In 2021 we saw a lot of neutral colour palettes in homes with a heavy focus on grey and white colour schemes. This year we think bold colours will be a big trend as well as natural colours such as oatmeal shades.

Different shades of green are predicted to be the most significant trend this year. Emerald green has been predicted to be the colour of the year, but mint green is also likely to be a big trend for people who prefer a natural toned-down interior. 

Sandy shades are also likely to return this year, following the crisp white interior is a massive trend in recent years.

When deciding to renovate your bathroom, the result can be really exciting. However, people make some common mistakes when remodelling their bathrooms, which I will highlight below.

Preparation is key
Sometimes, in a bid to cut costs, we think that some preparation work is not necessary. However, preparation is vital. Make sure that you check your wiring before installing that new shower. If your wiring is older, it may have to be brought up to standard by a trained electrician.

Think about the design
Sometimes we have to compromise our design due to space limitations.  You may want separate freestanding baths and a walk-in shower, but space dictates a built-in bath with an overhead shower.  Consider what is important to you.

Consider the future
A bathroom renovation is a once every ten-year job.  Spending a little extra on durability and quality can help your bathroom last as long as possible before needing any repairs or replacement.

2020 has been a challenging year; we are now in 2021 and ready to explore the interior design trends this year.

This year easy to clean surfaces and fabrics will rise in popularity after Covid-19 has put cleanliness at the forefront of people’s minds.

Warm, earthy colours look set to be popular this year.  Predictions are that the colour Camel will replace Greys and colours with a red or yellow undertone bringing a homey, inviting vibe to the home.

Stay calm and relaxed with blue furnishings.  Even Etsy are onto something, selecting Blue as their 2021 colour.

Natural materials look like they are continuing into 2021 after becoming popular in 2020. Raw materials such as jute, rattan, leather and live plants will continue to flourish in homes this year.

Will you be on trend this year?

Are you wanting to add a porch to your home or replace you existing porch? If so, you may be wondering if this is the type of thing that would require planning permissions. In fact, there are many types of home improvement projects that you can have done without planning permissions, but they typically are under certain conditions. Porches are no different, if the porch you are planning are within the below criteria, then you will not have to worry with Planning Permissions, as long as you have Permitted Development (PD) rights.

• The porch cannot be within 2m of any boundary adjacent to a highway
• No part of the porch can be taller than 3m
• The ground area (measured externally) does not exceed 3m squared

If this is the case with the porch that you are planning to have put in or redone, to these specifications, then you will not require planning permissions.

Did you know there is actually a DIY Conservatory option that does not require you to be a builder? Surprisingly there are actually DIY models that that offer easy step-by-step instructions with no special equipment needed. Typically, customers that use this option have a local builder construct the base and lower walls and then put the rest together themselves.

Reason’s people chose this option is that it is less expensive than hiring a team of builders to build the entire structure. It is fast and can be build in four days and it also does not turn your garden into a messy construction site. The self-build conservatories have instructional videos and access to a dedicated technical advisor that can help guide you, if there are any issues.

These DIY conservatories could be what you’re looking for if you are on a budget and are a decent handy man or woman.