Decorating with intention As the minimalism trend continues to be commodified into a means of simplifying the home, we might see fewer solid blocks of colour and more well-placed, thoughtful accent pieces to catch the eye. The ‘everything has a place’ look has taken centre stage in recent years, but it isn’t an easy aesthetic to achieve. A good place to start is focusing on smart storage solutions and organisation to cut out the clutter and give your home that brand-new feel.
Victorian era accents For a seamless blend of old and new in the home, we’re seeing a rise in interest in the aesthetics of the 19th century. With ornate oak pieces, delicate tiles and simple shapes, the Victorian era adds texture to the home as well as a timeless, opulent aesthetic.
Upcycling This year, we’re transforming old into new through creative reuse, or ‘upcycling’. The home accumulates a wealth of waste products yearly, but some are better off transformed than thrown away. Breathe some new life into your home without having to replace a thing. Painting, fixing, and transforming old furniture items will leave your home with a unique and original feel.
Statement tiles Bold backsplashes and statement shower walls can break up the monotony of a room with a touch of colour and texture. Tiles are easy to clean and maintain, which would explain their rise in popularity within modern family homes. From porcelain and ceramic to glass and natural stone, there is an endless array of shapes and styles to choose from.
Window seats Window seats with hidden storage and big, fluffy pillows are the perfect way to kick back with a book and take in the views from the outside world. The best part is that you don’t need to chop into any floor space to implement this extra seating area, making it ideal for smaller living rooms and bedrooms.
Understated luxury Understated luxury is a subtle and thoughtful application of elegance in the home to enhance everyday living. Interiors with this theme will feature plenty of discreet smart technology, sustainable materials, and classic design elements to balance the contemporary style.
The renaissance of brown interiors 2023 was a big year for soft, muted greys, but the next natural transition appears to be classic browns. Chocolate neutrals are likely to be seen in fabrics, textiles, and cabinetry, introducing a much needed sense of warmth into the home.
Calculate your budget Before you start searching for your perfect property, it is important to calculate your budget so you know what price range you should be looking at. To calculate an accurate and realistic estimate, you should consider your income, savings, and monthly expenses. It's a good idea to let a mortgage adviser help you with this, as they will give you an estimate of what you can afford based on your situation.
Get a pre-approved mortgage Mortgage pre-approval is a process that involves a lender conducting a thorough assessment of an individual’s financial history to establish the maximum loan amount they can receive. Several things are checked in mortgage pre-approval, such as your credit score, bank statements, and payslips. As well as creating additional mortgage options that are personalised to you, having a pre-approved mortgage will make you stand out as a serious buyer, which can give you an advantage when searching and making offers for properties.
Use an experienced estate agent When buying a home, using the services provided by an experienced estate agent is paramount. The knowledge and expertise they possess contribute to a successful, stress-free process and help you make informed decisions. They are equipped with a large network of connections, which allows them to access a greater selection of homes that meet your needs and desires. Furthermore, estate agents manage the intricate web of legal and financial factors involved in buying a home, providing vital information and support throughout the process. It is important that you seek their assistance when preparing to make an offer for a property, as they can suggest a sensible amount to put on the table.
Find your ideal home When looking for your perfect home, there are several things you need to consider, one of which is the location of the property and its access to important amenities such as schools, hospitals, and transportation links. Aside from the practicalities of a location, you should also ensure that you enjoy the overall feel of the neighbourhood so that you are confident that you will enjoy living there. You should also consider what type of property you need based on your situation. For example, if you have a growing family, you might want to search for a house with multiple bedrooms and a spacious garden.
Inspect the property Once you have found a property that you are interested in buying, you should make sure to give it a thorough inspection. This is crucial as it could reveal issues that you did not previously spot when you viewed the property. It could be a good idea to hire a surveyor, as they will check for any issues with the property and detail their findings to you so that you are fully aware of the condition of the home you are looking to buy.
Read the contract Thoroughly reviewing the entire contract is essential when buying a property to ensure a smooth and legally sound exchange. Professionally examining the contract will help you find any hidden clauses that could otherwise be overlooked, meaning there will be fewer unpleasant shocks or disagreements in the future. There is nothing in the contract that is unimportant, so you mustn't skip any parts or ignore anything you do not understand. If you find something in the contract that you are unhappy with, it is best to get in touch with your estate agent as they will suggest the best course of action.
Highlight your tenant criteria It’s important to know what kind of tenant would be the most suitable for your rental property, as you’ll need to be able to highlight exactly what you’re looking for. This will help your estate agent to narrow down the search and find tenants more efficiently. They can also filter out anyone who does not meet your criteria and may be better suited to a different home. This is also a great opportunity to establish your stance on pets, smoking, and students.
Keep up with regular maintenance Part of the allure of renting is knowing that all major repairs and maintenance issues will be taken care of by someone else, so having someone responsive to attend to your property is essential for drawing in tenants and keeping them happy long-term.
Make your property appealing Tenants need to know that their potential home is worth what they’re paying for, so make sure it stands out above the rest. Create a winter maintenance checklist to ensure it’s looking its best in time for viewings. This might include replacing tired furniture, freshening up the paintwork and making minor repairs where needed.
Prioritise energy efficiency Speaking of getting your money’s worth, energy efficiency plays a huge role in how much it costs to live in your property. As a landlord, you can help minimise your property’s environmental impact and save your tenants money on household bills by bolstering your EPC rating. This might include new insulation, replacing bulbs with LEDs, and installing double or triple-glazed windows. Energy efficiency is high on the priority list for many renters, so having your EPC in the green is a great way to attract tenants.
Rethink your demographic If you aren’t having much luck with your target tenant, it could be worth considering a different tenant group. For example, if you have been marketing your property towards students, but it’s located too far from campus, you might have better luck marketing to young professionals instead.
Include desirable features If you want your property to stand out from the crowd, it’s good to offer something desirable that sets your listing apart from the rest. An example of this is including bills in the rent, as this will attract tenants who need to budget carefully. Small touches like installing fast broadband will also go a long way, especially since there has been a huge influx of remote and hybrid workers in the UK.
Slow down the flow Many people will overlook the issue of traffic flowing through the front door until it’s too late, and coats and shoes are all over the place. Decide early on where guests will put their coats as they walk in and try to make as much room as possible for scarves, gloves, hats and bags. If you have a cupboard under the stairs, give it a good clean-up and leave some extra space for umbrellas and wellies.
Have a big clear-out Before the kids get their new toys, your wardrobe gets updated and your bookshelves fill up with the latest bestsellers, make sure to have a clear-out. Now is the perfect time to donate items and free up some space in your rooms. If you have any newer items sitting around that you don’t have use for, consider selling them and using the money for additional Christmas presents.
Lighting choices For relaxing indoors, warm, low lighting is perfect. Harsh lighting can be headache-inducing and that’s the last thing your guests will want after their Christmas dinner. Instead, you can create a cosy ambience using candles, fairy lights and the warm glow of the fireplace.
Clear away the clutter You will need floor space for opening presents, games of charades, and gathering around the TV; so it’s a good idea to move some furniture around on a temporary basis and remove any clutter taking up the room.
Dress for the season Dress your dining table to the nines with festive placemats and decorative table runner to create a central focus point. You could even add name cards for each guest and decide on a seating plan beforehand for a welcoming and personal touch.
Prepare the guest bathroom Your guest bathroom will see a lot more traffic than its used to, so make sure it’s ready for all your guests. Start with a deep clean, focusing on fresh clean smells and shiny surfaces. Then you can move on to the final touches like stocking up the toilet roll, hanging a fresh guest towel and refilling the soap dispenser.
Creating a welcoming environment If someone is spending Christmas with you, they most likely already feel very welcome in your home. Enhance that warm feeling by making sure the heating is on, blankets are ready and candles are filling the room with sweet smells. Be sure to keep the food and drinks coming, the festive tunes playing and you can’t go far wrong.
Start early A huge factor in making sure your home is ready for Christmas, is simply preparing it for winter. Check that the door and window seals are in good working order, cracks in the walls are filled in and consider investing in some draft excluders. Litter blankets and cushions on every sofa, and make sure your fireplace is clean and working so everything is ready for your guests to gather around the TV after Christmas dinner.
Prepare yourself and your tenants for Christmas Robberies and theft tend to peak during holiday periods, so get in touch with your tenants and ask what their plans are over the season. If they are going to be away from the property for some time, advise them on how to deter thieves such as keeping their lights on a timer, asking a trusted neighbour to accept parcels and ensure all doors and windows are secure. You will also want to enjoy the holiday period, so if you’re going away or will be unavailable over Christmas, make sure you inform your tenants of this and explain how and when they will be able to contact you, should there be an emergency. If you’re planning to take a break for a little while, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone else to be on call instead.
Complete your winter checks Get your winter checks done as early as possible, as any issues will become harder to resolve the closer you get to Christmas. Check the heating system is in good working condition, the gutters are clear of leaves and mulch from autumn, and nothing has frozen over in the cold, such as pipes and door locks. Once you’re certain your property can withstand the cold winter months, you can put your feet up and enjoy a mince pie knowing that you drastically reduced the risk of any weather-related disasters.
Discuss decorations Most people will want to make their house cosy and festive in the winter months, and tenants are no exception. Let your tenants know they have the freedom to decorate the home but be clear on the conditions and any boundaries you may have. It’s important that you establish this early on to avoid any disputes.
Be fire conscious During the festive season, homes will be dressed up in lights, candles and all manner of bright, sparkly things to illuminate the dark evenings. To reduce the risk of fires, give your tenants a fire safety refresh and check all doors and handles are meeting legislation standards. Tell tenants not to use old Christmas lights, to never leave any lights or candles unattended, and to try keep them off during the day to prevent overheating.
Plan for the year ahead As this year comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to start planning out the year ahead, whilst also reflecting on the past 12 months. Take the time out to think about everything that went well for you this year and how you can improve going forward so that you can enter the New Year with a fresh mindset and an improved strategy.
Send season’s greetings Last but not least, show your tenant’s your appreciation for taking care of your property by sending them a seasonal card, or maybe even a small gift to thank them for being a good tenant.
Start with a colour scheme that ties in with the room It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the joyous seasonal colours and create an unintentional sense of chaos in your living room. Consider picking out a colour scheme which complements your regular furniture, as sticking to a palette will create a sleek and modern look which blends seamlessly into your home, while also honouring the festive traditions we know and love.
Try rustic designs Rustic items evoke feelings of cosiness due to the association with nature and warmth – which is why they are perfect for Christmas decor. Try out wooden Christmas ornaments, upcycled mason jars and natural garlands. Don’t forget to make use of decorative pinecones, dried oranges and holly sprigs for endlessly comforting smells and textures.
Update your shelves Add some drama to your living space by decorating your shelves with Christmas trinkets and winter foliage. Fake snow is a whimsical touch that works well on shelves for an effect that’s reminiscent of snow-covered rooftops.
For the minimalists… If you love Christmas but not the drama, you can subtly set the scene with a few nods to the season around your home. Skip the tree and style a glowing tree lamp with simple hanging decorations, create a centrepiece on your table using either sparkly ornaments or a bowl of festive potpourri. Make use of winter textures and patterns to cosy up your rooms, such as tartan blankets and pillows, faux fur rugs and white bedding that mimics the blankets of snow outside.
For the maximalists… If you’re feeling big, bold and bright, now is your time to start decorating to the nines. For a retro look, break out the nutcrackers, themed ornaments, singing Santas and tinsel, as these items will take you right back to Christmas past. To truly embrace the fun of the season, reject any restraints and allow colours and patterns to conquer the space, as doing so will create a room bursting with character and warmth.
Christmas lights No Christmas set-up is complete without a few twinkling lights. Traditionally, Christmas lights around the tree are supposed to be as flashy and colourful as possible. However, these may not be to everyone's taste so to achieve a softer look which complements the room rather than dominating it, opt for white or yellow lights on a slow-changing setting.
Create festive wreaths Store-bought wreaths rarely have the same charm as when they are handmade. If you’ve got a hot glue gun handy and a little extra time to get creative with your decorations, crafting your own wreath out of dry or faux foliage will add a personal touch to your front door that captures the homely feeling of the holidays.
Make things cosy One of the key elements in getting your home ready for Christmas is to ensure everything is as cosy as possible. Especially if you plan on having guests, make sure every seating area has enough blankets and pillows, snacks are within easy reach and the fireplace is clean and ready to use
Change the hardware If your kitchen is in need of a few finishing touches, updating your hardware is a cheap and easy way to transform the space. Give your cabinets some personality by updating the knobs and pulls with quirky and ornate models that bring a whole new lease on life to the space.
Create a mood board Contrive a spot for creativity in your room or home office with an arrangement of pictures, postcards and magazine cutouts. Design with whatever inspires you. For example, you could use your mood board to reflect the season, your lifestyle, or any projects you're currently working on. Mood boards give the room a glowing personal touch while also creating an attractive focal point.
Display statement art Oversized, eye-catching, and abstract artwork is a great way to showcase your personality and keep something that speaks to you close by. Choose areas of the home which could benefit from a pop of colour, such as a dark corner or an empty alcove. A punchy piece of art will really liven up the space and remove any sense of dullness.
Hang a pet portrait Pay homage to your pet with a framed portrait capturing their furry or scaly likeness. You can commission a local artist or search online for any particular art style you like. Whether it’s a soft watercolour painting, a funny caricature, or a hyper-realistic rendering, hanging a pet portrait is a great way to make yourself at home.
Vintage finds Scour charity shops, car boot sales, and online marketplaces for unique vintage items that speak to you. Whether it's an antique mirror, a retro lamp, or a quirky piece of furniture, vintage finds can infuse character and history into your home.
Annotate your bookshelf A great joy for booklovers is having guests take a nosy at their collections. Make it easier for them to flick through all your favourite quotes and titbits by annotating your most beloved books with highlighters, sticky tabs, and homemade bookmarks.
DIY projects Embrace your creative side by taking on some DIY projects. Hand-paint a mural on a bedroom wall, create custom shelving or craft unique decor items. The satisfaction of creating something with your own hands will make your home even more special.
Create a colour scheme with furniture The best way to make a home feel like yours is to develop a well-thought-out colour scheme. Colour coding your furniture and accessories is also a great way to implement your favourite colours, without having to paint the walls. Set your base colour with larger items like rugs, blankets, and curtains, then work in your accent shades with throw pillows, accessories, and tableware.
Use removable adhesive strips In many rental properties, landlords may request permission before knocking nails into walls. However, if you can't get permission from your landlord and love hanging artwork and family photographs, you can now do so with no nails, no hammer and no mess! Invest in some damage-free adhesive strips for all your wall décor and artwork.
Go green Bring a touch of nature indoors by incorporating houseplants. Not only do plants add a fresh and vibrant element to your space, but they also contribute to improved air quality and a sense of tranquility.
Upcycle and paint Just because you can’t paint your walls, doesn’t mean you can’t take a brush to your own furniture for a personal touch! Get creative with second-hand pieces that could use some TLC. To prep your chosen item, use a mild detergent to wash and abrade the surface, then coat with an appropriate primer. Once it’s dry, choose a paint colour and get to work on transforming – you might even find some of your favourite furniture pieces this way. Just don't forget to cover the floor before you get to work to avoid droplets of paint, or even better, if you have outdoor space, paint outdoors.
Design with lighting Good lighting can have a transformative effect on your space. Choose rooms which have limited natural lighting and make use of quirky lamps, candles, and fairy lights. You could even use stick-on battery lights in shoe cupboards and wardrobes for optimised task lighting in the areas that need it.
Invest in multifunctional furniture Maximise your space by incorporating multifunctional furniture pieces. Consider a pull-out sofa bed for guests, a coffee table with storage, or a folding dining table. These additions not only enhance functionality and create more space but also contribute to a more personalised and comfortable environment.
Scent your space Appeal to your senses by introducing your favourite cosy scents. Candles, essential oil diffusers, or room sprays can add an appealing touch and create a comforting atmosphere which feels like a warm hug.
Dress the windows If the curtains aren’t your style, swap them out for a design that speaks to you – just make sure to safely store away any original window dressings. You can also incorporate your favourite seasonal patterns and colours this way. Tie the new look together with some seasonal foliage and fairy lights on the ledge, and you’ll be able to update your windows every time you need a seasonal pick-me-up.
Take stock of your current collection Before creating a library for your home, it’s important to take an inventory of the books you already have. Are some ready for donation? Are there any incomplete collections? Will every book fit into your storage units? If you’re an avid reader, you should also allow some room for the collection to grow over the years.
Annotate your books One of the primary joys of having a home library is being able to showcase your most beloved books, but it’s a shame to let them sit stagnant over the years. Instead of having to go back and re-read, annotate a few of your favourite quotes and passages, as this will enable you to flick through whenever you feel like reminiscing.
Find a suitable space A home library is truly whatever you make it, and how much space you’re willing to dedicate will depend on how much spare square footage is available in your home. However, there are a few things you should be cautious about. Firstly, avoid areas of the home which are subject to moisture and regular temperature changes, as this can lead to the growth of mould or mildew. Secondly, make sure shelves are not situated too close to any windows as this could also damage your books.
Create a cosy seating area A dreamy home library will have a cosy and ergonomic seating area in which you can kick back and crack open a book from your collection. Choose a comfortable, quiet space near a window where you can really escape from the rest of the world.
Consider the lighting Lighting is an important consideration as you’ll want to create a good balance between ambient and task lighting. While it’s great to get cosy with dim lights and candles, reading under poor lighting can result in tension headaches and even damage to your vision. Warmer lights which are closer to the yellow end of the colour spectrum create ideal reading conditions, without making the room feel too clinical.
Organise your books An organised collection of books - whether colour-coded or alphabetically arranged – is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Create a sense of harmony in your home library by arranging your books into a visually pleasant order. This will eliminate any sense of chaos caused by years of book collecting.
In the midst of economic challenges, the Northern Ireland property market stands resilient, showcasing remarkable trends in both national and local housing spheres. Let's delve into key insights from the Autumn 2023 review by Dataloft.
Sales Resilience: Property sales reached 86,510 in July 2023, reflecting a 16.3% decrease from July 2022. Despite the economic backdrop, motivated buyers seeking correctly priced homes contribute to the market's robustness.
Summer Slowdown: July and August traditionally witness a slowdown in property sales. This year, a 1.9% month-on-month fall in August suggests growing realism in the market, with vendors competitively pricing to attract buyers.
Mortgage Landscape: With improving inflation data, lenders have been cutting fixed mortgage rates. Mortgage approvals, though lower than a year ago, have shown improvement over recent months.
Demand and Lettings: Demand remains strong due to robust employment levels and record annual wage growth. Rental growth is on the rise, with the average UK rent in August at £1,261, a 10.3% YoY increase.
Inflation and Interest Rates: Inflation, showing signs of easing, fell to 6.8% in July. Interest rates are expected to peak in 2023, with a subsequent moderate decline predicted in 2024.
Regional Insights: Northern Ireland's property price growth moderated to 2.7%, remaining positive. Belfast, Ards and North Down, and Antrim and Newtownabbey lead in private stock turnover.
Market Dynamics: Despite constraints in the property supply, the market sees homes selling more quickly. Realistically priced homes continue to attract multiple prospective buyers.
Conclusion: Northern Ireland's property market exhibits resilience amid economic uncertainties, with key indicators portraying a market adapting to challenges while maintaining a positive trajectory.
Wicked window decorations Decorate your house from the inside out with a bewitching window display. If your front-facing window has a substantial ledge, let your glowing pumpkins, ambient lanterns and spooky night lights take a seat. If there isn’t much of a ledge to perch on, you can use removable window clings, creepy silhouettes, or even just cut out some paper bats and spiders to hang. For a ghostly effect, cover your windows with sheer, tattered fabric that will gently sway in the breeze.
Costumed decor Dress up your everyday home decor items with Halloween costumes. Put witches' hats on your figurines, wrap your throw pillows in mummy-like bandages, or give your stuffed animals some spooky accessories.
Haunted house lighting If you’re planning on entertaining, set an eerie mood by replacing your regular light bulbs with orange or purple ones. Use LED candles, string lights, or lanterns to create a haunted ambience. Paper lanterns with spooky faces or ghostly shapes can also be a fantastic addition to your decor. Alternatively, skip the lighting and create an ghostly ambience by lighting lots of candles.
Magic potion bottles Upcycle your empty toiletry and perfume bottles by transforming them into wicked potions and ingredients. Get crafty and print off your own spooky labels for your haunting concoctions. From ‘Dragon’s Blood’ to ‘Spider Venom’, you could even create a drinks station by swapping out the bottle labels with a mixture of tricks and treats.
Create a witchy wreath Swap out your autumnal wreath for a bewitching Halloween arrangement. You can easily create your own wreath using fake spider webs, plastic spiders, small pumpkins, and some artificial autumn leaves. Hang it on your front door to welcome trick-or-treaters.
Get your treats ready While you’re prepping goodies for answering the door on Halloween night, bowls of treats can also make great eye-catching centrepieces. Whether it’s tantalising toffee apples or novelty iced biscuits, display them by the door or on the dining table to bring a sense of childlike joy.
Welcome the nightmares Create a Halloween-themed dreamcatcher to hang in your bedroom. Incorporate elements like black feathers, miniature skulls, and spider charms for a hauntingly beautiful night's sleep.
Frightening floral arrangements Create unique floral arrangements using black roses, dark purple lilies, and deep red dahlias. Add some fake cobwebs and creepy crawlies to give your vases a sinister twist.
Cosy scents While summer scents are light and airy like fresh linen and Eucalyptus to reflect the outdoors, the most beloved autumnal scents are rich and heady like vanilla, cedarwood and pumpkin spice.
Introduce cosy smells with soy candles, wax melts, and reed diffusers. You could even go one step further by simmering some fruits and herbs on the stove to capture the essence of autumn and mark your whole house with your favourite seasonal smells.
Enrich your walls with artwork There’s no more seamless way to implement a pop of colour into your home than by hanging a piece of eye-catching artwork. Look for impressionist landscape prints for that soft yet colourful look, perfect for autumn.
Prepare for the cold Blanket season is upon us, so get your sofas and beds ready with chunky cable knits, plaid blankets, and fluffy throws. If your bedroom is ill-equipped for chilly nights, layer up your bedding with throw cushions, blankets, and an appointed cuddly toy to tie the whole thing together.
Soften up the seating Autumn marks the beginning of home-cooked dinner season, so make sure the seats at your dining table are ready for frequent use. Assess the situation, could a few pillows provide better back support? Could a hard bench benefit from a fluffy throw? Would seat protectors add a nice touch of colour and comfort? Whatever your choices, take inspiration from Scandinavian design, where hard meets soft to evoke a sense of cosiness.
Refresh the carpet There’s nothing more inviting than a soft carpet or rug at your feet on a cold day, and the season of renewal is a great time to bring those fibres back to life. Baking soda is an excellent go-to solution for reviving your carpet or an old rug. Not only does it have cleaning properties, but it will also remove odours and bring up down-trodden fibres. Apply a generous amount and then use a stiff brush to work it in.
Create a warm welcome Is your entryway primed for heavy coats, thick scarves, and muddy boots galore? If not, set up an organised and welcoming space by cleaning out any shoe cupboards, setting up a coat stand and implementing some hooks and shelves. Finish the whole thing off with a durable welcome matt and you’ll thank yourself come winter when guests pile in with the outdoors caked to the bottom of their shoes.
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