The impact of substandard dwellings on the health of families is a complex and expensive issue. According to a briefing paper from the UK government’s POST, the health consequences of inadequate housing cost the NHS at least 600 million pounds a year. Illnesses associated with poor housing include respiratory infections, allergies, [Read more…] about Social Housing and Health
Living
10 Reasons For Moving From London To Liverpool
1. House Prices
Let’s start with the obvious then shall we? From January to March 2013, the average house price in London was £454,644, whereas in Liverpool it was £119,102. Although to some extent, there are reasons for this, the next nine points will hopefully explain why these reasons should not be enough to stop you from making Liverpool your home. [Read more…] about 10 Reasons For Moving From London To Liverpool
The Perks of Living in London
Living in London is expensive, that is no secret. Whether you choose to buy a house there or simply rent a room, the combination of that and the average cost of living is much higher than most places not just in the UK, but in the world.
The importance of architectural lighting in interior design
In any interior design project there’s one thing that should be at the top of the agenda – lighting. Unfortunately it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves and can often be an afterthought, but that can be a huge mistake – architectural lighting should be a core consideration from the start as it has the power to transform the whole project, and its importance should never be underestimated.
Just think how important lighting is in everyday life. We all crave south-facing gardens so we can get the most of the sunshine, and if windows are too small or aren’t placed effectively the whole interior space can feel cold, dark and uninviting. And that’s just the natural light – utilising man-made versions can have an even bigger impact. Architectural lighting has the power to instantly brighten up a room and, if done well, can create the perfect ambiance. It’ll be bright without being too stark, warm without being overpowering, and it can even be used to create focal points in a room.
It becomes even more important if a room suffers from a lack of natural light, and it’s here that placement of the light source and the type of artificial light becomes key. Lamps, wall lights and ceiling lights need to be placed carefully to ensure maximum benefit, and make sure to consider whether your light bulbs emanate a warm white light or a cooler one. Warm light gives off a yellow glow which can really enhance the colour palette of a room, whilst cool white light is essentially blue and is perfect for the kitchen.
But, basic lighting isn’t the only choice. Under-cabinet lighting, for example, can be used to great effect, whilst coloured lighting can have an even bigger impact and is becoming more and more popular in interior design projects. It can create the right accent at the right time, particularly if the colour can be controlled, letting you alter the mood of the room as you see fit. It can enhance architectural features to really make the most of the space, and with so many colour options to choose from these days it offers up enormous potential for interior design.
It’s just as important in commercial projects too. Office lighting, for example, needs to be just right to ensure optimum comfort for employees whilst environmental factors will need to be considered as well, which is why energy-efficient lighting is the only possible option in modern design. Again, it’s all about using lighting to make the most of the space and ensure its inviting without being overpowering, something that’s just as important to consider in a working environment as in a residential one.
As you can see, the importance of architectural lighting in interior design can never be underestimated. It has the power to transform a home and can make all the difference to the final result, so always factor it into your project and you can be left with a home that’s visually stunning at any time of day or night.
See your garden in a new light this summer
Summer is finally here, and with it comes the chance to enjoy your garden to its full potential. It’s a chance to get out there and make the most of it, reveling in the sunshine that we’ve been longing for, but this year, why not make even more of it than usual? With a bit of forwarding planning, you could see your garden in a whole new light, adding something extra to your home whilst giving you the chance to enjoy summer like never before.
Bring the outside in with the right additions
There’s nothing like being able to bring the outside in, and with the addition of a conservatory (for example) you’ll be able to do just that. The panoramic views of your garden will ensure you can truly make the most of it even when the chill starts to set in—you can retreat indoors when the temperature drops yet can still feel like you’re in your garden, offering the best of both worlds for the ideal solution. You can throw those doors open and fill your home with light and the feel of summer, or alternatively, why not opt for bi-folding doors? These stunning, high-impact design features can transform your home whilst giving you the perfect view of your outside space—you’ll get a full, clear view whilst the thin outer frames will blend in seamlessly to your building, giving you the chance to make the most of your garden like never before.
Entertain on another level
Both conservatories and bi-folding doors offer the perfect chance to entertain on a whole other level. With a conservatory you’ll have valuable extra living space and the perfect area to sit in when the weather gets a bit too much, whilst with bi-folding doors you’ll have a stunning open plan space that can be perfect for entertaining. Guests can move around your home with ease, with your garden essentially becoming an extension of the living room, and it’ll be a real focal point too. Your garden will already a hub of activity during those summer parties but with the right additions and clever design you can really use it to its full potential, all the while getting the chance to enjoy stunning views whether you’re entertaining or not.
Find the supplier to bring your ideals to life
Better yet, the right supplier of UPVC windows and doors (and conservatories) will know just what it takes to make the most of your garden. They’ll carefully design everything around you and your individual requirements, keeping in mind your aesthetic preferences and the style of your home as a complete unit, ensuring everything is totally complementary and designed with you in mind. With stunning designs you’ll get the chance to make the most of your garden like never before, so what are you waiting for? Make sure to see what UPVC doors and windows will be right for you and you’ll be able to see your garden in a whole new light this summer.
What type of bed is right for you?
The average person spends around a third of their lives in bed. That equates to a whopping 200,000 hours asleep, and given the amount of time you’ll spend there it makes sense to choose your bed wisely. Luckily there are plenty of different options available to offer something for everyone, so just what type of bed is right for you?
Let’s start by looking at the main types of bed available to give you an idea of the one that might be most suitable:
- Divan. Perhaps the most popular style around, the divan bed is a highly practical solution. At its most basic level it’s a base for a mattress which can come with drawers and the potential to add a headboard, and there are two main types of base to choose from. Pocket sprung versions have springs in the base for extra comfort and a softer feel, whilst platform styles have a hard top for a firmer result.
- Bedstead. A bedstead is a slatted frame as opposed to a solid base, with this style generally being a lot more decorative and stylish than a divan. There are plenty of different options to choose from including wooden frames, upholstered leather and wrought iron, and there are different types of slat styles available too.
- Storage versions. If you’re short on storage space you’ll often find storage versions the ideal choice, and they’ve been specifically designed to be more stylish than divans to offer the best of both. Choose from those with various drawers inset or even opt for ottoman styles where the entire bed lifts up, offering plenty of different options to suit everyone.
- Folding/guest beds. If you’re after a bed for a guest room chances are you’ll want something on the more practical end of the scale, with folding versions being ideal. It’s a compact solution and ideal for rooms where the bed won’t be used very much, or you could stick with a smaller double to give guests a suitable level of comfort.
Once you’ve got the basic decision sorted, the next step will be deciding on the style of bed you’re looking for. Are you after a traditional look or something more on the contemporary end of the scale? It’s important to choose wisely because looks will always come into it-your bed can be a real focal point so you want one that lives up to your expectations, and ensuring it complements the rest of your interior design scheme is vital. Of course, it’s a very personal decision and will depend on your own personal taste, but with so many different styles of bed to choose from you’re bound to find one that complements your ideals perfectly.
Getting the right bed can make all the difference. You stand a much better chance of getting a great night’s sleep and will create a room that looks stunning too, so make sure to carefully consider the types available and scour the net for great bed sales and you’ll be one step closer to getting your ideal bed.
