THE NI EXPERIENCE
BBSA 2018
Enjoy the Northern Irish welcome and make the weekend as relaxing or as busy as you want
METALLIC MANIA:
COPPER
There has been an explosion of copper interiors over the internet and magazines over the past months and we love it!
SUNWOOD FAUXWOOD
NEW COLOURS As demand for Sunwood Fauxwood grows, so does the range of colours
MOTORISATION
MADE EASY 21st Century homes and the desire for ultimate convenience
VISUAL
IMPULSE With the holiday season fast approaching, this month’s Visual Impulse focuses on Christmas window displays
DEC | ISSUE 17
"As the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped us shape our business. We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come"
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With 2017 coming to an end, Decora brings you the latest edition of The View. Next year is already shaping up to be a busy year. In February Decora will be attending the R+T Trade Fair in Stuttgart showcasing all the latest Decora developments, that we have been working on throughout the year. Inside this edition of The View, we provide insight into current trends including monochrome and colour blocking, which will see you through the remainder of the year while staying on point in 2018. It is never too early to plan a holiday, take advantage of budget flights within Europe, Decora give you the low down on 3 top holiday destinations all within a 3-hour flight time. Also, a look at some Christmas party treats, the ever
fashionable metallic ‘Copper’ and we go back to black. Decora will be showcasing the updated Sunwood Fauxwood colours and putting the spotlight on Santa Fe – the Online Ordering Portal was launched this year which allows you to order all Santa Fe ranges online including our Hampton range which is made locally allowing for a shorter lead time. With everyone controlling life in the palm of their hand, Decora talk motorisation and show how even your blinds can be controlled with the touch of a button. Everyone at Decora wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you be surrounded by all the things that bring Christmas cheer.
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Decora News All the latest news from Decora, including new product info, BBSA & R+T Stuttgart.
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BBSA 2018: The NI Experience Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the Northern Irish welcome and make the weekend as relaxing or as busy as you want.
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Santa Fe Shutters: Hampton A premium range of high quality HSPVC manufactured in purpose built premises in Northern Ireland, with a remarkable two-week lead time.
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Back In Black Over the last few years, design houses within interiors & fashion have been promoting grey as the new black, however for 2018 it seems that black is back.
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Metallic Mania: Copper There has been an explosion of copper interiors over the internet and magazines over the past months and we love it!
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Not Here For A Short Time, Here For A Good Time We investigate some of the trends which will spruce up your home this winter while remaining on trend in 2018!
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Move Over Graffiti Some call it art, some call it graffiti, but street art is experiencing a surge in acceptance with residents and city authorities.
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Visual Impulse: Seasonal Displays With the holiday season fast approaching, this months Visual Impulse focuses on Christmas window displays.
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Motorisation Motorised blinds cater to 21st century home environments and the desire for ultimate convenience.
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Sunwood Fauxwood: New Colours As the demand for Decora’s Sunwood FauxWood collection continues to grow, so does the range of colours.
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Season's Treatings Savoury meats, sugary delights and fruity infusions complete the Christmas platter and are a must for any festive occasion.
Goodbye Fast-food, Hello Insta Food Everyone is guilty of sharing their breakfast, lunch or dinner online and for some reason we never get bored of other people’s food pics.
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Ready, Jet Set, Go! With 2017 coming to an end, it’s now time to look forward to 2018 and start planning your holidays.
D E C O R A n e w s "UPDATING YOU ON ALL THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM DECORA"
SANTA FE SHUTTERS
BBSA NI EXPERIENCE
2017 has seen our locally made Santa Fe Shutters range expand. This has led to us opening a new factory to allow us to produce the shutters. Opening the K6 factory in Lisburn allows us to offer a 2-3-week lead time on all Hampton shutter orders. The new and improved Santa Fe Online ordering system was launched allowing customers to send their shutter orders straight to the factory. The system also produces line drawings which allows customers to see what their shutters will look like.
Next year will see numerous BBSA members descend to the Mountains of Mourne. The President’s Ball will be held in the stunning Slieve Donard Hotel. Be sure to enjoy the opulent surroundings and unwind in the 5* Spa facilities or enjoy a round of golf as part of the BBSA Golf Day at Ardglass Golf Club. Explore more of Northern Ireland by visiting many tourist attractions on offer such as Titanic Belfast or visit Tollymore Forest Park where you can enact scenes from the popular Game of Thrones.
The Slieve Donard Hotel
STUTTGART Decora will once again be attending the R+T Trade Fair next February in Stuttgart. Come along to see the latest developments in Decora including Santa Fe Shutters, systems, contract and Sunwood venetian blinds. Have a sneak peek at what we have planned for 2018! You will find us in Hall 7 at Stand C22.
Messe Exhibition Centre, Stuttgart
Santa Fe Hampton Vivid White
Titanic Belfast
Experience Northern Ireland with its stunning scenery and one of the friendliest welcomes anywhere in the UK. Slieve Donard Resort & Spa
Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the Northern Irish welcome and make the weekend as relaxing or as busy as you want: Friday 20th April
Saturday 21st April
Make use of the 5* spa facilities at the hotel or bathe in the renowned local seaweed baths. Take part in the annual BBSA golf day on the breath taking Ardglass golf course, voted one of the top 100 Lynx courses in the world.
Choose from one of several organised events around the beautiful County Down coast, walk the stunning trials of Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle or travel to Belfast to see the Titanic Museum and local attractions before finishing the day with a relaxed Irish night in the Mourne Golf Club adjacent to the Slieve Donard. Traditional Irish music and a buffet meal will keep you in the party mood.
Dance the night away on the Friday night at the Presidents Ball; a traditional style Dinner Dance lends itself to a fun packed evening with one of the top venue bands in Ireland. 6
Nestling at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa stands in six acres of immaculate private grounds. A golden strand of beach borders one side while the mighty Royal County Down golf links frames the other. This lovingly maintained Victorian hotel is now home to one of Europe’s finest resort Spas and is equally suited to a short break, residential conference or even grander events.
The Mourne Mountains
Afternoon 'tee' Ardglass Golf Course is an 18 hole links course in a natural setting hugging the north-east coast of Ireland, with stunning views, unique golf holes and memorable people. The course is less than an hour from Belfast and only 30 minutes from the world renowned Royal Co. Down golf links at Newcastle.
Explore the shipyard, walk the decks, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic in the city where it all began. Titanic Belfast is situated within the heart of Titanic Quarter, just a short walk from Belfast city centre.
Ardglass Golf Club 7
THE NEW SANTA FE ONLINE ORDERING SYSTEM ALLOWS CUSTOMERS TO DESIGN AND ORDER THEIR SHUTTERS INSTANTLY. COMMUNICATING DIRECTLY WITH THE FACTORY, THE SYSTEM IS SET UP TO ERASE ANY ORDERING ISSUES ALLOWING FOR A FASTER LEAD TIME.
• Fully electronic order process (compatible with all mobile devices) • Easy step by step guide enabling the customer to design and order their shutter • Generates shutter drawings to illustrate the final shutter • All orders communicated directly to the factory reducing processing time therefore increasing lead time • Available for all Santa Fe Shutter ranges including Hampton
For any queries relating to the Santa Fe online ordering system contact our Santa Fe team by email: sales@santafeshutters.co.uk or Tel: 0845 076 0109
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SANTAFESHUTTERS.CO.UK
SANTAFESHUTTERS.CO.UK
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OUR HAMPTON RANGE COMPLETES THE SANTA FE SHUTTER PORTFOLIO – A PREMIUM RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY HSPVC MANUFACTURED IN PURPOSE BUILT PREMISES IN NORTHERN IRELAND, WITH A REMARKABLE TWO-WEEK LEAD TIME.
In line with the popular Nevada range of PVC shutters, Hampton offers the assurance that blades and frames will not warp, discolour or crack. A strengthened aluminium core within the blades guarantees a robust and durable finish. The 10year warranty offered with Hampton shutters reinforces the quality of the PVC used and is in tandem with their superior manufacture. Currently available in two popular colours, Vivid white and Silk white, 63mm and 89mm blade sizes and a choice of 3 frame options, Hampton offers a handcrafted quality shutter with an expedited lead time perfect for those end consumers who do not want to wait! To enhance the customer selling experience, which is key for the Santa Fe brand, an improved online
ordering site has just launched. The system encapsulates all specification and order possibilities within a userfriendly piece of software. The new site enables customers to design and communicate orders directly to the factory, reducing manual processing, and ultimately increasing accuracy. The new online experience takes the user from quotation and shutter design, through to order and final delivery, increasing both efficiency of order processing and reducing order lead times. In addition, the site enables the user to design and configure each individual shutter through the creation of line drawings which aids final order confirmation. Exciting developments to the Hampton range will be announced early 2018 – watch this space!
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the View : Trends
OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, DESIGN HOUSES WITHIN INTERIORS AND FASHION HAVE BEEN PROMOTING GREY AS THE NEW BLACK, HOWEVER FOR 2018 IT SEEMS THAT BLACK IS, IN FACT, BACK. GLAMOUROUS, POWERFUL AND STRIKING, BLACK HAS BEEN HAILED AS COLOUR OF THE YEAR. BLACK EVOKES COMFORT AND PRIVACY AND WHEN ACCESSORISED CORRECTLY, IS THE PERFECT ADDITION TO FEMININE AND MASCULINE TRENDS.
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Black Flame paint (PPG Paints colour of the year) combines classic hues of black and indigo, and provides a strength and modern luxe vibe to spaces with lots of whites, blush pinks and soft pastels. Use it on a statement wall, doors or ceiling and allow other décor elements to take centre stage. Crisp ‘vivid white’ Santa Fe shutters or Sunwood ‘pure’ venetians will allow for more black experimentation throughout the home, or integrate colour using pastels from The Fabric Box such as Farah and Sephora, to create a more toned down feel against
MEZZA NOIR Elegance Black
SOFTSHADE VOLT
ALUMITEX RAPTURE REBEL
ALUMITEX ONYX
the black. In the realms of interior design, there is nothing like the bold statement made by the colour black. Elegant, sophisticated and chic, it can anchor a space, unify a design concept or define both traditional or modern spaces. Retailers are reinventing black in the form of wood flooring, tiles, cabinets, window frames, appliances and décor items. So, whether it’s a matt black kettle, sparkling glass work top, fabric sofa, throw or bedding; black is the interior design equivalent of an exclamation point! Complete the look with black on the window – Elegance ‘black’ from Fabric Box, Sonar from Alumitex or Santa Fe Sin.
METZ BLACK
SUNWOOD GLOSS BLACK
the View : Trends
METALLICS HAVE BEEN ON TREND FOR A LONG TIME NOW, AND THEY ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE ANY TIME SOON. MAY IT BE GOLD, ROSE GOLD, BRASS, SILVER AND FOR THIS SEASON ESPECIALLY, COPPER. There has been an explosion of copper over the internet and interior magazines over the past months and we love it! It’s all you need to make your interior go from dreary to “Instagram” worthy. Copper Metallic can be incorporated into any interior style you can think of, may it be contemporary, minimalist, scandi, transitional or French country, you can put a twist to any interior using it whilst keeping your personal style. If you would like to incorporate copper into your interior 14
but don’t want to spend too much time and money on redecorating your entire interior, here are a few tips. Express your love for copper through many different accents, from wallpapers to blinds and candle holders to baths. Consider adding pops of metallic copper by replacing only a few objects. Alumitex have 11 metallic colours including an additional two “hammered” colours which give off a metallic effect. Replacing these with your curtains, roller blinds or louvres will instantly help you achieve that. Novella is a black shimmer metallic water-resistant blind which would fit in your bathroom perfectly with a copper bath tub, a copper mirror and other copper decorations, creating a warm welcoming interior with a
TIMBERLUX FUSION ORBIT
ALUMITEX JAZZ
ALUMITEX PULSE
ALUMITEX LATINO
contemporary style. If you don’t fancy aluminium blinds, why not opt for the Sunwood venetian blinds, gloss black creates that glistening effect without the aluminium. Want to opt for a more botanical interior? We love matching botanical trends with copper! Try greening up your interior using cushions and ornaments and of course, plenty
of plants. Get botanical in the boudoir with non-maintenance artificial plants and refreshing palm leaf printed bed sheets. Pair this with Alumitex metallic venetian blinds in the colour Pulse, a shimmering copper colour, creating an overall revitalizing yet calming effect.
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the View : Trends
With the evenings starting to get dark it’s time to start making our interior somewhere we want to kick back and cuddle up in front of the roaring fire or binge watch a popular series on Netflix! With monochrome being dominant this season, floral remaining as popular as ever and the outdoors moving in, we have investigated some of the interior trends which will spruce up your home this winter while remaining on trend in 2018! Standing the test of time through the ever-changing eras of style, monochrome is one that will never go out of fashion. With black becoming a prominent colour in 2018, why not introduce the trend which will not fall out of fashion anytime soon. Think bold stripes such as The Fabric Box's Mezza Noir or checker board style flooring to add a statement, or simply add black accessories to a white room to change the mood of the interior. If black and white is not enough colour for you, monochrome can act as the perfect neutral background, add a splash of colour with an accent piece such as a brightly
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coloured cushion or chair. Touches of metallic will add an element of luxe while embracing the festive period. The colour block trend has been around for a while - but lately it's been popping up in creative new ways and will be moved into 2018. There are many ways of introducing the trend to your home. Introduce colourful accessories such as a pastel coloured Smeg kettle and toaster combination to a cream coloured kitchen or upstyle your kitchen window with one of the 130 colours available within the Alumitex collection. Get theatrical with Primary Red – a striking metallic red or opt for a peaceful tone with Pastel Blue or Powder Green. With the return of black, it is not easy to see why it went away. The introduction of basic black or darker tones will act as a neutraliser in brightly coloured rooms. While pink is traditionally a feminine tone, paired with black and greys, this can be the perfect colour palette for an amorous bedroom interior. Add black in subtle ways such as vases on bedside tables or add black tapes to white Sunwood blinds to add character to the window. The rules of colour blocking are few and far between, so be brave and do something extraordinary by pairing all the colours you love in one room.
Think back to the 1980s – banana trees with their big leaves or fringed fern palm trees are showing up in interior trends again! If you live in a large city and nature is not on your doorstep then create your own urban jungle by introducing house plants to every corner of your home. Introduce the fiddle leaf fig to your home, the glossy leaves and the tall stature will add an exotic theme to any room. If you prefer a subtler addition, then opt for sweet succulents to shelves in the bathroom or bedside tables. If you are not green fingered or may forget to water the plants, artificial plants are available or alternatively add leaf printed cushions or opt for something from The Fabric Box. Satina is an elegant metallic leaf design which reflects the light beautifully and adds a touch of sparkle.
SATINA CRIMSON
With multiple exciting trends to consider this Autumn/ Winter including deeper shades, pops of colour and everything nature, don’t be put off sprucing up your interior this season as these trends will set you up for 2018.
ALUMITEX POWDER GREEN
This season, the only plant in the house will not be the Christmas tree.
"Add black tapes to white Sunwood blinds to add character to the window"
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VISUAL IMPULSE
Harvey Nichols Window Display
Visually captivating, window displays are a visual marketing tool used by retail stores on the high street. As they compete with one another to grab the attention of high street shoppers we are given a multitude of visual treats all year through. Pretty displays merge with colourpopping displays and even quirky conceptual displays to provide our eyes with visual delight. The result? The impulsive action to step through the store’s front door! All year long store’s keep up their efforts to bring the "wow" factor to their shop front, but during the Christmas season the hype around window displays hits an all-time high. Stores such as Selfridges and John Lewis lead the way and the unveiling of their Christmas displays is a much-anticipated wait.
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First to kick off this year’s flurry of seasonal displays was Selfridges with their ‘With love from…’ themed windows. This theme celebrates the season as one which brings people together and pays tribute to the 3 cities the store calls home; London, Manchester and Birmingham.
CREATING A CROSS-SEASONAL DISPLAY Key to creating a multi-purpose window display is to think of a general concept first and then decide how to change it for the upcoming season. At Decora we love that our blinds help consumers to create their ideal home and from this we decided to create a window display to follow the theme of ‘Creating your picture-perfect home’. Simple to create all that this required was a blind display, 3 silver frames, a large lifestyle image and a window vinyl to add our slogan. Changing this display for the Christmas season was simple and below we have outlined the steps we took:
ADD SEASONAL COLOUR A small addition of seasonal colour is an easy step to take in altering your window display for the upcoming season. We simply added hints of red!
ALTER YOUR SLOGAN Slightly altering the slogan of your display to tie in with the season is a simple way to vamp up a display. From ‘Creating your picture-perfect home’, we followed on with the concept of ‘Gifting your home’ to give it that seasonal touch.
COMPLIMENT WITH SEASONAL PROPS
When picking a window display it is beneficial to maximise the length of time the display can be used. Picking a theme which can be easily changed from season to season gives longevity to the display, saving time and money. Cross-seasonal displays include generic displays with a theme that isn’t tied to any season; these displays are often conceptual and add some quirk to the high street. Cross-seasonal displays also include displays which can be altered season to season; these displays are great as they give some room to add that extra seasonal element.
Using our new concept of ‘Gifting your home’ we started to think of ways to add the element of gifting to our display. A simple way to do this was to add bows to the tops of the frames, so they now resembled presents. We then added some Christmas decorations to enhance the Christmas vibe.
If you would like to benefit from the visual tool of window displays the Decora Marketing Team can help. Contact us by email at: marketing@decora.co.uk.
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NEW COLOURS | NEW TEXTURES | NEW DESIGNS
R + T S T U T TGAR T
2018
H ALL 7 S TAND C 2 2
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SEE SUNWOOD IN A NEW LIGHT WITH SUNWOOD FAUXWOOD VENETIANS.
AS THE DEMAND FOR DECORA’S SUNWOOD FAUXWOOD COLLECTION CONTINUES TO GROW, SO DOES THE RANGE OF COLOURS. THE COLLECTION HAS INCREASED TO A TOTAL 21 OPTIONS ACROSS 13 COLOURS IN BOTH 35MM AND 50MM SLAT OPTIONS.
Grey tones continue to permeate interior trends. A perfectly well-balanced colour, grey does not overpower interior themes and is as versatile as neutral and beige tones. With the recently updated Sunwood Fauxwood collection, the new grey tones have been proving extremely popular both in the flat and fine grain finish. Five new neutrals and greys are now available in Decora’s Faux wood collection. Mission, the lightest of the three new grey tones is delicate enough to be able to accentuate the light filtered through the blinds and maximise light flow. Athena, a mid-grey with a warm hue, adds a moody ambience to a room, perfect for those aiming for an urban contemporary theme.
accent colour will allow a room to ooze luxury with modern allure. In addition to the new greys two neutral tones complete the collection. Gravity, a subtle neutral shade amplifies the grey tones that are so sought after by every homeowner, while Mantis, offers a subtle hint of grey green. The simple hint of colour pairs elegantly with both neutral and grey colour schemes. The expansion of Sunwood Fauxwood further enhances the Sunwood brand as one of the most comprehensive and competitively priced wood venetian ranges in the market, designed to meet the demand of all customer profiles.
The depth and drama offered by Orion makes it the perfect colour to finalise the new urban faux wood pallet. This rich, dark grey enables any window to become a focal point of a room, the addition of an
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The season of festive gatherings, Christmas brings enrichment to our taste buds as we devour in sweet delicacies and scrumptious treats. Savoury meats, sugary delights and fruity infusions complete the Christmas platter and are a must for any festive occasion. If you’re feeling inspired, we have the perfect mix of delightful treats for you to gift your loved ones with this season!
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WHO SAID PIGS IN BLANKETS ARE JUST FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER? Why not make them as party treats, or a quick snack, coating them in honey, mustard and rosemary sauce before cooking, creating a mouth watering festive taste. EXTREMELY EASY TO MAKE AND WILL DEFINITELY KILL THOSE SWEET TOOTH CRAVINGS. Simply dip a large marshmallow into melted chocolate and crushed candy cane, stick a mini candy cane as the handle and you have got yourself a delicious treat! Wrap up in cellophane paper and a fancy ribbon and use as a Christmas party favour.
WASH DOWN THOSE CHRISTMAS TREATS WITH A SIP OF FESTIVE CHRISTMAS PUNCH. Simply made by mixing ice, clementine juice, cranberry juice and a dash of whiskey. To make it extra tasty add 3 sour cherries and let the juices flow creating a festive old school bowl of punch. Easier than mulled wine yet just as delicious!
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With 2017 coming to an end, it’s now time to look forward to 2018 and start planning your holidays. Whether it be a relaxing beach holiday where you can laze by the pool, sunbathe on the golden sands in sunny Portugal or a bustling city break in Europe where you can absorb the culture of the popular cities in historic Hidelberg or Seville. 28
While some cities blow you away, Seville is a city which will slowly win you over. The historic centre, with its colossal Gothic cathedral, an intoxicating mix of dazzling palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval streets. While history echoes all around, Seville is as much about the here and now as the past. Indulge in traditional Spanish tapas in a crowded bar or watch the world go by over a drink on a buzzing plaza.
Surrounded by 93km of forest south of Frankfurt, Germany’s oldest and most famous university town is renowned for its decorative old town, spirited student atmosphere, beautiful riverside setting and evocative half-ruined hilltop castle. Be sure to visit the impressive Castle of Heidelberg; reach it by ascending the steps that run through the middle of a flourishing landscape, or by taking the mountainous railway. The Hauptstrasse (main street) of Heidelberg, is a favourite spot amongst tourists as well as the locals. Starting from the central square and ending up in the river, you will spend many hours here browsing the shops or tasting the local delicacies in a variety of restaurants which will satisfy all tastes and preferences. To ensure a return trip is on the cards, touch the monkey statue on the medieval bridge.
The Algarve in the south of Portugal is crammed with stunning beaches, picturesque fishing villages and marinas all complimented with glorious weather throughout the year. Vilamoura is smart, stylish and trendy - the Cannes of Portugal. Purpose-built as an exclusive destination the town is focused around a large marina where you will find million-dollar yachts docked. Boasting six championship golf courses it is the ideal location if you desire a golfing holiday. Looking for something more upbeat, then head to Albuferia, the most popular resort of the Algarve. Filled with everything you will need or want from a holiday, including buzzing bars and clubs in the New Town to quaint traditional restaurants in the Old Town. The resort also boasts numerous beaches and top-class hotels with something to suit everyone’s budget. The Algarve is wonderfully varied, appealing to a wide variety of tourists, the pristine beaches for families, waterparks for teenagers, buzzing nightlife for young couples and historic towns for cultural tourists. Making it the must visit beach holiday in 2018.
SOME CALL IT ART, SOME CALL IT GRAFFITI, BUT STREET ART IS EXPERIENCING A SURGE IN ACCEPTANCE WITH RESIDENTS AND CITY AUTHORITIES. INNER CITY REGENERATION PROJECTS SEE STREET ART COMMISSIONS ADDING AN EXPLOSION OF COLOUR TO A ONCE DRAB AND GREY AREA. Over the past few years global brands and music artists have embraced street art to appeal to younger audiences as well as graffiti inspired products being released from popular brands making this style of art more mainstream. One of the advantages of this style of art is its versatility, colours are bright and bold, funny, serious or meaningful. This versatility has led to graffiti being introduced into interior design. Hotel Au Vieux Panier in Marseille, France offers a dramatic 30
contrast mixing ultra-minimalism with floor to ceiling graffiti on the other half of the room. Wall murals covering part or entire walls are becoming a popular interior feature and can cross a multitude of rooms, from bedrooms, studies and kitchens. Combined with exposed brick walls, metallic surfaces and contemporary furniture, graffiti creates a stunning design feature.
"Wall murals covering part or entire walls are becoming a popular interior feature"
"Combined with exposed brick walls, metallic surfaces and contemporary furniture, it creates a stunning design feature"
BERLIN is a rich hub of street art, postreunification, an abundance of large, empty buildings posed as a blank canvas to street artists.
LONDON was pivotal in the explosive growth of the street art scene. Shoreditch, Brick Lane and Hackney areas, where cobbled roads and streets of painted and pasted walls exist side-by-side with members’ clubs, Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end boutiques.
NEW YORK is the birthplace of modern graffiti, its artists played a starring role in the global growth of street art. Despite the increasingly frequent appearance of commissioned murals, each inner-city district has a distinct vibe, despite sometimes being separated by only a few blocks. 31
IN T EGRATIN G WI NDOW D R E S S INGS INTO THE R EA LM OF AU TO M ATI O N, MOTO R ISED B L I NDS CAT ER TO 2 1ST C EN TU RY HO M E EN V I RON MEN TS AND THE D E S IRE FOR U LTI M ATE CON V ENIEN C E, SLEEK D E S IG N AND THE LATEST I N MOD ERN TEC HNO LO GY. ACCES SIBLE & CONVENIENT Amidst a busy life, automation enables the ability to save time and energy on everyday tasks. Controlling window blinds at the touch of a button offers easy and convenient control of natural light and privacy. Perfect for hard to reach places, motorised blinds allow easy operation and this is enhanced with the capability to operate multiple blinds at once. It is also an excellent addition to home owners with mobility difficulties. SLEEK & SECURE The ability to motorise blinds is not only a practical addition to any home, it also adds a sleek finish to a design. Discreetly hidden motors and no need for cords or 32
chains, window dressings look neat and modern for flawless dĂŠcor. Not only allowing blinds to be operated from the comfort of the sofa, motorisation also ensures the ultimate in child safety due to the removal of chains and cords. Automated control with the addition of sensors and timer controls gives the added benefit of home security; with such technology, blinds can be set to adjust at specific times of the day, giving the impression that someone is home.
"RO LLE R M OTO R S R EQ U I R E M I NI M AL S PACE W I TH M OTO R S H I D D E N D I SC R E TE LY I NSID E T H E RO LLE R TU B E "
An alternative and stylish choice, venetian motors enhance the cosy comfort of a room. Providing the ability to tilt blinds at the touch of a button, natural light can be filtered effortlessly. Offering a Tilt only option as well as a Tilt and Lift option, customers can opt for total blind control with just a few clicks. WH AT CONTROL DEVICES ARE AVAIL ABLE? Decora offer a range of control devices including handheld remotes, wall
"EACH M OTO RI SE D B LI ND CO M E S WI T H A HAND HE LD R E M OTE A S STANDARD, WI TH A D D I TI O NA L CO NTRO L O PT I O NS A LLOW I NG FO R EXTRA AUTO MATE D CO NTRO L. " SO, WH AT BLINDS C AN BE MOTORISED? Decora offer multiple motorisation options to cater for differing decorative tastes; this includes the ability to motorise roller, venetian and cassette blinds. A popular design choice, roller motors require minimal space with motors hidden discretely inside the roller tube. Motors can be raised and lowered to the desired position and, with the use of timers and sensors, can be set up for automatic control.
switches, light sensors, timers and smart boxes. Each motorised blind comes with a handheld remote as standard, with additional control options allowing for extra automated control. Allowing a user to pre-set rules, sensors and timers enable automatic control of blinds at set times of the day. Catering for home owners desiring complete home automation, smart boxes integrate with other automated devices for easy modern living. 33
M O T O R I S AT I O N MADE EASY
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fitmencook Kevin Curry has gained 1.1 million followers for Fit Men Cook, where he shares easy, healthy recipes – often with quick how-to videos.
food52 The Instagram feed for popular food website and brand Food52 is packed with recipe inspiration and stylish, simple videos to help make your meals more exciting.
These days we want everything quicker than usual, whether it be news, a taxi or a simple food recipe! Instagram is by far one of the best social media platforms created – giving us all the opportunity to trail through photo feeds of celebrities, fashion but most importantly food. Everyone is guilty of sharing their breakfast, lunch or dinner online and for some reason we never get bored of other people’s food pics. This time of year, is all about eating, drinking and being merry. Diets and fitness regimes go out the window while we relax and soak up the festive spirit. With food and drink being an important factor in everyone’s lives we look at some of the top food Instagrammers to look out for this Christmas… or even look ahead to the New Year for some healthy eating ideas. Appropriately named @food, encourage people to tag their images #heresmyfood which produces some of the most mouth-watering images on the internet, with dishes from all
over the world including sushi, fresh fruit and delicious desserts. @Foodintheair not only showcases some amazing looking food but it combines the element of travel, each image is taken with a popular landscape building or stunning scenery making everyone incredibly jealous of the delectable foods and the eye-catching views. London’s most influential food Instagrammer @clerkenwellboyec1 is an anonymous foodie who shines a light on the hottest dishes within the finest restaurants, with his skilful camera work it is obvious to see why he has such popular followers such as Jamie and Nigella (Oliver and Lawson) he is worthwhile checking out.
thefeedfeed Run by Julie Resnick, the Feed Feed is crowd-sourced by Instagram cooks sharing their recipes using the tag #feedfeed.
symmetrybreakfast Michael Zee, runs one of the most aesthetically pleasing Instagrams titled @symmetrybreakfast, makes breakfast every morning, and presents it in perfectly symmetrical fashion on a plate. 35
MERRY CHRISTMAS
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