home design

EXPERIENCED home staging expert, property professional and director of Lemon and Lime Interiors Elaine Penhaul has today launched her first book – ‘Sell High, Sell Fast – How to sell your home for the best possible price, in the quickest possible time’. 

The book, which was written with vendors in mind, equips sellers with the skills and knowledge they need to get their homes ready for sale. It helps them to understand their market, find their ideal buyer and demonstrates how to create a home that will sell quickly, using tried and tested home staging techniques.  

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Elaine said: “This book explains what I have learned about the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of selling a home as quickly as possible for the maximum financial gain. For most of us, selling a home represents far more than simply a bricks and mortar transaction.” 

Covering topics such as marketing property in the 21st century, the importance of presentation, home staging, decluttering, and decorating – the helpful guide gives well-rounded insight into all the elements of a property sale. The book also includes Elaine’s expertise and knowledge gained since setting up Lemon & Lime Interiors in 2012.   

Elaine added: “When writing ‘Sell High, Sell Fast’ I aimed to equip vendors with all the skills they need to get their properties ready for sale. There is a common misconception that home staging and interior design are the same – when actually they are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Home stagers are only interested in creating market appeal for a property. In essence, it is a marketing tool and as such can be taught.” 

During 2018/19, the occupied properties that Lemon and Lime Interiors worked with sold on average four times faster after staging, showing just how effective home staging can be.  

Elaine continued: “Home staging is essential if you want your home to sell quickly and for the asking price or more. It’s important to create an environment that can resonate with buyers and help them to envision the property as their home. 

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“Buyers don’t want to be greeted by an empty, dormant space when attending a viewing or looking at pictures online – rather they want to see how the space can be lived in and utilised by occupants, should they wish to make the purchase.

“If you are selling, planning to sell, or just want a new way to think about how you live in your own home then this is the book for you.”  

The book launch follows the introduction of Lemon & Lime Interiors’ new app, Stageflow, that launched earlier this month. The app offers estate agents, property developers and home stagers the ability to evidence the benefits and return on investment, when using a home staging service. ‘Sell High, Sell Fast’ is available to purchase here via Amazon.

With climate change and plastic waste impacting our everyday lives, there has never been a more important time to adopt eco-friendly practices at home.

Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at FurnitureChoice.co.uk, shares 4 ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Repurpose old furniture

Defined as a process by which used objects are transformed into new products of higher value, upcycling is a sustainable way to kickstart an eco-friendly lifestyle. It breathes new life into old furniture and is a cost-effective and crafty solution to update home decor. “Upcycling conserves the environment by fully utilising what we already have,” Rebecca explains. “It prevents furniture from being thrown into landfills and is instead updated with a new look.”

“The key is to start small by picking a simple DIY project such as repainting your headboard in the bedroom. It’s an enjoyable activity that you can do in your own time and saves you the money of having to buy new furniture. With its tranquil and lively appeal, opt for green as it perks up the rest of the decor by injecting a soothing feel to the space.”

2. Switch to non-toxic paint

Making the switch to eco-friendly products has a huge impact on the planet, home and overall health. It’s these small steps that help reduce harm on the environment and pushes people to lead a healthier lifestyle in the long-run. Take this concept to the walls with non-toxic paint which is free from volatile organic compounds (VOC) and removes chemicals such as formaldehyde in the air for a clean breathing space at home. 

“Bring the positive qualities of non-toxic paint and the psychological benefits of colours together with a feature wall in the home office,” Rebecca says. “Hobby Wood by Earthborn is a good pick as it exudes relaxation while providing that optimistic boost.” 
“Meanwhile, non-toxic paint adds colour and personality to your child’s bedroom while creating a clean and healthy playing environment for your children. Go for Earthborn’s Rosie Posie and Secret Room for that playful, whimsical touch.” 

3. Incorporate plants into decor

Going green at home literally and metaphorically would not be complete without including houseplants into the decor. Apart from purifying the air, houseplants also create a more welcoming atmosphere. And with proper attention and care, indoor plants will flourish in the right environment and provide plenty of room for experimentation.  

Starting an indoor garden in the kitchen is a sustainable solution for urban living. “Being self-sufficient is an important part of an eco-friendly lifestyle,” Rebecca explains. “Learn to grow your own herbs, fruits or vegetables at home which can later be used for cooking. Or if you’re interested in building a green display, a staghorn fern mounting wall appeals to those who favour a raw and natural aesthetic with its warm wood tones. Aside from green plants, you can also channel a rustic, natural vibe by incorporating dried flowers as part of the decor. ”

4. Use natural materials

Bringing the outdoors in has become an increasingly popular way to infuse nature into the home. Known as biophilia, it’s a concept that combines a love of nature with innovative design to improve health and wellbeing. 

“The calming elements of nature are a welcome respite to the senses in the chaotic world we live in,” Rebecca says. “Decorating with natural materials such as wood, cotton and linen establishes a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere when you combine it with the right amount of natural lighting, greenery and colour palette. In the living room, turn your focus towards breathable materials which give the space a cosy and practical touch, such as with a linen sofa and cotton cushion covers. The ambience here is not just for the aesthetics, it’s also about delivering a positive impact on our lifestyle.”

We all shop in different ways and for different things. Our more regular shops include things like food and household goods, while we might shop less often for clothes and even less often for electronics and gadgets. Some of us enjoy shopping, while for others, it’s a chore that just has to be done. However you feel about shopping, the choices that you make when you spend your money can affect your finances, but also the wider world. Changing the way that you shop could save you money, plus it might make you a more responsible shopper.

There are lots of ways you can shop differently and be a new type of consumer. If you want to rethink your approach to shopping for all kinds of things, this post will give you some ways to change how you do things.

Always Have an Intention

Shopping, whether online or offline, without something in mind that you want to buy, can be fun. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, browsing the possibilities is a good way to entertain yourself. However, going shopping just for the sake of shopping can also be dangerous. It can lead you to buy things that you don’t need and spend money that you can’t really afford to spend. Even if you can comfortably buy things at random, it could mean that you’re not saving money that you could be putting away for a better purpose.

If you want to start changing the way that you shop, consider no longer going shopping just to browse. When you’re going to shop, give yourself a list or an intention to buy something specific. This doesn’t mean that you can’t shop for fun or go window shopping. You can still look at things that you like but do so with a goal or limit of buying or spending something specific. Give yourself a budget or shop knowing that there is one specific thing that you’re going to allow yourself to buy.

Consider Longevity

The way we have shopped has changed a lot over the years. One thing that has changed a lot is that we’re now much more casual about replacing things. We buy things knowing that they won’t last long and that we can simply buy a replacement when it’s no longer useful. This goes for everything from clothes to tech, which we often just throw out when it’s not wearable anymore or has broken. But if you want to change the way you shop, and maybe be more responsible when you buy things, you should start thinking about longevity. What’s going to last longer? What can you repair instead of replacing? This can save you money in the long-run, as well as being more eco-friendly. Can you store it until next year? Lots of trends come back and you tend to regret getting rid of it. I recommend Marylebone 24-hour Self Storage if you live in London and need somewhere to store your things.

Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Many of us have preferred shops and preferred brands that we gravitate towards. We’re used to them, and they work for us. But sometimes, sticking to the things that we know isn’t the best way to shop. It could be needlessly costing you more money, or you might be buying from unethical brands. If you’re willing to shop outside of your comfort zone, you could discover better options. You could be saving money or even finding better quality products when you look at different shops and brands. It can be hard to convince yourself that the most well-known brands aren’t always the best, but there are always great alternatives available.

Think Smaller

Shopping in big shops and buying top brands can be a cheaper way to spend your money. However, shopping with smaller brands and in independent shops can offer you a very different experience. One benefit of shopping in this way is that you’re often supporting the local economy, putting money into your own community. Another benefit is that you can get great quality from items made in smaller batches, instead of mass-produced. You might find that the things you buy are better made and last longer. Not only that, but you can discover unique finds that you wouldn’t be able to buy from larger shops.

Use Technology

Technology has definitely changed the way we shop, not just through online shopping but also with everything from mobile apps to augmented reality. It can help you to find what you need and save money, plus much more. Technology can allow you to try glasses on using a virtual tool online so that you can expand your choices and avoid being limited to the range offered by your optician. It makes it possible to have things delivered straight to your home or pay/reserve online, then collect in the nearest store. When you make use of different types of technology, you can change your shopping habits.

Get Advice Online

Another thing that technology can do for you is to make it easier to find the things that you want and need. You can get the information and advice that you need more easily, using a range of resources and tools. Hopping onto social media to ask someone behind a brand twitter account for help can be faster or easier than other methods. You can research what you want to buy online and even get advice from someone through video chat when you’re trying to make a purchasing decision. It’s easier than ever to get professional advice from people who know what they’re talking about, as well as from other customers who have personal experience.

Make the Effort to Try on Clothes

Shopping online is so easy now, and many of us do it when we need to buy new clothes or shoes. However, when you buy online, you can’t try things on before you buy. This often means that you order multiple sizes to try, then send them back if they don’t fit. But not only is this an inconvenience for the businesses that you buy from, it also means that you have to wait to be refunded when you return things. Sometimes making the effort to go to a store and try on the things that you’re interested in is the better way to do it.

Enjoy the Experience of Shopping

On the high street, things are changing to try and keep up with online shopping. Many brands are realising that they have to offer more of an experience to their customers if they want them to come into their stores. They’re adding things to their shopping experiences that make people want to come and see them in person, from augmented reality apps to bars and personalised service. Even though online shopping is convenient, taking advantage of these experiences can be a great way to make shopping more fun. It keeps you more connected to what you’re buying, allowing you to look at and touch things before making a purchase.

Investigate Where Things Come From

Do you know where the things that you buy are made? Do you know who makes them? A lot of people don’t give much thought to questions like these, but asking them can change how you shop and how you live your life. If you want to shop in a way that is kinder to the planet and to humanity, scrutinising the origin of the things that you buy is one of the ways that you can do it. Buying things made from sustainable materials by people who are paid and treated fairly can make your lifestyle more ethical.

When you change the way you shop, you can save money and make a difference to your lifestyle too.

COVID -19 and the resulting lockdowns have taught us many things. Not least, they have shown us that having a home that is not just a place to live, but can also adapt to your needs and provide the setting for plenty of fun and entertainment, is vital. The good news is that even the most boring domiciles can be revived. Just keep reading for some suggestions. 

Doors 

Doors are, at best, a functional object in the home, and because of this, you may think that there is nothing much you can do to make them more fun. However, this is not the case because it is entirely possible to transform the doors into your home into items that will both entertain and amaze. 

One way to do this is to opt for a door that can foil down and be used as a table tennis table. Then you can show off your service to your roommates, and beat boredom everytime it strikes. 

Alternatively, what about installing a fairy door, or a door to nowhere to confound and amaze your guests? Something that can be a great deal of fun once Halloween rolls around and you are throwing a party. 

Home cinemas

An option for the tech-savvy and films buffs alike is to install a home cinema in their property. In fact, what with many titles being released directly instead of at the Cinema you can get a genuinely authentic first viewing this way. 

The benefits of a home cinema also include convenience, and that you can take in whatever snack and drink you like from a glass of wine to a roast dinner. You also don’t have to get changed out of your pyjamas to watch a movie. Which I know will be a massive boon for many. 

Of course, you may not want to stop at installing only a cinema in your home. After all, you can extend your use of home Audio Video technology to the entire house. You can even get an excellent example of how this can be done by using the previous link. 

Novelty and interest items

Now, you have to be careful with novelty items in the home. This is because done well, they can really elevate a living space and provide a whimsical addition to your environment. However, poorly done novelty items can make your home seem tacky and crass. 

With that in mind, steer clear of the gross-out factor and items such as the giant nose shower gel dispenser. Instead, consider novelty items like lighting that can be turned on and off at will. Then if it’s not the right time for food, or you get bored, you won’t be stuck looking at something that degrades your living area, rather than improves it. 

One option is to go for lampshades that cast fantastical shadows on the wall. Something that can provide a really atmospheric and even magical feeling in a room. Alternatively, a smart lighting system where you can change the tones and brightness at will can also work very well. 

Our homes are supposed to be our safe-havens, a place for us to escape the rest of the world, to relax and to store our personal possessions, but sadly, some people see our homes as an easy source of money. A burglary takes place every 106 seconds in the UK, and more than 181 million pounds worth of property is stolen from homes in London every year! The Office for National Statistics puts the average cost of a UK burglary at £3,030, a cost that very few people can afford. So if you’re worried about someone breaking into your home, then here are five ways that you can improve your home security. 

1. Upgrade your door

Believe it or not, a surprising number of burglaries begin at your front door. Criminals are very talented at assessing the security of your home, and if they find a weak spot, like your front door, then they will use it to access your property. Many people’s front doors are only made from a thin layer of plastic or wood and can be easily kicked in or knocked through. To increase your security, consider looking at security doors from places like    Cerberus Doors. 

2. Lock your windows

An open window will always be an easy access point for a thief, but believe it or not, merely shutting your windows isn’t enough to keep people out. Shut windows can be prised open fairly easily if they are not locked, so be sure to remember to lock your windows when you close them. An easy way to remember to do this is to set an alarm on your phone. 

3. Install outdoor lighting

Most criminals like to operate under the cover of darkness, so take this opportunity away from them by installing sensor activated outdoor lighting. Position lighting at access points to your property such as the front door, the back door and the garage and make sure that it comes on when motion is detected. 

4. Invest in a monitored alarm system

Alarm systems work by scaring away criminals by producing a loud noise, but if you live in a rural area and the criminal is not worried about people responding to the sound, then there’s no reason for them to vacate your property. To ensure that someone does hear your alarm and does react to it, consider investing in a monitored alarm system. A monitored alarm system is manned by a team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a response unit will be sent if the alarm is not switched off or a safety password is not given. 

5. Install a smart doorbell

Many criminals that are on the hunt during the day will knock at your front door before attempting a burglary to see if anyone is home – thankfully, the digital age can help. By installing a smart doorbell, you can see precisely who is at your door through an app on your smartphone, and some even allow you to speak with them through a microphone. This is often enough to put a criminal off making a burglary attempt, especially if they think that their face has been captured on camera. 

These are just five simple ways that you can improve your home security. Have you ever been burgled before? What security measures did you put in place to prevent it from happening again?

Very few people have the privilege of enjoying a good night’s sleep.  Many find themselves tossing and turning for hours before they can finally drift to sleep.  You however never have to struggle to sleep soundly at night.  Outlined below are 10 tips to help you get a good night’s sleep.

1. Avoid Caffeine Few Hours Before Bedtime

Although you might enjoy your cup of coffee, tea, cocoa, or chocolate every morning, experts advise against having the same 3 to 4 hours to your bedtime. These beverages are rich in caffeine, the stimulant responsible for keeping your alert and awake through the morning. Having caffeinated drinks or foods several hours to your bedtime is known to cause restlessness or even prevent you from sleeping altogether. Cut down on caffeine intake in the evening to avoid this.

2. Avoid Alcohol 4- Hours Before Your Bedtime

While drinking alcoholic drinks may cause you to feel drowsy/sleepy, withdrawal symptom experiences after the alcohol wear off can cause sleep disruptions and restlessness. Excessive drinking will also force you to make repeated trips to the bathroom for short calls. Such disruptions make it a bit harder to get good quality sleep at night. Staying away from alcohol 4-5 hours before your bedtime can, however, help you enjoy good quality and peaceful sleep.

3. Don’t Smoke

Nicotine is a stimulant with similar effects as caffeine. That said, it would be advisable to avoid smoking if looking to sleep well at night.

4. Go To Bed Relaxed

Going to bed in a relaxed mindset will make it easier to fall asleep than if you take your worries to bed.

5. Avoid Strenuous Exercises 2 Hours Before Bedtime

Regular body exercise is good for your health. It helps increase your heart rate, hence improved blood flow and alertness.  That said, exercising a few hours to your bedtime will only increase your alert levels, making it harder to drift to sleep.

6. Ensure Your Bedroom Is Comfortable Enough

An untidy and cluttered bedroom will only increase your stress levels. Keeping your bedroom tidy might however help you mind cool off, hence promoting sleep. You bed should be a pleasure to sink into. If your mattress has seen better days take a look at Zinus mattress reviews and consider an upgrade.

7. Ensure Your Bedroom Is Cool

Temperatures lower than 16°C or more than 24°C make it almost impossible for you to relax. Sleep experts, however, recommend keeping your bedroom cool at around 17°C to promote sleep.

8. Ensure The Bedroom Is Dark And Quiet

Keeping your bedroom quiet and dark enough will help you drift to sleep faster than if there were lights and noise all over. Investing in blackout blinds or heavy curtains for your bedroom would be a good idea.

9. Only Use Your Bedroom For Sleep And Love

The bedroom should only be meant for love and sleep, nothing else. You thus should avoid bringing work or even using electronic devices in your bedroom.

10. Have A Sleep Routine

Sticking to a sleep routine, such as when you go to bed, wake up, time for meals, exercise, and other activities can help the body relax whenever you wish to sleep.  Be sure to allocate at least 7 hours for sleep for the best results.