ISSUE 78 FEBRUARY 2019 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
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Culture Vulture Lyndsay Malone
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Could you help?
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NEWS Ashfield Awards Winner Roberta Lyons, a classroom assistant at Ashfield Girls’ High School in East Belfast, was the recipient of one of the Special Recognition awards for Empowering Students at the recent Blackboard Awards, held at Belfast City Hall on Friday 1st February. The prestigious awards ceremony celebrates and recognises the achievements of all of those involved in the teaching profession across the greater Belfast area in conjunction with Aisling Events and Danske Bank and Mrs Lyons was one of only 8 awards winners in the Special Recognition category. Roberta was nominated by the school’s Learning Support Co-ordinator, Tracy Rossborough, because of her inspiring work and positive attitude when supporting pupils with a range of different SEN needs-from high functioning Asperger’s pupils to students with diabetes as well as a number of others with learning difficulties. Ms Rossborough told us, “In 2016 we were devastated when Roberta was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo gruelling surgery followed by months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Through it all she remained positive and stayed in contact with school-sending us messages with ideas for the new Christmas crafts as well as sharing strategies for supporting ‘her pupils’. When she was well enough, she immediately returned to school with her drive and enthusiasm, ready to take on new challenges. She has ‘counselled’ pupils and has recently helped establish a sensory room. Nothing is ever too much for Robertashe always goes the extra mile for pupils, parents and teachers and is so deserving of some formal recognition for her continuous commitment and dedication.” The event was opened by Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Lord Mayor of Belfast, and the host for the evening was BBC N Ireland’s Barra Best.
Belfast Pilates & Physioterhapy Clinic, won the award for business growth Hundreds of people attended the recent Eastside awards night at the Stormont Hotel in association with George Best Airport. Sonia McCay and Gillian Duggan, who own the Belfast Pilates & Physioterhapy clinic, won the award for business growth. It was presented to them by Neill Boyd of sponsor Ulster Bank. The judges said Belfast Pilates & Physiotherapy displayed clear strategic direction, segmental product offering, good research, targeted marketing and advertising, strong employee engagement, clear growth and customer satisfaction. Sonia and Gillian have recently purchased 56 HolywoodRoad, better known to many as the “Sams Yer Man” building. They plan to redevelop the premises, over the coming year, into a modern and well equipped clinic. It will contain 3 large pilates studios and 6 treatment rooms. The business’s team of physios include Sinead Boyle, Jane Carson, Densie 0’Hagan and Rachel Norwood. They have a shared passion for pilates and teach Physio led pilates to over 500 happy clients a week.
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Local stories and puppets help East Belfast children build confidence and future skills EastSide Learning, a multi-agency group linking schools with local communities, has partnered with a local east Belfast teacher to develop a programme which aims to help children build confidence and contribute to their future learning. Called Hearsay, the programme targets children in Primary 2 who have been identified as reluctant speakers or children needing more support to develop good listening skills. EastSide Learning has been able to support the development of the Hearsay programme through funding received from the Social Investment Fund, under the Delivering Social Change Framework for the Belfast East Community Education Project administered by Short Strand Community Forum. Developed by Caroline Lennox, the Literacy Co-ordinator in Victoria Park Primary School, Hearsay uses stories and activities with a local context to promote active listening and thoughtful talk. It also helps practitioners create an environment where children feel valued and happy to communicate using puppets as prompts. The use of puppets helps to provide a more relaxed atmosphere for positive communication during the sessions. A successful pilot of the programme was supported in Victoria Park Primary School between February and June 2018. The 12- week programme, which starts in January 2019 will be rolled out across a further 8 local primary schools in east Belfast. Maggie Andrews from EastSide Learning said: “EastSide Learning has been delighted to be able to help develop the Hearsay programme which will contribute to improving outcomes for children who could otherwise be left behind. Teachers are always thinking of new ways to help children learn but often they have to rely on their own expertise as resources are often expensive or not locally relevant. It is essential that we offer support to develop this teaching talent in our schools and we hope that the Hearsay Programme is the start of doing just that.” Caroline Lennox, the Literacy co-ordinator in Victoria Park Primary, commented: “With an increasing number of children in foundation stage with poor listening and communication skills it’s important that we explore methods to help tackle this issue. The Hearsay programme resources were developed with advice from RISE NI and using puppets, social stories and props as a tool to engage children in productive talk. With this research I developed two puppets - Champ the dog and Harland the cat and created stories about them that the children could relate to. The stories have a local context which sets a more relaxed atmosphere for positive communication.” For further details on EastSide Learning visit www.eastsidelearning.co.uk
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NEWS NI kids nominated for five UK film awards Talented young film-makers from Northern Ireland have been nominated for the 2019 Into Film Awards in London on March 4. Rosie Hughes (16) from Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School in East Belfast was nominated in the Best Animation Category for ‘The Spindles’ an accomplished animated horror about a young girl being stalked in the woods by a menacing creature. The team from Bridge Integrated Primary School in Banbridge are up for Best Film (aged 11 and under) for ‘The Time Trike’ about an adventure on a mysterious time travelling tricycle. One of the young film-makers from Bridge Integrated Primary, Frankie Hutchinson Lynch has also been nominated for a further two awards – Club Member of the Year and Reviewer of the Year. The final award nominee is Oisin Tomas O Raghallaigh from Strabane who has been nominated in the Ones to Watch Category. The Into Film Awards showcase an impressive range of films made by young people at their schools, colleges, Into Film clubs and youth groups. The winners will be announced at London’s Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square, hosted by children’s TV presenter Radzi Chinyanganya. Much-loved by teachers, pupils and the film industry alike, the fifth Into Film Awards are the UK’s largest celebration of young people’s creativity in film capturing the true spirit of film and creativity and shining a spotlight on the next generation of filmmaking talent. The Awards also recognise the dedication of teachers who use film as an education tool. Actor Michael Sheen, Ambassador for Into Film, said; “The Into Film Awards are a great moment for young people across the UK from greatly varying backgrounds to be celebrated for their creativity and achievements in film and filmmaking. They are an important reminder, at an important time, that talent is everywhere, and that film and the arts have a huge role to play in young people’s lives and learning.” The Into Film Awards are organised by Into Film, a film education charity supported by the BFI with National Lottery funding, and made possible with support from the film industry through sponsorship www.intofilm.org/awards. Celebrity supporters including Eddie Redmayne, Gwendoline Christie, Michael Sheen, Ruth Wilson, Charles Dance, Gemma Arterton, Will Poulter and more speak about the Into Film Awards at: https://vimeo.com/304831363
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Could YOU foster? ‘My foster carers are great. They’re always there for me…’ Ronan 16
We need ordinary people in the
East Belfast area who have time and space in their lives to care for young people in need.
Call 028 9504 0057
www.adoptionandfostering.hscni.net
NEWS Northern Irish Law Firm Recognised with Top National Accolade Millar McCall Wylie Named Legal 500 Northern Ireland Law Firm of the Year 7th February 2019: Leading full-service law firm, Millar McCall Wylie, was crowned Northern Ireland Law Firm of the Year at the prestigious Legal 500 awards ceremony in the Guildhall, London, last night. The firm has experienced significant double-digit growth in the last number of years, as it celebrates 21 years in business. The corporate team alone has increased revenue by 100% over the last three years. This continued growth has enabled Millar McCall Wylie to build its reputation both nationally and internationally, delivering legal services across an extensive range of practice areas and is also a member of one of the world’s leading global legal networks, Multilaw. Within a highly competitive local market, the firm has achieved an employee retention rate of 95% across its two offices in Belfast, and plans to grow its team of 30 by 20% with further hires across 2019. The first-generation law firm has represented global and national brands such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, Xbox Studios, Subway, and Scottish Power, through to highly successful local clients like MJM Marine, Learning Pool, Northern Ireland Screen, Ulster Rugby and McAleer & Rushe. Last year Millar McCall Wylie advised on the £70m financing of the 227,000 sq ft Merchant Square office development in Belfast City Centre. It also handled the sale of windfarms for clients for a sum in excess of £60m and the firm additionally acted on the global TV series “Game of Thrones” and “Line of Duty” together with film and TV projects for Netflix, HBO, ESPN, and BBC amongst others. Managing partner Peter McCall commented, “Our growth over the last 21 years has been driven by our firm focus on people, with real opportunities to build careers and with all partners and teams working together with quality clients both in Northern Ireland and across the globe. From the outset, we have continually invested in the firm and created a hands-on progressive culture, and this top accolade is one that we are truly delighted to receive. I feel it gives us a great platform on which to continue to recruit the best people and grow the business in 2019 and beyond. I am proud that we have continued to deliver a full range of legal services at a very high standard across all sectors.” Additionally, Millar McCall Wylie has been recognised as a leading firm by legal directory Chambers UK in key areas such as Corporate/M&A, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate, Employment, Family & Matrimonial and Private Client and is consistently ranked in the top five NI corporate law firms in the Experian Rankings.
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NEWS
FOSTER CARE – LET’S THINK LOCAL Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust has run a radio advertising campaign to help highlight the ongoing need for foster carers within the heart of local communities. Lorraine Toner, Belfast HSC Trust Fostering Service, advises: “We frequently hear about the large number of children in care and the shortage of foster carers. These crisis-focused headlines do highlight an issue but can also depersonalise the problem. Instead Belfast Trust is asking people to think about fostering on a personal, local level. Are you patient, flexible, resilient and child-centred with the time and space in your life to help a child in need? If so, then right within your own local community, it is possible that there is a child or group of siblings, who need you and could benefit greatly from your contribution to fostering. “The process of becoming a foster carer is a rigorous one in order to protect vulnerable children. However, applications to become a foster carer will be considered regardless of race, religion, language, culture, gender, disability, age, marital status and sexual orientation. People from all walks of life have become HSC foster carers, whether they own or rent their home, are in employment or claim benefits and whether they have children of their own or not”. HSC foster carers receive financial allowances, 24-hour social work support and ongoing training. Professional HSC foster carers receive an additional fee. Call HSC regional Adoption and Fostering service on 0800 0720137. Enquire online at adoptionandfostering.hscni.net
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EASTSIDE AWARDS - BIGGEST AWARDS NIGHT CELEBRATED IN EAST BELFAST The third annual Eastside Awards in association with George Best Belfast City Airport was the biggest and best yet, as 320 guests attended the glittering Burns Night ceremony, hosted by television presenter Tara Mills, recognising the best of East Belfast at Hastings Stormont Hotel. The top accolade for Outstanding Contribution was awarded to East Belfast man Mervyn Hempton, who is committed to creating employment and wealth across the city with entrepreneurship and economic development at his heart. As Chair of East Belfast Enterprise, he was instrumental in the building of the business park and 60 incubation units. Before his retirement, Mervyn was Chief Executive of Allied Bakeries, achieving a major lifelong goal of securing employment or stability for more than 450 families in East Belfast and, as Chairman of Northern Ireland Bakery Council and President of Irish Association of Master Bakers, he was awarded Freedom of the City of London. He is currently Chair of Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School which provides music tuition to children with special needs. And Ashfield Girls’ School scored a hat trick, with pupil Coleen Bergantinos scooping the Young Person of the Year award, the third year running for the school winning in that category.
EASTSIDE AWARDS THE WINNERS Eastside Awards 2019 winners are: Eastside Award for Favourite Beauty Salon sponsored by Solv Group - Beauty Culture Eastside Award for Favourite Hair Salon sponsored by Solv Group - LaVeau Hair Eastside Award for Favourite Eatery sponsored by Solv Group - Orchard Café Eastside Award for Favourite Takeaway sponsored by Solv Group - Mandarin City Eastside Award for Tourism Experience sponsored by Titanic Belfast, Titanic Foundation and Titanic Quarter - We Are Vertigo Eastside Award for Individual Contribution to Sport sponsored by Millar McCall Wylie Gervis Knox and Keith Knox, Ormeau Table Tennis Club & Ulster Table Tennis Eastside Award for Contribution to the Arts sponsored by Phoenix Natural Gas - Strand Arts Centre Eastside Award for Educator of the Year sponsored by We’re Sure – Beverley Cripps, Ashfield Girls’ High School Eastside Award for Best Community Project sponsored by the Urban Villages Initiative Groundwork Northern Ireland Eastside Award for Employer of the Year sponsored by Fleet Financial - Odyssey Bowl Titanic Eastside Award for Innovation sponsored by Titanic Belfast, Titanic Foundation and Titanic Quarter – Spectra Sensory Clothing Eastside Award for Business Start-Up sponsored by Belfast City Council - Spectra Sensory Clothing Eastside Award for Business Growth sponsored by Ulster Bank - Belfast Pilates & Physiotherapy Eastside Award for Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Wolseley UK - Pamela Loan, East Belfast Mission
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Eastside Award for Young Person of the Year sponsored by George Best Belfast City Airport - Coleen Bergantinos, Ashfield Girls’ High School Michelle Hatfield, Director of Corporate Services at George Best Belfast City Airport, principal sponsor said: “Belfast City Airport is proud to support the Eastside Awards for a third consecutive year. The Eastside Awards is a natural fit for Belfast City Airport as we celebrate those individuals and groups that make our community the success it is. “We all share and benefit from the continuing success of East Belfast and I want to congratulate all the finalists. The continuing hard work and commitment of the people of East Belfast make it such a great place to live, work and play.”
Eastside Awards finalists were treated to a VIP reception courtesy of sponsor The Waterside Belfast and 320 guests gathered to recognise all that is great about East Belfast. On arrival at Hastings Stormont Hotel, guests were entertained by musicians from Grosvenor Grammar School before being treated to a performance by Bright Lights Dance Group and Murray School of Irish Dancing.
www.eastsideawards.org, www.facebook.com/eastsideawards, www.twitter.com/east_awards #eastawardsni
Jonathan McAlpin, Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise and Chair of Eastside Awards Committee, said: “When I had a vision of bringing the people of East Belfast together to celebrate all that is great about our little corner of the city, I honestly had no idea that we would grow in three short years to be presenting the Eastside Awards in front of 320 guests. “I’m truly humbled and honoured that the judges of the third Eastside Awards have recognised such an amazing and diverse range of winners and these awards have excelled beyond my wildest expectations to be a magnificent success.”
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Culture uMraloene t l u V Lyndsay
I’ve been fully embracing the cold dark depths of winter and saving my energy for weekend wanderings. County Down has been my destination of choice in January with walks, tours and an overnight stay in a gem of a B&B in Dromore. Lisnacurran Country House Hotel was home for a night with its cosy cottage style accommodation and even a sauna and hot tub to avail of. Lynne was an amazing host showing us around the other beautifully decorated rooms and serving up a delicious breakfast. My friends and I have it earmarked for a future girly getaway. My wanderings took me to Slieve Gullion for the family friendly Giants Lair walk through the woods at the foot of the mountain, worth taking the scenic drive to the top of the mountain if you decide to visit. Seeking a bit more of a push for the fitness levels I took to the Mourne Mountains and more specifically hen, cock and pigeon rock. A 10km walk with 3 summits to conquer but with a path of a gentle gradient to return on it makes for a great walk to introduce yourself to the mountain range – details can be found on the WalkNI website.
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Tours included a trip to Rademon Estate for a tour of the Shortcross Gin distillery, a Christmas present for my sister – and myself too! We had a lovely afternoon tanked up on gin hearing of the story behind the brand and the process involved in the distilling of estate botanicals into the international award winning tipple. Worth a visit! Have a look on their website for upcoming tours or book in for one of two whiskey tours taking place with the NI Science Festival later this month. The NI Science Festival will be keeping us entertained with the rest of its 180 events across Northern Ireland. Foraging in Ballintoy, The Science of Roald Dahl in Strabane, stargazing in Fermanagh, rocket launching in Armagh and LateLab at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum are just some of the great events across the province. Lots happening in Belfast too, check out the programme at nisciencefestival.com
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My daughter is 12. She has just started secondary school here in East Belfast. It’s exciting watching her soak up all the opportunities that school offers her. She has her whole future ahead of her and the possibility of doing and being almost anything because she can go to school. Sadly, for so many girls in the world, this is not the case. Almost ¼ of girls in India stop school altogether age 12 because they don’t have simple, basic sanitary supplies and are restricted to staying at home. Shared Threads is about getting supplies to these girls, removing the limitations that menstruation puts on them and replacing it with dignity and the freedom to get an education. They are lovingly handmade by groups of volunteers here in Belfast and are all made from donated secondhand cotton. Our pads are cloth and washable which means when a girls receives a pack, they no longer need to worry about where their next supply comes from.
A truly beautiful community of women is gathering around Shared Threads. Women who love to make, women who love to sew and women who can’t do either but come along and iron and cut out squares and work their socks off. There is a feeling of togetherness, of purpose, of women helping women. There are donation bags to sort through and busy hands and raucous laughter, the kind that only happens when women gather. Menstruation is something that connects us all, but we can only imagine in horror the challenges that other women face in managing theirs. We can only imagine the limitations such as our daughters not being able to go to school. But these women are not just tutting and shaking their heads, they are gathering together and doing something. If you would like to volunteer with us or donate materials. We would love to hear from you. Find out more on Facebook or Instagram or at www. sharedthreads.co.uk Kirsty King Follow us on social media or at www.sharedthreads.co.uk Photos by Rachel McCulla.
A few weeks ago we were kindly invited to Blissfully Calm Yoga & Holistic studio in Holywood for a session of reflexology. Whilst enjoying the deeply relaxing treatment we chatted to owner Sharon to find out what else goes on in this little sanctuary and wellness studio. Blissfully Calm Yoga & Holistic Therapies was created last year, as I have a keen interest in women’s health. As qualified antenatal yoga teacher and reflexologist, I wanted to use my skills to help assist with a natural holistic approach to women experiencing infertility, pregnancy, endometriosis and hormonal imbalances using yoga and reflexology. Reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatment that can help with a wide range of bodily imbalances ranging from: Digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, fertility, pregnancy, arthritis, insomnia, migraines and stress. Blissfully calm is a women’s wellness studio offering yoga for women, seniors and fertility and it is also the home of the Daisy Foundation which provides Daisy Birthing Pregnancy Yoga Classes, Daisy Tinies Baby Massage and Daisy Wrigglers Baby Yoga classes and Couples Workshops for Parents in Holywood, East & North Belfast and North Belfast. Small group classes, courses and reflexology treatments are all from a private studio and treatment room in Seahill, Holywood. With a lovely view of Belfast Lough from the treatment room, this makes for a very calming reflexology treatment. T: 07796 262192 E: blissfullycalm@gmail.com W: blissfullycalm.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Blissfullycalmyogaandholistictherapies
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Madame Parici
Transition Your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring (The Easy Way)
February Fear Is February the most uninspiring month of the year? The weather is pretty much arctic and we’re starting to get getting sick of the dark autumnal clothes we’ve been snuggling into all winter. The problem is, we aren’t quite ready to slip into the delicate pastelly spring outfits everyone is pretending to wear on Instagram. You know, we still have to rush between work and after school activities and stand at the school gate for much longer than we’d like to, trying to keep up the illusion of being a perfectly under control, stylish women of the 21st century.
What’s the Solution
If the answer is “Yes, it’s 3 degrees”, here’s the solution. Seriously, if it’s less than 10 degrees outside, you are under no obligation whatsoever to suddenly look like you are on a spring catwalk show! In our opinion, Parisiennes have got this whole thing sussed. Strolling through the streets, from their bed to the Metro, into the office and maybe a petit restaurant in between, here’s what the cool girls (and mamans) are wearing right now. Calf length wool coats or puffa jackets, giant chunky scarves rolled around a few times for dramatic effect, a light sweater, trusty flat boots and maybe a super choc accessory. The trick here is that you don’t necessarily have to de-layer, just reinvent the clothes you already have and tweak the style so that you feel like you’ve come up with your own unique look.
So this spring, ask yourself one question - “Is it cold outside?”
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Madame Parici
Here are our 3 simple tips for Parisienne cool:
1. Shop the Sale Sales (especially at Parici) are a really great way to stock up on wardrobe essentials. Core pieces like basic long sleeved thermal tops are perfect to wear under last autumn’s sweater or dungarees. Light greys mixed with charcoal are a perfect move into the brighter days, then why not add a tiny bit of tangerine along the way since it is the colour of the season?
2. Economy is Key Don’t just impulse buy because you ‘have nothing to wear’. Use your last purchases from the winter and try to make them less wintery by putting them with lighter shades or a more spring like accessory. Be clever with your little twist. Maybe a touch of
glamour is your thing? A metallic scarf or a bold pair of earrings - put your own stamp on it.
3. I Want,I Need Of course we all want to treat ourselves to a new piece but just try to remember this - you may well fall in love with an amazing new item very soon which is going to tie your whole seasons look together. By being creative with your wardrobe now means you can justify treating yourself to something really worth it for the half term break. Style isn’t about buying loads of new things. It’s about understanding what works for you and what makes you feel comfortable and confident. For a free styling session, contact Kathleen in Parici – Kathleen@parici. co.uk
A bientot for now. Madame Parici
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Discover the Transformation of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in 2019 Discover a transformed Hillsborough Caste and Gardens, County Down, opening its doors to visitors daily for the first time on 10 April 2019. After five years, and a £20 million investment, Historic Royal Palaces has transformed this elegant Georgian house, unlocking the intriguing tapestry of stories hidden within. Explore the Castle’s rich heritage by stepping into the exquisite state rooms that have been beautifully re-presented. New decorative schemes and artworks reflect the numerous tales that this famous residence has to tell. These plush interiors will be brought to life on guided tours led by the Castle’s team of expert explainers. New research has uncovered fascinating characters from the Castle’s past – from royalty, to statesmen. Discover them all in the new Visitor Centre set within the stunning Castle Estate. As Spring awakens, visit the gardens, nestled in 100 acres of grounds, with many hidden gems to uncover. The breath-taking four-acre Walled Garden is not only a feast for the eyes, but where a team of local gardeners are cultivating fresh produce in the very spot that would once have served as Kitchen Garden and chief supplier to the residents of the house. The Lost Garden is a perfect spot for families to explore. Along with the famous Moss Walk and Parterre Garden, each of the gardens is lovingly and meticulously restored for all to enjoy. For those wishing to delve deeper into the Castle’s legacy, the new Clore Learning Centre will be used as a creative and educational space to inspire schools and communities. The fascinating history of the Castle and gardens will be explored through hands-on activities, workshops and talks, ensuring there is something for everyone. For more information and to book tickets, visit hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle
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Home Styling & Decor News
How to make your open plan living space feel cosy Although we are well into winter, the warm days of spring still feel like a long way off, so it’s as important as ever to keep our homes feeling snug and cosy. This isn’t always easy, especially as many of us live in open plan spaces which can be tricky enough to style. The good news is that with a little thought, it’s definitely possible to bring a more homely feel to an airy space. Firstly, by breaking up your open plan living space into zones, you can create a real feeling of warmth and cosiness, with each space centred around its own focal point. In a seating area, this can be the TV or a woodburner, whilst in the dining area, you could create a gallery wall or decorative shelving behind the table and chairs. Place a rug between sofas to create a definite zoned living corner; this trick also works in the dining space - just make sure it’s an easy to clean material, such as jute or a flatweave rug. Features such as a change in floor level or a wall of exposed brick or stone can also be used to their advantage when making a space feel cosy. A couple of steps dividing two separate spaces highlights their respective areas, thus making each
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area feel more snug, whilst the imperfection of an exposed wall adds texture and a relaxed ambience to the room. Atmosphere is another important factor in your open plan space. So, whether it’s a set of bar stools at the kitchen island or a pair of armchairs by a window overlooking the garden, ensure you have enough spots for people to chat, avoiding the need for shouting across the room! Texture is probably one of the most effective ways you can create an inviting and snug space. Introducing cushions, throws and rugs, as well as accessories with a natural texture such as baskets, linens and wall hangings can really make a difference, as can warm metallic elements, such as brass, gold and copper. Finally, getting lighting right in an open plan space can have a major effect on how the room feels. Ensure each zone features layered ambient lighting in the form of table and floor lamps to complement the general overhead lighting and create a general feeling of warmth. Hopefully these tips will help you love your open plan space that little bit more K x
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