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Redecorate your Hotel: When is the Right Time?

Whether your hotel is classically or contemporarily styled, it is important that it always looks fresh, smart and welcoming to guests. If the public areas have not been decorated for a few years, now is the time to plan a makeover!

Colour scheme

Whilst a major renovation can prove very costly; if your furniture is still looking good, you will be surprised and delighted how rooms can be revitalised. A fresh coat of paint and the introduction of attractive new features is one of the many simple steps you can take.

The first thing to consider is the colour palette:

  • Bright colours can make a room look smaller and can look tired and date quicker than classic neutral shades. The classic shades that have stood the test of time are magnolia and cream.  Dove grey is a popular neutral shade that can look really good! Even better if you can combine accents of bright colours used for accessories such as cushions and lampshades.
  • If you feel the walls are looking dull, you can introduce a ‘statement’ wall in a complementary darker tone. Claret, forest green or French navy – depending on the colour scheme of your furniture – would contrast nicely.
  • New artwork will give rooms a fresh new look too. Whilst buying sizeable pieces might be ‘out of budget’, it is well worth seeking out some local artists who will happily lend you pieces of their work as it gives them exposure and could lead to sales.

colour sample pallet

Try Lighting

Lighting can also make a room look tired and dull. So it is worth looking at how you can ‘ring the changes’ with some new lamps. If you want to create an atmosphere, try pools of brighter light where guests are reading or working and other areas bathed in softer golden light.

Artificial Plants

One of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to revitalise areas is by the clever use of artificial plants and flowers. If you buy good quality ones, you will find it impossible to tell that they are ‘faux’!  Blend artificial plants amongst live plants and have a layer of moss added to the top of their soil to make them more realistic. Attractive pots that complement the interior design can make all the difference and a regular dust is all the maintenance they will need!

A huge artificial plant arrangement makes a stunning focus to a room and some of the artificial seasonal plants can be replaced through the year with other seasonal plants and flowers. Wall displays of artificial trailing ivy can look very effective behind sofas and ‘plant walls’ are an eye-catching and effective way to divide a large room into smaller, cosier sitting areas. Plant walls comprise of multi-panels with a variety of different artificial plants. There can be hanging plants and ones with variegated foliage in a variety of natural tones. It does take a little time to create the right effect, but the feature will be much admired by your hotel guests.

chalet cyclamen handmade pot in hotel room Redecorate your hotel

Don’t Forget the Other Spaces!

The same ideas for rejuvenation can be rolled out across the hotel, with the introduction of artwork and artificial plants. Investigate colour schemes for the guest toilets and try adding large wicker baskets containing rolls of single-use cloth hand towels.

Freshen up your guest rooms with new paint and some new art for the walls. Introduce a splash of bold and fashionable colours using cushions, throws and curtain ties

An arrangement of artificial plants and interesting ornaments on a table, plus an arrangement of tactile cushions on the bed that all complement the colour scheme. This will help define the room’s character and create a feeling of luxurious cosiness.

After all, making your guests feel welcome in your hotel and their stay a memorable one, is your main objective….

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Working from Home: 5 Tips on how to Design the Perfect Home Office

The ONS Labour Force Survey has found that 1.54 million people in the UK are now working from home – that’s 884,000 more than ten years ago and this figure will keep on growing. With modern technology at your fingertips, it has never been easier to work from home and more and more house buyers are looking for an office space in the properties they are viewing so that they can enjoy all the advantages this brings.

Choose the right spot!

When you are considering where to establish a home office, it is best to give this plenty of thought as you will be spending a great deal of time at your desk. You will have some basic needs that must be considered such as whether you will be holding meetings or conference calls from home. Will you need just a table for your laptop or more space for printers and storage facilities too. Whilst working in a cramped area tucked under the stairs may work for some people, for others, more space and a window with natural daylight is essential. What about the noise level in your chosen area? If a noisy environment does not bother you, that is good, but if you prefer peace and quiet, you may well have to make some adjustments – a simple one can be to remove the batteries from your doorbell!

Getting Organised is the Key to Success!

You will need to have the right size of the work area so that you can feel comfortable whilst you work. You do need to have a dedicated desk as it becomes difficult to keep scooping up paperwork at the end of each day and you will need some storage space too. Position your desk so that you can take maximum advantage of natural daylight and the view from a window. Try out the space for comfort, are you sure that you have adequate light whatever the weather? It might well be advantageous to invest in a good quality anglepoise lamp that gives a good light wherever it is needed. Good lighting helps prevent eye strain and headaches. Once you have your office area laid out, spend some time dealing with any loose wire etc. to keep you safe. You need to ensure that they are not a trip hazard nor a distraction if you are trying to work fast! Better still, why not invest in some Bluetooth peripherals to make things easier?

Filing office organisation

Be Comfy!

There have been a number of studies that have found that if people are happy and comfortable in their workspace then their productivity increases, conversely if they are uncomfortable then they don’t work nearly as well! Working from home has a huge advantage that you can create the office space that suits you perfectly.

Ensure that you have a really comfortable chair that is the right height for you, if you do not, why not consider buying an ergonomic chair as this will ensure that you are sitting correctly and not damaging your spine. This is definitely an item of furniture not to scrimp on as a good chair really does make all the difference, ensuring your body is not aching at the end of the day.

Ensure your work area can be kept at a comfortable temperature all year through and that there is a source of fresh air too. A cup of coffee is an important part of every working day, are there facilities for making one that can be easily reached? Just because you are not in a work environment with regular safety checks, does not mean that health and safety should not be considered. It is important that you can leave your work desk easily to take a regular break from your PC screen.

Coffee cup including plant- Floresy

Consider Colour

The colour of your office can be as bright or calm as you like and it can also inspire you! True, your colour choice will have to be more conservative if you are holding meetings in your space, but if it is just you – the sky’s the limit! Choose the colour that suits you; a colour that fuels your creativity or helps you to feel serene and organised, the right colour is a very subjective choice! To enhance the colour of your office space, you can add some ambient lighting that will complement the ‘working light’ you have for your desk.

Personalise

Decorate the walls with an inspirational painting or other artwork and maybe add a favourite ornament to your desk or family photo. If space is short, you can always rotate these finishing touches to mirror the changing seasons. Think of fragrance too as the sense of smell is one of the strongest of our senses, so ensure that your work area smells fresh and appealing.

Add interest with some flowers or an attractive plant! Even if your office space does not benefit from natural light, don’t let that stop you as artificial plants or flowers an look like the real thing!

Importantly, your home office space is yours and it must feel good. Plan your office space like a well-designed aircraft cockpit with everything close at hand and easily accessible. Be flexible in your approach because as your work grows or changes so will your needs and these can be reflected in your workspace. Keep it fresh and appealing as it must inspire you and encourage you to be productive. Your new home office will mark the start of an exciting new chapter in your working from home life that will get bigger and better…..