Tag: interiors

How to add value to your home

How to add value to your home

Summer is fast approaching which is always prime time for people who are looking to sell their home and move on up the property ladder. However, house prices have begun to stagnate and so it’s important that you do as much as you can to get the very best price possible for your home. Carrying out some home improvements can quickly add on tens of thousands to your home prior to selling it, which will also mean you hopefully make a nice profit that you can put towards the purchase of your new home. Here, we’re taking you through lots of different ways in which you can maximise and add value to your home before you sell it.

Basement renovation


Convert the cellar or loft

One of the easiest ways in which you can add substantial value to your property is to covert the cellar or loft if you have one. While this may seem like a complex and time-consuming task, it’s actually quite simple as far as home improvements go. And, while you may need planning permission for a loft conversion, for a basement you shouldn’t need to unless you’re making any structural changes to a listed building. Converting a loft can also add a ton of value to your home as it can act as an extra bedroom as long as you adhere to fire safety regulations. Why not go all out and give this extra bedroom and an en-suite to really add that extra wow factor!

Double garage on a detached bungalow

Convert your garage

While we’re on the topic of conversions, have you ever thought about converting your garage? If you’re not using your garage to store your car then it makes sense to utilise this space into an extra living area. This is particularly true if you already have a parking space or a driveway anyway. What’s great about garage conversions is that with the right planning permission, you can transform this space into whatever you like!

Tiling behind a kitchen sink

Extend your kitchen

The kitchen is always a big selling point of any house and so extending your kitchen can really add huge value to your home. In many homes, you’ll find space to the side of the house which you can extend out into which not only allows you to maximise space but it also means that you can change the layout too. A key thing to remember here is that sometimes this type of extension can reduce the light coming into your kitchen but you can easily combat this by installing a Velux window or roof lights and this will keep the space light and airy.

Exterior siding

Add siding

When you are looking to sell your home, it’s important that the exterior looks just as great as the interior as this can be something that’s commonly forgotten about. Remember, when people are coming to view your home, the exterior is the first thing that they’ll see and that vital first impression can have a huge impact on whether or not someone decides to buy your house or how much they’re prepared to pay for it. A great way to add value to your home is to install siding. Vinyl siding looks extremely cool and modern and there is usually a colour to suit every home no matter what your current colour scheme is. https://big5.ca/siding/ can provide you with high-quality siding workmanship and over a fantastic 5-year warranty on their siding installations.

Balcony with decking and plant pots

Garden appeal

Continuing with the outdoor exterior theme, another great way to add value to your home is to ensure that your garden space looks fantastic. It doesn’t matter whether you have a small or very large garden, a well-maintained garden can be a big selling point. If you have enough space, we would recommend getting a patio or decking installed as this can transform the garden into a great entertaining space. While you are sprucing up your garden, make sure that the weeds are pulled, any dead flowers are cleared away and the grass is mown.

Knocking through walls making an open plan layout

Go open plan

Open plan rooms are becoming more and more popular as the years go by and you can transform your home by creating an open plan space between the kitchen and either dining room or living room. This can even save you money as it can take away the need for an extension! An open plan kitchen and living area looks fantastic and will definitely add on value to your home.

White minimalist bathroom

Get a new bathroom

Along with a large kitchen, another big selling point for many people is the bathroom and they will always pay more for this. Bathrooms can be an expensive investment, however, it is possible to be done on a budget and will add value to your home making it a worthwhile project.

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Get their look: Pretty pink patterned kitchen

This pink patterned kitchen is so pretty – without tipping over into being sickly or cutesy.

The first thing that strikes you is the use of bold colour and pattern – particularly the work of Orla Kiely. If you have a look at the rest of Soozi’s Instagram feed, you’ll see that this is repeated throughout the house. Similarly, are the self-portraits of the artist, Frida Kahlo, obviously a favourite of the home-owners.

The kitchen is a very optimistic space, vibrant and full of energy – something that again, can be said of the whole house. It’s packed full of interesting objects and artwork, but doesn’t feel cluttered – something which takes real skill to achieve. Rooms are a feast for the eyes whilst remaining practical for living in too.

I really like her idea of toning her drinks collection with her décor – I might try it! I’ve had a look for spirits that are bright orange (to match our kitchen)… Cointreau blood orange, Burnett’s orange cream vodka, Thirty Six Short blood orange gin, Combier Triple Sec liqueur – shame I don’t like the flavour of orange!

  1. Frida Kahlo print
  2. Personalised retro antelope figurine print – A4
  3. Pretty in pink pom pom garland
  4. Akemi fabric plant pot
  5. Orla Kiely reed diffuser in Rhubarb
  6. FLÅDIS seagrass basket
  7. Orla Kiely Giant Rhododendron wallpaper
  8. Fentimans pink grapefruit tonic water 24x125ml
  9. Pinkster limited-edition gin
  10. Gordon’s pink gin

Get their look: Pretty pink patterned kitchen | H is for Home

Get their look

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Gordon’s pink gin
Gordon’s pink gin
Pinkster Limited Edition gin
Pinkster Limited Edition gin
Fentimans pink grapefruit tonic water 24x125ml
Fentimans pink grapefruit tonic water 24x125ml
Orla Kiely Giant Rhododendron wallpaper
Orla Kiely Giant Rhododendron wallpaper
FLÅDIS seagrass basket
FLÅDIS seagrass basket
Orla Kiely reed diffuser in Rhubarb
Orla Kiely reed diffuser in Rhubarb
Akemi fabric plant pot
Akemi fabric plant pot
Pretty in pink pom pom garland
Pretty in pink pom pom garland
Personalised retro antelope figurine print – A4
Personalised retro antelope figurine print – A4
Frida Kahlo print
Frida Kahlo print
Gordon’s pink gin
Gordon’s pink gin
Pinkster Limited Edition gin
Pinkster Limited Edition gin
Fentimans pink grapefruit tonic water 24x125ml
Fentimans pink grapefruit tonic water 24x125ml
Orla Kiely Giant Rhododendron wallpaper
Orla Kiely Giant Rhododendron wallpaper
FLÅDIS seagrass basket
FLÅDIS seagrass basket
Orla Kiely reed diffuser in Rhubarb
Orla Kiely reed diffuser in Rhubarb
Akemi fabric plant pot
Akemi fabric plant pot
Pretty in pink pom pom garland
Pretty in pink pom pom garland
Personalised retro antelope figurine print – A4
Personalised retro antelope figurine print – A4
Frida Kahlo print
Frida Kahlo print

Why you should invest in Art Deco furniture

Art Deco sitting roomcredit

Art Deco furniture has been around since the 1920s and has become a very popular part of interior design. Many people are choosing to design their homes using an Art Deco theme because of the beauty and quality of some of these pieces. You’ll find a lot of original Art Deco pieces available both online and in vintage shops. Other shops will have their own modern versions of this timeless style. If you want to know why Art Deco furniture is so popular, keep reading to find out more.

Art deco armchaircredit

What is Art Deco?

The Art Deco style originated in Paris, France, launching at an international art exhibition in 1925. Art Deco became increasingly popular throughout the 1930s where it was used in many different art forms from fine art to furniture design and architecture. The style of Art Deco is easy to identify because of its striking appearance. The shapes used during that era were often zigzags, stripes and other geometric shapes. Sharp lines contrasting against bold backgrounds and colours such as black, white, gold and chrome were prominent.

The popularity of Art Deco design has increased by the use of this style in films. The best examples of this are Metropolis and the 2003 remake of The Great Gatsby, based on the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This film is set in the roaring 20s and features some amazing Art Deco designs and furniture. Many people have been influenced by this film and have recreated the look for their own home or for Gatsby-themed parties. Here are reasons to invest in Art Deco furniture.

Art Deco bathroomcredit

Very stylish

The great thing about Art Deco furniture is that it looks amazing in interiors. If you’re a fan of bold colours and shapes, you’ll love having this theme take centre stage in your home. Art Deco is enduringly popular so you can be sure that your original furniture from the period will hold or even increase in value.

Art Deco kitchencredit

Great quality

If you encounter original Art Deco pieces in the flesh, you’ll become aware of the quality. Items such as Art Deco chairs or sideboards will have been made by hand with a lot of attention to detail. You’ll find great quality Art Deco pieces online constructed from walnut or other quality materials like Macassar ebony. Despite the quality being good, because of the age, you need to check that the item you’re buying has been looked after properly and is in good condition. If you’re going to invest in an Art Deco piece that requires repair, you can look into specialist craftspeople or, if you have the skills, restore it yourself.

Art Deco bar and billiard roomcredit

Timeless pieces

When you invest in an Art Deco piece of furniture, you’re investing in a piece of history. If in the future you decide that you want to remodel and change your Art Deco interior, you’ll likely profit on your investment as it will be even more in demand in years to come. Another great thing about investing in Art Deco furniture is that you’re reducing your carbon footprint. By investing in furniture that’s been pre-loved, you’re reducing the amount of waste that you’re producing. Buying vintage furniture can be beneficial in more ways than one.

Art Deco stairwaycredit

Our final verdict

Overall, we think that investing in Art Deco furniture is a great way to make your home look unique and amazing. Get inspired by The Great Gatsby and the Roaring Twenties and transform your home into an Art Deco palace.

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How to incorporate pendant lighting into your home

How to incorporate pendant lighting into your home | H is for Home

Pendant lights are one of the biggest modern lighting trends, and given the chance, they can be statement works of art that look beautiful in your home. There are so many different pendant lighting designs on the market that it can be difficult to choose the right one for each room. If you’d like to get in on the pendant lighting trend but you’re not sure where to start, here’s a guide to pendant lighting, room by room.

Kitchen pendant lighting

Kitchen/dining room

The best place to put pendant lights in the kitchen or dining room is over the island or table. Pendant lights are functional as task lighting as they provide a bright, focused light so placing one over your island or table will allow you to work or prep food comfortably. Pendant lights also work as décor so when it’s daytime, you can opt for a statement light to add style to the room. Popular styles of pendant lights include drum, geometric and vintage styles. One of the top tips for pendant lighting in the kitchen or dining room is the rule of three. You should have three of the same pendant lights hanging over the island or table for a symmetrical look that has an impact. Pendant lighting should hang low, but not so low that they are in your eyes when you sit down. To create ambience, add a dimmer switch to your pendant lights – this means you can take the light from bright and focused down to a lower level that’s perfect for entertaining.

Living room pendant lighting

Living room

For the living room, pendant lights work best as a central feature. You can use them to brighten up your seating area and make a statement – make sure to use a dimmer switch so that you can change the ambience. The style of pendant lights that you should choose depends on the décor of your living room. If you have a retro living room, try a vintage-style hanging Edison bulb. If your living room has lots of white, use a metallic fixture to draw the eye upwards. If you prefer an industrial vibe, go for a geometric style. You should always consider size too – if you have a low ceiling, opt for a smaller pendant with minimal drop.

Bedroom pendant lighting

Bedroom

If you don’t have enough room for bedside tables but you’d still like a reading light, consider hanging a pendant on either side of the bed and using a dimmer switch. You’ll save space, and get a modern, stylish result. You can also use a pendant light as a central fixture by hanging it over your bed – just remember to position it so that you don’t bang your head when you get out of bed!

Large group of pendant lights

Top tips for hanging pendant lights

  • Think about what you’re trying to achieve – do you need more light in the room, or is the pendant light going to be mostly decorative?
  • If you want the pendant light to work as task lighting, you’ll need to use down-lights in it for best results.
  • Consider the environment. If you’re looking at pendant lights for your kitchen or bathroom, remember that these can be a haven for steam and dirt. If the room is small, a pendant light may not be the best option.
  • Colour temperature is very important. Warm lights work better for homes, as it’s more ambient, whilst cool light is ideal for the study or office.
  • If you’re using more than one pendant light, go for odd numbers; i.e. three or five pendants.
  • For pendant lights in hard to reach places, it’s best to use LED bulbs as they don’t require any maintenance and rarely need to be replaced, so you don’t need to worry about accessing it.

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