Changing rooms for Fashion Week

Changing rooms for Fashion Week

United Kingdom
  • London Fashion Week runs 16-20 February 2018
  • But how to organise all those new purchases?
  • Award winning Alexander James Interior Design share top tips on how to achieve the ultimate dressing room at home

Yes! London Fashion Week is just around the corner, providing the perfect excuse for a complete wardrobe overhaul!

But after the shows, shopping and cocktails have finished and we’ve managed to lug all our bags across town, we still need to figure out where on earth to store it all once we’re back in our lair?

As any dedicated fashionista will tell you, it’s not just about having enough drawers, oh no.
What we want is to be able to admire the fruits of our labour and to display or collection of fashion forward picks to others.  We want to have everything at our finger tips and in our line of sight to make getting ready quicker, easier and well, altogether more joyful.

“Having the ultimate dressing room can be a life-changing experience for those who love their clothes.  Just because it’s a practical space doesn’t mean it can’t also be beautiful. The best dressing rooms should serve to inspire their users and celebrate all that is beautiful and fashionable each day.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

Here, Sibley shares her top tips on how to make the most of your dressing room to enjoy it at its best:

Start with a good sort through all your clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery and so on. You don’t want a space full of items you will never wear.

Next, think about what’s important to you. If you’re a shoe addict, think about how you would like them stored and displayed – do you want them on show or wrapped away for protection? Do you need lots of shelving for shoe boxes or do you prefer the shoes out of their boxes on display?

Have a think about lighting. Make sure the space is well lit, especially where you have the full-length mirror for trying outfits on. Using back-lit shelves can be a nice touch here, especially if you have a designer handbag collection or hats to display. Made to measure shelving can also work wonders for those items.

Then, give some thought to space allocation for clothes. Do you have more long dresses than separates? If so, you’ll need more full height hanging space. Be realistic about your level of tidiness as well. If you’re super neat, then open shelving and hanging space can work well, but if you lean towards the messy, then doors to hide away untidiness come highly recommended!

Decide on style. Do you want your dressing room to be glamorous and glitzy, sleek and cotemporary, or vintage inspired? Shape the space and the items on display to fit your preferred style.

Add some practical touches. Drawers can be a great help as underwear, ties and jewellery can all be neatly stored away, while a safe for expensive jewellery and watches may also be a good move. If space allows, a central island with further storage can also be very useful or can provide an area for sitting.

Finally, if you have oodles of space available, then a ‘his and hers’ dressing room is the ultimate luxury touch.  With our side being ever-so-slightly bigger…of course!

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

Launch of new IMPRSS interior design service certainly impresses the PRS

Launch of new IMPRSS interior design service certainly impresses the PRS

United Kingdom World , ,
  • Alexander James Interiors launches dedicated PRS interior design service
  • Proportion of young people renting privately has nearly doubled in past decade
  • IMPRSS works with builders, landlords & developers to meet the needs of Generation Rent

 Renowned interior design company Alexander James Interiors has announced the launch of its brand new IMPRSS service.

IMPRSS is a dedicated service that caters to the design needs of the UK’s rapidly expanding private rented sector (PRS) and build to rent market

The 2015/16 English Housing Survey revealed that 20% of all households now rent privately, meaning that the PRS has doubled in size since the 10% of the population that it accounted for throughout the 1980s and 1900s. Renting is particularly prevalent among younger people, with 46% of 25 to 34 year olds renting privately (up from 24% just ten years ago).

It was the needs of these young renters in particular that first gave rise to the idea of IMPRSS.

 

We created IMPRSS to service the needs of Generation Rent. The service designs beautiful, aspirational homes for those who rent privately. We work with housebuilders, developers and corporate landlords to help them shape their properties to the needs and desires of contemporary tenants.”

 

Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design

The rapid growth of the private rented sector and the increase in dedicated build to rent developments had led to a gap in the market in terms of interior design. IMPRSS is filling that gap

Rental properties require robust furniture and furnishings. The IMPRSS team is demonstrating that that doesn’t have to be at the expense of style. The IMPRSS brochure details five contemporary design options that private landlords can use to ensure that potential tenants are queuing up to live in their superior accommodation.

By tapping in to the aspirations of Generation Rent, IMPRSS is enabling landlords to maximise rents while minimising void periods. By seeking out low maintenance furnishings that are durable yet low maintenance, IMPRSS is also ensuring that upkeep costs are kept to a minimum.

 

The growth of the PRS in the UK has created a unique opportunity for landlords. We are working to help them stay ahead of the competition. An outstanding show home can work wonders when it comes to signing tenants up to a new property. It can make those viewing it feel right at home, as though they belong, the moment they step through the door. Many tenants then want to see precisely that standard of décor in the apartments that they rent. That’s what we’re working with builders and developers to deliver.”

 

Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design

The IMPRSS service is available to PRS property holders across the UK. As well as furnishing PRS homes, IMPRSS offers a range of bolt-on options, in order to deliver a full service. These include electrical goods, kitchenware, pictures and mirrors, soft furnishings (towels and linen) and accessories. There are even free extras for landlords who purchase all five bolt-ons, including Nespresso machines and Sonos Play 3 systems.

 

For more information, visit IMPRSS at www.imprss.co.uk or call 020 3362 0472.

Top 10 tips for purrfect interior design

Top 10 tips for purrfect interior design

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With about half of UK households owning a pet (according to latest RSPCA figures) how can you live in interior design harmony with your furry friends?

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director of leading interior designers Alexander James Interior Design, and herself the proud owner of two Westies, Alfie and Piglet, offers her top 10 tips for transforming your home into a ‘purrfect’ sanctuary for your four-legged friend:

  1. Fur-Free Upholstery 

Think carefully about the fabrics you choose to upholster and how likely they are to gather fur.

Avoid: Fabrics that are a magnet for pet hair e.g. velvet, mohair, corduroy, velour or chenille. Steer clear of any delicate materials that could be damaged by your adorable little friend e.g. silk.

Opt for: Smooth tapestries, leathers and synthetic fibres. Invest in quality textiles that will withstand the test of those claws!

  1. Furniture – Not Toys

Beware of any exposed wood on your furniture – an excitable puppy may see it as their new favourite teething toy!

Avoid: Furniture with exposed wicker, rattan and sisal furniture.

Opt for: Metal and chrome will leave your would-be teether searching for another toy.

  1. Squeaky Clean Flooring 

In light of the inevitable rainy, muddy days and those early months when your puppy/kitten is still learning to toilet-train, we highly recommend flooring that is easy to clean!

Avoid: Hardwood floors that dent/scratch easily and require rapid cleaning should a puddle appear (hardwood floors stain very quickly)! If you are absolutely set of those beautiful wooden floors, then opt for harder woods e.g. mahogany or oak.

Opt for: Laminate flooring, stone or ceramic tiles. These also have the additional benefit of keeping your pets cooler during hotter weather.

  1. The Ultimate Playzone 

An all-important part of every pets’ day, they need space in the home to play.

Avoid: Letting your energetic little friend run riot around the whole house. They need to chase balls, roll excitedly around and play tug of war, but there are some areas of the house in which this is less desirable.

Opt for: Creating a designated ‘play space’ which your pet knows is suitable for play and where they can enjoy some quality ‘me’ time. Keep their toys stored neatly away and out of view but easily accessible.

  1. Spotless Kitchens 

Pet friendly interiors are all about keeping your space as tidy as possible, allowing that stunning new kitchen to glisten without unsightly doggy/kitty bowls smudging that perfect vision.

Avoid: Leaving food bowls out in plain sight.

Opt for: Sliding them underneath the toe kick of your kitchen cabinetry, bringing them out for food time, and slotting that water dish around a corner so your furry friends always have fresh water available.

  1. Furry Walls

Don’t overlook walls – they could become a headache to clean if you don’t consider their texture.

Avoid: A highly-textured wall will attract pet fur, even if the little rascal isn’t rubbing against it.

Opt for: Satin or a semi-gloss paint, helping to repel fur and to keep those walls glistening clean.

  1. A Throne for a King/Queen

An essential part of pet friendly interior design must surely be the addition of their very own comfy pet bed.

Avoid: Mismatching with the rest of the room’s decor i.e. don’t place a traditional tartan pet bed into a swanky, sleek apartment, rather select a simpler, more contemporary design that will enhance the rest of your interiors.

Opt for: A pet bed made of high quality materials, creating a sumptuous space for them to relax, unwind and recharge after their busy day of play.

  1. Mud Room Sanctuary

Imagine the scene – you’ve just been out on a fabulous walk, exploring the vast open fields and returning with wellies caked in mud and a pup that used to be white but is now an unattractive murky brown colour. The door opens – the gateway to your beautiful home. And before you know it, your hound is through that entrance, drying off on the sides of your magnificent new sofa.

Avoid: Allowing this nightmare to happen.

Opt for: Install an entry-way door to offer you an entrance space in which to dry off and wash down your doggy before they can enter the home. Store pet wipes, dog treats and other essentials in a cupboard at this entrance to keep the area harmoniously tidy.

  1. Savvy Window Treatments

Every pet loves to peer out of the window to watch for their owners coming home and to bask in the sunshine on those sunny days.

Avoid: Thick fabric curtains – don’t deprive them of their joy!

Opt for: Lightweight, sheer fabric curtains that will allow them to enjoy their view.  If you have blinds, make sure you pull them up so the little darlings don’t bring them down accidentally.

  1. Harmony at Home

A pet friendly home must make special considerations for just how many accidents can happen around bushy tails and clumsy paws.

Avoid: Tables that sit too low – the candles, glasses and other breakables sitting atop may fall to their calamitous end if a tail wags too close.

Opt for: Carefully considering the space in your home and thinking about how you can avoid any unfortunate mishaps – after all pets aren’t always aware of their surroundings and don’t mean to cause any trouble.

 

To find out more about creating the ‘purrfect’ interior for your home contact Stacey and the team at Alexander James Interior Design on 020 7887 7604 or visit www.aji.co.uk.

Stylish staycations: How to style your UK holiday home to maximize summer rental returns

Stylish staycations: How to style your UK holiday home to maximize summer rental returns

United Kingdom ,
  • Stylish holiday homes can command higher rents (Alexander James Interior Design)
  • Owners need to focus on practicality as well as style
  • Fabulous photographs are key to attracting higher paying holidaymakers

Holidaymakers are more likely to rent a property if it looks good, so it’s important to take care when furnishing and styling a holiday home in order to maximize its rental income potential.

However, the experts at Alexander James Interior Design point out that practicality is a key consideration too:

“When considering the décor of your holiday let, you need to think not only of the appeal of the interior décor but also the practicalities of it. It needs to be easy to maintain. Paint is much easier to clean and touch up than wallpaper, wood/laminate/tiled floors rather than carpet.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

According to the Alexander James team, there are 10 things that holidaymakers are looking for from a rental property:

  1. Are dogs are allowed? There are plenty of people with dogs in the UK who want to take their furry friend away with them.
  2. Nice linen. The White Company bed linen and towels, with wool throws and cushions is ideal.
  3. Tech. That includes iPod docs, Sonos sound systems and TVs with freeview and Netflix.
  4. Wi-Fi. This is a non-negotiable in this day and age.
  5. Kitchen comforts. Holidays should be about relaxation and doing as little as possible, so dishwashers, Nespresso machines and the like are rapidly becoming essential.
  6. Good quality china and glassware. Chipped and scratched Ikea white plates won’t cut it!
  7. Parking
  8. Outside space. This should ideally include a BBQ area with plentiful seating.
  9. Comfy mattresses.
  10. A welcome hamper. These are becoming increasingly common, with guests expecting a few essentials upon arrival (wine, bread, milk and butter as a bare minimum).

Owners who can tick off all ten of these are onto a winning combination, but their work still isn’t done.

“Think about your furniture layouts. Is it a two bedroom cottage that sleeps four? Then make sure you have enough seating in the lounge for four people without it being overcrowded.

“Bedrooms that you can change from two single beds that can be zipped together to create a double are very appealing to potential renters, as this provides greater flexibility. And certainly don’t just use old bits of missed matched furniture left over from you home that you would otherwise throw out!

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

Styling a holiday let as a boutique-style retreat that looks amazing in photographs will set it apart from the competition and enable its owners to charge a higher rent.

Therefore, when taking photographs of a holiday property, it’s important to use props to stage it. For example, don’t just take a picture of the bathroom – first light candles around a bubble-filled bath, add a few designer beauty products and place a stack of big, fluffy white towels in the shot. In the kitchen, dress the table with cream teas. Beds are a quick win here too – use plush-looking linen, throws and cushions, then add a breakfast tray complete with croissants, jam and fresh orange juice.

The key is for owners to ensure that anyone viewing the photographs will instantly be able to imagine themselves in the property. Those lacking in inspiration can look at holiday let websites like Unique Homestays and Boutique Retreats for ideas on how to style their photographs. The Alexander James Interior Design team would also be happy to help!

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

New home, new style!

New home, new style!

United Kingdom World
  • New home registrations hit highest level for 10 years (NHBC)
  • A new build home is like a blank canvas” (Alexander James Interior Design)
  • Celebrate #NewHomesWeek by learning how to style your new home to perfection (Alexander James Interior Design)

 

Newly published NHBC figures show that the number of new homes registered in the first three months of 2017 have shot up by 17% when compared with the Q1 2016 figures.

In total, more than 42,000 new homes were registered between January and March 2017, making it the best quarter for new home building in a decade.

The figures have been released in advance of #NewHomesWeek, which runs from 15th -21st May to celebrate the benefits of buying a newly built residence. There are myriad advantages to doing so and the interior design potential is one of the most exciting.

 

A new build home is like a blank canvas – there’s so much scope when it comes to letting your style ideas have free reign. While that’s an incredibly exciting opportunity, it can also be a little overwhelming. It’s important to think through colour schemes for the house as a whole, rather than just individual rooms otherwise you can end up feeling a little like you’re living inside a rainbow, which is hardly relaxing!

 

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

The professional interior design team at Alexander James strongly recommends starting with a mood board, with sections for each room. That way, the home’s overall style can be considered at the same time as that of individual rooms.

Mood boards are a great way to bring shape to your vision. Bring together everything that has caught your eye, including wallpaper samples, images of pieces of furniture, fabric swatches, artwork examples, striking cosmetic bottles and more. You can then compare and contrast all of these items, considering what works best and shaping your vision for your new build home accordingly.

When it comes to colours, choosing a palette of neutral shades and complementary hues, along with a few bolder accent colours, is a great start. These can be applied throughout the home and will help to create a sense of harmony, with one room flowing beautifully into the next.

 

“Suiting a room’s style to its use is also key. Bedrooms should create a sense of serenity and calm, while family rooms should have a welcoming, relaxed feel. The way you dress your home will impact on how you feel while within the property, so create spaces that make you and your family feel safe, happy and comfortable.”

 

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

Bringing nature indoors is a great way to do just that. The natural world can do wonders for our inner sense of peace, so large leaf prints, vases spilling over with flowers and the presence of natural elements in everything from lamps to tables is a great way to bring serenity into the home. It’s also perfectly attuned to this summer’s hottest interior design trends.

Incorporating natural elements is also a great way to dress your home for the nose, as well as the eyes. The scent of freshly cut flowers can bring a room to life. Scented candles and reed diffusers are also a wonderful way to create rooms that feel harmonious and welcoming. This was demonstrated wonderfully at Lockeswood in Eversley, a new build property dressed beautifully by Alexander James Interior Design.

The final tip from the Alexander James team is to involve younger family members in the process of interior design when it comes to new build homes.

 

“Young people have delightfully creative minds and building a mood board for their new bedroom can be a great way to boost their excitement about their new home. That doesn’t mean covering an entire room with Thomas the Tank Engine wallpaper, however! Bear in mind that children’s tastes change as they grow, so opt for a base colour scheme and then overlay it with items that suit the particular child’s preferences. It’s much easier to change curtains, artwork and accessories rather than having to re wallpaper or paint. Engaging the child in the process can also have an added benefit – if they feel a true sense of ownership for their room, they might just keep it tidy!”

 

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

 

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

 

Homes in bloom – RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s influence on this summer’s essential interior design trends

Homes in bloom – RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s influence on this summer’s essential interior design trends

United Kingdom
  • The plant world is the true winner at Chelsea each year (Clifford Stanley Landscape Contractors)
  • Nature is the big interior design trend this summer (Alexander James Interior Design)
  • Greenery is 2017’s colour of the year (Pantone)

The most exciting event of the gardening calendar, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, is set to take place on 23-27 May 2017. This year’s show is seeking to be “the best gardening event in the world,” according to RHS Director of Shows Nick Mattingley.

It’s a lofty goal, but one that is also realistic. The Chelsea Flower Show inspires millions every year and influences everything from bouquet trends to interior design.

“The Chelsea Flower Show is where high street fashion meets ‘haute couture’ in the natural world. Conscientious traditional horticulturalists battle it out with contemporary modernists to see who will bag the glory. Regardless of who takes home Gold, Silver or Bronze, the plant world is always the true winner at Chelsea each year. The clipped box edged borders, evergreen backdrops and roses growing up through aromatic lavender give a delicious and sumptuous effect that can’t help but inspire.”

Clifford Stanley, RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal Winner, Clifford Stanley Landscape Contractors

The inspirational blooms and scents of the Chelsea Show won’t only appear in people’s homes via their TV screens this year. Interior designer Stacey Sibley has worked alongside Clifford on a number of key projects for Alexander James Interior Design. While Clifford takes care of exterior elements, Stacey has identified the influences of nature as the big interiors trend this summer.

Finishes, colours and textures all hark back to nature, along with dramatic floral prints and, of course, huge vases of stunning blooms.

‘Greenery’ is Pantone’s colour of the year for 2017, resulting in plenty of green in the interior world. Designers are also poised and ready to absorb the most beautiful elements of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show into their creative vision as the spring turns into summer, with interior design reflecting the best that the RHS show has to offer.

“Even a home in the busiest of cities can offer an oasis of peace with the right interior. The reflection of nature in art, colour schemes and decorative touches can instantly change the whole mood of a room. This summer, nature-inspired prints, such as the close-up Dahlia petals featured at the Trowbridge Gallery, are a wonderful way to bring the outdoors indoors for maximum effect. And when it comes to colours and textures, think stone, wood and greenery in abundance.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

Those lacking the green fingers to compete at Chelsea – or even to keep a guzmania alive – need not despair. Stacey recommends faux plants and silk flowers for capturing the essence of nature without the risk of browning leaves and wilted blooms. John Lewis has an extremely well-priced collection at present, including some delightful metallic pots, which Alexander James’ Stacey Sibley has flagged as another of this summer’s top trends.

 “The natural world brings with it a sense of calm and sanctuary, and the Chelsea Flower Show is a wonderful reminder of that. As our daily lives seem ever busier, bringing nature into the home is a wonderful way to fight the stress of modern life and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

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

The art of interior design – creating the picture-perfect home

The art of interior design – creating the picture-perfect home

United Kingdom
  • “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see” (Edgar Degas)
  • “Art plays a fundamental role in interior design – no scheme is complete without it” (Alexander James Interior Design)
  • Use art to echo a room’s theme and balance it perfectly with lighting for maximum impact (Alexander James)
  • Damien Hirst print featured in London’s Landmark Place show home (Alexander James)

 

Art lovers are in for a treat this year, with London’s Lisson Gallery celebrating its 50th birthday with a magnificent series of exhibitions and events. The National Gallery – the UK’s most visited gallery, with well over 6.2 million visitors in 2016, according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions – is also offering something special, with Cagnacci’s Repentant Magdalene, the Michelangelo and Sebastiano exhibition and a Rubens and Rembrandt feature all running concurrently.

 

However, if we are to believe the words of Edgar Degas, then “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” It is a concept that is familiar to every successful interior designer – those with the powers to make others see an overall vision that is greater than the sum of its parts.

 

 “Art plays a fundamental role in interior design. Paintings, prints and sculptures are essential to completing a decorative scheme and have to be planned in as part of the overall look and feel of a property. These are not things to be left to chance and then picked out at the last minute.”

 

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

Having worked in interior design for 24 years, Alexander James’ Stacey Sibley is well versed in finding the right artwork to tie together all the elements of a room, from fabrics to colour palette to furniture.

 

Art can both echo the theme of the room and inspire it. This Beaconsfield family home, dressed by the Alexander James team, displays the concept beautifully, with artworks reflecting the colours, textures and themes of the rooms in which they feature.

 

For those looking for a uniquely artistic home, engaging the services of a local artist can be a wonderful way to obtain bespoke artwork. Furnishing the artist with a swatch of cushion fabric, key colour samples or a mood board can allow him or her to draw together all aspects of the design.

 

In the Beaconsfield home, for example, the open plan living room features beautiful, bespoke artwork designed to fade from bold to light and inspired by the accent cushions, which feature a bold oil painting inspired fabric designed by artist Jessica Zoob for Romo.

 

Nor is it just private homes in which art plays an important role. Working closely with developers has emphasised to the Alexander James team how essential artworks are when dressing show homes. At Landmark Place in London, their interior designers embraced the use of art by purchasing a limited edition Damien Hirst print for the show home.

 

‘The Souls III’ is one of a 15-piece signed edition purchased by Alexander James Interior Design as part of their dressing of the stunning new show home. The print is currently on loan to Landmark Place’s developer, Barratt Homes, enabling art to be taken to the next level in show home design.

 

Whether it’s a Damien Hirst print or the work of a talented, up-and-coming local artist, placing art perfectly is almost as important a skill as choosing the right pieces, according to Alexander James’ Stacey Sibley. She recommends balancing art and furniture by aligning artwork with a sideboard or console table and bordering it with side lamps to highlight it. The right framing is also essential, as is balancing the frame with the lamps and other furniture around it.

 

Hanging artwork at the right level is also essential. The centre of the image should ideally be at eye level. However, for informal seating areas, hanging the artwork low will make the space feel more cosy and intimate. Hanging artwork in clusters can also work well.

 

 “Gallery walls are a great way to occupy vast and open wall spaces, especially stairwells which are usually quite bare. Grouping several frames in various sizes, styles and orientations gives a really creative look and allows you to add more whenever you like.

 

“You can also take inspiration from the environment around your home. If you live in a rural area, seek inspiration from the surrounding trees and greenery, with botanical prints or natural paintings. Likewise, if your home has an interesting history, this can inspire the artwork. If the house has been rejuvenated, perhaps use old architectural drawings to accessorise the scheme.”

 

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

 

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

Sell your home faster this spring with these expert interior design tips!

Sell your home faster this spring with these expert interior design tips!

United Kingdom
  • Pay particular attention to neutralising colour schemes and brightening spaces
  • Remove all clutter – including pieces of furniture
  • Use soft furnishings and scents to stage your home like a show home

Spring is well known to be the best time of year to sell your home. In fact, research by US firm Zillow found that homes listed for sale between 1-15 May sell an average of 18.5 days faster than those listed outside of that time period, as well as achieving a 1% higher sale price.

For those planning to take advantage of the spring sales season, the experts at Alexander James Interior Design have shared their top 10 tips for selling your home faster through creative interior design.

 

“First impressions count when it comes to selling your home. Everything has to look, feel and even smell perfect in order to impress prospective buyers. It’s essential to give your home the best chance possible of attracting new owners and interior design can play a key part in that.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

Alexander James’ top 10 tips for selling your home this spring

1. Be your own critic

Start by casting a critical eye over your home yourself, picturing it through the eyes of a potential buyer. Try and think about the tastes and requirements of the type of person who might buy your home, whether it be a family of six or a couple without children. If it is a family home, you may gear your changes towards a family-friendly layout.

2. Repaint

A fresh coat of a neutral paint colour can work wonders. Use it where needed to cover up more controversial colours, which could put off potential buyers by restricting their vision for the property.

3. Flooring

If carpets look tired, tatty and threadbare, it’s a good idea to replace them, if your budget permits. At the very least, professional carpet cleaning can make a huge difference when it comes to brightening up a room.

4. Declutter

Make the most of every inch of drawer, cupboard and wardrobe space that you have by removing unnecessary clutter. This will open up the space and leave room for the imagination. If you have somewhere to store it, you can even remove two or three pieces of furniture from each room, to really show your home’s features and create a spacious feel. In the kitchen, clear away toasters and kettles to give a clean finish to the room.

5. De-personalise

You’ve likely spent years personalizing your home to perfection. Now it’s time to undo your hard work! Eliminate personal effects so that your home becomes a place where potential buyers are able to envision themselves living. In particular, replace photographs with more generic artwork.

6. Accessorise

Gently accessorise to make your property feel like a home. Use a soothing colour palette to allow one room to flow into the next, creating a cohesive feel. Adding fresh flowers injects colour and warmth to a room, while green plants can add a contemporary touch, creating a feature within a living space. High end magazines can be displayed on a coffee table for a homely effect.

7. Soft furnishings

Soft furnishings are important and the use of luxury brands can really make a difference. While the brands themselves are unlikely to be noticed by the potential buyer, the overall impact will be to add a quality effect. Any garish colours or worn cushions should be replaced, creating a home that the prospective new owners can feel a sense of pride in.

8. Light it up

Homes should have bright lighting to awaken the buyer’s senses. Good lighting can make your home feel more spacious and enhance its features. It may be worth investing in some brighter light bulbs (but not so bright that rooms appear clinical!) for maximum impact.

9. Add fresh scents

Use beautiful scented candles and diffusers throughout the home, but most importantly in the living area, master bedroom and master bathroom. Studies have found that complex scents can distract a buyers thought process, so we recommend simple, fresh scents such as orange, lemon, pine, basil, cedar, vanilla and cinnamon.

10. Stage your home

Cast your eye over your home once more and stage it like a show home for every single viewing. There shouldn’t be a dirty teacup or overflowing basket of washing in sight! Staging your house like a show home will allow potential buyers to feel that it is a property they would be proud to own.

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

Getting to know the ‘Designer with the Dogs’ – Stacey Sibley of Alexander James Interior Design

Getting to know the ‘Designer with the Dogs’ – Stacey Sibley of Alexander James Interior Design

United Kingdom
  • Creativity and organisational skills both essential for interior design work
  • Contemporary use of metals, softened by rustic woods, makes for the perfect modern interior
  • Natural elements and eclectic, ‘lived in’ interiors set the trends for the coming years

Beautiful interior design doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, Creative Director Stacey Sibley has dedicated the last 17 years to Alexander James Interior Design, the award-winning company delivering the most stunning interiors to the UK’s show houses, private homes and rental apartments.

Having trained in graphic design and styling, Stacey began her career at an interior design company that specialised in show homes. Her passion for creating beautiful properties led her to Alexander James Interior Design in 2000.

What began as membership of a team of five has evolved into Stacey heading up a department of 22 designers, while the Alexander James group has expanded to employ more than 100 staff in total.

Much has changed as Stacey has grown and developed with the Alexander James team. She is now responsible for the creative side of the business, overseeing designers and managing creative direction, as well as undertaking design work for key clients and keeping up with the latest industry trends. Here she shares her highlights of the experience.

Why is your role essential to the process of delivering stunning interiors?

At Alexander James I oversee the creative teams and the smooth running of the design studio, ensuring we deliver the best possible result on every project, as well as undertaking design projects myself. My role blends both creativity and organisational skills, which don’t always go hand in hand! That combination of skills is essential to delivering stunning interiors, particularly when it comes to show houses, which have to be incredibly efficient and deliver smooth installations that run to deadline.

How would you describe your own style?

I have quite a varied taste, which has changed over the years. For my own home, I like a relaxed style with a mix of old and new. I’ve developed a homely feel that encourages me to unwind and that perfectly suits my family and my two gorgeous Westies, Alfie and Piglet. I’ve opted for soft colours, as I need a calm sanctuary with plenty of light.  I love styling and finding one-off pieces from vintage shops.

How has interior design changed since the start of your career?

Quite a lot! A good example is window treatments, which have changed massively – they’ve gone from Austrian blinds, chintz, big bows, swags and tails to clean lines, and crisp, functional finishes. The days of matching wallpaper and fabrics are also thankfully long gone!

In recent years, we’ve seen a shift away from chrome, which was everywhere five years ago. We’re also seeing the resurgence of gold, which is now being used in a contemporary way, along with copper, brass and rose gold. The mixture of using traditional, rustic woods with modern metals has been a big change in the past few years as well.

What has been your most challenging project?

Most recently, it was The Chapel at Mill Hill, North London. The vast, vaulted ceiling and huge open living space meant that it was a challenge to make it feel like a home rather than a chapel! It also threw up some interesting challenges in terms of getting the scale of furniture and artwork right. It was a fascinating project to work on, but it did have some very unique challenges. The different finishes – lots of marble and stone – also meant that we had to think carefully about the acoustics in order to produce a warm, homely feeling rather than a chamber full of echoes!

Which is your favourite room to design?

Each property is unique, so I don’t have a preferred room, as such. My favourite types of rooms are those that are an awkward shape. That might be a kitchen in one property and a guest bedroom in another. The challenge of overcoming the spatial complexity is very rewarding.

What are the top trends to look out for in the years ahead?

Things now going more into natural elements – bringing nature into the home. Olive green is big this year and we’re seeing muted pinks coming back as well. We’re also finding that clients are keen for quite an eclectic feel at the moment, which looks like a trend that will develop further over the years ahead. It’s about mixing the old with the new in order to achieve a more ‘lived in’ look.

In terms of particular objects, Tom Faulkner’s Odessa cabinet is just beautiful and very on trend – the geometric lines and inlaid bronze are simple yet stunning, and a great example of the future of designer cabinetry.

Is there anything that one should always avoid when it comes to interior design?

There are several things, but top of my list is making rooms feel dark and oppressive. Rooms should be light, bright and airy, not crammed with oversized furniture and so many dark colours that they make you want to leave the moment you walk into them!

What’s your secret quick win for those looking to transform their home on a budget?

Paint! Light, bright walls can completely transform a room. Just make sure they match the colour palette of the furnishings and artwork already in the room, it the walls are the only element being changed.

Finally, what are your top three interior design tips?

Firstly, look at the space and plan furniture scales correctly – don’t assume anything! Measure the room and check dimensions carefully, as well as thinking about the use of the space. Beauty has to combine with functionality and provision needs to be made for storage as well.

Next, let textures be your friend. Enjoy the variety available and be playful with them, layering contrasting fabrics and finishes in order to avoid too much of any one texture.

Lastly, think carefully about lighting. There’s such a huge variety of lighting options available and each can influence the overall feel of a room. Plan the lighting just as carefully as all the other elements to be sure it will work as part of the overall vision.

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

Best in show: Alexander James’ 5 interior design tips to bring show house style to your home

Best in show: Alexander James’ 5 interior design tips to bring show house style to your home

United Kingdom

With spring sales in full swing in many shops, now is the perfect time to take a critical look at your home and make a few changes to bring it up to show house standard.

“Bringing glamour and style to your home doesn’t have to be about making big changes. There are a few simple tips and tricks that can make a big difference. Try to step back and take a fresh look at your rooms. Which features and objects stand out? How do they coordinate with the other items in the room? What feeling does the room give you? Once you take a long, hard look at your home, you’ll be able to identify which colours and objects dominate it – and to change them if necessary.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

The first top tip from the interior design experts at Alexander James is to declutter. Achieving show home style in your living room won’t happen if there are toys strewn all over the floor, clothes drying on radiators, or newspapers and wine glasses piled up on the coffee table.

Whether you tidy it away, or go one step further and get rid of some of the clutter by selling it or donating it to charity, it’s time to reduce the number of items that are visible – and then make those that are left count.

Thinking about your colour scheme is the next step. A base of complementary neutral tones, with a couple of brighter colours for contrast, will help to create a warm and cosy yet stylish environment.

For those who aren’t naturally good with colours, the Alexander James Interior Design team recommends using a colour wheel, as well as creating a mood board to start brining your ideas to life.

“It’s also really important to think about lighting. You don’t have to start a major renovation project to add in windows in order to brighten up a home – mirrors are ideal for making rooms brighter. Daylight plays a key role in our state of mind – in the simplest terms, if you flood your home with it, you’re likely to be happier.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

Mirrors have the added benefit of being able to make rooms feel more spacious, if positioned well. Lamps and candles can also be used to achieve show house style in your home, and a variety of lighting options means that a space can go from feeling bright and airy to comfortable and cosy as evening approaches.

The fourth tip from the Alexander James team is to compare and contrast fabrics and textures. If your sofa cushions are velvet, don’t opt for velvet cushions and velvet curtains – contrast the fabrics while maintaining a complementary flow of colour.

The same is true of other textures. Pair painted wooden chairs with a natural wood mirror frame or cluster of photo frames. Soften the sheen of metallic cabinet doors with jam jars or pitchers full of delicate, tumbling flowers.

“Flowers are the final key to giving your home a show house finish this spring. Not only do they look fabulous, but they also smell wonderful. Opt for locally grown, seasonal blooms to bolster your environmental credentials.”

Stacey Sibley, Creative Director, Alexander James Interior Design

 

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