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.

5 exposed brick styles in modern interiors

Exposed brick walls are most commonly found in apartments formed inside abandoned warehouses and lofts, which has influenced our perception of look and feel created by this design element. With rare honesty, it raises associations with industrial past and therefore brings the luxury of authenticity to the space. However, having been so highly favoured by many people, it gives a very broad scope for creative new palettes and style variation that it plays part to. This short article will particularly focus on the range of spatial character that brick wall suggests as well as design strategies to achieve each one of those characters.

5 distinct interior atmospheres that love a brick wall:

Industrial: exposed and raw - unfinished but refined.

Here, structural and mechanical building elements that sustain function and intended use of the building are kept exposed. Large open space, minimal intervention, honest materiality are all true features of the industrial interior. Bold and unique interior objects (furniture, art, other fittings) are key to bringing freshness into this interior style. Utilitarian elements are celebrated by leaving pipes, ducts and other service elements exposed. Vintage objects can really contribute to the unfinished look of the space too, emphasizing the juxtaposing eras of both.

Bohemian with rustic elements: The feel that this style is celebrating is rather nostalgic and carefree with hints to romance. It is a bold collection of texture, colour and pattern. It is very proud of its seemingly random collection of objects on display, sustaining a very artistic yet liberal atmosphere. There is no one defined vision of a bohemian style, as more than any other style it is very unique and faithful to the personality and culture of its creator. Well-preserved existing architectural features saturate interiors with sensational moments and add more layers to our perception of that space.

Contemporary sleek: There are many streams to the modern style but they all share one common quality - a very well-found balance between neutral and bold. Minimalism is key. Contemporary is a more relaxed attempt to a modern style, where simplicity is not as enforced. Here, the exposed raw material may sometimes appear as a passive feature to the space, not in any case accentuated by any surrounding clutter. Often it might be painted over to match with the rest, blending it into the minimal context even more.

Barn / Country: This is less typical for an urban environment property; however, its raw absence of luxury and bare authenticity is often an inspiration. In case of a barn conversion, it is worth keeping existing structural elements, such as beams and walls, exposed. This way we accentuate the natural fabric of the original use. The space then can be complimented with either very minimal modern pieces or quite vintage and rustic - both will work really well with the honest background.

Tacky and kitschy IN A BAD CASE: In short, this starts to happen when it is falsely overused, and replications as opposed to honest features start being used. This is a no-go zone, just mentioned here as a reminder to look out for spurious excess.

3 worthwhile aspects that this raw material adds to the value of the space:

1. Experiential: Adds character. There is a vast number of types and range of colours of brick as well as a wide variety of bonds, that all give a brick wall its particular look and story. It is fascinating how wide is the range of appearances that can be achieved with treating exposed brick in a certain way and then completing the ensemble with considerate detail.

2. Time-related: not fashion but classy, so a long-lasting design. Wall paper, paints, porcelain tiles are all in a way superficial finishes, the range of which is unceasingly growing to reflect new interior movements. Raw structural materials, on the contrary, is the essential basis that is always present. Even though interior trends are ever-changing, such elements as brick, concrete, steel and glass do not respond to such fashions.

3. Monetary: value can be added by keeping original elements. Finally, the point which is in no way less important is money. Real features highlight the authenticity of a property, which has always been worth something more. Random collection of words here: History, craftsmanship, quality, longevity, character, meaning, tactility, layers and manifestation, but altogether that is what gives value, unites the concept and coincidently is a list of things the majority of us is attracted to.

 Pulling together interior ideas for your own home is mesmerising, yet not easy. More often than not you will need professional advice to help you define the right path, consolidate your thoughts and preferences, or even specify the right materials to achieve the vision in a practical way. Having existing features, such as brick walls, can give your journey a steer and hopefully this article has shown you how. 

How to choose natural stone surface in 4 steps?

This short article talks about tips & tricks on selecting natural stone surfaces. Often, we experience excessive doubt and lack of clarity when it comes to choosing materials & finishes for different purposes. It is also quite hard to always rely on the judgment and recommendation of suppliers, hence to make it easier we want to discuss factors that are most important.

The most popular choices are marble and granite, however there are many more that can be used including travertine, limestone, slate, onyx and other.

STEP 1: Consider natural stone factors

Every stone is a unique formation from a different location on our planet with distinctive environmental conditions. Hence, every stone is unique in its qualities and how it reacts to various impacts. Mostly acknowledged features are:

GRANITE is a very structurally strong and impact resistant rock. It is a non-porous surface that never fades it colour, so is very good to use as counter tops. However, to maintain these qualities it is important to regularly reseal it as per manufacturers recommendations. The perfect characteristic of this material which makes everyone want if for the kitchen counter tops is that it is bacteria resistant.

MARBLE is widely appreciated for its aesthetic characteristics. But it is not only beautiful, it is rich with physical and technical qualities too. It is resistant to scratching and due to its strength can sustain heavy loads, which is why it is popular to be used in floors. Yet, appearance-wise, it demands knowledgeable care, as various chemicals might irreversibly impact the finish. Hence, due to being prone to stains it is not advisable to be used for kitchen counter tops, even though it is so attractive.

LIMESTONE and TRAVERTINE are both beautiful stones that mature and weather over time. Stone structure is relatively porous and therefore stains easily, so rarely used in interior applications, unless on walls or other vertical surfaces. Externally, though, it is very popular for both walls and floor construction.

ONYX is very distinct for its rich colour and active pattern. It transmits light beautifully but is also very resistant to physical and heat impact. Application-wise, it is practical to apply it to any surface – table tops, kitchen counter tops or walls which can be designed to let the light through from one space to another.

STEP 2 : Selection process

TYPE of stone chosen for the project depends not only on the designed look and feel intentions, but can be very much driven by the budgetary constraints too. Here the estimations must be considered carefully, as often the price is given in two parts: one is the cost of the raw material per/m2, which is then highly increased by the fabricator’s input. The latter includes cutting to size, applying the necessary finish, forming any designed shape and ultimately installing in place.

FINISH depends on the intended use and aspired aesthetics. The list of options is generous enough to make the stone work for you the way you want.

SUITABILITY or intended traffic affecting the stone has to be taken into account, as some are more resistant and hard wearing than others.

Finally, even though some level of MAINTENANCE is expected for any finish, frequency and type of maintenance will really be affected by how well you choose the stone. Sealing the surface of the stone is important as it will be exposed to various physical and chemical impacts. With a correctly specified seal and detailed maintenance programme, the stone will last for a very long time.

STEP 3: Consider the rest of the palette

Stones have got the exquisite power to add luxurious feel to the space. There is the risk of making the space look heavy and old-fashioned if the stone is overused or not matched correctly with the rest of the palette. Stone is a rich material that often is the hero piece or the accent in any room. By adding a very colourful and highly patterned stone, or using too much of it, in the room that is already busy will create a very overwhelming experience and stone will lose its presence.

 STEP 4 : Quality checklists

One quality that is very hard to control is the pattern of natural stone. As obvious as it can be that the look of the natural rock at cut is unpredictable, this is something that you must be aware of. Each stone sample is unique, and it will not be replicated exactly in the final pieces. The pattern and direction of veins can be specified in the design stage, but there is another way too. To ensure the best match to the approved sample, it is possible to choose the slab at a quarry and know what to expect. This, however, will inflate the cost dramatically.

Lastly, the lighting in which the stone will be seen is not less important and has to be taken into account. The appearance of colour and tone can vary a lot depending on how it is lit. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, it is safer to look and pick the stone in a similar lighting condition to the one it will live in.

Ultimately, the beauty and charm of natural materials, stone in this case, is that it inherently has the strength and character that makes it a centrepiece. If the application is well designed and the stone is picked correctly, it will bring you joy indefinitely.

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…