Loft conversions are incredibly popular because they allow you to convert unusable space that already exists in your home, into usable space. No need to extend the footprint of your house and eat into precious garden square footage, instead, you can enjoy a high-quality conversion of the space that already exists at the top of your home, giving you at least one new room to use as you wish.
Loft conversions are more popular than house extensions because they solve a lot of common problems homeowners have, without much complication or inconvenience at all.
One great example of this is with garden space. 1in 8 British households in the UK don’t have a garden, and that number jumps to 1 in 5 in London. You can create a huge amount of liveable space from a loft conversion without having to have a garden or even any land attached to your property.
Even if you do have a garden, you probably don’t want to eat into it. It’s precious and valuable – something many of us learnt in lockdown. Financially, a garden is also an asset when it comes to selling your home as someresearch suggests it could increase the value of a home by 5-25% and even more depending on its condition and size. With a loft conversion, you can keep every single square inch of your nature haven whilst still benefiting from more liveable space inside the property.
Another common problem loft extensions solve is with the cost and time associated with extensions – something many people just don’t have to put into enhancing their home. Loft conversions commonly cost less than a house extension because they don’t require foundations to be built – the same reason they tend to take less time to complete and are less of an inconvenience, too.
Mainly, though, loft conversions solve one of the most common homeowner problems of all – not wanting to move, but needing more space. They help homeowners across the country feel more comfortable in their home by adding more available functional space. With loft conversions there’s no need to leave the place you love the most because it’s not big enough.
Key Benefits Of Loft Conversions:
No need to use garden space
No need to have a garden
No need to move house to get extra space
Functional space can be used as you wish
Can add kitchenette, kitchen, ensuite and multiple rooms in some cases
Energy efficient
Beautiful natural light
Cute, unique and quirky space
Can be utilised as a rental space
Often adds value to the home
Facilitates at-home careers
Often faster, cheaper and more convenient than an extension
Particularly useful in areas like London where building outwards is often impossible
Commonly no need for planning permission
Provides ability to get more natural light & access to surrounding views
Different Types Of Loft Conversions & The Space They Create
The most compact loft conversions involve the loft space you have being insulated and reinforced, so that it is safe and usable. With this conversion you would usually have skylights too, so that the space is flooded with natural light. This is still enough functional space for all kinds of uses such as:
Home office space
Creative uses such as a studio
Nursery
Playroom for older children
Bedroom
Walk in wardrobe
Study
Mini-living room
Snug
Basic home gym
A dormer conversion can add more functional space as it adds a small box to at least one side of the conversion (there can be more than one dormer added).
For maximum space, you can have a Mansard which actively changes the slope of the roof so at least one roof slope above is almost horizontal like a flat roof, and the side of that section is vertical, so overall, the conversion offers a lot more room at head height or higher. L-shaped conversions can be even more spacious with the potential for an entirely self sufficient flat to exist within one conversion.
The types of conversion that are suitable for your property depend on your budget, the type of house you have, potential Planning Permission hurdles, and other factors. Aprofessional loft conversion company can tell you about your different options, how they might look, the living space they create, and the different costs involved.
Extra Options
When we think about the living space associated with a loft conversion, the first thought is usually of a single room to be utilised however the family can most benefit. However, there are lots of extra options to consider for loft conversions that have enough space for those extra options, extending the potential ways the conversion can be used. Here are some examples of extra options you can have with some loft conversion designs:
En-suite bathroom/ wetroom
Juliette balcony/ full outdoor space
Luxury bath in the bedroom
Kitchen/ kitchenettes
Multiple rooms (living area, bedroom etc)
Partitioned to zone the space
Which options are available to you depends on your budget, design needs, and the potential offered by your building.
By working with atrusted professional loft conversion companyyou can be given all the different options for your home and then build on that to ensure that the conversion meets your expectations and needs. Every property is unique in what can be done to the available loft space because there are so many different types of buildings, and there are many factors to consider like the area surrounding the property, whether it is a period property, existing works done and the condition of the building as a whole.
The best loft conversion companies will take all the different factors into account, and with that they then have the ability to provide you with all your different options, the associated costs, and potential workarounds for issues that could be problematic. Working with architects, building engineers and other experts in their field, the construction company will ensure that the results you get are accurate, cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing and the best possible option when it comes to maximising your loft space. Having a loft conversion to add living space to your home is a true investment that homeowners simply don’t regret if they are designed and built well.
Are You Ready To Enhance Your Home With Extra Living Space?
With a loft conversion you can have a whole extra room and potentially even more with an efficient, convenient conversion that may not even require Planning Permission.
To find out how much available living space could be created by converting your loft, speak to anexperienced loft conversion company today. It could be exactly what your family needs to enjoy better functionality from your current home.
The new year is a time for change and fresh starts. So if you’re looking to update your home décor in 2023, we’ve got you covered! Here we will explore ten sleek and trendy home design ideas that are sure to impress. From minimalist designs to eclectic styles, there is something for everyone in this roundup. So if you’re ready to give your home a makeover, read on for some inspiration!
1) Minimalist Design
For a sleek and modern look in 2023, minimalist design is the way to go. This style involves using clean lines and simple colours to create an open, airy feel that is perfect for modern homes. To incorporate this trend into your décor, start by decluttering your space and adding plenty of white, grey, or black accents. Opt for unique furniture pieces, like a sleek sideboard or modern chaise lounge, and be sure to use plenty of natural light and reflective surfaces.
2) Texture Mixing
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Another hot trend in 2023 is texture mixing. Texture mixing means using different textures and fabrics in one space to create depth and visual interest. To get started, try combining different types of wood, metals, and fabrics to add texture to your décor. You can also create patterns with different textures by incorporating rugs, cushions, or pillows into your space. Texture mixing is an anything-goes kind of trend, so don’t be afraid to play around with different combinations until you find something that suits your style!
3) Greenery
Adding greenery is a great way to bring the outdoors in and make a space feel more inviting. In 2023, adding plants to your home is a hot trend that is sure to impress. Whether you opt for decorative flowers, succulents, or big green leafy plants, greenery can instantly brighten any space and bring some life into your décor. Greenery is also a great way to improve air quality in your home and bring life into your living space.
Another way to add some pizazz to your home in 2023 is by using colourful accents. This trend involves incorporating bright colours and bold prints into your décor, from bright rugs to vivid artwork. If you’re not ready to go all out, try adding pops of colour in the form of accent pillows or vases to add visual interest without going overboard. This trend works best with plain backgrounds, such as installing a beautiful white subway tile design on your kitchen backsplash with a few coloured accents in the form of coloured utensil holders or colourful bowls on the counter.
5) Eclectic Style
If you’re looking to add some personality to your space in 2023, eclectic style is the way to go. This involves combining different pieces from various styles and periods to create an interesting and one-of-a-kind look. Whether it’s mixing antique furniture with modern accents or incorporating vintage accessories into a sleek space, there are countless ways to get creative with eclectic design.
6) Statement Lighting
Photo by Houzlook .com from Pexels
Lighting is a great way to add personality and style to any home, and in 2023, statement lighting is going to be all the rage. You can incorporate statement lighting by using unique light fixtures or bold pendant lights as focal points in your décor, creating visual interest and setting the mood in any room. If you’re looking to embrace this trend, be creative when choosing your lighting fixtures and try to experiment with different styles and designs until you find the best fit for your home.
7) Vintage Style
If you’re looking to give your home a vintage feel in 2023, look no further than vintage style décor. It’s all about incorporating antiques into your space; whether it’s a vintage sideboard or retro wallpaper, anything vintage goes. Not only is this look stylish and on-trend, but it can also be a great way to preserve family heirlooms and add sentimental value to your home. Vintage is a trend that will forever be in fashion, so by including this in your design for 2023; you’re sure to have a design that will stand the test of time.
8) Natural Textiles
Natural textiles are another hot trend in 2023 that can instantly add warmth to your space. Try incorporating natural materials, like wicker, bamboo or jute, into your décor for a more organic feel. Natural, earthy tones are a great way to incorporate this trend into your home, from cosy flannel throws and linen curtains to woven baskets and wool rugs. You can also use this trend to turn your home into a more organic and eco-friendly space by incorporating recycled or sustainable materials.
9) Black And White
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels
Black and white is a classic colour palette that has stood the test of time, and in 2023, it’s still going strong. Using bold black-and-white patterns adds visual interest to your space, creating a fresh and modern feel. If you’re looking to embrace this trend, try using stripes or chevron patterns in your décor to create a bold and stylish aesthetic. This style works best in bathrooms and kitchens; however, with the right twist, it can be incorporated into any area of your home to create a sleek and sophisticated look.
10) Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns are another hot trend coming through in 2023 that can instantly add style to any room. Consider incorporating clean, sharp lines and bold shapes into your décor to create a modern, eye-catching look. Whether it’s geometric floor tiles or artistic wallpaper, adding geometric patterns is sure to make a statement in your home. Geometric patterns are a great way to bring life to a dead or dark area of your house. You can use geometric patterns to bring in pops of colour or to create a chic and minimalistic space, so be creative when incorporating this trend into your home for 2023.
As we move into 2023, there are countless ways to add style and sophistication to your home. Whether you opt for sleek and trendy décor or vintage accents, there are endless ways to keep up with the latest trends and make your space stand out.
So you love the look of calligraphy, but you don’t have the time to learn how to do it? Or the patience, or the steady hand? Well there’s an easy way to fake it ’til you make it… today I’m going to show you how to make your own faux calligraphy place cards for Thanksgiving, Christmas or your next dinner party.
Begin by cutting your watercolor into strips that are approximately 3 x 10 inches. Fold them as shown above, so that the back flaps overlap by about 1/2 an inch.
Unfold them and begin painting the middle section of each strip. Choose any color scheme you like, and feel free to paint the side sections for a more natural look. Let them dry thoroughly.
Next, use a soft pencil (the softer the pencil, the darker it is) to color over the names on the back side of the printout. I used a 7B, but you could use anything in the 4B to 8B range.
Cut out each name and place it over the center of the place card with the pencil-covered side down. Hold it in place with your non-dominant hand, and use the pencil to trace the name. When you lift it up, you will see that the pencil has transferred down onto your painted surface!
Use a fine pen to trace over the pencil lines. Add thickness to the lines as necessary, using the printed font as a guideline. You can leave it as is, or add a flourish underneath like I did. To make the branch motif that I used, start by drawing a curved line underneath the name. Then draw small ovals down one side, and back up the other. Add a bit of thickness to one end of the stem.
Wrap it around a napkin, tape the back and place the silverware in between. The end result is elegant with a bit of a playful vibe. Your guests are sure to rave about them!
And who knows, maybe this will inspire you to get into calligraphy… it’s a fun way to up your creativity without having to buy a ton of materials. Happy lettering everyone!
Are you in charge of throwing the office Christmas party? What a great opportunity! After all, if it goes well, you can expect plenty of appreciation and accolades. Make sure you don’t skimp on the planning, though. If the event is boring and awkward, the party will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Looking for work Christmas party ideas? Read on for tips and ideas sure to make your office party fun, delicious, and full of holiday spirit.
Why Have an Office Holiday Party Anyway?
The answer seems obvious: “To have a good time!” But there’s more to it than that. An office Christmas party is a great way to show appreciation. You and your co-workers have put in a lot of hard work over the year, and a thoughtful party acknowledges that work and all the professional development that went along with it. Another big reason to celebrate? Getting together builds personal ties. The constraints of deadlines and meetings don’t always encourage the kind of teamwork that is so important to the success of your company. Socializing as a group goes a long way!
The first step is identifying your budget and the guest list. These two factors will drive the rest of your decisions. Will only employees be coming or will they bring plus ones or even their entire family? Once you know who is going to attend, consider their idea of a good time. The engineers I used to work with would have hated a karaoke party but other departments would be thrilled with the idea. What spells “fun” for your office? The answer to this question will help you know how to allocate your budget and set you down the path toward a great company party. Clueless about what your co-workers enjoy after hours? Send out an email and ask them to pick from a few affordable work Christmas party ideas, and go with the most popular one.
Picking a Venue for a Work Holiday Party
A restaurant is a no-fail option, but also consider reserving space at an art gallery, botanical garden, museum, local historical site, or community center. If you live somewhere with temperate weather look to enjoy the outdoors and book a park pavilion. Establishments such as a bowling alley, paint-your-own pottery place, arcade, ice skating rink, the zoo, dance studio, or comedy show offer built-in entertainment.
The search for a party venue may be no farther than your desk. The office can be a great space for the company holiday event, especially if the party budget is tight. The success of this depends on your particular office, though. Some employees would appreciate having time off during the work day to celebrate while others would prefer a night out. A company holiday event held at the office is a great chance to play some Christmas party games or group ice breakers. Consider a photo booth, cookie decorating station, or meme contest for potential work Christmas party ideas. If the party is held at the office be sure to make the atmosphere different from the normal workday with music and decor.
What Refreshments to Serve at a Company Holiday Gathering
Food and drink are key to a successful work Christmas party, but this doesn’t mean it has to be expensive or elaborate. There are many different ways to eat, drink, and be merry – just give some thought to your guests and what they would most enjoy. A catered meal, a rented food truck, a dessert bar, dinner cruise, and potluck are all great choices for different reasons. Fondue or shabu shabu are fun and social ways to enjoy a meal. Think outside of the dinner box and consider a brunch party or appetizers and happy hour party.
If you are holding your holiday gathering at the office, make sure you check with the Human Resources department or office manager on whether or not you can serve alcohol at your event.
What to Wear to a Work Christmas Party
The dress code will take its cue from the venue. Party outfits should be appropriate but festive. A cute dress or button up shirt will fit well in most places. Daytime events are more casual but can still incorporate holiday colors or jewelry. Comfort is always important. It is much easier to have a good time if you do not have to fuss with your clothes all night.
Photo: Valeria Boltneva
How to Decorate the Office for Christmas
Decorating for the company party is more than scattering pretty objects around. The purpose is to build atmosphere and set the expectation of a festive time. Twinkle lights and candles make for great mood lighting. Good decor not only looks wonderful, it smells great, too! Include live greenery like evergreen boughs, eucalyptus branches, and poinsettia. Citrus fruits and live wreaths make for lovely tablescape decor. They can also be taken home afterwards as party favors.
Keep in mind the diversity of your co-workers’ beliefs. Christmas could feel universally accepted as it is embraced by many who are non-religious, but it is not celebrated by everyone. Do not decorate with religious symbols- especially those of which you are not familiar. What you may see as a decoration, someone else may regard as sacred. Stick to festive items like garland and snowflakes and leave kinara, menorahs, and manger scenes out.
Holiday Office Party Invitations
Party invitations can run the gamut from a simple group e-mail to letterpress invites delivered by post. Online invitation services or social media event pages are simple and effective options. Also, there are many sites that offer downloadable invitation templates that you can use to print or e-mail. Whatever you choose, make sure that the holiday office party invitations communicate the dress code and clearly state whether employees are invited to bring a guest.
With a little effort and creativity, your office holiday party will be loads of fun! Your co-workers will leave smiling, feeling appreciated, and already looking forward to next year’s bash.
Autumn brings to mind some of the best memories for me, like the crunch of leaves underfoot, the crisp, fresh air and the trees ablaze in brilliant shades of red and yellow.
It’s only natural to want to bring some of those elements indoors, and one easy way to do this is by making a fall leaf garland to show off those fantastic fall colors.
This is a nice, quick project for an afternoon indoors, so grab a hot chocolate and a pair of scissors and let’s get crafting!
Download the fall leaf template, print it out onto white card and cut out the leaf shapes.
Trace around the leaf template shapes onto the back of your colored paper. Trace as many leaves as you’ll need to fill the length of your fall leaf garland.
Step
Cut out the leaves you traced with a pair of scissors.
Step
Punch two holes in each leaf with a small hole punch. You’ll use these holes to attach the leaves to your garland.
Angle your holes in various ways to make your leaves hang in different directions:
Two holes straight across will make your leaf point straight down.
Having one hole higher on the left will make your leaf point to the right.
Having one hole higher on the right will make your leaf point to the left.
Step
Cut a long length of twine and tie a knot in one end.
Step
Get the opposite (unknotted) end of the twine and start threading your leaves onto it. Alternate between leaves of different colors, shapes and directions.
Step
Once all your leaves have been threaded on, tie a knot at the end to secure them in place.
It’s easy to tweak this fall leaf garland to suit your fall decorating – just use alternative colors and maybe other types of leaves for a completely different look!
There are a lot of fall activities and flavors that I can take or leave, but one thing I get excited about when the summer heat subsides is tea. On a cool, rainy afternoon, drinking a hot cup of tea is wonderfully cozy. (I think I just realized why tea is so popular in the British Isles.) My growing tea collection was a mess until I figured out the best way to store tea. If you’re a fellow tea-lover with an unruly stack of boxes and tins of tea, here are some guidelines and ideas for how to keep your tea organized.
Tea Storage Guidelines
First, let’s go over the basics of how to store tea. The enemies of tea are light, heat, moisture, and oxygen. So that means the best place to store your tea is cool, dry, dark, and airtight. The airtight part might not be a concern if your teabags are individually-sealed, but it’s important for loose-leaf tea. Fortunately many teas come in their own airtight tins or resealable bags.
Even if you aren’t storing your bagged tea in an airtight container, you at least want to try to keep it away from strong smells. Nothing would ruin a good cup of tea than having it taste like the garlic and onions you cooked up last night for dinner.
Also, it won’t keep forever. Tea does degrade in quality over time, so if you haven’t touched that tea you don’t especially enjoy in months or years, it is unlikely to have improved in flavor. Go ahead and toss it out!
Tea Organization
I have to admit that while I love a nice cup of tea, I’m not a tea snob, and I like to try different kinds. Before I figured out my tea storage, I had a large collection of boxes of tea stacked on top and in front of one another in a cabinet, and I had to shuffle them around to get to the ones in the back.
My life improved when I discovered that the best way to store tea is in a drawer! With a drawer, there’s no perilous stacking, shuffling, or reaching on tip-toes to get to that tin on the top shelf in the back. Everything is flat in front of you, easy to see and access. And maybe I’m the only weirdo who feels this way, but there’s something strangely satisfying about neatly fitting all of your tea and tea-making accessories in a drawer.
Once you have a drawer picked out, the first choice you need to make is whether you want to keep your teas in their boxes, or take them out and only store the packets. If you’re taking the tea out of the boxes, you’ll need drawer organizers. Cutlery/silverware organizers often fit tea bags perfectly, or you can use something like these adjustable slotted drawer organizers to make custom-sized tea compartments in your drawer.
The other option, and the one I chose, involves Tetris-ing your boxes and tins into a drawer. You can also combine the two approaches, keeping some teas in the containers they came in, and sorting individual tea bags.
I also like to keep my tea-making tools and accessories in my tea drawer, so mine contains a matcha whisk, timer, strainers, a measuring spoon, and soy sauce dishes, which make perfect tiny plates for spent tea bags. My electric kettle is on the countertop above the drawer, and my mugs in the cupboard above, so everything I need for a cup of tea is all in one place. In general I consider myself “organizationally-challenged,” so my organized tea drawer makes my daily cups of tea even more satisfying.
