Before renovating your property, it’s worth putting some thought into how you want your interior doors to look as they can make a huge impact on the overall style and function of your home. At APT, we have our own bespoke joinery to create the perfect doors for you, here are a few you might want to consider:

 

Glazed

Glazed doors are a great way to circulate natural light throughout your home. Although these kinds of doors can impede privacy, they are very useful if you want to keep an eye out for your children in the next room.

 

Metal Frames

Metal framed doors give off a very sleek look, and despite looking rather industrial, they actually bring a sense of luxury to your home. This look works very well with glazed windows, and combines perfectly to make your home look very contemporary.

 

Mirrored

If your property has a beautiful interior, then you should consider using mirrors on your doors to reflect it and make the space look even larger than it is. Mirrored doors give your home a far more refined look, but it’s worth remembering that you will need to polish the surface often.

 

Rustic

Sometimes when a property has a very modern look, it’s great to add a few rustic elements into the mix to give it some much needed charm. Our bespoke joinery can select some fine vintage wood for your doors that will really make a huge difference to the overall décor.

 

Edwardian architecture dates back to the relatively brief period of 1901-1918, when King Edward VII was king. This style was a move away from the Victorian periodic style, as it embraced larger spaces and incorporated some Georgian characteristics as well. Here are some defining features of Edwardian design:

 

Differing Exteriors

Although red brick properties were commonplace in Edwardian architecture, this period heralded in a multitude of other types of materials used for exteriors. For example, gravel, pebbles, cement and lime were also used and often combined together, while reinforced concrete frames were a habitual feature.

 

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau rose to prominence a decade before King Edward VII was king, so it’s no surprise that it featured heavily in so many Edwardian interior designs. Stained glass on front doors decorated in Art Nouveau style was commonplace, while ornaments and furniture pieces were inspired by natural forms, a typical Art Nouveau feature.

 

Airy Spaces

 

Because of the ever-growing industrialisation and pollution of cities, there was a newfound desire for many people to move to the suburbs. This allowed architectural designers to play with more space compared to the cramped Victorian era. This is why Edwardian interiors are more airy and spacious, with large windows, floral wallpaper and light walls a common theme.

 

Vintage Furniture

An Edwardian home wouldn’t be complete without furniture that has historical influences, especially from the Italian Baroque and French Rococo styles. Wicker furniture also became an ever-present in Edwardian homes, which was a reflection of how society was becoming more multicultural.

 

 

A lot of artwork throughout history has remained unfinished, but this hasn’t diminished their beauty. The same can be said for properties that adopt this unfinished look. Here are some techniques that you can use to achieve this exposed finish in your home:

 

Structural Wood

Exposing your timber and oak beams is a common feature in many homes, and is equally suitable in a traditional home as it is in a contemporary space. This type of look works so well because it incorporates natural elements into the confines of your home, changing the dynamic entirely.

 

Brickwork

Having a partition of the wall that is exposed brickwork can really add some character to a living area, particularly if you align this with some clever lighting. Generally speaking, brickwork gives off a cold effect, but the asymmetrical textures and colours are great design elements to play around with.

 

Concrete

Concrete is a fantastic material to use for an exposed finish, especially if you are going for a minimalistic effect. The imperfection of the surface gives a raw visual effect and can combine well with artwork or unique ornaments.

 

Steel

To get the more industrial look, steel is an excellent material to use. Having exposed steel structures can really create a stunning yet unfinished aesthetic, and combines well with an exposed ducting system or pipework.

 

Plywood

Plywood is a very cost-effective material to use, and it definitely gives off the impression of an unfinished design. Not only that, but it adds warmth to a space, and can be painted at any time if the look begins to bore you at a later date.

 

Georgian architecture originates from the time King Georges I, II, III and IV were ruling the country, from 1714 to 1830. This design incorporates symmetry, clean lines and ornate ornaments and furniture. Here are some typical features of Georgian architecture:

 

Palladian Influence

Palladian design elements are prevalent within Georgian architecture, which include understated decoration, high ceilings and classical proportions. These design elements draw huge inspiration from classical Roman and Ancient Greek architecture that Venetian architect, Andrea Palladio, was famous for resurrecting.

 

Town Houses

Perhaps the most emblematic image of Georgian architecture are the brick town houses that can be sighted all over the country. As well as red brick being their defining feature, they are also renown for having parapets on each floor and sloped roofs made out of slate.

 

Subtlety

The colours used in the vast majority of Georgian homes were usually soft or pale colours such as whites and pastel tones, while wallpapers and rugs would have certain patterned designs, sometimes with an Oriental or Far East influence. On the whole though, Georgian interiors were much more subtle when compared to other period designs.

 

Sash Windows

Sash windows typify Georgian architecture, and were primarily used to insulate homes with fireplaces and maintain a sense of privacy. The windows would often be large, although the top floors were typically smaller, because of the window tax at the time.

 

High Ceilings & Flat Fronted Roofs

As Georgian homes were primarily for the wealthy and a sign of high social status, it’s no surprise that the ceilings in these properties are very high. Another good indication that a property is Georgian, is to see if the roof is shallow pitched, as many of these properties did not seem to have a roof at first sight.

 

Victorian and Georgian homes are filled with features that are derived from classical architecture, while other features are a direct result of the restrictions that builders and architectural designers faced at the time. Here are some distinct features that you will find in most period homes:

 

Cornice

A cornice marks the separation between the wall and the ceiling and can sometimes be elaborately designed in the more affluent properties, or it can just be plain. These are usually painted in white, but they can also be in a range of other bold colours to make a room stand out.

Corbel

Corbels can be found over fireplaces, hallways and stairways and are usually made of plaster. In some luxurious homes, the corbels can be made from marble or slate. Typical designs usually incorporate floral imagery or scroll parchment.

 

Architrave

The architrave is the thin outline of wood that can be seen around doors, windows and built-in cupboards, and is used to cover the areas that plaster can’t with regards to potential cracking. This type of framing remains virtually unchanged to this day, and is seen in the vast majority of properties in the UK.

 

Dado Rail

A dado rail originates from the Georgian era and can be found in many hallways and staircases, and is an architrave that is usually 90 cm higher than the floor, and extends along the wall. Despite the dado rail vanishing from properties during the Victorian era, they are now quite sought after and create a lovely decorative effect.

 

 

Traditionally speaking, house renovations are usually designed separately by architectural designers, and then carried out by contractors. What sets us out from the others, is that we are a fully comprehensive team, meaning that we cover all aspects of your dream home, from the design & build, right to the fit-out. We have looked at the reasons why you should go for a design & build team such as APT, rather than using multiple contractors:

Erase The Middlemen

Choosing APT Renovation for your home project means that you will have the same team working on it from the initial design procedure, right to the end. This will result in a much more cohesive process from start to finish, which you will not get if you opt to use separate contractors. When you have a design & build team like ours, you can be safe in the knowledge that everyone is on board with the project and there will be total accountability in the rare event that something goes wrong along the way.

 Expertise In All Areas

Unfortunately, there are people in the construction industry who claim to know more than they do. For example, it’s not unheard of to come across contractors or builders who claim they are also architectural designers, and the same can also be said in reverse. This is why choosing a design & build team like APT Renovation will have you safe in the knowledge that we are experts in every aspect. Not only are our builders and engineers the finest and most skilled in the business, our in-house architectural designers are fully licensed and have a wealth of experience in designing state-of-the-art interiors and house extensions throughout London.

 Cheaper

Opting for a design & build team not only makes your life easier in terms of convenience, but it is also a far more cost-effective option. If you decide to choose architectural designers, consultants and contractors separately, then you could end up paying more than 10% extra than if you choose a design & build team like APT. From the outset, our architectural designers will be able to let you know what you can expect in terms of pricing, and will be able to help you adhere to your budget. Our architectural designers and consultants have in-depth knowledge when it comes to the costs of materials and labour, so you can rest assured that their advice will be accurate. We also only start taking payments from you once the works have commenced, and take no upfront fees like some companies.

 Better Communication

Another huge benefit in choosing a design & build team instead of going down the traditional route is that you can be sure that communication between all parties will never be a problem. Right from the very first site visit at your home, our whole team will be fully briefed on what the objectives are and what challenges lie ahead. Here at APT, we like to be fully transparent with our clients, and show them what we are doing, how we are doing it and why it needs to be done. Not only that, but we are readily available to give you all the expert advice you need when it comes to any home improvements, planning permissions or building regulations.

 Get It Done Quicker

Using a selection of third-parties to work on your house renovation runs a big risk of it being delayed. This is because the contractors won’t be in sync with each other, and will most likely have different schedules as opposed to choosing a comprehensive design & build team like APT. A house renovation can be a very complex and protracted process, so it’s far more convenient to have an all-inclusive team working on it, who have worked together on many huge projects. Our team are amazing at completing projects in a timely manner, and are incredibly adaptive to any mishaps that may occur.

 

At APT Renovation, we pride ourselves on being able to give your home improvement projects more continuity, convenience and expertise than other contractors and designers. More and more people are beginning to see the benefits of choosing a design & build team rather than the outdated and tried and tested way. APT Renovation are one of the leading experts in London when it comes to the whole design & build process, so why not give us a call?

 

 

 

If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony in your home and are stuck on some ideas on how to decorate it, APT Renovation have come up with a few suggestions:

 

Blend In With Interior

If you feel that your home doesn’t have enough indoor space, then you could merge your balcony space to create the feeling of a much larger interior. Fitting in floor-to-ceiling glass doors are a great way to achieve this effect, particularly when you can pull them all the way back during the height of summer. Continuing the same theme as your interior will also add to creating this seamless effect.

 

Make It Modern

Having a modern looking balcony can create a beautiful design aesthetic in your home, especially if the rest of your property has a more traditional interior. Using modern elements such as glass for the balustrade and concrete or tiles for the flooring are great ways to achieve this modern look.

 

Create A Rustic Look

As balconies allow you to peer outside, why not use natural themes that can be found outside in your balcony? Going for a rustic look can add significant charm to your home, and there is so much scope for creativity. Using materials such as weathered wood, stone and iron together, as well as a selection of plants, can give you a beautiful, traditional looking balcony.

 

Make It Season-Proof

Because British weather is so unpredictable, you will want to create a balcony space somewhere that you can relax, regardless of what time of year it is. Creating a protruded roof will help guard you from the hostile weather, while you could also think about adding an electric infrared heater to use during the winter.

 

 

 

Going all-white is usually the default choice when it comes to painting ceilings, but there are a number of other options that can set your home apart from others. APT Renovation has looked at some excellent ideas for your ceilings:

 

Concrete

Opting for a polished concrete ceiling will give you a highly contemporary look in your home, especially if you have pure white walls and high-class furniture. Concrete also makes it seem as if there is more room in your property, and works wonders in open-plan spaces.

 

Metal

It is true that white ceilings are very useful in spreading more light around the place, but metal is another unique alternative that you can use to the same effect. Not only does metal increase the circulation of light, but it is also fairly cheap to fit and gives off a very modern look.

 

Wallpaper

Believe it or not, but wallpaper can actually be used on other surfaces other than walls! Having wallpaper on your ceiling may be relatively tricky to implement, but it can work wonders in terms of improving the overall look. You can also create the illusion of taller ceilings if you paint the moulding around the edges the same colour as the walls.

 

Go Black

If you have a lightly coloured interior and tall ceilings, then going for a black ceiling can create a very striking look. Although the ceiling will appear to be lower, this look goes exceedingly well with cream colours and dark wood.

 

Timber

Timber is often used for flooring and walls to great effect, but it can also work as a stunning material for your ceiling. With timber, you can choose various different shades to complement your interior design, and whichever tone you go with, you can be sure that it will result in a cosy environment.

 

Artwork is usually the final touch that gives your home its own unique charm and character. The artwork you choose reflects your own personality and tastes, so you should look to maximise the impact it has on your home. APT Renovation has looked at how you can get the best out of your selected artwork:

 

Maximise Your Hall Space

Your hallway is generally the area with the largest wall space, but this part of the house is often ignored in terms of decoration. Instead, why not make your hallway stand out, and feature a large selection of art, leading all the way up to the top of the wall so you have something nice to look at when climbing the staircase.

 

Illuminate Your Art

Sometimes the lighting in a room will not do justice to the artwork that you have up. A great way to combat this is to install some lighting above your art to illuminate it during the evening, so it is just as noticeable as it is during the day. Adjustable lighting is preferable as you can manipulate the lighting to your liking.

 

Focalise

If your artwork is very colourful and striking, you might want it to be the centrepiece of your room. Consider propping it up to a high and central point in the room, and arrange your furniture around it so that it is always in view. Try to ensure that the rest of the room doesn’t clash with the vibrancy of your artwork, instead opting for more neutral colours and tones.

 

Jazz Up Your Bathroom

Many bathrooms look generic and lack in style, so adding artwork into the mix is a really effective way to enhance the image. Consider adding some funky pop art to a white bathroom to inject some life into it, or add some Art Deco features to create a more refined finish.

 

 

Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular in British bathrooms, and it is easy to see why. Generic white shower enclosures are starting to be a thing of the past, as wet rooms are a great way to add style and space to a bathroom. Here are some things to consider before you go ahead with a wet room:

 

Waterproof Everything

Perhaps the most important thing to consider before you make your wet room is to ensure that everything is fully waterproofed. To do this, a waterproof membrane must be laid on the floor and onto the walls in your wet room. Getting this right will mean that you have a fully functioning wet room that doesn’t leak.

 

Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is highly recommended if you decide to go for a wet room, as it helps remove water on the floor by evaporating it. It’s also highly effective in creating a cosy and warm feeling, as tiles usually get very cold.

 

Select The Right Tiles

Having a wet room means literally just that, your floor is going to be wet after someone has a shower. This is why it is important to select the right tiles that are slip resistant, particularly if you have any children, elderly or disabled in your household.

 

Correct Drainage

In order for your wet room to work properly, you need the water to drain away efficiently. There must be a soft slope in the floor to let the water travel into the drainage. You can do this by fitting in a pre-formed tray of your existing tiled floor.