Home Improvement

The Spring- Summer 2011 Collection by Habitat takes its inspiration from the heat of the Meditteranean, fun at the seaside and lazy days in country gardens.

It’s enough to make you long for the spring and summer months. But while homeowners continue to shiver their way through the winter, atleast there’s the latest collection by Habitat to give us something to get excited about.

Tapas in the Med

Bring into your home the intoxicating warmth and vibrant colours of the Mediterranean. This is a trend that brings to mind quayside tables, flickering candles, good food, and the best of friends. A great way to brighten up fitted kitchens and upholstery.

Research carried out by Halifax claims that around three in 10 people will embark on a DIY home improvement project this month.

The lure to go DIY is being put down to costs, with many people looking to save money and use the work as a distraction.

Halifax revealed that 28 per cent of people will undertake a project in January in order to keep themselves occupied as financial pressures means more of us are spending increased time in the home.

Painting rooms has been rated as the most common project, with 64 per cent of individuals opting for a new or fresh colour scheme. The number of people using their time to bleed radiators and build flat pack furniture equalled at 32 per cent and a further 37 per cent will be looking to fix items such as broken fittings.

Honeysuckle pink

It may not sound or look like the most obvious colour of choice for 2011 but honeysuckle pink has been tipped as a strong favourite this year.

Experts at Pantone Colour Institute believe that homeowners are looking for something to brighten their day – and uplifting honeysuckle hues are the solution.

High street stores are already stocking a range of homeware collections in this colour. Many of which will be available from February.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, explained: “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating colour that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues.”

Eiseman continued: “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this colour, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

Honeysuckle is an upbeat and dynamic colour which can be used on large areas like the entry area of a house or an apartment. It is recommended by Pantone as the perfect conversation stimulant when applied to the dining room walls. In the kitchen too, it can be used to add a fun touch on the table in placemats, linen, colored glassware, candles and small appliances.

Oliver Heath, the television designer and environmental consultant who graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 1992 with a degree in architecture, has recently shared tips from his top-selling book, ‘Urban Eco Chic‘, which was published by Quadrille and costs around £19.99 in most book stores.

Speaking to Rin Simpson of Wales Online, the celebrity eco-consultant outlined eight tips designed to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

The first tip suggested by Mr Heath is for homeowners to consider their long-term objectives and overall strategy. Mr Heath said: “A strategy for the way that they insulate the property, the way they ventilate it, the way they use gas, water and electricity. By separating all those things out you can think very clearly about how to approach each one”. Beyond strategy, Mr Heath argued that air flow ought to be the next major consideration.

Mr Heath explained: “There’s a difference between ventilation and drafts… What we need to do is find the right level of ventilation. We don’t want to block off all the ventilation, which can happen with double glazing and allows moisture to build up and when that happens you get mould and that’s bad for your home and your health”. Mr Heath added that chimney balloons can be used to stop drafts coming down chimneys whilst allowing for a certain amount of ventilation.

The third and perhaps most obvious tip suggested by Mr Heath was that of using central heating systems efficiently. The television designer recommends the replacement of boilers aged eight years or over with new gas condensing boilers, which can be extremely energy efficient. Mr Heath also advocated the use of radiator reflector panels and advanced thermostats.

Another obvious tip by Mr Heath is that of monitoring the household’s electricity consumption. Mr Heath has advised homeowners to replace old light bulbs with energy efficient alternatives whilst investing in an energy meter, which is designed to make people more aware of how much energy they use. Finally, Mr Heath suggested that property owners use natural light more effectively, manage waste carefully and conserve water by replacing inefficient showers and installing ‘Interflush’ units on old toilets.

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.