HOME

IS YOUR HOME READY FOR A MAKEOVER

WATCHING TV makeover programmes and how clever interior designers make the most of homes of all sizes makes most of plain jealous.

Yet, there are simple tips that can help in any home – to make areas look bigger or smaller, brighter, more contemporary and certainly more interesting.

Improve or get rid of your old front door

While a coat of paint can really do the trick on a tired or old-fashioned door, it may be worth investing in a new one to make that vital first impression on any visitor. It also cheers up your day every time you come home!

Make those stairs really stand out

Stairs are often the first thing that anyone sees coming into your home and if they are shabby or just plain boring that gives totally the wrong impression. So cheer them up with a smart and stylish stairrunner to banish those shabby treads. Go for colour if you really want to make an impression, perhaps with a bold pattern, or keep classy with a lush neutral weave.

Look after those original features

If you’re lucky enough to have original features like cornices, make a feature of them. Bring out the period detail by stripping them right down and then highlight them with stain or a fresh coat of paint.

Treat yourself to good storage space

We all acquire so much stuff these days that we need plenty of storage otherwise everywhere just looks cluttered. Investing in bespoke shelving in those wasted, awkward areas of your home – or even in alcoves - can add a better look and that much-prized storage space. You could also have a go yourself!

Fireplaces add a special glow

Many homes have original fireplaces although some were ripped out in previous decades when they weren’t considered stylish. This has left many homes with a bare chimney breast which has been simply incorporated into a room. So why not change this?

Bringing back a fireplace offers a centrepiece and focal point for a room like no other. Reclamation yards might offer some originals if you’re prepared to look or invest in one of the many smart new fireplaces on offer now. These can be free-standing or inset – there’s plenty of choice. But this is definitely one way to really alter the look and appeal of a lounge or sitting room.

Take a good look at your windows

Window technology has come on so much in recent years that you really can buy just the right kind for your home.

Gaps around sash windows can also let out costly heat so it’s definitely worth getting in someone who knows what they’re doing and either renovating the windows you have or going for new ones.

Bear in mind the style of your home outside and also how new windows will blend in with your interior furnishings. The big bonus is reduced heating bills and a really cosy glow for you!

Shutters, blinds or curtains?

While you’re looking carefully at how effective and attractive your windows are, examine how you are framing them, inside and out. Smart shutters are back in fashion and accessible to everyone.

And today’s curtains and blinds come in so many different types choices will be difficult so seek expert advice. Even changing curtains or blinds can make a huge difference to any room, especially

teamed with matching soft furnishings like cushions and throws.

Don’t look down on carpets and flooring

Take a fresh look at your carpets and flooring and see how you can improve them. You may have original floor tiles which are well worth proper restoration, either by you or by a professional cleaner.

In a busy area like a hallway, for example, you don’t have to settle for a practical but boring carpet. Go for a gleaming wooden floor or choose a wool blend carpet in a bright colour or pattern that’s durable but impressive. Again, consult your local flooring specialist as they know what works out well where, and how to get the best value.

Sofa so good

If you have a vintage sofa that’s comfortable but simply looks tired, update it with a bright, contemporary new fabric. If you like the idea but don’t have the upholstery skills, go to an expert. It’s worth the investment to keep your much-loved sofa and give it a new lease of life.

Have a moving experience

Sometimes, just re-arranging your furniture can give a whole new aspect to a room. Rather than waste energy pushing around that heavy sofa, make a plan of it all beforehand so that you get the right flow in your room and it does what you want it to.

This might also be a good opportunity to de-clutter and make some space, or move an item to another room or area if you can’t bear to part with it.

Paint is your friend

Just giving a room a fresh coat of paint can sometimes make all the difference. Create an accent wall or make stripes using taped lines.

Think about your ceiling: a lighter colour here draws your eye upwards and makes your room appear bigger. If you’ve already got very high ceilings, lighter colours on the walls with a darker shade on the ceiling can make the room feel cosier.

Painting your kitchen cupboards can also work well and save you buying new units. Or, buy some modern handles, or vintage if you prefer. Simple changes in familiar areas can often have great effect.

Enlarge that bedroom

Make a small bedroom seem larger by colour co-ordinating décor and furnishings. Use simple bed linen for a minimal approach.

Raise your bed to create extra space and buy a flat-weave rug for interesting texture. Mirror a window to reflect light and create height by raising curtains to the ceiling. And make a focal point in your bedroom, like using a piece of art as a headboard instead of a traditional headboard.

Call in the lawn arranger

If you want a green space outside but can’t wait for one to grow, invest in an artificial lawn. Today’s lawns are remarkably like the natural thing and very resilient. They just need cleaning and they won’t yellow in the sun or dry out. Seek advice on the best type for your outdoor space from a local company.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR KITCHEN LOOK LUXE

By Andrea Fawell, Sales & Marketing Director at Kebbell

Andrea Fawell, Sales and Marketing Director at Kebbell, the property developers known for their elegant and high quality homes, has taken the time to share their top tips on how to make your kitchen look and feel welcoming yet luxe:-

Hardworking but beautiful kitchens need to be clutter free.

Kitchens are no longer just places to prepare and cook your meals, but a central space for quality family time, dining and entertaining. Because it is such a busy place clutter is unhelpful. Aim to keep your worktops as large sweeping spaces free of paperwork, bits and bobs and ingredients. Organise your cupboard space and recycle gadgets, crockery and kitchen aids you don’t use anymore.

Love your lighting

Lighting in kitchens is often overlooked so make sure you take the time to consider it. As well as practical LED lighting why not add something unexpected like a chandelier or statement pendants to create a feature element in your kitchen. Localised lighting for every working surface offers higher illuminance in specific positions whilst also creating ambience.

Use art to give an upmarket feel

Artwork elevates any room, gives a nod to your artistic side and can add a pop of colour to a neutral kitchen.

Refresh your cabinets

If your cabinets are looking a little tired change the cabinet doors to revitalise the kitchen. Perhaps opt for deep pigmented heritage shades if your kitchen is large or choose lighter colours to create the illusion of space.

Rediscover your fridge

Clear your fridge door of postcards, thank you notes and letter magnets if you are looking for a sleek appearance. Keep treasured items in a study or bedroom perhaps.

Splash out on new splashbacks

They are key to a kitchen. You can modernise the look of the kitchen by adding glossy tiles, reflective coloured glass, textured antique European style tiles or rhythmic Arabic patterned tiles. Marble tiles are increasingly a go-to style too. Whatever you style this is your opportunity to let it shine through!

Invest in a standout item

Choose a standout piece like a beautiful stone sink or a gorgeous new tap to make your kitchen a talking point.

Sumptuous countertops

Update your worktops with marble, quartz or granite, or if you have a country style home then smooth wooden counters can look particularly beautiful.

Refresh your paintwork every year

Because splashes of tomato or oil stains are never a good look! Create a feature wall with creative wallpaper or a grandiose deep coloured paint. Pantone’s colour of the year is Classic Blue, which evokes feelings of calm and serenity.

Herbs and plants

Plants add to the elegance of any space, help to filter the air and studies show that being around plants is soothing and restorative. Display fresh herbs on your windowsill in matching pots to add a lovely fragrance to your kitchen and as well as your cooking. Invest in other potted plants or weekly cut flowers displayed in a beautiful vase. Buy a special one-of-a-kind driftwood bowl to display fresh fruit.

Dress the kitchen window

Kitchen windows are often left neglected, but a room will not look ‘finished’ if the window is left undressed. Traditional shutters look upmarket, are practical and a good investment. Elegant rooms are light and airy, so make sure the windows are clean and free from clutter.

Have striking features like a sleek coffee machine, or copper pans, iron casserole dishes or an old style kettle positioned proudly on your hob to trigger feelings of home-cooked food and warmth. Sparkling long stemmed wine glasses on display on an open shelf or within a glass cabinet with interior lighting will get you ready for entertaining friends and family.

Wetroom & Walk-in Shower Specialists

Victoria Mill, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield Tel: 01484 547110 Fax: 01484 432037 Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday, 9am to 4pm www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk

Great choices for the smallest room

Thinking of updating your bathroom? Then take a look at the extensive showroom at Huddersfield’s Atlas Bathrooms of Lockwood. With now even more choice in store, Atlas has invested heavily in the extensive showroom and now has even more displays of bath suites, showers and wet rooms to choose from.

It now has one of the biggest displays of bathrooms and accessories in the Huddersfield area. Spread over two floors it has ranges from top manufacturers including Jacuzzi, Heritage, Roca and Ideal Standard.

There is also plenty to suit all budgets with bathrooms and showers ranging in price from affordable to the luxurious end of the market.

For more information, look at the website www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk or ring 01484 547110.

Registered Charity No. 512987

Kirkwood starts to to re-open its shops

Following the government’s announcement that shops selling nonessential goods could re-open, we are delighted to announce that Kirkwood many of our shops are now open again.

Whether you’re looking for something to keep you or the kids entertained, want to browse a fantastic summer fashion range or just want to take a look around, Kirkwood’s fantastic shops have got you covered.

We’ve installed safety measures and we’ll be following strict social distancing guidelines too - all to make sure you and our team stay safe whilst you’re shopping.

How we’re keeping you safe

We are doing everything we can to make sure you have a great shopping experience with us.

We are limiting the number of customers, we’ve installed one way systems and protective screens at our tills, and we’ve installed hand sanitising stations too.

Accepting your donations

We are now able to accept donations at any shop which has re-opened.

We’ve put a number of safety measures in place, including quarantining all donated items for 72 hours after we receive them. This may mean that we aren’t able to take donations in some shops at certain times, as we have limited storage space.

Please give your local shop a call before visiting us to make sure we have space to accept your donations. You can check our website to find your nearest Kirkwood shop.