Home Improvement

The question of whether to use paint or wallpaper designs throughout the home has caused plenty of domestic strife over the years. Many dwellers enjoy busy and vibrant wallpaper patterns that exude character – but not necessarily style – whilst others prefer painted walls that feature neutral tones and colours – uncomplicated but not exactly exciting.

Of course, some wallpapers can feature plain patterns and colours whilst certain paints are bold and vibrant, however, in somewhat broad terms, it remains possible to divide people into two categories: those who enjoy the modest charm of painted walls and those who prefer the energy of striking wallpaper prints.

As such, are interior design trends likely to be dominated by paint lovers or wallpaper nuts in 2010? The answer, as perhaps can be expected, is somewhat self-evident; indeed, paint will always remain more popular as it is the weapon of choice when attacking interior walls. Notwithstanding this, it would seem that wallpaper has been afforded greater attention this year by many of the leading retailers, who have released some rather unconventional patterns that will be of concern to paint lovers.

One such wallpaper is Osborne and Little’s “Dog Silhouette” design, which is available in 3 colours and features images of man’s most cherished breeds. At more than £90 per roll from wallpaperdirect.co.uk, the design, which is part of the Walk in the Park collection, is unlikely to be popular with the typical magnolia man. Also available at wallpaperdirect.co.uk is the daring “Fashion” wallpaper, which is designed by Ferm Living and depicts various models in silhouette form. With floral and animal designs also set to be popular in 2010, it would seem that paint lovers are set for a rough ride this year – especially as embossed wallpaper is all set for a comeback.

On Tuesday, one of the UK’s leading mortgage lenders announced that house prices in the UK have risen for the fifth consecutive month, which adds further weight to the view shared by many that the country’s weakened housing market is well on the road to recovery.

However, whilst the Halifax’s figures bolster those published by the Nationwide Building Society last week, which suggest that house prices have in fact risen for seven consecutive months as of November 2009, there remains a healthy scepticism over claims that the slump is over.

According to the Halifax’s figures, house prices rose by 1.4% in November, which elevated the average cost of a home in the UK to £167,664. These figures can be compared with those of the Nationwide, which comprised a 0.5% rise during the same month and an average house price of £162,764. However, the Halifax’s figures remain 1.6% lower than they were in 2008, although they have risen by 4.2% over the current year. In any case, homeowners who are eager to sell up at former market prices should not be counting their idiomatic chickens just yet.

Indeed, despite strong signs that the housing market is continuing to recover steadily in the UK, the Halifax has issued a caution to potential buyers and sellers who intend to do business in the New Year. Speaking to the BBC news service, Martin Ellis, an economist at the Halifax, warned that house prices had been “driven by increased demand for property, largely due to the improvement in affordability for existing homeowners and first-time buyers”, whilst “the prospects for the market will depend on how the UK economy evolves and whether there is a significant increase in the supply of properties for sale”. Specifically, the Halifax is predicting that current house prices can only be sustained in 2010 if more homes enter the market.

If the current range of high street Christmas trees is anything to go by, Christmas 2009 will be notable for its rather unusual selection of artificial trees. Indeed, although it is fairly traditional nowadays – not to mention considerably more practical – to purchase plastic Christmas trees in place of natural pines, firs and spruces, the availability of choice has always been fairly limited.

However, the recent unveiling of John Galliano’s Christmas tree, which was designed for Dior and Claridge’s, marks the beginning of a trend or fashion statement that aims to put the traditional Christmas tree in the shade. In fact, some would argue that John Galliano’s work of art, which he described in the Guardian newspaper last week as a creation of “icy frozen snow scenes mixed with a tropical twist”, is nothing short of sheer butchery.

Indeed, there are many ways in which the home can be properly decorated for Christmas, yet the most common and important of these involves the selection of a traditional natural or artificial Christmas tree that is appropriately adorned with baubles, tinsel, fairy lights and other such festive treats. Therefore, John Galliano’s Christmas tree, the artistic value of which could be easily branded as gaudy, austere and characterless, is anathema to anybody who appreciates the more traditional elements of Christmas.

Nevertheless, it would seem that many of the top high street department stores have followed suit by introducing their own unusual Christmas tree designs for 2009. John Lewis, for instance, is selling its Pre-Lit Mistletoe tree for around £50, which is perhaps not such a great deal considering its diminutive size (75 cm height) and gaunt appearance. John Lewis also boasts a rather odd 6ft Reversible Upside Down Christmas tree and a Snowy Paper Christmas tree, which offers a distinctly wintry look and feel.

House prices in the UK have risen for the seventh consecutive month, which runs contrary to the forecasts of various industry experts who have suggested the rise cannot be sustained for any significant period of time. In fact, many experts, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), believe that house prices must fall to record lows before they are likely to rise beyond their peak 2007 values.

Moreover, this process could take a further four to five years to come to fruition, which is hardly good news for homeowners looking to sell up and move on. Indeed, many homeowners have already been forced to invest in significant home improvements, including loft conversion and garage conversion projects, which are designed to increase the available space in houses that have become too small to be called family homes.

However, the Nationwide Building Society has announced the average value of a home in the UK has increased by 0.5% in November compared to the previous month. This rise puts the average UK house price at £162,764, which puts the market in a position similar to that which was experienced in early 2006. Nationwide attributed the continued increase of house prices to a job market that is much stronger than had been feared. Indeed, many employers have chosen to reduce salaries and working hours rather than terminate employment, so although the recession has hit workers hard the damage has been limited to a certain extent.

Furthermore, demands for high mortgage deposits have also reduced, so access to the market has widened somewhat. Nevertheless, despite these encouraging figures, the so-called ‘three-month on three-month’ rate of increase in house prices has dipped from 3.5% in October to 2.8% in November, which can perhaps be seen as a sign that the apparent recovery is in fact slowing.

Despite the launch of interior design ranges from John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, notable for their vivid colour designs, floral patterns and natural materials (including deer antlers used to make candlesticks), it appears the more modern and minimalist approach to interior décor is not officially dead and buried.

The release of home improvement products by Vivienne Westwood, Ella Doran and Thomas Paul amongst many others appear to compete directly with the belief seemingly shared by John Lewis and Marks & Spencer that interior design trends are set to depart from the sleek and sophisticated, modern and minimalist and, most notably, the monochrome colour scheme.

The traditional black and white or monochrome colour scheme is one that has become synonymous with sleek modern interior designs. In fact, 2009 saw Emily Dupen-Hopkins’ monochrome Dupenny wallpapers dominate the black and white interior design scene, which enjoyed a modest revival despite worsening economic conditions. With the emergence of more vivid home improvement products on the high street and in consideration of the commonly held belief the black and white home requires a certain obsessive neatness and cleanliness, the monochrome look appeared to be destined for a rather colourful demise.

Nevertheless, it would seem the monochrome look is likely to survive all attempts made to undermine its appeal in 2010. Ella Doran has recently launched a new digital stonework print that works exceptionally well in modern monochrome houses, whilst Vivienne Westwood’s range of ceramics also provides a certain black and white charm for use in the kitchen and dining room – however, few such items are as cheap as those provided by John Lewis and Marks & Spencer. Indeed, with exquisitely stylish and comfortable monochrome furniture pieces available, such as Zanotta’s £7,800 ‘Delta’ sofa, there are many reasons why 2010 will be a year of contrast for those redecorating their homes.

As Christmas approaches, the thoughts of homeowners throughout the country turn to buying presents for loved ones and decorating the home in that unmistakably festive style. Thus, many people will soon be digging out the dusty boxes of holly, tinsel, lights and baubles from the attic in time for yet another Christmas.

However, there is no need for homeowners to follow the tried and trusted routes each year, despite the fact that money can be saved by using the same old Christmas tree and the aforementioned box of decorations on an annual basis. Indeed, the Christmas of 2009 ought to be a special occasion that celebrates the passing of what has been a difficult year for homeowners.

As such, certain improvements can be made to the home that serve to increase its Christmas splendour. For example, Branch Fairy Lights from flowerglow.com can be used to great effect in rooms throughout the home, as this product offers a tidy and pleasant indoor sparkle that is available in seven colours – the rose and carnation colours being by far the most festive. Homeowners can also brighten their homes in time for Christmas by adorning rooms with Mistletoe Light Garland from coxandcox.co.uk and Leaf Skeleton Lights from crocus.co.uk, which both constitute delightful alternatives to traditional Christmas decorations.

Furthermore, high street retailer John Lewis has recently launched its revised Christmas decorations range, which comprises categories of ‘Glamour’, ‘Vintage’ and ‘White’ among many others, including the classic range. In particular, John Lewis’ superb Glamour range features a number of luxurious items that are designed to support a more sophisticated festive look, which includes Black & Gold Glitter Flower Christmas Tree Decorations, two tone baubles, black Christmas trees and stylish indoor Cluster Fairy Lights, which boast a distinctly wintry look.

According to the interior design ranges that are now on display by leading home improvement stores, the look and feel of early 2010 will be far removed from the minimalist style that has dominated recent times. Notably, gone are neutral tones, clean layouts and uncomplicated styles.

Instead, homeowners should brace themselves for a collection of decorative items that has been best described by The Times Online as a “wild thing type of bric-a-brac“. Indeed, John Lewis will see cushions that feature various prints of birds, whilst Marks & Spencer will be offering a wooden stag’s head priced at £199 and candlesticks worth £85 each that have been made from (naturally shed) deer antlers.

Furthermore, 2010 will feature much more vivid and vibrant colours than of late. Specifically, retailers will be introducing a distinctly 1960’s flair to new sofa and chair ranges, whilst John Lewis will be offering a more subtle – but still relatively striking – crocus style. Curtain fabrics are also set for a return to floral patterns and designs, which will likely attract interest and rejection in equal measure. In fact, John Lewis will be selling red rose patterns at £25 per metre and giant peonies will feature on bedsets sold by Marks & Spencer from £45.

Naturally, the departure from minimalism is not likely to appeal to everyone. Of course, it has been a decade or more since British chintz was truly pushed out of fashion and, although trends can return to the fore with surprising alacrity, it is not often that such an eclectic selection of designs return simultaneously. As such, both John Lewis and Marks & Spencer appear to be making fairly bold predictions about consumer trends in their 2010 spring collection, which also features unfinished wooden pieces and crewel-work embroidery.

Homeowners who want to introduce stylish light fittings into modern homes are likely to be interested in a new range of glass lamps that has been produced by the renowned Italian company, Lucente. Available in a range of different styles, the Noa series of lamps comprises exquisite mouth-blown Murano glass that is ideal for use in today’s contemporary style homes. The Noa series features globes of glass, which are available in white, apple green and orange external colours with white interiors, that provide attractive and alluring focal points in the home.

Whilst maximising the spread of light in the room, the Noa lamps also serve to augment the ambiance of a home – indeed, their gentle and warming colours do much to brighten a modern interior design, which often appears more sterile than originally intended. Available in ceiling and wall mounted, tabletop, floor and pendant lamp designs, the Noa series by Lucente can fit directly to the ceiling or wall. Noa lamps can also be suspended from the ceiling by strong yet attractive metal supports, which allow the lamps to dangle gracefully.

The Noa lamps by Lucente are perhaps best displayed against dark grey or black ceilings and walls, as these tend to highlight the striking beauty of the lamps whilst showcasing their vivid and bright colours. The floor, tabletop and pendant lamps are also visually appealing and can prove every bit as practical as they are aesthetically pleasing. A home’s minimalist look can thus be complemented by the Noa lamps, the colours of which can be mixed to provide a bolder and more striking design. Furthermore, environmentally conscious homeowners will be pleased to learn that the Noa lamps use energy saving bulbs, so good design need not be at the expense of the planet.

According to Savills, which is one of the leading estate agencies in the country, there will be a 6.6 percent reduction in house prices across Britain during 2010. Although this forecast will come as a blow to many homeowners who have aimed to ride out the recession in hope of a quick market recovery, it is clear that the UK housing market remains depressed.

In fact, this forecast follows previous predictions of a forthcoming slump, as one of the main reasons behind this year’s 3.7% increase of house prices is that low interest rates have enabled homeowners to buy new properties whilst letting their old houses.

However, as rental prices continue to decrease, so too will the margins within which such a rental market can survive. Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has long argued that house prices remain significantly over-valued and are due another major crash. Thus, homeowners ought to brace themselves for another difficult year in respect to house prices. In fact, the depressed housing market is not expected to recover fully for a number of years, with conservative estimates suggesting that a period of between 3 and 5 years ought to be anticipated.

Savills is, however, predicting a much improved market in 2011 onwards, where house prices are expected to increase by 2.7% followed by a 5.5% rise in 2012. Therefore, homeowners are advised to continue making improvements to their homes in order to increase its value when market conditions have sufficiently recovered to make selling up an affordable option. Homeowners whose houses are no longer big enough to accommodate their families may wish to consider a building extension, loft conversion or garage conversion in order to increase space for a new bedroom. Likewise, a home office can be moved into the garden for a relatively small cost.

It is accepted, in the majority of circumstances, values of homes can be increased by creating an additional bedroom via a loft conversion or a home office via a garage conversion. Building extensions, fitted kitchens, en suite bathrooms and conservatories can also improve the value of a home in these difficult market conditions.

In fact, according to Douglas & Gordon estate agents, improving the kitchen is the most cost effective home improvement project that can be undertaken. It is suggested that a kitchen extension and refurbishment may cost around £45,000 but will probably add double that figure to the value of the home. Adding a new bedroom can raise the sale price of an average home by up to £150,000.

However, there are more adventurous ways to improve the sale price of a typical home. Although relatively inexpensive houses will not normally benefit financially from large scale home improvements, those that are on the more lucrative side of average will be capable of attaining the so-called ‘wow factor’. Indeed, more showy home improvements tend to focus on improving the entertainment value of a home. According to Knight Frank’s surveyors, a well-constructed and maintained indoor swimming pool can increase the value of a home by a massive £300,000, although outdoor pools are sometimes considered a liability.

A tennis court can add close to £300,000 value to the home, whilst home gymnasiums and home cinemas can add anything from around £30,000 to up to £600,000. The vast difference in value for gyms and cinemas can be attributed to the variable sizes of properties and the subjective opinion of the potential buyers as to how important these facilities are – nevertheless, it is argued that the gym is the better way to go for homeowners, as cinemas are at risk of becoming technologically outmoded in no time at all.