Form before Function?

FORM BEFORE FUNCTION

Yesterday I saw a new client who has made a great start on remodelling their home with a large side and back extension.


The main problem facing them now is how to maximise the space that they've created to achieve a great family home and ultimate magazine glamour.


Many people wade straight in and start decorating their new homes without looking at how the space is actually going to be used. They're more focused on the form rather than the function!


This can lead to many problems later on with poor placement of radiators, light fittings, switches and sockets. It can also lead to a sense of the space 'not working' because furniture is subsequently positioned in the wrong place.


To give you an example, we recommended to one of clients that they swap the dining room with the lounge so that the lounge was then next to the inter-connecting playroom. This meant that the mother could sit in the lounge with friends whilst still being able to watch the children in the playroom.


It's not only important to review the function of each room when you move into a new home, but also after a few years when the children have grown up or your priorities have changed. Life evolves and your home should grow and change with you.


So, how do you review function?


Firstly, for each room, you need to consider all of the tasks that are going to take place in the space, eg: reading, and TV/relaxing.


Secondly, consider how you can split or 'zone' the room in separate areas for each task, eg: reading near the window and relaxing in the centre of the room.


Thirdly, consider the furniture best suited for each task, eg: Single chair + lamp for reading plus sofa and footstool for relaxing.


Fourthly, place the furniture.

Your room should now not only look great but also be comfortable and easy to live in. Of course, if you need a little more help and advice then just give us call.

GWENDOLINE

CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER

tel: 07841 519802

gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Glamorous Gothic

How To Create A Design Style

- Glamorous Gothic -

Do you want a room that's more individual than the mainstream?

In the marketplace at the moment you should be seeing Gothic elements such as dark moody colours, sumptuous velvets and gorgeous structure alongside light reflecting materials - but how do you translate that into a successful interior design scheme? And, how do you ensure that your design is both glamorous and inviting instead of ghoulish and gaudy?

Follow these top tips to create a Glamorous Gothic room scheme that you will love and your friends will envy:

1) IDENTIFY THE COLOUR SCHEME

Gothic colours are traditionally dark, mysterious and sumptuous.

For this design I've focused on the season's colour of Plum and then mixed it with Black for Drama and Silver Grey for Balance.


2) IDENTIFY THE KEY FEATURES

In any room there should be a key feature and it's generally the fireplace or bi-folding doors showcasing a fantastic view into the landscaped garden beyond.

The key feature creates a strong focal point so that when you enter the room your eyes are immediately drawn to it and your guests go 'Wow'.

To strengthen the key feature, and make more of a statement, you could consider hanging wallpaper on the feature wall.

The wallpaper selected for this design scheme (http://www.tektura.com/) is a modern take on a classic design. As it is such an intense colour and pattern, I recommend using it one one wall with a complimentary paint colour on the other walls. The complimentary paint colour would pick out the silver grey tones in the wallpaper.


3) PLAN THE FURNITURE REQUIREMENTS

Identify what activities are going to take part in the room and plan the furniture with them in mind. Consider sectioning a room into areas of function, eg: lounge area and dining area.

Choose furniture that not only compliments the colour scheme but also the 'weight' of the design style, eg: Gothic furniture would look solid and heavy whereas Summer Garden furniture would look light and airy.

The square sofa selected (http://www.mydeco.com/) adds a modern edge whilst the button back, sumptuous velvet material and striking purple colour add the glamour element.

Materials such as velvet and satin are oppulent and tactile.

4) COMPLIMENT THE ROOM WITH FEATURE LIGHTING

It may sound obvious, but always choose lighting that compliments the overall design style, eg: Gothic focuses on a Medieval lighting style with dimmer switches to create mood lighting whilst Summer Garden could have a more contemporary chrome light.

This central pendant light nods back to the old with its candle bulbs, curls and swirls. The openess of the design and the simple crystal droplets add a modern edge and stylish glamour.

5) DON'T FORGET THE FINISHING BITS AND BOBS

Accessories to compliment the design style should be thought about carefuly. Not only should they compliment the colour scheme but they should also compliment the design style, eg: Gothic artwork is dark and graphic whereas Summer Garden artwork is light and flowing. Also, crystal elements and candles play a significant part in this design style.

If you follow these points you should have a Gothic room that's gorgeous and glamorous. If your room is more dark and gloomy then just give us a call and we'll help you turn it around.

GWENDOLINE

CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER

tel: 07841 519802

gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/

A Bridge Too Far?

LEEDS TO LIVERPOOL CANAL - BURNLEY SECTION

INTERESTING BRIDGES

Design is all around us in everything that we see.

This bridge is very square in all ways - from the old brick supports through to the sinple yet effective railings.

Even the graffiti is in keeping with the square theme - how apt!










A very simple bridge that gets you from A to B.















Interesting railings highlight the importance of this bridge. Not just an object to get you from A to B, but also a place to stop and contemplate.













There's many a time I've walked over this bridge with my father as it was a shortcut to Burnley town centre.


It always felt like a princess bridge with it's arches and intricate railings.

I just love the architecture of this bridge. It has great proportions and a lovely line - it makes a very strong design statement.














One of my favourite bridges as there is no pathway through the tunnnel so it's quite mysteriors.

I think the chimney tops of the houses make the bridge appear to be a home in itself - a mini cottage for a recluse maybe?

The bridge also appears to be a person with the tunnel as the mouth, black signpost eyes and bushy green hair!







Isn't it interesting how the graffiti artist has complimented the green of the pipe with the green of their spray paint? Maybe they used a colour chart to match it up?

It's appealing how the simple lines of the supports mirror the simple lines of the railings.














The next time you spot a bridge, what interesting design feature can you see?

Why not send me your snaps.

GWENDOLINE
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER
GA INTERIORS
http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/

Heatherwick Studio Presentation 14Oct09

Built Environment Networking Breakfast Meeting

Wednesday, October 14th

8.00am - 10.00am

BMA House

Tavistock Square

London

Special guest presenter Katerina Dionysopoulou, senior architect at Heatherwick Studio (www.heatherwick.com), will give a presentation on the studio's approach to design and specifically their work on the UK Pavilion for the Shanghai Expo 2010.

Katerina will also highlight the studio's innovative approach to its numerous high-profile commissions, including how freezing a falling liquid can help create a beautiful sculpture.

Heatherwick Studio has won many awards and is famous for such work as the B of the Bang sculpture (http://bit.ly/gbZnH) and the Longchamp store design in New York (http://bit.ly/ALejP).

To find out specific details about this exciting meeting and to book your place contact:
Business Junction
Tel: 020 7739 4200
www.businessjunction.co.uk

WHAT'S NEW - 4Q09

4Q09 NEWSLETTER

This newsletter is particularly aimed at bringing you the latest interior design trends (Superior Lighting & Colours that Go) coupled with some useful tips on how to prepare for Christmas (Declutter with the Kids!).

We’ve complimented this with an insight into the pitch we made to leading property developer Dandara (KD Tower).

We’d also like to make a special tribute to Gwendoline’s mother who died most recently (Who Are We?). We thank you all of your kind sentiments.

Many thanks for your continued support,
Gwendoline

Creative Interior Designer

WHO ARE WE?

In 2009 you’ve kept us focused on interior design with everything from clinics and consultations to help you pull an individual room scheme together, right through to whole house renovations to maximize the potential of your property, whether residential or commercial.

We’ve also established some new relationships with fantastic trades, suppliers, estate agents, developers and Oaklands College. This helps us to bring you a more personal and complete service from the initial design right through to the magazine look and feel.

Over the next few months we’ll be preparing for 2010 - yes already! - with an increase in our informal networking to you through:

- LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors)
- Facebook (GA Interiors Fan page)
- Twitter(http://twitter.com/ga_interiors)
- this Blog (http://www.ga-interiors.blogspot.com/)

If you’re already connected to any of these then why not hook up with us.

Our aim is to keep you inspired in a more frequent and informal way with articles on latest interior trends, links to aspirational items in the marketplace, notices of interesting exhibitions and design talks as well insights into our own achievements.

For example, September 09 Psychologies magazine focuses on Mothers & Daughters, ie: How our mothers make us who we are (http://www.psychologies.co.uk/).

At GA Interiors, we’re very fortunate to have had very supportive mothers and families who’ve cried with us, laughed with us and cooed in all the right places when our work appears in national magazines.

This is a personal thank you to all of our mothers and families, but especially to Gwendoline’s mother who most recently died of Cancer.

Although she is no longer with us, we will remember her humour, pride and passion for all that we do.

Gwendoline sends her warmest thanks for all of your kind words, thoughts and prayers over the past few months.

SUPERIOR LIGHTING

Lighting plays an important role in creating drama and atmosphere within a room, as well as being necessary for undertaking tasks and moving about safely.

This season there’s a continued trend towards ‘feature’ lighting with showy chandeliers and inspirational lamps. Structure and form are the primary features with glass and crystal taking centre stage alongside organic shapes and materials.

Here are just a few of the amazing lights on the marketplace today:

1) SHOWY CHANDELIER

Chez Moi (http://www.chezmoisf.com/) have gorgeous Murano glass blown hanging lights that look fantastic in any modern or eastern style room setting.


2) INSPIRATIONAL LAMPSHive lighting (http://www.hivemodern.com/) looks at modern, ‘state-of-the-art’ iconic lighting designs. This lighting exudes minimal chic and elegance in any contemporary home.

3) SAVE THE PLANET

TP24 (http://www.tp24.com/) offers the Kyoto range of dedicated low energy light fittings. These not only meet the requirements of part L of the building regulations, are the same size as standard light fittings, but are also super stylish and modern for those all important show homes or eco-friendly properties.

4) RECYCLING GLAMOUR

For somethig a little bit diffferent, why not make a dramatic statement with this modern 40-wine bottle chandelier. A talking point at any dinner table, whether in your own home or your favourite restaurant!

These are just a small selection of the most beautiful lighting, available in the marketplace today, to add the finishing touch to your property.

COLOURS THAT GO

Have you noticed how the zingy, zesty colours of summer have been replaced with jewel-like, earthy colours?

Plum is all over the high street at the moment but my personal favourite is Turquoise:

Like these sensational Antique Ebonized and Turquoise Silk chairs (http://www.casasugar.com/1951322, Crave Worthy) from Paris Hotel Boutique.

From the Louis XV chairs you can see how fabulous turquoise looks with black in this glamorous and traditional setting, but this colour combination could easily be applied to a very contemporary and striking room scheme.

For a relaxing and more neutral colour scheme, you could mix turquoise with Chocolate or create an opulent mix with Snow White - just in time for Christmas.

Why not try ‘popping’ turquoise with accents of Citrine (yellow) for the more adventurous of interiors.

However you choose to use the fabulous new season colours in your property, have fun and just give us a call if you need a little help (Gwendoline 07841 519802).

DANDARA (KD TOWER) - CITY BOY

CITY BOY is our design concept that we created for property developer Dandara’s high profile development at KD Tower, in the centre of Hemel Hempstead (http://www.livetheimage.com/.) - a quality build with stunning architectural features.

Our design concept centered on a strong, stylish and contemporary image for a target market of young professionals and investors.



Inspiration for our design was taken from The City pinstripe suit. It focused on clean lines and sharp finishing with regularity and strong forms being key elements; minimal fuss with fantastic impact.

Attention to detail was paramount for each of the three show flats. Every element was carefully selected not only for its function but also its beauty.

Our aim was to create a totally inspirational lifestyle, achievable for the youth and desirable for the investor.


The three show flats were designed with edgy, clean line and slight variations that focused on different market segments:
Flat 1 = Purist (Feminine buyers)
Flat 2 = Graphic (Youthful buyers)
Flat 3 = Dramatic (Masculine buyers)

A vibrant colour scheme of black and white popped with varying tones of yellow flowed throughout the design. Each individual colour scheme maximised the light and architecture of each flat.

Overall, a very solid design that Dandara were highly impressed with. Contact us today to find out more about this or our other commercial designs.

DECLUTTER WITH THE KIDS

You may think we’ve gone completely bonkers to even suggest decluttering with the kids, but it is achievable and can actually be enjoyable!

As with any decluttering task there are some simple steps to follow:

1) START SMALL.

Focus on one room or one area to begin with.

Maybe you’d like to see the children’s bedroom carpet after a long stint or being hidden under a mass of ‘stuff’ and debris, or you may decide to tackle the children’s playroom now that they’re that bit older and no longer play with some of their toys.

2) RESPECT THEIR WISHES

Appreciate that it can take time for all of us to ‘let go’ of things and just because you are ready to give something up doesn’t mean that the children are ready to move on and give it up.

This is particularly important to remember if this is the first time you’ve tackled decluttering with the children.

Often, when a child sees a toy that they haven’t played with for a while they have a renewed joy to connect with it again and rekindle memories of how much fun it was to play with it the first time around. Once they’ve had a play they then remember why they’ve not played with it in such a long time and are then ready to let go.

3) TAKE YOUR TIME

Children like to play as they tidy up, because this is the fun part for them, so it’s best to allow a good half-day or even a full day to decluttering with children.

The first hour will be fun for them, being together and having a good old rummage, but after that they’ll probably get bored or distracted. At this point you either need to stop and come back to it another day or, have a break and then continue.

Set them a reward for each hour they complete, eg: 1 hour = snack of their choice, 2 hours = a comic, 3 hours = an afternoon at their favourite place.

The first few times of decluttering with children are the hardest as it can be very slow going. Once the children have been through a few iterations they learn the process and become much quicker at recognizing which items they want to keep and which toys and books they’ve now had enough of.

4) CLEARING UP IS EASY

Once the children have decided on the items to keep, you need to ensure that their storage solutions are easy for them to maintain.

Children love open topped ‘dump’ boxes where they can throw their toys into when clearing up and then rummage about in after. It’s great if they can label the boxes either with pictures, for those that can’t read, or words for older children, eg: Dolls & Dolls Clothes, Soft Toys, Lego. This is also a great way to teach younger children to read.

As your children mature you should review their storage needs as their toys change. Maybe you start with soft toys in an underbed storage solution and Lego models on a shelf. This then progresses to Lego being stored under the bed and books on the shelf.

5) GET HELP

If you don’t have the time or this is all a little too difficult and you need some additional support, then just call us (Gwendoline 07841 519802) and we’ll pop over to get you started.

FIND OUT MORE

For further advice or assistance on anything to do with your property, whether residential or commercial, just contact our interior design specialist using any of the following details:


GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Blog: http://www.ga-interiors.blogspot.com/

Facebook: GA Interiors Fan page
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GA_Interiors
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors

Oaklands College - Next Steps In Interior Design

Improve your knowledge of interior design with our Next Steps In Interior Design course, run in collaboration with Oaklands College.

It's a 10 week course, every Thursday evening (19:30 - 21:30), and is being held at the St Albans campus commencing 8th October 2009.

Our aim is to expand your knowledge of interior design and we cover aspects such as:
- Interior Design throughout the ages
- The use of colour
- How to create a professional mood board
- Drawing skills
- Flower arranging
- Decluttering and Storage solutions
- Trade considerations
- Business considerations, including social networking
- Project Management

It's a great course for anyone undertaking their own build project or those wanting to take interior design further as a career.

Enroll on the course by visiting http://bit.ly/15Ocqn.

See you there,
GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER
E-MAIL: gwendoline@ ga-interiors.co.uk

WEBSITE: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/ga_interiors

DESIGNER PETS

Check out these glamorous animals in interior design:

1) DOG WALLPAPER: BEST IN SHOW, Osborne & Litle http://bit.ly/ghmQP

2) BUTTERFLY WALLPAPER: FLUTURA http://bit.ly/17crhz

3) HORSE standard LAMP: Moooi http://bit.ly/bKKOW

4) FLYING DUCKS Wallart: Retro black flying ducks http://bit.ly/17QOxW

5) DEER HEAD Wallart: Graham & Green http://bit.ly/ou4PB




Let me know of any other items that you come across, or better still - send me your pics.

GWENDOLINE
CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER
gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
www.ga-interiors.co.uk

What's your EIQ?

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

This month's Toastmasters magazine (Sep09, Sushma Subramanian) poses the question of emotional intelligence and it's link to public speaking.


Public speaking may be standing on a stage in an auditorium delivering a corporate presentation, talking to a classroom of students or deligates, or networking at an event.


Sushma refers to Daniel Goleman's renowned book 'Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ' (http://bit.ly/3lhTm) that says 90% of success in people's lives can be accounted for by measures outside of IQ. Matters such as:


- Self-awareness

- Self-management of behaviours, such as body language

- Social Awareness, or the ability to perceive other people's emotions

- Relationship management


The article focuses on the relationship between the speaker and the audience, where the speaker makes an assessment of the audience's needs prior to speaking and then adjusts any story telling or examples in their speach so that they are more appropriate to the demographics of the group and the mood of the moment.


This is something that I personally think should and could be dealt with prior to the event. A good speaker will always find out interpersonal information about the audience prior to speaking so that they have a tailored speech.


The delivery of that speech on the day will depend on the mood of the speaker and interactive feedback from the audience. In toastmasters, we are advised to always prepare more substance to speak about than the time allows as this gives greater flexibility in your speech.


It's the feedback from and the relationship with the audience that relates to emotional intelligence. Steve Mitten, an emotional intelligence coach (Vancouver, Canada), says "It becomes more of a dance between the audience and the speaker, and it leads to a more powerful talk."

So, how do you pick up signs that your audience are highly interested or even bored in what you have to say? How do you know when to expand on a topic or move onto the next?


Just because someone doodles on a pad, takes copious notes, or never looks at you doesn't mean that their ears aren't open and you don't have their attention. I personally take notes and listen at the same time because it helps me to consolidate what I've listened to.



In the article, Sushma indicates that Emotional Intelligence is just a new title for old management techniques that identify personality and learning traits. I'm inclined to agree.

For years now psychlogists have been trying to work out the hows? and why? of human life. There have been many studies and papers on personal interaction that's both verbal and non-verbal. An interesting book I came across is 'Secrets of the Face', Lailan Young (ISBN 0 340 32355 8).

It facinates me how we like to pigeon hole and label things. We're an orderly society and like to have reasons and rationalisation.

So, what's your Emotional IQ and is it important?

I understand it simply as, your ability to perceive the feelings of others. In terms of giving a speech, it's important because you want to make a personal connection with the audience. That personal connection gives you the feeling of satisfaction that your speech was enjoyed and informative for the audience.

A pleasant time was had by all.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON

CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER

www.ga-interiors.co.uk

Live approx 6.7 years longer

This is an interesting article that I came upon recently:

"US Research has suggested that you can live approximately 6.7 years longer by being creative.

They believe that creative thinkers tend to be in better health, possibly because their ability to solve problems helps them to beat stress and gives them a sense of being in control of their lives.

Expressing feelings creatively is also a great way to boost your emotional wellbeing."

Personally, I have found that I'm more creative when I am most stressed or worried.

I love writing poetry, bringing new life to old pieces of furniture, researching interior trends throughout history and especially different countries.

I also love quirky things such as 'Men & Sheds' by Gordon Thorburn (New Holland Publishers Ltd ISBN 1 84330 329 9).

On top of this, I also find psychology facinating. Why have you chosen a specific item or colour in your home. Why have you chosen to put it together in your individual way? Checkout 'Living Normally' by Trevor Naylor (Thames & Hudson ISBN-10: 0-500-51350-3) - where life comes before style!

If you want to take your brain out of it's box, and expand your creative thinking, then checkout 'The art of looking sideways.' by Alan Fletcher (Phaidon 1994). It's a great source of visionary and textural pictures and words to salivate your senses.

Enjoy and live longer :-)

GWENDOLINE
(CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGNER)

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GA_Interiors

How To..... Choose the right Taps

HOW TO..... CHOOSE THE RIGHT TAPS

Today I went out in search of some new taps and I appreciate how daunting it can be for some of you so here are a few top tips to help you out.

TIP 1 = IDENTIFY WHAT YOU DON'T WANT (MODERN or TRADITIONAL)

If you know what you definitely don't want then it's easier to find what you do want.

For example, if you're creating a modern look and feel in your bathroom or kitchen then you can exclude any traditional looking styles. Whereas, if you're putting together a farmhouse kitchen then modern taps can be excluded from your search.

TIP 2 = IDENTIFY THE FINISH

Again, you're narrowing down your search by specifying the material or finish of the taps, eg: chrome, brass, copper.

TIP 3 = IDENTIFY THE DETAIL

Once you've decided on the finish and the overall look (modern or traditional) that you require, you can start looking at the detail of the taps.

Do you want a single mixer tap or separate hot and cold taps?

TIP 4 = IDENTIFY THE STYLE

Once you've worked through the previous tips you'll have a good idea of the overall look and feel that you're working towards for your kitchen or bathroom.

You can then apply these ideas and start to single out taps within this overall look and feel. Do you want a linear, square look or do you prefer more rounded fittings?

Remember, Design is in the Detail, so it is worth giving some time to this part of your search.

TIP 5 = WORK WITHIN YOUR BUDGET

Your budget is the last consideration as many tap styles are now available in all price ranges.

Work within your budget to find the best taps that fit into your requirements for all of the above tips.

Of course, if you're still a little confused or need a little help then just call us (07841 519802) and we'll give you the best of our advice.

Men & Their Sheds

Did you see in this weeks Sunday Times (James Vaughan, 12Sep09) an article entitled "A place where men can shed their inhibitions."


It starts with "Where do you think is the defining symbol of modern masculinity? A beer can? A fast car? No, the garden shed."


It then continues by saying, "The satellite television channel Discovery Shed has found that this humble wooden structure has cultural currency, potency and relevance to British men."


Well, who'd have thought that because of the recession more and more men are seeking solace in their sheds.

Back in December 2008 I shared my Toastmasters' speech with you, on this very blog, that was entitled "Men & their Sheds". I relayed some of the interesting happenings and goings on in the wooden constructions hidden at the botom of the garden.

Some men, as you'd expect have their shed refuge as a secondary pub/watering hole whilst others give cinema shows to the 3rd generation/older ladies of the village. The most dredded encounter for me would be to open a shed door to a whole host of exotic, creeping reptiles...

The Times article completes by saying, "Whereas women tend to use their social networks to express their feelings, men don't have those same outlets. A shed provides a man with the physical and emotional space he needs."

It makes me wonder if all men secretly yearn for a shed. I'd love to know your opinions.

Toastmasters Humorous Competition

Great fun was had last night at the Toastmasters Humorous Speech Competition, based at the West Herts Speakers Club in Saint Albans.

The format was 4 contestants (Michael, Karen, Emma and Anthony) going head to head with their humorous speeches.

The first speech was an insight into Michael's internet and speed dating experiences. He's clearly had some fun over the years and ended up with some great relationships, and children!

Speech number two, from Karen, was my personal favourite. She weaved a very lighthearted and entertaining argument for us ladies having a few extra pounds of weight - they're called love handles for a reason! I especially loved the way that she took quotes from different authors and wove them into her persuasive argument - very clever and highly interesting.

Emma's speech was more surreal with the invention of a little man that sits in the chair next to you telling you of the woe to become you at every step. She recalled a story of how she ended up in hospital having tore a contact lens leaving part in her eye. All the time she waited in the waiting room this imaginery man ,with a squeaky voice and twisted face, played in her mind all of the gory consequences that might occur. It was a very descriptive and quirky speech with fantastic visual imagery.

The final speech, given by Anthony, told of his experiences in and sights of London. It was particularly amusing when he put a pair of denim shorts over his trousers and regailed his vision of the London youth with their low-hung trousers. He even had the teenage walk down to a fine art as he swaggered around the room! Hilarious.

Anthony won the competition (big congratulations) and Emma was runner up. Both of these winners now go forwards to the Toastmasters Area competition being held on Sunday, 4th October (Quality Hotel, St Albans).

It was such a sociable evening and great fun.

Gwendoline.
West Herts Speakers Club,
Area 20,
Toastmasters international.

www.west-herts-speakers.org.uk
www.toastmasters.org

House Gift - ITV1

Have you seen the latest Interior Design offering on ITV1? It's called House Gift and I love it - I'm hooked.

3 Designers are each given a different budget, eg: £80, £300 and £1,000. They then have to use their budget to buy an item of their own choice for a house. The owner of the house then selects the item that they love the most in their home.

Today the designers were Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Danielle Proud and Tom Keene.

Laurence (£300 budget) chose 2 multi-coloured 'bobble' rugs, Danielle (£80 budget) chose a standard 'rope' light and Tom (£1,000 budget) chose a french style dining table and chairs.

Danielle won because the lamp she selected was a standalone piece of artwork and this suited the homeowners quirkiness and individuality.

Let me know what you think of the programme.