Improve Magazine Autumn 2022

BY DECEUNINCK

BY DECEUNINCK

KERB APPEAL

WINDOWS & DOORS

NETFLIX HOMES

Welcome to the Autumn Edition of Improve!

Autumn is my favourite season of all. Who doesn’t love the changing colours of the leaves, turning from green to multicoloured works of art, before finally falling away?

It’s the season when the days get shorter and colder, and it’s the time of year when we all agree its OK to get straight into our pyjama’s as soon as we’re home from work! A mug of hot chocolate, halloween, bonfire night and the anticipation of Christmas, just around the corner, all makes for a cosy warm feeling, despite the change in weather.

If you work from home or you are a hybrid worker (home and office based); you might be looking for some home office ideas to inspire you. Our home office interiors need to set the perfect scene for a working environment – an oasis in which we can focus, be creative and calmly take everything in our stride. We have collated nine home office interiors to inspire!

Maxine Brady, award winning interior Stylist and TV Presenter, talks us through thirteen ways in which to use sheepskin to decorate our homes, perfect for the Autumn and Winter months ahead.

As the light fades it has never been more important to increase natural light into our homes. At the top of many consumer’s wish lists, when it comes to improving our homes, we speak to a window and door specialist on how you can increase light in the home.

Enjoy this issue as always. Christina

Christina Shaw Editorial Director

Anda

Interiors

Your home office interiors need to set the perfect scene for your working environment – an oasis in which you can focus, be creative and calmly take everything in your stride. Here we explore 9 of our favourite office decor and stylish study ideas to inspire you!

Sheepskin is an interior stylist’s favourite textile to use. Why? Well, they give your home a warm, inviting texture and easily elevate any space in an instant. You can toss a fluffy one over a corner chair, and the room instantly looks cooler.

unexpected ways to decorate with SHEEPSKIN

Sheepskin is an interior stylist’s favourite textile to use. Why? Well, they give your home a warm, inviting texture and easily elevate any space in an instant. You can toss a fluffy one over a corner chair, and the room instantly looks cooler. This plush textile is also super versatile as well – as there are 100s of ways you can style it into your home. And the good news is you can treat yourself to a sheepskin rug in an assortment of colours, shapes and sizes, making it an easily changeable décor must-have.

Interior stylist and TV presenter, Maxine Brady, has shared her favourite ways to decorate your home with sheepskins.

Maxine adds: “Texture is one of the key trends for 2022... One clever way to add this trend to your home is with a simple upcycle project. Upholster an old armchair in sheepskin or two to create a designer piece of furniture in your home. Perfect for a reading nook, a playroom or to create a cosy corner in your living space.”

Maxine continues: “When styling sheepskins in your home in the summertime, there are lots of ingenious ways to use them. Soften garden furniture by throwing a sheepskin on top, add pastel hues to your living space with a sheepskin in a pink tone hue and snuggle under when hosting a summer BBQ.”

HERE ARE MAXINE’S TOP TIPS:

1. SPECIAL WORKSPACE

Make your office more inviting by upholstering your desk chair in shaggy sheepskin. This look adds comfort and warmth to any home office. It makes you feel like you’re being cuddled while you type away.

“Throwing one over your chair is especially handy if, like me, your working space is in your living area as it will elevate your desk area – as well as save you money on your heating bills” adds Maxine.

2. FLOOR WITH FLAIR

Use a sheepskin rug to soften and add a touch of warmth to your hardwood floors. There’s a huge selection of colours and textures available so this is a really easy way to change up your space.

“In my hallway, this sheepskin creates a welcoming entrance and by choosing a white one, brightens a corner of my home” adds Maxine.

3. BOHO SEATING

If you love to entertain, then a sheepskin is the perfect companion to meal times. Choose different types of hides to add interest to your tablescape.

4. UPDATED THROW

Replace the blanket or quilt that is currently residing on the bottom of your bed with a sheepskin. It is modern, quirky, and looks great with all décor.

“Layer up your blankets with your sheepskin to give your bedroom hotel vibes. And if you want to turn up the factor on the texture in your bedroom, why not add a sheepskin cushion or two!” Maxine continues.

5. COSY CORNER

Give a chair a new lease of life with a sheepskin throw. It fits right in with modern décor and is absolutely adorable. A decadently fluffy sheepskin is exactly what this gold chair needs to turn this bedroom into a boudoir.

6. BEDROOM WARMER UPPER

Warm-up a small bedroom with an oversized sheepskin rug and match to your bedding for a coordinated look.

7. SEATING VARIETY

“A cosy sheepskin is a perfect way to warm up a good looking chair. This is where a coloured sheepskin steps in when styling your home. Try choosing one that complements your upholstery. This pink one looks so good sitting against the green velvet” adds Maxine.

8. MIX & MATCH HIDES

Of course, you can mix your sheepskins! And layer up to add depth to your room. On an old sofa stack up against your furry throws to upscale your living space – and it’s a great way to cover over marks and stains too!

9. SOFTEN OUTDOOR SEATING

Warm-up your outdoor space with a shaggy sheepskin. On spring days, have a few stashed to hand so that you can enjoy the first of the sun of the year, even if the temperature might not be at sunbathing levels.

10. PET PERCH

Sheepskin makes the ultimate pet bed. Throw one onto your dog (or cat) bed and it instantly looks stylish. And pet hair blends right in so it’s practical too.

11. FOOTSTOOL TRANSFORMATION

Transform a room by throwing a sheepskin on top of your footstool for an instant makeover. Not only does this look really good, but it also gives you a cosy space to put your feet up when watching a box set.

12. SWEET SEAT

Create a sweet and sunny spot with thick, woolly sheepskins. Whether reading, napping, or chatting, this space is seriously inviting.

13. WARM-UP TILED FLOORS

Your toes will never get cold if a sheepskin rug greets you when making your morning coffee in your kitchen. “The fluffy material of this sheepskin warms up the patterned tiles in my kitchen, adding pretty colours and interest to the room” adds Maxine.

“This material is a fabulous way to vamp up your home. No wonder why interior stylists like me love them! Sheepskins are the perfect home accessory to elevate your home. Cosy in the winter, colourful in the summer – that add a luxe element to a space in an instant.” Maxine concludes.

All of the sheepskins Maxine has used are from Jacobs & Dalton.

About Maxine Brady

Maxine Brady is an award winning Interior Stylist and TV Presenter. She lives in Brighton in a peppermint Victorian terrace house with her dog, Teddy. Maxine is well known for creating interiors that make you feel amazing, lift your spirits and bring you limitless joy. For the last 20 years, she has been a creative force in the world of home design. As well as being a stylist, she is an art director, interior designer and content creator. She is the voice behind a multi-award winning blog – www.maxinebrady.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxinebradystyling/

You can read the full blog post here: https://www.maxinebrady.com/2022/04/sheepskin-design-ideas/

home office interiors to

Not only should your home office be well organised but it should also be stylish and vibrant. When you step into that room, you want to feel stimulated, motivated and excited! It is therefore vital that you carefully consider your office decor and how best to achieve your desired look.

Do you want sleek white minimalist? Retro vintage? Or genteel charm? Do you want the colours, textures and patterns to invigorate or calm you? Which accessories will add interest and bring the space to life?

1. Cottage Style with Industrial Twist

The solid wooden desk tells a story of beautiful quality, whilst the wild floral display reinforces the cottage-style charm found throughout the design of this property. Metallic and trendy, these carefully selected accessories come together to create a stylish study area, this contemporary leather desk chair and table lamp adding a hint of industrial flair.

Repeating the same colour tones in both the artwork and the surrounding interiors will create a more robust look.

Your home office interiors need to set the perfect scene for your working environment – an oasis in which you can focus, be creative and calmly take everything in your stride.

HERE WE EXPLORE 9 OF OUR FAVOURITE OFFICE DECOR AND STYLISH STUDY IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOU!

2. Edgy East London Inspired

Utterly cool and very trendy, this Andrew Martin Margot desk transports us to East London studio conversions with its edgy angled gunmetal legs and wooden floorboard top. The rich wooden hues continue into the beautiful flooring and vibrant geometric patterned wallpaper, as well as the bold gold mirror and statement Andrew Martin geometric sideboard – all brightly invigorated by the vivid green chairs and botanics.

Cool and trendy desk with edgy angled legs and wooden floorboard top.

3. Antique Meets Urban

Antique meets urban in design, for this home office interior! The handcrafted Eichholtz Paco desk is characterised by a sleek black finish with antique brass frame and statement burnished bamboo-style handles, complemented by the chic office chair in sophisticated dark grey.

Handcrafted desk in sleek black finish, with antique brass frame

4. Bold Bright Modern

This home office decor idea is all about ‘less is more’, letting the bright colours speak for themselves and allowing the crisp, modern simplicity to create the style. Abundant in natural light, this design is contrasted with an organic feel of the exposed wooden flooring with stylish lacquered metal, adding a bright pop of colour and modern charisma with this bold black and yellow chair.

Crisp modern simplicity, lacquered metal desk with bold black and yellow chair.

5. Soho Apartment Chic

This white floor lamp in hand-rubbed antique brass casts the perfect light over this beautifully accessorised desk with leather inserted top by Michael Northcroft, whilst the Italian leather desk chair adds rich warmth to the design of this eclectic, contemporary Soho apartment study.

6. Funky Youthful Cool

The perfect office decor idea for anyone planning their teenagers work area, creating a cool environment for them to focus. Brimming with urban flare, the design of the fun desk in this teenager’s bedroom has bold bursts of colour and contemporary Kirkby Design desk chair fabric to add vitality and style.

7. Mid-Century Charisma

Timeless in design, this stunning Andrew Martin Orson desk is small and stylish making it ideal for any city apartment home office interior. The walnut wood and antique brass handles ooze mid century style bringing charisma to this design, whilst the buoyant wine colour tones of the desk chair add a pop of colour to this home office interior.

8. Light Contemporary

The rustic oak of this sleek Shaker desk by Eichholtz harmonises with the vintage brown leather chair in this next stylish study design. The sleek glass top adds a contemporary touch of luxury whilst the tactile fabric table accessories offer an organic feel.

9. Genteel Handsome

Displaying refined symmetry, taupe shades and animal-inspired accessories in this gentleman’s office – with elegant Eichholtz feature lamps, stylish Osborne & Little animal print cushions and Casamance houndstooth wallpaper with deluxe suede feeling.

For further inspiration, please visit www.aji.co.uk

Extending and

Increasing natural light into your home is top of many consumer’s wish lists when it comes to improving their homes. Not only does a home flooded with natural light have the ability to make us feel more relaxed and improve our wellbeing, but it also transforms the internal décor of the home to make it more eye catching.

Transforming a home while retaining its traditional character. When Riaz Hameed decided to modernise his family home the brief was to retain the traditional character of the front of the house and extend the rear to create a contemporary, open-plan living area.

resurgence

Why Choose Resurgence?

Resurgence is the Flush Sash window for the 21st Century, with the charm of a traditional timber window and all the benefits of modern energy efficiency.

A fully mechanically jointed ‘timber alternative’ PVCu window which has successfully passed BSI security testing (PAS24 and Secured by Design)!

A + rated windows with a 10 year mechanical warranty on friction stays, window handles and Sentinel easy fit locking mechanism.

A stunning looking window that homeowners across the UK love, available in a range of classic or modern foiled colours

Click here for a no obligation quote and to find a Signature Approved Installer near you.

Increasing into your home

natural light

Increasing natural light into your home is top of many consumer’s wish lists when it comes to improving their homes.

Not only does a home flooded with natural light have the ability to make us feel more relaxed and improve our wellbeing, but it also transforms the internal décor of the home to make it more eye catching. And if you’re thinking of selling your home in the future, it’s been proved that light, bright houses are more appealing to potential buyers. So, if you are looking at ideas for a home remodel, or even a new build, here are some ideas that can help.

CREATING A GLAZED WALL

Sliding aluminium patio doors offer a sleek, understated door design that lets the glass take centre stage. By design, the slim, elegant frames of an aluminium sliding patio door create a truly contemporary finish that will enhance any home and because they can fit wider door apertures, they make a great design statement with an uninterrupted glass expanse.

They offer great design functionality as the doors have numerous configurations including a fixed pane option or a choice of all moving panes, giving you the perfect compromise between indoor-outdoor living. And you can choose how wide to open the sliding panels to control the airflow into your home too.

They are invaluable where space is tight because the panels slide back on each other, so they don’t take up excess space when open.

Their versatility makes them a popular choice on all property styles and can be used as an external door or internal door divider which can help to increase natural light into the home and tackle a darker room too.

NOT JUST FOR GROUND FLOOR

Aluminium sliding doors are not just for ground floor rooms. Consider adding an aluminium patio door to a bedroom extension and it will deliver a light flood vista to make the most of any views.

A SEAMLESS TRANSITION

If you’re looking to create a seamless transition from the home to the garden, then there is no doubt that aluminium bifold doors are the aspirational choice.

When closed, they give you a beautiful glazed wall with slim, elegant frames. When open, they seamlessly connect the inside and outside into one space for a sophisticated designer touch.

They are very flexible in terms of their configuration. For example, the panels can fold in or out and you can choose whether the main opening panel sits on the left, the right or in the middle.

When fully open, bifold doors have a seamless transition from the inside to the outside which makes them a popular choice in new build extensions and conservatories.

INTRODUCE INTERNAL GLAZED PANELS

From internal glazing to internal screens doors, these aluminium broken plan room options are a masterclass in versatile modern living. They offer the perfect compromise creating divisions within your interior and providing each space with added privacy and an effective acoustic barrier. And due to their slim aluminium profiles, they help flood to flood a previous dark room with natural light.

THE BENEFITS OF ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS

Whether you choose aluminium bifold doors, aluminium sliding doors or internal screening, you’ll be making a great choice that should add value to your home. Aluminium is a strong, secure, beautiful material with a long lifespan – the perfect material for these types of products. You’ll have a wide range of colours to choose from too, so the frames can blend in or stand out depending on the look you want to achieve.

When you choose Mercury Specialist Frames to manufacture and fit your aluminium products, you’ll be choosing a company with a reassuring reputation for quality at every level. We have been manufacturing and fitting cuttingedge windows and doors for over two decades so you can be sure you are working with the experts.

STUNNING

sliding doors to glide your carbon footprint down

Dutemänn Glide-S is the next generation of sliding doors, boasting industry leading thermal insulation, a smooth lift and glide mechanism and maximum glass area. With impressive maximum height and width options Dutemänn Glide challenges traditional preconceptions of sliding doors.

Glide-S easily meets the requirements of the 2022 building regulations, which aims to limit your carbon footprint.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency – i.e. thermal performance can be enhanced by your choice of glass. With Dutemänn Glide-S you can choose double or triple glazed units, up to 55mm thick should noise reduction be an important factor.

Dutemänn Glide-S with its 38mm sightline is the most technically advanced lift and slide door available in the UK. This extraordinary door can carry up to 400kgs per moving glass panel. So you, the home owner, can order a two panel door, that can exceed 6 Metres in width and lose just 38mm of glass.

Dutemänn Glide-S allows you to enjoy your full vista! Whilst ensuring superb protection from the worst of our English weather and securing your property to the latest standards.

Unlike some ‘other’ slim systems, Glide-S is easily reglazed. If your glass is ever damaged, ‘you can simply change the pane not the frame’.

Supplied through its nationwide network of approved installers Dutemänn is renowned within the industry as the best trade supplier.

Dutemänn are at the forefront of any upgrades, whether it’s for a new build property, extension or refurbishment. The latest developments in sliding and bifold doors means you can now have less panels and more glass.

When it comes to insulation, you’re covered. Keep your ‘heat in’ and the ‘cold out’ with a combination of state of the art thermally broken aluminium profiles and modern glass technology that reflects cold out and heat in. The complete range of Dutemänn doors can be either double or super insulated with triple glazing, just speak to your approved

installer for their professional advise (Dutemänn can put you in touch with an approved installer near you).

Dutemänn’s products not only meet but exceed security standards; meaning you can rest assured that not only are their doors highly functional, allowing light to fill the spaces, but they are also very secure. Dutemänn test to the highest security standards in the UK, PAS24-2016. So when ordering your door, insist your Dutemänn approved installer has a certificate of proof to hand.

You can personalise your doors using a choice of hundreds of RAL colours, however Dutemänn have taken time to stock the top six colours used in the UK for Schuco Bifold and Haus doors and three stocked colours for our Glide-S.

INVESTING in your home

These days, modern family living is often about open plan. Living, dining and kitchen spaces merged into one. A flowing connecting interior has become ubiquitous and beloved. What completes this picture is beautifully crafted patio doors that open straight out onto the garden, creating indoor outdoor living at its best and delivering a natural light source.

Our customers believe the best way to improve your quality of life at home is to add some space, style and light coming into your home. Take it from us, nothing does this better than a bespoke aluminium sliding patio doors or bi-fold doors. These doors connect your home to the outdoors, they flood your home with natural light and will allow easy access to your garden. Add in today’s modern aluminium windows with their slim profiles and larger glass ratio and you’ll create the perfect solution.

Aluminium windows and doors are a modern day essential. Alongside their good looks, they can improve energy efficiency and also the security of your home. But it’s easy to think aluminium windows and doors are an off-theshelf item but the truth is very different. Quality aluminium windows and doors are made to order for you and your home and as such, there are various options to personalise your choice.

New windows and doors are a great investment in the short and long term for your home and can add value at every level. But as a considered investment, you’ll want to be sure you’ve made the right decision and the team at Capital Windows are here to help.

THE STYLE

The style of window and door choice is crucial. Modern aluminium windows and doors let you improve the performance and the look of your home, for example our Evoke range of aluminium windows and doors combine cutting-edge technology with a unique slim, flush profile offering the best in premium aesthetics.

Sliding patio doors

Aluminium sliding patio doors are suitable in both traditional and contemporary homes alike and are useful where space is limited. And because sliding patio doors can accommodate a larger aperture, they can deliver an uninterrupted pane of glass to transform your interior space and let light flood your home.

Each door sits on hi-tech rollers and uses a lift and slide mechanism on either a double or triple track system. This allows each door to slide perfectly and effortlessly along the track, stopping at the point where you want the door to be open. Ideal for opening up the home and garden but equally suitable for an adjoining room for open-plan living.

Bi-folding Doors

Bi-fold doors are a fantastic aspirational choice – a gorgeous glass wall that opens up to connect the inside and outside.

When closed, they give you a beautiful glazed wall with slim, elegant frames. When open, they seamlessly connect the inside and outside for a glamorous lifestyle feel like no other door style.

They are very flexible in terms of their configuration. For example, the panels can fold in or out and you can choose whether the main opening panel sits on the left, the right or in the middle.

Bi-fold doors involve complex operating mechanisms that need to be manufactured and fitted carefully for years of trouble-free use. Therefore, it is essential to choose a reliable supplier with a strong track record so you can be sure you’ll have a high-quality door installation.

CHECK THE QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP

The quality of manufacture is crucial. For example, all our products use only the best materials and are manufactured with impeccable attention to detail and skill. We have been manufacturing and installing windows and doors for over 40 years so it’s a reassuring reputation for quality at every level.

Educating the homeowner on ‘plastic’ windows

PVC-U is a highly recyclable building material with a Building Research Establishment Green Guide to Specification A and A+ rating for domestic and commercial application.

Rob McGlennon

A new poll reveals almost half of UK homeowners would not purchase home improvement products containing plastics because of concerns about the impact plastic pollution is having on the planet.

The findings of the independent survey conducted by leading pollster, YouGov found that 44% of total respondents flatly rejected the prospect of buying home improvements manufactured in ‘plastic’.

A further 27% were unsure and 29% said it would not dissuade them from buying them.

At the same time, of those surveyed, 69% said that windows in their homes were currently manufactured from PVC-U.

This compared to 23% for wood, 7% aluminium, 2% other, while 14% of respondents were unsure of material used in the manufacture of the windows installed in their properties.*

When asked if they knew what the abbreviation ‘PVC’ stood for, 54% admitted that they had no idea.

“The results highlight a challenge for the PVC-U window and door industry”, said Rob McGlennon, Managing Director, Deceuninck.

“As a starting point it’s clear that for a lot of UK homeowners, plastic-building products are being tarred with the same broad brush as bottles, bags and other single use plastics.

“The increased awareness about the impact single use plastics are having, is great. For our industry, the fact that this survey reveals that consumers aren’t drawing a line between them and low maintenance, long-life and fully

recyclable plastic building products, is a warning of things to come – unless we act now and start to communicate effectively with the homeowner.”

PVC-U is a highly recyclable building material with a Building Research Establishment Green Guide to Specification A and A+ rating for domestic and commercial application. This is founded on a recognised Reference Service Life of at least 35-years and that PVC-U can be recycled up to 10 times without impacting on performance.

Deceuninck has invested more than €15million in support of PVC-U recycling in one of the world’s most advanced recycling and compounding facilities.

This gives it the capability to reprocess up to 45,000 tonnes of post-consumer and post-manufacturing PVC-U per year – the equivalent of preventing 3million windows from going to landfill annually.

Use of recycled material also delivering a reduction in CO2 emissions of 90,000 tonnes compared to virgin feedstocks as well as a 90% energy saving.

The Deceuninck commissioned study also found that 63% of UK homeowners surveyed said that they would be more likely to purchase home improvements, which they saw as being more ‘sustainable’** while 38% of said that they would be prepared to pay more for them.

“As we’ve highlighted, the survey isn’t all stick – there’s a lot of carrot their too. People will choose products which they see as more sustainable over those that they don’t, and are prepared to pay more for them”, continued Rob.

To read the full white paper report covering the YouGov research on attitudes towards sustainable home improvement products, please call 01249 816969 , email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk

*Commissioned by Deceuninck, research was conducted online by YouGov between the 15th and 16th November 2021, using an online interview administered to the YouGov UK panel of 800,000+ individuals. A total of 2000 plus interviews were conducted amongst a sample of 18+ UK adults (including Norther Ireland), of which 1,351 were homeowners. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

As well as educating the homeowner about PVC-u windows and doors, and continuing to invest heavily in recycling, Deceuninck’s range of choice is one of the best the industry can offer. Further survey research undertaken by Deceuninck reveals some homeowner preferences.

FLUSH WINDOWS

Combining the style of traditional timber windows and doors with modern energy efficiency and security, the Heritage Flush Collection from Deceuninck is the perfect addition to both period and contemporary homes.

What are the most important things to think about when buying new or replacement windows? Energy efficiency, cost and security are all essential elements, but for many homeowners, it is style and choice of colour that is now right at the top of their list.

A YouGov survey, commissioned by leading window and door company, Deceuninck UK, revealed that 75% of homeowners consider choice of colour when looking at new windows, preferring to pick from a palette of greys, creams, blacks and woodgrain effects, rather than stick to plain white.

And while the report highlighted that homeowners are now more likely to opt for a colour when specifying their new windows, it also illustrated an increasing desire for products that offered a more premium aesthetic.

Given the choice between a standard or a flush style PVC casement, 62% of those surveyed by YouGov, stated a preference for the latter.

Deceuninck’s award winning Heritage Flush window combines outstanding aesthetics, with class leading performance. Rated A++ for energy efficiency, it offers exceptional weather performance and is available with either double or triple glazing.

Featuring sleek, slimline frames, it can be specified with high quality, heritage

style hardware, authentic Georgian bar options and traditional timber style joints.

Highly engineered, it features multipoint locking as standard and is tested to meet the rigorous standards of PAS24 for enhanced security.

Deceuninck’s Flush Sash forms part of the company’s Heritage Flush Collection. This includes a matching flush patio door, which has been designed to perfectly compliment the style, security and performance of the flush window.

Both are also compatible with Deceuninck’s market leading range of colours, with 30+ standard options and a further 20 available on special order.

“Our Heritage Flush Collection is the end result of a considerable amount of R&D,” continues Rob. “That’s reflected in the quality and the attention to detail that has gone into both the Flush Window and the Flush Door.

“The fact that both can be suited with our full range of foiled finishes, makes them even more appealing,” he concludes. “From smooth Anthracite Grey for a contemporary, aluminium style finish, to Golden oak for a truly authentic timber effect, there’s a colour to suit any style and any age of property.”

a brighter home

PROPERTY by name ask for

In the last 2 to 3 years the home improvement market has experienced a surge in interest in conservatory upgrades, in favour of installing roofs that would allow the use of the room all year round.

As that demand has grown, so have the product options offered to homeowners, which broadly come in 2 types: a solid roof offering, which is a

complete replacement, and a clad over – or wrap around, where additional tiles and / or insulation are added to the existing roof.

Choosing between options can be mind-boggling, particularly when your priorities lay between value and efficiency.

It will come as no surprise to be told that a standard conservatory adds limited value to a property. Generally difficult to heat or keep cool you either use it only occasionally or spend a lot of money trying to make it more usable.

On the other hand, a room with a “solid” roof, tiled, insulated, compliant with building standard requirements, will transform it into a proper room, with a traditional timber roof construction. And it will save you on heating costs!

So when it comes to selling your property, don’t be the homeowner that opted for an Icotherm roof AFTER they had originally been sold a clad-over, only to be told by the surveyor that they would not been able to sell their house. Why did that happen? Many cladovers keep the full existing roof structure and glazing underneath, effectively hiding it all with tiles on top and quick to install insulation.

As a homeowner ask yourself the following:

• Do I want to add value to my property and help sell my house in future?.

• Do I want the best performance?

• Am I doing this as a quick fix or for the long-term?

• Is structural integrity important to me?

DO I GET ADDED VALUE AND WILL MY HOUSE SELL IF I HAVE IT INSTALLED?

PERFORMANCE, WHAT SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR?

Insulation

A better insulated room will likely be one of the main reasons you are considering changing your roof. Most manufacturers will publish their U-Value (the measurement unit used to indicate how good something is at insulating). The lower the better. Icotherm roofs are specified at 0.16, whilst other are at 0.18. still good of course, but not as good. Icotherm will also manufacture for the Scottish market which required a lower U-value (0.12)

Ventilation

All roofs need ventilation (just check your own house roof) to allow air to circulate. The only way to have proper circulation is to ensure the air comes in, and out again (using a chimney effect). Icotherm’s pitched roofs are specifically designed to permit this.

Doesn’t ventilation just mean draught? A correctly ventilated solid roof will allow air circulation where it matters the most: well away from the room it sits on top of, right under the tiles and above the insulation.

No condensation

One of the main reasons for ventilation is to remove any risk of condensation. Atmospheric gas turns into droplets of liquid when faced with sudden changes of temperature (something as simple as temperatures dropping in the evening). This is called interstitial condensation. Ventilation, by circulating the air, will prevent a build of damp.

So to make sure your selected solid roof will not create interstitial condensation: Ask your installer if there is suitable ventilation, that the design will stop cold bridging and prevent warm air from reaching the rafter and that there is a vapour barrier to stop the room’s atmosphere from entering the roof cavity

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

Cladovers and roofs cut on site by builders (vs sourced from a specialist manufacturer) do not have the benefit of being already building control compliant

Reputable roof systems companies like Icotherm have had their designs tested for structural integrity, condensation risk, insulation performance, making it easier to obtain building control approval. This will mean that all roofs are constructed following clear specification guidelines, and offer you, the homeowner with the reassurance you need.

Cladovers by their very nature (various components added to the structure) do not have their own calculations as they rely on an already existing roof. That roof will not have been designed to take the added weight, and was most definitely not designed to be encapsulated in insulation and tiles.

Sustainably sourced timber, making for the ultimate green building solution.

The Homeowners CHOICE

In today’s society there is a wealth of choice when it comes to new windows and doors. There is one thing for certain, whether you are extending your home or building from scratch, The Bi-Fold Network has a product range to meet your needs.

Bi-Folding doors are a contemporary update for any home due to the fact that they can extend the feeling of outdoor living and provide an uninterrupted view of the garden. It’s a great way to bring more light into your home!

Available in a range of opening configurations to suit any application, Visofold doors can be folded internally or externally and with the opening at the side (so the sashes all fold one way), at one end (to create a single entrance door) or in the middle (to give the option of a double door).

Visofold’s flexibility makes it the ideal choice for projects where large, uninterrupted openings are required, with the system providing maximum light and space to give unimpeded views. The highly-versatile, easy-to-operate system is the perfect option for even the largest project, capable of opening up an entire wall, yet presenting a contemporary, elegant glazed façade when closed.

Sliding doors also provide maximum light and afford the most unobstructed views of any system when closed and with a wide range of systems and options, you can select and tailor a door system to exactly meet your own specific requirements.

With a choice of frame sizes, sliding formats wether two, three or four pane systems, together with a choice of highquality hardware and a wide range of colour options, the slim lines of these elegant doors make them the perfect solution for any home.

ADDING KERB APPEAL – ADDING VALUE TO YOUR HOME

The handsome range of entrance doors, available from The Bifold Network, will impress your guests and keep out both the elements and unwelcome intruders. Alitherm doors are designed for use as open out or open in, single or double doors, internally or externally beaded with side-light and low threshold options.

Elegant, yet strong and durable Alitherm doors enhance the beauty of your home, keep in the warmth and let in more light because of the slim sightlines. Peace of mind is ensured by the enhanced security provided by a multi-point locking system.

Alitherm Heritage provides the ideal solution for heritage applications such as listed building renovations and large scale replica-refurbishment projects where planning constraints are to be considered.

The Alitherm Heritage window is designed to be built as a series of horizontal modules which can be stacked using horizontal couplers to form a multi-part window featuring a specially design drip bar between modules.

Contact us today to find a local installer or call us for a friendly, no obligation chat. www.bifoldnetwork.com

Email us to find your local installer: info@bifoldnetwork.com

If you would like further help please call our friendly staff on 0114 231 3133

Bifold Network is one of the UK’s leading trade suppliers of Smarts aluminium bi-folding, patio, entrance doors and windows. The team at Bifold Network will help you from start to finish with your project, supplying products and fitting teams, throughout the UK.

TRANSFORMING A HOME while retaining its traditional character

When Riaz Hameed decided to modernise his family home the brief was to retain the traditional character of the front of the house and extend the rear to create a contemporary, open-plan living area.

Photography: Daniel Atkinson

Photography: Daniel Atkinson

The rear extension matches the traditional brickwork of the original building. It features two large Schüco sliding doors and two roof lights to create a large, bright and airy, open-plan kitchen and living space with an extensive view of the garden.

The project involved the replacement of all the glazing, front and rear, with Schüco systems including two Schüco front doors that Riaz decided to install after seeing them on display at an event at the ExCel in London. In total, 30 windows, 5 doors and 2 skylights were fitted.

Riaz chose metal-framed windows for the new glazing as they require less long-term maintenance than other materials. After having seen his neighbour’s Schüco aluminium windows and getting a feel for the quality of the finish, Riaz decided they would be ideal for his home.

He elaborates: “Schüco windows ticked all the boxes. The systems are robust and benefit from precision German engineering, and the windows are in keeping with both the house and the area. The wide range of colours and finishes allowed us to pick one that blended in with the brickwork of the house.”

Photography: Daniel Atkinson

The renovation of the home included a newly landscaped back garden which Riaz wanted to make the most of, even when inside. As such, he decided to have a large picture window installed that provides an excellent view of the garden and acts as a focal point in the living space. He comments: “The reason I went for the big picture window and sliding doors was that I wanted to bring the outside inside and vice versa.”

As Riaz has a young child, the ease of operation of the large sliding doors was also a crucial consideration. The whole family is able to slide the doors open without difficulty despite their size and weight.

Now, Riaz and his family can enjoy the seamless connection between the inside and outside every day, with Riaz stating he wouldn’t hesitate to use Schüco again.

Why choose The Hybrid?

With recent changes to U-value standards, The Signature Collection asks, is your Bi-fold door supplier, compliant?

The Hybrid Bi Folding Door is fully compliant with new industry standards. From June this year, all new homes must now produce 30% less carbon dioxide emissions than previous standards. The Building Regulations also include new standards to reduce energy use and carbon emissions during home improvements. The Signature Collection are pleased to confirm that their Hybrid Bi Fold Door range meet the new standards, requiring doors fitted to achieve U-values of 1.4 W/(m2.K) in existing dwellings. The innovative design of the Hybrid merges both Aluminium and PVC leading to a high performing Hybrid Bi Folding Door system with the aesthetics and appearance to match other PVC Window and Door products.

A low threshold option is just one of the safety features included, making The Hybrid a family and wheelchair friendly option for your home. Offering excellent levels of energy efficiency, alongside superb security features, including Secure by Design options – The Hybrid creates a beautiful spacesaving solution.

There are a vast array of colours to choose from, all of which are Renolit foil.

Click

Blinds, awnings and shutters

A stylish and effective way of shading your glazing. Following a summer of record-breaking temperatures in the UK, now is the time to think about how solar shading can help keep your building cool. While blinds are brilliant – shutters are not to be overlooked when it comes to deciding how to shade your glazing. But, with so many designs and materials to choose from, it can be tricky to work out exactly what type of shutter you’d like. Let’s take a look at the options.

SHUTTERS

A stylish and effective way of shading your glazing

Following a summer of record-breaking temperatures in the UK, now is the time to think about how solar shading can help keep your building cool.

While blinds are brilliant – trust us, we at the British Blind and Shutter Association would know – shutters are not to be overlooked when it comes to deciding how to shade your glazing. But, with so many designs and materials to choose from, it can be tricky to work out exactly what type of shutter you’d like. Let’s take a look at the options.

FULL-HEIGHT SHUTTERS

These shutters cover all of your glazing, making them ideal if you’re likely to have a situation where you want total privacy. But that’s not to say they’re not extremely versatile.

Similar to a Venetian blind, tilting louvres give you control over light and can help stop any prying eyes. Close them completely for privacy and to restrict light ingress or tilt them to let the natural light in while still retaining a level of privacy.

The whole panel can also stack away from the window if you want to flood your space with light, while a mid-rail can be added so the top and bottom halves can be opened independently of each other (see also tier-on-tier shutters).

CAFÉ STYLE SHUTTERS

For the perfect compromise between privacy and light. The panels on café style shutters cover the lower section of your glazing so light can flow in freely through the top part of your glazing, while you enjoy the privacy on offer by the shutters at the bottom.

Like full-height shutters the louvres can be tilted, while the panels can be folded and stacked away from the glazing.

Louvolite

Decora

TIER-ON-TIER SHUTTERS

The ultimate shutter if versatility is your top priority. Tier-on-tier shutters are made up of two separate panels which can be operated independently of each other. They boast the same qualities as full-height shutters, the only difference being that a mid-rail splits the shutter in two giving you even more control over light and privacy.

ROOM-DIVIDING SHUTTERS

With solid panels or louvres, different track systems mean you can segment open plan spaces to suit your needs.

All shutters can help improve the energy saving qualities of your home by providing a layer between the glazing and your room, boosting the level of heat retention in the winter, and reducing the sun’s heat in the summer helping keep your home cool.

S:CRAFT

Decora

SHAPED SHUTTERS

Perfect for shaped glazing, they are crafted to follow the lines and contours of the opening. Designs will therefore vary, although they can often be fitted either inside or outside the recess.

SOLID PANEL SHUTTERS

Popular in period properties where there are large windows, or listed properties with single glazing. There are no louvres in this type of shutter and opening or closing the whole panel is done manually. When fully open, natural light will flood in and when fully closed they offer privacy and a high degree of light exclusion.

For more information on how shading products can help keep your building cool in the summer and warm in winter, visit www.shadeit.org.uk .

To find your local accredited BBSA member, visit www.bbsa.org.uk .

Most of the products explored in this article will be available in wood, MDF or polymers, as well as a range of colours and finishes. Automated shutters are also available.

Daniel Surey

British Blind & Shutter Association daniel@bbsa.org.uk

S:CRAFT

S:CRAFT

Make the most of your outdoor space with our all-weather aluminium pergola - Outdoor Living Pod™ featuring a waterproof opening & closing louvered roof, ambient LED lighting, instant infra-red heating and windproof side screens. Enjoy the alfresco lifestyle come sun, wind, rain or even snow. Proudly UK Manufactured Since 1987.

Autumn

The rise and evolution of the PERGOLA

In the past, a pergola has typically been viewed as four posts and a roof made out of timber, however, this previously humble wooden structure has come a long way – especially since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Having evolved over time, consumers now have access to more modern pergolas in a number of styles and low-maintenance hardwearing materials such as aluminium, allowing many homeowners to consider this particular shading device as an architectural element that can completely transform any garden.

WHY CHOOSE A PERGOLA?

It’s easy to treat your home and garden as two separate spaces, however, linking them together using a strong and striking feature can not only create the perfect indoor/ outdoor living zone, but it can make both areas look and feel bigger. A pergola can act as a focal point within any garden, creating height whilst framing the view and helping focus the eye.

Modern pergolas with sliding/retracting fabric or rotating aluminium louvered roofs (and sides) offer a pragmatic and long-term solution. Whether it’s in the form of a freestanding structure within your garden or adjacent to the house as a direct extension of the property, a pergola is a simple yet effective way to give the impression of an outdoor ‘room’ and provides complete flexibility to the user.

Shade & shelter

With the unpredictable British weather, it’s important to consider a practical solution that will provide adequate shade and shelter throughout the seasons – from heatwaves in the summer to torrential rain, wind and snow in the winter.

Suited to both classic and contemporary properties and gardens, a bioclimatic pergola boasts a louvered roof which can be opened up throughout the summer and fully closed during the colder, wetter months.

As one of the most quick, easy and affordable ways to help create a comfortable, sustainable home with lower running and maintenance costs, a bioclimatic pergola attached to your property will also ensure your home is

fully equipped to prevent unwanted solar heat gain during the summer months and allow free solar gain in the winter.

Optional extras

The addition of sliding glass, windproof side screens or separate entrance doors combined with ambient LED lighting, zone controlled infra-red heating and even speakers will not only ensure complete control of the elements, but provide the ultimate luxury all-weather outdoor living space, 365 days a year.

If you already have a veranda or pergola that needs a bit of a re-vamp, high-performance external blinds can be mounted to the top and sides to effectively shield from the elements and create a cosy and pleasant environment all year round.

Customisation is key

The latest technology means you can open and close the electric roof on your pergola in real-time (or set a timer to do it automatically) from a single remote or via an app on your phone, as well as turn the lighting/heating on and off and even view the exact position of your pergola from anywhere in the world!

Whilst timber pergolas come in standard sizes, modern aluminium pergolas are usually built to order to any size and finish to meet your exact requirements and specification.

For over 35 years, Caribbean Blinds has been exclusively designing, manufacturing and supplying the very finest external shading systems that transform the use, functionality and enjoyment of all types of spaces. Their extensive range of products are manufactured in the UK using the highest quality materials and consist of outdoor roller blinds, awnings and their award-winning pergola branded the Outdoor Living Pod™.

Stuart Dantzic Managing Director, Caribbean Blinds

www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

Ingeniously designed for those who want to live life outdoors, the Caribbean Blinds Outdoor Living Pod™ boasts an innovative rotating louvered roof that permits the user to play with light and shade, offering an openair alfresco feel when left fully open, and ensuring a completely water, wind and even snow-tight roof when closed.

Competition Time

Autumn reminds us that a new season of shorter and colder days is ahead of us. We’re not quite there yet and there’s still plenty to get on with in the garden! We need to keep on harvesting and help our plants to produce as long as possible, as well as preparing for the next growing season. If you have a Sprout mini greenhouse the change tends to be less drastic. One season merges with the next and all you have to do is to adjust the light, watering and temperature controls. A 4-season heated mini greenhouse could be yours!

UK-BASED LUXURY SHEEPSKIN RETAILER

Based in the beautiful countryside of North Yorkshire, near the market town of Thirsk, Jacobs & Dalton is a British retailer of the finest luxury sheepskin products.

With a core belief in creating beautiful pieces that are both sustainable and stylish, the Yorkshire based company offers a collection of homeware, footwear, pet and baby products. Including sumptuously soft sheepskin rugs and cushions, cosy baby booties and footmuffs for winter walks, snuggly beds for your pets, and practical but stylish sheepskin slippers and boots.

Natural sheepskin is a hugely versatile material which is both sustainable and long-lasting. Jacobs & Dalton use only the finest quality sheepskin from sustainable sources, and their collections are designed to bring style and comfort to everyday life. Jacobs & Dalton continually expand their range whilst maintaining their philosophy of excellent quality and value.

This material has been used throughout history and is a firm favourite for clothing and to decorate homes thanks to the huge benefits of being gentle against the skin and the hypo-allergenic nature of sheepskin. The amazing ability to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter due to wool’s naturally hollow fibres that act as a temperature insulator is crucial. Sheepskin boots and slippers are not only stylish but practical thanks to the moisture-wicking ability of the lanolin contained in the material, meaning they can be worn in all weather.

James Waylett, Head of Marketing at Jacobs and Dalton said: “Luxury sheepskin is not just a business for us, it’s a lifestyle. We are passionate about providing only the highest quality, luxury sheepskin products that will give our customers many happy years of use.”

www.jacobsanddalton.com

The winner will receive a pair of slippers of their choosing.

To enter please email: christina@improve-magazine.co.uk and simply answer this question:

Just enter your answer in the subject box!

WIN A PAIR OF LUXURY SLIPPERS AND KEEP COSY THIS AUTUMN AND WINTER!

With which material do Jacobs & Dalton make their products?

GARDENING all year round

If you have a Sprout mini greenhouse the change tends to be less drastic. One season merges with the next and all you have to do is to adjust the light, watering and temperature controls.

At this time of the year most gardeners are hanging up their wellies for the year in the fruit and vegetable garden. But with a Sprout mini-greenhouse by Harvst, you can plant and reap the rewards, all year round. There are a number of different seeds you can plant

to give interesting fresh vegetables over the late autumn and early winter. Seeds are also really cheap at the moment as companies are clearing stock ready for next year.

For winter salads you can grow Mustard, Mizuna, and Spinach for baby leaves as well as Corn Salad. Each of these are well adjusted to the relatively low light levels and can be boosted by the grow lights in your Sprout Harvster and with a bit of warmth will be

cropping in 6-10 weeks time or possibly sooner. Just take a seed or module tray and fill with fresh compost, sparingly sow the seeds, pop in the Sprout Harvst web-app and set up your programme on the Harvst web-app. Your automated mini greenhouse will do the rest until you need to thin the plants: once two or more true leaves have shown and the plants are big enough to handle. Then, fill one of the larger boxes with new compost and transfer the baby plants into their new home.

Autumn reminds us that a new season of shorter and colder days is ahead of us. We’re not quite there yet and there’s still plenty to get on with in the garden! We need to keep on harvesting and help our plants to produce as long as possible, as well as preparing for the next growing season.

As an alternative for Perpetual Spinach, you can sow directly in the larger box and these will just need to be thinned down to one plant every 2 inches or so once they have germinated fully. Also on the cards are herbs like Parsley, Coriander and Dill. Whilst you can grow small pots in the house, these are better germinated in a tray and then pricked out into individual plants. You then transfer them to a larger box giving them a couple of inches between each and they should then grow on well and crop all winter. Alternatively, you can prick them out into module trays and leave them unheated ready to go out into the garden or a larger pot outside your mini greenhouse or frame in around February or March when the worst of the British weather is behind us.

Please note: Control boxes have been changed.

The S6 4-Season Sprout Mini Greenhouse is a cutting edge, high tech growing machine. Whether you want to grow herbs, salads or veg all through the winter, or if it’s just a cool, dark north facing yard you struggle to grow in, the 4-season Sprout is for you.

Value of prize: £599.99 How to enter: Click here to enter your email address and agree to further communications from Harvst & Improve Magazine to be entered: https://improve-magazine.co.uk/gardening-all-year-round/ You will then automatically be entered into the free prize draw. Competition closes November18th 2022

Harvst Sprout is a range of automatic mini greenhouses. Perfect for herbs, salads, fresh greens and even some root vegetables. Available in 4 compact sizes, for any space, garden, yard or patio.

• Automatic opening

• Self watering

• App controlled

• Heated

• LED grow lights

Pak Choi planted in August and just picked out into modules in a Harvster

Autumn reminds us that a new season of shorter and colder days is ahead of us. We’re not quite there yet and there’s still plenty to get on with in the garden! We need to keep on harvesting and helping our plants to produce as long as possible, as well as preparing for the next growing season.

A green-tech company that launched in 2020, Harvst has created a range of smart mini-greenhouses for the easy and eco-friendly growing of your favourite herbs, plants, and edibles at home. Operating from their dedicated workshop in Cardigan, Wales, the tech brand helps to extend the growing season with minimal fuss, all fullyautomated and controlled from a handy web-app!

Designed and manufactured in-house, the range of Harvst products are ideal for gardeners who want the selfsufficient benefits of growing their own food all year round, but who aren’t able to attend to their plants every day of the week. Additionally, due to the compact size and nature, it’s perfectly suited to those with smaller gardens, or even for growing on balconies and patios, making growing as easy as plant – leave – grow!

At this time of the year most gardeners are hanging up their wellies for the year in the fruit and vegetable garden, but with a Sprout mini greenhouse

you could still be planting. There are a number of different seeds you can plant to give interesting fresh vegetables over the late autumn and early winter. For winter salads you can grow Mustard, Mizuna, and Spinach for baby leaves as well as Corn Salad. Each of these are well adjusted to the relatively low light levels and can be boosted by the grow lights in a Sprout, and with a bit of warmth will be cropping in 6-10 weeks time or possibly sooner.

Sold as a ‘smart’ kit, each Harvst minigreenhouse comes in one of four sizes, and can either be hooked up to the mains or powered more eco-friendly by a solar panel. Each kit includes a

control system which keeps track of all the environmental conditions inside, sending information to a web-based app which can be accessed on the user’s phone or computer.

The built-in irrigation technology (available on Solar, 3 & 4 Season models) means that if plants need water they can be irrigated via sprayers and misters, which are attached to a designated hose or water butt. Plus, when it gets too hot the roof opens automatically to ensure optimal airflow for your growing plants and sproutlings – now that’s smart!

Heating and lighting units can be optionally added to further enhance your Sprout mini-greenhouse, so that when it’s cold a heater will automatically turn on, and when it’s dark, lights will automatically be turned on. All scheduled and managed by the handy web-app!

From the web-based app, owners can manage and monitor their smart greenhouse and add to a ‘grow diary’, detailing what they’ve planted and picked. The app will prompt users to take appropriate actions depending on the plant type and stage of growth, helping to grow plants better.

Each kit includes a control system which keeps track of all the environmental conditions inside

Consumer Advice

Spiralling energy prices are hitting many households in the pocket, whilst climate change is resulting in hotter drier summers with more frequent and intense weather extremes predicted. The importance of running an energy efficient home and reducing carbon emissions has therefore become increasingly apparent to homeowners. Get the most from your windows and doors, all year round.

Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has received a further boost to its campaign to the take the industry to the education sector as the starting point for creating a workforce for tomorrow.

Get the most from your windows all year round

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES

Spiralling energy prices are hitting many households in the pocket, whilst climate change is resulting in hotter drier summers with more frequent and intense weather extremes predicted. 1 The importance of running an energy efficient home and reducing carbon emissions has therefore become increasingly apparent to homeowners.

Windows are not just designed to keep heat inside a property, but also to keep it out during our hotter summers. By taking simple steps to maximise their performance, you will get the most from your windows all year round. Crucially, limiting dependence on expensive air conditioning during summer and heating systems in the winter is an effective way of reducing both your energy bills and your carbon footprint.

Make an Informed Choice Understanding how the window system works to provide energy efficiency will ensure you choose the right product for your particular needs.

The window frame plays a crucial role in providing insulation. Though poorly insulated, draughty properties can leak heat during winter, those same cracks and crevices can let in hot air during summer months, contributing to overheating.

Liniar’s multi-chambered window frames are designed to trap air and prevent heat migrating from warmer to cooler areas, with more chambers meaning more insulation. Design & Development Director Chris Armes explains, “It’s worth reminding homeowners that although this prevents warm air escaping the building during colder months, when the temperature is hotter outside the reverse is true, the frames’ insulation prevents excessive inward heat transfer keeping cooler air inside.”

The next crucial component is the glazing unit (the glass). Options such double, triple, and even quadruple glazing, are available. The more panes used back-toback the more insulation, with the additional benefit of reducing outside noise.

The glazing units can be further enhanced by reflective coatings, gas fillings, and spacer bars made from low conductive, insulating material such as Edgetech’s SuperSpacer. These can all significantly improve thermal performance and influence the Energy Performance Rating, a system created by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). The least efficient rating is E, with the most efficient being A++.

Although desirable, it may not always be economical for the highest rated energy efficient A++ windows to be fitted throughout your home, but you can optimize your spending by making sure windows more exposed to direct sunlight (often south-facing) and the harshest weather conditions receive the most investment.

MAXIMIZE COMFORT & PERFORMANCE

When It’s Hot Longer, lighter days are one of the greatest summertime pleasures, though a property’s prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to uncomfortably high indoor temperatures. A natural reaction might be to open all the windows, but this isn’t always a good idea, especially if the temperature outside is hotter than inside. Keeping windows closed will allow you to benefit from their insulation’s cooling properties. Monitor inside and outside temperatures by having a thermometer located in both areas.

Keep curtains, draperies and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, in particular those covering windows exposed to direct sunlight, as this will reduce solar heat absorption. Light-coloured curtains reflect heat more effectively than darker colours which absorb the heat.

Open windows and interior doors during the night to let in the cooler evening air and flush out the warm air built up throughout the day.

Large appliances such as ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers emit lots of heat. Try timing their use to coincide with the cooler parts of the day (early morning and early evening).

When It’s Cold

Just as curtains, draperies and blinds can block solar heat during the hotter parts of the day, they can help trap it inside when temperatures drop. Open them early in the morning to allow sunlight to flood into your home throughout the day, closing them when the sun sets and temperatures fall.

Since darker colours absorb more heat and heavier materials are more insulating, consider switching your curtains or draperies to coincide with seasonal requirements. Using lighter colours and material in the hot months, and heavier darker ones in the cold season will help you control the temperature in your home.

A Final Word

Once installed, practical steps can be taken to complement your window system’s contribution to maintaining a pleasant ambient temperature. Here is Liniar’s roundup of top tips: Visit https://www.liniar.co.uk/homeowners/ to

It is important to keep your windows’ glass clean for features such as reflective coatings to function properly. Although PVCu is low maintenance, it still requires a little looking after, and taking care of your frames will ensure they retain their optimum thermal performance and attractive appearance for longer.

GQA Technical team volunteer to take the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry to the education sector

Building

Four members of the technical team from GQA Qualifications have enrolled to be a part of the ‘Inspiring the Future’ programme that Building Our Skills is promoting alongside the Education and Employers Charity.

Setting a great example to employers in the industry, the team from the fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications-writing organisation have signed up to support the campaign by volunteering to visit schools to help inform youngsters about the possibilities for their future careers and what they could achieve if they join the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry.

“If you are a parent involved with your local school, a teacher or a governor and would like a volunteer to come to your school, get in touch…”

The campaign connects volunteers to state primary and secondary schools via its free match-making platform, so if you are a parent involved with your local school, a teacher or a governor and would like to invite a volunteer to come to your school please email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk and ask for more information.

Invitations for in-person school visits are based around volunteers being local to the school in question; virtual visits can be delivered from anywhere in the UK. Volunteers are supported by the Inspiring the Future team and are given access to training videos as well as training webinars and forums should they wish.

Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has received a further boost to its campaign to the take the industry to the education sector as the starting point for creating a workforce for tomorrow.

Building Our Skills has highlighted the Education Sector as the single most important area for the industry to focus on to raise awareness of the opportunities it offers and to inspire future generations to look to Fenestration, Glass and Glazing as a career of choice.

Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager, says: “I’m delighted that GQA’s technical team has agreed to support the Inspiring the Future campaign by volunteering. I’ve been very pleased with the response from the industry to our appeal for volunteers, and informing youngsters about the sheer breadth of roles it has on offer is a great way of attracting the new talent we need for the future.”

Or for more information on this campaign and Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice –visit www.buildingourskills.co.uk

GQA helping youngsters through the ‘Nobody Left Behind’ initiative

GQA Qualifications is lending its support to a progressive and lifechanging initiative for young people called ‘Nobody Left Behind.’

The scheme combines community sports programmes with constructionrelated training and qualifications to improve young people’s employment prospects for entry-level construction industry roles.

Following a 4-week programme of community sports training with household name sports stars, students move on to work towards gaining GQA’s Level 1 Award in Construction Health and Safety and the GQA green general construction site Labourer’s CSCS card, as well as H&S-related training such as manual handling and traffic marshalling, all accredited through GQA. Civil Engineering Careers, the agency championing the work-related training then facilitates interviews with construction employers who look to offer employment opportunities to programme participants.

Commenting on its work with Nobody Left Behind GQA’s Technical Officer, Phil Douglas, says: “I noticed posts in my local area in Liverpool for community boxing camps and having been involved in amateur boxing myself at schoolboy level, and also being a boxing fan, I started to find out more about this project. I reached out to and met with the initiative’s team, and it was clear that GQA would be a good fit for the learning element of the programme. We have rapidly built a good working relationship and have supported the scheme in its development.

I’m pleased to be working with the programme and its participants, helping them to benefit from GQA-accredited qualifications, CSCS cards and certificates. In addition, I’m happy to report that GQA and Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice have provided sponsorship support to help the programme get off the ground. We’ve donated towards a minibus that the initiative needs to help transport young people from further across the area, and we have been very pleased to be able to help in this small way. We have also been asked about development into other sectors in which we work.

I understand that Nobody Left Behind has set itself the challenge of getting 1,000 young people into employment in the next four years, and that’s a goal we’re honoured to get fully behind. It’s a pleasure to see the sense of achievement on the faces of the young people when they are told they have passed their CSCS card test, and the joy in their voices when they tell their friends “I’m starting work on Monday.” The initiative is a perfect fit with GQA’s philosophy of people development.”

Barbara Travis, MD of CE Careers who heads up the initiative says: “I am so pleased to have established a relationship with GQA, who support the community initiatives and the education side through a range of accredited courses that help skill young people and give them the best chance of gaining employment.

“As we progress we will be offering multi-sports including boxing, football, rugby, cycling and hiking. We are offering female-only sessions in boxing with the hope of encouraging more girls to look at construction as a potential career choice, and football camps for both boys and girls with ex Liverpool and England footballers. GQA are a key part of our growth, and a partner that we are immensely happy with as our awarding body.”

True apprentices are a key part of solving the skills gap issues prevalent within the UK-wide Fenestration and Construction sectors, and CSCS feedback suggests that many employers are either unaware of the Apprentice Card or are put off

Following the recent statement by CSCS related to the issuing of free Apprentice Cards (see Construction Skills Certification Scheme | Official CSCS Website – Supporting apprentices with free CSCS cards), GQA has considered the rationale for this and has made the decision to support the gesture.

applying due to the lengthy apprenticeship registration process.

Away from the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry,

on

Mick Clayton, CEO of the awarding and qualifications-writing organisation teamed up with Craig Hand, General Manager of the Rotherham branch of Gemini Accident Repair Centres to take on the ‘AutoRaise Rally,’ a fun-filled fund-raising event that took place in Wales in September. Teams of drivers in either ‘bangers’ bought for under £1,000 or classic cars worth a lot more started out at Stratford on September 21st. They then followed a challenging route over the next two days, taking in the amazing landscapes of Wales, including stays in Aberystwyth and Cardiff.

Aiming to raise as much money as possible for AutoRaise, GQA is asked its partners to help support the worthy cause with sponsorship.

Talking about the rally, Mick Clayton says: “I really enjoyed getting those driving gloves on again and joining Craig Hand for what was a fabulous road trip. The rally was great fun, but on a more serious note we’re so grateful to our partners for helping us to raise money for AutoRaise by sponsoring us.

AutoRaise was set up solely to help the UK vehicle repair industry attract young people into a range of technical apprenticeships This is an aim we wholeheartedly support. Through training and qualifications, we can ensure that standards in the industry continue to rise!”

EXPERT TIPS on how to protect your windows this winter

With temperatures dropping across the UK in recent days, now is the time to take action if we want to protect our homes again this winter. Just like you’d prepare your garden, roof and interior appliances such as a boiler, ready for the cold weather to set in, the same applies to your home’s windows. It could be argued that this is one of the most crucial parts of the home to protect, as windows can let in or keep out the cold depending on their condition! Timber window experts Bereco have provided a checklist on how to protect your windows this winter. Here are their top three tips:

1 CHECK AND CLEAN ALL WINDOW SEALS

If you’re worried about those unexpected drafts that occur once it gets cold, checking your window seals could save you the hassle of finding the cause of the problem later down the line. Deteriorated or broken window and door seals are the main cause of a draft in your home so now is the best time to get these replaced if you want a warm house this winter! New window seal replacements are easy to get hold of and can be found at your local window manufacturer or online stockists.

2 ADJUST YOUR WINDOWS

Many people may not be aware that adjusting your windows is possible and should be done in the winter if needed. Most windows and doors with multi-point locking supplied in the last 15 years will have adjustments where you can increase the weather seal compression to stop any draughts. Look for spaces for Allen keys in the locking bolt keeps and plates and if in doubt check with your supplier or on YouTube for adjustment guides.

3 CHECK

THE GLASS

If your windows are showing signs of condensation within the glass, you are most likely ready for an upgrade which you should do sooner rather than later to avoid any issues throughout the winter. Glass units showing condensation inside the panes don’t do their job of retaining heat in the winter or keeping your home cool in the summer, so it’s important to act on this before the winter weather is in full swing, otherwise, you could risk losing a lot of heat in your home that could also result in a rise of your energy bills!

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Kerb Appeal

Whilst guttering is not the most exciting subject, when you see water overflowing after heavy rainfall it becomes an issue. Climate change is making extreme weather a more commonplace event in the UK. A recent study exploring the effect of greenhouse gases on European winter rainfall patterns suggests we are at greater risk of increased rainfall in winter, spring and autumn, and at a greater risk of extremely high seasonal rainfall events.

compromises often demanded by modern life, to ensure stability and balance in their lives.

11.The White Front Door

chooses to paint their the peace and and will view their refuge from the outside world. They grounded, honest and true

Front Door

extravagance. It reflects and risk. It is no the person who more than comfortable two.

the finer things in treats and pleasures

of these two colours. The passion and boldness of red is softened by the purity of white making it romantic, loving and thoughtful.

As you may well guess then, the person living behind a pink door is the neighbourhood’s hopeless romantic! They will make a good partner and a great friend thanks to their caring nature and thoughtfulness.

8. The Brown Front Door

Brown is the colour of earth. It is warm, stable and organic. Whether painted brown or natural wood, the person behind this door will share the

9. The Black Front Door

Black is the colour of sophistication. It is classic, authoritative and stylish. Painting your front door black makes a bold statement. It tells the world your home is a place of order and control.

That means the person living behind the black front door is likely to have a place for everything and everything in its place. They are a strong, sophisticated person of substance and style.

10.

The Grey Front Door

Grey is the colour of contentment. It

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White is the colour of perfection. It represents wholeness, equality and perhaps surprisingly, creativity. White is the sum of all colours in equal measures and that’s why it has connotations of wholeness and equality.

Like the colour, the person living behind the white door will be someone who is very fair. They will be open to all sides of an argument, carefully balancing each side to arrive at a fair resolution. They are also likely to be highly imaginative, able to fill the blankness of white with ideas and creativity.

12.The Glass Front Door

Last but by no means least, the glass door. Like the material itself, the person behind the glass door has nothing to hide. They are friendly, outgoing and open.

• Colourful front doors – what does yours say about you?

• Is your gutter ready for the increased Autumn/Winter rainfall?

• The benefits of Freefoam Deep Gutter

The following section covers...

Is your gutter ready for the increased Autumn and Winter rainfall?

Whilst guttering is not the most exciting subject, when you see water overflowing after heavy rainfall it becomes an issue.

Climate change is making extreme weather a more commonplace event in the UK. A recent study exploring the effect of greenhouse gases on European winter rainfall patterns suggests we are at greater risk of increased rainfall in winter, spring and autumn, and at a greater risk of extremely high seasonal rainfall events.1

Rainwater gutter systems should be able to manage increased levels of water, but, unfortunately, many existing installations might not be a match for the increased flow of rainwater we can expect to get in the future.

THE SOLUTION: DEEP GUTTERING

Did you know that there are different gutters for different situations?

If you’re looking to replace your gutter take a look at a Deep gutter system. With 50 per cent more capacity than round gutter, it can channel rainfall away quickly and is ideal for steep or large roofs where large volumes of water are collected.

OLDER PROPERTIES WITH INSUFFICIENT OUTLETS

Use Deep gutter where the old existing gutter doesn’t have sufficient outlets to deal with increased levels of rainfall. It’s high flow capacity can be a more cost-effective alternative to digging and laying new drainage.

THINKING OF A NEW EXTENSION?

A new extension with an additional roof area will need increased overall gutter capacity. Again, in this scenario, a deep gutter will stop the need for any additional drainage or soakaways.

THE

BENEFITS OF

FREEFOAM DEEP GUTTER

There are a number of deep gutter products available on the market, such as Freefoam’s Freeflow® deep gutter range. So, what should you be looking for in a deep gutter system?

COLOUR CO-ORDINATED

Of course, homeowners will be keen to choose the exterior colour of their gutter to ensure a flawless coordinated finish. The Freeflow® deep gutter blends in with existing round guttering and is available in white, black, brown and anthracite grey for a whole house finish. We also do a cast iron-style version.

WATERTIGHT JOINTS

Our Freeflow® gutter joints and connectors use a flexible compression seal which is both watertight and allows the gutters to move without any noise or creating gaps which cause leaks.

LESS LEAKS AND CREAKS

Freeflow gutter features a white interior. Gutter will be exposed to sunlight as normal but the white inside reduces heat absorption from the sun and the subsequent expansion along its width and length will be significantly reduced, minimising creaks and leaks.

50-YEAR LIFETIME GUARANTEE

Freeflow comes with a 50-year lifetime guarantee on white gutter Freeflow® providing peace of mind that any issues will be resolved by the manufacturer for many years to come.

u n d e r s t a n d i n g COLOUR

door

There are few things quite as pleasing as decorating your brand new home. It is what makes a new build house feel like yours by reflecting your taste and your personality. However, we all know that it is the first impression that often counts the most, so forget your beautifully decorated interiors with carefully chosen furniture, because it could well be the colour of your front door that reveals most about you…

THE RED FRONT DOOR

Red is the colour of passion. It is vibrant, lively and exciting and so too is the person behind the door. People who choose to paint their front door red are often some of the most welcoming and hospitable souls, delighting in entertaining and having guests. This explains why traditionally, red has represented a hospitable home. A red door says ‘welcome’ and it means it.

THE ORANGE FRONT DOOR

Orange is the colour of warmth. It is an expression of energy, happiness and confidence. A blend of the primary colours red and yellow it represents a mixture of the qualities associated to each; the happiness of yellow and the boldness of red.

People who paint their front door orange are often social butterflies.

They love to entertain and certainly don’t shy away from the challenge of playing host.

THE YELLOW FRONT DOOR

Yellow is the colour of logic. It represents the left side of the brain responsible for critical thinking and original thought. As the lightest colour in the spectrum it also inspires feelings of cheerfulness, fun and positivity.

The person living behind a yellow door is going to be both logical and lively with lots of vitality for life. Their positive attitude gives them the “get up and go” attitude.

THE GREEN FRONT DOOR

Green is the colour of health and wealth. It is tranquil and traditional.

With the combined power of representing health and wealth, the individuals living behind the green door are often successful and ambitious.

They value the well-being of their family as well as working hard and self-improvement.

THE BLUE FRONT DOOR

Blue is the colour of peace. It is calming, relaxing and honest. The sound of the sea breeze and the ocean waves have often been used as examples of peace and relaxation, so it is no wonder that blue represents these qualities.

Someone who chooses to paint their door blue will value the peace and tranquillity it brings and will view their home as a place of refuge from the pressures of the outside world. They will also be grounded, honest and true to themselves.

THE PURPLE FRONT DOOR

Purple means extravagance. It reflects wealth, fantasy and risk. It is no surprise then, that the person who picks purple is more than comfortable taking a risk or two.

They will also enjoy the finer things in life, indulging in treats and pleasures where ever they can. More than that though, the person behind the purple door will dream big and even consider themselves free spirited.

When it comes to curb appeal it’s all about the first impression... New Home Finder reveals all.

What does your front

say about you?

THE PINK FRONT DOOR

understanding

Colour

Pink is the colour of love. A mix of red and white it blends the qualities of these two colours. The passion and boldness of red is softened by the purity of white making it romantic, loving and thoughtful.

Front Door Say About You?

all Home pleasing home. house taste first most, decorated the reveals the souls, having traditionally, and is an and primary represents a to the

People who paint their front door orange are often social butterflies. They love to entertain and certainly don’t shy away from the challenge of playing host.

As you may well guess then, the person living behind a pink door is the neighbourhood’s hopeless romantic! They will make a good partner and a great friend thanks to their caring nature and thoughtfulness.

3.The Yellow Front Door

THE BROWN FRONT DOOR

Yellow is the colour of logic. It represents the left side of the brain responsible for critical thinking and original thought. As the lightest colour in the spectrum it also inspires feelings of cheerfulness, fun and positivity.

The person living behind a yellow door is going to be both logical and lively with lots of vitality for life. Their positive attitude gives them the “get up and go” attitude.

Brown is the colour of earth. It is warm, stable and organic. Whether painted brown or natural wood, the person behind this door will share the same characteristics as the colour. They will be grounded, down to earth, warm and friendly.

4.The Green Front Door

However, should the shade of brown be on the darker side of the spectrum then it could reflect a more private soul, looking to avoid too much interaction with the outside world.

Someone who chooses to paint their door blue will value the peace and tranquillity it brings and will view their home as a place of refuge from the pressures of the outside world. They will also be grounded, honest and true to themselves.

THE GREY FRONT DOOR

of these two colours. The passion and boldness of red is softened by the purity of white making it romantic, loving and thoughtful.

9. The Black Front Door

Grey is the colour of contentment. It is calm, practical and reserved. Being a mix between black and white, grey can also be considered the colour of indecision and even indifference. The person who has a grey front door will be looking for a quiet life.

compromises modern balance

2019

Green is the colour of health and wealth. It is tranquil and traditional. With the combined power of representing health and wealth, the individuals living behind the green door are often successful and ambitious. They value the well-being of their family as well as working hard and self-improvement.

6.The Purple Front Door

THE BLACK FRONT DOOR

5.The Blue Front Door

Blue is the colour of peace. It is calming, relaxing and honest. The sound of the sea breeze and the ocean waves have often been used as examples of peace and relaxation, so it is no wonder that blue represents these qualities.

Purple means extravagance. It reflects wealth, fantasy and risk. It is no surprise then, that the person who picks purple is more than comfortable taking a risk or two.

Black is the colour of sophistication. It is classic, authoritative and stylish. Painting your front door black makes a bold statement. It tells the world your home is a place of order and control.

As you may well guess then, the person living behind a pink door is the neighbourhood’s hopeless romantic! They will make a good partner and a great friend thanks to their caring nature and thoughtfulness.

Black is the colour of sophistication. It is classic, authoritative and stylish. Painting your front door black makes a bold statement. It tells the world your home is a place of order and control.

They don’t like to stand out too much and are happy making the compromises often demanded by modern life, to ensure stability and balance in their lives.

8. The Brown Front Door

THE WHITE FRONT DOOR

They will also enjoy the finer things in life, indulging in treats and pleasures where ever they can. More than that though, the person behind the purple door will dream big and even consider themselves free spirited.

That means the person living behind the black front door is likely to have a place for everything and everything in its place. They are a strong, sophisticated person of substance and style.

11.The White It and White equal has equality. Like behind someone be carefully at to the creativity.

Brown is the colour of earth. It is warm, stable and organic. Whether painted brown or natural wood, the person behind this door will share the same characteristics as the colour. They will be grounded, down to earth, warm and friendly.

10. The Grey Front Door

White is the colour of perfection. It represents wholeness, equality and perhaps surprisingly, creativity. White is the sum of all colours in equal measures and that’s why it has connotations of wholeness and equality.

7.The Pink Front Door

That means the person living behind the black front door is likely to have a place for everything and everything in its place. They are a strong, sophisticated person of substance and style.

Like the colour, the person living behind the white door will be someone who is very fair. They will be open to all sides of an argument, carefully balancing each side to arrive at a fair resolution. They are also likely to be highly imaginative, able to fill the blankness of white with ideas and creativity.

Pink is the colour of love. A mix of red and white it blends the qualities

However, should the shade of brown be on the darker side of the spectrum then it could reflect a more private soul, looking to avoid too much interaction with the outside world.

THE GLASS FRONT DOOR

Grey is the colour of contentment. It is calm, practical and reserved. Being a mix between black and white, grey can also be considered the colour of indecision and even indifference. The person who has a grey front door will be looking for a quiet life.

They don’t like to stand out too much and are happy making the

Last but by no means least, the glass door. Like the material itself, the person behind the glass door has nothing to hide. They are friendly, outgoing and open.

12.The Last glass the has outgoing So, will New you home. www.newhomefinder.co.uk

Timber windows and doors

With temperatures dropping across the UK in recent days, now is the time to take action if we want to protect our homes again this winter. Just like you’d prepare your garden, roof and interior appliances such as a boiler, ready for the cold weather to set in, the same applies to your home’s windows. It could be argued that this is one of the most crucial parts of the home to protect, as windows can let in or keep out the cold depending on their condition! Timber window experts Bereco have provided a checklist on how to protect your windows this winter.

Brighton Interior Blogger Fifi Mcgee

1930’s Renovation Story

Fifi Mcgee is a country bumpkin at heart who runs a successful lifestyle and interior blog site. Having a passion for all things home decoration and a love of creating a humble, homely country cottage feel, Fifi draws from first-hand experience of running her own renovation to create blog posts which explore the elements that go into creating the perfect renovation.

Having always had a flair for design and a love of the countryside, along with fiancé Neil who is an amazing Brighton wedding photographer, the couple took on the daunting challenge of buying a house in need of some serious renovation and love back in July 2016. The house, a 1930s three bed semi-detached had received little care and attention since the swinging sixties with every wall and ceiling wallpapered and lacking modern necessities such as central heating. The couple’s mission was to inject a farmhouse inspired country cottage cosiness into this Brighton city home. Almost as ‘retiring to the country’ without actually having to do so.

Among other interior design questions perhaps one of the most compelling questions was when considering replacement windows, was PVCu or timber the best option. Fifi asks the age old question of: “If your house has all plastic windows which need replacing but you want a more traditional vibe, is it OK to get timber windows on some of them or should all of your windows match? Also, what’s a better option? PVCU windows or Timber windows?”

To answer this question Fifi spoke to the Wood Window Alliance for advice and they provided some myth busting information which helped answer her key concerns: “Will wood rot quickly, surely PVC-U windows will last the test of time and won’t discolour?”

The answer she found was not so simple as it first appeared. Upvc windows can become discoloured and brittle as a result of exposure to the sun and unlike wood framed windows, they can’t be repaired easily. In fact, once you maintain and repaint wooden windows, their lifespan starts all over again. There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that well-maintained, good quality timber windows can last a century or more.

Having decided upon timber as the best option for her home, and after trawling through window websites finding very little inspiration, Fifi found inspiration in Bereco’s Garden House project and opted for Bereco Flush Casement windows which created the perfect modern farmhouse look for the kitchen. Fifi says: “I knew these were the style of windows for us. I love the way they are traditional looking with thinner frames, and come in almost any colour imaginable.”

The colour chosen was a Farrow & Ball colour match No. 15 Bone which really is the perfect neutral earthy finish which not only ties in beautifully with the kitchen units but is reminiscent of a classically English country farmhouse. Described as a soft grey with a touch of green this creates a timeless look and being slightly darker in tone than other neutral finishes this creates warmth making the kitchen calm, yet cosy.

To complement the windows, Fifi also chose a Bereco timber entrance door which acts as a back door to the kitchen keeping the space warm and cosy whilst letting lots of natural light into what was previously a dark space in her new home and with Secured by Design certification and Neighbourhood Watch approved locks on the door she had maximum peace of mind in home security too.

In one of Fifi’s recent blog posts she says “Bereco made the whole process of designing the windows and door super easy; I started by downloading one of their brochures online and saw a sage green window and door case study where they had done on a modernisation of a farmhouse that was bang on the vibe I was looking for. They made everything as simple as it could be when buying new windows for a home renovation as a novice, from the free online virtual consultation that i booked on their website where I got to see the windows I had chosen in my home before I committed to going ahead with ordering, but it didn’t stop there they also offered guides and advice on measuring the openings for my builder and sent an in depth sample pack for me to choose my paint colours, bar styles and handle styles and colour from.

You can book your own a free online virtual consultation with Bereco to discuss your home renovation at www.bereco.co.uk .

Childhood home restored to former glory with Bereco Sash Windows

It is said that ‘Home is where the Heart is’. Home cooking, playing as child and the views from the windows all stir fond memories and a sense of nostalgia in us as we recall a time when we were carefree and happy.

In an effort to make our current homes more like the homes we grew up in recent research actually suggests that 1 in 10 of us have replicated décor and furnishings to make them more like the ones from our memories. In the same research three in ten people also said they would love to buy their childhood home and for Pip Hollis she and her husband Neil have been able to do just that.

Based in the village of Ackworth in West Yorkshire the Hollis’ cottage was originally built in the early 19th Century and was Pips family home as a child and her parents’ home for a great many years. Sadly the property was sold a couple of years ago leaving the family’s possession and the large 19th century cottage was divided into 2 dwellings.

When the property came back onto the market recently Pip and Neil were keen to take back this once treasured family home and restore it to its former glory.

In the restoration Neil and Pip’s first order of business was turning the house back into one single family home. The second priority was replacing the uPVC casement windows and doors with sash windows to restore the buildings period features.

A local recommendation was what saw the Hollis’ get in touch with Bereco after Pip admired the windows of a neighbouring development of new homes in the same village where the Bereco Traditional Sash Windows and Classic Entrance doors had been installed. “I loved the colour and the quality you could just tell the windows were meant to be in those houses; they complimented the designs so well; from there I really had my heart set on having traditional timber sash windows.”

Neil and Pip were keen to use traditional materials but the Hollis’ daughter was really instrumental in ensuring her parents chose products for their new home renovation with sustainability in mind. The fact Bereco windows come with complete chain of custody and use only FSC® 100% certified timber only helped make their decision to invest in timber windows and doors.

The Hollis’ now decided that it was timber sash windows they wanted got to choose the finer details of their windows. They opted for dual colour paint finishing

with RAL 9016 traffic white internally to keep the windows neutral for the bold and beautiful colour schemes that were to feature on the interior and the timeless Parchment paint finish from Bereco’s Heritage colour range that would complement the buildings original stone perfectly. Satin chrome fittings to match the contemporary furniture that features throughout the home completed the look.

Bereco believe passionately in selling only those products that do not cost the earth literally but even today deforestation continues; buying products made from only natural materials with complete chain of custody can stop the devastation that is happening to our planet.

We implore everyone to always look for the logo.

The FSC® tree tick logo is a promise that every company involved in the manufacture of the product uses wood from sustainable sources; helping protect and conserve our forests, their wildlife, and us as people that both use and work in them. You’ll find the FSC® logo on an array of products around the world.

www.bereco.co.uk

How much would it cost to live in these 10 Netflix original homes?

Have you ever wondered what the houses in your favourite Netflix

Originals are really like? How about how much they’re actually worth?

JEN’S HOUSE – DEAD TO ME

Maybe they’ve appealed to you because oh how unique they are, or just because the home is truly spectacular. We’ve listed 10 of the most popular and searched-for Netflix homes, using public data to reveal exactly how much it would cost to live in these homes. The popularity of these homes could, of course, encourage future buyers to pay more for these properties but for simplicity, we’re going with their structural worth.

The homes within the list are featured in Dead to me, Ozark, The Stranger, Sex Education, Stranger Things, Haunting of Hill House, Grace and Frankie, Fuller House, Riverdale and YOU, all of which you can find on Netflix.

When selecting Jen’s home, producers wanted the house to perfectly contrast the dark storyline of the show. If you’ve been pulled into the secret lives of Jen and Judy during the show, you’ve definitely noticed the luxurious home they live in. You’d expect nothing less than a beautiful home as Jen is a successful realtor. While Jen’s home is located in Laguna Hills during the series, the real home is located in Sherman Oaks. The property does not feature a guest house, filming of the guest house was an addition in the studio.

It’s a 5 bedroom home that was built in the 1960s with 4 and a half bathrooms and dramatically high ceilings.

Image Credit: globalfilmlocations

OZARK

- THE BYRDE HOUSE

The Byrde family home isn’t by the Lake of the Ozarks, but rather by Lake Lanier, in Flowery Branch, Georgia. You may be surprised that their home is in Georgia and not Missouri, however, most of the locations you see in Ozark are filmed in Georgia.

Tax incentives were the main reason for the filmmaker’s choice. Tax incentives and lower production costs have made Georgia a popular filming location for a lot of recognisable movies and tv shows such as Tony Stark’s cabin in Avengers: Endgame and the location were also used for Godzilla: King of Monsters as well as other homes on this list.

THE STRANGER - THE PRICE HOUSE

Image Credit: hbritishlistedbuildings.co.uk

This highly-rated series was set in Manchester. The family are depicted living in the 4,500 sqft, detached Grade II-listed property on Didsbury Park, off Wilmslow Road, named Park End House.

According to Manchester Evening News the home used to accommodate “24 female students and was in a really dreadful state; two dilapidated kitchens sinks in all the bedrooms, a tree growing out of the backroom and a jungle of a garden.” According to The Tab, it went on the market for a cool £1.45 million back in 2013 so it could be worth much more now.

SEX EDUCATION - JEAN & OTIS’ HOUSE

Image Credit: independant.co.uk

The series was filmed in various locations in South Wales and parts of Gloucestershire. Otis and his mother Jean live in a very distinctive house that got many viewers wondering where the house was located. Their home overlooks the River Wye, South Wales and boasts a Norwegian-inspired red and white exterior. The owners bought it for £350,000 in 2002, but it could be worth millions since the show. If you love this house you can keep up to date via Instagram.

Image Credit: Netflix

STRANGER THINGS – WHEELER HOUSE

The Wheeler House is the residence of the Wheeler family in Hawkins, Indiana. It is located on Maple Street, near the Sinclair and Blackburn houses. However, the real house is located on Piney Wood Lane in East Point of Georgia. The interior of the house during the series was not the interior of this home. Instead, it was built on a stage in Atlanta EUE/Screen Gems Studios.

Image Credit: strangerthings fandom

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

The Haunting of Hill House was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. Exteriors of the Hill House were shot at the Bisham Manor in LaGrange. The property is an impressive 1920’s English Tudor-style mansion. It is usually used for weddings and similar guest-hosting functions.

The house is surrounded by gardens that border a lake called West Point Lake. Interiors were filmed at Screen Gem Studios in Atlanta.

Image Credit: Netflix

GRACE AND FRANKIE – THE BEACH HOUSE

The luxury property is located at 31 212 Broad Beach Road in Malibu, California. According to Zillow, the unique beach house was last sold for 15 million dollars in 2006. The estimate is around 30 million dollars now. Malibu fires could have something to do with the decline in price, but the Financial Times say Malibu house prices are now rising again.

The house was built on a 0,39 acres lot and it has Malibu beach as its backyard. It’s nothing short of amazing, even in real life.

Image Credit: Netflix & Melissa Mosley

FULLER HOUSE –FULLER HOUSE

The real house is located at 1709 Broderick St in San Francisco and it was used for exterior shots only. The interior is shot at a studio in Burbank, California. A real estate agent who sold houses on Broderick St estimated that the house would easily sell for over $3 million, and maybe even $3.5 million with some renovations. This is no surprise seen as the real house is located in San Francisco. Living in one of the most expensive cities in the US just wouldn’t have been an option for the family in real life.

Image Credit: allthatinteresting

RIVERDALE - ARCHIE’S HOUSE

Archies real home is not located in Riverdale. You’ll find the yellow house that he once shared with his father at 2037 E. 3rd Avenue, GrandviewWoodland, British Columbia. Betty’s house is not located next door either, in fact, she lived quite away from Archie’s house. Her house is located in Westminster. The price may surprise you, but Vancouver is said to be the most expensive place to live in Canada.

Image Credit: seeing-stars.com

YOU – JOE’S LA APARTMENT

Unfortunately, the individual price of the apartment was not available as it’s within a complex. However, Joe only ever rented this property. Joe’s apartment looks like almost every other apartment complex in LA, which makes it the perfect location for Joe to keep a low profile. The flat pictured is located at 1830 Winona Boulevard, LA. In real life, the complex features parking, an onsite manager, and 25 units with hardwood flooring and crown mouldings.

Image Credit: globalfilmlocations

www.artwindowsanddoors.co.uk

Author

Written by Joey Miller.

at Art Windows & Doors, Home & Lifestyle specialists in Glasgow.