How To Brighten Up Your Basement

 

APT Renovation has undergone many basement conversions throughout London, and we know that the one thing that makes the world of difference, is lighting. Here are the best ways to illuminate your basement:

 

Layer The Lighting

Spotlights are the most commonly used form of lighting for basements, but it shouldn’t end there. To make your basement feel as homely as possible, you should layer the lighting. Pendants are a great way to add an atmospheric feel, while accent lighting can also boost the general ambience.

 

Use Sconces

Fixing sconces into the back wall of your basement can create the illusion of higher ceilings. This will also make for a far more inviting space.

 

Fit In Track Lights

To set your basement apart from others and get a more modern look, then you should look to fit in some track lights alongside the exposed joists. This will brighten up your basement significantly and give it a fresh feel.

 

Light Up Soffits

You can make your basement even cosier if you install recessed spotlights into the soffits within the ceiling. Not only will this add a significant degree of lighting to your basement, you won’t reduce your ceiling height, and you will achieve an intimate vibe.

Best Ways To Communicate With Your Architect

Best Ways To Communicate With Your Architectural Designer

 

Having ideas for your dream home is one thing, but conveying them to your architectural designer is definitely another. Here are the best ways to communicate with your architectural designer:

 

Arrange A Site Visit

First things first, you want your architectural designers to see your home in person, so that they can see what the space is like, and also to see what your style preferences are like. Measurements will also be taken, so that the architectural designer can accurately map out what needs to be done.

 

Lists And Images

The more information you write down for your architectural designer, the better. Writing down lists and elaborating where possible are incredibly helpful to facilitating the understanding of your architectural designer. Where possible, try and get as many images saved as well – these could be anything from materials, textures to fittings.

 

Reveal Your Tastes

Letting your architectural designer know about your preferred taste in art, fashion and style will go a long way to helping them know what will work best for you. If you already have clear preferences in traditional décor and design for example, then it would be wise to let your architectural designer know from the offset, so as to avoid any them suggesting any contemporary ideas for your project.

 

Consider Functionality

Functionality is key when coming up with concepts for your property. If you have children, then you may want to consider going for an open-plan layout so you can keep an eye on them at all times. If you work from home, then you may want a study or home office created which allows you to work or study in solitude.

Create An Attractive Utility Room

Create An Attractive Utility Room

 

Utility or laundry rooms are often considered as the most unattractive parts of the house, and are mostly neglected in terms of décor. We have taken a look at some ways to add some character and charm to these rooms:

 

Vibrant Colours

Doing the laundry is definitely not the most glamorous of tasks, but why not jazz up the whole process with some lively colours? Seeing as you won’t be spending much time in the utility room, you could go for some bold colours that you wouldn’t usually go for in the rest of your home, just to make it that little bit more interesting.

 

Add Some Nature

Utility rooms can sometimes feel rather claustrophobic, so adding some natural elements into the mix will do wonders to combat this feeling. Adding some plants and flowers in are a great way to escape the brooding feeling you get when doing the laundry.

 

Attractive Flooring

Most utility and laundry rooms will have very unremarkable flooring, so it’s a good idea to break that mould and go for something more attractive. You could go for a patterned vinyl flooring, or even a marble surface if you want that feeling of luxury.

 

Create Space

Once you have all your appliances laid out in your utility room, it will most likely seem rather cramped. A great technique to avert this and to create more space is to embed the washing machine and other utilities into the wall!