popular interior design ideas

Popular Interior Design Ideas

 

Choosing the interior design of your home can be one of the most rewarding experiences, and gives you the opportunity to tap into your creative flair. Your home is the focal point of your life, so having an interior design that befits you is a matter of huge importance, one which you should take great pride in. Many interior design styles interchange and borrow from each other, but it’s always important to know what’s what. If you’re having trouble figuring out what’s best for you, APT have identified the five most popular interior themes right now:

 

Traditional

Traditional décor derives from classic European styles dating back to the 18th and the 19th centuries. Unique characteristics often include a significant amount of dark wooden finishes throughout, intricately carved furniture and a wide range of ornaments and accessories. Traditional designs often exude a luxurious and elegant ambience, particularly in the choice of materials which include velvet, brocade and silk. Artworks on the walls and impressive fireplaces are both common features in traditional décor, while arches and columns are popular architectural trademarks.

 

Modern/Contemporary

Many people often confuse modern as being the same as contemporary, and while there are some overlapping aspects that are shared between the two, there are also distinguishable differences. Modern design often refers to the period during the period of around 1933 to 1965 and is often coined as mid-century modern. This particular style incorporates the use of aesthetic straight lines, neutral colours and natural materials to create an airy feel. Contemporary follows very much in the same vein as modern design, but where modern is limited to a specific era only, there is more progression and dynamism on show in contemporary designs, and often borrows from other styles.

 

Scandinavian

The Scandinavian style is becoming increasingly popular these days as it not only provides beautiful aesthetics, but brilliant functionality as well. Scandinavian décor is very simple and understated, and uses white walls to bring in as much natural light as possible. The minimalistic style, which is characterised by a dearth of ornamentation, natural materials and earthy colours, is now starting to appeal to people all over the globe, after originating in countries like Sweden and Norway. Many aspects are similar to contemporary and modern designs, although reclaimed wood is prevalent in Scandinavian interiors.

 

Industrial

Industrial designs were mainly used for loft and basement renovations before, but they are now increasingly being used for entire properties. To achieve this particular look, certain materials need to be used such as worn out steel and dilapidated metal, which give off a similar atmosphere to a warehouse or factory. Industrial interiors often have a raw and rough feeling about them, which is why unfinished or exposed walls are very typical. Warm and neutral colours are thematic in industrial designs, while concrete elements are often used for walls or flooring.

 

Rustic

The rustic interior design is all about building a link to nature and incorporating natural elements by merging the outside to the inside. Handcrafted wooden furniture and ornaments are common details in rustic homes, while stone, bamboo, clay and wool are the other natural materials that feature heavily. Rustic interiors are charming and have a very warm and cosy feel to them, and appeal to people who like to shy away from this ever evolving technological age. Alternatively, many people like to incorporate rustic elements into their contemporary homes, perhaps to serve as a reminder of the beauty that nature holds.

 

 

 

 

 

wet underfloor

Wet Underfloor Heating For A Cosy Home

In many Nordic European countries, underfloor heating can be found in at least 8 out of 10 properties, and it seems Britain is also following in the same vein. It is no secret that underfloor heating significantly increases how homely and cosy a property is, particularly during the long winters.

 

Existing Floors

If your property is being built from scratch or needs a total renovation, then a wet underfloor heating system makes perfect sense as all that would need to be installed is piping to pump the warm water through your subfloor. When fitted in from scratch, slab concrete is laid down as the foundation, which is then followed by insulated concrete substrate. Thin pipes are then laid down and covered in screed which is used to conduct the heat that passes through them. Unfortunately, for those with existing floors, this type of underfloor system would require ripping up the floors entirely to pour the screed material underneath, which is why an electric system would be easier.

 

Save Up To 30% On Your Bills

A wet underfloor heating system works in a very similar way to a typical central heating system, and is actually more energy efficient than using radiators. While the cost to install wet systems may be slightly higher than electric systems, this shouldn’t really deter you because in the long run, you will be saving far more money. In fact, you could save up to 30% on your bills as they function at a far lower water temperature than radiators.

 

Integrated Heating System

Another positive function of this system is that it can be fully integrated with your existing heating system, meaning that you can alternate the heating between the floors and the radiators in different rooms. Add to that, the fact that the heat emanating from the floors last far longer after activation and have a further reach than radiators. This type of heating is perfect for cold flooring materials like tiles, marble or flagstones. It’s worth noting that you can have underfloor heating underneath the wooden flooring, but since it conducts less heat than other materials, the temperature should never exceed 27 degrees, as this can cause it to crack.

 

Height Reduction

Because of the amount of layers of concrete, insulation and screed needed to create wet underfloor heating, the height of a room can be significantly reduced, depending on what type of floor finish is used. However, there have been advancements in producing thinner insulation layers than what the usual wet systems contain, and these do not exceed 100mm, causing minimal height reduction. This progression will surely pave the way for even more homeowners to opt for the wet underfloor heating system, whether it is for a house extension, a bathroom or an entire property.

 

 

 

 

Bring The Outdoors Into Your Home

 

During the summer, we often crave the outdoors life, so why not bring the outdoors into your home? Creating a balcony or roof terrace can transform your property dramatically. Here are a few ideas that you can incorporate in your home:

 

Juliet Balconies

Juliet Balconies are considerably popular in England, as you generally don’t require any planning permission to build them, unlike projecting balconies. The only issue that can arise with these concerns over the privacy of neighbours, but on the whole, these represent a great way to enhance the beauty of your property.

 

Loft Conversion

A creative way to get some outdoor space in your home is to convert and extend your loft ,and push back the parapet wall so you can form a miniature roof garden. From being at the highest vantage point in the property, you can be sure to bask in the sunshine throughout the summer with this technique.

 

Take Advantage Of Extension

If you have already created a ground-floor extension in your property, then this presents the opportunity to make the most of this newfound space on its roof. A roof terrace is a fantastic way to make the most out of this additional storey, although it may well require planning permission.

 

Decorate

A great way to make your balcony or roof terrace stand out even more is to decorate it. Perhaps you want to go with the more natural look and decorate with beautiful plants and greenery, or you could even consider building a fireplace so that you can use your outdoor space all year round.

 

 

 

 

 

 

the right window for your home

Choosing The Right Windows For Your Home

Choosing The Right Windows

 

Choosing the right windows for your home can be a very tricky decision indeed. Windows often play a large role in determining the character of your property, so it is important to take these things into consideration:

 

Budget

Your budget should play a pivotal role when selecting what material you use for your windows, as the costs vary significantly. If you want to go down the more economical route, then uPVC windows are your best bet, while aluminium is relatively more expensive. The most expensive windows are made from aluclad, a combination of timber and aluminium.

 

Insulation

The insulation levels of your windows are calculated by a system called U-value, which takes into account the glazing type, the frame design and age and the quality of installation. The lower the U-value, the better insulation the window offers. Generally speaking, older properties are not insulated as well as newer ones.

 

Choosing The Right Colour

Most windows come with a traditional white frame, but if you want to go for something that suits the rest of your interior, then you may want to consider different colours. Aluminium and most high-end windows come in an assortment of different colours. The right window frame can make a huge difference to the finish of your property.

 

Double Or Triple Glazing

If you want your home to be eco-friendly, then you should look to go for triple glazing on your windows. Despite coming at a relevant cost, triple glazing is a highly effective way to soundproof and insulate your property. Double glazing is also a viable option, and is relatively cheaper.

 

 

Redesigning Your Living Room

Consideration To Make Before Redesigning Your Living Room

 

As the living room is the primary centrepiece in your home, you want to ensure that any new designs you are planning for it are going to work. Here’s what you should consider before you go ahead with the changes:

 

Plan Around Plug Sockets

If you plan to move any furniture around, you will want to take into consideration the location of all plug sockets and switches. Ideally, you want to avoid adding new sockets as it will cost more, so try to arrange all the furniture to the most convenient parts of the room.

 

Only Make Changes If You Have To

There’s no point in making changes to your living room just for the sake of it. Make sure you’ve thought about the changes you want to do and if they will really make a difference positively. A good way to test the waters is to use some template objects to fit into the spaces where you want to make the changes.

 

Consider Your Budget

Before going ahead with any of your changes, make sure that your plans are not too ambitious for your budget. Make sure you know the value of each decision you carry out, and if it is worth it from a financial perspective.

 

Will It Work?

You may have identified a certain look that you really want to use in your living room, but you need to make sure that it will be able to work in your home. Consider if the changes you want to make will actually work from an architectural standpoint. Either way, consulting with our in-house architectural designer will give you much more clarity going forwards.

How To Make The Most Of High Ceilings

How To Make The Most Of High Ceilings

 

If you are fortunate to benefit from high ceilings or a double-height room, then you should really look to make the most of it. Here are a few design ideas to help you do this:

 

Use Mirrors

While having high ceilings can be a great thing, it can sometimes make space seem like it is more on the narrow side. Placing mirrors on the walls can help to create the illusion of a wider room, and the larger the mirror you choose to hang up, the wider it will seem.

 

Use Storage

If you are an avid book reader, then why not make the most of your ceiling height with a tall library? Alternatively, you could also create high-reaching cupboards, and create a rolling ladder for easy access.

 

Skylight Windows

If you plan to include storage in your walls, then you may want to consider going for a skylight window, which will pour in large amounts of natural light during the day. The only issue with this is you must think of how you will be able to clean it when required!

 

Change Design

If you want to be really creative, then you could change the whole colour scheme, texture, or even both, starting from halfway up. Going for a darker design scheme towards the top will create a much more cosy effect, and reduce how vast the high ceilings make it feel.

 

Exposed Beams

If you want to create a really interesting and unique atmosphere in your home, then you could leave the beams exposed towards the roof. This has a lot of potential for creativity, as you could leave them in their natural timber state, or paint them in a striking colour.

The Benefits Of Green Building

Going green in construction is becoming increasingly important, as the rate our planet is going means that eventually, natural resources will dry up. Here’s why green building is so important for the environment:

 

Raw Materials

A huge part of a sustainable building is using more environmentally-friendly and ethical products like recycled materials instead of being dependent on natural resources. The more durable these green materials are, the better, so any replacements and repairs are delayed for as long as possible. Using recycled materials also helps reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills.

 

Water

The more sustainable buildings use certain systems and contraptions that are less reliant on the use of water. Many traditional buildings have a huge dependency on water, which could have a detrimental impact on the amount of available in the future.

 

Land

The location of where properties are built has a direct correlation to green construction. The less deforestation and land degradation there is, the more eco-friendly a building is.

 

Energy

There are a growing number of different appliances and insulation techniques that you can use in your property that will lower carbon emissions and minimise usage of fossil fuels. While these may be pricey at first, they will end up saving you more money in the long run.

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.

Indications That You May Need To Hire A Designer

 

Although a house renovation is a very exciting project, it is also incredibly challenging, particularly for those with no experience. Here are some indications that suggest you may need to hire an interior designer:

 

It’s Your Home For Life

If you are planning your project for a property that you don’t intend to sell, and where you see yourself for life, then you need to make sure it is as good as it gets. Our designer will make recommendations to you that will serve you for the long term, instead of focussing on the marketability of the property. Your home should represent you, and our interior designer will be able to do this through their expert perspective.

 

You Are Indecisive

Perhaps you have too many ideas swirling around in your head and can’t commit to one design for your home? If you do feel overwhelmed with all of these ideas then an interior designer/architectural designer can help you weed out the ideas that won’t work so well, and incorporate the ones that will. Essentially they can get you back to basics, and give you visual aids so you can see what your final outcome will look like. At APT, our in-house architectural designers will be sure to get the balance right.

 

You Don’t Have Enough Time

Having a job, a family and a social life are hard enough to juggle as it is, so the thought of having to take on a whole renovation project by yourself can be a daunting one. Sometimes, there simply isn’t enough time in the day, so to save yourself the time, an interior designer can help guide you through this process.

 

You Can’t Agree With Your Partner

If you can’t agree with your partner on what you want to happen with your home, then the most logical way to solve this is to consult with our designer, who will act as the mediator between you both. Our designer will listen to the both of you, and try to incorporate and combine your preferences into a design that will please you both.

 

 

 

Benefits Of A Bespoke Joinery

Benefits Of A Bespoke Joinery

 

As well as being a fully comprehensive design & build team, APT Renovation also boasts its own bespoke joinery. Here’s some of the benefits a joinery such as ours can bring you:

 

Made-To-Measure

Our bespoke joinery specialises in making you maximise the space and usage of your home, with made-to-measure, custom fitted furniture that is unique only to your household. Rather than buying the furniture from the store and run the risk of it not fitting or looking good, you have the luxury of choosing exactly how you want your furniture to look and measure.

 

Extra Help With Your Property

As well as crafting furniture from scratch, our bespoke joinery can also customise existing fittings and items in your property and tailor these to your needs. This can include adding extra shelving in storage units, remodelling the layout of your wardrobe or even obscuring any unattractive wiring.

 

Add Value

By having our bespoke joinery create furniture and fittings for you, you are adding real value to your home. Any property that includes bespoke and unique features is always sure to be very appealing to prospective buyers, and is a surefire way to propel the worth of your home.

 

Get That Natural Wooden Finish

Wood is a hugely versatile material that is favoured by homeowners and builders alike, particularly because it provides excellent insulation, and is incredibly efficient. There are so many different finishes that can be achieved with wood, and nothing beats the organic sense of nature it can bring to your living space.