Urban Cartography

What’s one thing that will never go out of style? Changing your style, of course! When it comes to the home, there’s nothing really more fun than completely revamping a room, but we don’t just do it for fun. Functionality really has to be accounted for, although we have to leave some room for innovation and a little fun. Technology is also finding new ways of sneaking into our homes all the time, which necessitates regular updates. Overall there are certain trends emerging for 2017, and here are the top 5 as far as we can tell.

Environmental Efficiency

With major redevelopments, it usually makes sense for people to focus on highly efficient appliances, water and heating systems. Not only do these save money in the long run on energy bills, but high tech developments have made them more affordable from the outset compared to older, less environmentally friendly systems.

Low Maintenance

This trend is being especially popularised by the young adult demographic. Millennials who are moving out into their own places are steering away from housework as much as possible, which puts the focus on low maintenance furnishings and fittings. Simple surfaces that look smooth, resist scratches and are easy to clean are favoured over fussy, awkward designs.

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When it comes to interior design, you should always let your creative instincts guide you and experiment with different styles. There is no right or wrong most of the time, so feel free to do whatever suits you when designing your own home! That said, some practical tips will apply to almost everyone and potentially make the process a lot easier. Here are a few of our top pointers.

Create a central focus –

Having a focal point that your design is centred around will make your room look like it’s been designed professionally every time. Whether this is a feature wall with a different paint colour or premium wallpaper, an impressive fireplace or even a particular work of art, the right focus can make everything else in the room look better.

Choose your paint last –

It may seem rational to select the colour of your walls before you do anything else. After all, the room needs to be empty so you can paint it, then you add the furnishings after. Unfortunately this makes no sense when you think it through, and once you get the furniture in you might regret your choice. Buy your key furniture first and decide on the rest of the décor, then go back and paint your room when you’re ready to commit to a shade.

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Flooring choices can be confusing. Most people might not put that much thought into it, especially after the project has been completed, but it’s one of the only elements that’s essential in every room in some form or another. Finding high quality commercial flooring that’s suitable for you may mean something that’s extremely practical and cost effective, while in the home you may be looking at something that emphasises the best features in your room and might make more of a statement. Here are some of the benefits and features of the main materials you may be considering to help you decide.

Concrete – A simple but very effective as a flooring solution in some cases, concrete can be suitable for ultra-modern homes or businesses alike. It’s a top choice for people who are installing underfloor heating, too, because it conducts heat well. The main drawbacks are the high cost (since it has to somehow be poured into the flooring area and set) and the fact that it’s not exactly comfortable to walk on, let alone fall over!

Tiles – Easy to clean and maintain, tiles made from porcelain or ceramic are a classic choice for bathrooms or kitchens that can be used fashionably today, with a bit of clever styling. Expensive marble or granite tiles are available at the higher end of the market, or you might choose slate or terracotta for a more rustic feel that’s also more affordable to install.

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Net curtains have been used for hundreds of years when decorating rooms. Compromise is a key thing with these curtains. The best net curtains will be the perfect balance between all your requirements: offering privacy without blocking out the light, looking attractive on a low budget, and adding some subtle detail to your interior design without overwhelming your main features. There is a wide variety available today, from the standard cheap net curtains to made to measure ones. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose between different types.

Firstly, measure your space and make sure you’re going to have enough material to actually cover the window. If you fail at this point it doesn’t matter what design you go for, it’s never going to look classy. You might use just one panel of net curtain but it normally makes it much easier if you stick with tradition and have a pair that can be opened and closed at the centre. Another common rule is to use a curtain twice the width of the actual window, so when the fabric is hanging it looks simply relaxed rather than stretched or too excessive.

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