Imagine a man, a bit taller than me, with tight black and curly poodle-type hair. A golden tan like the Yorkshire tea that he so enjoys, and chocolate drop eyes full of excitement and intrigue. He's so unpredictable.
Imagine this man dressed in a flat cap, with a smart golf jumper that undulated over his muscles like the sahara dessert. This is complimented with smart grey dress trousers, almost perfect, apart from the singed pocket where he stuffs his pipe frequently forgetting that it's lit.
Imagine this man with a real love for his family - an Irish wife and 4 lively daughters. It's no wonder he did so much sport!
This is my father, my hero.
Today I'd like you to sit back and relax as I showcase these traits - the love for his family, his pure strength and his total unpredictability.
Sundays were the best because mother stayed at home whilst father took us on an exploration!
Today wasn't the time we went blackburry picking - it was far more adventurous. Today wasn't the time we collected manure in my sister's doll's pram - it was far more adventurous.
As we scurried out the door and kissed my mother goodbye, we flew down the street and rounded the corner. It was then my father opened his winter coat and showed us today's surprise - a wood cutting saw! Yes, a wood cutting saw!
I said to my father, "daddy why do you have a saw?" ...but he was scurring off with full haste.
But this was nothing! The saw was nothing compared to where we ended up.
The best way to describe it is for you to imagine being suspended over a bath full of water. As you plummet into the water there's total devistation as water is splatted this way and that. You're left sitting in a trickle of water that puddles around your feet.
This was like the scene that presented itself - an end-of-terrace derralict house with the walls bombed, rubble and broken glass everywhere. In the centre is the most perfect Victorian fireplace standing tall like me in the bath. Next to it is a cosy armchair like an old dog waiting for it's master to come home.
Again I asked my father, "daddy, why do you have a saw?"
"to cut wood!" he replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. My father had a knack of making the most insane seem so normal. As if it was normal to take 4 young daughters to a deralict house to collect wood!!!
It was then that we heard the most almighty scream, aaaaaarrrrggggghhhh!
Like harry potter searching for the golden snitch, we swooped down to the scene of the noise.
All I could see was my baby sister's bobble hat bobbing up and down as she sobbed uncontrollably beneath, her tiny fingers White as she clung on to the side of the cavenous hole!
Like superman my father swooped down and picked her up like a hawk with a tiny White mouse.
My father, my hero!
I lernt two valuable lessons that day:
1) don't leave my baby sister unattended in a perilous place with rubble, broken glass and my father.
2) don't tell my mother because... She went absolutely ballistic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday 5 October 2010
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Public Speaking - Brick Wall
TOASTMASTERS SPEECH 7
BRICK WALL
OBJECTIVES (5 -7 minutes)
- Collect information about the topic from numerous sources.
- Support each point and opinion with specific facts, examples and illustrations gathered through research.
SPEECH
What do you think of when you hear the words BRICK WALL?
What do you feel and what do you sense?
For me it's nurturing and stability but I questioned my network group to find out their optinions.
In my industry research isn't always facts and figures - it's also people's perceptions with what's around them.
There were 4 main thoughts:
1) CONCEPTUAL & CREATIVE
- "Hitting a brick wall" to describe a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. When two people are encased behind their respective walls, one person needs to take the first step and step out from behind their defenses. (http://www.innerself.com/html/relationships/intimacy
- "Thick as a brick" to describe a less able person
- "He's a brick" to describe a solid, true and reliable friend
There was the odd case of surrealism with "Follow the yellow brick road" - very interesting.
2) PHYSIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
A brick wall is a boundary that can provide a sense of security, safety and stability because, for example, it's more permanent than a see-through wooden fence.
Let's look at a prison where the walls give outsiders a sense of security and a sense of safety by containing prisoners.
I remember watching a TV programme years ago that suggested the prison structure itself provides the inmates with a sense of security because they have clear boudaries and, for repeat offenders, it becomes a second home - a safe sanctuary where they know how to react and are with like-minded people. It's their sanctuary, their norm!
Walls are often used as boundaries, from your front garden to the farmers' field to the Great Wall Of China.
Great Wall Of China = 4 million visitors each year. (www.chinahighlights.com/greatwall)
(Some people have claimed that it's the only man-made object visible to the naked eye from space)
When we look at the aspect of containment we also need to remember the horrific stories of people being blocked into a wall and left to die.
There was a ghost reported in a pub in Lancashire and when they came to undertake the renovations the developers found the body of a woman and her baby encased behind the chimney breast.
I even found a story of a car that has been entombed: (http://celebrific.com/gossip/Entombed-car-unearthed-after-40-years-2150956.html)
"A 1958 Buick has been unearthed almost 40 years after three young men walled it up in the basement of an illinois house."
3) A BEAUTIFUL & AESTHETIC MATERIAL
- Battersea Powerstation (London http://www.batterseapowerstation.org.uk/) - the largest traditional brick built building in the world.
- Tate Modern (London http://www.tate.org.uk/) - the planned extension was changed from glass to brick when brick was declared "the new cool".
4) THE TECHNICAL STUFF
Here are some sites to expand your knowledge on the technical stuff:
The Brick Development Association
The British Brick Society
How To Build A Brick Wall
Ibstock Brick Limited
For now, I'll show you how building a brick wall is like making a sandwich:
a) Start with a piece of bread + butter - build a few courses at one side of the wall and make sure it's level
b) Add a second piece of bread + butter - build a few courses at the other side of the wall and make sure it's level
c) Add the filling between the two slices - join the brick courses together with a plumb line to make sure it's level
If it's not level then the filling in your sandwich will end up on your lap and your brick wall will fall down.
It needs to be remembered that today brick is not generally used as a structural element such as to "support my designer home" and is actualy a veneer or facade with the structural wall behind it.
It's a timeless material that's available in virtually limitless sizes, shapes and colours.
It can be laid in many different ways with running or stacked bond, soldier and rowlock courses.
You could have a single vertical plane or it could be corvelled to create depth with self-supporting arches.
You can use brick for many things such as flooring, roads, ceilings, chimneys, sewers, aqueducts, planters and seating.
However you use brick, it needs to be remembered:
A brick is not just a brick
A wall is not just a wall
A house is not just a house.
I'll leave you with a quote by architect Louis Kahn:
"I asked a brick what it wanted to be and it responded - an arch."
Here are the comments that I received:
- A fascinating and very varied talk which also showed us something of your own interests.
- Good internal linking around teh sue of the word "boundaries".
- An unusual topic providing food for thought and confidently delivered. You embodied exuberance.
- This was an imaginative topic. Good fluidity between movement free delivery and referring to notes. Watch use of "now" when starting senences.
- You always bring any topic you choose to life. You have great style and presence.
- You are surreal! You took us nowhere so pleasantly! You are such a pleasure to watch.
Monday 1 March 2010
Top Lighting Tips
Lighting is much more than choosing a lamp and plugging it in!
There are several factors we should firstly consider:
- Why is lighting required?
- Where is light required in the room?
- What style should I choose?
- How can I co-ordinate the lights from room to room?
- What safety features should I think about?
Let's look at each one in turn:
PURPOSE
Lighting can be broken down into the following categories:
- General lighting
- Task lighting
- Accent or Display lighting
- Safety lighting
General lighting gives an overall light in the room. It's required for general movement within the room and would include natural light and central pendant lights.
Task lighting is as its name implies, it's required for undertaking a task such as reading, knitting, playing games and completing homework.
Accent or Display lighting adds interest to a particular item or feature in the room. It may include a picture light or lighting within a display cabinet or on a shelf.
Safety lighting is as the name implies, it's required to provide safety such as with under-cupboard strip lighting in a kitchen to help see better when using sharp utensils.
When you start to think about lighting in a room, it's a good idea to make a list of all the activities that are going to be undertaken within the space and then you can assess what type of lighting will be required.
LIGHT LEVELS
Once you've decided what type of lighting is required you can assess the level or strength of lighting required.
For example, task lighting would need a strong light but general lighting may only require soft lighting. Rem,ember that you can alter lighting through the selected bulb and also through a dimmer switch.
When you assess light levels you should also look for any dark spots in a room or property. Which areas are gloomy and how can you best light them?
It's also imperative when selling a property to adequately light the front aspect so that potential buyers can clearly identify the property from the roadside and easily find the front door.
STYLE
Lighting products fall into the following categories:
- Central pendant light
- Wall light
- Table lamp
- Floor lamp
- Safety light
Once you've decided the purpose and light levels you're in a position to determine the most suitable style. For example, task lighting would be a strong light and could be accommodated within a desk table lamp. You then know that a socket is required for a desk lamp near to the desk.
There are so many lighting options around today that the selection is truly breathtaking.
Rather than looking at the selection as a whole and being in total awe or confusion, break down the options into appropriate material types. For example, a country cottage would be more suited to natural wood and fabric lamp shades whereas a contemporary pad would be more suited to chrome and crystal.
This is also a top tip when co-ordinating lighting within a total property - focus on matching material and shapes. For example: a contemporary property may feature lighting that focuses on square crystal drops.
SAFETY FEATURES
Quite often we forget or dismiss the boring safety features of lighting but it's so important for a designer home as well as keeping you safe and sound.
Safety lighting ensure that our property and our lifestyle come together in a workable solution that also looks fabulous.
Most of us are already aware of safety lighting, for example: specialist bathroom sealed units because mixing electricity with water is not the safest of activities.
Safety includes many elements around the home and in any corporate environment, for example: lighting staircases to prevent falls and slippage, lighting front doors to make it easier and quicker when searching for keys, highlighting Fire Exits to make a quick getaway, and providing additional lighting when chopping vegetables in the kitchen.
Once you've assess all of these aspects, from the purpose to the light levels and from the style to the safety features, you should have a cohesive and co-ordinated lighting design that not only showcases the property's features but is also a workable and enjoyable space to be in.
Of course, we're always here to help out if you get a little stuck or overwhelmed.
Call us today to see how we can help you.
Gwendoline
Creative Director
GA Interiors
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
There are several factors we should firstly consider:
- Why is lighting required?
- Where is light required in the room?
- What style should I choose?
- How can I co-ordinate the lights from room to room?
- What safety features should I think about?
Let's look at each one in turn:
PURPOSE
Lighting can be broken down into the following categories:
- General lighting
- Task lighting
- Accent or Display lighting
- Safety lighting
General lighting gives an overall light in the room. It's required for general movement within the room and would include natural light and central pendant lights.
Task lighting is as its name implies, it's required for undertaking a task such as reading, knitting, playing games and completing homework.
Accent or Display lighting adds interest to a particular item or feature in the room. It may include a picture light or lighting within a display cabinet or on a shelf.
Safety lighting is as the name implies, it's required to provide safety such as with under-cupboard strip lighting in a kitchen to help see better when using sharp utensils.
When you start to think about lighting in a room, it's a good idea to make a list of all the activities that are going to be undertaken within the space and then you can assess what type of lighting will be required.
LIGHT LEVELS
Once you've decided what type of lighting is required you can assess the level or strength of lighting required.
For example, task lighting would need a strong light but general lighting may only require soft lighting. Rem,ember that you can alter lighting through the selected bulb and also through a dimmer switch.
When you assess light levels you should also look for any dark spots in a room or property. Which areas are gloomy and how can you best light them?
It's also imperative when selling a property to adequately light the front aspect so that potential buyers can clearly identify the property from the roadside and easily find the front door.
STYLE
Lighting products fall into the following categories:
- Central pendant light
- Wall light
- Table lamp
- Floor lamp
- Safety light
Once you've decided the purpose and light levels you're in a position to determine the most suitable style. For example, task lighting would be a strong light and could be accommodated within a desk table lamp. You then know that a socket is required for a desk lamp near to the desk.
There are so many lighting options around today that the selection is truly breathtaking.
Rather than looking at the selection as a whole and being in total awe or confusion, break down the options into appropriate material types. For example, a country cottage would be more suited to natural wood and fabric lamp shades whereas a contemporary pad would be more suited to chrome and crystal.
This is also a top tip when co-ordinating lighting within a total property - focus on matching material and shapes. For example: a contemporary property may feature lighting that focuses on square crystal drops.
SAFETY FEATURES
Quite often we forget or dismiss the boring safety features of lighting but it's so important for a designer home as well as keeping you safe and sound.
Safety lighting ensure that our property and our lifestyle come together in a workable solution that also looks fabulous.
Most of us are already aware of safety lighting, for example: specialist bathroom sealed units because mixing electricity with water is not the safest of activities.
Safety includes many elements around the home and in any corporate environment, for example: lighting staircases to prevent falls and slippage, lighting front doors to make it easier and quicker when searching for keys, highlighting Fire Exits to make a quick getaway, and providing additional lighting when chopping vegetables in the kitchen.
Once you've assess all of these aspects, from the purpose to the light levels and from the style to the safety features, you should have a cohesive and co-ordinated lighting design that not only showcases the property's features but is also a workable and enjoyable space to be in.
Of course, we're always here to help out if you get a little stuck or overwhelmed.
Call us today to see how we can help you.
Gwendoline
Creative Director
GA Interiors
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
Monday 22 February 2010
My Mother's Day Out
This year, as a mother myself, I'm taking some time out for luxury treats and special events that enrich my life.
Of course there's the fabulous facial and healing hot stone massage but I also want to learn more and see more. I find it fascinating and invigorating to experience new events, as long as it's not jumping off anything with a bungee rope tied around my legs - I'm too scared for extreme sports!
New events always make me more creative which is great for my work - they take me out of my box, widen my scope and broaden my horizons!
With this in mind, I contemplated how I could bring you a special treat for Mother's Day. What would make your day special, bring you fun and a new experience?
Just for you we've put together not one but two special Mother's Day offers:
With our individual attention, these special offers are designed to pamper you. They're designed to give you that thrill and excitement under our expert guidance.
It's your time!
We're often told by our clients that they wish we were sat on their shoulder or tucked away in their pocket for when they go shopping. They want our individual and expert advice there and then to make those snap decisions.
We've thought one step better for you because, although Gwendoline is only 5'1", she won't fit into your pocket no matter how many yoga positions she can get her legs into!
So why doesn't she take you shopping!
Your individual shopping spree with our creative expert will guide you on what to buy and where to buy it.
It's your time!
Of course, as a mother our time is precious, so we show you how to maximise any shopping trips and give you confidence in putting items together quickly and efficiently. Great skills for anyone who hates shopping or is time poor.
Gwendoline will take the time to teach you how to look for those special items to finish off any room, or maybe there's something you're already on the hunt for?
We can help you make those special purchases now or just give you the advice and skills for the future. Either way, it's going to be fun!
Contact us today to book your pamper shopping experience:
'My Mother's Day Out' sessions are £99, for a maximum of 2 hours and must be taken before Easter (04Apr2010).
Of course there's the fabulous facial and healing hot stone massage but I also want to learn more and see more. I find it fascinating and invigorating to experience new events, as long as it's not jumping off anything with a bungee rope tied around my legs - I'm too scared for extreme sports!
New events always make me more creative which is great for my work - they take me out of my box, widen my scope and broaden my horizons!
With this in mind, I contemplated how I could bring you a special treat for Mother's Day. What would make your day special, bring you fun and a new experience?
Just for you we've put together not one but two special Mother's Day offers:
MY MOTHER'S DAY and MY MOTHER'S DAY OUT.
With our individual attention, these special offers are designed to pamper you. They're designed to give you that thrill and excitement under our expert guidance.
It's your time!
MY MOTHER'S DAY OUT
We're often told by our clients that they wish we were sat on their shoulder or tucked away in their pocket for when they go shopping. They want our individual and expert advice there and then to make those snap decisions.
We've thought one step better for you because, although Gwendoline is only 5'1", she won't fit into your pocket no matter how many yoga positions she can get her legs into!
So why doesn't she take you shopping!
Your individual shopping spree with our creative expert will guide you on what to buy and where to buy it.
It's your time!
Of course, as a mother our time is precious, so we show you how to maximise any shopping trips and give you confidence in putting items together quickly and efficiently. Great skills for anyone who hates shopping or is time poor.
Gwendoline will take the time to teach you how to look for those special items to finish off any room, or maybe there's something you're already on the hunt for?
We can help you make those special purchases now or just give you the advice and skills for the future. Either way, it's going to be fun!
Contact us today to book your pamper shopping experience:
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail;: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
'My Mother's Day Out' sessions are £99, for a maximum of 2 hours and must be taken before Easter (04Apr2010).
My Mother's Day
This year, as a mother myself, I'm taking some time out for those luxury treats and special events that enrich my life.
Of course there's the fabulous facial and healing hot stone massage but I also want to learn more and see more. I find it fascinating and invigorating to experience new events, as long as it's not jumping off anything with a bungee rope tied around my legs - I'm too scared for extreme sports!
New events always make me more creative which is great for my work - they take me out of my box, widen my scope and broaden my horizons!
With this in mind, I contemplated how I could bring you a special treat for Mother's Day. What would make your day special, bring you fun and a new experience!
Just for you we've put together not one but two special Mother's Day offers:
My Mother's Day and My Mother's Day Out.
With our individual attention, these special offers are designed to pamper you. They're designed to give you that thrill and excitement under our expert guidance.
It's your time!
How many times have you walked into a room to be filled with misery - the decor is dated, the layout's all wring or you just can't see past the clutter?
Maybe you long for 'your own space' in your bustling home. Your own space to display your precious things and unwind after a long and taxing day.
As busy mums we give our energy and our time to our family, often putting ourselves last or just making do!
This year though, we're making time for you!
Our creative director Gwendoline will pop into your home and wave her magic to make your space and your home more appealing for you.
She'll offer you lots of guidance and practical advice to sort out those annoying and nagging worries about your home. She can create you a haven to unwind and relax or sort out that miserable room once and for all.
When we live in our homes we can become sanitised to what's around us. We live in the same way day in and day out.
This year we want to help you fall in love with your home again. We'll give it a new lease of life which in turn will invigorate you and your family.
No more miserable rooms and no more making do. Make time for yourself by contacting us today to book your pamper session with Gwendoline.
'My Mothers Day' sessions are £99, for a maximum of 2 hours and must be taken before Easter (0Apr2010).
Of course there's the fabulous facial and healing hot stone massage but I also want to learn more and see more. I find it fascinating and invigorating to experience new events, as long as it's not jumping off anything with a bungee rope tied around my legs - I'm too scared for extreme sports!
New events always make me more creative which is great for my work - they take me out of my box, widen my scope and broaden my horizons!
With this in mind, I contemplated how I could bring you a special treat for Mother's Day. What would make your day special, bring you fun and a new experience!
Just for you we've put together not one but two special Mother's Day offers:
My Mother's Day and My Mother's Day Out.
With our individual attention, these special offers are designed to pamper you. They're designed to give you that thrill and excitement under our expert guidance.
It's your time!
MY MOTHER'S DAY
How many times have you walked into a room to be filled with misery - the decor is dated, the layout's all wring or you just can't see past the clutter?
Maybe you long for 'your own space' in your bustling home. Your own space to display your precious things and unwind after a long and taxing day.
As busy mums we give our energy and our time to our family, often putting ourselves last or just making do!
This year though, we're making time for you!
Our creative director Gwendoline will pop into your home and wave her magic to make your space and your home more appealing for you.
She'll offer you lots of guidance and practical advice to sort out those annoying and nagging worries about your home. She can create you a haven to unwind and relax or sort out that miserable room once and for all.
When we live in our homes we can become sanitised to what's around us. We live in the same way day in and day out.
This year we want to help you fall in love with your home again. We'll give it a new lease of life which in turn will invigorate you and your family.
No more miserable rooms and no more making do. Make time for yourself by contacting us today to book your pamper session with Gwendoline.
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
'My Mothers Day' sessions are £99, for a maximum of 2 hours and must be taken before Easter (0Apr2010).
Radio Verulam - Maximise Any Room
The last Tuesday of every month is our creative director Gwendoline's slot with Danny Smith of Radio Verulam (92.6FM www.radioverulam.com).
It's an informal session where Gwendoline will share with you design top tips for the hot topic of the month.
For February she'll be talking about awkward rooms - from the dining room to the bedroom, from the cellar to the loft - she'll share with you her industry knowledge and vast experience into what makes a room awkward and how to remedy the problems.
So, crank up your ears to Radio Verulam.
Don't worry if we're not in your geography because you can always listen online at www.radioverulam.com.
Enjoy,
Gwendoline
Creative Director
GA Interiors
Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
It's an informal session where Gwendoline will share with you design top tips for the hot topic of the month.
For February she'll be talking about awkward rooms - from the dining room to the bedroom, from the cellar to the loft - she'll share with you her industry knowledge and vast experience into what makes a room awkward and how to remedy the problems.
So, crank up your ears to Radio Verulam.
Don't worry if we're not in your geography because you can always listen online at www.radioverulam.com.
Enjoy,
Gwendoline
Creative Director
GA Interiors
Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Thursday 11 February 2010
Workshop...Social Networking Made Easy
As highlighted in today's blog, 'If I Show You, Will You Look', social networking has many positive aspects to help strengthen your company, your brand and your public profile.
But how does it fit into your daily life? How does it link to other aspects of your business?
I love to use the analogy of a horse race where you are the Horse and your customer is the Golden Cup, the First Prize.
Of course the horse has the ability to take part in the race and reach the winning post on its own but it's more likely to achieve first place, the golden cup and first prize, with a jockey and a trainer.
The jockey ensures that the horse is focused throughout the race and the trainer prepares the horse for the race, ensuring it's muscles are toned and flexed with sufficient nutrients for optimum fitness.
Social networking is the jockey. It helps you in your marketplace (the race) to position yourself against your competitors (the other horses).
Social networking works alongside other marketing tools (the trainer), such as your website, blogs, newsletters and personal face-to-face interactions, to make a strong connection with your customers.
Like any new technology it always take a while to work out best practices.
With over 20 years business expertise, our creative director Gwendoline is now bringing you our top tips on how to make it easy.
- We'll share with you our industry insights and how to take the slog out of social networking.
- We'll show you how to make it structured with clear objectives and goals.
- We'll teach you how to keep it simple but effective, maximizing those precious hours of your day.
Here's what one of our previous students had to say,
" A big thank you for all your valuable advice and help.
You made it fun and interesting."
We create all of our workshops individually for you.
As well as teaching you industry theory and best practices, we make our workshops practical and create a relaxed environment so that you go home with useful skills that can be applied straight away.
Contact us today to reserve your place on our limited workshops.
DATE: Tuesday 2nd March 2010
TIME: 10:00 - 12:00 am
PLACE: Saint Albans, Hertfordshire
PRICE: £35
TELEPHONE: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
If I Show You, WIll You Look?
If I show you, will you look, will you take note, will you listen?
Of course you will, but only when you're ready. When the time is appropriate for you, you'll remember what I said and then be ready to take action.
That's what's so great about social networking, this global connectivity. I provide you with information and then you can use it when You want to, when You have a need and You have a purpose.
So, take a seat, have a read, make notes and use this information then You are ready.
***
I was reading articles on social networking this week (http://www.economist.com/) and it just blows your mind looking at the statistics and thinking of the global reach from the Internet today.
Even if you're not a fan of Facebook it is impressive to note that it has over 350 million users who post 55 million updates a day and share more than 3.5 billion pieces of information with each other every week. A staggering connection of knowledge and information!
Are you one of the 350 million? I am!
So, why is everyone jumping on the band wagon?
Just look at Facebook that took almost 5 years to reach its first 150 million users, but then only took 8 months to double that number! And LinkedIn has over 58 million members with its last million members joining within 11 days!
What's the rush? Why has there been this explosion in social networking over the last year?
Sure social networking started out as a medium for the youth to chat with their friends, share photos of their holidays and have their most embarrassing videos put on the Internet for total embarrassment.
Nowadays though, social networking users have an average age of 40. Should these people know better or are they onto something that you're not aware of? Are these 'Twitfaced' (Twitter and Facebook) people using social networking for purely personal purposes or have they brought it into the corporate arena?
How are we using social networking today compared to a year ago?
THE URL STRATEGY
URL usually stands for Uniform Resource Locator and is the unique address of any file that is accessible via the Internet. End of tecky talk because in the world of the Internet today URL has another meaning: Ubiquity first, Revenue later.
Over the past few years companies have focused on building lists of users rather than worrying about profits. Of course they've built huge followings but it's raised a question over their ability to make money from the audiences they've accumulated.
As with any good marketing strategy, the importance is not just focused on having a list but having a qualified list of potential clients and a list of people that can recommend you, your services and your brand.
People using social networking are more likely to engage with brands than sceptics think. It's a powerful viral marketing effect because friends spread the word about things they have discovered. Such recommendations are hugely important in purchase decisions.
It's street credibility without the street!
Instead of social networking I love to refer to it as social marketing! It's an informal way of letting people know what you do and an opportunity to showcase your work in the form of text, visual aids and audio.
O2 found that 17% of British small businesses were using Twitter to attract new customers and some believe they have saved around £5,000 ($8,000) a year from other forms of marketing by doing so.
The sceptics say that social marketing is an Internet bubble in the making but others say that it's the world's biggest, fastest and most dynamic focus groups.
Social marketing is a superb tool for mass communication, a way of connecting and sharing whether on a personal of a business level. Connections made possible by social networks are helping to create new businesses as well as promote and strengthen existing ones.
As with any new technology there are always pitfalls and words of warning.
As social networking and blogs weave their way into the workplace, offering huge opportunities for businesses, they also leave lines open for abuse and mistrust.
It's estimated that personal use of social networks during the working day have cost British economy almost £1.4 million a year in lost productivity.
An American firm, Nucleus Research, concluded that if companies banned employees from using Facebook while at work, their productivity would improve by 1.5%
But this is nothing new. Before computers even came along people were taking time out from work with cigarette breaks and coffee stops! When computers were introduced life became more varied with PC games for a quick brain refresh. There will always be people that abuse the system and there will always be a need to restrict access to some form of technology during the working day. It's just standard business practices to maximise your workforce.
Another concern for companies is the leaking of sensitive information through social networking, but again, this should be considered within standard business practices.
Social networking is a marketing tool and as such should be within your business plan and should have structure and form, ie: you should be clear what you want to say and how you want to say it. From a corporate perspective it's more appropriate for select individuals to blog, tweet and post about the company. The individuals send out a common message in a similar language that showcases the company and the brand, eg: a law firm might have a very formal structure with legal wording whereas a builder could be more informal with everyday wording.
For any company, standard business practices would currently include contractual elements for non-disclosure of sensitive information; therefore, the passing of information through social networking should be incorporated into this. Social networking is no different to chatting to a friend down the pub and giving away company secrets. Company policy needs to be in place to protect those secrets, innovations and sensitive tit bits.
So, how are people using social networking to build their business?
We've already said that it's a marketing tool building street credibility and strengthening your brand, eg: Barack Obama victory campaign.
We've already highlighted that it's an excellent channel for news, eg: latest natural or freak accident.
What we haven't touched upon is how simple and cost effective it is to implement. How quickly you can get your message out to hundreds and thousands of people with as little as 140 characters - even in a postal strike or the deepest of snow!
eMarketer estimate that over 600 million people will use their phones to tap into social networking by 2013, a more than four-fold increase on last year's 140 million. Facebook already has 65million mobile users.
Are you one of the 65 million? I am!
A Citibank survey (Oct09) of 500 small businesses in America found most of the companies had not used online networks because they thought they would be a waste of time.
Believe me - I have no time to waste!
Just because I'm having fun whilst I build my corporate identity doesn't make it any less effective.
Just because the information is flowing to me instead of me having to hunt for it doesn't make it any less relevant.
Just because I'm interacting with people through a computer doesn't make me any less sociable.
Through social networking I'm building my brand, I'm building my corporate identity and I'm building my public profile in a very real and interactive environment. It's leading to business and a whole lot of fun.
Why not join me on a social network site today? See your yourself, take a look, and make your own notes:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Of course if you'd like a little guidance then just give us a call or sign up today to our business workshop "Social Networking Made Easy" by contacting our creative designer, Gwendoline.
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Monday 8 February 2010
New Design Clinic For March... Maximise Any Room
NEW DESIGN CLINIC FOR MARCH 2010
- MAXIMISE ANY ROOM -
As we mentioned in our blog article 'How To Maximise Any Room', there are many reasons why a room is labelled awkward.
It could be the six of the room or its poor proportions. It could be the layout of the room or a lack of storage. It could even be caused by the quantity of items required in the room itself.
All of these problems cause an unsettling in our homes because all the time we're having to compromise.
For 2010, we don't want you to compromise.
We've created for you, your family and friends, a relaxed and informal design clinic where we'll share with you our top tips to resolve these awkward problems.
Here's what one of our clients had to say about our top tips:
"Thank you for your numerous ideas for my daughter's room. We have implemented them and simply can't believe that a box room now feels like a spacious bedroom with very little expense. Great advice."
In a relaxed and informal, fun and friendly environment, our aim is to teach you elements of design theory alongside practical skills. This means that we give you the potential to go home with the skills to resolve your awkward and maximise any room.
Here's what one of our previous students had to say:
"A big thank you for all your valuable advice and help. You made it fun and interesting."
All of our design clinics are exclusive to GA Interiors with a limited number of places available so it is advisable to make an early booking.
Contact us today to secure your place on at this unique event:
Date: Tuesday 2nd March
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Place: Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, UK
Price: £35
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline:ga-interiors.co.uk
How To Maximise Any Room
Working with many clients in a variety of properties, we often find a key problem for them is awkward rooms.
There are several reasons why a room might be awkward:
1) SIZE
A room may be too large or too small for the desired purpose. Of course, unless you're going to add walls to a larger space or add an extension to a smaller space then we have to work with the room as it is.
Often our solution to this problem is to define the space more accurately so that every centimetre in the room is optimised. We zone, or section, the room into different areas so that each zone has a clear purpose and function.
Zoning a space gives clear divisions and sets boundaries between one part of the room and the next. Larger rooms will feel cosier and smaller rooms will feel more spacious.
2) PROPORTION
Often the proportions of a room create problems for our clients, eg:
- an 'L' shaped room
- a very long room
- a room with a low ceiling
- a room with a high ceiling
- an attic room
- a room with lots of doors and windows.
As with the solution for room size, we can adjust some awkwardness in the room with clearer space definition.
Other techniques we use to remedy this problem involve a clever use of colour and defined furniture layout.
Our techniques trick the eye at a subconscious level to see the room in a different way, eg: painting a low ceiling a lighter colour than the walls will add height to the room and painting a high ceiling in a darker colour than the walls will bring the ceiling down and make the room feel cosier.
Sometimes we have to use a combination of industry techniques depending on how dis-proportionate the room is.
3) LAYOUT
One of the most common problems we encounter is under-utilised space due to poor layout of furniture.
As we mature our needs change and quite often our homes remain the same, ie: we have the same things in the same place because that's what we're used to.
For many of our clients, we work with them to understand their current needs for their home. What do they like about their homes and what's not working? We can then assess each room individually to make sure it has a clear defined purpose.
For example: one of our clients has created a huge extension with a fabulous room that they termed as the 'junk room'. We're now making it into a games room for the whole family to enjoy.
Another important problem with layout is use of space, ie: how you use every room in your home.
For example: one of our clients had an extension and kept the children's playroom int eh same old room. Great whilst they're living in the property but, now that they're selling their home this is the first room that buyers see. No matter how tidy the playroom is, it's never going to create that great first impression that hooks the buyer into the sale.
It would be more impactive for the clients to swap the playroom with the dining room. This would create minimal disruption and maximum impact giving them a greater opportunity to achieve that all important sale.
4) STORAGE
Many small 'box' rooms are given over to children or used as an office. Both have loads of items with oodles of toys for the children and bundles of box files for the office.
The key solution to this problem is great storage. Storage in terms of the types of furniture used and also the accessories that compliment the furniture.
For example: an office might require a great shelving system that holds box files whereas a baby's room might require shelving with adjustable shelves as their items will change as the child matures.
5) TOO MANY ITEMS TO FIT INTO THE ROOM
This problem usually occurs when dealing with a children's room as the amount of books, toys and accessories they have can be quite staggering - particularly when it's your first child and you're used to having the house to yourself!
As with any good design the solution is to zone, or section, the room into its functional areas, such as sleeping (bed), playing (table and chairs) and living (wardrobes).
The next consideration is great storage that's adjustable and flexible as the child matures, eg: the Flexa system (http://www.totstoteensfurniture.co.uk/)
The third consideration is to regularly go through the things and remove anything that's broken or no longer used. This should be carried out with the children - I know this is a horrendous thought for some of you and it is time consuming - but children need to learn life skills and tidy up after themselves.
With all these top tips you can now tackle those awkward rooms in your home.
Of course if you get a little stuck then we're always here to help.
If you'd like some practical skills to help you on your way then why not join me for our exclusive, fun and friendly design clinic: Maximise Any Room:
Date: Tuesday 2nd March
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Place: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Price: £35
You could even bring your friends with you for moral support. Contact us today to ensure your place at this exciting and unique event.
Best of Luck,
Gwendoline.
Creative Director,
GA Interiors.
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
There are several reasons why a room might be awkward:
1) SIZE
A room may be too large or too small for the desired purpose. Of course, unless you're going to add walls to a larger space or add an extension to a smaller space then we have to work with the room as it is.
Often our solution to this problem is to define the space more accurately so that every centimetre in the room is optimised. We zone, or section, the room into different areas so that each zone has a clear purpose and function.
Zoning a space gives clear divisions and sets boundaries between one part of the room and the next. Larger rooms will feel cosier and smaller rooms will feel more spacious.
2) PROPORTION
Often the proportions of a room create problems for our clients, eg:
- an 'L' shaped room
- a very long room
- a room with a low ceiling
- a room with a high ceiling
- an attic room
- a room with lots of doors and windows.
As with the solution for room size, we can adjust some awkwardness in the room with clearer space definition.
Other techniques we use to remedy this problem involve a clever use of colour and defined furniture layout.
Our techniques trick the eye at a subconscious level to see the room in a different way, eg: painting a low ceiling a lighter colour than the walls will add height to the room and painting a high ceiling in a darker colour than the walls will bring the ceiling down and make the room feel cosier.
Sometimes we have to use a combination of industry techniques depending on how dis-proportionate the room is.
3) LAYOUT
One of the most common problems we encounter is under-utilised space due to poor layout of furniture.
As we mature our needs change and quite often our homes remain the same, ie: we have the same things in the same place because that's what we're used to.
For many of our clients, we work with them to understand their current needs for their home. What do they like about their homes and what's not working? We can then assess each room individually to make sure it has a clear defined purpose.
For example: one of our clients has created a huge extension with a fabulous room that they termed as the 'junk room'. We're now making it into a games room for the whole family to enjoy.
Another important problem with layout is use of space, ie: how you use every room in your home.
For example: one of our clients had an extension and kept the children's playroom int eh same old room. Great whilst they're living in the property but, now that they're selling their home this is the first room that buyers see. No matter how tidy the playroom is, it's never going to create that great first impression that hooks the buyer into the sale.
It would be more impactive for the clients to swap the playroom with the dining room. This would create minimal disruption and maximum impact giving them a greater opportunity to achieve that all important sale.
4) STORAGE
Many small 'box' rooms are given over to children or used as an office. Both have loads of items with oodles of toys for the children and bundles of box files for the office.
The key solution to this problem is great storage. Storage in terms of the types of furniture used and also the accessories that compliment the furniture.
For example: an office might require a great shelving system that holds box files whereas a baby's room might require shelving with adjustable shelves as their items will change as the child matures.
5) TOO MANY ITEMS TO FIT INTO THE ROOM
This problem usually occurs when dealing with a children's room as the amount of books, toys and accessories they have can be quite staggering - particularly when it's your first child and you're used to having the house to yourself!
As with any good design the solution is to zone, or section, the room into its functional areas, such as sleeping (bed), playing (table and chairs) and living (wardrobes).
The next consideration is great storage that's adjustable and flexible as the child matures, eg: the Flexa system (http://www.totstoteensfurniture.co.uk/)
The third consideration is to regularly go through the things and remove anything that's broken or no longer used. This should be carried out with the children - I know this is a horrendous thought for some of you and it is time consuming - but children need to learn life skills and tidy up after themselves.
With all these top tips you can now tackle those awkward rooms in your home.
Of course if you get a little stuck then we're always here to help.
If you'd like some practical skills to help you on your way then why not join me for our exclusive, fun and friendly design clinic: Maximise Any Room:
Date: Tuesday 2nd March
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Place: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Price: £35
You could even bring your friends with you for moral support. Contact us today to ensure your place at this exciting and unique event.
Best of Luck,
Gwendoline.
Creative Director,
GA Interiors.
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Thursday 28 January 2010
My Life
Here's the speech that I presented today to an exciting group of business ladies:
"This year I'm celebrating 25 years since I moved down to the Sunny South from the persistently precipitating Pennines.
After achieving a degree in Business Studies, down in sunny Bournemouth, I moved to Hatfield to take up a position in IT. 3 company moves later and I'd made my way up to senior management. I was managing global projects, large teams and budgets in the millions.
But it wasn't enough. There was something missing.
When my father died of cancer, a week after my son was born, I decided it was time to take stock. Every spare minute I spent studying Interior Design with a prestigious London college. When I achieved Distinction in my exams I realised that I had a natural talent, flair and a passion for Interior Design.
It was then that I heard about Ann Maurice, the celebrity House Dr on the telly, who whizzes around people's homes taking them from shocking to striking. Fortunately for me she was offering a training course in London so I booked myself on and am now a House Dr consultant as well as an Interior Designer.
For you, this means that I'm professionally trained to undertake a quick and economic makeover as well as rip your homes apart and rebuild them into palatial palaces to fulfill all your dreams.
I work with divorced couples who need an independent person to prepare their homes for sale, families who haven't decorated for 20 years, couples staying put and extending until the economy improves, as well as single professionals and many, many more.
I consider myself to be a lifestyle designer because my focus is to create you stunning homes that work around your daily life.
I create a retreat for you, your haven - a place where you can relax and unwind - your perfect home."
"This year I'm celebrating 25 years since I moved down to the Sunny South from the persistently precipitating Pennines.
After achieving a degree in Business Studies, down in sunny Bournemouth, I moved to Hatfield to take up a position in IT. 3 company moves later and I'd made my way up to senior management. I was managing global projects, large teams and budgets in the millions.
But it wasn't enough. There was something missing.
When my father died of cancer, a week after my son was born, I decided it was time to take stock. Every spare minute I spent studying Interior Design with a prestigious London college. When I achieved Distinction in my exams I realised that I had a natural talent, flair and a passion for Interior Design.
It was then that I heard about Ann Maurice, the celebrity House Dr on the telly, who whizzes around people's homes taking them from shocking to striking. Fortunately for me she was offering a training course in London so I booked myself on and am now a House Dr consultant as well as an Interior Designer.
For you, this means that I'm professionally trained to undertake a quick and economic makeover as well as rip your homes apart and rebuild them into palatial palaces to fulfill all your dreams.
I work with divorced couples who need an independent person to prepare their homes for sale, families who haven't decorated for 20 years, couples staying put and extending until the economy improves, as well as single professionals and many, many more.
I consider myself to be a lifestyle designer because my focus is to create you stunning homes that work around your daily life.
I create a retreat for you, your haven - a place where you can relax and unwind - your perfect home."
Wednesday 27 January 2010
Public Speaking - A Beautiful Princess
For those who aren't aware, Gwendoline is a member of Toastmasters International (http://www.toastmasters.org/) which is a global public speaking group.
Gwendoline has been asked to prepare a speech number 6 to showcase the skill of vocal variety.
Your voice has a major effect on your audience. A lively, exciting voice attracts and keeps listeners attention. A speaking voice should be pleasant, natural, forceful, expressive and easily heard. You need to focus on volume, pitch, rate and quality as well as appropriate pauses to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message. Your voice should reflect the thoughts you are presenting.
Here's Gwendoline's speech that she'll be presenting tonight. We'll keep you posted on how it goes:
A BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS
Imagine a girl, barely 17, a beautiful princess with chocolate drop eyes, peachy skin and raven black hair. She's the life and soul of the party. With her raucous laugh, she's loved by everyone.
BUT, like every good fairy story, she has a deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep, daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaark secret! Something she's never told anyone before!!
As she trudges home her shoulders start to slump and her head bows down. It's started already - the anxiety, the gloom and misery.
She reaches the front door and opens it wide, the depression whips around her legs and starts to stifle her!
She steps inside - the pain, the searing pain!! The headache, the nausea, the migraine, the sickness, the sadness, the stress.
BUT, this is no fairy story, this is real life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I enter her home I pick my way up the stairs. I feel the depression oozing out of the walls, the sadness sliding up my legs and the cold stagnant air chilling my bones.
I push open her door and sidle my way inside. I'm greeted with a sea of stuff and a tower of tat - total chaos!
It's at this point that those of you with teenage children will tell me that it's normal not to see the bedroom floor.
(display line of bin bags)
From that floor I retrieved 27 bin bags of stuff. 27 bulging bin bags of stuff.
(display shoebox)
Plus, a shoe box stuffed with headache tables - all empty! A girl, barely 17, surviving off headache tablets!
Imagine a girl, barely 17, sat in a family sized car. Now imagine adding each bin bag one by one. One by one they're pushed and squeezed into every crevice, every nook and cranny.
The girl no longer sits upright, instead she's splattered against the car door, her face suckered to the window and totally contorted. Her neck is long and lean as she gasps for breath. She's being suffocated by all this stuff! The headaches, On No! The pain, the nausea.
A beautiful princess, with chocolate drop eyes, peachy skin and raven black hair - she's loved by everyone.
HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE HAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS SPEECH:
"From the start a beautifully dramatic evocative speech told with great feeling and actions."
"So dramatic and evocatively delivered creating quite a tension with the audience. I lost the polt a little. Consider what you'd like your audience to go away with. Your strong command of the floor and uninhibited gestures are a joy."
"Very good straightforward message created pictures that kept attention."
"Very powerful! You had us all hanging on your every word. Wonderful use of language and clear powerful descriptions. I was suprised at the sudden ending."
"Perhaps try to use more power in your voice. Good repetion - a girl barely 17."
"Passionate and well described. Great visionary. Bit depressing this I thought. Bit laboured and then the finish before I had time to take it in. Excellent otherwise."
"Your skills are very polished: gestures, props, modulation of voice! Just a small recommendation: prepare the audience for the end of the speech as it came as a bit abruptly and, personally, I wasn't ready for it yet."
"I found your arm movements a distraction. Good use of pauses."
"Awesome, simply awesome."
MY VIEWPOINT
I was very pleased with my speech as it was enthusiastically received and I do appreciate the comments about the ending being abrupt.
When I saw that I was already at 5 minutes I did round the speech off so that I didn't overrun my 7 minutes slot. From the comments I received it sounds as if I cut it off rather than rounded it off!
Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org) is always a great learning environment. If you're a great speaker already then it can show you how to become a fantastic speaker. If you dread the thought of getting up in front of people then it's such a supportive group.
My next speech is all about researching a topic. It's going to be one of my crazy 'off the wall' subjects again that my audience won't be prepared for!
I'll keep you posted how it goes.
Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
Gwendoline has been asked to prepare a speech number 6 to showcase the skill of vocal variety.
Your voice has a major effect on your audience. A lively, exciting voice attracts and keeps listeners attention. A speaking voice should be pleasant, natural, forceful, expressive and easily heard. You need to focus on volume, pitch, rate and quality as well as appropriate pauses to reflect and add meaning and interest to your message. Your voice should reflect the thoughts you are presenting.
Here's Gwendoline's speech that she'll be presenting tonight. We'll keep you posted on how it goes:
A BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS
Imagine a girl, barely 17, a beautiful princess with chocolate drop eyes, peachy skin and raven black hair. She's the life and soul of the party. With her raucous laugh, she's loved by everyone.
BUT, like every good fairy story, she has a deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep, daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaark secret! Something she's never told anyone before!!
As she trudges home her shoulders start to slump and her head bows down. It's started already - the anxiety, the gloom and misery.
She reaches the front door and opens it wide, the depression whips around her legs and starts to stifle her!
She steps inside - the pain, the searing pain!! The headache, the nausea, the migraine, the sickness, the sadness, the stress.
BUT, this is no fairy story, this is real life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I enter her home I pick my way up the stairs. I feel the depression oozing out of the walls, the sadness sliding up my legs and the cold stagnant air chilling my bones.
I push open her door and sidle my way inside. I'm greeted with a sea of stuff and a tower of tat - total chaos!
It's at this point that those of you with teenage children will tell me that it's normal not to see the bedroom floor.
(display line of bin bags)
From that floor I retrieved 27 bin bags of stuff. 27 bulging bin bags of stuff.
(display shoebox)
Plus, a shoe box stuffed with headache tables - all empty! A girl, barely 17, surviving off headache tablets!
Imagine a girl, barely 17, sat in a family sized car. Now imagine adding each bin bag one by one. One by one they're pushed and squeezed into every crevice, every nook and cranny.
The girl no longer sits upright, instead she's splattered against the car door, her face suckered to the window and totally contorted. Her neck is long and lean as she gasps for breath. She's being suffocated by all this stuff! The headaches, On No! The pain, the nausea.
A beautiful princess, with chocolate drop eyes, peachy skin and raven black hair - she's loved by everyone.
HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE HAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS SPEECH:
"From the start a beautifully dramatic evocative speech told with great feeling and actions."
"So dramatic and evocatively delivered creating quite a tension with the audience. I lost the polt a little. Consider what you'd like your audience to go away with. Your strong command of the floor and uninhibited gestures are a joy."
"Very good straightforward message created pictures that kept attention."
"Very powerful! You had us all hanging on your every word. Wonderful use of language and clear powerful descriptions. I was suprised at the sudden ending."
"Perhaps try to use more power in your voice. Good repetion - a girl barely 17."
"Passionate and well described. Great visionary. Bit depressing this I thought. Bit laboured and then the finish before I had time to take it in. Excellent otherwise."
"Your skills are very polished: gestures, props, modulation of voice! Just a small recommendation: prepare the audience for the end of the speech as it came as a bit abruptly and, personally, I wasn't ready for it yet."
"I found your arm movements a distraction. Good use of pauses."
"Awesome, simply awesome."
MY VIEWPOINT
I was very pleased with my speech as it was enthusiastically received and I do appreciate the comments about the ending being abrupt.
When I saw that I was already at 5 minutes I did round the speech off so that I didn't overrun my 7 minutes slot. From the comments I received it sounds as if I cut it off rather than rounded it off!
Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org) is always a great learning environment. If you're a great speaker already then it can show you how to become a fantastic speaker. If you dread the thought of getting up in front of people then it's such a supportive group.
My next speech is all about researching a topic. It's going to be one of my crazy 'off the wall' subjects again that my audience won't be prepared for!
I'll keep you posted how it goes.
Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
Regular Slot On Radio Verulam
Hope you managed to catch our creative director Gwendoline on Radio Verulam last night. It was such a fun packed session with plenty of industry top tips.
Such as the colour of the year according to Pantone, the leading expert in colour, being Turquoise. It's such a great colour as it mixes really well with neutrals such as Chocolate for a traditional style and also compliments Silver or grey for a more Contemporary setting. The ultimate uber chic style for Spring would be to mix it with white! Totally lush!
They also discussed the question, "Where do all the old sofas go?" This lead to the importance of recycling as much as possible, especially when the news is full of articles referencing families on the breadline. There are many places that sell your old items of furniture, and we're not just talking about the charity shops although they are the main outlet. You could also give your items away on Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/).
With so much information to share, Gwendoline's now been offered a regular slot with Danny Smith on the last Tuesday of each month (5:30 - 6pm GMT).
Each month we'll be bringing you a different aspect of interior design, from decluttering for Spring through to Xmas styling for the festive season.
So, keep your hears tuned to Radio Verulam (92.6 FM) http://www.radioverulam.com/.
Don't forget, if you'd like Gwendoline to bring her design knowledge and experience to brighten your event then just get in touch.
Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Such as the colour of the year according to Pantone, the leading expert in colour, being Turquoise. It's such a great colour as it mixes really well with neutrals such as Chocolate for a traditional style and also compliments Silver or grey for a more Contemporary setting. The ultimate uber chic style for Spring would be to mix it with white! Totally lush!
They also discussed the question, "Where do all the old sofas go?" This lead to the importance of recycling as much as possible, especially when the news is full of articles referencing families on the breadline. There are many places that sell your old items of furniture, and we're not just talking about the charity shops although they are the main outlet. You could also give your items away on Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/).
With so much information to share, Gwendoline's now been offered a regular slot with Danny Smith on the last Tuesday of each month (5:30 - 6pm GMT).
Each month we'll be bringing you a different aspect of interior design, from decluttering for Spring through to Xmas styling for the festive season.
So, keep your hears tuned to Radio Verulam (92.6 FM) http://www.radioverulam.com/.
Don't forget, if you'd like Gwendoline to bring her design knowledge and experience to brighten your event then just get in touch.
Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Sunday 24 January 2010
Radio Verulam - Drivetime with Danny smith
Recently you've heard our creative director, Gwendoline, on Radio Verulam in Elsbeth Jackman's show 'Tracks Of Your Life'. It was a fun filled session where Gwendoline shared with you her 14 favourite tunes and memories from her interesting life.
She showed such a wide taste in music from Frank Sinatra to Kylie Minogue through to Mika and Queen. All given with interesting snippets from her life.
Gwendoline has now been asked to contribute to Radio Verulam's evening show, with Danny Smith, on her specialism of interior design.
Have your ears tuned to Radio Verulam (92.6FM) on Tuesday 26th January (5:30 - 6pm GMT) to hear the latest trends and top tips in interior design. It's a great way to catch up in the comfort of your own home or office.
Don't worry if you aren't near a radio as you can listen over the Internet - just checkout the website www.radioverulam.com.
If you'd like us to feature at one of your events then just GET IN TOUCH TODAY.*
Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
* Gwendoline is a member of Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org) which is a highly acclaimed, global, public speaking organisation.
She showed such a wide taste in music from Frank Sinatra to Kylie Minogue through to Mika and Queen. All given with interesting snippets from her life.
Gwendoline has now been asked to contribute to Radio Verulam's evening show, with Danny Smith, on her specialism of interior design.
Have your ears tuned to Radio Verulam (92.6FM) on Tuesday 26th January (5:30 - 6pm GMT) to hear the latest trends and top tips in interior design. It's a great way to catch up in the comfort of your own home or office.
Don't worry if you aren't near a radio as you can listen over the Internet - just checkout the website www.radioverulam.com.
If you'd like us to feature at one of your events then just GET IN TOUCH TODAY.*
Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
* Gwendoline is a member of Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org) which is a highly acclaimed, global, public speaking organisation.
Interior Design - PERFECT PICTURE
In this age of instant technology it's ever more prevalent to have great photos for the property you're selling. Not only will they be used in the traditional estate agent window, but more importantly in today's marketplace, they'll be spread across the global Internet on at least 1 but potentially multiple property websites.
With the top property websites online 24 hours a day and receiving thousands of hits per month it's just mind blowing when you think how many people could potentially view your property online.
How do you make your property ping onto a buyer's list for viewing?
How do you make your home 'Hot Property Of The Week'?
How do you entice the buyer to call into your home and make that all important sound "I'd like to make you an offer"?
Of course, at this preliminary stage it's through the property photographs and description.
Our first impressions of a property for sale, rightly or wrongly, are formed in the first few seconds of viewing those photographs.
From the photographs we make judgments such as:
How clean is the property
How comfortable is the property?
How suitable is it for my own needs?
How desirable is the owner's life?
In an economic downturn, buyers don't just want their wish list of bedrooms, garage and en-suite bathrooms, they also want The Dream - they want to live the lifestyle.
From the photographs they want to see that the property lives up to their expectations - they want it to reflect their dreams and aspirations.
It's a lot to ask from a snap taken at a single point in time but that photograph can mean the difference between a visit to the property or a 'Goodbye, no thank you'.
So, how can you create stunning photos? Impactive photos that entice the buyer to view your home instead of your neighbours.
The first important point is to understand who will be your key buyer.
Who do you want knocking on your door? What type of person(s) will be attracted to the size and location of your property? Where do they shop? Where do they work? What are their expectations?
Your local estate agent should have a clear idea of your key buyer as they are aware of the types of buyer(s) most suited to your property.
The second important point is to create a vignette, or stage, that will showcase the key buyer's expectations in the photographs.
For example, a mature couple is more comfortable with traditional styling whereas a young, single professional would expect a sleek and contemporary home.
As makeover experts, trained by the celebrity 'House Dr' Ann Maurice, we use industry recognised techniques to subtly and successfully create appealing areas of interest for stunning photographs of your property.
With our keen eye and extensive knowledge we create the basis for those attractive, highly appealing photographs that look great on the Internet. Our aim is to help you create eye-catching photographs to hook the buyers in to choose your home as Hot Property Of The Week.
CONTACT US TODAY to find out more about how we can create those desirable images for you through our PERFECT PICTURE STYING.
Gwendoline.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
With the top property websites online 24 hours a day and receiving thousands of hits per month it's just mind blowing when you think how many people could potentially view your property online.
How do you make your property ping onto a buyer's list for viewing?
How do you make your home 'Hot Property Of The Week'?
How do you entice the buyer to call into your home and make that all important sound "I'd like to make you an offer"?
Of course, at this preliminary stage it's through the property photographs and description.
Our first impressions of a property for sale, rightly or wrongly, are formed in the first few seconds of viewing those photographs.
From the photographs we make judgments such as:
How clean is the property
How comfortable is the property?
How suitable is it for my own needs?
How desirable is the owner's life?
In an economic downturn, buyers don't just want their wish list of bedrooms, garage and en-suite bathrooms, they also want The Dream - they want to live the lifestyle.
From the photographs they want to see that the property lives up to their expectations - they want it to reflect their dreams and aspirations.
It's a lot to ask from a snap taken at a single point in time but that photograph can mean the difference between a visit to the property or a 'Goodbye, no thank you'.
So, how can you create stunning photos? Impactive photos that entice the buyer to view your home instead of your neighbours.
The first important point is to understand who will be your key buyer.
Who do you want knocking on your door? What type of person(s) will be attracted to the size and location of your property? Where do they shop? Where do they work? What are their expectations?
Your local estate agent should have a clear idea of your key buyer as they are aware of the types of buyer(s) most suited to your property.
The second important point is to create a vignette, or stage, that will showcase the key buyer's expectations in the photographs.
For example, a mature couple is more comfortable with traditional styling whereas a young, single professional would expect a sleek and contemporary home.
As makeover experts, trained by the celebrity 'House Dr' Ann Maurice, we use industry recognised techniques to subtly and successfully create appealing areas of interest for stunning photographs of your property.
With our keen eye and extensive knowledge we create the basis for those attractive, highly appealing photographs that look great on the Internet. Our aim is to help you create eye-catching photographs to hook the buyers in to choose your home as Hot Property Of The Week.
CONTACT US TODAY to find out more about how we can create those desirable images for you through our PERFECT PICTURE STYING.
Gwendoline.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
Thought for the day...You can lead a horse to water!
As the saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink it."
With this in mind you should remember that just because you give someone information or professional advice doesn't mean that they are ready to accept it or act on it.
Your advice is most effective when it is given at a point in time that is meaningful to them. At a time when they can apply the information and take positive action. Otherwise, you need to drip feed the information until they are in a position to respond.
For example, our clients are suprised when they have recommended us to their friend and that friend has not been in touch immediately. We, however, are not suprised as we know that their friend will be in touch when they are ready to take our professional advice on board.
Remember: just keep putting the water out for the horse and it will drink when it's thirsty.
With this in mind you should remember that just because you give someone information or professional advice doesn't mean that they are ready to accept it or act on it.
Your advice is most effective when it is given at a point in time that is meaningful to them. At a time when they can apply the information and take positive action. Otherwise, you need to drip feed the information until they are in a position to respond.
For example, our clients are suprised when they have recommended us to their friend and that friend has not been in touch immediately. We, however, are not suprised as we know that their friend will be in touch when they are ready to take our professional advice on board.
Remember: just keep putting the water out for the horse and it will drink when it's thirsty.
Thursday 21 January 2010
Interior Trends 1Q2010
Interior design trends follow fashion trends so let's firstly look at the fashion highlights for Spring 2010 and then apply them to interior design.
You'll notice 4 key fashion trends in the marketplace, as defined by French trend agency NellyRodi (http://www.nellyrodi.com/)
- Light Tech
- Ode To Nature
- Southern Folk
- Popular Appeal
(1) LIGHT TECH
Technology becomes playful in a sweet way with references to the naivety of the 50's.
Colours are fresh acidic tints that range from pop colours of vitamin-charged smoothies (green, pink, turquoise, yellow and acidic orange) to faded and somewhat veiled grey tints.
In the last quarter of 2009 Pantone (http://www.pantone.com/), the global authority on colour and provider of professional colour standards for the design industries, announced their 2010 Colour Of The Year as Turquoise 15-5519.
- Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well being. Turquoise is a colour that most people respond to positively. It has appeal for men and women and translates easily into interiors.
- Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.
In the 'Light Tech' trend we'll see clean appeal like sharp-cut laboratory coats with technical fabrics and textured surfaces with miniature motifs in clean, precise graphics. Layering is more refined and precise.
How would you transpose the 'Light Tech' style into interior design?
This is a nod to the Kelly Hoppen look and feel (http://www.kellyhoppenretail.com/) with a slightly more graphical element.
The key to creating a 'Light Tech' design is to focus on texture and structure alongside feature lighting (Mode pendant light, PG304, http://www.bakerfurniture.com/) and crystal.
Obviously the colour Turquoise will make a strong statement in interior design and is striking with a silver backdrop, against a chocolate drop or a minimalist white box.
It's a stunning concept with depth and interest brought about by layering items so you take away the stark element to bring a sense of calm and belonging.
(2) ODE TO NATURE
Colours are soft and serene with chalky, light-faded, talcum powder colours accompanied by more intense shades of taupe and mauve. A range of dynamic, springtime pastels is blended with a softer base for added interest.
Ode to nature is symbolised with vertical structures, random drapes, twisted effects, knots or braids with natural motifs sometimes blurry or undefined.
The accent is on elegant ease with light and fluid fabrics in layers for a young, romantic mood.
How would you transpose the 'Ode To Nature' style into interior design?
In 2009 GA Interiors created a Swedish design entitled 'Scandinavian Chic' that focused on the purity of form, a strong element for any Ode To Nature design.
Towards the end of the year we created a 'Natural' design scheme for a London client with a monochromatic green colour scheme. We used varying strengths of green in our colour scheme for the open-plan layout of the home - a stronger green was used as the accent colour in the kitchen and playroom, moving around to a softer moss green accent colour in the lounge and dining room. All greens were taken from the same spectrum of the colour wheel giving a unified feel and designer look.
Both were simply stunning designs.
(3) SOUTHERN FOLK
From South America we rediscover the appealing glamour of seductive movie actresses and the humble elegance of traditional folklore outfits.
With vibrant, joyous party tints in splashes of colour such as blazing red and deep violet blend with more neutral shades of ochre, clay, beige and cactus green that evoke the dry, South American landscapes.
Taking into account Latin America's diversity we see large, rustic shapes inspired by Indians take their cue from Aztec motifs alongside tapered chic lines of gauchos' 50's seductive women and tango artists.
As would be expected fabrics are decorated by opulent ornaments, embroideries and appliques.
How would you transpose the 'Southern Folk' style into interior design?
With a move towards homespun and home crafting in 2009 with the economic downturn, we see this trend continuing for 2010 with 'Southern Folk' style.
Accessories are more Aztec or Mexican inspired with lashings of prints and adornments. Think big plants and huge pots for a modern take on the traditional look. This isn't a look for the faint hearted but you can consider softening the look with luxurious lace.
(4) POPULAR APPEAL
A playful, girly mood juggling vintage patterns with cheerful yet faded 70's colours creates a mundane atmosphere with a twisted angel.
Muted tones of pale blue, faded beige and soft khaki are complimented with intense hues of yellow or violet and stronger accents of red or sky blue.
A blend of retro elegance a la Jackie Onassis is reworked with romantically fitted items and jewel-like embroidery. Fabrics cultivate a vintage mood with cottons and wool alongside 70's sporty relaxed fabrics of supple denims, thick canvases and casual fleece. This is blended with a more sophisticated Halston style of chiffons, crepes and satins for that femme fatale look.
How would you transpose the 'Popular Appeal' style into interior design?
For me, this style feels quite eclectic. I love the feeling of playfulness alongside a mature design with femme fatale!
Glamour and opulence was quite prevalent for 2009 with many of our clients selecting boudoirs as their relaxing retreats.
The emphasis is on fabrics and sumptuousness with bespoke window treatments and modern crystal lighting!
To carry this design off your room needs a strong colour scheme. For a residential client we created a beautiful boudoir dripping with accents of purple:
"I couldn't stop just sitting in my GA Interiors inspired bedroom - it's definitely my favourite room in the house. Now I need them to get to work on my other rooms to match!" Mrs Russell.
Overall 2010 promises fresh and exciting design schemes. If you need a little help creating your own style for 2010 then just contact one of our inspirational designers.
Gwendoline,
CREATIVE DESIGNER,
GA INTERIORS
Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
Thought For The Day...Could Do Better
My daughter's just come home with her school report and I thought I'd dig mine out as it's such a long time since I read them. Here are some of the comments:
- She is a consistent worker who always gives of her best
- She always works well and cheerfully
- She has a very thoughtful approach to her work and always perseveres when the work becomes more difficult.
- She is capable of reaching the required standard, assuming she works hard.
- Her attitude and behaviour are excellent.
- A very capable student who always works to high standards.
Maybe you should take another look at your school report because mine are far more favourable than I remembered.
Have fun and let me know what comments you received.
Gwendoline.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
- She is a consistent worker who always gives of her best
- She always works well and cheerfully
- She has a very thoughtful approach to her work and always perseveres when the work becomes more difficult.
- She is capable of reaching the required standard, assuming she works hard.
- Her attitude and behaviour are excellent.
- A very capable student who always works to high standards.
Maybe you should take another look at your school report because mine are far more favourable than I remembered.
Have fun and let me know what comments you received.
Gwendoline.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
Latest Interior Design Trends with Radio Verulam
Recently our creative director Gwendoline Alderton was featured on Radio Verulam (www.radioverulam.com) during Elsbeth Jackman's 'Tracks of your life' Sunday show (10:00 - 12:00 GMT).
It was a fun filled session where Gwendoline shared with you her 14 favourite tunes and memories from her interesting life. She showed such a wide taste in music from Frank Sinatra to Kylie Minogue through to Mika and Queen. All given with interesting snippets from her colourful life.
Gwendoline has now been asked to contribute to Radio Verulam's evening show, with Danny Smith, on her specialism of interior design.
Have your ears tuned to Radio Verulam (92.6FM) next Tuesday 26th January 2010, 5:30 pm (GMT) to hear the latest trends and top tips in interior design. It's a great way to catch up in the comfort of your own home or office.
Don't worry if you aren't near a radio as you can listen over the Internet - just checkout the website www.radioverulam.com.
If you'd like us to feature at one of your events in 2010 then just GET IN TOUCH TODAY.*
Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
* Gwendoline is a member of Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org) which is a globally recognised public speaking organisation.
It was a fun filled session where Gwendoline shared with you her 14 favourite tunes and memories from her interesting life. She showed such a wide taste in music from Frank Sinatra to Kylie Minogue through to Mika and Queen. All given with interesting snippets from her colourful life.
Gwendoline has now been asked to contribute to Radio Verulam's evening show, with Danny Smith, on her specialism of interior design.
Have your ears tuned to Radio Verulam (92.6FM) next Tuesday 26th January 2010, 5:30 pm (GMT) to hear the latest trends and top tips in interior design. It's a great way to catch up in the comfort of your own home or office.
Don't worry if you aren't near a radio as you can listen over the Internet - just checkout the website www.radioverulam.com.
If you'd like us to feature at one of your events in 2010 then just GET IN TOUCH TODAY.*
Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
* Gwendoline is a member of Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org) which is a globally recognised public speaking organisation.
Wednesday 20 January 2010
Where does the clutter come from?
If you wander around your home today what will you find?
Will things be neatly away? Will there be space to move about? Will you find items on the floor and stacked on surfaces? Do you have to wiggle your way around stuff lying around the room?
Our homes reflect our lives and there are always times when our home is a little messier because our lives are so full and busy.
But did you know that there are other reasons why the mess accumulates?
The first is CLUTTER TRIGGERS.
These are the things that clog up our daily lives and cause a build up if not dealt with in a timely manner.
They include:
- the post
- the laundry
- shoes & coats
- everyday bags (briefcase, handbag, school bag, gym bag...)
For coats, shoes and bags there needs to be adequate storage in place to accommodate daily usage. There are so many storage options on the marketplace today that offer great solutions for all of our homes.
However, a solution is only great if everyone in the home uses it! Something may look fabulous in the shop but when in a home environment it's useless if it doesn't fit in with the needs of your family.
For example: young children are more likely to put their shoes in a 'dump' box rather than line them up neatly on a shoe rack.
It's important for the whole family to remember the saying: Everything in its place and a place for everything!
The second reason we accumulate things is all down to our CLUTTER PERSONALITY.
According to psychologist Gladeana McMahon there are deep emotional issues behind our reluctance to throw things out or clear up. We each have a clutter personality and for some people you may have a combination of personalities for different items in your life:
- CASH AWARE CLUTTERBUG
This is when you're reluctant to give items away because you've paid good money for it.
How many of you have an unworn item of clothing in your wardrobe with the price label still attached as it's never been worn, never will be worn and you're reluctant to give it away?
I have to admit to this. It wasn't until I had a colour consultation that I realised I hadn't worn the top because it was totally the wrong colour for me and my personality. Off to the charity shop it went.
To break this clutter cycle you have to appreciate that someone else will benefit from your item. It's not a waste to let it go because someone else will make good use of it and enjoy it.
- SENTIMENTAL SAVER
Do you feel guilty throwing or giving away gifts from family and friends? Do you hoard the children's baby clothes in the loft or have their pictures oozing out of your home?
We all have items that are precious to us and we want to keep them. The solution is to review how you keep those memories alive.
For example, one of our customers decided to get rid of her grandmother's bureau that was clogging up her home but kept a small statue that's now displayed in pride of place.
For my own children, I've given them treasure boxes where they keep special items like their first baby outfit, school reports... They also have a scrap book where they keep precious pictures from their schoolwork - this means that we can throw away 99% of the books they come home with at the end of term.
- CONDITIONED COLLECTOR
Will things be neatly away? Will there be space to move about? Will you find items on the floor and stacked on surfaces? Do you have to wiggle your way around stuff lying around the room?
Our homes reflect our lives and there are always times when our home is a little messier because our lives are so full and busy.
But did you know that there are other reasons why the mess accumulates?
The first is CLUTTER TRIGGERS.
These are the things that clog up our daily lives and cause a build up if not dealt with in a timely manner.
They include:
- the post
- the laundry
- shoes & coats
- everyday bags (briefcase, handbag, school bag, gym bag...)
For coats, shoes and bags there needs to be adequate storage in place to accommodate daily usage. There are so many storage options on the marketplace today that offer great solutions for all of our homes.
However, a solution is only great if everyone in the home uses it! Something may look fabulous in the shop but when in a home environment it's useless if it doesn't fit in with the needs of your family.
For example: young children are more likely to put their shoes in a 'dump' box rather than line them up neatly on a shoe rack.
It's important for the whole family to remember the saying: Everything in its place and a place for everything!
The second reason we accumulate things is all down to our CLUTTER PERSONALITY.
According to psychologist Gladeana McMahon there are deep emotional issues behind our reluctance to throw things out or clear up. We each have a clutter personality and for some people you may have a combination of personalities for different items in your life:
- CASH AWARE CLUTTERBUG
This is when you're reluctant to give items away because you've paid good money for it.
How many of you have an unworn item of clothing in your wardrobe with the price label still attached as it's never been worn, never will be worn and you're reluctant to give it away?
I have to admit to this. It wasn't until I had a colour consultation that I realised I hadn't worn the top because it was totally the wrong colour for me and my personality. Off to the charity shop it went.
To break this clutter cycle you have to appreciate that someone else will benefit from your item. It's not a waste to let it go because someone else will make good use of it and enjoy it.
- SENTIMENTAL SAVER
Do you feel guilty throwing or giving away gifts from family and friends? Do you hoard the children's baby clothes in the loft or have their pictures oozing out of your home?
We all have items that are precious to us and we want to keep them. The solution is to review how you keep those memories alive.
For example, one of our customers decided to get rid of her grandmother's bureau that was clogging up her home but kept a small statue that's now displayed in pride of place.
For my own children, I've given them treasure boxes where they keep special items like their first baby outfit, school reports... They also have a scrap book where they keep precious pictures from their schoolwork - this means that we can throw away 99% of the books they come home with at the end of term.
- CONDITIONED COLLECTOR
For some people having lots of things around them brings a sense of security. It reminds them of home or a time when they were happy.
For others having material possessions symbolises wealth, ie: the more you have the more you feel you have achieved.
Collections show our emotional persona. It's easy to identify when a collection gets out of hand because the emphasis is on the quantity of items rather than the items themselves.
I love the Shaker philosophy that everything should be beautiful and functional. When a collection takes over the home it loses appeal and beauty, it's function starts to clutter the home and it becomes a distraction rather than an object of desire.
To break free from or control this clutter type you firstly need to recognise why you collect the items. Assess your collection(s) by asking yourself, if the house burnt down tomorrow what would you save? This helps you recognise what you are able to let go of.
Start by giving just one item away each week - and don't be tempted to replace it with a new item - this will help you recognise that you are in control of your life. The items remaining should be the things that have true meaning and a special place in your life.
Your home should also be much clearer and fresher after this exercise leaving you feeling invigorated and more relaxed.
- 'JUST IN CASE' JUNKIE
Are you the type of person that thinks, "the minute I get rid of it, I'll need it" or "I'll keep that just in case". Maybe you live by the Brownie/Scout motto - Be Prepared.
Being prepared is about being resourceful rather than having everything around you to cover every eventuality. You need to 'let go' of any personal insecurities about being 'caught short'. I know this is easier said than done but the more you let go, the freer you will become.
The 'just in case' junkie tends to raise their head in an economic downturn because the feeling of not having things when needed can also come from a sense of deprivation. The feeling that you can't afford to let things go and if you have an elastic band now then you should save it and squirrel it away for when you need it!
Remember, you need to be resourceful and live your life for the here and now rather than looking at the 99% of things that might, and hopefully never will, happen.
- SOCIAL SQUIRREL
This is linked to the Sentimental Saver but the items remind us of places and events rather than people we remember.
The items remind us of where we've been and the people we know.
When items become excessive it could be a sign of anxiety or trauma. The hoarding provides us with a safe and secure feeling. In times like these, you should consult professional help.
When we keep treasured items they should be 'in a place' that's organised. For myself and my children, we each have a treasure box and it's a great way to look back and remember whilst also being organised and clutter free.
Remember, you don't need to physically keep an item to remember it - you could just take a photograph of it.
- TREASURE HUNTER
Are you like me and just love rooting around in an antique shop or a junk shop to find that something unique, that piece of treasure! It's the feeling of uncertainty and surprise that's exciting.
When this gets out of hand and you start hoarding items it could be because the items give you a feeling of luck or protection against bad things happening.
It's time for you to ask yourself if you really need it before you buy it. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that posessions don't make you happy or stop things from happening. Be strict with yourself and dream of a holiday you could have with the money you save.
It's daunting reading these personality traits and my aim was to make you realise that your life experiences to date and your life as you live it now all lead to clutter unless we keep a check on it.
Of course, if you need a little help then just contact our declutter queen, Gwendoline (creative Interior Designer, GA Interiors).
Tel: 07841 519802
E-mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
Tuesday 19 January 2010
Thought for the day...Are you standing still?
"You can't own land, relationships or your children. All you own is your story, and you can't just stand still and hold on to it either - you have to live it."
Baz Luhrmann
Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer.
Baz Luhrmann
Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer.
Design Course...Create A Stunning Home
"I couldn't stop just sitting in my GA Interiors' inspired bedroom - it's definitely my favourite room in the house. Now I need Gwendoline to get to work on my other rooms to match!"
Mrs Russell
A stunning home is a nurturing home because it makes you feel good to be there.
We all want our homes to be a retreat. We want to create a sanctuary where we can relax with family and friends or take time out in calm and tranqility.
Our home is our individual space where we can express our personalities; it showcases our personal style and flair.
One of the comments our exasperated clients present us with is,"It's just not working!"
This is when a client has the design ideas of what they want to achieve but when they create the room it doesn't meet their expectations. The room doesn't sucessfully express their personality or showcase their style and ideas. There's something missing!
Our 2-hour seminar is designed to share with you our industry top tips for styling your home. It's the finishing touches, the nuances of styling, that can make or break a good design.
Styling a room pulls the interior design together to create a cohesive and relaxing room.
Our 'Create A Stunning Home' seminar is a fun-filled, lively and interactive session so that you'll go home with basic skills and technical knowledge to WOW your friends. You'll be able to style your homes to perfection and create that relaxing and inviting environment you seek.
Each seminar has a limited number of places so that we can give you and your friends our individual attention.
Seminar Price: £35
Seminar Date: 18th May 2010
Seminar Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Seminar Place: St Albans, Hertfordshire
To secure your place on this unique and invaluable seminar, REGISTER TODAY with our creative designer Gwendoline:
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Tel: 07841 519802
Mrs Russell
A stunning home is a nurturing home because it makes you feel good to be there.
We all want our homes to be a retreat. We want to create a sanctuary where we can relax with family and friends or take time out in calm and tranqility.
Our home is our individual space where we can express our personalities; it showcases our personal style and flair.
One of the comments our exasperated clients present us with is,"It's just not working!"
This is when a client has the design ideas of what they want to achieve but when they create the room it doesn't meet their expectations. The room doesn't sucessfully express their personality or showcase their style and ideas. There's something missing!
Our 2-hour seminar is designed to share with you our industry top tips for styling your home. It's the finishing touches, the nuances of styling, that can make or break a good design.
Styling a room pulls the interior design together to create a cohesive and relaxing room.
Our 'Create A Stunning Home' seminar is a fun-filled, lively and interactive session so that you'll go home with basic skills and technical knowledge to WOW your friends. You'll be able to style your homes to perfection and create that relaxing and inviting environment you seek.
Each seminar has a limited number of places so that we can give you and your friends our individual attention.
Seminar Price: £35
Seminar Date: 18th May 2010
Seminar Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Seminar Place: St Albans, Hertfordshire
To secure your place on this unique and invaluable seminar, REGISTER TODAY with our creative designer Gwendoline:
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Tel: 07841 519802
Design Course..Maximise A Small Room
"One or two small changes to our lounge has resulted in a complete change in the look and use of the room. They were things we would not have thought of. Thank you very much."
Mrs Creswell
Like Mrs Creswell, do you have an awkward space or a challenging room? In our 2-hour seminar we'll share with you our industry top tips on how to optimise and maximise that space.
Maybe your children are crammed into a box room? We'll show you how to successfully store all of their possessions and have room to play.
Perhaps you've just moved into a new property or maybe you're remodelling your existing home? We'll take you through our easy designer steps to make the most of your living space and create your stylish home.
Our 'Maximise A Small Room' seminar is a fun-filled learning session for you and your friends to gain an insight into the design considerations for smaller or awkward spaces.
It will help you understand how we as interior designers visualise a room, analyse it's problems and then define the solution.
Our industry techniques can then be applied to any room in your home and provide a strong foundation on which to create a fabulous, relaxing and stylish home.
Each seminar is limited in numbers so that we can give you and your friends our individual attention. We create a lively, interactive and hands-on approach so that you have basic skills as well as technical theory to take home and WOW your friends.
Seminar Price: £35
Seminar Date: 2nd March 2010
Seminar Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Seminar Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
To secure your place on this unique and invaluable seminar, REGISTER TODAY by contacting our creative director Gwendoline:
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Tel: 07841 519802
Mrs Creswell
Like Mrs Creswell, do you have an awkward space or a challenging room? In our 2-hour seminar we'll share with you our industry top tips on how to optimise and maximise that space.
Maybe your children are crammed into a box room? We'll show you how to successfully store all of their possessions and have room to play.
Perhaps you've just moved into a new property or maybe you're remodelling your existing home? We'll take you through our easy designer steps to make the most of your living space and create your stylish home.
Our 'Maximise A Small Room' seminar is a fun-filled learning session for you and your friends to gain an insight into the design considerations for smaller or awkward spaces.
It will help you understand how we as interior designers visualise a room, analyse it's problems and then define the solution.
Our industry techniques can then be applied to any room in your home and provide a strong foundation on which to create a fabulous, relaxing and stylish home.
Each seminar is limited in numbers so that we can give you and your friends our individual attention. We create a lively, interactive and hands-on approach so that you have basic skills as well as technical theory to take home and WOW your friends.
Seminar Price: £35
Seminar Date: 2nd March 2010
Seminar Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Seminar Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
To secure your place on this unique and invaluable seminar, REGISTER TODAY by contacting our creative director Gwendoline:
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Tel: 07841 519802
Thursday 14 January 2010
New for 2010...Design Dilemma
For 2010, we're bringing you a new and exciting interior design service entitled:
Our clients have told us that there are times when they wish we were sitting on their shoulder so our new and innovative DESIGN DILEMMA service is for those individual moments.
Our aim is to be there to guide you with those small annoying and one-off questions that you have with your home and it's interior. For the times when you have a specific question about your home and you don't know who to turn to.
It's great for those of you remote to us as our Design Dilemma service is aimed at answering all of your questions by e-mail, with no site visit required, we're your Agony Aunt for interior design.
Here's an example from Peter in Oxford:
"I've recently been made redundant and am now working from home. I'd like some ideas to revamp an under-utilised box room into a home office with a corporate and professional style. I'm hoping this will re-energise me in finding a new and exciting job."
All of our lives are constantly changing, especially with uncertain times for Peter, so it's a great idea to review how you use your home and optimise the space within it.
Peter's main problem is a colour scheme for the room, ie: something professional and corporate within a limited budget.
For Peter, we recommend a Silver and Plumb colour scheme:
Silver is a fabulous masculine colour and a great alternative to a neutral cream or white base. It will give that corporate feel that he's looking for. We recommend silver rather than grey because of its light-reflective qualities in such a small room. To further enhance light-reflective qualities in the room, we recommend a paint type of soft-sheen or silk rather than matt.
Silver looks fantastic with most colours and would look bang-up-to-date with Pantone's 2010 Colour Of The Year - Turquoise.
For Peter though we're recommending a strong purple, Plumb, accent colour. This is the colour of the Kings and denotes power and affluence, great when looking for a new job. It's also a spiritual colour and should help balance his uncertain times.
When used in excess, purple could lead to introversion or suppression so we recommend limiting it's use to one wall, and even then only 2/3rds of the wall as shown below:
This is a fresh and invigorating design scheme. It will help energise Peter in his search for a new career. The striking stripes give Peter's new office a designer edge with a professional and corporate look and feel that he wanted to achieve.
Here's what Peter had to say:
"I'm very pleased with the way it's turned out - it's a breath of fresh air. It signifies a strong, professional and corporate image. It's just what I wanted - a highly effective home office environment."
Put your questions forward for us to review today, just like Peter, then visit our website (http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/) and complete the ENQUIRY FORM on About US.
Our design dilemma service is totally free and it's an opportunity for those of you remote to us to receive our expert knowledge and guidance.
As we mentioned above, it's an opportunity for us to sit on your shoulder and help you out with those small, one-off incidental questions.
Why not visit our website today (http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/) and complete the ENQUIRY FORM on About Us with your individual Design Dilemma.
We'll showcase the most frequent design dilemmas on our blog so that others can also learn from your problems. A problem shared is a problem halved!
Here's to an exciting start to 2010.
Always here to help you,
Gwendoline.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
GA INTERIORS.
Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ga-interiors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gainteriors
DESIGN DILEMMA.
Our clients have told us that there are times when they wish we were sitting on their shoulder so our new and innovative DESIGN DILEMMA service is for those individual moments.
Our aim is to be there to guide you with those small annoying and one-off questions that you have with your home and it's interior. For the times when you have a specific question about your home and you don't know who to turn to.
It's great for those of you remote to us as our Design Dilemma service is aimed at answering all of your questions by e-mail, with no site visit required, we're your Agony Aunt for interior design.
Here's an example from Peter in Oxford:
"I've recently been made redundant and am now working from home. I'd like some ideas to revamp an under-utilised box room into a home office with a corporate and professional style. I'm hoping this will re-energise me in finding a new and exciting job."
All of our lives are constantly changing, especially with uncertain times for Peter, so it's a great idea to review how you use your home and optimise the space within it.
Peter's main problem is a colour scheme for the room, ie: something professional and corporate within a limited budget.
For Peter, we recommend a Silver and Plumb colour scheme:
Silver is a fabulous masculine colour and a great alternative to a neutral cream or white base. It will give that corporate feel that he's looking for. We recommend silver rather than grey because of its light-reflective qualities in such a small room. To further enhance light-reflective qualities in the room, we recommend a paint type of soft-sheen or silk rather than matt.
Silver looks fantastic with most colours and would look bang-up-to-date with Pantone's 2010 Colour Of The Year - Turquoise.
For Peter though we're recommending a strong purple, Plumb, accent colour. This is the colour of the Kings and denotes power and affluence, great when looking for a new job. It's also a spiritual colour and should help balance his uncertain times.
When used in excess, purple could lead to introversion or suppression so we recommend limiting it's use to one wall, and even then only 2/3rds of the wall as shown below:
This is a fresh and invigorating design scheme. It will help energise Peter in his search for a new career. The striking stripes give Peter's new office a designer edge with a professional and corporate look and feel that he wanted to achieve.Here's what Peter had to say:
"I'm very pleased with the way it's turned out - it's a breath of fresh air. It signifies a strong, professional and corporate image. It's just what I wanted - a highly effective home office environment."
Put your questions forward for us to review today, just like Peter, then visit our website (http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/) and complete the ENQUIRY FORM on About US.
Our design dilemma service is totally free and it's an opportunity for those of you remote to us to receive our expert knowledge and guidance.
As we mentioned above, it's an opportunity for us to sit on your shoulder and help you out with those small, one-off incidental questions.
If we feel that your problem is larger than can be covered within this specialist Design Dilemma service then we will recommend our other services that will help you out further.
Why not visit our website today (http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/) and complete the ENQUIRY FORM on About Us with your individual Design Dilemma.
We'll showcase the most frequent design dilemmas on our blog so that others can also learn from your problems. A problem shared is a problem halved!
Here's to an exciting start to 2010.
Always here to help you,
Gwendoline.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
GA INTERIORS.
Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ga-interiors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gainteriors
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