Lifestyle

House building trends in the UK haven’t changed for years and it’s common for homes to have different sized rooms. Not all of the dimensions are, let’s say, generous but we have to work with what we’ve got.

There are different types of keen home stylists. There’s the ones that change their accessories in line with current fashions, those that switch looks with every season and those who only open a tin of paint when their walls desperately need a fresh coat.

No matter what type of property you own or its value, there is one piece of advice that’s almost universal – a fresh coat of paint on the interior walls can improve selling prospects.

Fixing wood to our walls is nothing new. There is evidence wood panelling was used in ancient Greece, Rome, Japan and China, mainly to provide insulation and protection.

There are a number of essential components that comprise a kitchen – a sink with running water, oven and fridge freezer being the most vital – therefore, everything else could be considered a ‘nice to have’.

Pink? On every wall in the home? That’s exactly what the colour experts at Dulux say is the shortcut to interior design style.

We’re barely into autumn and already the interior design experts are predicting which trends will be big news in 2024. Livingetc – the glossy magazine and style bible – has already published its colour predictions for next year and there are some interesting shades in the spotlight.

As the vibrant summer days give way to the crisp and colourful autumn season, preparing your garden for the changing conditions will be on top of any green-fingered gardener’s list.

By taking the proper steps now, you can ensure your garden remains a picturesque and inviting space throughout this season and next.

We’ll provide you with our expert tips to get your garden ready for autumn. From tidying up and planting to protecting your plants and embracing the stunning autumn colours, these insights will help you create a thriving and visually appealing garden.

The team at Fortis love a bit of technology and recently we’ve been asked ‘what is a smart home?’ There’s lots of interest in this topic, so in this article, we are delving into the technology that’s reshaping our living spaces and transforming property in Cardiff. 

We are talking ‘smart homes’. From speaking a command to dim your lights, to orchestrating a symphony of automation within your home, smart homes are not just a fleeting trend but are now defining modern living. So, let’s look at the latest cutting-edge innovations in the UK property market.

Home staging is the process of preparing your property for sale. It involves making your home look its absolute best, encouraging viewers to place an offer on your property. 

It generally starts with a thorough declutter, which makes the property seem more inviting and helps hugely with the moving process. Where necessary, you might also decide to redecorate. Depersonalising your home and repainting in a neutral palette can also help viewers envisage themselves in your home.

Many seasonal factors will also affect how you display your home, so here are our top tips for staging your home in autumn.

After questioning more than 2,300 UK-based homeowners, residents and tradespeople, the Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report 2023 found this year’s most popular home improvement job will be painting and decorating. And why not? It is relatively quick and easy to change the aesthetic inside our homes with a tin of Dulux and some new accessories.

Although it’s nice to have the space to offer a guest, our spare bedrooms often go unused for a considerable portion of the year. So, here are five incredible ways to use your spare bedroom instead, allowing your family to get the most from the home.