Our home Staging service is very popular with home sellers who are looking to sell their house fast and for top price. First impressions count.

Why home staging?  Its’ completely stress free and you can achieve full asking price and save you a lot of time.

Take these few steps and your house is SOLD
- Have the right mindset that you’re moving to a new house
- Present your house the way you would like to see when you’re buying your new house.
- Curb appeal? both in and outside your house should be presentable
- Remember baking bread before a viewing will not sell your house.

If selling your house overwhelms  you, get  professional help.

Lighting candles in the home has become popular in recent years. Using candles is the most effective, inexpensive and easiest way to improve your home’s mood and ambiance, though candles can also bring fire in homes if not treated properly. Thankfully there is choice of safe candles on the market today. These are battery operated candles which burn for long hours and are good value for money.

Candles create elegant subtle lighting, decorating your home beautifully both inside and outside any time of the year. LED candles operated by a remote control can be set to match the colour of your decor in the home.

Flameless candles and re-chargeable battery operated candles come in different sizes, design and shapes.

Black is a non-colour that absorbs colour and reflects nothing back, it is essentially an absence of light. Black is a classic hue in both fashion and interiors. Black is sophisticated, glamorous , security, emotional safety, efficiency, substance. It works really well with white. Black is neutral and works with almost every colour. The yellow accent colour in this kitchen really lifts up the scheme. You can bring a bit of drama to your kitchen, it’s up to your imagination.

Using black in interiors can be a challenge to balance but, you don’t have to go with the solid black. You can choose to use black washed finish as shown in this image. Also use reflective work-tops and good lighting to make the kitchen feel light and open.

Tomorrow is Chinese New Year, 10 February 2013 The Year of the Water Snake. Chinese communities in the United Kingdom and across the world will be celebrating this festival. According to Chinese Astrology, birth year tells more than just your age, the Chinese Zodiac,( Sheng Xiao in Chinese,) based on a twelve year cycle and  each year related to an animal sign. Find out below what your animal sign is?

RAT
1912 1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008 2020
Element: Water
Compatible with: Dragon and Monkey
Characteristics: Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming, artistic, sociable
The Rat is curious, with keen observation skills, Rats are shrewd analysts. Full of energy and charm, Rats are highly perceptive and are good communicators. They can offer wise advice but will rarely share their own problems with others. Rats are survivors. They enjoy living for the moment and can adapt to most situations whilst always focusing on the big picture. Rats make excellent bosses.

OX
1913 1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009 2021 2033
Element: Earth
Compatible with: Rooster and Snake
Characteristics: Loyal, reliable, thorough, strong, reasonable, steady, determined
Strong and determined, Oxen are dependable and diligent. They believe the road to success involves commitment and hard work – there are no short cuts.  Oxen are trusting and compassionate, often listening to others with an open mind. They establish strong life-long relationships and avoid casual acquaintances. Routine is the key word for Oxen when it comes to work. Their methodical approach to tasks allow them to excel in specialised jobs and have a keen eye for detail and admirable work ethic.

TIGER
1914 1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 20102022
Element: Wood
Compatible with: Horse and Dog
Characteristics: Enthusiastic, courageous, ambitious, leadership, confidence, charismatic

Tigers are brave, competitive and unpredictable. They love to be challenged and will always land on their feet. Their calm and noble demeanour can allow others to underestimate the Tiger’s strength – intelligent and alert, they will pounce when necessary. Tigers are natural born leaders and an be incredibly stubborn if they are not in charge. They can be selfish. Tigers are popular individuals and display an effortless charm. They are not motivated by money or power.

RABBIT
1915 1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011 2023
Element: Wood
Compatible with: Sheep and Boar
Characteristics: Trustworthy, empathic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, sociable, caretakers

Sensitive and compassionate, Rabbits are friendly and outgoing and enjoy the company of others. Their serene and sensitive nature makes Rabbits shy away from aggressive and competitive situations. Rabbits are conservative and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Rabbits are sophisticated and stylish. They love exploring world cultures but will always seek the comfort of their familiar home.

DRAGON
1916  1928  1940  1952  1964  1976  198  2000  2012  2024
Element: Earth
Compatible with: Rat and Monkey
Characteristics: Lucky, flexible, eccentric, dominance, imaginative, artistic, spiritual, ambition
Known as a dynamic person, the Dragon without doubt impresses. The Dragon is considered the mightiest of the animal signs in the Chinese Zodiac. Preferring to live by their own rules Dragons can go on to achieve great success as they are highly driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. Their perpetual passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted.
1917 1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 2025
Element: Fire
Compatible with: Rooster and Ox
Characteristics: Philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive
The Snake is intelligent and graceful and very effective at getting things their own way. Snakes are extremely analytical and make excellent decision makers. They are highly capable of focusing on anything in order to achieve their goals. Snakes are hard workers as a result their career can jump between jobs with a tendency to seek out new experiences.

HORSE
1918 1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014 2026
Element: Fire
Compatible with: Dog and Tiger
Characteristics: Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong
The Horse symbolizes character traits  such as strength, energy, and an outgoing nature. One of the most popular signs in the zodiac, Horses captivate their audience and thrive with attention. Horses are extremely intelligent capable of multi-tasking and undertaking many challenges simultaneously. Born with tremendous enthusiasm and drive, the Horse is suitable in any type of careers.

GOAT
1919 1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015 2027
Element: Earth
Compatible with: Boar and Rabbit
Characteristics: Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm
Goats are creative and intelligent individuals who love nature and are very artistic. Of all the Chinese Zodiac signs the Goat is the most talented. Goats have a nurturing personality and are quite reserved, spending much time reflecting and lost in their own thoughts. The Goat can be successful in business but requires hard work.

MONKEY
1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016 2028
Element: Metal
Compatible with: Dragon and Rat
Characteristics: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart
Monkeys are curious, mischievous and undeniably clever. Whilst they are inherently intellectual and creative.  Monkeys thrive on a challenge and immerse themselves in bustling city life and enjoy serving others. Monkeys have the ability to adapt combined with a natural intelligence make them successful in business. Ever shrewd, Monkeys know the value of their talents and are not afraid to charge handsomely for it.

ROOSTER
1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017 2029
Element: Metal
Compatible with: Snake and Ox
Characteristics: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident
Roosters are confident and highly motivated. The Rooster is honest and direct, however they are blunt when it comes to offering their opinions. They make loyal and trustworthy allies. Roosters love a party and are extremely sociable. They seek the unwavering attention of others and unashamedly proud of their achievements and are not afraid to say so. Roosters are very organised and ensure their homes and offices are always neat.

DOG
1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018 2030
Element: Earth
Compatible with: Tiger and Horse
Characteristics: Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart
Dogs are loyal, kind and noble individuals who put the happiness of others before wealth, money or success. They are good listeners and offer useful advice. Dogs are very focused and determined.  They excel as part of a team and are reliable at work, especially where they can learn a new skill or alleviate the workload of others. Dogs can be temperamental and stubborn and would benefit from learning to relax.

PIG
1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019 2031
Element: Water
Compatible with: Sheep and Rabbit
Characteristics: Honourable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable
The Pig occupies the last position of the Chinese Zodiac, the 12th, and displays characteristics of compassion and generosity. Pigs love life and attract friends and good company due to their entertaining and generous nature. Pigs enjoy a peaceful existence and will do what is necessary to maintain it. This can often lead to others taking advantage of Pigs. They are keen to help others.

On this image above dark colours ca ne used in the same way as neutrals, the room is not that dark after all. Let me know what you think!

I’m  in the process of  sourcing  kitchen equipment  for one of our current projects and I came across these beautiful kitchens. Don’t you wish you had one of them?  if that’s your style. Gone are the days when a kitchen was sorely used for cooking and storing food. Modern kitchen have become more of a show off to your friends and family.  Depending on your budget you can have your dream kitchen. A White kitchen can be too clinical, but a splash of colour on the units os walls gives it depth.

The wooden chunky kitchen island  against the slim white units gives this kitchen design a bit of a twist. It really works. This will work if you have  larger room.

In small home it’s rare to have an entire room designated sorely as an office. So the space you create needs to be accessible , efficient and organised. Simplicity is key in small spaces. Work with what you have though sometimes you might need something bespoke to fit that unusual space. Keep everything you need to hand by putting up open shelving, below are some ideas that  inspire you to make the most of the space you have.

Give your home office character,  could swap the modern chair for a vintage one, Find attractive accessories. Don’t forget the all important plant or a vase of fresh flowers as they lift up your spirit.

We’ve collected a few of the most talked about in interior design industry for you to consider when decorating your homes this year. Emerald Green is a  colour of elegance and beauty, that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony. This luminous, magnificent hue has been the colour of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. Green is also the colour of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other colour conveys re-generation more than green. Together with emerald green in 2013, we will be seeing splashes of blue hues as well.

Again there is a lot of re-creating, think  of large scale knits and macramé taking off in decor and furniture.

Tribal Prints  -  We’re seeing the focus on groups rather than individuals. Graphic work is handmade, rough and beautiful

Timeless and classic black and white is back, bigger and bold.  It’s never in nor out. Doecn’t this hallway look stunning?

We’re seeing a lot of metallics come back, like this hammered metal table lamp base.

As you probably know that writing a blog takes time and effort so towards the end of last year I stopped blogging as I was too busy in my business. This year things will be a bit different, as my business grows I ‘m looking at taking on talented designers to join the business. This year in addition to be real I have things I’ve always wanted to do which I put on hold when I was looking after my younger children now 11 and 9. I would like to learn how to play golf play goThis year I have deadlines to meet so here is what I’m going to do to achieve my Goals and meet my deadline:-

Me Time – I want to take time to re-discover myself again. As a working mum sometimes I feel guilty of some of the choices I have to make. I want to be able to spend more time with my family and not think  about work. I love entertaining so iwant to be able to enjoy doing that, nothing beats home-made food. I want to surround myself with positive, happy, and beautiful people. I will also surround myself with pocitive people, I  know surrounding myself with such people, will push me up and become  a better person. I will avoid surrounding myself with negative people.

Inspiration – Is all around me. I live in one of the leafy suburbs in Hertfordshire surrounded by beautiful parks. I want to take the boys cycling in the woods, and spend more time out in nature. I always collect cuttings from magazines but this year I will be taking lots of photos where ever I go. One of my goals this year is to persevere in whatever it is that I want to achieve.

I would like to hear your thoughts on this post.   Join the conversation and connect with us !

New Year is a good time to make some changes in your home or place of work to ensure that you continue to be surrounded by positive energy, good fortune, and harmony.

Interior Design
Design trends and Feng Shui they don’t always mix, but this year 2013 its very exciting. This year there are a few design trends that capture the spirit of Feng Shui. Pantone announced Emerald Green as the colour of 2013. This colour is lively, radiant, lush. A colour of elegance and beauty, that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony. This luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. Green is also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other colour conveys re-generation more than green. Together with emerald green this year, we will be seeing splashes of blue hues as well.

Feng Shui,  in  2013 the colour green is very auspicious as this is the colour that strengthens the wind horse of the year and brings strong success luck.