Spring flower secrets from Alexander James Interior Design

Spring flower secrets from Alexander James Interior Design

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Tulips, hyacinths and long, elegant stems are spot on for spring
  • Large leaves and plentiful foliage are the latest essentials
  • Consider high-end silk blooms for lasting beauty

As March brings the first hints of spring sunshine, buds are swelling on branches all around. The turning of the seasons means that it’s time for the use of florals within the home – as well as without – to come into focus once more.

Florist Lisa Caulton is part of the team of outstanding interior designers at Alexander James Interior Design. With spring approaching, she shares her secrets on using flowers to maximum effect and the most inspiring 2017 floral trends.

How long have you worked for Alexander James Interiors?

I have been working for AJI for 4 years now, and absolutely love it. It is great working with such a great team and alongside such talented designers.

What is your background as a florist?

I have worked in floristry for the past 20 years, designing and creating displays for corporate events, hotels and designing weddings. I’ve also worked in local florists. Working with silk flowers has allowed me to be much more creative, with floral designs creating life-like displays in beautiful luxurious properties.

How does the process work in terms of creating floral arrangements for a project?

Our designers come to me with their mood boards and images of the property. Flowers are then selected based on interior style and colour scheme. For some projects I go and create the floral displays on site, especially if it is a big project. Flowers are used in every room, with the quantity of flowers depending on a client’s budget.

All flowers used are silk faux flowers, as real flowers would perish in our show home projects. The silk faux flowers we use are very high quality, so they are still very realistic and deliver the same great effect.

Flower arrangements are made to co-ordinate with the style of interior. We cover everything from rustic and country style to eclectic and contemporary.

What are your favourite flowers?

My favourite flowers are tulips, and my favourite plants are succulents, both of which are spring-like and currently on trend. I often go to flower shows to keep up with current trends and have attended shows in Paris and Holland. I often find inspiration for my work at these shows.

Do you incorporate your personal taste into your work?

No, it is important to always follow the current trends of flowers and plants in interiors. It is also important to think ahead to the next season due to our lead times. It is important to remain unbiased, using only the brief and mood boards to coordinate the flower arrangements for a project.

What has been your favourite project to date?

I really enjoy large projects, where I need to create arrangements to the scale of the property. Recent projects such as The Chapel at Mill Hill and Windlesham’s Woodrow mansion have been amazing to work on, as I have been able to create such large arrangements and stunning centrepieces.

What is your favourite interior design style?

My favourite interior style is eclectic, such as the style used in quirky London apartments.

What are the latest trends in floral design?

Trends often depend on interior style. For example, in a rustic property, stone pots, lavender baskets and flower jugs are perfect.

Current trends are very plant-orientated, with lots of foliage and big leaves. Trends often move with the seasons: spring projects will feature spring flowers such as hyacinths, tulips and the prettier, more elegant flowers.

For more information, visit Alexander James Interior Design at www.aji.co.uk, email info@aji.co.uk or call 020 7887 7604.

PBSA demand at all-time high in “structurally undersupplied student market” – Plymouth

PBSA demand at all-time high in “structurally undersupplied student market” – Plymouth

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • £3.1 billion invested in the UK PBSA market in 2016 (Knight Frank) 
  • Student accommodation from Plymouth University caters for just 12% of student population (Aspen Woolf) 
  • Beds at Beaumont Square priced 30% less than the SW regional average (Aspen Woolf)

 

The most recent data on the UK Student Housing sector has been released by Knight Frank revealing that some £3.1 billion was invested in the UK Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market in 2016. More than double the levels seen in 2013 and 2014.

Although the latest figures show that last year’s total spend was lower than the record of £5.1bn seen in 2015, it does demonstrate that interest in PBSA remains strong. And this certainly seems to be the case in the South West as demand for much needed PBSA continues to rise, especially within the city of Plymouth.

According to figures from HESA, experts in UK higher education data and analysis, Plymouth University welcomed 23,155 students in the 2015/16 academic year. Yet, the Complete University Guide notes that there are only 2,800 rooms available for students from Plymouth University itself.

“Plymouth is a structurally undersupplied student market in the UK today with the accommodation available through Plymouth University itself catering for just 12% of its student population. Existing University owned and private HMO stock just cannot keep up with the demand from Plymouth’s thriving higher education sector.” 

Oliver Ramsden, Director of Aspen Woolf 

And, it seems that keeping the city’s student population happy is important to the region’s economy with a recent event held at City College revealing that Plymouth’s student population is worth nearly £8.5 million weekly and over £39 million every month, as they spend a staggering £305 million annually.

Tim Jones, Chairman of the Devon & Cornwall Business Council, said: “the student economy is a valuable and unrecognised sector with lots of opportunities to grow with the right support, and a massive asset to the Plymouth and SW economy.”

And it is just this opportunity that the experts at Aspen Woolf are presenting to their investors through PBSA developments such as the brand new Beaumont Square in Plymouth.

“As Knight Frank indicate in their latest report, PBSA stock availability is an issue for both investors and end-user students which is why we are very excited to be launching Beaumont Square. The 39 self-contained studio apartments are already under construction, with delivery expected by the end of the year.” 

Oliver Ramsden, Director of Aspen Woolf 

Prices for the exclusive studio apartments at Beaumont Square start at just £78,500, 30% cheaper than the average price of a student bed in the South West as revealed by Knight Frank (£112,693). As well as a substantial below market value discount, investors will also enjoy an assured 3-year NET return of 8%.

Located in an idyllic location, Beaumont Square is less than a mile away from Plymouth University, the bustling city centre and the beautiful harbour of this coastal city. Every apartment will be offered fully furnished to prospective student tenants and the building will benefit from high end hotel apartment style finishes. Residents will also be able to enjoy an array of additional facilities including a laundry room, staffed reception area and the security of 24-hour CCTV.

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44(0) 203 176 0060.

Buy-to-let makes way for buy-to-NET as April tax changes approach

Buy-to-let makes way for buy-to-NET as April tax changes approach

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • “Buy cheap and buy smart” to lessen impact of tax changes (Properties of the World)
  • 440,000 landlords could move up a tax bracket in April (National Landlord’s Association)
  • Cash is king when it comes to beating new taxation rules (Properties of the World)

It’s fair to say that buy-to-let investors haven’t had the easiest time of it in recent years. With the government squeezing an increasing amount of tax out of them, the National Landlord’s Association has estimated that some 440,000 landlords will find themselves pushed up a tax bracket next month.

So, will the April tax changes finally ring the death knell for buy-to-let? Not according to industry experts…

“Yes, the taxation landscape for buy-to-let investors is becoming harsher, but there’s still plenty of profit to be made for those looking in the right places. Investors need to focus on buying to NET profits by seeking out developments with strong yields. The right properties can still produce healthy returns. Instead of the death of buy-to-let, we’re seeing the birth of buy-to-NET.”

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy Properties of the World

Landlords have already swallowed the 3% stamp duty land tax on second homes that was introduced in April 2016. Now, from April 2017, they’ll see the tax relief from their finance costs phased out, with the percentage of these costs deductible from rental income dropping by 25% per year until it reaches 0% in the 2020 to 2021 financial year.

The restricted finance costs include interest on mortgages, loans, and overdrafts, including borrowing used to buy furnishings, as well as to cover the purchase cost of the property. For those already in possession of one or more buy-to-let properties purchased on finance, the change means a gradual reduction in profitability over the coming four years.

So what can potential landlords do?

“The simple answer is to buy with cash and thus avoid the tax relief deductions entirely. However, that’s not always an ideal solution for some investors. For those still using mortgage or other finance to purchase a buy-to-let property, the best plan is to buy as if it’s 2021.

Calculate the property’s yield based on the end of the phasing in period in order to ensure that it will still be a profitable venture once the tax changes are fully implemented. Work out now whether the changes will push you up a tax bracket and make your investment decision with full knowledge of that fact.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

There are certainly still plenty of options available to investors looking to avoid being stung by April’s taxation changes. Purchasing lower cost properties that are more achievable as cash purchases is one strategy.

At Victoria House in Liverpool, superb penthouse apartments are available from as little as £68,750. Such a purchase may well prove a better longer-term prospect than opting for an investment of double that value (or more), which would require borrowing.

Opting for a city flagged as a hotspot is another good approach. HSBC has identified Manchester as one of the UK’s top four buy-to-let hotspots, while Jones Lang LaSalle has projected that house prices there will rise by 4.5% per year for the next five years. Such strong figures can serve to offset reductions in tax relief for investors interested in properties there, such as the brand new development at Barrel Yard.

“Really it’s about going back to basics. Buy cheap and buy smart. Don’t be deterred by the spectre of increasing taxation – those who plan carefully should be able to minimise the impact of April’s tax changes and ensure they still buy to net a healthy profit.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

For more information, visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

The lights are always on at Collegiate AC

The lights are always on at Collegiate AC

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Collegiate AC launch 24/7 concierge service paralleling the very best hotels
  • Concierge teams take grocery deliveries, supply free popcorn and arrange taster sessions from local restaurants
  • “With staff on call when students need them most, the Collegiate 24/7 concierges set us apart from our competitors” (Collegiate AC) 

Heading off to university is a once in a lifetime opportunity and for many students it means living independently for the first time without Mum and Dad on hand to help with those everyday life tasks.Those looking for that ‘helping hand’ and extra level of support can now turn to Collegiate AC accommodation and its brand new 24/7 concierge service.

Committed to ‘superior living’, Collegiate AC sites across the UK boast amazing facilities with extra sparkle and a welcoming and friendly concierge team on hand to make students feel right at home.

The monotonous chore of food shopping is made a lot easier when the concierge team are available 24 hours a day to sign and collect your online ordered food. Not only will the concierge team take delivery but sites such as Nova in Nottingham, Eclipse in Cardiff and Plummer House in Newcastle all feature on-site cold rooms in which the food deliveries are stored until residents can collect them.

The Collegiate concierge teams are also on hand to supply the food and drink needs of student life. With complimentary popcorn – essential to fully enjoying the latest Netflix installation on the large HD projector screen – in the private cinema rooms on site.

The team will arrange private events such as cocktails evenings and taster sessions from the local restaurants, all in the comfort of the development. With state-of-the-art kitchens, private dinner party rooms, luxurious lounges and games booths, there is a deluxe space on-site with an event to match.

“The launch of our 24-hour on-site concierge service will ensure that Collegiate residences feel safe, secure and as homely as possible for those living away from their families. With staff on call when students need them most, the Collegiate 24/7 concierges set us apart from our competitors. When locked out or simply in need of a chat, the team are here to help and are chosen for their kind and thorough nature making Collegiate the place to call home.”

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO, Collegiate AC

The residence that offer this brand new 5* conscierge service also include Fusion Tower in Bristol, Ernest Place in Durham, Eclipse in Cardiff and Pennine House in Leeds. One of the many Collegiate AC residence featuring the new concierge service is Crown House in Sheffield. The brand new Crown House raises the bar for student accommodation, ushering in a new standard of sophistication never before seen in the UK.

This prime position student property is set in lively West Bar, close to the heart of Sheffield’s urban centre and is a short stroll to both university campuses. It is part of the Prestige Collection that mix prestigious studios with inspired social spaces, Crown House brings more to student life.

From £150 per week, it’s stunning facilities include an on-site private fitness suite, private dinner party room, BBQ and alfresco dining area, private cinema room, gaming booths, flexible lounge area and state-of-the-art study zones. With a 24/7 concierge team and 300mb/s ultra fast Wi-Fi it really is the 21st Century student experience.

For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.

Bargain-hunting comes to the fore as investors brace for Brexit

Bargain-hunting comes to the fore as investors brace for Brexit

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Brexit bill could total £45.5bn (Sir Ivan Rogers)
  • Investors opting for ‘business as usual’ but with a discounted price tag (Properties of the World)
  • Liverpool’s Victoria House highlighted as one of best value UK investments (Properties of the World)

It’s become part and parcel of the whole Brexit debate to see enormous figures bandied about by both those who support the UK’s departure from the EU and those who oppose it.

Most recently, Sir Ivan Rogers, the former Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the European Union, warned that the EU will demand a £45.5bn Brexit bill. In response, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, is believed to be preparing a £51 billion list of liabilities in order to offset the cost.

For many families in the UK, such discussion of such vast sums does little to reassure them as to what the economy may hold in store as a result of the triggering of Article 50 and the formal start of the Brexit process.

 

“We’re finding that a lot of families are taking a ‘business as normal’ approach at the moment, but with a much more careful eye on costs than before the Brexit referendum. In terms of their investment decisions, this means a focus on exceptional value for money. Bargain-hunting is most definitely back in fashion!”

Jean Liggett, CEO of visionary property investment consultancy Properties of the World

So what makes a good bargain, when it comes to investment property?

According to the experts at Properties of the World, several factors can create the perfect storm for a bargain buy-to-let investment.

As with anything property related, location comes first and foremost. An upward trend in prices, but averages that are below comparable cities should capture investors’ attention initially.

Development plans are another key indicator. If government initiatives and large-scale infrastructure projects are on the cards, prices have the potential to rise swiftly and significantly.

 

“Think Northern Powerhouse and Crossrail, then combine those with average current prices that are below other cities in the area. The answer has to be Liverpool when it comes to bargain-hunting right now.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

 

Liverpool’s Victoria House is an excellent example. Stunning penthouse apartments offer central living in a city where employment is set to receive a massive boost as a result of the Northern Powerhouse initiative. Completion is due later this year, with studios, one and two bedroom apartments available to investors looking for rental returns of 7% NET. For cautious, pre-Brexit investors, the bargain price holds serious charm – apartments are available from just £66,250.

Nor is it just national initiatives that can boost a city’s fortunes. Sticking with the example of Liverpool, the city is about to receive €400,000 of Horizon 2020 funding through the Renewable Heritage in Creative and Knowledge Economies programme. The fund recognises ten ‘heritage role model’ locations within Europe. A key consideration is how heritage can be used as a significant tool for economic growth.

 

“One final tip is to seek out developments that have nearly sold out. The last few units are almost always discounted, so be prepared to spring into action at the last moment in order to snap up a serious bargain.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

 

For more information, visit www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7624 5555.

Town vs country – the investment dilemma

Town vs country – the investment dilemma

by Charly United Kingdom , ,
  • Risk-averse investors drawn to city centre buy-to-let developments (Aspen Woolf)
  • Interior design giving landlords the edge (Alexander James Interior Design)
  • Strong returns tempting investors to newer asset classes in the countryside (Properties of the World)

There’s an age-old debate about whether city living trumps country living, or vice versa.

UN figures show that our world is gradually becoming more urban, with 54% of the global population currently residing in urban areas. The figure is projected to rise to 66% by 2050, emphasising the pull of the city on those seeking economic opportunities and a wealth of cultural and entertainment options.

Just as city and country living appeal differently to different folks, so too do the prospects of investing in such diverse locations.

“Investors looking for city centre properties tend to be those who are keen for long-term returns with lower risk. They’re seeking an established asset class – buy-to-let – which has been around long enough to be proven as a model that generates consistent yields. The solidity of the asset class is paramount, even over and above considerations like the tax relief reductions for landlords, which the government is phasing in from 2017 onwards.”

Oliver Ramsden, Founder and Director, Aspen Woolf

 

As well as buy-to-let investors looking for brand new developments, cities tend to attract those investors who want to take an active role in their property investment. Buying a house and refurbishing it can result in capital gains as well as healthy rental yields and many investors enjoy the buzz of managing their own properties. It can be a competitive occupation, and those at the forefront of the industry are continually seeking new ways to ensure that their properties stand out from the crowd. Engaging professional interior design consultants is the hottest new trend.

“We are working with a growing number of individuals who never imagined they would be employing interior designers to create a beautiful interior for their home. Interior design used to be the preserve of the very wealthy. Now, there’s a growing trend for people at every level of the property ladder to use expert services of this nature.”

Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

Those investors who favour properties in the countryside tend to have a different focus than their city investor counterparts. They’re prepared to take on newer and more innovative asset classes in the pursuit of higher returns and lower taxes.

“Hotel investment can generate excellent yields, and buyers are free from the concerns of Stamp Duty Land Tax and the hit to income that void periods can cause. Strong returns and fewer taxes to worry about is an attractive combination. Many countryside investments also come with a personal usage element, meaning that investors essentially get two weeks of free holiday accommodation thrown into the deal each year.”

Jean Liggett, CEO, Properties of the World

The restrictions on tax relief for residential landlords has the potential to mark a step-change in investor preferences. From 2017 to 2018, only 75% of finance costs will be deductible from rental income. The figure will reduce annually, until it reaches 0% for the 2020 to 2021 financial year.

As city centre buy-to-let developments become gradually less profitable for all those other than cash buyers, will former city investors head for the hills? Only time will tell.

 

On the market:

The perfect city investment: Set on the edge of the vibrant Liverpool city centre, the New Eldon Grove offers the perfect balance of past and present comprised of 45 apartments including 1,2 and 3 bedroom units. Carefully designed to preserve the heritage of the site while serving the needs of a new generation, from just £94,950, New Eldon Grove provides investors with an assured 2-year NET rental of 7%. Available through Aspen Woolf.

Escape to the country: In the Valleys of South Wales, lodges and land plots at Afan Valley Adventure Resort allow investors to be part of a thrilling new adventure experience. Lodges are priced from £149,000 and offer 8% NET returns for seven years, with two weeks’ personal usage. Land plots offer a mark-up of 10% per annum for three years, from just £25,000. Both available through Properties of the World.

 

For more information, please contact:

Aspen Woolf: +44 203 176 0060 or www.aspenwoolf.co.uk

Alexander James Interior Design: 020 7887 7604 or www.aji.co.uk

Properties of the World: +44 (0)20 7624 5555 or www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk

Can’t buy me love? Plummeting cocoa prices make chocolate cheaper this Valentine’s Day

Can’t buy me love? Plummeting cocoa prices make chocolate cheaper this Valentine’s Day

by Charly United Kingdom
  • Cocoa prices down by nearly $1,000 per ton in last 12 months (easyMarkets)
  • 94% of people celebrating Valentine’s Day want chocolate (wallethub)
  • Over-supply and decreased demand combining to drive down prices (easyMarkets)

As men and women around the world rush to buy that last minute gift for their loved one, to cover up the fact that they forgot that Valentine’s Day was approaching, many of them won’t be paying attention to the price they are paying. However, there’s good news for all those last minute shoppers this year.

The most popular gift bought to show affection to one’s Valentine is chocolate. According to wallethub, 94% of people celebrating Valentines in the US want to receive chocolate, and it is estimated that $1.7 billion will be spent on sugary treats alone.

The good news for all the Romeos and Juliets out there is that cocoa, the main ingredient of chocolate, has been in a downfall since August 2016. In fact, New York cocoa futures fell by 33% in 2016, the biggest drop since 1999.

If you turn the clock back a year, cocoa was soaring due to a rise in demand in China and other Asian markets, combined with the poor weather that swept across major cocoa producing countries in West Africa in December 2015.

Back in February 2016, cocoa was trading around $2,988 per ton. Now it’s trading around $1,993 per ton.

So what happened?

“It’s a simple case of supply and demand. Production from the Ivory Coast, which is West Africa’s top producer of cocoa, has a median forecast of 1.90 million tonnes. This is an increase of 20% from the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) estimate of 1.58 million for 2015/16.

“Ghana, which is the second most productive grower, has also seen a rise in production, up 9% from the ICCO estimate for 2015/16 to a median forecast of 850,000 tonnes. Quite simply, there’s far more cocoa available than there was in advance of last Valentine’s Day, which has driven down the price.”

James Trescothick, Reputation and Education Manager at forex and CFD broker easyMarkets

Not only has the impressive crop from West Africa created a surplus, but demand has also impacted on prices this year. A recent industry report is indicating a lower than anticipated demand in North America in the fourth quarter. Nor is it just North America showing a slowdown in demand – Europe is also eating less chocolate. Health-conscious westerners are finally ditching their much-loved sweet treats in favour of more nutritious choices.

It is only Asia that is keeping its appetite for cocoa, but even with demand increasing in that region, it is still not enough to stop the decline.

The International Cocoa Organization is set to release its first forecast for 2016/17 later this month, so only time will tell if the fear of over-supply is real and how prolonged the price decline might last.

For further details, visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Please refer to our full risk disclaimer. Easy Forex Trading Ltd (CySEC – License Number 079/07). Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

Purpose-built student accommodation welcomed by Exeter Council as universities become reliant on accommodation providers for expansion

Purpose-built student accommodation welcomed by Exeter Council as universities become reliant on accommodation providers for expansion

by Charly United Kingdom

Growing student population

During the last academic year, 2015/16, Exeter University had 17,425 students at an undergraduate level. A 7% increase from the year before and a significant 24% increase just 5 years previous. With the student population rising at such speed, the city has had to adapt in order to house its newest residents.


PBSA welcomed by local councils

Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) has become an integral part of this process. Karime Hassan, the chief executive of Exeter City Council, recently explained how PBSA is an area which is defining the city. He explained that,

“The council currently has a policy of encouraging PBSA for a variety of reasons. It means more money for the community, frees up more alternative accommodation for families, helps manage the need for student parking and often turn properties that have little chance of alternative regeneration see new life.”


University expansion reliant on PBSA

Exeter University has now joined forces with nearby Falmouth University which is applying to raise the student cap from its present 5,000 enrolled students – a condition attached when the Penryn campus was developed in 2009 – to 7,500 students by 2025.

Peter Cox of Falmouth University described the plan as a “stepped approach” which would only allow more students once accommodation was available for them.

However, having met to discuss the proposal just last week, Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee have deferred a decision until additional details are provided. Councillor Webber confirmed that “further information on purpose built accommodation figures to improve the situation in Falmouth” would be required before anything is finalised, highlighting its importance in today’s student accommodation sector.


PBSA to become the primary accommodation choice

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate AC, which already operates PBSA sites in Exeter, comments,

“2017 will see PBSA continue to flourish, becoming the primary accommodation choice in a growing number of UK university towns and cities. And the city of Exeter is leading the way by embracing this change and answering the growing demand from both the student population and local councils.

“With three premier sites in the city already, and another new residence to be announced imminently, Collegiate AC are proud to lead the way in such a transformation and look forward to welcoming Exeter’s undergrads to the superior student lifestyle our properties provide.”


What PBSA is available in Exeter?

Hot off the press is Collegiate AC’s newest addition to its PBSA offerings in Exeter, Clifton Place. A community comprised of six bedroom townhouses, two and three bedroom apartments and individual studios. With prices starting from £153 a week, residents will have access to a communal gym, private cinema room, and a student lounge and games room. Bookings will be available soon for September 2017.

An existing, and extremely popular, residence in Exeter is Picturehouse Apartments. Just a five-minute walk from Exeter city centre, Picturehouse Apartments are ideal for both individuals and friends. With CCTV, secure electronic entry, on-site concierge and 24-hour on-call support, these secure properties are both beautiful and fully functional.

From £122 a week, and with a range of contemporary studio, two, three and five bed apartments, Picturehouse also offers additional facilities that include a private on-site gym, games and reading rooms, in-house cinema and free high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi.

For more information, contact Collegiate on +44 1235 250 140 or visit www.collegiate-ac.com.

2017’s ultimate kitchen trends

2017’s ultimate kitchen trends

by Charly United Kingdom ,
  • Zoning being used to create cutting edge kitchens
  • Metallic finishes featuring strongly this year
  • Kitchen tech providing everything from hidden hobs to vanishing taps

The kitchen is the heart of the home. The epicentre of a family’s nourishment, a space for informal socialising with family members and close friends, and the place from which all manner of delicious scents and flavours emanate.

An outstanding kitchen should also be a feast for the eyes, as well as the other senses, explains John Harvey, Managing Director at Lida Cucina. He comments,

“We’re seeing some amazing innovations in terms of kitchen design and dressing at the moment. 2017 is going to be an exciting year from new tech to exciting materials, there has never been more choice when it comes to kitchen interior design.”

The kitchen designers at Lida Cucina are experts at creating kitchens that both serve a practical purpose and look superb. Based on their knowledge, MD John Harvey has put together his list of top kitchen interior design trends for creating the ultimate 2017 kitchen.

Lida Cucina’s 2017 ultimate kitchen interior design trends

  1. Zoning

“The concept of the traditional working triangle has gone,” comments John Harvey. “It’s all about zoning in 2017 – the ultimate kitchen this year will have a prep zone, a cooking zone, a wet zone and a refrigeration zone.”

The type and number of appliances in the kitchen has changed dramatically in recent years. Oven types now include single, combi, steam, sous-vide, microwave, and those complemented by warming drawers. The cooking zone needs to accommodate these and a wide range of other appliances.

The prep zone is also gadget-heavy, with everything from juicers to spiralizers needing to be accounted for, along with a prep sink. The main sink is obviously in the wet zone, along with the dishwasher.  Meanwhile the refrigeration zone is home to the fridge, freezer and wine chiller.

  1. Islands

Islands remain a hugely popular trend, and 2017 sees them combined with the zoning concept to create a kitchen that is at once practical and beautiful.

The ultimate kitchen this year has islands linked by bridge-style counters and a breakfast bar. A formal, built-in table connecting the islands is also on trend.

  1. Kitchen tech

Kitchen tech is certainly not limited to portable appliances. Hidden features and opening functions are allowing kitchens to appear incredibly sleek and stylish, with only a wave of the hand or the push of a button needed to make taps, sinks, hobs and more miraculously appear.

Under-worktop induction hobs will be a key trend in 2017, according to the Lida Cucina team, with just a small panel used to control an essentially invisible hob.

Boiler taps are also coming of age, with more manufacturers joining the marketplace and driving both innovations in design and reductions in price. Top brand ZIP’s latest tap, for example, now supplies not just boiling water, but also hot, cold, chilled and sparkling filtered water.

  1. Metallics

Kitchens are all about metallics when it comes to appearance in 2017. Warm metal finishes, achieved either through multi tonal lacquers or the use of actual metals, will be present for doors and cabinetry. For doors, a range of superb, ultra-thin metal doors is about to hit the market and will be an important trend this year.

“2017 kitchen design is all about sleek design that accommodates the latest advances in technology while also looking stunning,” concludes Lida Cucina’s John Harvey. “Taking a professional approach to designing or redesigning your kitchen can make it the true heart of your home, while also adding value to the property. It’s going to be a big year for kitchens!”

For more information, visit Lida Cucina at www.lidacucina.co.uk, email info@lidacucina.co.uk or call 0118 932 0828.

All you need is love to succeed in Liverpool’s lucrative property market

All you need is love to succeed in Liverpool’s lucrative property market

by Charly United Kingdom
  • “Parts of the city that never benefitted from the early 2000s property boom are starting to come to life” (Aspen Woolf)
  • “Everybody buys with some sort of emotion, even if you’re an investor” (Aspen Woolf)
  • New Eldon Grove carefully designed to preserve the site’s heritage while serving the needs of a new generation

“Liverpool has grown at an unprecedented rate in recent years and this is set to continue over the short to medium term. There are parts of the city which never really benefitted from the early 2000s property boom; so many areas were left behind compared to neighboring Leeds & Manchester. Now Liverpool’s certainly making up for lost time and we’re seeing run down areas of the city really start to come to life.”

Oliver Ramsden, Founder & Director, Aspen Woolf

 

Speaking with Oliver Ramsden, Founder & Director of Aspen Woolf, leaders in providing wealth building opportunities for investors through property, it’s clear that Liverpool’s housing market is definitely one to watch in 2017.

Sharing his expert insight into the city’s current property climate, he advises that savvy investors will start to use both heart and head when choosing the next addition to their portfolio.

“Whilst of course there’s a lot of new stock coming to market, we would advise investors to go for strategic locations and unique builds like historic Grade II listed Eldon Grove. With new builds sprouting up, it is the historical developments, the ones with a real story behind them that have the highest resale value.

“At the end of the day, everybody buys with some sort of emotion, even if you’re an investor. Eldon Grove is one of those buildings, it instantaneously invokes emotion. It’s a beautiful building and there’s nothing that compares on the market today.”

Eldon Grove provided some of the best pre-war social housing built by Liverpool city council. Forming part of a labourers’ village, it set a new standard for the whole country and was officially opened by the Countess of Derby in 1912. The layout, with its central square, well-maintained garden and bandstand, along with the chocolate-box look, helped create a vibrant community, lifting up some of Liverpool’s poorest residents. Eldon Grove was deemed an integral part of local history in 1993 when the building was granted Grade II-listed status.

Oliver continues,

“I think there is definitely room for more new-build homes within Liverpool but investors should start looking more selectively. Don’t just go for any new-build simply because there is a demand for housing. Even though there are about 11 people scrambling to buy any one property, an investor should really start paying stronger attention to the resale value of an investment. As mentioned, a building that has strong local roots will really go a long way as it offers the same benefits as any new build development would but with the added value of having a real ‘life’ behind it.”

Oliver goes on to explain how Eldon Grove, exclusively available through Aspen Woolf, is strongly supported by the council and that the local community is excited to see the building brought back to life.

“We are excited to help revitalise such a beautiful and historic part of Liverpool. The New Eldon Grove is investing in the community and bringing new possibilities to this proud area.”

Set within peaceful surroundings, yet on the edge of the vibrant Liverpool city centre, the New Eldon Grove offers the perfect balance of past and present comprised of 45 apartments including 1,2 and 3 bedroom units.

Incorporating three original Grade II-listed blocks alongside three new blocks of stylish and contemporary apartments, New Eldon Grove has been carefully designed to preserve the heritage of the site while serving the needs of a new generation.

Apartments situated in the original blocks have been re-imagined for 21st century living, with fully modernised fitted kitchens and bathrooms, while benefiting from the character of the Victorian buildings, with mullioned bay windows and their own front doors leading from the external walkways.

New Eldon Grove residents will also benefit from a community garden and shared landscaping, as well as parking, bicycle storage and secured entrance hallways. From just £94,950, with ready to rent furniture packs available, New Eldon Grove provides investors with an assured 2-year NET rental of 7%.

For more information, visit www.aspenwoolf.co.uk or contact Aspen Woolf on +44 203 176 0060.