Interior Design

Is your old bathroom starting to feel tired and grubby? Bathroom décor has come a long way – by embracing new technologies and changing designs you might not only be able to make your bathroom cleaner and more functional, you may even be able to add value to your home. Here are just a few ways of modernising your bathroom for the better.

Shower

Modern showers are far more effective at maintaining a steady temperature and water pressure. Thermostatic showers are able to create a precise mix of hot and cold water – many also contain an anti-scald device which turns the shower off immediately if for some reason there’s a fault and boiling hot water comes out. Some modern showers also come with two heads – a fixed overhead shower head and an adjustable shower head. Such an upgrade could be great for making your shower all the more refreshing in the morning.

Taps

The days of having separate taps for hot and cold water are over. If your bath or sink currently has these taps fitted, it could be worth upgrading to a sleek new single tap with a temperature control. Sites like https://www.tapwarehouse.com/category/bathroom-taps offer a wide range of taps to choose from. You could even opt for a stylish waterfall tap.

Lighting

To make your bathroom feel less dark, why not add some extra lighting? Spot lighting can be placed anywhere on the ceiling or on a wall to add extra illumination. These lights can be embedded into the ceiling or wall so that only the bulb is visible, hiring the wiring and stopping it from getting wet. You could even experiment with some ambient lighting in your bathroom for when you want a hot relaxing bath.

Flooring

Make sure that your flooring is a sturdy water-proof solution. Carpets in bathrooms should be ripped out immediately. Instead, consider some non-porous ceramic tiles. To keep your feet warm and help water evaporate, you could also look into underfloor heating. You can find underfloor installation services at sites like http://www.warmup.co.uk/underfloor-heating. Underfloor heating is also a great way of upping the value of your home.

Toilet

Toilets have also evolved in recent years. Many modern toilets have cisterns that refill quickly as well as having a multi-flush setting to conserve the amount of water you use per flush. On top of this, many modern toilets have a closed back so that you don’t have to see that horrible pipe sticking out the back.

Ventilation

A bathroom is a damp environment that is susceptible to mould without sufficient ventilation. Save having to open a window on a cold day by installing an extractor fan. Modern extractor fans are very quiet and so won’t wake people up in the night. You can even trigger them to turn on whenever the light is on, or install a separate switch altogether.

Radiators

Today’s radiators have become a statement piece as well as an essential part of your home’s heating. Instead of opting for a basic white rectangular rad, why not consider a designer radiator, like a heated rail or even a a vertical, coloured radiator to adorn your walls and keep your bathroom warm and cosy.

When it comes to having a home as ecologically friendly, emotionally uplifting, and close to nature as viably possible, houseplants are an indispensable part of the equation.

Whether you go for a looming Areca indoor palm or a modest bunch of potted lilies on the mantelpiece, there are an incredible array of benefits to welcome some foliage into your home.

Here’s a quick look at a few of them.

They purify the air

Everyone knows that plants breathe in CO2 and breath out oxygen. This, in itself, can contribute to the air in your home feeling fresher and more rejuvenating.

The story doesn’t end there, however. Not by a long shot. In addition to clearing CO2, houseplants also have the ability to tackle and neutralise a wide range of other pollutants commonly found in stagnant air pockets around the home.

In fact, you might be surprised to learn that NASA (yes, that NASA) has conducted extensive research on indoor plants for just that reason, in the form of the NASA Clean Air Study. The results of which demonstrate that houseplants can be effective in removing, among other things, contaminants such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air.

The top most effective plants in the study, for the purpose of air purification, were; (1) Garden Mum, (2) Spider Plant, (3) Dracaena, (4) Ficus, (5) Peace Lily.

The only thing you need to be mindful of is that some plants generate more moisture than others. In order to prevent an unexpected mould problem, be selective about which plants you place where. Rooms with good heating systems in place, such as those available from https://www.bathroomtakeaway.co.uk/heating/towel-rails/electric-towel-rails, are the best candidates for the most rainforest-like bits of undergrowth.

They boost your mood

The health benefits of plants are by no means restricted to their ability to purify the air. They can also have a tremendously positive effect on the mental and emotional wellbeing of anyone in the vicinity.

Studies have shown that even just being able to see a tree through the window of a hospital recovery room results in faster recovery times and better mood outcomes for patients.

And while the exact reasons for this phenomenon are unclear, there’s something undeniably life-affirming about having a living part of mother nature nearby at any given time, as a reminder that we’re connected to the tides and beauty of the natural world around us.

They serve as a great ornamental feature

The global fascination with botany, of course, has at least as much to do with the fact that we like the way plants look as it does with the fact that we like the way they make us feel. With the incredible array of different types of houseplants available on the market — featuring every colour of the rainbow, every size, aroma, and shape of plant imaginable — there’s nothing to stop you finding the houseplant that’s a perfect aesthetic match for your own style sensibilities.

Houseplants, as well being a living health aid, are a natural, vibrant ornament, with the ability to set off any room and add a touch of vigour, or a dash of colour, to otherwise drab surroundings.

There are lots of ways  homeowners are currently working hard to update their interiors before the cold weather strikes. As the temperatures drop, most people just want to get home from work and chill out in front of the TV. So, now is the best time to undertake all those jobs you’ve put off but could save a lot of money and energy.

Invest in some stylish rugs

Adding some stylish rugs to the floor right now could keep the house warm during the cold months according to experts from Nest and other top brands. Of course, those with wooden or laminate flooring will benefit more than most. Still, even those readers with thick carpets should notice a difference after placing the rugs on the floors. The extra layer of padding and insulation will make it easier for the home to retain heat. That should mean individuals use less electricity and gas this winter. Everyone wants to move towards green living, and that is probably the easiest way to get started. 

Update those windows

There are a couple of reasons why all homeowners should consider upgrading their windows if they are more than ten years old. Firstly, the seal around the frame will have deteriorated somewhat, and that could mean the house becomes ‘draughty’ and chilly. Secondly, new aluminium designs tend to provide more insulation for the property according to experts from Buckingham Double Glazing and similar specialists. So, individuals will get rid of any gusts of cold air, and also will ensure the heat they produce stays inside the home. Some of the most popular window styles right now include:

• Residence 9
• PVCu
• Aluminium

Paint in deep colours

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’ll want your home to remain warm and as comfortable as possible. Giving the walls a new coat of paint could assist that with that process. Dark shades will always absorb heat a little better than anything else. So, head down to the local DIY store and pick up some dark blues or maroons for the best results. The benefits of painting the walls in dark colours include:

• Creating a relaxing atmosphere
• Retaining heat

There isn’t long to go until we all have to pack our shorts and t-shirts away for another few months. With that in mind, there has never been a better time to perform the updates mentioned in this article. 

Many people want to create a cool and modern look in their home, but they don’t want to compromise on their values. Decorating with your ethical values in mind means considering how your choices are going to impact the planet. Fair trade, sustainable, and eco friendly accessories are just a few options when you’re taking this approach to your home decor. Here are 5 simple steps you can take to create this sort of look in your own home:

Recycled Furniture

Recycled furniture is one of the ultimate ways to create a modern and ethical home decor. Recycled doesn’t have to mean that something is worn out and unusable. In fact, you can create a vintage, retro vibe by going for recycled furniture in your home. Recycled items in the home help to make the world a more sustainable place, and you can find some real gems if you look in the right places.

picture

Choose Handmade Furnishings

Handmade furnishings are a wonderful way to support small businesses and introduce some really interesting pieces into your home. Look for original artwork and homewares made in your area, as well as locally designed furniture, curtains, cushions and throws. The distance things travel to you can mean you’re making a larger footprint, so knowing where to shop in your area will go such a long way towards helping the environment.

Add Contrast

It’s OK to mix old and new together to create a cool and contrasting look. However, you should be sure that the new items you buy are in keeping with ethical values. There are many businesses out there that focus on this, so find one that resonates with you!

image

Go With A Decorating Company That Share Your Values

If you need help putting your new decor together, you might want to look for a company specializing in contemporary interior design. There are lots out there, so make sure you ask the right questions to ensure that they share your values and are willing to decorate your space in a way that is kindest. Look at customer reviews and testimonials to ensure that the company you find is genuine and as good at what they do as they say.

Bring The Outdoors Inside

Bringing the outdoors inside is a lovely way to give a more natural feel to your home. Plants can help to purify the air, and using untreated wood can make your home look very rustic and cool. If you can use some natural materials to create things yourself, this is even better! There are all kinds of tutorials online that could help you to create things like dining tables, bed frames, side tables, and more.

Are you ready to create a more modern and ethical home decor using these 5 simple steps? Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it; you’ll save time, and you might even save money by using a professional that knows where to go and what to use. Have fun with your decor!

I have many favourite 20th century artists but few have influenced my practice quite like Picasso. His bold, abstract portrayals of the human form and monochromatic cubist meditations have inspired my creativity in so many ways from my own painting to my home’s interior design. I’ve been lucky enough to see some of his artwork on display but I know I’ll never own a real Picasso.

Truth be told, I wouldn’t have the guts to display a genuine Picasso in my home. I’d be terrified of light deterioration and theft. So it’s probably for the best that my Picasso is actually an embroidered cushion by Jules Pansu in Paris, available from Banbayu.

This particular piece, The Femme a la fleur, is a painting of Picasso’s lover, Françoise Gilot, aged 21 at the time, who was almost 40 years his junior. Although Picasso was a known womaniser, you can tell by the soft shapes, bright colours and delicate, enveloping flower that the romance was particularly special to him and it’s why this piece resonates a great deal with me.

The vividness of the pallet manages to complement the neutral colour cheme we have in our home, especially the muted tones of our furniture and decor. In smaller rooms (which make up the majority of our home) I’ll add splashes of colour to maintain a light open feel.

As much as I want to preserve my Picasso, I’m not going to shy away from using it as the embroidery cover is hard wearing, like a tapestry and can be removed from the insert to be washed.

This iconic image has added a  beautiful focal point to my room, one that isn’t framed and on the walls. It’s more effective as a one-off furnishing rather than many “paintings” together which could look too deliberately worldly.

Have you got any original pieces of artwork? How have you displayed them?