink and lavender and more black fittings than chrome.

Opinion Ciatti designed the statement chair and stool shown here. I can't find it on their website, but they do have more products of interest. I had to ask a young man to remove himself from chair so I could take photograph - he was way too comfortable!

Other companies seriously impressed with include Brand Van Egmond , Bodema,  and Ameli Sedie. Fabulous chain and floral design chandeliers by Brand Van Egmond

Caught up with Ercol too! Classic furniture that seriously stands test of time. We had a chat about Mid Century influences, something that sits comfortably in 21st century interiors.

Zero

Kartell

Kartell had a great show with their theme of going Sottsass in tribute to the 80's Memphis Milan design movement . Some great fabric choices as you would expect, and a lot of Philip Starck chairs and mirrors.

Wellness through Interior Design

There's a massive forum campaigning for wellness in the built environment concentrating on developing sustainable buildings to promote the health and wellbeing of the occupants. While it would appear that this is not rocket science, the effect of the environment on individuals, it certainly is something that appears to have been something certainly not fundamentally considered hence the need for promotion.

Creating spaces that are beautiful, practical and uplifting to the soul is by no means an easy exercise.
One could reflect and suggest that at their happiest their day has been spent in a large country park, or walking by the ocean. To others these wide open spaces make them feel uncomfortable with no sense of control, and they long to be back walking the crowded streets of London.

However if we look at what the mainstream thought is regarding a person's physical, emotional, spiritual and social demands - then a few key topics can be introduced and adapted.

Whether you are hunched over a computer, cooking dinner, playing a puzzle in a care home - appropriate lighting is required. Good strong daylight without glare is obviously ideal. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, or commonly known as winter blues) is recognised by MIND and other health professionals as causing temporary poor frames of mind. A number of lighting products now exist that mimic the effects of sunlight to help cure this form of depression. We have all either said, or heard someone exclaim "Can't believe I've gone to work in the dark, and come home and it's still dark". Possibly the extent to which more of the population remain undiagnosed is a result of mental health problems being stigmatised.
Considering the home, no one light will assist all tasks. Properly backlit mirrors in a bathroom make it easier to apply make-up. A task lamp will allow a reader to enjoy their favourite book in comfort. Mood lighting creates a softer ambiance. The "big" central light might be employed to assist finding that contact lense that has made its way to the floor. In larger spaces the lux to lumens comes into play - determining how much illumination is granted from the position of the ceiling spots.

The type of air that is in a building is crucial. Opening a window for ventilation is sometimes not the answer, particularly if you live in an area where there are many vehicles passing or if the air outside is so humid that it becomes near stifling to breathe. Air conditioning units, humidifiers, ionisers, air purifiers have all been around for sometime. I remember years ago the fad for introducing negative ions into the air to create positive effects. Where cooker extractor hoods are great for removing unwanted cooking odours or the heavy air surrounding, steam in a shower room has positive mental and physical attributes. Bathroom extractor fans ultimately remove the steam from a room to avoid damage to tiles and walls more than anything else. Still in many old homes the choice is window open- or window closed.

No one likes to hear every step the tenant upstairs makes when they walk across laminate flooring which has not been properly insulated. Likewise people in modern homes with ceramic tiles and leather sofas forget that every sound will become an echo unless there are furnishings that will absorb the sound. In a commercial environment few people would want their private conversation echoed through a public space and often resort to a whispering tone. While this problem is best addressed at construction phase, there are solutions post construction that can assist in the form of surface panels.

So perhaps it is getting the built environment correct before adding those touches that inspire us - colour, plants, art. How often when we are looking for inspiration do we turn our head to a lovely outside view, a vase of flowers or a piece of personal art.

And no, I haven't mentioned feng shui - at least not till now.

Brem Radiators

 Brem are an Italian company who design and manufacture high quality steel radiators and towel rails.

Their literature states "Radiators for Architecture" and their products are quite literally an architect's dream.

Visually they look like fabulous pieces of art, available in a multitude of sizes, finishes, and colours.

Technically they operate at low temperature of 50 degrees C, ensuring uniform heat. The larger surface areas conducts heat in a very efficient manner through both convection and irradiation. Although most of the radiators are plumbed to the central heating system, electrical versions are also available. Remote valves and digital thermostats are also options on certain models.

Why we like them is because of their fantastic range of designs and extensive colour choice available in high gloss and sable finishes.There are also textured pieces available.

Lame Up

I recently had the opportunity to visit their Italian factory, where I could see the manufacturing and design processes at work.
Invisible welds and expert painting ensure the radiators look superb as a finished product.

The Paco is an interesting design. A combination of heating and storage.

Cross

Paco

The "So-Flex" takes the notion of a radiator and towel rail further than many will have encountered. Designed by Gabriella Almagioni, it is a stylish radiator with an upturned corner of steel that. Available in sizes ranging from 77cm high to 2-20, it looks particularly stunning in the 19 Sable colours that include dark copper, ivory, mouse grey and oxide orange.

"Lame-Up" looks very much like a modern totem pole. Designed by Davide Brembilla, Rectangular tubes of differing heights are grouped together as 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 pieces and erected on a colour co-ordinated stand.

S Barra

Vision

Where space is at a premium then the "Sbarra" is perfect. At only 8cm per unit, it can be manufactured as a 1,2 or 3 bar radiator. Remote valves, electrical model and fantastic choice of colours add to the versatility of this high output and energy efficient system.



"Vision", designed by Luigi Brembilla is a 3 dimensional towel heater which as well as being available in differing sizes and colours, can be square or horizontal.

This unit can be plumbed or available as an electrical version. The valves are located at the back so as not to affect the aesthetic visual design.

There are designs which incorporate lighting and mirrors.

If you want more information, and to see some of the range on show, go visit their UK stockist.

Classical Elements

Burgbad

Burgbad

Earth, Fire, Air and Water have for centuries been acknowledged as the Classical Elements. Where better position to bring these forces of nature to life than in a bathroom.

Clay is a material of the earth long used in the manufacture of domestic items. It is often used as a symbol representing the beginnings of life.

Fire as a symbol represents passion and assertiveness. In science and religion regularly  acknowledged as the force that brought all life to creation. Fire is used to form the clay into a durable material as in ceramics and pottery tiles.

Air is the medium in which we perceive  and are inspired. It is the space, void, atmosphere.

Water, well what is the most important feature of any bathroom? That life giving force that without life would cease to exist.

Of course in the context of this article, the topic relates to the use of clay and other base materials formed to create stylish and hardwearing bathroom tiles and furniture.

And why should bathroom furniture have to be bland and often out of sync with the interior design of the rest of the home.


Burgbad is a supplier whose name is barely known to domestic end users and rarely used by interior designers.

Their range of bathroom furniture is available in so many finishes and colours with fabulous shapes, a seemingly endless range of sizes and plenty of styles. Their Elysee range is evocative of the Italian brand Selva, although what is shown here is fabulous German design.

With their products being  dimensionally flexible allows for small, medium and larger bathrooms to be well supported in their extensive product range which includes shower trays, basins, baths, cabinets and mirrors.

While their use of ceramics is extensive, they also have basins which are mineral cast which allows them to manufacture unique shapes using quartz, rock powder and pigments. The processes used to fire the material make their basins incredibly hardwearing, seamless and stain resistant.

The front surfaces can be made of veneer, lacquer, thermoform, melamine and glass- all in a wide selection of colours. And we like the choice of different handles, especially the glass on the Elysee range above.

There is also a range of mirrors and lighting which completes the overall look.

It is time to rethink the way bathrooms are designed. The bathroom is part of the overall interior design of a home and is not just a purely functional room.

For more information on these products contact 80 Market Street 

The Whimsical Room


“..the meeting took place in what I called the
‘processed room’ - it was one of six done for us                
by a decorator from Sloane’s years ago, and the                
term struck in my head.                                                        
                                                   
“It was THE most decorator’s room: the angora
wool carpet the colour of dawn, the most
delicate grey imaginable- you could hardly walk
on it; and the silver panelling and leather tables
and creamy pictures and slim fragilites looked
so easy to stain that we could not breathe hard
in there, though it was wonderful to look into
from the door when the windows were open
and the curtains whispered querulously against
the breeze...”
Francis Scott Fitzgerald- The Last Tycoon

Beautiful, pale, untouched by anything other
than a light breeze. A vision to hold only in
your mind, and release as quickly in case you
held too hard and crushed it. As Fitzgerald
wrote “ the most decorator’s room”.

Oh to interior design a room that no one
would walk into, no children would play, no
guests would touch those leather tables, let alone put a wine glass on them.
A room where silver panelling gained no dust, and no clumsy visitors to render fragilites crashing to
the ground.
But those children are mine, those guests are my friends. Please don’t stand outside Mr Scrooge looking
in at what you only dream of, please come in.

As much as an “interior decorator” will want this whimsical illusion of perfection left untouched by
even the most bated breath, the “interior designer”will be inviting people to enjoy this space.
After all, you wanted the dream room, so enjoy it.

Ochre Chandelier, Florence Broadhurst Wallpaper and Victoria Carpets

Article reprinted from one originally written by Ally MacDermot 2010 for West Coast Magazine

Tile Trends

It is hard not to be inspired by the selection of tiles at Topps Tiles. Not forgetting the plain white square tiles and limestone effect favoured by developers, there are some exciting designs worth considering for your home.

For a pop of colour the Metro is bang on trend with its brick shape. Purple, red, green  and bright blue will certainly add interest to a feature wall in a contemporary kitchen.

The highly polished finish seems to give the appearance of glass.

The Diamante range is another brick ceramic effect with a popular elongated shape and five exciting colourways which include white, cream, teal, mocha and a deep blue. There are even some textured ceramic bricks which with the right shade of grout will give a stylish industrial feel to wall surfaces , as well as being practical to keep clean. Minton ticks all the interior design boxes too. The range includes plain tiles, contrasts, borders and skirting tiles to create a complete finished look to any room.

The Victorian are a selection of square tiles in red, black and white with co-ordinating borders which look particularly stunning in traditional hallways. Made of porcelain, they are hardwearing and suitable for both interior and exterior use. Geometric shapes were seen in abundance at the Cersaie Trade Show in Bologna this year and Topps Tiles have a great selection of porcelain tiles making them suitable for both walls and floors.. The Hexa range is a great shape and the Cement and Cement Centric among my favourites. For walls The Renaissance Blend is a mosaic mesh with a Moroccan inspired design and made from recycled glass. 

Topps Tiles also have recycled wood effects, concrete, lava and polished wood tiles- and their knowledgable and enthusiastic staff, if Ian, Dave, Tony and Martin at St Helens branch are anything to go by, will advise and help you decide what's best for your project.

For more information and the full range visit Topps Tiles

Social Lives in a Built Environment

In an ever altering environment, the need to anticipate social change is crucial to ensuring that the infrastructure that supports individuals as well as communities is in place.  Reading the research material recently published through Adam Urbanism was a reminder how tough the relationship can be between designers, architects, developers, planners and government in creating a positive built environment.

"Tomorrow's Home" ( Lily Bernheimer- Space Works Consultancy and ADAM Urbanism) is a timely reminder about the need to understand and act upon social lives in anticipating and creating flexible and happy work/ home environments. The research predominately looked at the socio-economic changes affecting the Millenials- young adults born towards the end of the last century, effectively an 18-34 age group.

The study looked at the differences between the aspirations of this generation and the previous one.  Where home ownership was feasible based on average incomes, it would seem that this generation will continue to see rental as the only way forward with mortgages and housing stock unavailable.

Workers still migrate towards urban areas with greater employment options, however there is also a greater element of self employed working from home.

There is always the issue of multitasking work and home space.  It appears new housing stock still needs to take into consideration the need for larger living spaces.

While agricultural farms were isolated in many respects, those same families enjoyed social interaction with other farms.

Today individuals, working alone, share their lives with online support , some  via social network groups prompting real interactions.

The creation and development of outside spaces is important. Parks, gardens, areas to gather and chat. The "KIOSK" idea from AJ and various at Bologna Water Design being actually a very good idea.

Great humanitarians and industrialists Robert Owen, the Cadbury family and Lord Lever all created great "towns" for their workers with enhanced living conditions, compared to local housing, in New Lanark, Bournville and Port Sunlight respectively. They considered the needs of their workers first, then realised the environment. Truly front runners of town planning in a built industrial environment.

Now too often town planners meet the requirements of a political party, developers are greedy about maximising units of land in often inappropriate sites ( flood plains eg) , architects are concerned with price they can achieve per square metre to satisfy clients - often compromising the finish to suit the budget - and interior designers are brought in to make impossible spaces work for the inhabitants.


It is time for policy and decision makers to take heed of such information as contained in the Tomorrow's Home report, and properly plan and implement living conditions that will enhance lives and be flexible to support near future generations.

Sliderobes

Had the pleasure to meet Neil Paterson at Sliderobes Wirral. What on first impressions looks like an unassuming unit on a trading estate is really a bustling hive of creativity and endless possibilities.

 If unfamiliar with Sliderobes, they are a company who design, supply and install wardrobes, sliding door units and now co-ordinated furniture.

 I did a quick look at their website, and the feedback. That all looked good. How difficult can it be to supply a sliding door wardrobe she asks herself.....the answer is better! Not all wardrobes are wood and glass. There are colours, textures - read fur and leather- there are endless trims.

Buy that outrageous wallpaper because Sliderobes will have a designer who can co-ordinate that walk-in, corner, sliding wardrobe for you in colours that will be perfect. And do you know, if you get tired after a few years, you just change the doors. There are concealed mirrors, 3 sliding systems, and I haven't even go to the point about how many shoes, ehem, storage it can provide.

Now there are bedside tables, dressing tables, headboards. Built in furniture is so practical, you don't waste any space if properly designed and Sliderobes fit everything using inhouse staff, in fact everything is made in their unit.

 Don't think sliderobes just for bedrooms and dressingrooms, storage is crucial anywhere. Sometimes you just can't figure out what's going to work, can guarantee Neil will have a solution that works. So a bit of imagination, some creativity on designer's part, some solid build from craftsmen. Sorted.

Contact Sliderobes Wirral 0151 334 2121, do mention if this post has been helpful.

ps. nicked a picture from their site, but showroom at Bromborough Wirral fabulous 

More Cool Designs on Heating

There is a definite chill in the air heralding the start of autumn and the inevitable switch on of central heating. If you are thinking of upgrading or replacing your heating appliances here are some stylish  designs that you might like.

 I have written before about a company called I- Radium and their infra red technology. Essentialy where conventional heating appliances warm the air, infra red warms objects and people. "Gigi" shown here is 80cm high and available in 6 different wood shades.
Excellent for little used rooms and for quick warmth.

Brem is another Italian company with a stunning portfolio of radiator designs working predominately with the top end of the market.

Stunning "Lame"  is shown here.
There are over 80 gloss, satin and metallic colours available over a very extensive range of modern designs.

K8 Radiatori use steel and aluminium in their ranges. "Bamboo Evolution" is comprised of irregular tubes which can be wall mounted or as shown here, to create a feature in a room.

K8 also do a fabulous wall mirror which is not also a heater but has an integrated lighting system.

With all heating requirements it is prudent to speak with the installer so they can best help judge size and output required.

Tubes Radiatori are another Italian company who have a fabulous range. This one called "Add-On" lets you do exactly that. It is a sectional radiator which allows you to build on components so that the design and size are custom made. Cunningly their systems allow for the valves to be remote from the unit, therefore improving the overall aesthetic look.

 If you have any queries, or would like to find out more about any of these suppliers contact Radiating Interiors

Radiating Heat

There are lots of sources of heat. Gas, electric, biofuel, coal, oil, open fuel logs. Another one that is gaining popularity is infra red.

While infra red is not a recent technology it has had a bit of a makeover in the design area. I- Radium have developed some exceptional products based around infra red technology and using real wood.

Here is the techy bit. "Convectional" heat from radiators and other sources heat the air.  If you consider the volume space of a room, little may be made up of the furnishings and people and more about that space we call air. Whereas "Radiating" heat which is infra red,  heats all the surfaces and not the air. Not only does it make it more energy efficient to operate, but you will feel an immediate sense of warmth





The mere fact conventional heating heats the air, also means that as soon as a draught arises, that heat is lost.

Walls, ceiling, furniture, people are all warmed through infra red. Think of it like having the sun shining on you on a cool day. You have that great feeling of immediate warmth.


The health benefits of infra red heat are also widely known. While everyone requires some heat to make them feel warm, fresh air is also desirable. This type of heat optimises the immune system and is very good for people with allergies as dust is not circulated in the air.

Back to design! The freestanding version is gorgeous! Wall mounted panels come in all shapes and sizes and basically look like works of art.

And remember the bit about just heating surface areas? Well these portable can be carried and positioned wherever you are, so no need heat vast amount of empty space.

For more info contact me 

Cool Designs on Heating

There are so many stylish alternatives to the flat white panel radiator or the electric/ gas fire found in many homes.

Here are a few of my favourites.

1.       UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Underfloor heating has been around since the Romans popularised it some 2,500 years ago.

Now available as either a pipe or mat depending on your floor composition, it is an excellent choice in large open plan areas and where the wall space for traditional radiators is limited.  This type of flooring functions best with ceramic tile or other hard flooring materials.  The heat is transferred through the floor material and retains its heat on the flooring surface.  It is less effective with carpet and underlay as they tend to insulate the heat and can be downright dangerous by allowing heat to build up underneath.  Technical bit if using with carpets – check your TOG levels against what your underflooring supplier suggests.

Piped underfloor heating is suitable for subfloors which are accessible. The use of electric mats are popular on concrete floors.  Electric mats can be “zone controlled”.  This means you can switch certain areas off and on depending on your lifestyle.

Karndean Flooring is a popular choice as shown above.

2.       WALL MOUNTED PANELS

Wall mounted radiators have come a long way from the white panel or electric storage heaters we have become used to seeing.  Some are quite simply works of art. 

Italian design Cordivari have an unbelievable range of tubular and flat radiators that are available in a multitude of stylish designs and colours.  And if you can’t find the colour you like, well you can add your own 

image.

3.       BIO ETHANOL

Bioethanol fuel is made from common crops. It is intended to reduce or be carbon neutral.

There is some debate as to whether farmers will stop growing other food to produce “fuel” crops.  It is an early debate.

Bio ethanol fire places do not require any flue or chimney.  They are portable and are designed in a wide range of stylish wall mounted and portable free standing  designs.  They can even be used outside.

White Clouds Turn to Grey

Dulux have announced the colour of 2013 is Indigo .
They got it wrong Summer 2012 with Firecracker.

I am going Grey. Darker shades of grey.

What's New 2012- 2013

Some familiar and some new - showing at Decorex.

Clarke and Clarke. 6 designs including a plain. Colourways from mauves and teal through to sky blues with some neutral mineral shades.

This purple and lime green interior design scheme works well.  A colourway that has been around for sometime but still looks remarkably fresh.

100% cotton prints with some viscose linen in the range.

Ochre Lighting . Not so much a lightfitting as a "light installation".

Weighing in at a  hefty 42 kg, this work of art houses no less than 112 LED lamps and is 2.58 metres long.

They do smaller versions and will custom make at your request, but this one is pretty impressive.

We first previewed these taps by THG last year on this website. Still worth another mention.

More bathroom fixtures by THG. Lovely

Linwood Fabrics are also showing at Decorex.

Looks like fun! Of course their traditional velvets and fantastic weight upholstery plains are excellent too.

Pebble coffee table by Ochre. Yes, they do a range of furniture as well as fantastic lighting.

Byrony Alexander poles.

MissPrint wallpaper.

If interested in any of the above, do email me for best price.

Tackling Storage

Having had many years working with some major housebuilders and some inept developers - there is quite a bit I know about small spaces.

Picture a showhome where there are no internal doors. Took my tape measure with me when my brother was looking to purchase a new house, and realised that with a king size bed in the main bedroom, the door wouldnt open wide enough to allow anyone to get out of the room. 

I was also asked to plan and install furniture into a redevelopment being sold as 2 bedroom flats. The investors were buying "off plan". Plan looked odd, so I went and checked measured. No way a bed whether it was single or futon design could fit into the "second" bedroom. Also the window was to high - that is another blog!

So never overestimate, nor underestimate your space.

Don't buy small furniture. Buy what you need in the room. Most people walk into a room and sit down. You don't need small furniture. It won't make the room look bigger. 

 Living in a small space with children can be difficult. I am afraid I was ruthless, in the " you take it out, you put it away". A toybox in the livingroom worked for all things used.  My mum still has one of those box style footstools- opens to store toys.  Many times I walk into a customer's home and they are apologetic about the mess.  So do something about it! You are the adult.  Children only need a certain amount of stimulus to be entertained.  Clutter drives everyone mad.

Storage is key.
Use every inch of  space. This idea is brilliant. On rollers. Perfect. Can be used to fill an odd space by wardrobes and adapted.

But look at wasted space above fridge? One of those wardrobe drop down cupboards would be perfect here.

Our wall. No need to hide or find alternative space when a wall is good enough.

This is clever.
Sometimes the best answer is to custom make to fit the space. Built in shelves in alcoves will store more books than a badly fitted shop bought bookcase.

Ikea sell a cheap and cheerful storage coffee table. Before you assemble it, paint  to fit in with your own colour scheme.