Window dressing – how to get it right.

Window dressing – how to get it right.

Windows.

They come in all different shapes and sizes and can really elevate the look of a room. How to dress your windows to achieve the very best look for the style of your home and its decor can be a minefield.

Getting the window dressing right for each room not only maximises the opportunities for light but looks beautiful too. It can make your windows a fabulous focal point for the room.

Is your choice primarily design led or is it all about heat insulation, light control and privacy? Or is it a combination of the two?! Some solutions work better than others and knowing where to start can be daunting.

Before you begin, here are some important factors to consider:

    • You need to consider the purpose of the room. A living area may need less privacy but will need more light which means more sheer fabrics may be appropriate. A bedroom will need a heavier covering to limit light when you’re sleeping.
    • Is your home traditional or more contemporary? Choose a style and design that complements each room.
    • One size (or rather style) doesn’t fit all. You don’t need to choose the same option for each space. Look at every room in its own right and choose what’s best for the space.
    • Consider the layout of the room. Where is the radiator? Where will the furniture go? For example, when a radiator sits underneath a window, floor length curtains should be avoided. Likewise if you’re planning to put your bed under the window then installing blinds avoids the excess fabric of curtains.

When it comes to window dressing, what are your options?

Blinds

Depending on the style you choose, blinds can help you control the amount of light coming into a room by using sheer or blackout fabrics. Roller blinds can be used in every room in the house, but are especially good for kitchens and bathrooms where you don’t need all that excess fabric. Roman or Venetian blinds give a softer look and if fitted above the window frame, will not block out any light unnecessarily.

Shutters

Plantation shutters are an excellent option, maintaining privacy while letting in plenty of natural light. They are effortlessly stylish too. You can choose from full or half height shutters, and a whole host of additional styles and shapes. The range of contemporary shades and materials available for shutters will mean you’ll be able to find something to perfectly suit your scheme. Plantation shutters are ideal for bay windows as they fit each window section perfectly, as well as bi-fold and French doors. Visit www.plantation-shutters.co.uk to see some fabulous styles.

Curtains

These are a traditional choice and the range of options is huge! For common living areas like living and dining rooms, especially where they’re visible to passers by, sheer fabrics are the perfect choice for privacy.  A great way to achieve a very dark bedroom is to dress the window with curtains but also fit a blackout roller or roman blind into the recess of the window.  This is certainly a must for a small child’s room.

When it comes to fullness, the ideal is to be 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window. When choosing the fabric, consider what will complement your existing furniture and soft furnishings. Curtains can be a great way to use pattern within the room, or inject the space with colour. Creating a lush look that completes the style and colour palette of the room and frames the windows is what you should aim for.

You can also create the illusion of a higher ceiling by placing the curtain rail higher above the window itself. The ideal is 4 to 6 inches above the window frame to create the impression of height. Your curtain rod should be wider than the window so there’s enough room for the panels to hang on either side of your window (this also helps maximise the width of the window) and curtains should hang all the way to the floor.

For advice on the best window dressing options to choose for your home, seek advice from Light Intervention. We offer bespoke services to help you transform your home by making the most of the available space, light and furniture, fixing ‘wear & tear, decorating with elegant colours and updating fixtures & fittings.

How to choose your front door colour

How to choose your front door colour

When people first arrive at your home they’re greeted by your front door – the “face” of your home. The colour of your front door not only speaks volumes about your own personality but it can have added kerb appeal if you get it right. And when it comes to selling your home it’s important to think about what might appeal to those potential buyers. Buyers can make their minds up within seconds of arriving and entering into a property. Presenting façade of your property perfectly provides that initial impact, the ‘wow’ factor.

Make a statement or play it safe?

Your front door could be the perfect way for you to express yourself with a bold, bright colour that you wouldn’t necessarily use inside your home. Making a design statement with a bright colour that reflects your personality and fits in with the style of your home is the ideal. Research and plan the makeover, taking into account factors like the colour of your brickwork or exterior finish. Bolder colours work well with darker brickwork. Painting the front door and door frame the same colour will make the entrance look bigger.

You should also pay careful attention to the colour of your window frames. The style of your home will suit certain colours so experiment with colour swatches against the exterior walls to see just how the colour looks in reality. Farrow & Ball and Paint & Paper Library have a wonderful range of exterior door colours that could be just the inspiration you need to make your decision.

You should aim for an end result that not only complements you and your home, and if you’re looking to sell your home, will create the perfect first impression for potential buyers too.

Front doorSimple is best

Creating a look for the front of your home that is symmetrical and balanced tends to work better visually. It’s pleasing to the eye and draws focus to the central point of the house. With this in mind, you should aim for things like outdoor lighting, planters and any other features to be symmetrically spaced on either side of the front door.

The devil is in the detail

Kerb appeal doesn’t end with your front door. Added features such as window boxes, planters or hanging baskets can be another attractive addition and create extra wow factor. Keep them looking stunning by making sure they’re watered regularly and pruned properly to maintain their condition. If you aren’t green fingered then using lanterns will achieve the same effect with minimum effort.

Other elements around the door such as letterboxes, knockers and doorknobs help complete the picture. You should aim to choose door furniture that matches the style of your home. A Victorian property will look complete with matching door furniture, whereas contemporary designs are much more relevant to a modern home. Getting it right brings the entire visual presentation together and creates a balanced look.

 

Top trends for 2018

According to an article featuring architect and TV’s property expert George Clark, the future is incredibly bright in 2018 when it comes to front door colours! After years of popularity for more muted tones like grey or pale green, this year colour is the star of the show. It’s all about lifting the entrance to your home with a splash of colour that makes a lasting impression.

The top 10 trends for 2018 are:

10. Duck egg blue
9.  Primrose yellow
8.  Cobalt blue
7. Grey
6. Bright yellow
5. Crisp white
4. Black
3. Light violet
2. Steel blue
1. Mid purple

For advice on colour and design that doesn’t end with the front door, speak to Light intervention. Our experience with creating the perfect look for your home comes from over 18 years experience in architectural design and property development. We pride ourselves on delivering design solutions that are quick, robust and cost effective.

Front door behind iron railings

Doom or bloom for the property market?

Doom or bloom for the property market?

Philip Hammond delivered his first Spring statement in March and the Chancellor seemed to have a spring in his step. The UK economic growth rate is slightly faster rate than predicted in his November budget, and borrowing is down. But austerity still maintains a firm grip on the country – and it isn’t about to end any time soon. So when it comes to the property market is it all doom and gloom? Or is investing in property right now a smart move?

The world of property investment has been a tumultuous one over recent years – particularly for the buy-to-let market. Figures suggest that the buy-to-let bubble could well have burst, with buy-to-let mortgage lending now at a 4 year low. The heydays of landlords enjoying record low mortgage rates and tax benefits have gradually been curtailed. Both legislative and economic change have increasingly squeezed their profits.

House for saleFrom April 2016 landlords were hit with a 3 percentage point Stamp Duty surcharge for “additional properties”. This instantly increased the cost of buying a house. Mortgage interest relief for higher rate taxpayers was also scrapped, denting rental properties’ profits. These factors, coupled with the uncertainty over Brexit, interest rate increases and global economic slowdown, means many landlords are deciding to offload their property portfolios.

Outside of buy-to-let there remains a housing crisis across the country. The struggle to own a property is a very real and difficult one. Concessions where Stamp Duty was abolished for first-time buyers on property purchases of up to £300,000 and on the first £300,000 have generated interest amongst first time buyers, yet the strain on the housing market remains.

Yet owning a property can be a very real and potentially positive option for buyers. Buyers may find they now have opportunities to buy that didn’t exist for them before. Buying a property can be a lucrative and rewarding exercise, whether as an investment or to own your own home. You just need to ensure you enter into the process with your eyes wide open.

Forge ahead armed with professional advice and be prepared to commit to it for the long haul to ensure you get the best return on your investment.

Start as you mean to go on

Gone are the days of buying a property on interest-only mortgages with a small deposit. Always seek the advice of an independent adviser who can offer advice on the best mortgage options for your circumstances. Your adviser will provide guidance on just how much you can borrow. They should be able to help you get a “mortgage in principle” agreement in place before you buy which means you’ll be in a stronger position – and know exactly how much you have to play with.

You’ll need enough finances to fund a decent deposit, all your legal expenses, surveys and stamp duty, as well as the moving costs. Bear in mind that we’ve enjoyed record low interest rates for the last 10 years and this will inevitably change. It’s just the ‘when’ and by ‘how much’ that we don’t know. You’ll need to be able to weather the storm financially, whenever it hits.

Location, location, location

Where you buy is a huge consideration. It’s not just about being happy with where your property is located but ultimately how easy it will be to sell your home when you decide it’s time to move on. Selling a property and moving is an expensive business so choosing the right area is key. You can completely refurbish a house inside and out but you can’t pick it up and move it to a different area!

Capitalising on the Brexit effect

While the government goes back and forth with the EU on the finer details of the Brexit agreement, the housing market remains jittery about the long term effects, particularly in London. In Wandsworth for example the last year has seen a fall of 15% in property prices. The looming uncertainty of Brexit coupled with the expected rise in interest rates are no doubt contributing factors in the cooling market. This period could prove the perfect time to invest in property, making property investment an attractive prospect for buyers.

Thinking outside the box for property investment

If you do want to invest in an additional property but the increase in taxation for landlords leaves you cold, all is not lost. Whilst the buy-to-let in a traditional sense is getting a tough ride, other approaches via platforms such as crowdfunding are gaining traction. These types of investment are an alternative to direct investment, becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for landlords. People of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds can invest in the buy-to-let property market via crowdfunding platforms. That way they spread their risk, they aren’t shackled by a mortgage at such a young age, and they are able to generate both income and capital growth.

Whatever your reason for entering the property market – either as a first-time buyer, you are relocating within the UK or looking for a rental investment, Light Intervention can help. We will take your requirements and conduct the property search on your behalf. We will match properties to your needs, filtering out those properties that don’t match your requirements.

Light Intervention will negotiate and liaise on your behalf, assisting with all technical and legal details throughout. And once you’ve purchased your ideal property, we can also organise and oversee refurbishment work or comprehensive modernisation. This will help create immediate capital growth for you post purchase.

Creating a wall gallery with the WOW factor.

Creating a wall gallery with the WOW factor.

Do you have an empty wall that is crying out for attention?
Is your favourite artwork in need of an innovative way to showcase it?
Or could that living room corner wall do with some interior design TLC?

Then creating your own wall gallery could be the answer!

Wall gallery

Wall gallery

Designing a wall gallery is the perfect way to put your own individual stamp on your home. It creates unique visual interest for a room in a way that you can potentially add to over time. A single piece of art isn’t always enough to create an impact, whereas a collection of pieces can truly transform a wall.

A wall gallery enables you to pull together your treasured pieces of art, photographs and other pieces in one central space.  Not only a pleasure for you to enjoy but a wonderful conversation starter for guests too.

 

 

How do you achieve the perfect look?

Planning

A stunning wall gallery doesn’t happen by accident! Even if you’re not considering a uniform, symmetrical look you’ll still need to plan which pieces sit next to each other to create a cohesive look. Do your research and visit places like Pinterest to get some inspiration. You’ll soon see examples of wall galleries that make a fantastic impact and those that just don’t work.

The best way to plan your own gallery is to choose your favourite pieces and lay them out on a table or even on the floor in an area marked out with tape or string to the exact size of your wall. This way you can step back and double check it achieves the right visual balance. Another good idea is to take photos of each design you try – this makes it much easier to compare how they look to make your decision. You’ll be able to play around with the combination to achieve the design that works for you before you make the final commitment.

You could even create true to size templates of your chosen artwork in plain paper which can then be placed in position on the wall as a final check. This way you can make sure the design not only looks right but fills the space effectively and is the correct height.

Levels and spacing

Remember that not all walls and ceilings are completely straight! You could find when you’re working off a central level that the end result doesn’t look right because your ceiling isn’t straight. Pay particular attention to the ceiling and measure down from there when you’re placing your plain paper templates on the wall. Keep checking that it looks right to the eye – if it looks “off” from the start this isn’t likely to change. To keep the spacing uniform between each frame or piece of artwork, cut out some strips of card and use these to mark out the space between each item. There’s less chance of error and no need to keep measuring out each time.

Design for life 

Creating a design that works visually is key. When using identical frames in your gallery a uniform design works well. If you’re creating a look that’s more haphazard then it’s a good idea to anchor your wall gallery with one or two large pieces that you place first and then work your other pieces out around this. You can also ground your gallery with a piece of furniture – placing the design above a bed, dresser or console table would achieve this.

For a more eclectic feel, aim for a mix of frame styles that are placed together in various positions (a mixture of portrait and landscape). Choosing a colour palette creates synergy and makes the gallery look cohesive. You can take inspiration from items in the room such as soft furnishings, rugs or even the main furniture pieces to choose your colour palette. The wall gallery can potentially be expanded upon with new pieces over time, as long as you keep the balance right.

Wall gallery

Wall gallery

It’s all about you!

Remember that your wall gallery is personal to you, your chance to reflect your personality within your home. Creating a design that works for you and makes you feel happy when you look at it is what it’s all about.

If you’re unsure how to make a wall gallery work for you then Light Intervention can help. With years of experience in interior design we know just how to achieve a look that works visually and maximises the available space.

 

Designing a loft space – 5 important things to think about.

Designing a loft space – 5 important things to think about.

I hope I’m not about to jinx things but fingers crossed Spring is on its way, and with it comes the time of year when many of us turn our attention to home improvements. Loft conversions have year on year become increasingly popular, especially in London where properties are not only still in high demand but even with the down turn in the market, remain the highest in terms of value across the whole of the UK.

So for many property owners, heading upwards rather than moving out makes both economic and practical sense. The amount of money you can save on stamp duty alone can make it the most viable option if you feel you need more space.  There is also some comfort in staying in a property you love but making it even better.

Once you’ve made the decision to convert your loft space, achieving the best design for your space is key.

Here are our highlights to focus on when you’re playing the conversion game:

Planning permission or no planning permission, that is the question! 

In most cases a loft conversion sits within what’s known as “permitted development” and doesn’t require planning permission. If you’re extending or altering the roof space which causes the conversion to exceed specified limits and conditions, then you may need to go through the planning process. Conversions to flats does not fall under “permitted development” and therefore will require planning permission.

Don’t let this put you off from designing your ideal space though. It could be worth going through the necessary channels to ensure that your loft conversion gives you the space that works best for you.

Remember that it’s a one time investment so getting it right is paramount. Whatever you decide, the work will always need to meet current building regulations. The work is deemed to be a “material change of use” so minimum safety standards are required.

Maximising your loft space

There are a number of different options when it comes to loft conversions, each of which has their advantages (and disadvantages!)

  • Rooflight conversion: this uses skylights located within the roof itself and generally keeps within the existing roof structure. It tends to be the most affordable option but can mean the usable space is limited because the room is contained within the original roof height. You may end up with less usable space because so much of it won’t be at head height.
  • Dormer window extension: this tends to be the most popular choice, albeit a more expensive one. The volume of the roof is increased allowing for vertical windows and doors, which creates full head room and more options when it comes to staircases. When added to the back of the house there is generally no need for planning permission but it may be needed for changes to the front elevation of the property.
  • Mansard loft conversions: these require the most construction work and in almost all cases will need planning permission because they change the existing roof structure of the property. They create the maximum amount of living space as they extend the entire roof space, the end result being the creation of a flat roof with the back wall sloping inwards at an angle of 72 degrees.

To make the right decision, think about the ultimate purpose of the space. Is it going to be a new bedroom (or two) in which case you’ll need a bathroom up there too. If that’s the case, the location of existing plumbing in the house can have a big impact on the cost in terms of where to locate your loft bathroom. And it’s also worth remembering that the loft space is at the top of the house so heating and ventilation is key to avoid being too hot in the summer and warm enough in the winter.

Time to call in the experts!

When it comes to the design of your loft conversion there are two main options: you can either engage an architect to produce drawings of the project, creating a bespoke design to exactly match your needs. Alternatively you could choose a design and build loft conversion specialist that will have their own in-house designer and engineer in their team. They tend to call upon standard design details and solutions to create your space. Both options will ensure all legalities and regulations have been covered within the design. They will both be able to make recommendations according to the specific nature of your property – considering elements such as the need for Party Wall agreements with your neighbours, lowering ceilings and any issues with head height above staircases. You’ll ultimately have the peace of mind that your project covers all angles.

With both options however, never be afraid to push the boundaries and make the space work for you and have the wow factor.

Nailing those practicalities

Designing a loft space is much more than simply creating a new usable space in your home. Think about some of those practicalities that will be so important once it’s in place and being used every day. Where will the staircase be positioned? This is vital as the correct design will have the least impact on your storey below. Will the space need extra soundproofing? Just remember that its original purpose was for storage so installing extra soundproofing may be a wise move, especially if the room below will be someone’s bedroom. Think very carefully about areas you may not even have considered: where is best to place the radiators? How many electrical plug sockets do you need? What are your lighting choices? It’s one of the few times you get to choose and design these elements yourself so put real thought into just how you will be using the space.

Going bespoke for maximum effect

The best way to utilise all the nooks and crannies within your new loft conversion is to bring a carpenter on board to design wardrobes and storage cupboards that fit exactly within the dimensions of the space available. You may also need to consider space saving options when it comes to bathroom furniture, investing in smaller hand basins and baths to fit into a confined space. An excellent way to maximise natural light is to incorporate transparent materials or pocket doors into the design.

Light Intervention offers an architectural design service which can assist you with all the above and give you options and ideas on how best to utilise space and give it that wow factor.

Loft conversion

Loft conversion

 

Landlords & tenants, it’s always better to be safe than sorry

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into effect in October 2015. Both landlords and tenants are responsible for complying with the regulations and ensuring that alarms remain in good working order throughout a tenancy.

Remember – working alarms save lives; you are at least four times more likely to die in a house fire if there is no working smoke alarm.

What are my responsibilities as a landlord?
Private sector landlords are required to install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. a coal fire, wood burning stove). The landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.

What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
After the landlord’s test on the first day of the tenancy, tenants should take responsibility for their own safety and test all alarms regularly to make sure they are in working order. Testing monthly is generally considered an appropriate frequency for smoke alarms. If you discover that alarm(s) are not in working order during your tenancy, arrange to replace the batteries or the alarm itself with your landlord or managing agent.

Where can I find more information?

Full details of these regulations are available on the GOV.UK website.

Need further advice on letting or managing your property?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation chat.