Chris Talks Home Design: 2014

We should not underestimate the effectiveness of light in our homes. Lighting can have a significant impact not just on the ambience and feel of a room but also on our mood and even health. And we must not forget energy costs!

There are many different types of artificial lighting that you can use light up a room, however in my opinion you cannot beat natural sunlight.

There are many benefits of having natural light pouring into your home. As well as being a much softer light as opposed to some harsher artificial lights, sunlight can have significant health benefits. Everyone knows that sunlight provides humans with Vitamin C (antioxidant, immune system, blood pressure etc) However studies have shown that sunlight plays a big part in Vitamin D levels in the body. Vitamin D has been linked to alleviating depression and minimizing the risk of cancer.

Unfortunately everyday life commands us to spend much of the day in doors whether you’re at work, driving or relaxing in front of the TV (there’s nothing wrong with that!).

Sun tunnels work through tunnels with mirrored surfaces being connected from the roof to ceiling in order to reflect sunlight into a room. They are great for dark and dingy areas…like that bathroom with no windows or that long dark halway.

Velux are just one of the companies that manufacture and fit sun tunnels and prices start from about £300. This might sound expensive but remember that you will end up saving on energy costs for years to come.

In these pictures, Velux demonstrate how there sun tunnels can transform a dark hallway and I’m sure you’ll agree, the sun tunnels themselves look pretty cool.

They also do not look too bad on the roof!

Thanks for reading!

Chris Adams

“Home is any for walls that enclose the right person” - Helen Rowland

No matter how big the house, we always seem to be short of storage space. It is quite typical for us to live within our means – The more space we have, the more we seem to store!

However, fear not, it is possible to create bags more storage space even in the smallest spaces. It just requires a bit of imagination.

Here are 21 tips for adding more storage space in your home.

Spring clean – This may sound like common sense but this is probably the easiest way to create space for storage but one of the most looked over. Having a clean up of unnecessary clutter will undoubtedly create space to store other items. Have a go and be ruthless!

Built in wardrobes – The good thing about built-in wardrobes is that they offer complete floor to ceiling space inside. Many offer adaptable shelving and railing too so that you can make the most out of the space.

Wardrobe railing & shelves – You can create more storage in ordinary wardrobes too by adding shelves or rails. Have a look in your wardrobe – how much space is wasted? Try fitting two rows of railing.

Frame your door – Adding a shelving unit around your door frame can provide you with space to display bits and bobs. It also looks great as a bookcase. If you have a door at the end of a hallway, framing the door can create a fantastic eye catching feature piece!

Alcove shelves – By simply adding shelves in your alcoves you immediately add storage space for things you don’t mind on show. Shelving in alcoves either side of a fireplace is a great way to display your favourite pieces.

Above door shelves - Stick a shelf above your door to display items or hold decorative boxes. Just make sure its fitted properly so it doesn't fall on your head.

Full wall storage – If you have a spare wall, why not turn the whole wall into a storage unit. All doors should close flat so as to give the impression that no storage exists. This also can be used as an effective feature wall – See the example below

Use spare rooms – if you’re lucky enough to have the spare rooms, don’t waste them! Why not turn one into a walk in wardrobe or a store – just make sure it’s usable. However beware – if you do keep the room tidy and organised then you risk the room just becoming a ‘junk room’ which will just continue collecting clutter!

Alter your layout – If you have spare cash then why not re-jig the layout of your house. I’m not talking about completely rebuilding (unless you want to). If you have an overly large room, why not split the room in two and create a storage room or a walk in wardrobe if you suffer from clothes and shoes hoarding!

Divider walls – These are great! By putting up a divider wall in a room you can create the illusion of two rooms. These walls can be used to hide mess (not advised!) and create storage opportunities. Stick a few shelves up and a chest of drawers against the wall and ta-da! See the example below.

Border shelving – Try adding narrow shelving around the perimeter of a room or in a hallway. This can be used for displays of as a bookcase, great if you have loads of books. One tip is too put the shelves up above head height (especially in narrow hallways) to avoid hitting your head.

Bay window seating – Creating storage under your bay window is perfect for things that need to be easily accessible, however its just as effective for long term storage. Stick a few cushions on top and you’ve got yourself some extra seating too.

Under bed storage –Buy or make some nice boxes or a draw to go under the bed. Good place to hide those extra clothes!

Hooks – Might not be the most covert storage solution, or the prettiest but its better your coats and accessories hanging on a hook than scattered on the floor. Hooks that fit over the back of your door are cheap but if you want something a bit more appealing to the eye then why not make your own hooks out of well…have a look below…

Decorative boxes – Obvious but can also be used to accessorize a room. Choose boxes that fit in with the theme of your room and arrange them stylishly.

Pots and Jars – Don’t waste drawers on pens, pencils, buttons and other small items ends. Grabs some old pots and jars and fill them with your odds and ends and stick them on a shelf. Do it right and it can look pretty good!

Storage seats – For example ottamans provide easy storage and extra seats – two birds one stone!

Stair storage – Stairs take up a lot of space, so why not take advantage of the wasted space in and under stairs to create storage. Create and under stair cupboard to hide your hoover etc. Or take a look at the ingenious idea below – creating little storage compartments under the steps themselves! If this is too much of a project, try a stair basket.

Islands – I’m not suggesting buying a desert Island. I’m talking about the kind of island you find in a kitchen. Islands look amazing provide lots of storage space. If you have a smaller kitchen, try buying an island on wheels so that it can be rolled out the way to create more entertaining space. Have a dressing room? Stick an island in the middle and use it for ties, socks etc.

Slot away storage - Best for the kitchen and very discreet. Good for hiding the sweets from the children too.

Garage, sheds and attics – Not glamorous but perfect for long term storage. Just make sure the area is water proofed so that you avoid damaging your belongings

I would love to hear any other suggestions or clever ways of adding storage that you have come up with. Leave a comment below!

Check out my next blog (coming soon!) for clever and fun ideas on how to recycle and upcylce everyday objects to create unique storage solutions for your home!

Thanks for reading!

Chris Adams

“Home is any four walls that enclose the right person” - Helen Rowland

Chris Talks Home Design

Monday, 20 January 2014

Use Sun Tunnels to bring Natural Light into your Home

Tuesday, 14 January 2014

21 Tips for Adding More Storage to your Home

Chris Talks Home Design Blog!