FURNITURE RESTORERS

JAMES BARCLAY ORIENTAL Carpet & Rugs prides itself on offering an expert cleaning and repairing service for all Oriental, Persian and contemporary carpets and rugs. It specialises in stain removal and colour run and repairs the sides and the ends when they begin to unravel. The company can offer a prevention restoration or, alternatively, full restoration. Rugs are collected daily in

London and weekly in the rest of England, Wales and Scotland.

Alternatively, you can bring your rugs and carpets for assessment in the fi rm’s workshop at 14 Oliver Business Park, Park Royal, London, NW10 7JB. Call 0203 174 2427 to arrange collection or for advice on the cleaning and repair of your carpets and rugs. For more information, visit jamesbarclay.co.uk

A. J. BRETT has considerable experience in restoring all types of English and Continental antique furniture as well as in creating unique bespoke pieces. Our highly skilled and dedicated team of cabinet makers, upholsterers, french polishers and gilders can restore and repair all types of antique and modern or designer furniture, and have a wealth of experience in their respective fields. They use the highest quality products, and traditional methods and materials, in wellequipped workshops in North London. We invite you to contact us to see how we can transform your furniture. ajbrett.co.uk 0207 272 8462 info@ajbrett.co.uk

To save time, we can often provide an estimate from good quality photos

From Ancient Sculptures to Master Paintings

Since 1995 Art Logistics has o ered storage, packing, handling and transport solutions to the art world. Tel. + 44 208 993 8811 | mail@artlogistics.co.uk www.artlogistics.co.uk

MARK MITCHELL Paintings & Drawings

Bromleighs offer an extensive range of switches and electrical accessories to suit both period and contemporary interiors. Their Forged and Profile Collections are hand-made at their workshop in Cornwall, using inserts manufactured here in the UK. The Hardwood, Bakelite and Period Switch collections are made with British Oak which is hand-stained and waxed. Recent installations include a Chateau in France and the extensive refurbishment of an Irish Castle. Bromleighs also offer a wide range of interior and exterior lighting and architectural hardware.

Please mention ‘AAC’ when ordering for free carriage.

For a current brochure or further information, please call the team on 01208 79490 or www.bromleighs.com

“This makes it all the more important for you to ensure that you are insuring your home or business for the correct amount. Buildings insurance needs to take into consideration the rebuilding cost of the property – not the commonly held misconception that it should be the resale price.”

Period Home Renovation Tips

We spoke to TV presenter, Georgina Burnett, who runs the interior design and IY website Property Porn propertyporntv.com), about her top five tips for getting the best out of your period home renovation:

Save Original Features Wherever Possible

I know from personal experience that builders will encourage you to remove period ceilings, Victorian cornices – roses and all – because it’s easier for them to start from scratch. This is not always necessary though and certainly not always cost effective. et an expert to check the ceilings are stable. If not, there are ways of pinning them so as not to lose the features that give the property its ‘wow’ factor. If the walls are lathe and plaster, I’m afraid these are likely to need replacing at some point so it’s worth doing at the start –

Unfortunately, if it’s a period property the chimney is likely this way you can insulate walls and be sure they won’t crumble as you hang pictures on your freshly painted interiors!

Beware The Cost Of Windows

Original wooden sash windows are to diefor, however, they also rattle like a train, are drafty and the upkeep is costly and time-consuming. If you are buying a period property beware that replacing windows with double glazing either wooden or UP C is likely to be your single biggest cost.

Don’t Play With Fireplaces

Who doesn’t love a fi replace? Unfortunately, if it’s a period property the chimney is likely to need lining. Not checking this out could put you in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, so don’t take it lightly. Also be aware that if any work is carried out you will be expected to abide by building regulations to fit vents in the room.

Don’t Skimp On Electrics

And Plumbing

Replacing electrics and plumbing is a costly exercise. Replacing electrics and plumbing when you’ve already decorated and carpeted a property is soul destroying. If you’re buying a period property don’t think this is something you can save on unless you have certificates to prove it has been recently done. You need the right kind of boiler, modern radiators and decent water pressure and