Time for a spruce up?

It’s coming up to that time of the year, when the sun is shining through our windows and we feel that some areas of our homes need a little spruce up after the winter! 

Dust on shelves and marks on the walls show up in the sunlight, and so we designate a weekend and reach for the rubber gloves and a duster.

But remember, there is more to summer than just a clean!

Summer time is the perfect season to inject some sunshine into your home ready for the warm weather to come. Why not pick up a pot of paint and a paint brush and get changing the feel and look of your home? Dark, deep tones have been and gone, and now it’s time to inject a refreshing shade to complement the beautiful weather to come!

Primrose Yellow is tipped by the ‘Pantone Color Institute’ as the colour to watch out for this summer!

They have said – 

”Primrose Yellow sparkles with heat and vitality. Inviting us into its instant warmth, this joyful yellow shade takes us to a destination marked by enthusiasm, good cheer and sunny days.”

There is no better colour to represent a fresh, new and clean look.  However, it is important to use the correct shade, so avoid using sharp citrus tones.

Choose a chalky, pastel coloured yellow when applying it to a wall so it adds a touch of peacefulness and tranquillity.  It’s important the space isn’t overwhelmed by colour and remains subtle. It is a great alternative to magnolia and helps the room feel bright and spacious.

If you feel changing a wall colour seems like a daunting task, why not incorporate yellow accessories or an accent piece of furniture?

Cushions and throws are a good way of re-vamping or changing a scheme. They are inexpensive and easy to change, and can completely alter the feel of a room. Instead of picking the same pattern, choose a few contrasting prints and textures to create a room that is sophisticated, harmonious and captivating.

Lighting is another great way to add colour.  So why not choose a lamp to give a pop of colour?

JT Interiors tip!

It’s important that your home works in all different types of lighting. The weather won’t always stay as bright and cheery as we would like, so make sure your living space isn’t too bright. It should feel cool and bright in daylight but warm and welcoming in the evenings, which is why it is essential to incorporate textures, patterns and prints.

Making contract furniture that stands the test of time.

Two questions we get asked a lot when working on high wear contracts are

‘Will the furniture stand up to the use it will get?‘   and   ‘how long is the guarantee?‘

We are pleased to say that we work with specialist manufacturers, who produce furnishings with guarantees of up to 20 years!  That applies to student accommodation, hotels, care homes and any residential situation – covering bedrooms, communal areas and even contract kitchens!

So, how do they do it?  We recently toured the factory and here are a few clues…

You start with high-grade raw materials from sustainable sources.  Next, you apply solid wood veneers or high-grade MFC finishes from a wide ranges of colours and textures.

Then the trims are added – either solid wood bull nose or contrasting finishes, for a more contemporary feel.

Assembly is a critical component to longevity –  double glued and dowelled joints that are formed using high pressure presses, ensure they are square and rigid – no flat pack here!

a few other features..

• Heavy-duty easy glide metal drawer runners
• Anti-bacterial coating on all timber and veneer parts
• 8mm solid back grooved and glue blocked for maximum strength
• Dovetailed solid beech 4 sided drawer boxes with glued-in solid base

we could go on …

The result?

Stylish, versatile furniture that can be made bespoke to your specification, and crucially will stand the test of time.

Contact us on  01993 700515 if you would like to find out more.

2017 Heads back to the 70’s….

In contrast to the previous must haves – clean hi-gloss surfaces and high shine metallics, natural materials are a key trend for the upcoming season – think woods, stones, cork, marble and plants paired with rattan accents. With our busy day-to-day lives now being consumed by technology and social media, it is time to come home and reconnect with nature!

A style typically thought best left for the conservatory is breaking the barriers and heading into the main house!

With a nod to the industrial style, hard surfaces are key. Bare brick feature walls, wooden furniture, tiled floor, polished plaster walls. All kept light and airy with added plant life– hang plants from the ceiling, line the window sills and add focal points with towering pot plants.

Think a taste of Moroccan style, rattan and wicker furniture works great when soften with cushions. And don’t stop there… there are many light fitting available in this style too!

This can all be tied together with some well-chosen accessories – metal, glass and string are all bang on trend. Brass will triumph over the recently crazed copper, whilst understated, when used correctly looks beautiful and adds elegance and glamour to this relaxed style.

Let’s All Hygge!

Let’s All Hygge!

The winter nights are upon us and in a world which seems to get busier and more hectic every day the need to sit back, relax and enjoy the small things in life has never been more prevailing. With international stress levels rising, the Danes have recognised themselves as lovers of calm and in turn, unfailingly top the polls as the happiest people on earth along with many other Scandinavian countries – it is commonly thought that this is all down to hygge. The concept of hygge is one which graces every walk of Scandinavian people’s lives, and word of this lifestyle has been spreading quickly for the last few years, crossing global borders to radiate warmth wherever the idea touches.

 

What is Hygge?

Pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ or ‘hue-gah’, the word is becoming ever more familiar and was originally a Norwegian term for well-being.  Described as ‘cosiness’ or ‘togetherness’ in English, hygge has no literal translation, making it almost impossible to pinpoint an exact meaning. Generally defined as more a feeling or mood more than a specific word, the concept can be interpreted as a mental state rather than a physical one.  Hygge is the art form of creating intimacy in any given moment.  Typically a social occasion for loved ones to get together to experience the companionship, warmth and contentment of the moment, it can also be relished alone to calm the nerves and sooth the senses.

Simple words like cosiness just don’t do hygge justice with limitless moments from soaking in a hot bath, to enjoying your morning coffee with a fragrant scented candle lit nearby are just two of many examples. You can hygge with a good book curled up on a sofa or with friends around the fire or dinner table, even places can be hyggeligt (hygge-like), signifying just how far the notion reaches.

Appreciating the small joys in life at all times, hygge followers have tapped into a source of happiness which the rest of the world can significantly profit from in an ever-evolving technological society.  Applicable to any time and space, hygge crosses both winter and summer but the idea really comes alive in the harsh and bracing cold season Scandinavia is renowned for. These bleak winters demonstrate the power of hygge even further, as even in the depths of the country’s coldest months when there is very little daylight, Denmark’s inhabitants remain the world’s happiest people.

How To Hygge

Start With Candles….

Embrace the power of the warming glow of candlelight – whether scented or unscented, candlelight transforms the clean, fresh style of classic Scandinavian interiors into a flickering escape from winter’s chill and a simple lit candle is seen as one of the most fundamental hygge moments to achieve.

….Add Texture….

When you contemplate cosy and warming interiors the mind conjures up lusciously soft textures which add another dimension to any interior – think chunky knit cushions, faux fur throws and fluffy woollen rugs.  Made from the softest of materials from merino wool to cashmere, textured accessories are a huge trend of the moment with the layering of different tactile surfaces creating a styled look in any room and when combined with a roaring fire or soft candlelight, there is no setting more hygge.

….A Sprinkling of Simple Things in Life….

You don’t need to overhaul your interior to make it more hyggeligt, tiny additions to the home can transform any moment. Treating yourself to your favourite coffee, indulging in new bubble bath for long dips by candlelight or finally putting your favourite photographs on the wall are all instant mood lifters whenever you use/see them, so take the time to enjoy them.

….Mix in some Friends….

Primarily a social endeavour, hygge is best enjoyed with friends and family so the best way to experience this idea for yourself is to invite your nearest and dearest round, light a fire, open a bottle and get cooking.  Not solely for staying inside, hygge can also be found in the great outdoors and joy can be found from simply wrapping up and going on a winter stroll with your favourite people.

 

….Enjoy the Space Around You!

The fundamental idea behind hygge is to appreciate the environment around you and nowhere is this more essential than in the home.  Every room needs to be a sanctuary to immerse yourself into at any given moment and therefore filled with fundamental items to facilitate this. Increasingly stressful lives emphasise the need to ‘escape’ the everyday to experience total relaxation.  Hygge offers an alternative slant on the desire to retreat demonstrating that overall well-being can be enhanced by making small changes to everyday environments, relieving the need to escape at all. So whatever you are doing, take the time to revel in the tiny moments that make you smile and uplift the soul.

Student Accommodation Renovation

This summer we continued the refurbishment of a student accommodation block in Oxford. The building was in desperate need of maintenance works and a complete facelift to produce a fun, bright and inviting environment that was also practical for student living. This phase included 21 en-suites, 2 kitchens and 10 bedrooms to be entirely renovated in 6 weeks

This building had been neglected for some time so our first challenge was to strip out the existing bathrooms and repair leaking pipes to make the building watertight, compliant with legislation and replace with more efficient water heaters and ventilation systems. This has provided the college with systems that are far easier to maintain and will prove to be cost effective in the long term.

 

Bedroom Before and After –

Furniture and window treatments were changed and a bright feature wall continued throughout with matching acrylic noticeboards for students to display things without marking the walls.

Bedroom Workstation Before and After

New upholstery brightens the existing furniture to create an inspiring place to work

En-Suites Before and After

Tiles were removed and replaced by aqua board in showers to help with cleaning and anti slip flooring replaced. All new sanitary wear as well as vanity units to provide students with storage.

Kitchen Before and After

We replaced the kitchen with a clean, bright, streamlined look that will be easier to clean and care for.  All worktops are ‘student proof’ with moisture resistant seals and twice wrapped laminate doors to provide a 10 year student guarantee.

Kitchen Before and After

The addition of a breakfast bar had create a social area fit for student life.

 

Not only has the feedback from students been hugely positive with an influx of applications for next years accommodation already but also housekeeping and maintenance have been overjoyed with how much easier it is to look after the building now.

On to the next phase!

 

 

The Festive F&B Industry

The winter months see the busiest trading times for the industry. Daytime trade increases as Christmas shoppers stop for lunch or coffee, the weekend socialising rules blur into the working week with staff gathering any night for the annual office party and people flock to bars and restaurants with the excuse of celebrating the festivities and the end of the year.

This also means competition is rife and its vital to make sure an establishment entices customers into a warm, seasonal and on trend environment.

Here’s a look at key styles to achieve this this season.

Nordic winter – A trend that’s been prominent in many elements of design in 2016 so its no surprise we’re seeing it at Christmas too. A serene mood inspired by remote Northern landscapes and the natural beauty of winter light. Create a haven against the elements, using natural elements combined with lighting to create a contemporary yet natural mood.

Lighting is a perfect way to add a subtle and classy Christmas feel. Keep the lighting to a warm white to create a softer glow and create the perfect ambience. Adding simple touches like throws and sheepskin are a perfect way of warming up alfresco dining areas.

Playful – A joyous approach to the festive season blends pop art inspired graphics with childlike fun & games. Vintage influenced kitsch adds an element of fun for a contemporary Christmas.

And of course seasonal drinks are the perfect winter warmer to get anyone in the festive spirit!

 

Emerald Opulence

We know that choosing the right colour is a pretty tricky thing to get right, and many of us lack confidence when incorporating it into our own homes and interior schemes.

so have you considered going bold with colour?…

Emerald green is a colour of regal elegance.  It can bring both a sense of tranquillity, and a touch of drama to your home. The colour is super bold, but at the same time can be very peaceful depending on how you use it.

If you would like to make more of a statement in your home, and wish to bring some colour to make the space full of excitement, then emerald green could be the colour for you!

Try incorporating an emerald green scheme with glamorous gold accessories to add a real sense of luxury.

Why not try an emerald green sofa as a statement piece, to inject some life into a neural living space ?  Or maybe a window treatment to bring a little more grandeur to a room, creating sophistication and elegance.

If you don’t feel brave enough to get the paint brush out – you could simply add a touch of emerald green to your home using soft furnishings and accessories, and get that regal touch!

http://avaxhome.ws/blogs/FAV2009 – My blog

Karen Haller, a colour psychologist, says that when choosing a colour to go with emerald green you need to pick a colour with the same tones that complement the green, such as reds or purples. If you don’t, then you might struggle to live with this colour as others may clash.

Emerald green has been used in interiors for hundreds of years, it’s a colour that never dates. You may have been hesitating to incorporate this into your home, but don’t. It will look stunning and  be suitable for all seasons.

JT Interiors recently incorporated emerald into a show home scheme.  Some cushions, geometric patterned rug, and accessories injected a punch of colour into an otherwise neutral scheme and gave a fresh look to a contemporary scheme.

Are you daring enough to add a little touch of emerald green into your interiors?

City Centre Luxury…

A serviced apartment furnished and equipped, equivalent to that of 5* hotel accommodation.

Sherbet tones mixed with copper accents keep it fresh and bright.

The brief – to transform the awkward minimal available space into a 5 star equivalent serviced apartment to sleep a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 guests.

The result – after much head scratching and hours sourcing multi tasking furniture we settled on a design that is not only functional but fresh and inviting – the sofa includes a bed mechanism with upgraded mattress allowing comfort night after night not only on occasion, it includes clever storage for the bedding and bed linen, the desk incorporates shelving and leans ladder style against the wall allowing maximum floor space and the nested tables double up as bedsides yet tuck neatly away when not in use…. all good in principle but the accommodation covers the first and second floors of  a very narrow building accessed only by a tight and turning staircase – the sofa had to be delivered deconstructed and build in situ, the bed arrived in sections and again was assembled on site – an installation nightmare but we got there!

The client is thrilled, the property was let the day after we completed and we are looking forward to the all important customer reviews.

Getting through the summer blues

As winter is encroaching and the evenings are drawing in we’re waving goodbye to the outdoor furniture and the thought of sitting in the sunshine enjoying a BBQ. But its not all bad, the season is upon us that means throws, rugs and cosying up in front of a log fire with a glass of red wine post Sunday Lunch.

We’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer 2016 just yet and as designers, travel is a fabulous source of inspiration. So we’ve been reflecting on our summer experiences and it would seem that as a team we have definitely been about a bit!

---

From city breaks…

Beautifull Venetian ceilings

The colourful canals of Venice

The Doge’s Palace

Venice, Italy

---

Paris, France

---

Madrid, Spain

---

To slightly further afield…

Fethiye, Turkey

---

Bali, Indonesia

---

It’s safe to say we’re going to miss the feeling of the sun on our faces but there something nostalgic about flicking through our summer snaps.

At least with winter coming we have an excuse to mix up our soft furnishings for the season ahead! Keep an eye on our page for hints and tips on how to get this seasons style ideas.

The Dark Side…

Style is a constantly evolving thing…

The inevitable onset of bleak winter evenings find us spurning the rosy shades of summer gold and cool grey accents to welcome thoughts of cocooning, embracing a trend that we are calling Nordic Gothic – minimal in line, rich in character, dark inky velvet’s, glittering glass and industrial details finished with a touch of gold – a dash of grit with a generous dollop of glamour.

 

Eagerly anticipated decadent winter nights and glitzy parties or cosy Sunday supper catch ups with old friends around a roaring fire are a picture-perfect backdrop, combining black and gold with depth of colour and texture is great way of making a space feel rich and warm.

Dramatic, inviting, eclectic and effortlessly chic Nordic Gothic most certainly makes a statement, and the statement is very definitely opulence.