Refurbish Your Home On A Shoestring

Guest post written by Lara Simmons

If you love to ring the changes at home, and redecorate and refurbish frequently, then it usually follows that you need to have enough disposable cash to do so. However, it’s not always that easy to budget for a new look home, so sometimes it pays to get creative and make your money work harder.

Take the living room as an example. You may hanker after a new sofa combination but the ones you want to buy are way out of your price range. Instead of getting into debt to buy one, there are a couple of options.

Firstly you can pay for larger items like sofas on flexible finance plans at most furniture stores. Unlike a credit card, the store won’t charge you interest on the loan, and you just agree a repayment plan over 12 or 24 months. Check out the details for this kind of plan at Harveys Furniture on Facebook. This allows you to stretch your budget further than if you had to pay the whole cost all at once, but be careful to only set up a repayment plan that you can keep up with on a monthly basis, otherwise you may end up losing that lovely new sofa.

If flexible finance doesn’t appeal, then another option is to wait for a sale to come around at your favourite furniture store. It used to be that sales only happened twice a year, but you’ll often find that stores hold sales for clearance furniture at regular intervals throughout the year now, as they need to move stock before getting new ranges in. If you’re not too hung up on having the absolute latest designs, then clearance sales can turn up some real bargains.

As for decoration, you can make economies by choosing one paint colour for a number of rooms. This means that when it comes to touching up or refreshing certain walls, you can use the same paint throughout, and not be worried about colour matching. Using one colour also helps to give a sense of cohesion, and gives the whole house a sense of flowing coordination.

Of course, changing the flooring can be an expensive project, but again, there’s always a sale on somewhere, and that includes the flooring suppliers. Keep up to date on which stock is being phased out and keep a list of your room dimensions in your handbag in case you happen to spot a sale on while you’re out. Sometimes you just have to be in the right place at the right time to secure a real bargain.

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Colour Inspiration

Today's inspirational colour post is written by the lovely Laura from Dreambox Interior Design as she talks to us about
                 colour psychology  

These last few days I have spent alot of time in my garden trying to tame the jungle and create a beautiful space to enjoy al fresco dinng with a chilled glass of white and weekend breakfasts in the sunshine, this has inspired me to write about green for this months colour psychology series.

The colour nature, there is no doubt that green is a calming colour that is very pleasing to your senses. The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm undertones.

Green is considered the color of peace, harmony and support, it helps to relax you mentally as well as physically, soothing you and your thoughts.

I particularly love green used with grey or black. The darker colours provide depth to the scheme and the end result is a feeling of luxury and sophistication. But if you want to follow nature, stay with natural shades.

I hope you have enjoyed this months post, the sun shines for you this weekend and you can enjoy some time outside too.

Laura. X
Dream Box Interior Design

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Bathroom Inspiration

What's not to love about this space the gorgeous big bath looks heavenly I could see myself soaking deep in bubbles in here. The marble framed with the stainless steel trim is a stunning statement & the marble tones looks beautiful against the dark wood floor.

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Blog Award

A big thank you to one of my bestie bloggers Pen from Rosa Lily who awarded me my blogger award 
           (right back at ya Pen)
                                                                    
Pen has often appeared over here on Finishing Touch Interiors as a guest blogger & I am chuffed to pieces she loves my blog as much as I am a fan of hers.


 Well in the rules of being awarded I have to firstly tell you 7 random things about myself, so here goes.....


1. I am only 5'2 & (1/2) which has earnt me the nickname Polly Pocket 
              (as in the teeny tiny doll)


2. I am a bit of a chatterbox, I got this from my dad so its in my blood sorry... 


3. I drive a red beetle 
       (my fav car in the world, I finally brought 'her' last year)


4. I have become obsessed with Zumba, I used to take dance lessons so this is right up my street!!!!


5. I love horse riding & would buy a horse if I won the lottery


6. I dont like clowns or porcelin dolls they freak me out completely 
        (remember 'IT' the movie & 'chucky').


7. My favourite place is definatley the beach 




Also in the rules I have to award 15 of my favourite blogs 
 (hard when there is so many talented peeps out there...)
My awards to my top blogs ...


Firstly my favourite blogs who have all featured as guest writers on this page.(a big thank you to them for thier support)

Rosa Lily
Mix And Chic
Dreambox ID
hannah's bun's
4theloveofwood
fishtail cottage

more wonderful blogs to award...

moderncountry
A drop of indigo
Bee Happy
The Design Traveler
Belle Vivir
House of Turquoise
Chocolate Creative
Dear Lilly

and last but not least awarded to a brand new blogger on the block & talented designer (one to watch)


Molly Miller Design


so here's the rules awardies......
1. Add the award to your blog.
2. Thank the blogger who gave it to you.
3. Mention 7 random things about yourself.
4. List the rules.
5. Award to 15 bloggers.
6. Inform each of those 15 by leaving a comment on their blog.

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House Tour

Today's house tour takes us round a beautiful 1960's architect designed French Country Home. It has six bedrooms all with ensuites as well as a studio apartment & study. The living room which is decorated in neutral tones features woven furniture & an antique coffee table giving it a colonial feel. In the dining room unusual bamboo dining chairs make a striking statement against antique terracotta flooring. In the kitchen dark wood  cabinets look striking against crisp, white walls. I adore the tranquil bathroom I think its my favourite space of the house although the outside areas to this house especially the swimming pool are ticking some boxes. I think I could be easily tempted by living in the south of France if this is the standard of home. 

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spot light on

I am thrilled today to introduce to you an incredibly talented lady & international award winning photographer, 
                  Jacqui Matthews. 


Her stunning work as a specialist wedding photographer has won her global status as the only British women to have ever won Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). Looking at her work its no suprise shes at the top of her game, her incredible eye for detail & fantastic imagination sets her worlds apart in her field.  

 
1.  How did it all begin with you & your photography?

I'm really not sure how my interest in photography beagan but as a young
child I remember sitting for hours looking through boxes and scrap books
full of old photographs. Many were of my grandmother's family, relatives
fallen in the second world war and also wedding pictures of distant family
whom I had never met yet felt suddenly connected to through those faded
black and white images. I was intrigued by the power of photography and how
images help us connect and relate to the past.

2.  Tell us about the type of photography you specilaize in?

I am formally trained and qualified as a 'social' photographer which
typically embraces individual and family portraiture and the formal
recording of family and social occasions such as weddings, engagements,
christenings, graduations, birthdays and other special events. My particular
area of expertise is in wedding photography and this is no wthe mainstay of
my business.  Brides-to-be like the idea of dealing with a 'specialist' when
planning for such an important day.


3.  What has made you such a successes and what sets you apart from other photographers?


Reputation and integrity, without a doubt. It's the most important commodity
of any business. I limit myself each year to a maximum number of 25 bookings
which comfortably affords me the time to concentrate on giving each couple
the very best of my attention.  My aim has always been to exceed client
expectation, I want the people I work with to tell their friends how great
their experience was. It seems obvious but being open, genuine, polite and
helpful towards clients, their families and friends and other wedding
professionals has really helped me develop an excellent referral network
which has become an invaluable business resource.


4.  Tell us about your award?

Wow! The past 12 months has truly been the most amazing time for me. In
December I won the first heat of a global competition held in New York by
Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), the final round of
the contest was held at their annual convention in Las Vegas in February and
I was thrilled to go on and win the Grand prize. To give you some idea, it's
the photographic industry equivalent of winning a British Olympic Gold medal
and I'm currently the only british female photographer ever to have won.

Then in March I was awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze in the British Institute
of Professional Photography's (BIPP) annual awards held in London's
Southbank. 


5.  What gives you inspiration?


I draw my inspiration from many sources including cinema, fine art, fashion
and even architecture.  I like to look at other photographers' work but I'm
rarely influenced by it.
   
6.  Who would you say has been your biggest influence?


That's a tough one! Probably my former employer, Frances Dumbleton who at
the very start of my photographic career gave me the basic skills and
confidence required to become the photographer I am today.  I would also say
my mentor and now great friend Kevin Wilson, one of the finest wedding and
portrait photographers in Europe. He has so generously given many hours of
his time to encourage and assist me through a very tough qualification
process.  

7.  What is your favourite image from your portfolio & why?


I have two favorite images right now,  'Just Married' purely because of the
attention it has attracted and its success in recent awards and 'Monday's
child' which is a vintage style portrait of a young girl.

8.  What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into photography?

Find work assisting other professionals and get as much experience as

possible before going out there alone if this is your goal. You need to be

technically proficient enough to understand all the equipment you're working

with and, heaven forbid should the worst happen, how to recover a situation

calmly and quickly. Equip yourself also with  people skills as you won't go

very far without these. Sadly many newcomers to the profession fail to

understand that it requires more than a fleeting interest in taking nice

pictures to make a successful career as a photographer. And on no account

should the general public be used as guinea pigs to further a fledgling

career in wedding photography, it's an extremely risky strategy and has the

potential to ruin a business before its started, particularly in today's

increasingly litigious climate.

9. What are your plans for the future?

I'm currently finalising building plans for a new studio/gallery which I'm

really excited about.  I'm also working on a qualification submission to

achieve Fellowship of the BIPP, the highest level attainable for

professional photographers in the UK. Only one other female has achieved

'Wedding' Fellowship in the BIPP's 125 year history reflecting how very

difficult it is to achieve. Fingers crossed!

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Colour Inspiration

         TEAL
A variation of my favourite colour palette of Turquoise & Aqua, Teal is a popular choose for dramatic fabric & wallpaper designs. Mixing bold patterns in Teal creates an elegant scheme. From daring ocean inspired stripes to beautiful floral prints they work well with muted tones to create a tranquil & relaxing space or add drama with other bold, bright shades.

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kitchen Inspiration

I recently visited the Burbridge kitchens in house showroom & factory in Coventry. It was very interesting to see these beautiful doors in the making & to view them in their recently updated showroom. Burbridge was stablished way back in 1887 & boasting a rich legacy of woodworking. For well over 35 years now they have been manufacturing and distributing kitchen doors and accessories & the company name has become synonymous with both excellent product design and an uncompromising stance on quality. As well as some beautiful classic designs they now have some stunning contemporary doors in their collection including chic gloss designs & clever internal curves. I am looking forward very much to designing some kitchen spaces with Burbridges fabulous door styles. 



 

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House Tour

Today we are going to take a tour around a beautiful shabby chic/ beach style house in Cornwall. Decorated in gorgeous tones of grey & stone. Throughout the house, the flooring is made of scaffolding boards washed with white spirit and sealed with wax oil. The ceilings were removed to reveal the A-framed beams. Its a real vintage take on the classic coastal look with quirky finds from the owners travels with a mix of old & new pieces. A stunning house.

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At Home In The Garden

We are in the process of doing up our garden at the moment. Its been a long process my partner smashed up the original patio & surrounding wall last year but then having an operation on his knee the work on it went on hold. So all over winter we had a bit of a mud bath of a garden but work is back under way once again & Neil has been working very hard to get us a beautiful garden for the summer. Its been hard to get out to do the work with all this rain but he has been working very hard, digging & more digging. So in the meantime I have been thinking about getting green fingered & growing some beautiful flowers as well as growing vegetables to use fresh in my cooking. Well its been a little hard with the garden out of action & I am still very new to this gardening lark. But I have started a little kitchen windowsill garden & have been growing some herbs as well as some tomatoes. The herbs are starting to sprout (this is a very good sign for me flowers have previously not faired so well, seeds often come to nothing so this for me is very exciting. Anyway I will keep you up dated on the little windowsill garden & the work on the outdoors but for now but here's a little garden inspiration. 

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bathroom inspiration

This pretty french country style bathroom is soft & feminine. Floral curtains frame the antique bath here & accessories include luxurious linens. The subtle splashes of red add some depth the the rest of the neutral colour pallette.

Another country style bathroom here that features this gorgeous wallpaper from Little Greene with its tiny trailing floral bud and rosehip design. Wallpaper is a great way of adding some character to a country cottage style bathroom to bring to life a white bathroom suite.

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Colour Inspiration

Last week we looked at grey inspiration which got me thinking about colours that look striking against shades of grey. I have to say my favourite grey combination is when its teamed with sunny yellow.These contrasting cool & warm tones compliment each other perfectly.

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House Tour

This weeks house tour takes a look inside a minty fresh country kitchen that was previously a gardeners cottage. The owners have given this 19th century cottage a real modern country feel. The mint green units look stunning against the fresh white walls & worktops teamed with red accesories & decorative pieces.

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