Category Archives: Design

Designing a Small Bedroom?

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With house prices shooting up it is a much better idea to do up your home than try to move. Who can afford that at the moment anyway? Here is some tips from Warren Evans on how to design a small bedroom.

Award winning bed maker, Warren Evans says: “When you’re designing a small bedroom it’s so important to ensure that every inch of space is used wisely. Take advantage of any unusual architectural feature in the room, such as an alcove or a bay window that could fit a bespoke storage box or shelves.

“De-clutter. Get rid of any bits that you don’t need and decide exactly what needs to be in your bedroom so you know how much drawer or hanging space you need.

“Invest in space efficient furniture like our Space Saving or Divan range at Warren Evans. Under bed storage is ideal as it’s the perfect place to keep your belongings while hiding them from sight. For example, our new range of fitted drawers has the capacity to carry an impressive 365 litres – that’s around 36 pairs of shoes!

“Having mirrors on the wall is also a great way of creating the illusion of having more space. And sticking to fabrics and furniture that are similar colours will also help to make the room look more spacious.”

Warren Evans is the award winning bed makers with nine showrooms in Camden, Clapham, Kingston, Shoredicth, Hammersmith, Brighton, St Albans, Brighton and Enfield.

Invest in a Spot of DIY

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With the stagnant housing market showing no signs of revival, 2012 is all about home improvement.

Installing shutters is a great way to invest in your property and they not only look great, they are great insulators so can help you save on those energy bills.

Sam Tamlyn, from the California Shutter Company, has these handy tips on choosing and installing shutters:

1. Choose a Style that Works for your Room
The most popular style is the plantation shutter, which have slats that rotate open and closed to control the light levels in the room. You can also buy solid shutters for a more traditional look. Tier-on-tier gives you greater flexibility with light control and for a Continental feel go for a solid lower half and moveable slats on top.

2. Choose the Right Material
Wood remains the most popular material for shutters, but you can now choose from a whole host of other options such as MDF and plastic.

3. Design – Keep it Simple!
Look at the window frame and try to get this to match the shutter. Less is definitely more in shutter design.

4. Go Complementary
Look at the colour scheme in your room (floor, skirting board, furniture and doors). Choosing a colour that complements and accentuates these existing elements is important.
Generally lighter coloured shutters pull in more light, while darker coloured ones absorb more. So, if your room is filled with heavy furniture or a dark wood floor, a lighter coloured shutter would be more suitable for your room.

5. But Don’t Shy Away From Colour!
White shutters are extremely popular, but don’t be afraid to add a dash of colour to your room if white isn’t your thing. Neutral colours such as greys, blacks or browns also work well and have a timeless appeal. However, introducing bold and bright colours is very now, so if you’re a fashion fiend then go for a custom colour and get the WOW factor for your room.

6. Maximising Light
Shutters are a great way to control the light levels in the room, and the larger the slat, the more light will be drawn in. The contemporary 89mm slat is very popular at the moment for this very reason.

7. Opening your Shutters
When designing your shutters, think about how often you will open and close them, and how often you will tilt the slats. Generally fewer panels are more effective if you’re planning on leaving the shutters closed during the day with the slats tilted open.

8. Size
One of the best things about shutters is their flexibility, not just in terms of the design but in their size too. Shutters can be fitted to very tall windows (up to about three metres) and generally there is no maximum width. The largest shutters we have ever supplied at The California Company were a massive eight metres in width.

9. Awkward Spaces

Shutters can be made to fit any awkward spaces; from ovals to triangles to hexagons, so you can really get creative and make a feature out of that unusual window.

10. Installing your Shutters
Installing your shutters is a very simple process; you’ll only need a screwdriver and a drill. For a neat finish, we recommend applying decorators caulk.

www.thecaliforniashuttercompany.co.uk

Bletchley Park puts its stamp on Turing Centenary.

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On 23rd February Bletchley Park will release four first day covers celebrating Alan Turing’s centenary year. Each will carry a 1st class Royal Mail “Turing Bombe” stamp cancelled with a unique first day of issue postmark. The intention is to restrict the issue to just 500 of each. Produced in association with the Alan Turing Centenary Year Committee and Bletchley Park Post Office, proceeds will go towards supporting the preservation of Bletchley Park. Similar stamp and envelope combinations from Bletchley Park Post Office have fetched several times their original issue price. So at £9.99 each these little pieces of art and history could be a good investment. They can be previewed and ordered at bletchleycovers.com

The first design is by Rebecca Peacock of Firecatcher Design and the theme is Turing’s work on the mathematics of patterns. It was Turing’s genius for mathematics that made his work so vital to Bletchley Park and the development of modern computing.

The other three are original paintings by artist Steve Williams who has donated his work to Bletchley Park. They depict three buildings at Bletchley Park associated with Alan Turing. These are the cottage and hut where he worked and the room that housed the Bombe machines.

The stamp features a rebuilt Turing Bombe. The first day of issue postmark is a facsimile of one of the Bombe’s 108 drums that replicated the workings of 36 Enigma macines.

A dedicated team spent 15 years rebuilding the working Turing Bombe that is now on display at Bletchley Park. A marvel of electro-mechanical engineering used to crack the enigma code that is now essential viewing for visitors. Bletchley Park Post Office was once the code breakers’ undercover mail room then a sub post office when Bletchley Park became a GPO training centre. Its re-creation of a 1940’s post office is a popular attraction. The first day covers and special stamps it began issuing in 1994 are sought after by collectors from around the world.

More information can be obtained on the issue through bletchleycovers.com or calling 0044 (0)1908 363489

Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award – A sneak preview at the work of the finalists!

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 The finalists of the Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award have been announced and we have the winning sketches that are taking this year’s hottest new designers to FS2012!

 

Now entering its 20th year, the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show is a professionally run and high achieving student organisation, which is passionate about both fundraising and fashion. It is currently the largest student-run charity fashion show in the UK. FS2012 will take place on 25th February and will showcase young design talent alongside big fashion brands and as official jewellery partner of this year’s show, Swarovski will adorn models with pieces from its couture jewellery collection, Atelier Swarovski.

 

Nadja Swarovski commented, “The St Andrews Charity Fashion show has a long history of promoting both young and established design talent, which is in keeping with Swarovski’s commitment to supporting creative industries. As a patron I am delighted to be a part of this exciting event which also benefits such a deserving cause as the Muir Maxwell Trust.”

 

FS 2012 are working this year with the Muir Maxwell Trust (MMT), a charity that supports the 70,000 children in the UK with epilepsy and their families. Established in 2003 by Ann and Jonny Maxwell, the Trust is named after the Maxwell’s 14 year old son, Muir, who is profoundly damaged by a severe form of epilepsy that began in infancy.

 

The Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award will function as a platform for UK-based new and emerging young designers. In conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of our show, it will combine the authority of well-known designers with the flare of the country’s best student design talent both on the catwalk and throughout our campaign.

 

The recipient of the Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award will receive:

 

  • The Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award 2012
  • £1000 in prize money, courtesy of Alfa Romeo
  • The opportunity to design a fashion line, worth £500, in support of our chosen charity: The Muir Maxwell Trust
  • Exclusive feature and spread in The FS Magazine, with over 7,000 online readers.

The 2011 judging panel included the PPQ design duo, Amy Molyneaux & Percy Parker, as well as Britain’s Next Top Model Winner, Alex Evans.

NITE WATCHES – WATCHES FOR STYLISH ADVENTURERS!

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Combining innovative design, beautiful aesthetics and high-precision technology, Nite watches are renowned for their reliability and functionality in the most extreme situations – a perfect solution for individuals seeking the true spirit and challenge of adventure.

All Nite watches are fitted with a superb, self powered illumination technology known as GTLS; providing wearers with a constant light source that can last up to 15 years and is just one of the reasons why some models are NATO-approved and used by elite Special Forces.

Nite watches are made to exacting standards, using the best materials, production methods and specifications to create watches in a class of their own. With the design and quality comparative to some of the most highly respected brands in the world, the prices are not- instead representing excellent value to the owner.

The ICON is fashionable and comfortable – as cool and comfortable to wear on the street as on top of a glacier. The contemporary design of the ICON attracts looks with its stylish simplicity, bold large face, 316 grade brushed stainless steel case, brightly glowing Swiss illumination and high quality, studded tan or white leather strap.

Nite watches are the perfect choice for style conscious explorers, adventurers and businessmen. To view the complete Nite watches range for both men and women, visit www.nitewatches.com.

The GTLS technology is a light source emitted by every Nite watch and allows Nite-wearers to see what the time is, night or day, blizzard or monsoon. Each watch face and hands feature minute laser sealed glass tubes (the GLTS – Gaseous Tritium Light Source) – which are internally coated with phosphor. The electrons in the gaseous tritium excite the phosphor causing it to glow continuously without any external power source.

Nite watches are exclusively available from the brand website – www.nitewatches.com. This world-class digital platform is designed to communicate exactly what the Nite ethos is all about. It features a fully compliant and secure online store, where Nite’s products are clearly displayed and explained. There is also a social programme called Unite where customers share their user experiences. Nite believes that nothing represents their brand values better than their customers’ stories.

High Impact Shutters – Spruce Up For Spring.

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Spruce up for Spring!




Spring time is nearly here and there’s no better time to give your home a fresh new look by replacing your blinds and curtains with elegant shutters.
A practical and stylish way to update your home, shutters suit every room in the house and can be made to fit any unusual space.
Sam Tamlyn from the web’s leading shutter retailer, the California Shutter Company discusses why shutters are this year’s must-have in springtime:
“Shutters provide a chic and stylish alternative to blinds and curtains and are a cost-effective, easy way to completely update the look and feel of a room for spring.
“Shutters are excellent in the spring and summer time as you can keep the doors and windows open but the shutters closed, letting plenty of glorious light and fresh air in whilst keeping those annoying bugs out.
“The spring time is associated with spring cleaning and by installing shutters in your windows you’re making life easier as they are easy to wipe clean and don’t absorb dust like curtains or blinds do.
“Shutters are incredibly versatile and so offer you a great deal of flexibility, you can choose between different slat sizes, different colours and different panel designs.
At the California Shutter Company you can choose from a range of over 18 beautiful stains and paints to best suit your shutters, your furniture in the room and the ambience you’re looking to create.

High Impact with Tangerine Tango
Tangerine Tango, a spirited and high-visibility reddish orange, is Pantone colour of the year*. The vivacious colour is being incorporated into the spring collections of famous fashion designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Elie Tahari and can be found on the catwalk runways of 2012.
So why not inject a little colour into your home and energize your living space whilst bringing your interiors bang up-to-date?
Sam Tamlyn from the California Shutter Company says: “Shutters make a statement and provide a practical and stylish way to update your home, suit every room in the house and can be made to fit any unusual space.
We understand that everyone has their own style so that’s why our customers can choose from 18 different stains and paints or can customise their shutters with a colour of their choice.”
It’s easy to order shutters with the California Shutter Company, the web’s leading DIY shutter retailer. Simply go online, choose the shutters you like, measure up and watch their detailed advice videos to learn how you put them up yourself. Or you can take advantage of their excellent installation service.
www.californiashuttercompany.co.uk

How To Not Get Ripped off By a Rogue Trader

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Half of UK Homeowners Have Been Ripped Off by Rogue Traders – Survey reveals

According to Checkatrade.com – the UK’s most trusted website for monitoring the reputation of tradespeople – half of homeowners in the UK have been ripped off by a rogue trader or cowboy builder, while one in seven has been targeted three or more times.

The survey, conducted amongst 2,000 UK homeowners, found that Londoners are most at risk, with 53 per cent having fallen victim to rogue traders. In Northern Ireland just 3 in 10 have suffered at the hands of cowboys.

Despite the perception that older people are more likely to be preyed on by unscrupulous traders, the research highlighted that younger people are almost twice as likely to be ripped off as the over 50s.

Two-thirds of 18-24 year olds have already been ripped off at least once and a quarter three or more times. Only a third of over 55s have been regularly targeted.

Commenting on the findings, Kevin Byrne, founder of Checkatrade, said: “This research highlights the sheer scale of the problem we face in ‘Rip Off Britain’.

“Rogue traders perform substandard work for financial gain, a disgraceful and often lethal practice that ruins properties and costs people thousands of pounds every year.

“It is important that we vet and monitor trades companies to protect homeowners and their families from cowboys.

“Checking up on someone is quick, easy and free. It is an essential precaution that helps avoid accidents, disruption and financial loss.”

Top Tips to avoid rogue traders

* Watch out for contractors who cold call or doorstep you – ask yourself why they need to.
* Make sure you have adequate contact details for your trader in case things go wrong. In addition to a mobile number you should be looking for a landline number, office address and trade association membership details.
* Reputation is everything. Try to use builders who have been recommended to you by people you trust. Take up references from other satisfied customers who have had similar work done and have a look online.
* Have a look at www.checkatrade.com for details of tradespeople who have been vetted to a high standard, and had their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships verified, with scores out of ten from customers.
* Take the time to properly brief tradesmen and put it in writing to avoid any confusion. Be as detailed as possible.
* Obtain quotes from at least three contractors and insist on a written quotation or estimate for the work. Keep them all on file in case of any disagreement.
* To avoid costs spiralling, try and get the job done on a fixed-price basis in case the work takes longer than expected.
* Delayed start dates or long drawn out works can have a major knock on effect on any other buildings works so agree a start date and estimated finish date. However, trades can be delayed by factors outside of their control.
* Avoid anyone who specifically asks for cash – it is illegal to ask for cash payments if the trader does not put it through the books and declare it as taxable income. Cash jobs may result in a receipt not being given, without a receipt you will have no come back if things go wrong.
* Be careful about requests for upfront payments – it may imply they have cashflow problems. In our experience traders who ask for upfront payments often do so because they cannot get credit at their local builders’ merchants, which may indicate they are not financially healthy.
* Once you agree terms and before work starts draw up a simple contract, including the work to be done, the price and the timeframe. Any reputable builder will be happy to sign it, you should sign it yourself and have it witnessed and signed by an independent third party.
* Once work has begun, regularly check that works are on schedule and keep talking your contractor to make sure things are on track.

Brits Rely on Their Mates when choosing a Tradesperson

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Word of mouth x 4 more powerful than Advertising – survey reveals

Happy customers are the most powerful form of marketing, according to new research from Checkatrade.com – the UK’s most trusted website for monitoring the reputation of tradespeople.

The research, conducted amongst 2,000 homeowners, found that more than two thirds of people said they valued a reliable recommendation from a friend or family member friend more than any advertising or marketing.

In contrast, only 15% said they were content looking through the local directory to find a tradesman – just a quarter of those who favour the views of friends and family. However, despite rogue traders and cowboy builders on the rise and increased internet usage, only 1 in 20 people are taking the trouble to consult a tradesperson review site before employing a trader.

Brits rate tidiness
The survey also highlighted that, with the exception of price and workmanship, Brits rate tidiness above all other qualities when choosing a tradesperson. Almost two thirds (61%) cite it as the deciding factor, and, despite our increasingly hectic schedules, just 1 in 13 property owners favour tradespeople who simply get the job done quickly.

Meanwhile 1 in 7 busy homeowners are more concerned with whether their tradesperson turns up to the job on time, and 1 in 7 homeowners say being polite is the best way to win them over.
For one in twenty people builders arriving in scruffy overalls simply won’t do – they say it’s more important than anything else that their tradesperson is clean and well presented.

Commenting on the findings, Kevin Byrne, founder of Checkatrade.com, said: “Our research findings just go to show that tradespeople competing in difficult times need to offer the whole package – accuracy, speed, punctuality, politeness and personal presentation. Homeowners consider it vital for tradespeople to treat their properties with respect.

“Reputation matters. Word of mouth and recommendation are immensely powerful and this is what we have built our business on. Customers remember a job well done, but neither will they be quick to forget poor service.”