Home renovation Leicestershire

Best Home Renovation Ideas in Leicester

Every home needs a renovation from time to time, this is why it is important to take the advantage of some great home renovation in Leicester ideas and apply them to your own home?

Whenever you think of renovating your home, you must hire a home renovation contractor. It is best to let experts handle renovation work because a small error can ruin your chances of building a beautiful home.

The homeowner may need to hire a home renovation contractor for a simple job like painting a bathroom or doing a closet expansion or it could be an entire home renovation project. A home renovation contractor in Leicester may do all of the renovation themselves or they may subcontract different areas of the renovation job to other contractors. Some renovation contractors specialize in incorporating a specific style into the home’s decor or renovating certain rooms. This is why they sometimes sub-contract work out to other contractors, the particular part of the home renovation that is not in their field of expertise.

Before you give out your home renovation in Leicester to a contractor, you have to decide the type or kind of work that need to be done on your property by the contractor.

As soon you’ve decided on what the renovation contractor will do in your property, then you should go on to hire a well experienced contractor to carry out the renovation job. You have to ensure that the home renovation contractor has the necessary and adequate knowledge of the permit regulations in Leicester. Before undertaking renovation work in the city, you have to make sure you have the right to carry out renovation work on the property, and if you need a permit for the building, you should get one before you start any form of home renovation in Leicester.

Renovating a home and making it beautiful is a cheaper option than buying a new home. Selling your home and buying a new one can become an expensive task in Leicester. So, hire an experienced home renovation contractor who can work for you and help you in building the home of your dreams.

In case you are short of home renovation ideas in Leicester, below are some ideas that you should consider when renovating your home in Leicester.

Glass Bridge – This gives your home a more fancy look and gives you the luxury of viewing your home design in a cosy way

An all-glass kitchen – Allowing natural light into the kitchen area of your home is the best thing you can do for your home. This can only be achieved when you build your kitchen walls with glass.

You can add style to your doors by making use of Turnstile doors, they offer easy access to your garden or probably your backyard, and they cool your home better during summer.

Equipped with these and some other home renovation ideas, your home renovation in Leicester will surely come out elegantly awesome.

Tips for an Effective Home Renovation in Leicester

Most homes are not as you would want them to be on entering! Renovation of a property changes the feel and look of a home as well as increasing the overall value of the home. To get your home renovations in Leicester you should use the services of a trusted construction company with a track record in delivering unprecedented home renovation results. Renovating your own home is becoming increasingly popular as people strive to improve their living accommodation without the cost of a move.

Home renovation can often be stressful, there are a lot to consider especially that there are existing elements at home already, and when you hire the wrong person, it becomes even more stressful and a nightmare.

With trends and the evolution of needs, home renovations offers the perfect opportunity to incorporate new wants and needs. Any home renovation in Leicester however demands a careful planning. When renovating your home in Leicester, there are things that you need to consider

Why do you want a Home Renovation

First is to know what you need to change or add in your home. Most time people just embark on home renovation without the proper understanding of what they need and if their home will be able to pull the remodelling through. Don’t be deceived, some modern designs can go horribly wrong. It is very important to do a proper research before you start revamping your home. Consulting a professional would be a very good idea to avoid any potential mishap during your home renovation in Leicester.

Have a Design

Home renovation is not something you can jump into without all the necessary things. Working with a well detailed design will definitely make the whole process a lot easier and smoother. Have a good laid out plan with all the necessary experts involved. The biggest mistake you will make is to start your home renovation in Leicester without a design on ground, chances are you may end up not finishing the renovation, because you will surely run into hitches and glitches in no time.

Make Decision Quicker

For your home renovation to go smoothly, you need to take the right decision more quickly. Ensure all the needed details are on ground before any work starts. In home renovation, everything matters and a little delay in decision may lead to a change in schedule of the whole process.

Don’t Distract your Workers

When the renovation starts fully, ensure that anything that would cause any form of distraction is taken away. For instance, before speaking to your workers make sure what you want to talk about us necessary, and if there are kids or pets around the house, don’t let them interfere because you may not only be delaying the job but you are as well putting the lives of the kid and pet in danger.

To get the best out of your home renovation in Leicester, you need the service of an expert company, they will not only take away the stress of all renovation processes but will ensure the job is done promptly and efficiently.

Home Decor Ideas For Christmas 2016

Decorating the house for Christmas is one of the most special times of the year, and a great excuse to show your home a little TLC and attention.

Decorating the house for Christmas doesn’t just stop at getting a Christmas tree however… there are far more creative ways to add the festive touch to your home than just getting a tree and some fairy lights, so here are a few ideas on where you can wave your Christmas wand over to welcome some festive spirit into your home.

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Cheering Up Passers By

There are of course a million and one ways not to decorate the outside of your house, however investing in some simply warm white, battery powered fairy lights is a lovely way to make your front garden a little bit more magical. Whether you have a hedge, a tree, a bannister leading to your front door or a fence a few simple strands of twinkling fairy lights will give passersby and visitors that warm feeling when they’re near your home.

Decking The Halls

Hallways don’t need to merely be a functional passage between rooms, come Christmas it’s time to transform these underused spaces into festive passages. Creating a garland to hang your Christmas cards from is a great way to keep clutter off mantel pieces and tables and is a lovely way to show your appreciation for receiving Seasons Greetings from family and friends. It doesn’t have to stop there however, you can inject a little grandeur to your home by adorning your bannister. Investing in some some bendable natural looking foliage is a great way to cover your otherwise boring bannister, or add some opulence with a sumptuous gold or red fabric adorned with baubles or foliage. Simply wind it around using the bannister as a base, et voila – a luxurious hallway will appear before you.

Festive Dining

Whether you have a separate dining room or simply have a kitchen table and chairs, it doesn’t mean you can Christmas things up a little. To incorporate a festive look into your dining area invest in some red, emerald or pretty gold ribbon and tie bows around the tops of your chairs. Similarly you can create a festive table wreath using some natural foliage, or set places for your family and guests using metallic gold or silver platters or placemats to add a little glamour for this special time of year.

Colour Schemes For Christmas 2016

It’s Christmas! Finally that time of year when you can get creative with your Christmas decor and transform your home into a winter wonderland full of festive cheer.

From your front door to your living and dining room, hallways and more there’s no reason you can’t go all out with your Christmas decorating, however before you go overboard, it’s important to plan a colour scheme.

When it comes to Christmas decorating less is more when it actually comes to colours. We may all associate Christmas with red and green, however more style conscious Christmas colour schemes call for metallics and neutrals to inject festive vibes into the home this year.

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Modern day Christmas decor is of course a mixture of both Pagan, Germanic and Christian influences, so adopting natural foliage and neutral tones is a great way to keep your Christmas colour scheme both traditional, stylish and completely bearable.

For the Magpie’s amongst you who love to inject a little glitz into your Christmas colour scheme then metallic’s are your friends – mix gold and silver with sumptuous glassy jewel tones and your Christmas colour scheme will scream luxury.

When it comes to choosing which colour scheme will fit best with your home you may want to employ the use of a professional. “Someone else can decorate my house for Christmas?!” Well yes! There are plenty of interior professionals out there who can be your Christmas elf and give you a Christmas look to die for so when all your friends and family pop in for a mulled wine they’ll think you’re some sort of home interiors guru. All whilst you act completely cool and accept praise for your effortless festive style.

When it comes to calling in professional help it’s still worth having an idea of what colours you think will work well as you’ll be able to work with an interior stylist to achieve your desired look. For inspiration take a look at trends for 2016 such as the Pantone Fall Colour Chart where you’ll see teal, mustard, and Aurora Red all making headlines for 2016 colour schemes.

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

The festive season is upon us, so it means it’s time to head to your loft, garage, or whichever dark corner of your home where you stow away your Christmas decorations for the rest of the year and unleash that festivity.

It’s easy to roll out the same, sentimental decorations each year, however there’s no reason you can’t incorporate trend and direction to your Christmas decor.

When deciding on how to decorate your home for Christmas it’s a good idea to have a think about a colour scheme and the overall atmosphere you want to create. Perhaps you want to go with a traditional theme, or maybe you want to go a bit more modern and minimalist. Whichever you choose, here’s a few Christmas Decor ideas to get you in the mood.

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Winter Wonderland

Thinking about going for an icey, winter wonderland decor this year? Invest in some tasteful silver, blue and glass baubles for your tree along with some bright white lights. This will instantly bring a magical Narnia feel to your home, and if you feel like going one step further, include avantgarde white hanging decorations to really inject some style into your Christmas decorations.

Have A Traditional Victorian Christmas

The art of Christmas only came into play in Victorian times when the UK adopted the German custom of the Tannenbaum… also known as a Christmas Tree. To achieve a traditional Victorian Christmas look, add gold rotary tealight holders to your home along with spiced orange pomander balls. The pomanders will really make your home’s atmosphere feel traditional and cosy. Warm white fairy lights will also add a more muted twinkle to your Christmas home decor.

Barely There Christmas Decorations

If you’re someone who can’t bare the clutter of Christmas in your home then there’s a few minor twists you can add to the home to show a bit of Christmas spirit. Add a festive tint to your home with a light installation as opposed to a Christmas tree. Light installations such as this one from House of Fraser are perfect for creating a point of focus.

Ski Lodge Chic

For that cosy Nordic look, add Fair Isle print throw cushions to your sofa, and a stack of logs next to the fire place. Heavy, natural fabrics are a must to achieve this tasteful wintery look for your home. From fur throws to a roaring fireplace, you can achieve a warm and cosy atmosphere without having to go overboard on Christmas decorations.

Home Renovations in Leicester

Living in Leicester we’re spoilt with property opportunities. From taking advantage of the city lifestyle to the more spacious properties available further outside of the city, there are many opportunities when it comes to property.

Home renovations in Leicester are a great way to increase the value of your property, or even just make your house more of a home. From loft extensions, to conservatories, developing underused spaces in your home and more, home renovations are the best way to maximise your comfort level within your home, as well as add value to your investment.

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With the property market currently being a seller’s market, there’s never been a better time to renovate your home. After all, moving house can be stressful, and sometimes all your home needs is a little TLC to make it a more comfortable living environment.

Home renovations are the perfect way to make use of dead space and perhaps revamp your colour scheme to make rooms appear more spacious. Perhaps you have a large hallway that could be better divided into a utility room, or maybe you’re losing a valuable third or fourth bedroom due to not converting your loft. It’s important to look at the space you have available and think how you may be able to renovate your home to maximise on what you have, before considering moving house.

In recent years there have been more and more sways towards modern interior design, meaning Bauhaus style floor to ceiling windows, open plan living spaces, and multi-functional rooms are all features that make family living more functional and sophisticated. And with the rise of the population encroaching on the size of the properties available, there’s never been more need to renovate your home to its full potential.

Similarly, you may have purchased a house that has tonnes of potential. You could consider renovating your new home and capitalising on the value you may add to the property.

With current property prices soaring around the country, a city such as Leicester makes for a sound investment when buying or selling property as not only do you have the perks of a city, you’ve also got the perks of the countryside. Home renovations in Leicester mean you can maximise the value of your home, or simply create a dream home for you and all the family to enjoy.

Top ten bedroom storage ideas

The art of keeping a small bedroom tidy, can overwhelm all of us at times. Regardless of your good intentions, if your room is what estate agents can refer to as ‘cosy’ then there are going to be times when your floor will look more like a jumble sale. If your possessions seem to be sneaking out, and taking over the space in your bedroom more and more often, then there are options.

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  1. Have a freestanding PVC shoe caddy to keep each pair together and off the floor.
  2. Buy some storage drawers and customise them to fit in with your existing interior décor scheme. It’s a way to reduce your clothes storage, without using bulky furniture such as a chest of drawers.
  3. Use vertical bookshelves which are attached to the wall, to create more space
  4. Make the most of the space by using any area for hanging units, even the end of the bed. It’s only suitable for small items though.
  5. Make sure that furniture can double up in functions, such as having a storage unit double as a workspace. Something like a free standing cabinet is perfect for that.
  6. You can use a footstool as a night stand to make a little more room.
  7. If your back is up to it, use a chest of drawers as a makeshift bed, and simply put the bedding on top of it.
  8. Use a shelved caddy instead of a bedside table in order to keep things that are important to you close at hand.
  9. Hang your laundry basket on the back of your door, to replace a standing one which takes up quite a lot of room
  10. Install a tension rod in any alcoves and use them to store lightweight items such scarves or ties.

If this has inspired you to maximise your space, and you need further ideas then please contact us at https://www.cravenandhargreaves.co.uk/

Tips for Keeping Your Renovations On-Track

Buying a home with the distinct goal of renovating it can be a risky business but ultimately a very rewarding one nonetheless. Many renovators either become very tired and frustrated with their project, or simple run out of money. However, if you are planning to sell a half-finished home, it is not going to appeal to buyers looking for a renovation job themselves or a designer home! It’s vital you see the job through to completion and with these tips you’ll be able to do just that!

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Count the Cost

While most renovators would have put some thought into the price, ensure your calculations are as specific as possible. A few scribbles on a serviette doesn’t count as a budget. Spend time judiciously costing out products and labour, and don’t forget to add VAT. Most importantly, factor in an extra 15-20%. You may also want to account for unforeseen problems, which are almost a certainty, especially with older homes.

Spend Wisely

For any expense it is important to budget before you start the actual job. Do remember that there are bound to be some hiccups that will throw your budget off-track so keep that in mind and keep a sufficient cushion too. It is advisable to break the budget into smaller pockets; For example, you could do budget for each room or you could decide how much you want spend on lighting, how much on furnishings etc.  Whatever you decide It’s important to keep the budget realistic!

If your budget is limited, spend your money wisely, and put it where it shows. This means putting most of your resources it into main rooms like kitchens bathrooms and living area.

Consider the Time Frame

Will you be living in your home while the renovations are taking place? Will you be renting elsewhere? If you’re renting, don’t forget to factor this cost into your budget!

Do as much as you can Yourself

The biggest cost of a renovation is often the labour. Therefore, save some cash by doing your own painting and prep work.  At the same time, don’t be stubborn and don’t be too cheap. If a task is out of your skill-set and isn’t realistically acquirable, then get someone qualified in. It will usually work out cheaper than rectifying bad workmanship. Click here for more information.

Storage solutions that are simple yet effective

A key aspect to home renovation in Leicester is installing excellent storage solutions which are crucial when providing a tidy living space. There are many home accessories in Leicester that you can choose from but investing in the right one is important. They need to be easily accessible and do not require excessive effort which quickly discourages their use. You might think that storage solutions purchased from high-end stores are more likely to last the test of time. However, this is not always the case. There are various budget versions that are equally as resilient to frequent use. It is vital to consider what storage solution is best for your required purpose. Then research prices, quality and reviews from different stores to find the most reliable choice. Below, I have listed some clever storage solutions which will contribute to a tidy home.

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Recycled crates

Recycled crates are en vogue because they conform to both the shabby chic and vintage trends. They are very cost-effective because you can sometimes obtain one from your local vegetable shop or farmer’s market for a reduced price. You might even find that people are happy to give them away for free. You could also check flea and outdoor markets to see if one is for sale. Crates can be purchased online too but are likely to be more expensive with the additional postage costs. Crates are a great option for storage because they are hard-wearing and can withstand frequent use. They can also be painted and customised easily to match your interior decoration. Crates can be placed in many contexts, and are therefore an exciting storage feature. You can fix crates to your bathroom wall which can hold rolled-up towels and various cleaning products. You can also join crates together to create a shabby-chic coffee table with extra storage facilities. Crates allow you to be involved with cutting-edge trends as well as making the most of your interior space.

Ottomans

Ottomans may be considered old-fashioned. However, they are slowly making a comeback. This is because they are being created with a new contemporary twist. Ottomans may be covered with PVC or leather to provide a sophisticated appearance. They also might be created using wooden slates which provide a homely feel. You can even buy customised ottomans which are in the shape of cartoon characters. These are a fun solution for your child’s bedroom. Ottomans are a great storage solution because they feature a lid which keeps the contents tidy, clean and private. Most ottomans have a flat surface which is the perfect vehicle for displaying a range of attractive and luxurious cushions. Ottomans are often strong enough to withstand weight and therefore can be sat upon which is useful if extra seating is required.

Stowaway bathtub

Stowaway bathtubs have a very clever design. The panels at either side of the bath can be lowered to reveal storage solutions affixed to the inside of them. These may include shelving or pots to store both personal hygiene and cleaning products. This storage solution is very discrete and allows your bathroom to be clutter-free and spacious. You are utilising space that would normally be overlooked. This bath design is also useful because it provides greater accessibility to the bath itself so that it is easier to fix repairs.

Storage under the stairs

The space under the stairs would provide an excellent storage facility but it is often not used to its full potential. You may have a cupboard under the stairs which is cumbersome with hard-to-reach places. The space under the stairs could be adapted to be more convenient and accessible. You can opt for an inbuilt shelving system that is retractable, allowing for easy access to shoes, umbrellas and more. You can also remove the cupboard door and create a cosy space with a custom bed for your beloved pet. An open space could also be adapted to provide additional seating, or with shelves installed, can house books. The space under the stairs can utilised to cater for your family’s personal requirements.

Recycling old ladders

Ladders are no longer exclusively used to facilitate home improvements. More people are using them as a design feature within their own right. Step-ladders can be used to showcase your favourite ornaments and photo frames. They can also be adapted to provide an additional bookcase with a quirky aesthetic. Ladders are also a useful and great value alternative to having a wardrobe. They can be suspended from the ceiling and clothes hangers can be hooked onto the rungs of the ladder which provides a highly stylish and contemporary wardrobe. Wooden ladders can be painted and varnished easily to suit the colour scheme of your chosen room.

Storage solutions do not have to be expensive or traditional. With some imagination and a little bit of effort, you can utilise storage in the most overlooked spaces. You can also up cycle redundant objects and transform them into exciting storage solutions.

Innovative and easy ideas for decorating your child’s bedroom

You might be planning a home refurbishment in Leicester and are now confronted with decorating your child’s bedroom. This is always a difficult task because there are many things to consider. You are aware that the tastes and interests of your child are changing frequently so you must adopt a theme with the chance of longevity. You also want to ensure that your design decision is not too big a commitment and that it is cost-effective. It also must be visually appealing so that your child is delighted with the result. Here are 5 innovative and easy ideas you could adopt for your child’s bedroom.

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Installing decals

Murals are often expensive because you would need to commission a good-quality artist, unless you are lucky enough to be artistic yourself. A pain-staking mural also becomes sentimental because of the time, effort and expensive that was incurred to create it. Decals are an excellent option because they can be bought cheaply and installed in minutes. We all know how quickly a child’s tastes change. Your child might currently be obsessed with the latest blockbuster animation or a sport that all their friends are playing too. Decals can be removed swiftly if your child has outgrown them. Once they are removed, you are left with a clean wall with no residue. This contrasts with murals which are a permanent option and require many coats of paint to cover them. The flexibility that a decal provides is also excellent if you are due to move house. Decals can be carefully stored to use again, give away or sell to make some extra money. If you are in rented accommodation, decals are generally accepted by landlords because they do not cause damage to interior walls or paint work, but please check first to be sure.

Replacing cupboard handles and door knobs

Changing the handles of various features within a child’s room is very easy and inexpensive but often overlooked. You can simply unscrew the handles or knobs on most pieces of furniture and replace them. There are many varieties of knobs and handles available both online and in high-street stores. You can purchase beautiful ceramic ones which are highly patterned. You can also buy novelty cartoon ones which are sure to bring a smile to your child’s face. You do not have to install the same design or character on each piece of furniture. You can swap them around and ask your child which they prefer. Replacing cupboard handles or door knobs are a great option because they can easily be removed and transferred back once you child gets older.

Hanging canopies

Canopies can manipulate the feel of a room and provide a striking visual feature. They can also facilitate a warm and comforting space for your child. Canopies are highly customisable and can be embellished easily to represent any theme. Canopies are easy to install and can be draped from the middle of the room extending to the edges. They can also hang over a bed and provide a luxurious and noble spectacle that will make your child feel like a prince or princess. Canopies are available in a wide range of colours so you can choose one that adheres to the colour scheme of the room. They can be easily removed when they need to be cleaned or stored.

Introducing mats

Mats are an excellent vehicle to attract attention. You can buy a wide variety of mats in innovative shapes, exciting textures and wild designs. Some mats have a design on them which encourages interaction and play. You might buy a mat with a race-track printed on it or a doll’s house interior. This allows them to double up as an attractive design feature as well as a toy. Mats are useful for breaking up space as well as temporarily covering up flaws. They are cost-effective and an appealing addition to your children’s bedroom without too much commitment.

Stencilling Designs

Stencilling is a helpful way to create clean-cut and effective designs on walls, ceilings and even furniture. You can buy pre-made stencils or create your own. Stencilling is also much easier than painting directly onto a surface because you have guidelines to follow. Although, you are governed by the design of your stencil, you can add your own design choices by choosing a monotone look or adding additional colours when painting over the stencil. You can also use metallic or glitter paint to guarantee that your designs stand out.

There are many cost-effective ways to add personality to your child’s bedroom. Get your child involved in the decision-making and creative process so that it is a shared accomplishment of which you both can be proud. Click here for more details.

Nifty Shades for May: a Brief Guide to the In Colours for 2015

When looking at your home with a fresh pair of Spring-inspired eyes, one of the most satisfying ways of freshening up your interior design is by giving your interior a new colour or shade. As an interior design company in Leicester, we have taken steps to unearth some of the more exciting colour trends for Spring and beyond.

The overriding trend that we noticed was one that is intrinsically linked to our ever more complicated and connected lifestyles. Mobile technology has gripped us like never before and people are choosing to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life in their homes using shades of soothing blues in their homes, instilling a sense of calm and tranquillity. Particularly prominent are the tropical blues including aqua, azure and mellow green, giving further credence to the escapist theory as we all look to bring the holiday vibe into our living space.

These shades of blues can be playfully combined with tans, burnt oranges, corals and lemony colours to revitalise your tired décor and optimize the chill out factor of your home. Once you’ve decided on the exact shades and tones for you, the question remains as to how best to use these colours.

Paint is the easiest and most obvious way to introduce colour, but even after deciding that a lick of paint is the way forward there are many ways in which paint can be used in the home. The idea that paint must be applied to every wall in a room is finally becoming consigned to history and a feature wall may well be what your room is crying out for. A good tip is to choose a prominent wall – such as the wall you first see as you go into a room and make that your statement wall, giving it your soothing blue shade and giving you an instant shot of calm.

Other ways you can boost your tranquillity and update your palette include choosing a piece of furniture – a kitchen table, chairs or desk for instance – and give them the revitalizing colour boost. Outside the realms of paint, you can even use soft furnishings, such as cushions, lampshades and curtains. Moving into bathrooms and kitchens, you have the added option of replacing those tired kitchen tiles with fresh, exciting new ones in the latest, most exciting shades. With the weather on the change and moods lifted, May is a great month to get started.

Mixed Material Accents – an Introduction

If you keep up with the latest Pinterest design trends then you might have noticed the increasing presence of mixed material accents to create statements in the home. With a modicum of thought and inspiration it is amazing the results you can achieve, especially if you take advantage of the advice and expertise of those at the heart of sourcing home accessories Leicestershire. This little article will introduce two of the more prominent examples how this phenomenon is infiltrating the living spaces of those who keep up with the design innovation.

Marble and Brass: This combination is becoming all the rage, especially in the bathroom. Marble tiles and bathroom surfaces are being combined with gorgeous round brass sinks, taps and fixtures, with mirrors hanging from brass fixtures the icing on the cake of this particular example. As you can see, this stunning bathroom even takes the mixed material trend a further step by using wood flooring to add a bit of a rustic and warmer feel, which works beautifully. And, as one blogger commented, ‘brass is the new black.’ Cutting edge furniture design companies have taken up the challenge of integrating this particular set of mixed materials, with this coffee table, one example of how you can get on board without wholesale decorative change. Chopping boards, light fixtures, trays and mirrors all offer opportunities for exploration in mixed materials. Time to explore!

Concrete and Copper: Perhaps an even bolder development has seen the increasing use of copper and concrete accents in the home, lending an industrial feel to the interior, perhaps originating from the trend-setting apartments in old warehouses in the East of London. It is no coincidence, for example, that Dulux’s colour of the year for 2015 is copper blush. Concrete look wallpaper has even emerged to offer a virtual way of integrating the mixed material vibe in your home, without the weight of real concrete to contend with! This can be stunningly offset by hanging pendant light fixtures in copper and mirrors and table ornaments as well. The department stores and boutiques alike have joined in the fun, with lamps of concrete and various metallic contrasts popping up all over the place, offering another chance to explore the many possibilities for exciting mixed materials in the home. Again, the potential for adding a splash of colour is there, just look at how the addition of an orange cushion and visually striking orange egg chair gives a beautiful contrast to the stark grey concrete feel in this room.