Home Interiors

Still popular after all these years

May 17th, 2012

admin

window blinds

Roman blinds are a classic window dressing option that are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. Originally made popular years ago throughout Europe, these blinds give the feel of the ancient Empire of Rome with enduring lines that create a beautiful drapery effect. While curtains can be bulky, heavy, and not appear quite as classic as blinds, Roman blinds bring both together, creating a unique sophistication in any room of the house. Because of this, these blinds have continued to be a popular option for window dressing throughout the United Kingdom.

Roman blinds gather material patterns both vertically and horizontally with fabric cording. When opening the blinds, they are pulled up together tightly to create a drapery effect and let a lot of sunlight into the room. When closed, the blinds are pulled flat and keep light out of the house. Available in a number of different patterns and colours, the blinds can be purchased to match your current home décor or to stand out as a focal point in the room. Plain colours such as tan, white, and brown can match your furnishings, while multi-colour stripes, polka dots, and floral patterns will stand out among everything else.

Because of how versatile Roman style blinds can be, they can be used in one room to create a cosy, relaxing space and in another room to create a bright and airy feel. These blinds can provide solar control, energy saving options, blackout fabric material, and resistance to moisture. The popularity of these blinds continues to rise around the world, as they are not only a classic style, but are available for around the same price range as other window dressings.

By Barry Liver

Ornate Gates And Railings For The Home

March 16th, 2012

admin

In God we trust

There is something masterful and impressive about wrought iron railings and wrought iron gates when used in the appropriate circumstance around a house or courtyard. Unlike most mass produced railings and gates, wrought iron stands apart and makes a distinctive, ornate statement. They are produced in the tradition of ancient patterns wrought by blacksmiths centuries ago. Not only are they pleasing in appearance, they can also provide security for the home owner and his family. One only needs to take a drive through the city and countryside to see the many fine examples of wrought iron work scattered all through the area. It can be found bordering the entrances of grand old estates, churchyards, cemeteries, mansions and castles. Wrought iron has been and continues to be a popular appointment for many traditional home styles, but many decorators, architects and home-owners use it in more contemporary designs and for contemporary gates. The product has universal appeal and works well in many design themes.

Because wrought iron railings are hand crafted, they can be custom fitted to adapt to any staircase. It matters not if the stairs climb straight or are curved gracefully up a flight or two of steps. The designs can be straightforward and simple or ornately designed with floral or geometric patterns. The theme can be carried on throughout the entire house.

Wrought iron gates are another feature that have found favour in outdoor applications. A favoured application is at the head of a drive or pathway onto the property. Not only does wrought iron add a pleasing decorative touch, it can also provide security for the grounds by preventing access to the property by unwanted guests. The gates can be fitted with automatic opening devices, with which entry onto the property can be controlled by keypad or directly by the property owner.

The gates make for a very impressive entryway. They can be made to stretch several feet tall and can incorporate designs used on interior wrought iron rails. Family crests or other personal identifying marks can be attached to add even more distinction to the entryway.

In addition to the gates at the drive, wrought iron gates are sometimes attached directly in front of entry doors to provide both decorative appeal and added security for the home.

Because wrought iron, is in fact, a steel product, rust can occur. However, modern advances in exterior rust proof paint and primers can provide years of service and keep up the handsome appearance of the gates.

By Carl Liver and Barry Summers

What Are The Benefits Of The Different Types Of Window Blinds?

April 18th, 2012

admin

window blinds

These days we have a huge choice of ways to either block or regulate the amount of light which gets through our windows. We have curtains, roller blinds and Roman blinds, vertical blinds and of course Venetian blinds. Both Venetian and vertical blinds are by far the most versatile as direct sunlight can be easily regulated simply by tilting the slats of the blind one way or the other. The only drawback of vertical and Venetian blinds is that they do not completely ‘black out’ a window.

Curtains, roller blinds and Roman blinds may come with a ‘blackout’ backing material which will stop light from filtering through the fabric when completely closed, making these ideal for children’s bedrooms on long summer evenings. This backing will also stop light filtering from within the home, so you can pretend you’re out when you’re in if you want. More often than not, the black out backing is also thermally efficient so these types of window covering can also help keep your home warm throughout the long winter months too.

Another function of window blinds is to simply obscure the view from outside in, without obstructing the view from inside, much like net curtains work. Bamboo roller blinds or a blind made from a muslin type fabric work very well, yet do not regulate the light as other types of window blinds do.

By Carl Liver & Barry Summers

Wrought Iron – Alchemy in Action

April 18th, 2012

admin

Artistic wrought iron gate

First came the stone age; where prehistoric man learnt that by hitting things with a rock was far more efficient than using their (or anybody else’s) skull. They learnt to ‘knap’ chunks of flint to fashion stone axes and other cutting tools. Before long they discovered copper and tin, and by smelting these two magic metals together gave them bronze; a metal which could be poured into moulds to make knives, swords, spearheads and even more swords.

The downside of bronze is that it is relatively soft and when used for sharp pointy things, it didn’t stay sharp or pointy for long. With this in mind, prehistoric man invented the iron age. Iron ore was much more readily available than both copper and tin (and still is) and once the alchemists of the period learnt how to work iron, bronze was resigned to the jewellery shelf. Iron could be wrought (heated up and hit lots of times with a big hammer) as well as cast (smelted and poured into a mould). And unlike bronze, wrought iron kept its sharp edge much longer than bronze did.

Iron proved to be much more versatile than bronze and soon, wrought iron meant much more than just manufacturing pointy stabby things which early man loved so much. The iron axe and adze revolutionised woodworking techniques of the period and the forging of iron nails meant bigger and better boats could be built. Cooking tools, cutlery, plates and pans could be fashioned which meant more food for hunters and more washing up for the women. The alchemists who pioneered the use of iron all those years ago have a lot to answer for.

By Barry Summers

Stuv Stoves – Perfecting Home Heating

April 25th, 2012

admin

Stuv Stoves – Perfecting Home Heating

Stuv fires (1), Stuv stoves (2)

Firewood on Fire 3

Many wood burning stoves are evocative of times gone by with traditional styling and ornate castings. Although these work perfectly in period homes and barn conversions, they can look a little out of place in more contemporary homes. Thankfully however, a range of sleek and modern woodburning stoves are available, and one of Europe’s favourite manufacturers is the Belgium based Stuv company. Founded in 1983 and formerly called Concept & Forme until 2010, Stuv stoves are industry leaders, manufacturing innovative and highly efficient woodburning stoves.

The traditional open fire, although a thing of absolute beauty is one of the most inefficient designs for home heating. It’s a wonder why it lasted so long with much of the heat being lost through the chimney and the hot airflow causing more and more cold drafts through windows and doors. In their range of Stuv fires however, the innovative chimney design at the back of the hearth means much more heat is retained than is lost, and when fitted with an exterior air intake, the problem with drafts is all but eliminated. Stuv have perfected closed fire technology in an open fire.

Nothing in the Stuv stoves range can be described as ‘traditional’ or ‘classic’. But that’s not to say they don’t have a place in traditional homes. Their sleek linear design and black cast iron construction means they can perfectly blend in with any existing décor to create a unique and aesthetically pleasing focal point.

By Carl Liver

Wave Bye-Bye to Vertical Living

April 30th, 2012

admin

Sleep Secrets Sophia Pneumatic TV Bed Frame

Undoubtedly the most modern innovation in bed design is the TV bed. As our pursuit of new soaps, reality TV shows and fly on the wall documentaries ceases to ebb we’ve found a new way to avoid getting out of bed to watch TV. And these newfangled TV beds are a great reason not to get up. Coupled with a good quality teas-made, vertical living could soon be a thing of the past.

Taking full advantage of flat screen TV technology it is now possible to conceal a wide screen TV in the foot-board of a bed. At the touch of a button the screen will rise up to the perfect position for the bed-bound viewer. These beds also provide room to store a DVD player, digital decoder or games console beneath the mattress, and all cabling can be stored safely out of the way too.

The TV is raised with an electrical motor which is operated by a button on each side of the bed, so you don’t have to move an inch. Simply press the button to raise, and again to lower. The power is cut to the TV as it is lowered into the foot-board. This eliminates the risk of the appliance overheating due to being switched on in an enclosed cavity whilst you sleep.

By Barry Summers

Bring The Past To Life With Cast Iron Radiators

April 30th, 2012

admin

Recreating a period home takes a lot of time, effort and dedication to the cause. One cannot take any half measures and any items or features which do not fit the period will stand out like a sore thumb. From the coving to the light fittings, light switches and even radiators; everything needs to be sourced. Thankfully there are plenty of merchants who specialise in reclaimed materials, and getting your hand on some authentic cast iron radiators is an absolute must. Being present in every room in the house, often in a highly visible position, the radiators are one thing which people’s eyes are going to be drawn to.

Cast iron radiators were popular in residential homes and civic buildings until the mid 1950′s when radiators constructed from steel became popular. However cast iron are still emblematic of ‘the good old days’ and there are literally hundreds of different designs available. Middle class homes and civic buildings often had highly ornamental radiators. These featured art nouveau or art deco inspired designs such as leaf or foliage patterns, or heraldry especially in civic buildings and stately homes.

Many reproduction cast iron radiators are being manufactured which can make filling your period home with authentically styled radiators an easy task. Modern reproduction radiators can also be made to your exact specifications as the cast iron ‘modular’ system is highly flexible. For cast iron radiators at great prices, visit the RadiatorCentre.com and be spoilt for choice.

By Barry Summers

Why is Rattan so Good in the Garden?

May 1st, 2012

admin

rattan texture 2

Rattan is a vine like plant and is member of the palm family. Unlike other palms, rattan has long slender stems with a very uniform width. This wood’s unique properties are its incredible strength and its high durability. It resists cracking and splitting, even in hot dry climates and hence, rattan is used extensively in conservatory and garden furniture.

Rattan can be steamed and bent into shape using a jig or former. It is far more resilient than some other woods and can be bent to much greater extremes without compromising its strength. The real beauty of rattan however, is that its core is used for the structural elements of conservatory or garden furniture and its bark is used for weaving the seats and table tops of rattan garden furniture sets.

The variety of patterns which can be achieved by weaving the slender yet strong strands are rich and varied. Rattan furniture makers take great pride in their weaving skills an create some staggering artefacts. Being a natural material rattan is very hardy against the elements, even when fully seasoned. It can be rained on and dried out by the mid summer sun without compromising it’s strength. It can cope with sub zero temperatures as well as extreme highs too and is very light in weight. By ticking all these boxes it’s no wonder rattan garden furniture sets are one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture.

By April James