A consideration that you will have to think about when you order your blinds for bifold doors is the particular type of control operation system that you want to opt for. There are five control systems available that are slim and can be used on bifold doors ranging from electric or motorised to manually operated. Therefore, there is a wide choice of different options available that will suit all tastes and aesthetic preferences. This article shall discuss these options and the individual benefits that each control system brings. SV System Cordless Slider The SV System from Morley Glass and Glazing offers a cordless slider which is a manually operated Venetian blind that comes with a designed magnetic slider allowing the blinds to be effortlessly lowered and tilted. Cordless control is an excellent safe choice for families with small children. The SV system does not detract from the aesthetic look of your blinds for bi-folding doors as it is placed discreetly on the side of the blinds.  W Smart Solar Control System The W Smart system offers a solar control system that occurs via a battery operated, motorised blind system. This type of control system boasts long-life rechargeable batteries and an eco-friendly option to users as it removes the need to frequently manually open blinds or spend time replacing batteries. A further benefit of the W Smart solar control system is that the modern stylish remote is easy to use and can be placed in either a horizontal or vertical position on the sliding doors. S System Slider Moray and Glass offer a manual blind operation system specifically for pleated integral blinds in the form of the S System Slider. This is a magnetic handle that you can attach onto your bifold doors when you want the blind to be moved up or down. The advantage of this operation system is that the handle can be removed when not in use, therefore, it does not affect the aesthetic look of your bi-folding doors. Each door can also be operated with the same handle which makes the S System slider simple to use on bifold doors. MB System Motorised Brushless A motorised blind system for Venetian or Pleated blinds, the MB System by Morley Glass offers a significant improvement on previous electrical systems thanks to the brushless motor.  The MB system offers users control at their fingertips in the form of a unique control box that allows blinds of bi-folding doors to be simultaneously opened or shut as well as the accurate tilting of slats. SV + Symmetrical Slider Morley and Glass have perfected a SV+ Symmetrical slider which allows users to achieve aesthetically symmetrical blinds making it a great option for bi-folding doors.  The control system works through a magnetic slider which is placed on either the right or left hand side of the glass, while the narrow adhesive transport profile is responsible for maintaining the linear movement of the slider. The cordless control mechanism coupled with the antibacterial finish makes it a safe and hygienic option for your home.

Following the successful transformation of the reception area in Building 8 last year, the team at Exchange Quay has re-appointed highly-acclaimed architecture and interior design studio, Jasper Sanders + Partners along with contractor Aztec Interiors, to further extend the reception revamp at the Manchester office development. Works have now commenced on the reception area of Building 5 and Till Asset Management, acting on behalf of Exchange Quay, has announced a further investment into remodelling the Building 1 reception area as part of the scheme’s ongoing commitment to heightening its occupier experience. The investment into upgrading the reception areas totals some half a million pounds. Similarly to Building 8, the new revamped reception areas will focus on carefully restoring the design intent of the original buildings, and the architects will seek inspiration from two nearby canal systems to create a maritime theme for both reception areas. The buildings will benefit from new wall panelling, carefully crafted joinery and a finish that incorporates the external features and brings a classic sense of identity back to the two buildings, while introducing a more modern way of working. North West contractor Aztec Interiors will undertake the 6 week programme to upgrade the reception in Building 5 first before moving onto Building 1. Exchange Quay, comprising 435,000 sq ft, is one of the largest office developments in the North West with over 4,000 workers.  The campus, which has its own Metrolink tram stop, is located approximately 1.5 miles to the southwest of Manchester City Centre and is strategically located just off Trafford Road which links Salford Quays to both Manchester City Centre and the regional motorway network. Liam MacCarthy, Director at Till Asset Management, said; “We are delighted to announce plans to further extend the reception revamp at Exchange Quay. Following some excellent tenant feedback on Building 8, we were pleased to welcome back the leading design team to continue the works on the entrance areas of Building 5 and also 1. The new area at Building 8 has already made a huge impact on tenants and we look forward to seeing the new works progress.” Jasper Sanders, Design Director at Jasper Sanders + Partners, said; “Creating the re-design for reception 8 at one of the most impressive office developments in the North was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and we are looking forward to the opportunity to continue implementing the design on Building 5 and then Building 1. The new entrance areas will provide a great sense of identity and connection to the building and provide greater space options for occupiers and visitors alike.” The quoting rent on Exchange Quay is £20 per sq ft plus car parking.

Leading hospitality and retail design agency UXUS announce the details of Luna, a new interior concept for McDonald’s designed to bring people together in a welcoming, playful and shareable environment. UXUS have developed a unique design language for McDonald’s inspired by the circle as a symbol of inclusivity, unity and togetherness. Initially developed for the Chinese market, the Luna concept will now be rolled out globally. The hospitality experience developed by UXUS breaks expectations of traditional décor by incorporating new circular and semi-circular seating typologies symbolising inclusivity and connectivity, which allow people to come together in the round. Stools and free-seating encourage diners to shape their own experience, while layers of partitions and inviting ‘full-moon’ windows create transparency throughout the space, revealing the communal environment and connecting adjacent groups of diners. “Connecting is more important today than ever before. We continuously share moments of our lives with friends and family and search to connect with the world around us in meaningful ways. Luna embodies a sense of connectivity and togetherness, without compromising efficiency, durability or cost-effectiveness. The way the concept brings these together with new interior architecture, graphic elements and materiality using iconic circular shapes is a refreshed, contemporary expression of the brand that still feels very much grounded in McDonald’s familiar and much-loved brand language,” said George Gottl, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of UXUS. UXUS have applied a new approach to materiality, colour and texture to amplify a sense of discovery. Wooden finishes, textured vinyl upholstery, perforated steel and concrete-look laminate create an immersive environment that engages the senses. In addition, lighting incorporating curved shapes and circles as well as illuminated surfaces and down-lit walls create depth and a warm, welcoming environment. The interior also features a playful take on McDonald’s iconic Golden Arches, with arch-inspired stools, bold graphics and lighting which reimagine iconic branded elements in surprising and unexpected ways. “We continually have our customers top of mind when we design spaces for them to come together to dine. Enjoying a meal with friends, family or colleagues is perhaps the most social of events and creating environments that can make that experience easy, convenient, safe and rewarding is what we constantly strive to achieve. Luna, as developed with UXUS, ticks those boxes and it is a concept we are starting to scale around the world. And when dine-in restrictions resulting from COVID become increasingly eased, we look forward to welcoming even more guests back to our dining areas to enjoy the McDonald’s experience and for some, the delights of Luna,“ commented Stephen Douglas, Senior Director, Global Development at McDonald’s.

The way you choose to decorate your house reflects your personality. However, certain tastes can mean more money out of the pocket and experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk sought to find out which interior design style is the priciest! To do so, MyJobQuote.co.uk analysed the ‘shopping’ tab on Google for keywords related to seven interior design trends: Minimalist, Scandinavian, Industrial, Rustic, Bohemian, Shabby Chic and Gothic. The study’s aim was to find out how much it would cost to furnish a one bedroom home in each interior design style. Gothic – £58,174 If you are a fan of the Gothic style, expect to spend a small fortune on your surroundings, with figures revealing this interior design style to be the most expensive to recreate in your house. You can bank on spending up to £58,174 on Gothic furniture for your home according to the products sold on the first few pages of Google! Why is it so expensive? Gothic furniture is more often vintage or made from solid wood materials which makes the products more expensive. The characteristic contour and ornaments take longer to produce and require skilful hands to do so, which also contributes towards the premium prices. Rustic – £6,994 In second place we find Rustic furniture, which can cost you an average of £6,994. While the design of Rustic furniture is simple, just like Gothic we find the usage of expensive wooden materials to be a characteristic of this style. The opposite of minimalism, the furniture is usually heavy and oversized. Shabby Chic – £5,807 If you are a fan of Shabby Chic designs, it can cost you around £5,807 to furnish a one-bedroom house. While the materials used are much lighter than Rustic furniture, the vintage aesthetic makes it one of the more expensive interior design trends. Industrial – £5,362 Following in fourth place, we have the Industrial style which can cost you almost £5,400 for a sofa, bed, dinner table, desk/dressing table, chair, wardrobe, bookcase, armchair and side table. The Industrial interior design style is simple but the usage of metal alongside coarse materials gives it an edgy look loved by many. Minimalist – £4,530 For those who prefer Minimalist interior design, less is more. And unless you are Kim Kardashian, a Minimalistic house can also mean you end up spending less money on furniture. In fact, you can expect to spend approximately £4,530 to furnish your house in this style. Bohemian – £4,204 For those bubbly souls who like to be surrounded by patterns and colours, the Bohemian interior design style is best. And luckily for them, the Bohemian style is the second least expensive style to recreate in your home, costing approximately £4,204 to buy the average priced products. Scandinavian – £3,861 Whether you are on a budget or are a fan of the airy and bright look, the Scandinavian design is the one for you, being the cheapest interior design style. In fact, it would cost approximately £3,861 to make your home look Scandinavian. Simple yet functional, this style makes use of materials such as hemp, leather and wood, making you feel connected to nature.

Homeowners looking to spruce up their abodes this year can look to the latest and emerging trends from interior design experts to add style and value to properties. From cleverly mixing modern with vintage, to maximising natural light and getting creative with carefully curated knick knacks, interior designer for North Sands Developments, Jules Upton of Oval Interiors, has compiled a list of her top eight trends for homeowners to watch if they want to incorporate these ideas into their homes in 2021. It’s no surprise that many of the trends that are predicted to be amongst the most popular this year, are those that have helped homeowners stay comforted and cosy throughout a difficult and uncertain 2020. Tradition, comfort and a touch of luxury feature heavily in the list – as a reflection of how homeowners’ lifestyles, behaviour and relationships within their homes have evolved as we all spend more time indoors. Seven interior design trends to watch: Cottagecore Cottagecore is a trend that has emerged over recent months, and reflects a common need for comfort and cosiness with a touch of elegance and British quirkiness. Think quaint patterns, leafy, nature-inspired prints, gold accessories and cute ornaments to add a splash of personality to your home. Search #cottagecore on Instagram and Pinterest and you’ll be flooded with inspirational images! Grandmillennial The ‘grandmillennial’ trend is a twist on the previously popular ‘granny chic’ style – it’s been on the rise throughout 2020 as people searched for added elements of relaxation and comfort in their homes – and it’s going to continue to grow. Imagine pieces of furniture, patterns, cushions and accessories you might encounter in your grandparents’ house, then team them with a few carefully selected modern pieces and you’re on your way to pulling off one of the most unique trends of the year. Natural textures A simple and easy trend to incorporate into your home décor is the introduction of different types of natural textures in similar colour shades – it’s an interesting way to add personality and character to a room without using bright colours. Blankets, throws, cushions and rugs are a straight-forward way of incorporating different fabrics and textures, but also consider adding unique wall-hangings and accessories, such as macrame made from rope, string or twine, to add a beautiful and natural element to your home. Houseplants with a twist One of the biggest interior design trends we can expect to see in 2021 is the use of dried flowers to decorate the home. A change from the usual green and vibrant houseplants – which are still as fashionable as ever – using dried flowers last longer and don’t require any maintenance. Their aesthetic is also very appealing – often dried flowers, seed heads and leaves are as attractive and beautiful as their living versions. Roof windows Homes with lots of natural light are always desirable and in style – but a growing trend is enhancing the daylight in your house even more by installing roof windows and skylights. This is a great addition to a study, studio or open plan living space if the layout of your home allows. As we spend more time indoors and many people have switched to working from home, ensuring a light and airy space to boost your productivity will be hugely beneficial to your wellbeing at home. Earthy colours Earthy, dark, natural colours are proving popular when it comes to selecting a bold shade for an accent wall, tiles or furniture in the home. This year will see many go for a dark blue or dark green colour to make a statement – the trick is to keep it subtle and not overdo it, so choose one part of the room décor, such as one wall, a rug or the sofa cushions to introduce the colour, making sure that the rest of the accessories in the room complement it well. Japandi One of our favourite trends to enjoy in 2021 is Japandi – the intriguing combination of Japanese and Scandinavian design influences within one style. Think of it as Japanese minimalism – simple lines, neutral colours and big leafy houseplants. The simplistic, natural elements of both Scandinavian and Japanese décor make this trend an easy one to get right.

Homeowners and those searching for their next property can look to these five simple considerations for finding and achieving a happy home to ensure a richer quality of living. As many of us are spending more time at home than ever, it’s important that your home works to enhance and complement your living habits and routines, rather than leaving you feeling restricted by a lack of space or inadequate, uncomfortable places to work, study or relax. From interior décor and quality of fixtures to scope for improvement, the property experts at North Sands Developments have shared their top ingredients for creating a happy home that suits all of your needs. Director at North Sands Developments, James Hartley, said: “Whether you’re a homeowner, or you are new to the property market searching for the right house, creating a home that works for you, your family and your living habits is an important step in ensuring it’s a place you feel at your most content and comfortable. “In these uncertain times, many of us have found ourselves spending more and more time indoors – so it almost goes without saying that your home should enrich your daily routine, and these considerations touch upon the importance of ensuring a happy home includes spaces to accommodate remote working and offer supreme comfort. “At North Sands Developments, we design homes with futures and families in mind, and it’s crucial to consider your own needs, as well as that of any family members, when searching for a home or choosing to update an existing property.” Here are five considerations for a happy home: Natural light One of the easiest ways you can enhance your surroundings is to ensure plenty of natural daylight enters the rooms in your house. If you’re spending time working from home this year, setting up a comfortable, bright and airy office will give you a dedicated space to concentrate throughout the day – and opening any blinds and curtains to let the light in can aid in helping you stay focused. Consider installing a sky light window into the ceiling of an upstairs home office, as this is a great way to let light flood in – it can make a huge difference to a room and is a desirable feature that will likely add value to your home. Downstairs, sliding or patio doors can transform a kitchen, dining room or living room, allowing natural light to stream into the home, often making rooms appear larger and more spacious, as well as providing you with views of the garden or patio beyond, connecting you closer to nature. Open plan living There are many benefits to open plan living – not least the multi-functional space it gives you. Whether you have a family, live with a partner or by yourself, an open plan dining, living and kitchen space provides versatility and flexibility in spades, improving the overall flow of your home and allowing you to make the best use of space. A luxurious L-shaped sofa, a small breakfast bar, a reading corner by a window or a cosy armchair in front of the fireplace – there are so many ideas you can introduce into your home to give it that added charm and cosiness that makes the space truly your own. It may seem like a daunting task, but creating open plan space is not too difficult and may simply involve knocking down an existing wall between a living room and kitchen or dining room. Do your research and hire a professional to assess the work required – providing that a wall can be knocked down, it is a relatively straight forward job for an experienced tradesperson that could cost less than you might expect. High spec tech To keep your home running smoothly, it’s important to choose quality appliances and electronics to improve your quality of living. Spending a little extra money on a quality appliance will ensure it lasts longer and performs better in the long run – it’s a small difference, but the ease and convenience of it will help to boost your overall enjoyment of being at home. Smart technology – such as lighting, heating, speakers, even a coffee machine – are also a good way to give your home added sense of efficiency and style that is designed to work around your living patterns. Add your own personality One of the simplest ways to create a happy home is to stamp your mark on it – choose striking artwork and accessories that you love to add your personality to each room, particularly those where you spend most of your time. From sentimental trinkets and photographs to bold, colourful art prints – the introduction of these accessories will brighten up any room, making it feel extra homely with plenty of character. Extension space Whether you own a home already or are searching for a new one, considering the potential for an extension could be an excellent way to get any extra space you need, making your home work better for you and ultimately transforming your house into a happier home that works for everyone. Increasing the space in your home with an extension can be a great investment for your family, and is another option to consider rather than moving to a larger house and paying stamp duty.