Easton Residential Magazine

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There are many reasons to have a Will or LPA in place, not only for your own peace of mind but also for your family’s peace of mind.

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WELCOME

Lisa Mitch

Glenn Jackson

MNAEA Director

He has worked within the industry for the last 30 Years. Before opening the Business in December 2007 he did his training with a large independent Estate Agency in Bath and has since ran both independent and corporate offices in, Bristol, Winchester, Basingstoke and Southampton. Always focused on delivering the best possible service and results for the client he is still at the forefront of the operation from initial valuations to handing over keys upon completion. He is a trustee of two charities and does lots of work in the background for such. Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis himself he knows only too well the daily obstacles many of us have to over come. Whether a client of past or present, he’s always on hand for any needed advice or tips.

Lisa’s now been with us for five years and is an integral part of our team. Not only does she manage the lettings portfolio but also the staff and branch to exceptionally high standards. A vital cog in our team there is noone better to roll up sleeves and sort issues yet supplying vital information to anyone buying, selling or renting. She lives locally with her husband, two children and three dogs.

Carole Waters

Carole has been with us for over two years now. From using us to sell her home we acted quickly on bringing her on board. Her customer service and communication is second to none and knowledge of the local area and each of the properties we sell or let being endless. She lives locally with her two daughters.

Carrie Langdale

Carrie has recently joined our team and helps Lisa and Jen run our rental portfolio. She lives locally with her children and pets. She’s hardly in the office carrying out property inspections or sorting maintenance issues.

Jen GuyGibbens

Jen’s now been with us for over ten years and works predominately with Lisa on maintaining our rental portfolio. Jen lives locally with her husband and son and is forever running around sorting an endless maintenance list. Her organisation and customer skills are exquisite and whenever there’s a problem, don’t call the A-Team, call Jen!

Callum Jackson

Callum joined us straight from school and is learning about the old fashioned estate agency methods aswell as teaching us all about social media. He’ll be seen doing sales, lettings and helps out the removals team too.

Claire Bushell

Claire has immense knowledge in our industry having practised estate agency for over 30 years. She has run both corporate and independent branches in Kent and Hampshire and is phenomenal at sorting chains and issues. She lives in Holbury with her husband, daughter let alone the horses and pets.

Mark Parfitt

Mark’s been with us since the start of our removals operation back in 2009. He’s moved people to all ends of the UK, to Ireland, Denmark, France, Germany and Spain. There’s no-one better than loading a stacking a vehicle for the safety of the clients belongings. For any advice on how to pack or prepare for the move then call him today.

EASTON RESIDENTIAL

With years accumulative experience in buying, selling or renting there are very few obstacles or situations we can’t overcome.

We are based locally and focused on helping local people. Not only do all our staff live within the Waterside area but are heavily involved with many local clubs and charities.

77 Long Lane, Holbury SO45 2ND

Tel: 023 8024 3866

sales@eastonresidential.co.uk

Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm Sat: 9am – 5pm Sun: Closed

Time to declutter?

If you’ve ever considered moving house before and read blogs about where to start, there is almost always information about decluttering. Why? Because cluttered homes are harder to sell.

Filled with bits and bobs, piles of paperwork, shoes and coats everywhere, a cluttered house will seem smaller.

And, if you appear to not have enough room for your belongings, your house must not be big enough, right? This is the impression that a cluttered home can give potential buyers and put them off because they either a) can’t really see your home because of all the belongings in the way, or b) they’ll think that it is too small for them and their stuff too.

You might not want to get rid of all of your stuff. What if you genuinely want to keep everything that you own? And in many cases, this is the very reason you are looking to sell your home because you’ve outgrown your current one.

If everything in your home has its place, it won’t feel cluttered. It will also be easier for you and your family to keep everything nice and tidy so that you are not in a mad cleaning frenzy before every viewing appointment. And if everything is neat and organised, potential buyers will feel your home is big enough for them to live in too. This is where storage solutions come in handy.

Why? Having a decluttered home is a way to simplify your life. You know where everything is, and there is no more rummaging or tearing the house apart trying to find something.

Particularly after the festive period, you will undoubtedly add more items to your home. Gifts, toys, and clothes are all brought into your home. So, you either need to have enough space in your home for everything to go, or you will need to get rid of something else to make room for the new things. This is often why parents will have a big clear out of kids’ toys, getting rid of anything that is broken or that the children have grown out of to make room for the new influx of toys Santa brings.

How? Boxes and baskets - things for putting things into. If everything is stored in containers of some sort in a cupboard, you will minimise the likelihood that everything will fall out onto your viewers’ heads when they open the door. Tidying away messy items into baskets or boxes will make your cupboards seem neat and clear.

No stuffing - if you have to stuff things down to get the lid on or the drawer or cupboard door shut, then it is too full. Don’t have your furniture bursting at the seams. This overfilling will distract from the lovely tidy organisation in your home.

Start small - we all have a junk drawer. Imagine if you had a totally organised junk drawer! This is a great place to start. It is small and inconsequential, it’s only a drawer, and it is just ‘junk’. It can be easy to get carried away, and once you’ve started clearing out every cupboard in your home, it can begin to feel overwhelming. Before you know it, you will look around, and really all you will have done is make more mess. When this happens, it’s easy to give up and stuff everything back in the cupboards that you emptied and go and get a cup of tea instead.

Buy stacking boxes for bigger cupboards: they don’t have to be expensive, but stacking boxes can be really helpful to stack and store lots of irregularly shaped items neatly. Particularly good for the loft and the back of the garage. But don’t forget to label the boxes with what you have inside; otherwise, you’ll probably never find anything again. And this will mean that some of your belongings are already packed for your move.

Use drawer dividers: These will provide separate compartments within your drawers and will keep things neat and organised and stop the ‘rummage’ effect.

“ overfilling will distract from the lovely tidy organisation in your home

Use the space that you have: Perhaps you can hang items inside the doors in cupboards. Or use shelf dividers to use the height inside your cupboards, effectively adding another shelf.

Storage solutions are the perfect way to make your home feel organised and tidy and ultimately easier to keep clean. We have all seen those mesmerising videos of people stacking their food cupboards, items decanted into matching glass jars and baskets that fit things in perfectly. In a busy family household, it’s more likely that your cupboards are stuffed and overflowing than neatly stacked and stored.

But there is a connection to selling a property here. Clear, uncluttered homes appear more spacious, and viewers will look inside cupboards! If you are planning a house move, the easiest solution is to use stacking boxes to store items you won’t need in the immediate future. This keeps superfluous things tidy and organised and gives you a head start on packing!

2023 interior trends

Interior design trends change year on year, much like fashion trends. Taking inspiration from all different cultures from all over the world. Looking at trends from years gone by to create our spaces.

What are the new emerging trends for our homes for 2023?

The end of open-plan:

For many years, properties have been moving towards openplan living, large spaces zoned only by furniture that allows the whole family to be together, whether preparing meals, eating, chatting, doing homework or watching tv. But it would seem that the future trends are turning their backs on large open rooms, choosing instead to look at separate rooms reminiscent of older properties. Having different rooms gives more privacy and makes it easier to keep the rooms warm.

The end of crisp, contemporary design:

For many years our homes, for the most part, have been painted white and grey, with a crisp contemporary design, softened by cushions and blankets in muted colours. But, moving into 2023, we see a move away from this style.

The end of minimalism:

Simple, clutter-free homes without fuss are being filled with interesting items or curiosity. Quirky lamp shades and candle holders, or exciting pictures and accessories. A minimalist style is so last season.

So, what do we see instead?

Layout alterations: Separate rooms reminiscent of our homes from years ago. This could be a throwback from lockdown, where everyone was always at home. Possibly, this comes down to needing working spaces as we work from home more now,

meaning that dining rooms and spare bedrooms are converted into office spaces. Open-plan living removes the opportunity for privacy and seclusion, which is vital when trying to work. But also good to have somewhere else in the home to move to when we needed a change of scenery but couldn’t go outside.

Patterns: Stripes are having a come-back with striped fabrics in bedding, curtains, rugs, and even carpets.

Maximalism: opting for a cosy maximal style instead. Luscious fabrics and deep pile rugs with large, vibrant patterns.

Antique styles: In the decline of contemporary modern design, antique styles are seeing a revival, with elements of antique furniture and wallpapers being very popular.

Bright colours: Rich and bright colour schemes are replacing the stark white and grey we have seen for many years. This is further solidified by Pantone announcing their colour of 2023, Viva Magenta. Of this colour, they say, “vibrates with vim and vigour. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave, fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.”

This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and empowering. The team at Pantone say, “Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and a rebellious spirit. It is a colour that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.”

It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying and boundaryless shade that manifests as a standout statement.

If you are planning a revamp of your home in 2023, look at these exciting new style trends and the vibrant colour of the year from Pantone to help style your property.

MAKING YOUR MOVE EASIER MAKING YOUR MOVE EASIER

WHATEVER YOU ARE LO OKING FOR

LO OKING FOR GROUND FLO OR PROPERTIES

LO OKING FOR A RURAL LOCATION

Why use us?

With over 50 years accumulative experience in buying, selling or renting there are very few obstacles or situations we can’t overcome. We are based locally and focused on helping local people.

Not only do all of our staff live within the waterside area but are heavily involved with many local clubs and charities. For honest, dedicated advice from the same person from getting your property valued to the day of completion, call us today.

Why use us over Internet Companies?

In today’s world anyone can take photo’s, measurements and promote your home on the web. The art though in our industry is in the negotiation of the price and the progressing of the deal.

A good local estate agent doesn’t exist because we take a good photo or make you a nice cup of tea when you visit our offices, it’s because we take pride in our job and work tirelessly to ensure you achieve a)the best possible price, b) from the best possible buyer (not necessarily the first and c) with the best possible timescales. It is vital to check out each element of a sale before agreeing terms. We know through vast experience that few agents will do so and especially those with no high street presence.

An out of area agent doesn’t know local market conditions, they aren’t aware of all planning regulations nor likely to use a local lawyer that know our patch inside out. Knowing the local surveyors and solicitors personally is vital to the successful management of your case. We can identify potential issues before they arise and deal with them minimising any stress

or expense. The web may be full of information but an experienced local agent will know how to use this and in what context, saying the wrong thing and the wrong time will cost you greatly.

You need an agent who has a vested interest in you and your home, this will ensure they do absolutely everything at anytime to ensure a smooth transaction knowing that they personally will benefit from their efforts. You are not personal to these internet agencies, it’s not their time and money that goes into the process and it is unlikely they’ll gain any incentive to get your deal through. Some agencies will get you to pay upfront, so where’s the incentive to sell your home, there isn’t, they’ve got their money and onto the next client thank you.

Just by reading this will make you realise how passionate we are about you and helping you achieve your goal. Speak to friends and family, ask them which agents they have used and would they use them again. Recommendation is the by far the best advice.

Our advice however is to call a few agents, see what they have to say and focus on finding one that’s going to work for you and has a personal interest. You want to ensure the person who you meet when their valuing your home will also be with you for completion day too. So often staff in both corporate and internet agencies change like the wind and you need continuity. Choosing an agent who’ll guide you from start to finish will pay huge dividends both financially and stress wise.

Eastons just ask for the opportunity to prove what we can do and allow our experience, empathy and determination to benefit you. After all it’s fair to say the difference in fee maybe hundreds but the cost of bad negotiation and choice of agent will cost you thousands.

EASTON LETTINGS

A comprehensive property letting service...

As Residential Letting and Managing Agents we provide a comprehensive property letting service and for first time landlords we offer a free no obligation advice session.

This will provide an opportunity to discuss the basic requirements of letting your property and also any pitfalls, which may be encountered. If you are thinking of buying a property to let we will be happy to advise you about its suitability

As members of the National Association of Estate Agents and The Property Ombudsman it is vital that all landlords and tenants are aware that we hold CLIENT MONEY PROTECTION

COVER. A full copy of our cover is available by request yet the scheme number is C0012937. This is supplied and managed by the National Federation of Property Professionals.

TENANT FIND SERVICE

Extensively advertise your property via the internet, local advertising and four local window displays.

Arrange and conduct viewings with prospective tenants. All of which are accompanied.

Carry out a full advanced references on all adults intending to live in the property, this reference includes a unique guarantee that we will help remove your tenant from your property should they stop paying their rent. It also includes an insurance that will cover all legal fees involved.

Prepare our standard tenancy agreement and any other associated documents.

Collect the deposit (equivalent of 5 week’s rent) together with the first month’s rental due under the terms of the tenancy. The deposit is then lodged with an approved scheme.

Conduct a check in with the tenant which includes the reading of all meters and approval of the inventory. Please remember your obligations as a landlord – an up to date Gas Safety Certificate, proof of buildings insurance and an Energy Performance Certificate.

FULLY MANAGED SERVICE

If this option is chosen we shall do all of that included in the tenant find option plus –

• Carry out an inspection one month following the check in and then every quarter thereafter. Should we have any concerns then we’ll notify you immediately.

• Provide appliance breakdown and maintenance coverage via a separate party to ourselves. This will obviously be charged to you but fully itemised.

• In an emergency reserve the right to carry out required repairs. These repairs will be deducted from the rental income.

• Collect the monthly rent and pay this directly to you minus our fee. Should the rent not be paid or be late again we

shall notify you accordingly.

• Conduct a check out to ensure correct meter readings are noted and the property left in a satisfactory condition.

• Return the deposit to the tenant at the end of the term subject to the property being vacated. If you or an appointed representative wishes to inspect the property then we ask for this to be conducted within ten days of the tenant departing.

• Send you monthly statements itemising any income and expenditure.

We ask that in disputes over damages between landlord and tenant that the agent’s decision is final.

LANDLORD SCALE OF CHARGES - FULLY MANAGED SERVICE

• Property Valuation

• Advertising and Marketing

• Arrange and accompany all viewings

• Find and fully reference suitable tenants

• Register deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme

• Prepare a legally up to date Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

• Prepare and provide a Full colour inventory

• Attend the Check In, take meter readings and notify utility companies

• Telephone and face to face contact for both landlord and tenant

• Emergency out of hours telephone number for maintenance issues

• Periodic inspection reports sent in writing or by email

• All maintenance jobs arranged and monitored

• Monthly rental collection

• Prepare and issue all relevant up to date and legal notices.

LET ONLY SERVICE

• Property Valuation

• Advertising and Marketing

• Arrange and accompany all viewings

• Find and fully reference suitable tenants

• Register deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme

• Prepare a legally up to date Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement

• Prepare and provide a Full colour inventory

• Attend the Check In, take meter readings and notify utility companies

TENANT FIND

• Property Valuation

• Advertising and Marketing

• Arrange and accompany all viewings

• Find and fully reference suitable tenants

TENANT REFERENCING AND PROGRESS PROCEDURE

Should you find one of our properties suitable after an internal viewing then we will provide you with the appropriate referencing forms for you to complete. Please note you will NOT be charged for this yet the landlord of this particular property is insistent on a full reference of their choice being provided before any tenancy will be granted. Nor will you be charged a fee if a guarantor is needed.

Once the forms have been completed and returned we shall require a holding deposit equivalent to one weeks rent to be lodged immediately. This is will then be deducted from your first months rent subject to a satisfactory reference being obtained. Upon receipt of this holding deposit the property will be removed from the market and marked as let subject to contract. We will also provide you with a draft copy of our Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement.

In the event that either us or our landlord withdraw the property from yourselves then your holding deposit will be returned in full within 7 days. If you however provide false or misleading information, fail the referencing process , withdraw from the property through your own choice then our landlord can indeed retain this holding deposit. Should this be the case then we will confirm by email or in writing why this is the case.

Once the application has been approved we will arrange a date that you wish the tenancy to commence.

Pets are not accepted as standard however if you have a pet and the landlord agrees then no fee will be charged or increased deposit will be taken. Your landlord however may wish to charge a higher rent each month for pets to be considered.

A short hold tenancy agreement will be drawn up between you and your landlord.

A detailed inventory will be carried out and listed with colour photographs and a condition report of which you will be given a copy.

Your deposit will be registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if the property is managed by ourselves or if in the case of the landlord managing we will inform you of the custodial scheme chosen.

On the day that you move in we will carry out a ‘check in’ service at the property to hand over keys, take meter readings and go through the inventory and provide copies of all necessary legal paperwork.

As Residential Letting and Managing Agents we provide a comprehensive property letting service and for first time landlords we offer a free no obligation advice session. This will provide an opportunity to discuss the basic requirements of letting your property and also any pitfalls, which may be encountered. If you are thinking of buying a property to let we will be happy to advise you about its suitability

Make your house move easy with

EASTON REMOVALS

Professional, hard working and putting people first!

Having seen so many people let down and struggling for a removal company on this vital day we quickly identified the need to offer this service and now see this element continuing to grow.

We operate anywhere in the UK and Europe with a simple ethos in mind, to make your move easier!

From studio flats to detached family homes we are here to make your move easier. It is often said that the best investment you can make on moving day is to hire the services of a removal company. With all the running around and collection of keys, allow us to take the pressure off and put everything in the new home where it should be.

Our operatives will take meticulous care of your possessions to ensure a smooth transition is achieved anywhere in the UK and Europe. Whether it’s a man and van to a full packing and removal service, call us now to arrange our Removal Manager to come along and discuss your requirements. Our quotes are completely free of charge and conducted under no obligation.

MOVING HOME?

Get in touch with us today

07894 354372

Home Removals

As one of the leading removal companies in Southampton and New Forest areas Easton Removals can safely deliver your goods, whether it’s a few miles or a few hundred miles. With years of experience in House Removals, Eastons can help you. Call us today on 023 8024 3866

Home Moving

Built on high standards. Once you have decided to move call Eastons and we will arrange for one of our experienced team around to discuss your requirements. From heavy removals like pianos, to packing precious chinaware Eastons will make your move easier!

Boxes and packaging

Easton Removals offers a full packing service. Our team will come prior to your move and pack all your possessions ready for your move, this frees up your time and lets you concentrate on your move.

Secure storage

Easton Removals works in conjunction with Strongroom Storage. We can offer great deals on secure storage. With 24/7 access and CCTV monitoring.

MAKING YOUR MOVE EASIER MAKING YOUR MOVE EASIER

ON MOVING DAY

TOP TIPS...

BEFORE YOU BUY, MAKE SURE YOU REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:

• Be prepared to view as soon as possible – the best properties in the market generate the most interest, so don’t waste time when it comes to buying your new home

• Put yourself in a position to buy – qualify yourself for a mortgage as soon as possible. When buying a property it is worth providing your estate agent with as much information as possible, from your property being chain free to your readiness to proceed with the purchase.

• Multiple viewings – try and view the property more than once at different times of the day especially at weekends, when everyone is at home and at rush hour to check how local roads may be affected by congestion. If this property is to be yours, then you need to have as much information as possible about not only the house but also the surrounding area.

Look beneath the surface – when buying a house it is important to make an impartial judgement based on every aspect of the property. Make sure you distinguish between major work and ‘cosmetic’ work. Don’t let your judgment be clouded.

Protect yourself – property surveys maybe expensive but they can uncover any major defects which may help you renegotiate on price or even reconsider the purchase.

Friendly, experienced and multi-skilled tradesman with a qualified NVQ 3 background in Carpentry, SMSTS qualified.

TEL:

• Kitchen fitting specialist, versatile in your choice of worktop finish, used to working with quartz and granite companies, as well as fitting laminates and compact laminates

• All aspects of carpentry - 1st and second fix

• Building refurbishment and maintenance

• Supplementary quality trusted trades organised

• Location, location, location – research the local schools, shops, parking, transport, journey to work and neighbours to get a good feel of what it will be like to live there. Your dream house may not be so idyllic upon further investigation.

• Don’t rule out offering the full asking price - if you find your ideal home and it is priced correctly, consider offering the full asking price to avoid losing out. By bidding correctly and accurately for your desired property you stand a much greater chance of securing the house without being outbid or rivalled.

Ask lots of direct questions about the property – if this is going to be the property of your dreams then ask as many questions as you can about it. Remember to ask about any previous building work that has been undertaken, as well as any major faults that have been highlighted.

Remember, the estate agent works for the vendor – the agent is working on behalf of the seller so be willing and eager to view properties so that you’re top of the agent’s list to call. Stay in regular contact so they are aware of your interest in their properties.

• Don’t be put off by a property that is on the market at a low price compared to others in the area – in this housing market some of the best deals are sold on behalf of developers and lenders and are priced to sell quickly. These properties include some of the best value houses around, so remember to give these your consideration.

ENERGY SAVING IN YOUR HOME

Ask the right questions

Whether you’re looking to buy a or rent a new home or wondering how to assess your own home, here’s what to look out for to make sure your energy bills are as low as they can be.

Check the Energy Performance Certificate rating

All domestic and commercial buildings in the UK available to buy or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If you own a home, getting an energy performance survey done could help you identify ways to save money on your energy bills. Much like the multi-coloured sticker on new appliances, EPCs tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient): the lower the efficiency, the more the home will cost to run.

How is the home heated?

Gas heating costs a lot less to run and is more energy efficient than electric alternatives. Ask the landlord or seller to leave behind any heating control instructions so you can set your controls to only heat the rooms you want to. If they can’t find them, you can download them from the manufacturers’ website. Check if radiators can be adjusted in each room, whereby you can heat the rooms you need.

Is the loft insulated?

Loft insulation is one of the most efficient ways to keep heat from escaping in a home. The thickness of the insulation plays an important role but it’s easy to top up if there’s some there but not enough. 270mm is the recommended depth. To give an idea of cost savings, topping up from 100mm to 270mm can save around £25 a year on heating bills.

What’s in the walls?

A third of the heat in an un-insulated home is lost through the walls. There are two wall types – solid walls and cavity walls. Both can be insulated to improve the energy efficiency of a property. If the home was built from 1920 onwards there is a good chance it has cavity walls. A home with uninsulated cavity walls could cost up to £140 more to run each year than one with insulated cavities, so it’s worth finding out the state of play. If you’ve fallen in love with a home with uninsulated cavity walls, it’s not difficult to get it fixed. Installation costs are about £450 to £500 but you should make this back in about four years. Homes built before 1920 are likely to have solid walls. Solid walls may sound like they should be better at keeping in heat but unfortunately the opposite is true. Uninsulated solid walls can lose heat twice as fast as uninsulated cavity walls, but insulating them could save over £460 each year – so if you’re looking to move into an older build, make sure you ask about the insulation.

It’s good to see double

Double-glazed windows can save up to £165 on heating bills compared to a single-glazed property. Heavy lined curtains can help keep the heat in if double-glazing can’t be fitted.

The newer the boiler, the better

The latest boilers are a lot more energy efficient than older models. Check the age of the boiler and if it is Energy Saving Trust recommended. If the landlord/seller doesn’t know, you can find out the energy efficiency of different boilers at the Boilers.org.uk website. Boilers have energy ratings, much in the same way as homes. Once again, A is the most energy efficient and G is the lowest. Replacing a G rated boiler could save around £310 a year on running costs.

Look out for draughts

Check round windows and doors for gaps. If it’s a windy day and a home is particular draughty, you can often hear the whistle of wind as it sweeps through the property. It’s quite easy to draught proof homes and there are lots of DIY options available. Draught proofing can save up to £55 a year on heating costs.

Save water, save money

A water meter is a great way to keep in control of your water usage and stop you flushing money down the drain. Check the home for dripping taps, which can waste gallons of water a day. It’s also worth asking if the shower has an energy saving shower head. These save water and money but still give you a powerful shower experience.

The lighter way to save energy

Does the property have energy saving light bulbs or fittings? If so, will the landlord or seller be leaving these light bulbs behind? If not, invest in your own before you move in.

Check appliances

Have a look at any the seller is offering, or ask your new landlord about the energy efficiency of appliances. Fridges and freezers should come with an energy rating from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient.

TOP TIPS... LIGHT UP YOUR HOME

The right lighting in your home can add style, atmosphere and warmth as well practicality. There are options on the market for all budgets, rooms and purposes.

Consider the room

Before you head out to the local DIY store, it’s essential to consider the room itself. The amount of natural light entering the room will play an important role. While a sunny, southfacing living room may be flooded with daylight much of the year round, that north-facing spare bedroom may require a bolder lighting approach. Also look at features or work areas that would benefit from specific mood or task lighting. With your room in mind, you will be better placed to find the perfect solution, both practical and atmospheric.

Living room

As the room where many of us spend much of their time, the living room requires a combination of functional and mood lighting. A ceiling pendant or recessed down lighters are great if you want a brightly-lit room, but often a softer approach is required. Table or standard lamps that throw the light upwards can help to achieve a cosy glow, while accent lights can add visual interest by highlighting a stylish piece of furniture, ornament or painting.

Dining room

As a place that is generally used for entertainment, the dining room requires overhead lighting that enables dinner guests to see each other, but come coffee time, a little mood lighting goes a long way. Track lights or a pendant directly over a feature dining table are ideal for conversation, but try up lighters or standard lamps for an ambient after dinner light.

Kitchen

Task lighting is a must in the kitchen to ensure that work surfaces are well-lit. Under-cupboard lights do just that, while track lighting of recessed ceiling spotlights can also help to

highlight particular areas for utilitarian purposes. If your kitchen is also the social hub of the house, consider wall lights or halogen spotlights, perhaps with a dimmer to soften the clinical feel.

Bathroom

Much like the kitchen, a pendant or down lights are a must for what is often the room with the least amount of natural light. But halogen spotlights focused on the shower, or basin can soften the brightness - particularly useful if you tend to use an ensuite during the night! There are plenty of bathroom mirrors with lights inbuilt on the market, which are great if you spend a lot of time primping and preening, while a dimmer switch can set the tone for that all-important long, luxurious bubble bath, ensuring that the lighting method is compliant with health & safety regulations of course!

Bedroom

The bedroom requires both atmosphere and practicality. While you don’t want to be stumbling about in the night, you won’t want to wake your partner either. Well placed, a down light or floor lamp offers a pool of light that shouldn’t disturb the sleeping partner, while bedside lamps are a must if you’re a night time reader. Light bulbs in softer colours will create a more peaceful atmosphere.

Office

It is essential to get the lighting in your home office right. A ceiling light, wall light or bright floor lamp will provide a strong general light source but an adjustable desk lamp is also a must. And for those using a computer, look after your eyes by illuminating the area behind the screen, while ensuring that the other lights in the room aren’t reflected in the monitor.