Sleep experts Dormeo believe everyone deserves a good night’s sleep and are passionate about finding ways to improve the UK’s sleeping habits. In response to UK Houseplant Week (10th-15th January 2021), Dormeo have gathered everything you need to know on houseplants and their effect on sleep. Search trends for natural
Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has announced the completion of its latest two residential projects for Grainger plc at Millet Place, Pontoon Dock in East London, and Solstice Apartments in Milton Keynes. World-leading hospitality design practice DMA were commissioned by the UK’s largest listed residential landlord to help design the amenity
The process of staging your home to ensure a sale involves a lot of different practices. First and foremost, you need to thoroughly declutter any and all space you’re showing to make things nice and tidy. You’ll also need to do a thorough cleaning, manage small repairs, and invest in more significant
If you have always been interested in arranging home furniture and you think that you have an eye for picking out classic décor pieces, an interior designer degree might be ideal for you. However, before you go down that road, here is an analysis of all the pros and cons
Are you sick and tired of the same old interior design of your home? We have got you covered. The world is moving forward. It is essential to upgrade your home by using different decorating styles to keep up with the time. This article will shine light upon six popular
Staffordshire-based balustrade specialists SMART Balustrades is reflecting on a successful, record year as it achieves its highest output levels to date and sets sights on further growth in 2021. Family business SMART Balustrades specialises in the fitting and manufacturing of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, Juliet and platform balconies, and
National office fit out and refurbishment specialist Overbury has delivered the first two phases of a comprehensive staged refurbishment project to transform the student teaching and learning experience at Stratford-upon-Avon College. Overbury has redeveloped Blocks A and B of the college campus as part of a significant investment in specialist
The future is here as Merchant Square positions NI as a global centre of innovation Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has embarked on a groundbreaking project which will help position Northern Ireland as a global centre of excellence for innovation and business. The award-winning company was appointed as fit-out
From business and manufacturing industries to the new wave in home improvement, the growth in markets that are exploring interior decoration is at an all-time high. Interior design is a multi-faced sector that seeks to elevate an interior environment to the specifications of the clients. Trends in home decor are
There is nothing better than walking into a well-decorated room. That fresh and unique look that gets you right when you walk through the door is indescribable. It’s almost like walking into a newly-furnished house for the very first time. If you are looking to decorate your interior on a
Sleep experts Dormeo believe everyone deserves a good night’s sleep and are passionate about finding ways to improve the UK’s sleeping habits. In response to UK Houseplant Week (10th-15th January 2021), Dormeo have gathered everything you need to know on houseplants and their effect on sleep. Search trends for natural remedies, plants and sleep have risen: SEOMonitor shows that searches for ‘home remedies for sleep’ has shot up 85% from this time last year, ‘natural sleep remedies UK’ has seen a 436% rise and ‘plant for good health’ has seen an increase of 133% ‘Bedroom indoor plants’ has risen 84%, and ‘bedside plants’ has shot up 250% Please find below Dormeo’s top five houseplants you should include in bedroom interior design to help achieve a peaceful night’s sleep: Lavender- Best houseplants for a deep sleep With a long history of medicinal use, studies found it not only improves sleep but energy, vibrancy and general wellbeing. Researchers also found that lavender increases ‘slow-wave sleep,’ often referred to as ‘deep sleep’ which plays an important part in memory consolidation and brain restoration. Perfect for helping you achieve a deep sleep, Lavender is proven to lower heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels. Lavender plants like to be kept warm and in sunlight, so make sure your plant is in a sunny location and don’t overwater! Aloe Vera- Best houseplants to purify the air Aloe Vera releases oxygen at night, helping improve air quality which means we get a better night’s sleep as a result. Aloe Vera is a succulent, which requires minimal watering as it retains moisture in it’s leaves – perfect for those who are less green-fingered. An additional benefit of Aloe Vera is that the gel from inside the leaves can be used to soothe skin irritations such as insect bites and burns. Peace Lilly- Best houseplants for increasing air humidity Peace Lilies are known for purifying our air and removing harmful toxins by clearing chemicals such as Benzene and Trichloroethylene from the air. Alongside this, peace lilies also add moisture to the air and can increase air humidity by up to 5%. This provides a better sleeping environment, as air that is too dry can irritate airways and even increase suffering from colds and other viruses. Peace Lilies grow luscious green leaves and beautiful white flowers, making them an aesthetic and useful addition to your bedroom décor. English Ivy- Best houseplants for allergy sufferers English Ivy is perfect for sufferers of allergies and those with breathing difficulties such as Asthma as the plant has been proven to remove indoor airborne mould, making breathing easier. Placing an English Ivy plant in your bedroom will surely improve the air quality for allergy sufferers but be careful, the plant is poisonous if eaten so keep away from kids and pets. Spider Plant- Best houseplants for a clear head NASA found the Spider Plant is excellent at purifying your air with tests showing that the plant is capable of removing 95% of harmful chemicals such as Formaldehyde, Benzene, Carbon Monoxide and Xylen from the air. Removal of such chemicals from the air can help reduce headaches and help you feel well rested and clearer headed when you wake. Spider Plants are also low maintenance and don’t require a lot of attention.
Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) has announced the completion of its latest two residential projects for Grainger plc at Millet Place, Pontoon Dock in East London, and Solstice Apartments in Milton Keynes. World-leading hospitality design practice DMA were commissioned by the UK’s largest listed residential landlord to help design the amenity spaces in a number of its rental schemes. As part of this partnership, DMA is now developing a set of brand standards to be rolled out across the Grainger portfolio. “The build-to-rent sector is driven by people wanting to live in quality schemes from established landlords, and provide a real opportunity to offer renters security, well-designed living and amenity space, but most importantly, a home. Our hospitality experience is perfectly suited to the demands of the sector and gives us a deep understanding of how to create flexible communal spaces in which people want to spend time,” explains Lindsey Bean-Pearce, Head of Interior Design at DMA. “There is a trend within many hotels to create a more residential setting for guests. When we design hotels, we always take care to instil a ‘home away from home’ feel, blending hospitality elements with a residential mood. Within these two schemes for Grainger we were able to take these ideas further, using our design experience to create spaces that residents will find easy and comfortable to use.” The amenity spaces at both Millet Place in East London and Solstice Apartments in Milton Keynes reflect DMA’s design philosophy, taking their inspiration in individual neighbourhood stories to ensure each property is authentic, timeless and unique. The concept narrative has been skilfully communicated through finishes, FF&E and accessories selection and ensures each scheme is embedded in the local community, creating a real sense of place for residents. Millet Place | Pontoon Dock, East London This 154-home Build to Rent project is located on the doorstep of Pontoon Dock DLR station, near to the Thames Barrier and Thames Barrier Park. Drawing inspiration from the local area’s colourful past and bustling present, the interior design reflects the transition from old to new, encompassing the natural agricultural history, creative atelier workshops and raw materials such as recycled glass, rope and natural timbers. Industrial elements for partitioning spaces are used throughout the scheme not only to pay homage to the past, but also to create intimate nooks to relax in, with focal points deliberately positioned to encourage interaction between residents. A double-height atrium links the open ground-floor entrance to the first-floor resident amenity space. Feature rope artwork and an industrial staircase encourage residents up to the amenity space that bridges the two apartment blocks. Residents can enter a fully equipped gym and intimate yoga studio on one side of the amenity space through the co-working lounge area, or book out a cosy screening room, lounge or dining room on the other to entertain friends. Solstice Apartments | Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes Much like Milton Keynes itself and its deep ties to ancient sun worship, the property design has been inspired by the sun’s paths and energy lines. The colour palette across the public spaces is inspired by the summer solstice, making reference to the changing hues of light that emanate from the sun throughout the day. Residents are welcomed by a highly polished brass reception desk, feature hanging pendants and bold signage. With bold geometric wall panelling connecting the ground floor to the mezzanine & linking into the concept, there is space for coworking or lounging with feature joinery throughout making the mezzanine feel connected, flexible & well-considered. This space encourages accidental meetings between its residents. Bold feature wall coverings, curated artwork, wall lights and cork-clad lifts create a warm atmosphere, and spark curiosity in this modern & progressive area that is trying to push boundaries. The downstairs gym is an active frontage onto the street attracting the eye with stong lines and brave colours. To create residential areas with longevity for Grainger, DMA has designed intimate spaces in both developments; spaces where people want to dwell and that encourage “accidental meetings.” Rachael Reid, Interior Designer, said: “The desire to promote accidental meetings between people is an important driver in our design. Research shows that residents are far more likely to stay for longer if they know who their neighbours are. This sort of interaction can’t be forced. It requires a subtle approach embedded across the public spaces. Having said this, it is also important that people retain their privacy if they don’t want interaction. It is their home after all. The reception/concierge desk is a functional space rather than a social hangout allowing residents to go directly to their apartment if they prefer to avoid socialising. Whilst both Millet Place and Solstice Apartments showcase such interior design flourishes as designer furniture and bespoke joinery, a less fussy selection of FF&E has been specified, more akin to the type that someone might buy for their house. Jennie Walton, Interior Designer, explains: “Our philosophy at Dexter Moren Associates is always to explore the neighbourhood and its history and to reflect both through the mix of materials and furniture, lighting, colour palette and artwork. Given the residential context of these developments, we have adopted a subtler approach than there would be in the vibrant public areas of a hotel scheme. We feel guests in a residential setting prefer a more subdued scheme allowing them to relax more. For example, we have incorporated feature wall coverings in corners where they can be ‘discovered’, rather than revealed at first glance.” The completion of Millet Place and Solstice Apartments for Grainger follows DMA’s successful delivery of the design for the amenity spaces at Grainger’s Brook Place scheme in Sheffield which has been shortlisted in the Mixology Awards 2020 for commercial interior design.
The process of staging your home to ensure a sale involves a lot of different practices. First and foremost, you need to thoroughly declutter any and all space you’re showing to make things nice and tidy. You’ll also need to do a thorough cleaning, manage small repairs, and invest in more significant improvements if possible. Amidst all of these efforts though, you should also keep your furniture in mind. It can almost be easy to neglect furniture, because the general assumption is that prospective buyers are considering investing in the home — not what’s in it. Unfortunately though, taking furnishing and décor out of the picture when assessing a property is easier said than done. Even if people viewing your home are well aware that they aren’t buying the furniture as well, how it looks and how it’s arranged will impact their impressions of the property. Given this, we’re presenting a few furniture-related staging tips to keep in mind. Get Rid of Old or Damaged Furniture The first and most important tip is to get rid of old or damaged furniture. This may seem like an obvious tip for those who are used to staging successfully, or those who are inclined to take a thorough and careful approach. But again, many make the mistake of assuming prospective buyers will look past furnishings, and thus ignore any disrepair in this area. The truth is that furniture in bad condition is considered to be one of the main reasons home staging can stall a sale. Simply put, furniture that appears old, worn, broken, or even outdated can change the entire complexion of a space. It can turn an otherwise beautiful, inviting, and well-staged home into a less appealing space, and in doing so prevent a sale. This can even happen on a subconscious level, such that someone viewing the home doesn’t necessarily nit-pick about furniture, but still comes away with a worse impression than he or she might have had the furniture been in better shape. Find Sale Pieces Aside from the misguided assumption that home viewers will simply look past old or unimpressive furnishings, another thing that holds some homeowners back in this area is the simple fact that new furniture can be expensive. Staging a home can actually be a costly process given that it often involves a few repairs or remodelling projects, and budgeting in new furniture simply to make a good impression isn’t always a priority. For this reason we suggest that anyone considering staging and/or selling a home in the near future should begin keeping an eye out for some of the sales occasionally run by respectable brands in this category. For reference, an up-to-date overview of retail sales recently pointed out that customers can sometimes get as much as 50% off items from brands like Silentnight, Hudson Living, and others in the furniture space. Sales of that nature, as well as the occasional discount at a major online retailer, can give you plenty of options, such that you may well be able to affordable re-furnish a home for staging. You may just set yourself up with some excellent pieces to stock your own new home with as well! Look Into Rentals If the idea of buying new furniture specifically for this purpose seems a bit much, or exceeds your budget, furniture rental for home staging is also an option. In this case, you simply need to find a local company that will rent out pieces (or which at least has a lenient return policy) and figure out what you need in order to temporarily replace old furniture, or make a few key rooms stand out. Where rentals are concerned, the issue is sometimes the effort required. Ultimately it’s a fairly big job to find the right store, choose the right pieces, and organise them in your home, all on a temporary basis. And it still costs money as well! For these reasons alone, some prefer to simply purchase new pieces. That said, renting is sometimes more affordable in the long run, and can thus be worth considering. For that matter, you can also try a mix of buying and renting — perhaps purchasing furniture you’re confident you can use wherever you may be moving, and renting the rest of what you need. These are simple tips, but vital ones if your home staging effort is to be effective. The state of your furniture is every bit as important as presenting a tidy space or emphasising desirable features. It is thus necessary to ensure that old pieces or those in disrepair are replaced by newer and more attractive alternatives.
If you have always been interested in arranging home furniture and you think that you have an eye for picking out classic décor pieces, an interior designer degree might be ideal for you. However, before you go down that road, here is an analysis of all the pros and cons you should go through. Element of creativity If you are working in a job which does not align with your creativity level and feels monotonous, it is high time you should switch your career path. You will always work well when the job description is right up your alley and serves your passion. If you are driven by creativity and freedom to perform, jobs in interior design are your best bet. You thrive in this industry using your style as your unique selling point. Isabel Goodwin, an interior designer who cooperates with EduJungles states that this field is a great opportunity to showcase your originality and uniqueness. There is nothing wrong to need a little breathing space and incorporate your sense of style in your profession. It can help you stand out of the crowd. Booming Industry With the ever-increasing use of the internet and globalization, people are more aware of trends than ever. The retail interior designing has also skyrocketed with the rapid industry growth rate, making it an ideal degree to get. Applications like Tumblr and Instagram have become an endless source of inspiration for users and have been a catalyst for the demand of home décor items. All of this has given birth to modernization and taken this industry to an exciting height. However, everybody does not have the art and skills to design their interiors professionally and aesthetically. You can be that outside help to bring others’ ideas and expectations to life. This profession is very lucrative and rewarding in the sense that you get to interact with your clients personally. High rate of return When you study interior design and look forward to starting your own business, understand that this field is most likely to give you quick returns for your investments. For most entrepreneurial projects, you have to wait for even years to breakeven, let alone earn profits. For instance, if you are opening up a bakery, you will need a piece of land, baking equipment, raw materials, power source, salaries for employees and a distribution network. An interior designing degree is relatively cheap since you will not require a lot of capital, and assets like equipment and machinery. You work with the budget provided by your clients and receive profit as soon as one project ends. Creativity will be your biggest asset here, and you should capitalize on it to gain monetary benefits. Diverse clientele Careers in interior design are known for enjoying a variety of clients and projects. One day you might be decorating a bedroom in a private house. The next day you will get to do your magic in a restaurant. With every client, you get to work with different styles, colour schemes, spaces and budgets. That is what breaks the monotony and helps you experiment more. You might have a limited vision, but by working with clients from different backgrounds, you will be encouraged to leave your comfort zone and learn more about new techniques and gain experience in foreign aspects. Some people lean more towards contemporary styles, while minimalistic might be your next client’s cup of tea. Thomas Armstrong, an estates manager who cooperates with CustomEssayOrder, claimed that there could never be two similar days with this degree. You will always be learning and moving forward. Drawbacks of Pursuing an interior designing Degree With this freedom, you also face various challenges in this career. The major ones are highlighted below. Uncooperative clients As discussed previously, you get the chance to work with a diverse range of clients. Nonetheless, that might not always be a favourable position to be in. With every client, comes a different set of expectations. Some clients can give you the space to change things up using your own skills and experience; others can be quite controlling and uptight. It is challenging to work in a condition where the client dictates the entire process. Interruption and interference can easily mess with your designing process, which can be a major source of discontentment in your job. You need to incorporate the ideas of others into your work plan in order to deliver the customers what they need and expect. Limited resources Where you do not have to invest out of your pocket, sticking to a client’s budget can be troublesome. You might have a clear vision regarding a project but what good will it be when you cannot afford the resources required to achieve the goal? Often, clients do not get satisfied as they expect a lot even though the allocated budget does not allow so. Operating and handling expenses is never easy. You should be prepared for that before entering this market. Tight deadlines Accommodating strict deadlines is just another challenging aspect of the job. You might be excellent at what you do but performing well under pressure is not everybody’s strong suit. There will be times when you will be expected to deliver in very rushed time. Feeling stressed and anxious will not remain anything uncommon to you. However, you can always master this art with time and experience. You will learn how to perform efficiently with every passing project. All that is required is consistency, patience and hard work. If you think you are capable of doing so, go ahead. Time management Adjusting with your clients’ schedule can often lead to disturbing your own. You need to be customer-centric and keep their needs before yours. If you do not have a family and commitment issues, this job is ideal for you. Otherwise, think this through before opting for it. If you are studying alongside your job, juggling everything will seem next to impossible. You will already be buried under the weight of
Are you sick and tired of the same old interior design of your home? We have got you covered. The world is moving forward. It is essential to upgrade your home by using different decorating styles to keep up with the time. This article will shine light upon six popular interior design styles that will completely change your house’s ambience. Obviously, there are hundreds of design styles adopted by many people, but the six we are about to discuss are the most in-demand. Modern A modern interior design style gives a flashy look to your room. It has elements of the latest market trends that give your home a neat and streamlined look. A modern home interior will use glass and steel rather than wood. This is because the outlook must give off a clean and tidy look rather than a traditional haphazard of colours. A modern décor focuses on maintaining a metallic tone to the home and incorporating sleek design in the used materials. The interior decorators avoid using wood and stones because they are curvier rather than straight. The late 20th century trends inspire this type of interior, and it has been used in many homes and offices. Simplicity is key. This type of decoration’s focal point is to achieve a simple yet elegant design for your casa. It costs a little more, but the outlook of the home is priceless. The colour scheme used also favours the present world. Most people use a combination of grey and white to complement the colour of the metal. This gives the house a robotic and futuristic finish. Decorating your home might be a tiring task. College students might miss assignment deadlines if they focus on decorating their rooms. If you are someone in a similar situation, you can always find cheap essays for sale at EssayZoo.org. Industrial Among the many types of design for your interior decorations, an industrial ambience tops the list. As the name suggests, an industrial design exhibits a robust and olden outlook to a home. The exquisite woodwork pops the brown colour and gives your home a neat and premium look. There are many variants when it comes to an industrial design: Modern Variant: This design uses a copper-tone to amplify a grey colour scheme that looks amazing in a home. The modern variant is common among homes located in a city’s heart, or conference rooms of huge office buildings. Modern Rustic Variant: This is another example of a popular style of industrial design. This variant is for people who love rustic colours. It gives a more vintage look to your home and complements with red and maroon colour schemes. To make a design purely industrial, avoid using plush fabrics. Scout local wooden antique shops to get an idea of how the colours mix with the materials. Always learn from different patterns on wood and floors that you see in your daily routine. Use a combination of wood and metal to avoid using highlighted colours. All industrial style homes follow dark and contrasting tones. One of the most important industrial design elements is that it highlights stuff that is normally concealed by other designs. For example, pipes are normally hidden in your homes, and an industrial design specialist will focus on exposing the pipes and painting them in contrast with the wall. The sole reason behind exposing the pipes is to eliminate a clean look and include a different texture that aligns with the brick walls. Traditional No matter how much you like a modern design, a traditional one will always be in trend. People look at everyday things during their daily lives. They get bored of gazing at the same old style and want something new and different when they come home. This is a major reason why people prefer a traditional interior design. There is a wide variety of interior design concepts when it comes to traditional work. A traditional style of interior design has deep colours and an overall rich tone. The colour scheme inclines towards black and red and in some cases, beige. Contemporary People often mix up contemporary interior design styles with postmodern. But it is important to know that both of them are different from each other. A modern design includes elements of all the latest textures and patterns, but a contemporary one includes designs from many other interior designs. Such designs have plain spaces that show a neat and tidy look with a pinch of classical taste. Another difference between both the designs is that a modern one follows a strictly 20th-century look, but the contemporary is more fluid and open to changes and extension. Always be careful while choosing an interior design for your home. Designing your home is almost an irreversible process. Dave Leonard, an architectural designer who cooperates with WriteMyEssay, advises you to take your time while choosing the best interior design; otherwise, you might regret later on. Scandinavian A Scandinavian style focuses on different aspects of nature and uses organic finish. This helps a person relive nature by the comfort of home. Modern classic interiors are no match to Scandinavian designs because it reignites the aspects of a beautiful era in the time. This design features a light but thick colour scheme that complement the overall outlook of a room. Most popular Scandinavian designs use grey and white colour stones as the foundation colours. Like a contemporary interior design, Scandinavian also has a variety of variants for you to pick from. Minimalist A minimalist style is too simple. It uses fine lines and straightforward designs. Notting is too fancy or glowy, and this style involves single tone colors. It is hard to find something that is too much in this design type as the main focus is on undergoing the style. Calm people normally go for a minimalist design, and they prefer straight and bland things. It is shocking, but a minimalist style is the most popular interior design widely used in the United
Staffordshire-based balustrade specialists SMART Balustrades is reflecting on a successful, record year as it achieves its highest output levels to date and sets sights on further growth in 2021. Family business SMART Balustrades specialises in the fitting and manufacturing of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, Juliet and platform balconies, and handrails for the commercial and residential sectors. Recently named as the third fastest growing balustrades company in the UK by Plimsoll, the company reported record months in July, August and November this year, with turnover up 20% from 2019. After making a number of key hires earlier this year, the firm is now nine strong, with further plans to expand its team in the new year, as it continues to invest in the manufacturing side of the business. All of SMART Balustrades’ fabrication and assembly is done in-house at its Burntwood production facility and it has recently made a significant investment of £30,000 in a specialist tube drilling machine, which will accelerate production by up to five times. Despite the challenges of 2020, the business has remained strong; working in buoyant markets such as residential and education. Notable residential projects delivered by the firm this year include a balustrade scheme in Lewes, a platform balcony scheme in Luton and a roof terrace balustrades scheme in Bournemouth. The company is also working on a substantial project for national hotel brand Fairmont on its new Fairmont Windsor Park hotel, next to Windsor Great Park. Works include the installation of stainless steel and structural glass balustrades for the hotel’s stairways, terraces and spa areas. David Hough, managing director and co-founder of SMART Balustrades, said: “We couldn’t be happier ending this year with record results for our business. Despite the pandemic, we’ve continued to adapt to the market, offering new products and services such as platform balconies as the demand for outdoor space increases. “Like most construction-based companies, installation slowed down due to uncertainty onsite, but once social distancing guidelines had been clarified and necessary safety measures were put in place we were back to normal levels of output. It’s been a different year for everyone to say the least, but we look forward to continuing to learn and grow in 2021 and beyond.” Jonathan Hough, contracts director and co-founder, added: “Being up 20% with our year-on-year growth is an incredible achievement, especially in the current climate and we have ambitious growth plans for 2021 – with a target of 35% further growth. “Manufacturing remains a key part of our business, and next year we will continue to invest in our equipment and our team to increase efficiency and productivity. The tube drilling machine is a worthwhile investment and throughout 2020 we have invested in systems, accreditations and staff, to put ourselves ahead of the rest. Thank you to our brilliant team who have been resilient throughout the year, and our clients who have continued to support us.” SMART Balustrades is part of the Unitech Group, and it designs and manufactures its products at Unitech Group’s 75,000 sq. ft. production facility in Burntwood, Staffordshire
National office fit out and refurbishment specialist Overbury has delivered the first two phases of a comprehensive staged refurbishment project to transform the student teaching and learning experience at Stratford-upon-Avon College. Overbury has redeveloped Blocks A and B of the college campus as part of a significant investment in specialist facilities and equipment that began during the national coronavirus lockdown. The contractor worked with Associated Architects to reimagine the exterior of the 1960s building, with the creation of a new eye-catching main entrance to attract visitors from the A422 Alcester Road and adjacent Stratford-upon-Avon Train Station. The modern looking structure is complemented by the addition of new revolving entrance doors, stone flooring, new curtain walling and a feature entrance canopy, as well as a respray to existing cladding and windows to create a more welcoming approach. Overbury has delivered a full overhaul of the interior, with a rejuvenated reception area boasting sustainable features including LED lighting and feature timber clad walls. New management offices, breakout areas, toilets and meeting and teaching spaces have been created, with new tiled flooring and furniture throughout. Both blocks benefit from improved ventilation, with new data and feature acoustic, timber raft ceilings and reconstructed stairwells. Work on the 24-week refurbishment project began in a live campus environment in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and was completed in time for the start of the academic year. The project team included Novus as project manager, M&E engineer Couch Perry Wilkes and quantity surveyor RLF. Lindsey Stewart, chief operating officer, Stratford-upon-Avon College, said: “The College has embarked on an ambitious refurbishment project to re-imagine the campus at Stratford-upon-Avon College. We have been impressed at Overbury’s ability to continue working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite all the challenges that this entailed they had delivered two refurbished blocks for us by September. Overbury has been a key part of that project in the first two phases and provided us with a high standard and level of quality which will be the benchmark we use going forward in future phases.” Alan Hastings, director of operations, Stratford-upon-Avon College, said: “Overbury has delivered a refurbishment project for the College that is a real step change for our campus and for how we are viewed by our stakeholders. One of the reasons young people choose a College like ours is because they are looking for a path and an experience that is very different to school. The refurbished buildings set us apart from that school experience. They deliver on the tone and feel we wanted, are visibly striking and visually interesting to students. From the start, the Overbury team has been very committed to meeting our needs. They have been responsive to change, pre-emptive and worked collaboratively with us in suggesting better alternatives to building solutions that we had not considered. We are delighted with the newly refurbished spaces, and our staff and students enjoy using them.” Penelope Mitchell, education and public sector business development manager for Overbury, said: “This refurbishment project represents a considerable investment in transforming the overall student experience and delivers new facilities that are second to none throughout Warwickshire. The focal point is the striking new entrance that provides a stronger street presence, drawing visitors into the college and supporting the future growth of the campus. It is especially pleasing to have completed the project given the challenges posed by a national lockdown. We’ve taken a really collaborative approach, working closely with colleagues at Stratford-upon-Avon College and the wider project team to find new ways of delivery that ensured the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone on site.” Overbury specialises in the fit out and refurbishment of higher and further education facilities. The contractor recently completed projects worth more than £4.4 million at the University of Birmingham and delivered the £1 million fit out of an Arts and Design Centre at Dudley College of Technology.
The future is here as Merchant Square positions NI as a global centre of innovation Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has embarked on a groundbreaking project which will help position Northern Ireland as a global centre of excellence for innovation and business. The award-winning company was appointed as fit-out contractor at Merchant Square, a £14million project which will see the creation of 200,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over nine floors. The offices, which are exclusively let by PwC, will accommodate up to 3,000 employees at the former Oyster and Royston buildings, in the heart of Belfast’s business district and adjacent to the City Hall. Belfast’s future as a global centre of innovation is cemented as Merchant Square is set to become one of the most advanced digital spaces in the city. The landmark building will incorporate technology-enabled client collaboration and event spaces, as well as a state-of-the-art digital hub that will provide the infrastructure and environment to inspire and support innovation. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director Ray Hutchinson said the company is delighted to be working on one of the most prestigious projects to be undertaken in Belfast in recent years. He said: “It is always great to be working on a landmark building in our home city of Belfast, but this is extra special as Merchant Square really will be a leader on the international stage. We have been working with excellent local partners to bring this stand out fit-out project to life, with advanced logistical planning and management during what has been a challenging year for many industries, including construction. “Earlier this year we completed our new £5million headquarters at Boucher Place in the city which was a very proud moment for Gilbert-Ash and it is a privilege to follow it up with this project which has the power to be transformative for the city, in terms of helping to position Belfast on a global stage as a centre of innovation. “The designs for Merchant Square are a celebration of Belfast’s industrial and linen heritage as well as a number of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Harland & Wolff cranes. The themes running throughout the building will give nods to the city’s ship building and aviation industries as well as Belfast’s history as a centre of the linen industry. “The building will also reflect the geography of Belfast with the River Lagan and Botanic Gardens incorporated into designs. “This will be a building which will help foster an excellent working environment and help inspire and attract the best people to work in Belfast.” Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued success to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It continues to complete a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, science and technology, retail and residential. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com
From business and manufacturing industries to the new wave in home improvement, the growth in markets that are exploring interior decoration is at an all-time high. Interior design is a multi-faced sector that seeks to elevate an interior environment to the specifications of the clients. Trends in home decor are constantly changing and 2020 is no different. Whether it’s for residential or commercial use, the changes in design call for experts to be more innovative, personal and dynamic than ever before. Home decor is the most effective way of expressing the lifestyle that a consumer believes in. Europe plays a paramount role in the global design and decor industry which include various items such as furniture, home textiles, lighting fixtures,artifacts, floor coverings just to name a few. The furniture sector has undergone significant changes with more focus on quality and design. This has made the industry grow exponentially, evident not only in terms of production but also in the market and international trade values. The market is projected to continue growing due to increased expenditure for furniture goods among the millennials in 2020. Below are some opportunities that lie ahead of the furniture industry; ACCESS TO NEW MARKETS The European furniture market is without a doubt recognised worldwide for its high-quality products and spectacular designs. This has created an opportunity for this sector to further seize other market niches, in particular the luxurious high-end markets. An interior designer looking to instal a modern and functional kitchen can simply source for these merchandise from a variety of European furniture brands. FURTHER RESEARCH Technology has allowed the furniture industry to attract expertise from the younger generations who have helped rejuvenate this sector while keeping it highly competitive. Development in the real estate sector is expected to supplement the growth of the home decor market. Consumer preferences have fueled the demand for fancy products to decorate homes. Additionally, the consumer is more aware of the impact of his or her choice on the environment. Homes are inclined to adopt Biophilic designs to feel more connected with nature. Others opt for more eco-friendly products that are sustainably sourced and put less stress on the environment. INVESTMENT The Europe furniture industry continues to increase investment to enhance creativity, innovation and skills which result in the production of new products to suit the ever-changing population and lifestyles. The growth of the home decor industry has paved the way to premium products that provide superb experience to the users. Growing this preference for finer things after a certain time boosts the availability of different products. Technology has greatly revolutionized the furniture industry making it easier for any type of furniture to be available in all corners of the globe. Key furniture brands have come up with interesting trends to offer their products such as affordable DIY furniture that has greatly influenced sales. This sector, however, has been hit severally with challenges and crisis that are briefly highlighted below; CLIMATE CHANGES Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing modern society. Global warming due to the depletion of the ozone layer is a serious environmental concern. The consequences of this warming trend are dire. Furniture companies are increasingly focussing on the environmental impact of their operations and have adopted eco-friendly manufacturing and design principles to preserve the earth for future generations. INNOVATION The 21st century called for heavy reliance on technology that consequently caused an increase in global trade and digitalisation. The penetration of e-commerce and smart devices such as mobile phones and computers has provided for easy distribution and payment options of products. This has tremendously progressed the market growth with different home decor products. Manufacturers are integrating the latest technologies to assist consumers to choose the best home decor products for their homes. For example, consumers now have easy access to Apps that allow them to enter the dimensions of their rooms and have add ons to their space and have a feel of how it would be before purchase. The challenge when it comes to technology is the infringement of intellectual property rights exposed to companies. Moreover, boosting research requires finance that is often a huge challenge to medium and small furniture businesses. COMPETITION The home decor market is quite fragmented due to the presence of multiple manufacturers both regional and internationally. Globalization has opened up more markets for consumers which have made it easier for accessibility of a variety of products from different corners of the world. The Europe furniture sector has witnessed significant growth over the years and is expected to grow at a steady pace even after 2020 although it’s often in constant competition with other countries across the globe that offer low production costs. China, for instance, is rapidly growing and is reported to be now the largest exporter of furniture to the European region.
There is nothing better than walking into a well-decorated room. That fresh and unique look that gets you right when you walk through the door is indescribable. It’s almost like walking into a newly-furnished house for the very first time. If you are looking to decorate your interior on a budget but you do not want to skimp on style, then this article is for you. Before you splurge on brand new things, it is always best to check around your home to see if there is already something in your house that inspires you or could be restored into something that would work with your plans.. It could be the wallpaper that you stashed at the back of the drawer or an old ladder that can serve as a shelving unit; whatever you do, finding things around your home can save you money. Need more ideas? We are ready to give you the inspiration that you need! Here are the best ways to do your interior decorating on a budget: Paint, paint, paint! This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to change the overall look of your space. Going over your nude walls with a chic yellow or any other lively color will make a bold statement and instantly update your space. Granted, re-painting your whole house can take a lot of time and dedication. Therefore, if you do not have the time then to re-paint over the entire house, then simply repaint a trim or two and it will make such a big difference in the space that you are decorating. Purchase local art Unique paintings from the most talented artists come at a hefty cost. But this does not mean that you cannot decorate your interior space with some affordable art pieces. You can come across these pieces by contacting local art programs or colleges to inquire whether there are any upcoming student art shows. This will not only help you save money but also enable you to own an affordable piece of art. You can even ask a local printer to reproduce a memorable picture of you or your adventures and then frame it. This will transform your interior space in an incredible way. Make the most of your existing pieces There are times when you do not have to do much to decorate a space. All you need to do is make the most of your existing pieces to elevate the space. By moving a few things around or relocating them to the next room, you will be surprised at how versatile everything can be. Buy from the flea market A majority of people do not believe that they can find decorative pieces in the flea market. But when you are on a budget, this is one of the few, affordable places that you can purchase decorative pieces. There are a variety of unique deals on unique pieces that you will hardly find anywhere else. There are those that are still in good condition while others need a little updating. Whether it is a lampshade or decorations that go on your door, you will always come across something that catches your eye here. Change out your accents If you are looking for an inexpensive makeover, replacing the doorknobs in your bathroom and kitchen as well as your handles is the way to do it. In addition to this, you can also replace your lighting fixtures as well as your lampshades. Apart from this, adding throw pillows on your couches will also make a great style difference. A little bit of this and that will never disappoint. Just make these changes from time to time and you will transform your space. Re-organize Interior decorating on a budget may be as easy as organizing. It is normal to have things staying in the same place for long periods of time. But did you know that moving that couch from the wall to the center of the room or removing old paintings can do a lot for your room? You can equally choose to keep your surfaces clean or display some beautiful flowers. It’s the little things that count. Decorate Away There you go! Some of the best ways to decorate your interior on a budget. You do not have to do everything at once. You can simply choose to do one or two things that will transform your space. Or if you have the time, you can do everything gradually. The biggest advantage that you will get is that you do not have to spend money hiring an interior designer. You can do it all yourself. Also, you will end up with a fantastic space for a small budget. A little creativity will always go a long way. Want to learn more about interior decorating on a budget? Click here!
