The Borders Design House

Going up

2011-02-08T14:57:00.001-08:00

Extending upwards is popular solution to gaining more living space and, in the majority of cases, it is also less expensive than an extension or cellar conversion. Furthermore, creating a new room in the loft is usually some two thirds cheaper than moving to a property with an additional room.
Clearly, though, there are a number of important factors to consider. Structural alterations such as a loft conversion will require building and planning approvals and there are certain regulations to which you must adhere including head height, window style, access and fire escape provision. Your first step, therefore, should be to discuss your outline proposals with your local planning and building control officers who will be able to advise on what may and may not be acceptable. There are statutory guidelines about, for example, dormer or velux windows, about staircase width, height and shape and about emergency exit access. You will also need to consider whether existing ceiling joists need to be strengthened, what type of heating you will install (and whether your existing boiler can cope), whether there are any water tanks to be relocated and, of course, the effects of a new staircase on the floorspace below.

Once you have established whether your ideas are feasible, you need to explore how best to maximise the potential of this new space. While you will need professional drawings to submit for your local council’s approval and an approved contractor to undertake the structural work, in terms of your lifestyle it is you who is the expert. So, before committing to the conversion, ask yourself the following questions. Who will use the new space, when, for what and for how long? How will this affect rooms below the new attic room? How practical is access for furniture and how much built in storage is required? What is already stored in the loft – and where will it be stored after the conversion? Is there a telephone socket and will an internet connection be needed? How does adding a room influence the kerb appeal and value of the house, the insurance premiums, the fuel costs? And, of course, can you bring it all in within budget? Only proceed with your plans once you are happy with all your answers.

New Year Resolutions

2011-01-14T05:48:00.000-08:00

About this point in January all those well meant New Year resolutions are often becoming a little frayed at the edges, if they haven't unravelled altogether. So now is a perfect time to make some new resolutions to which you intend to adhere! And for the enthusiastic home decorator I can think of few better than the following:

Resolution 1: I shall not make impulsive decisions about a new room style but take time to plan. (See my next blog for interior design planning tips)

Resolution 2: I shall resist impulsive buys (since these rarely turn out to be real bargains) and shop for unique eco chic pieces with green credentials. See a beautiful range of eco accessories at http://www.thebordersdesignhouse.co.uk/

Resolution 3: I shall set a realistic timetable and budget - and stick to them. And I will ask for advice from a qualified interior designer if I need help at any stage of the project. For a very modest fee a qualified designer at The Borders Design House will be happy to help.

Resolution 4: I shall approach the whole task with pleasure and confidence ... and if this seems a lot to ask, I'll sign up for one of The Borders Design House interiors modules. A fun way to learn how to transform your interiors.

Happy New Resolutions!

Christmas inspiration

2010-12-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

Admiring this scene from my desk this evening I was reminded of the Victorians' love of gold and silver Christmas decorations. Affluent homes would sport real silver tinsel and gold or hand blown glass baubles while more modest families made their own starched lace, feather and ribbon oddment decorations.

Gold and silver look stunning against the colours and textures of natural materials and add a sophisticated touch of bling to the seasonal home. Resist buying imported, non-recyclable decorations which harm both purse and planet and make your own. They're so easy to create using twigs, cones and leaves touched with a hint of eco-friendly gold and silver paint. Add a few lavish bows made from fabric scraps, old lace and ribbon oddments glammed up with pieces of sparkling jewellery.

Carry the scheme through from the front door to table settings and gift wrappings for a unique, eco, chic look.

www.thebordersdesignhouse.co.uk

Dreaming of a white Christmas

2010-11-29T05:36:00.000-08:00

With snow about a foot deep here, it's easy to dream of a white Christmas. Whatever the weather once the Big Day comes around, however, why not create your own white Christmas interior? All white festive schemes can look dreamily ethereal or hyper sophisticated, depending on the materials you choose.

Use lots of gauzy fabrics and soft silver accents for a soft, romantic scheme or combine stark whites spiked with deep purple and black for a super-cool look. Combine natural textures and eco-friendly materials within the scheme to add a touch of country style... but keep the overall look pure for stylish designer pzazz.

DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS

2010-11-19T05:32:00.000-08:00

Five weeks tomorrow till the Big Day!

Dressing your home for Christmas marks the start of the festive season. And, although we're coming to the close of an economically and environmentally sobering year, that needn't mean scaling down festive celebrations. Indeed, it's even more important to explore how to capture the Christmas spirit while making the least impact on both purse and planet.

Handmade, natural and vintage products are high fashion this season so cash in on the trend by creating your own decorations or supporting small craft producers. Take a walk in the woods to collect pine cones, decorative twigs and evergreen stems. Scour local sales and charity shops for vintage jewellery, pretty china and swatches of old fabrics. Get baking to produce your own tree decorations and edible gifts.

Watch this space over the next few weeks to pick up some great ways to have a green Christmas - or pick up a copy of December's D & G Life magazine for the full text of these tips.

Designer looks with natural eco chic

2010-11-06T03:16:00.000-07:00

     Making a huge impact in the designer shows this year is the natural eco look.

     Natural wood from sustainable sources hand crafted into clean and pleasing designs is at the heart of the look. This doesn't mean pieces are brand new; pre-loved and recycled furniture is just as valued and, indeed, if your preference is for endangered timbers like teak, reclaimed pieces are now the only viable option. Other natural materials have recently been recognised as better for health as well as environment. Eco paints, non toxic pastes and papers and natural floorcoverings are available in a huge range of styles and shades.
      But the natural eco look is about more than environmentally sound decorating. It is about reintroducing the colours and textures of the countryside and rediscovering our artisan roots. It could well take as its motto William Morris' words, 'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful'.
     Against a background of materials such as stone and wood colours can be muted (putty, sage, corn and rust) or vibrant (cerise, purple, lime and chartreuse) and patterns simple or intricate. But, whatever the choice, the finished decor will be pleasingly organic with each element in harmony with the whole. It will be a scheme easily changed with the seasons or mood but it will retain - and respect - the underlying bones of the design.

www.thebordersdesignhouse.co.uk

Home accessories and Christmas Gifts

2010-11-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

First of all, we must thank everyone who has given us such positive feedback on our new online shop! You all say how much you love the accessories ... and the fact that everything is a 'one-off' makes them absolutely perfect for Christmas gifts.

We really must thank all our craftspeople too for their hard work and the exquisite pieces they've produced for us. They really do make our range unique, eco and chic.

We especially love the house portraits (see under Vintage and Ornamental) and think they'd make a really thoughtful present for family and friends. But you'll have to hurry with your orders if you want them done in time for Christmas - our Borders-based artist is already busy!

Christmas is less than eight weeks away so keep an eye open for our festive tips on decorating and original gifts. And if you're after advice, help, or just want to say Hi! we'd love to hear from you.

Unique, eco, chic - the ethos behind the new Borders Design House online shop

2010-10-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

Interiors trends featuring in all the major exhibitions this autumn revolve around unique eco chic design. Environmental, financial and social concerns have clearly driven the direction of domestic interiors with smaller craft producers and suppliers taking a significant lead and recycled and reused materials becoming the new must-haves.

While trend forecasters continue to predict a yearning for domestic comfort and security, they also suggest we will look for glamorous accents as an antidote to economic gloom. Nostalgic touches using florals, plaids and stripes will work beautifully with reclaimed, handcrafted and painted furniture and decorative vintage details.

Colour schemes will range from pastel pale and soothing through deep and vibrant to dark and moody. Leading colour authority Pantone predicts an ‘interesting marriage of warm and cool tones’ with turquoise - their colour of the year – combining with honeysuckle, coral and russet. Saturated purples and berry reds against gentle grey (the new neutral) are likely to make a big comeback for autumn and winter. Painted, distressed and natural wood, gentle verdigris and soft sheen metallics will complement cotton and wool fabrics in what Frankfurt’s Heimtextile trend table describes as ‘mix-match’.

While, according to fibre manufacturer Lenzing, there is still a place for the high tec look this will be softened by natural elements referencing sustainability and authenticity. In other words, tradition will be packaged with trendy for a whole – and wholesome – new look.

The new collection of unique, eco, chic home accessories from the Borders Design House is now available to buy from: http://www.thebordersdesignhouse.co.uk/.

Romantic vintage is here to stay

2010-10-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

How romantic vintage is constructed, however, is open to a wide variety of interpretations. From the blush pink femininity of Victoriana to the stylised retro of the forties and fifties, romantic vintage is a widely embracing term with its roots in a simple, innocent look.

The move to romantic vintage is said to spring from a desire to create secure and comfortable homely surroundings as an antidote not only to current economic uncertainties but also to the raging consumerism of the past decade. And, looking at the revival of sewing and knitting projects, this is not difficult to believe – but what features create romantic vintage style?

Rachel Ashwell, founder of the iconic ‘shabby chic’ brand defines the look as incorporating character pieces which have been endlessly used and have picked up a rich patina of human history while paint expert Annie Sloan sees romantic vintage as softly relaxed with texture and character and Christina Strutt of Cabbages and Roses fame suggests it comprises old, antique or revamped pieces. All are agreed, however, that romantic vintage suits most styles and periods of home.

The essence of romantic vintage is its sense of enduring values, of homemaking and of tradition. There is a faded charm about even brand new pieces and older chipped, scratched or dented furnishings are treasured for their honesty.

Although colours come from across the palette, their texture is gentle; traditional paints from companies like Farrow and Ball and Fired Earth are perfectly suited to this look. Wallpapers and fabrics similarly have a muted quality whether they sport country flowers and spots or fifties patterns and furniture is softly rounded in understated proportions. Lace, one of the trendsetters this year, and stencilled detailing provide pretty accents.

Accessories really define the style. Think ornate mirrors, pretty photo frames, elaborate candlesticks and piles of soft cushions and throws. Add vintage glassware, old china, traditional lamps and informal flower arrangements for the perfect finishing touches.

The new Borders Design House online shop launching later this month features some great vintage-inspired home accessories. Be sure to have a look in late October!

Autumn trends

2010-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of this year I explored decorating trends for 2010, predicting that painted effects and faux finishes would outdistance wallpaper in the popularity stakes and that turquoise would be the shade of the year.

With the advent of the autumn interiors shows and exhibitions it seems that these predictions were right on cue. With a ‘back to basics’ revival and an ever-growing awareness of environmental issues, it seems we are more than ready to experiment with different mediums to achieve individualistic results. Stencilled decorations, paint effects and faux finishes are all in tune with the current zeitgeist and, while wallpaper offers pattern and character, it is more permanent and expensive than paint.

Turquoise has made a big comeback as we adopt deep glowing hues and vibrant colour to offset gloomy economic forecasts. Varying the shade and intensity of turquoise produces petrol and jade colours which tend to be softer for winter schemes. Teamed with dark wood and flashes of ruby or glowing copper, these combinations are ideal for living spaces.

But winter 2010 is just as likely to witness a reintroduction of vintage and retro colours as we follow the reduce, reuse, recycle approach in our interiors. Whether you favour an unpretentious, natural style incorporating lots of polished wood, wool and linen or a reworked classic look with direct references to French and Gustavian decoration, you will be able to express your own aesthetic this year. Most of all, however, we are going to see an explosion in the popularity of the ‘shabby chic’ look as we adopt craftmade concepts, traditional folk art features and vintage design.

Winter 2010 promises to be an exciting time in the interiors world.

As published in At Home magazine, August 29 2010.