4 steps to cosiness without clutter

This late autumn, I would like to discuss how to achieve cosiness without clutter. Grey weather, cold wind and rainy days make us buy candles, cushions, blankets etc. Decorating your house with lovely little things is a usual pre-Christmas shopping mania. This short article aims to brainstorm how to make sure we don’t cover ourselves with layers of unnecessary stuff. 

First, I think we should understand what cosy means to us and how we perceive it. What is cosy? Comfort, relaxation, warmth, rest, shelter, snug are all words that define this feeling. There are many more too. The key is that it is a tranquil setting that gives us a sense of security and stillness. It can be achieved by rightly organising light, colours, materials and textures.

Natural materials and colours, for instance, chestnut or walnut, create a warm welcoming atmosphere. Tactile experience can be added through textured upholsteries and mood can be controlled by freestanding lamps – both floor and table. A well-chosen rug can be a winning solution, giving warmth to a large area yet not filling the space in an obvious way.

Next, let’s understand how do we perceive clutter. What is clutter? An untidy collection of many different things that communicates a messy disorganised state of being. Some might find being surrounded by clutter stressful, but for others the experience can feel quite comfortable. However, often it is the lack of focused organised action that lets clutter grow. Once all small things start piling up, they create physical and psychological barriers, that make it harder to see the difference between cosy and chaos.

Eventually, having discussed cosy clutter concepts above, here are some conclusions. I propose 4 steps to achieve an organised peaceful setting. 

1.     Imagine

A helpful thing to start with is to imagine what your perfect space looks like. Can be as easy as closing your eyes and trying to see as much detail as you can, whilst walking through your dream home. Pay attention to colours, textures, objects, both large furniture and smaller accessories.

2.     Focus

Once you have had a tour through your ideal cosy space, focus on particular details which gave you most satisfaction and caught your longest attention. What was the light like? What were the colours and how bright was the space? Was there any particular object that you really liked? This will help you identify your first steps and really pinpoint priorities of where to start. It will also be useful when later you will be shopping for new items, or selecting from the existing ones.

3.     Filter

Now it is time to look at the real room that you are in and divide your things into 3 groups: starting to choose from what really makes you feel good and brings lots of joy and comfort; second group is things that gave you slight hesitation; and lastly everything that is left behind in this prioritising exercise. However, you don’t have to throw things from the last group away, you can either put them into another room, sell online or gift them away to charity. This will not only clear up your space and give you pleasant restful space to enjoy, it will also do some good by sharing your goods that you don’t need with somebody who does.

4.     Apply

Sometimes it is a matter of moving things around and rearranging your existing possessions. Sometimes, it requires more critical action, which you can train yourself to enjoy. Once you are used to having only what really matters around you, it will be natural to appreciate the less crowded space.

With all this in mind, I’m off to have a seasonal clear out and, hopefully, you feel encouraged too. Good luck!

How to retain charming interior features from the past?

Reinstating existing wall finish, floor or other material which has got traces of history and use all over it might seem quite painful. It is easier to strip the old and install the new, but there are benefits to embrace the challenge. It certainly implies on the look and feel of the space, however leaves you a broad range of aesthetic appearances that you can achieve as a result. Three most common options are to revamp timber floor, expose existing brick wall and reuse various finds creating modern edgy interior accessories. In this same sequence let’s have a look at them in a bit more detail.

/ sanding wood floors: Timber is an expensive natural material that ages beautifully, gaining even more valuable qualities with time. Firstly, it is one of the most hygienic materials which is prone to growing fungus and bacteria or having any pest infestation if properly maintained. This prevents any health-related discomfort which can be experienced around carpets and other unnatural finishes. Wood floors have good heat capacity, which largely contributes to insulating your room, making it look cosy and feel warm. It is also a very durable material with a long lifespan, as it can be sanded at least 5 times depending on its thickness. This means you can have a new looking floor with less effort and time spent than making a brand-new installation. Ultimately, in addition to all aesthetic values that make your home look authentic and luxurious, it also adds actual monetary value to your property.

/ refreshing exposed brick:  Strength and longevity are two main qualities for which brick is so often used in construction. What we associate now, when we see it exposed in interiors, is charm, authenticity and historical connection. It adds warmth and texture at almost no expense in comparison to other wall finishes, on top of which - very little maintenance is required. It is not unusual, however, in the buildings that are 100 or more years old, that interior brick courses are not as neatly laid as you might wish. This is due to the specifics of the trade historically, where young masons in training would be learning the trade by laying interior brick walls. Also, it’s not only the craftsmanship, but the brick itself was of lower quality for interior than for exterior walls. However, by simply repointing the joints, the wall can suddenly feel much more attractive and give you the look & feel you aspire for.

/ using old copper pipes for home accessories and ironmongery: It is a great opportunity to get hold of original objects that were part of the building and re-use them bringing character to the space. Old metals, tiles, stone surfaces have inherent material properties that give them value. Durability, even if weathered and transformed with age, is part of the charm and chic of something that is natural and robust as well as flexible in terms of a creative application. A modern contemporary idea can transform and reimagine an object or a part of it and surprise you with its capabilities of function. The risk is that the overall setting has to be thoroughly considered and designed in detail to ensure the new unique object completes the picture tastefully. It has to be a strong idea and a simple design, which preserves the reused element in the best way.

/ Some more: Maintaining existing terracotta tile + keeping original architectural features if there are any (vaulted ceiling, original cornices, fireplaces or chimneys, tainted glass in windows etc.) is a very popular way to add charm to an interior of an existing building. However, like anything to do with old features that are being retained from the past and exposed in the new design, moderation is key. Excess can completely damage the look and the perceived value of the space as well as overwhelm the rest of a very well-considered character.

Further to all the conceptual, aesthetic, practical and monetary benefits discussed above, it is environmentally friendly and respectful to the planet to contribute to waste reduction in this simple and obvious way. Sustainability can be embraced by every little step we take. Re-using existing material, that has aged but yet is in perfect condition, is a big one. It is not only the way to save some money and be original & creative, but more importantly, it is also your way to make a meaningful change on a larger scale.

10 Things that add value to a house / Part II

If you are asking questions like: What are the hidden qualities that with little effort will allow you to boost the value of your purchase? How to make the right choice that will keep the property in demand at all times? What are the characteristics that can improve appearance and use of the existing space without remodelling?, then below are the remaining 5 points that will complete your checklist from the last week’s issue:

6.   Brick façade rather than render

Having weighted pros and cons of rendered and brick facades, and not taking personal preference into account, terraced houses with brick façades seem to embrace more value than with render. Briefly: Brick is a robust material, which when done properly is maintenance free and withstands all different weather conditions. Risk here is the cost to repair of old brickwork resulting from potentially bad workmanship in the past. With render, there are many more disadvantages. Firstly, it requires more maintenance, which is time and cost. Dirt, water marks, cracks from ground or building movement all are more apparent, and will require renovation or repair. Any defect in the rendered surface would allow moisture to get beyond the building envelope into the structure and cause serious damage.

7.     Pressurised plumbing system rather than gravity fed

Typically, you will find a gravity fed system in the majority of houses, however, it might have been changed to a pressurised by previous owners. This would be an advantage in terms of a better water pressure as well as potential cost saving if you are planning internal remodelling (many new plumbing products require higher water pressure to operate). In a nut shell, installation of booster pumps or change of the system to achieve better pressure is an additional expense, whereas an advantage of the mains pressure is that hot and cold water is delivered at the same pressure. In addition, loft space gets cleared and gives an opportunity for a loft extension once the header tank/cold water cylinder (gravity fed system) is removed.

8.     Bathroom has an extractor fan for ventilation

Straightforward, yet, very important: helps to avoid mould on the bathroom walls and ceiling in future.

9.     See if surrounding properties have loft extensions

Loft extensions can add up to 20% to the property value. Neighbouring loft extentions indicate that there is sufficient head height in the attic of that row of terraces for a loft conversion. However, always check for yourself and keep in mind that roof and floor renovation will take up to 100-200mm of the existing head room. Also, remember to check the roof structure: attic trusses or cut roof timbers. Former might result in a more expensive conversion, so always important to consult with a professional for a more careful consideration of follow-on benefits vs delivery cost.

10.     Check for trees or Japanese knotweed in close proximity to the property

Large trees that are in close proximity to the building can cause structural damage as well as block day light and sun light from coming into the rooms. There are guides that suggest minimum distances between the building and certain tree types that should be kept in order to avoid damage occurring from physical pressure of roots on the building foundations (ranges from 3.5m to 20m). Secondly, something that should be completely avoided is Japanese knotweed, which is a type of an invasive plant that grows through concrete and is very hard to remove. It can do substantial damage to your property as well as cause problems and delays in getting a mortgage.

Ultimately, there is a creative solution for every challenge. Existing features and inherent characteristics of the property are key to a worthy investment and a dream home. Always consider more than just how long ago it was redecorated and what furniture fits in the room, as physical qualities of the property can provide unforeseen freedom, flexibility and scope for enhanced value. 

10 Things that add value to a house

Victorian 1837-1901 / Edwardian 1901-1918

So many things to think about when making a decision to invest into a property. Market value, location, business plan, type of investment, size and regulations etc., are all the topics that are very well described elsewhere on the web, hence we will not discuss here. This article particularly aims to interrogate only one particular side – ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS.

Evaluating properties from an architectural point of view can often be part of your due diligence exercise, from the information available online. If you are asking questions like: What are the hidden qualities that with little effort will allow you to boost the value of your purchase? How to make the right choice that will keep the property in demand at all times? What are the characteristics that can improve appearance and use of the existing space without remodelling?, then please keep reading.

However, before we attempt to answer those questions, it is very important to reiterate that your final choice should not be emotion driven. Property where you think you see yourself living might not exactly be the best choice, whereas the one which you feel is not your ideal home, after unleashing its hidden value can surprise you and bring higher returns. Frankly, do not be put off if the property you are looking at is massively cluttered. Contemplate and see beyond the chaos to discover the true potential.

Inherent assets that you should look for in real estate/terraced house:

1.     Period property: Victorian or Edwardian

Generally, Victorian houses have more generous spatial proportions than homes of the later era. For instance, to compare the common case: ceiling height of up to 3.2m as opposed to 2.4m of current standards; or width of Victorian terrace internally usually is more than 4m, whereas the later terraces are usually up to 3.7m wide. It also usually has a double reception room as well as a feature fireplace in every room, which historically was often clad in terracotta tiles. On top of this, you might be lucky and find some original geometric terracotta tiles on the floor, which is typical for periodic homes.

2.     Existing timber floor

Existing timber floor can bring you considerable rewards. There are two good opportunities: first, existing floor boards can be given another lifetime by sanding and finishing with either vanish or oil to look like new; or, secondly, reclaimed timber floor boards can be sold online starting from 10£ per m2, depending on the quality and type of wood.

3.     Wide slot with stair oriented along the length not the width of the terrace

Orientation of the stair in the house has a significant impact on the layout and size of habitable rooms as well as spatial planning opportunities. There can be many more design solutions to re-zone the house to meet your specific aspirations when the stair is parallel to the long side of the house, and, ideally, is in a separate hallway. In the case where the stair runs across the width of the terrace, which usually happens in the narrower terraces, it essentially divides it in two, leaving less options for conversion of the space.

4.     East-West orientation & South facing garden

Usual terraced house is designed to have kitchen, dining and bedrooms facing the garden. Having a South facing garden will make liveable areas of your house brighter and will allow you to enjoy both morning and evening sun.

5.     Is there any dead space that could potentially become additional storage?

There can never be too much storage space, and spotting opportunities that are inherent to the existing building can substantially reduce the amount of clutter on show.

to be continued…