LOVE THE BONES OF YOUR HOME
Interior / exterior home maintenance
A home is a huge investment, not only in financial terms but I believe as its temporary guardians we are lucky to live in them and it's our responsibility and duty to look after and cherish a home’s well-being for future generations. We need to nurture and maintain its’ bones, just like we do for an interior, and for ourselves. Looking after a home will ensure health and longevity.
5 tips to prepare your home for winter/ spring
Tip #1 Boiler Servicing
Let's start with the not so fun jobs. My main advice is to have your boiler inspected by a professional engineer. Having your boiler serviced annually will ensure it is working efficiently, which will save you money in the long run. You may have recently had some home renovations or added an extension, so it’s always best to ask the engineer if your heating system is efficient for the space, you live in. There is no point having a beautiful space if you don't want to spend time in it.
Tip #2 Fireplaces and log burners
Like boilers, every year you should have your chimney checked and swept by an expert. They will clear any blockages and ensure it’s safe for you to have a fire, where you and your family can all snuggle up with a hot chocolate, watch a film, or play games in those chilly winter months. This is also a great time to stock up with wood and logs. Maybe treat yourself to a new basket, or a fireside-companion set, will emphasise aesthetics as well functionality.
Tip #3 Cookers, Stoves and Ranges
The majority of modern ranges do not need maintenance but, if you have an older model, I recommend having it serviced.
Modern range cookers such as British designed Everhot, do not require annual servicing. Not only are they energy efficient, but they also can dry clothes and heat up a room creating a beautiful cosy ambience. They look amazing and are available in varying sizes, as well as an array of colours, which perfectly compliment any kitchen design style, traditional or modern. When I designed my own kitchen here at House of Lexden I couldn't wait to include one. Yes it's a huge investment but it will last a lifetime, so best to pick a colour you adore and not a colour that is on trend.
Photography -Rebecca Wild from Photopia.
Tip #4 Planning your garden for Spring
If you love the outdoors and flowers, it’s time to embrace your inner Monty as this is the month to cut back and prepare your garden for winter. House of Lexden, suggests planting some spring bulbs; I really love tulips for March and alliums for May. Beth Chatto plants and gardens, have stunning varieties to purchase online. If you wish for a little more help, they even offer a garden design service. Why not plant some spring bulbs in stunning pots for your porch, which will bloom and make you and your guests smile for the year ahead.
Tip #5 Improve kerb appeal
Brighten up your exterior by adding a pop of colour, such as painting the front door in a fresh new colour. Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux, transformed her door using the Dulux Colour of the Year 2024 ‘sweet embrace’ and it looks fabulous! Don’t forget to paint the interior side too! If you have stained glass, check for cracks and chips, and don’t forget to give the hardware a good polish!
So there it is, my 5 tips to prepare your home for winter/ spring and how to love the bones of your home, I hope you have found them useful. If so, perhaps share with a friend or family member. And if you would like to know more about my services or how we can work together to improve your home, please send me a message, I would love to hear from you.
Here are some tips on how to get your interiors ready for autumn.
Love Michaela x
Interior Designer, Colchester, Essex
Essex | Suffolk | Norfolk
Opmerkingen