Tuesday, 28 August 2012

80s colour blocking is back!


Colour blocking rooms in an 80s style involves using bold, contrasting colours in geometric patterns to create a vibrant and dynamic look. 


Here's how to achieve this iconic retro aesthetic:



1. CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR PALETTE


The 80s were known for bold and bright colours. 


Consider the following hues:


  • Primary Colours: Red, blue, yellow.
  • Neon Colours: Hot pink, electric blue, neon green, bright orange.
  • Pastels: Soft pinks, mint green, lavender.





2. DEFINE THE SPACE


Decide which areas of the room you want to colour block. 


Common options include:


  • Walls: Use different colours on different walls or create large geometric shapes.
  • Furniture: Paint or reupholster chairs, tables, and other furniture in bold colours.
  • Accessories: Choose lamps, rugs, and artwork that match your colour scheme.



3. GEOMETRIC PATTERNS


The 80s were all about sharp angles and geometric shapes. Some ideas include:


  • Stripes: Vertical or horizontal stripes in contrasting colours.
  • Triangles and Squares: Paint large triangles or squares on the walls in different colours.

  • Checkerboard Patterns: Use contrasting colours for a bold statement.



4. ACCENT WALLS


Create an accent wall with a bold, single colour or a combination of geometric patterns. 


This draws the eye and becomes a focal point of the room.




5. FURNITURE AND DECOR


Incorporate 80s-style furniture and decor:


  • Bold Sofas and Chairs: Look for furniture in bright, solid colours.
  • Decorative Items: Use items like neon clocks, abstract art, and geometric-patterned rugs.



6. TEXTURES AND MATERIALS


Mix and match different textures to add depth:


  • Glossy Finishes: Use glossy paints for a shiny, vibrant look.
  • Metallics: Incorporate metallic accents like chrome or gold.



7. LIGHTING


Choose lighting that complements the 80s style:


  • Neon Lights: Neon signs or lights add an authentic 80s vibe.
  • Geometric Lamps: Look for lamps with bold, geometric shapes.



8. TEXTILES


Use textiles to enhance the colour blocking:


  • Bold Curtains: Choose curtains in solid, bright colours.
  • Patterned Cushions: Use cushions with geometric patterns and contrasting colours.


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BY ROOM:



LIVING ROOM:


Walls: Paint one wall electric blue, another bright pink, and use a checkerboard pattern of black and white on a third wall.


Couch: Choose a neon green sofa with hot pink cushions.


Rug: Use a bold geometric patterned rug with a mix of primary colours.


Art: Hang abstract art pieces featuring neon colours and geometric shapes.




BEDROOM:


Walls: Paint one wall lavender, another mint green, and use a striped pattern on a third wall with yellow and purple.


Bedspread: Choose a bedspread in a bright, solid colour like hot pink.


Lamps: Use geometric-shaped lamps in contrasting colours like red and blue.

By combining these elements, you can create a room that captures the vibrant, eclectic essence of the 80s.


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PRACTICAL TIPS:


Balance: While the 80s were known for bold designs, it's important to balance the use of bright colours to avoid overwhelming the space.


Test Colours: Before committing, test your colour choices on small wall sections or with samples to ensure they achieve the desired effect.


Mix Textures: Incorporate different textures along with your colour blocks to add depth and interest to the space.


By using these guidelines you can effectively create an 80s-inspired colour-blocked room that captures the vibrant and dynamic essence of the decade.


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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.
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Monday, 9 January 2012

MOVE OR IMPROVE?

Now the the spring is here, many people begin thinking about moving or improving, this some of our thoughts on the matter.

The current unpredictable housing market is forcing many of us to assess the need to improve our homes rather than move.  The primary reason for moving home is to gain space, so why not improve your home and save on the costs associated with moving.  The typical costs associated with moving house can be over £15,000 to £20,000.  This includes valuations, conveyancing, estate agency fees, removals and stamp duty based on the average house price of £240,000 in the UK.  Added to this is also the cost of a further £5,000 that most people spend in the first year of their new home in repairing, decorating, furnishing and landscaping costs.  This increases the true cost of moving to around £20,000.

If you like the area that you live, your neighbours and you have all the facilities in your neighbourhood that you desire then it makes sense to look at the option of extending and improving your home.  Of course, if you would like to change any of these factors then the decision is usually to move.  The option of extending is not an easy one, there is the disruption to your home and the processes of obtaining planning permission, building regulation approval and employing building contractors for your project.  Homeowners should always be wary of taking on a project without proper advice from a building professional such as an Architect.  But with expert advice the ‘journey’ can be easier than you imagined.  For instance, an Architect will work with you to help you visualise the potential that your property possesses and give you value for money that should add value to your home.  They can also help manage the project and administer the building contract to minimise any additional costs and to hopefully complete your project on-time, on budget and relatively stress-free.

The average cost of an extension ranges from £20,000 for a loft conversion or single storey extension (3x3m) to £50,000 for a 2-storey extension that can include a bedroom, study and toilet.  We have recently completed alterations and an extension to a house that cost the client £50,000.  The house was valued shortly after completion at £75,000 more.  Not only will an extension transform your home and add to your quality of life, it can add significant value and will also help in selling your property if you decide to move in the future.  Obviously there are many factors that will affect the value of your property which your local estate agent and/ or architect will be able to advise you on.

Before you decide on whether you will ‘Move or Improve’ be sure to seek professional advice and explore the options that are available to you. You never know, you may be sitting on the property of your dreams without realising it! 


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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.
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Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Preparing Your Home For Winter

Following on from last month’s article on ‘How to save energy and money in your home’ this month these are some tips on how to make sure you home is ready for the winter weather with a winter health check.


Boilers and heating

The boiler is the most important part of the your heating system.  If it stops working you will not only be without heating and hot water but will have the inconvenience and the cost of emergency repairs.  It is advisable to have your boiler serviced yearly to make sure it is working correctly and efficiently.  The main problems with heating systems are: the pilot light goes out on the boiler,the hot water tap runs cold and  the radiators do no heat up properly (if the radiator is cold at the top and warm at the bottom it will require bleeding, this is a fairly simple process, follow the guidance on the Homeserve website, https://www.homeserve.co.uk/living/heating-and-cooling/how-to-bleed-a-radiator/).

For servicing requirements ensure that the engineer is either Oftec registered for oil and for gas is on Gas safety register which has replaced CORGI.  If you do have your boiler serviced ask your engineer to check if the heating system is clean to ensure that it is working efficiently as possible.  They can also check if there are any cold spots and check if the pump is making is making a noise as this can indicate a build-up of sludge as well as water in the system and this will affect the performance of your heating.

Ensure that you know how to operate your heating system, turn radiators down, but not off if rooms are not in use.  If you are going to be away for Christmas it is wise to turn of the water and drain the plumbing system, if this is no possible ensure that the heating is left on a low setting and timed if possible so that it is on at intervals through the night and day.  If you do leave it on low, ask a friend or neighbour to pop in to check it is ok.


Water pipes

If you have a tank ensure that it has an insulated jacket.  If it is a feed and expansion tank check that the float arm is working by moving it up and down and ensure that the valve lets in water and also shuts off the water.  Also ensure that any other pipes you have access in the house have pipe insulation fitted, this is easy and cheap to do.
Make sure you know where the mains tap to your house is and test it to ensure it works.  You will need to turn off the mains supply quickly if you do suffer a burst pipe.  Also check that all gate valves and stopcocks also are in working order and can also be turned on and off in an emergency.
Fix any dripping taps, including external taps as this can block and cause pipes to burst completely.  Screwfix has an outside tap cover for £7.99, (https://www.screwfix.com/p/outside-tap-cover/77873very cheap considering the trouble it can save you if your tap and pipes do freeze.
                                                                 

Fire Safety

Decorative lights and candles - When choosing Christmas lights, opt for LED lights as these are safer than the traditional bulb lights.  Make sure that you turn them off when you go out or when you go to bed.  Make sure candles are located away from flammable items such as curtains, fabrics etc, ensure they are secure in an appropriate holder and make sure they are put out when going ourt and to bed.

Smoke Alarms - Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted on each level of your home and test that they are working correctly.  You should test the batteries in a smoke alarm every week.

Cooking – Take care when cooking at Christmas, there are many distractions at this time of year, more than half of fires in the home are caused through accidents when cooking.  Take extra care when cooking with hot oil and never leave children unattended in and around the kitchen.

Visit the government website for more information on fire safety, www. direct.gov.uk and search for ‘Fire safety in the home. (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62876fa8d3bf7f1f4947d309/Fire_Safety_in_the_Home_v4_-_Web_accessible.pdf)

Also check with your local fire and rescue service.  Some offer a safe and well visit (previously called a home fire safety check) is a free service to help you stay safe and reduce the risk of fire in your home.



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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.
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DO I REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION?

Whether you need planning permission in the UK depends on the type of work you plan to carry out. Here are the key considerations: Permitted...