Stephen Graver

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

STEPHEN GRAVER discusses a very odd year and how it has changed the way we use and think about our homes...

Well we’ve made it, We have all spent more time in our or work from home hubs. Space we’ve finally got homes this year, either forced or by became more important as families, to the end of a choice or for a “staycation.” often joined by a relative, came tumultuous year together to eat, sleep, play and chew that none of us will ever forget, all Kitchen tables became makeshift the fat. Heating and lighting came for different reasons. desks or Zoom rendezvous points on at all times of the day and those

It's time for a well deserved break this Christmas

with outdoor space felt blessed to have somewhere to take in safe fresh air or to do some gardening to retain some level of sanity!

The housing market saw sales in London increase by 57% compared with last year and knocked 20 days off the offer-to-completion schedule from 69 to 49 days. This excitement is down to an urgent desire to upsize properties since the first lockdown and of course, the impact of the stamp duty cuts. Rightmove estimates that 650,000 sales are currently being processed, an increase of 67% on this time last year with most sales occurring in the £400k-£500k price bracket. But experts fear the bubble will not last and there will be lasting implications from this market as homeowners outstretch themselves while the going is good.

As an alternative to moving, the pandemic forced us all to think about how we use the space available to us most efficiently and how to really make the most of our homes. Searches on Houzz for garden offices rose by 80% during lockdown, garage and loft conversions and outdoor kitchens have also increased.

Based in the very pretty village of Steeple Ashton, Stephen Graver has seen a change in how receptive clients are at using the space available to them in more innovative and exciting ways once they start to work with his team of expert craftsmen in their award-winning studio and showroom.

Stephen Graver’s trademark is exceptional quality design and delivery of outstanding interior projects. From handmade kitchens, bathrooms of distinction, awe-inspiring garden rooms that merge the inside and outside of your space, beautiful bespoke home offices to full home renovations. ry project is underpinned by outstanding craftsmanship from conception to completion and

"As an alternative to moving, the pandemic forced us all to think about how we use the space available to us most efficiently and how to really make the most of our homes."

backed by exceptional customer service that has kept clients returning again and again for over 30 years.

The majority of Stephen Graver’s clients are from word of mouth recommendation and a visit to their unique award-winning studio in the Wiltshire countryside makes it clear to see why.

If you’re thinking of making a new start with changes to your property in the New Year, find a feast of new ideas and more on the website.

In the meantime we would like to wish you and yours a very safe and peaceful Christmas.

• stephengraver.com

Lockdown has made us value our outside space all the more