Channel 5’s Property File has chosen to showcase the home and workplace of Sheila Dunlop as part of a profile on people who “live the dream”.

Featuring in the episode will be Mrs Dunlop’s 200-year-old cottage on the outskirts of Bath, and her prestigious Ivy House Design School in Walcot Gate.

The makers of Property File are always on the hunt for beautiful places to live and work and were fascinated by Mrs Dunlop’s school, housed in a beautiful period building in the heart of Bath’s historic artisan quarter - Walcot Street.

The school attracts would-be Laurence Llewelyn-Bowens from all over the world and has about 200 students through its doors each year.

Its studios and grand 30ft-high hall are housed in what was once a Georgian farmhouse. Now it is an intriguing mix of styles from across the ages. Read the rest of this entry »

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The traditional furniture and antique design, shilhuette and contemporary classic design.
Interior designer Kat Burki launch a line of furniture, home textiles and other goods called Kat Burki Home.

The line, which Burki says combines European flair with updated classics, will be sold through a catalog to be mailed nationwide in August and online at www.katburkihome.com.

“I’ve always admired the attention to detail in traditional furniture making. I try to translate these techniques into a new category that is antique in design and silhouette and contemporary in spirit but will be sure to remain a classic,” said Burki, whom a press release describes as “Connecticut’s top interior designer.”

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This article focuses on fireplace andirons. Andirons are a tool used for your fireplace and help in cleaning chores.
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Posted on 03-01-2008
Filed Under (Door, Window) by Admin

There are people who collect all sorts of thing. From dolls to bottle caps, there is a collection for nearly every personality. Some people even get all worked up over the old knobs on doors, and have started collections out of antique door knobs. We’re not sure how this collection happened. Maybe is started when an old door was going to be thrown out and there was a nostalgic moment, and the knob was kept as a memory. Then that knob called out for more knobs, and a collecting frenzy was underway.

No matter the reason for them, antique door knob collections are very popular, and can be very expensive. Some antique door knob collectors are very serious about their trade. They know all there is to know about antique door knobs. If you think a door knob is a door knob, you’re dead wrong. Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted on 02-01-2008
Filed Under (Kitchen, Tips, Interior Design) by Admin

If you have ever wished that you could recreate the tradition and warmth of your grandmother’s kitchen, you’ll be happy to know that it is possible to fill your kitchen with country charm along with the modern features you value.

One feature which can distinguish a country kitchen from other styles is the cabinets. Instead of looking for the traditional maple or oak cabinets, consider painted white cabinets. Glass cabinet doors are another nice touch. You could also add period cabinet hinges and accessories. You may find originals at an antique or second hand store. Also, many companies produce replicas that can be ordered through home improvement stores. Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted on 12-12-2007
Filed Under (Interior Design) by Admin

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Are you ready to decorate your home? If you have children, be sure to make kid-friendly home decorating choices. You do not want to spend a large sum of money, only to have your kids destroy your efforts. And, you probably do not want to spend endless hours cleaning or policing your kids.

If you need to replace flooring, think about what truly works for your family. Carpet mixed with kids and pets can be a disaster. Other flooring choices such as laminated floors or ceramic tile are easier to maintain. If you really want carpet, use carpet tiles. Then, if a section is permanently stained, you can easily replace just that section with another carpet tile. As an added bonus, many of these carpet tiles are industrial grade carpet which should hold up better to wear and stains.

Buy upholstered furniture with your kids in mind. For example, you may really like a couch that has pillows for the back. Now, envision your kids with those pillows having a pillow fight. Yes, you can try to train them not to bother the pillows, but do you really need yet another thing to police your children over? Be sure to pick an easy-care fabric. You can actually purchase furniture covered in outdoor upholstery fabric which just wipes clean.

For wood furniture, inexpensive antiques can be a great choice because they are usually sturdily made of solid wood which means that you should be able to refinish the item once your kids are grown. You can often paint wood furniture to cover damaged areas. And, a few nicks and scratches on an antique piece just adds to its charm. Particle board furniture is not likely to last long and is difficult or impossible to fix if there is a mishap. Read the rest of this entry »

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room-devider.jpg

Decorating your bedroom can be a great way to express yourself and get a great place to lounge and sleep in but coming up with interesting ideas can be a challenge. One way that I like to create interesting spaces is by using items that you might not normally find and using room dividers for bedroom decorating is an ideal way to create a unique look and maybe even gain some extra storage space too!

Room dividers or folding screens come in a wide variety of styles, sizes and even shapes. You can get then min metal, fabric, plastic and wood and they can be found with beautiful motifs ranging from antique to modern to Asian so you are sure to find one that matches with your bedroom decor.

There are many interesting ways to use room dividers for bedroom decorating. The thing about a divider is that it covers a wide area and, thus, makes a big statement. One traditional method of using them is to place them in the corner. This helps to soften out the harsh edges of the room corner as well as add a decorative touch in a spot that may be lacking. But, perhaps the best part of this method is that if you place it kitty cornered it leaves a space between the divider and the corner and you can use this space for extra storage!
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wall-painting.jpgFrom armoires to wooden figurines to headboards and accent mirrors, home furnishings are canvases for artists around the world. Adorned with floral patterns, Asian motifs and other ethnic-inspired designs, hand-painted furniture and accessories are the must-have items of the season. “Hand-painted home furnishings are taking center stage in the home, adding a world-inspired flare and style to the overall décor,” says Gary Babcock, vice president of merchandising and fashion at Arhaus Furniture, a 23-store lifestyle retailer of fine home furnishings.

Worldly influences

Hundreds of years ago, Egyptian artisans embellished everything from tables to pottery with colorful motifs to pass on ancient fables to future generations. “We’re seeing a resurgence of these hand-painted items as consumers look to add personal style to their home with unique pieces from around the world,” says Babcock. “They’re embracing heirlooms and other richly decorated items that they see as authentic to a certain era or culture.” Read the rest of this entry »

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kitchen-cabinetry.jpgFaux finished cabinets are finding a welcome home in today’s kitchens. From the most timeworn distressed looks to high-end lacquered finishes, a decorative painter can add just the right touch from his artist’s pallet to create the exact design and style most appropriate for your dream kitchen.

As we all know so very well, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s our source of comfort and joy. Whether we’re preparing a meal for our loved ones or just hanging out with our friends, the kitchen is the place everyone loves to be the best. And these days, the makeup of our kitchen environs is getting the attention it deserves.

Older kitchens are being remodeled and expanded. The kitchens in new homes are bigger than ever and are more accessible, too. Everything that goes into making a perfect space is being included — professional cooking equipment, granite countertops, sophisticated lighting, and especially important is stunningly beautiful cabinetry. Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted on 08-11-2007
Filed Under (Door, Window, Interior Design) by Admin

Window coverings serve an important role in your home, giving you privacy and also protecting your furniture and décor from the harshness of prolonged, direct sunlight. But the range of choices is so wide, including blinds, shades, shutters and curtains, that some homeowners have a hard time deciding which they prefer, or whether they can mix their window coverings according to the room where they are installed.

There are no hard and fast rules about what you should use, versus what you could use. The decision is up to your tastes, preferences, and what works with your decorating scheme. What you decide is great for one room, may not fit in another, so you switch from blinds in the bathroom to window shades in the bedroom, and that is just fine, as long as you are happy with the way the décor looks when you’re done.

For example, the living room is where most people entertain visitors and family, and because it is often a “public” room, people tend to go for more distinguished or striking window coverings, that may include shutters or curtains, and occasionally a combination of both. Read the rest of this entry »

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