INTERIORS DIRECTORY

Inside stories

This year we have all spent a little more time at home, appreciating the good things but also dreaming of making improvements. Our A/W guide features all the best trades and services to help spruce up your house and garden. Whether it’s a small decorating touch or a major project, this directory offers a great range of expert services to make all those home, interior and garden ambitions become reality.

KELLY MARIE KITCHEN INTERIORS

8 Pulteney Terrace, Bath BA2 4HJ Tel: 01225 481881 (Mobile: 07796 554466) Web: kellymariekitchens.com

Kelly Marie has more than 15 years experience in the kitchen design industry. She has had the pleasure of working on many luxury kitchen projects in the Bath area and now owns her own unique and creative business based on a constant list of word-of-mouth recommendations. Her technical designs with i ntrinsic creativity allow spaces that are functional yet beautiful. With a vast portfolio of luxury German kitchen projects, Kelly works with each client’s budget, providing personalised attention throughout the design process. Kelly believes that it is all about the little details and her approach combines purposeful variations of colour, textures and finishes. The careful selection of t hese elements endow the home with a sense of harmony, while reflecting the individual style of the client.

FIAT LUX

8 Bath Street, Frome BA11 1DH Tel: 01373 473555 Web: fiatlux.co.uk

Let there be light... Fiat Lux opened its Frome showroom in 2003, and since then it has been the go-to place to see a huge range of superb lighting, from traditional fittings and shades to the most up-to-date trends in contemporary lighting designs. For interior lighting projects there are fixtures and fittings, bulbs, coloured cords and cables in every p ossible combination, as well as a full display of exterior lighting ideas. Fiat Lux works with leading manufacturers such as Vita, Original BTC and many more and is an established favourite with property developers, architects, interior designers and all lighting aficionados, professional and domestic. Whatever your style, mood or interior desire, then a trip to Fiat Lux will really light up y our ideas.

BATH RECLAMATION

Tel: 07983 556757 Web: bathreclamation.co.uk

It was a sad day when Walcot Reclamation and Walcot Architectural Salvage had to move out of Bath, but the good news is that former manager and director, Cary Morgan, is now the owner of Bath Reclamation, based just outside Bath in Newton St Loe. Bath Reclamation stock and source all types of reclaimed materials, with a special focus on buildi ng materials s uch as Bath stone ashlar, paving, flooring, roofing and bricks. All other types of salvaged materials and salvaged items – from windows to sleepers, curbs and resawn pine – are kept in stock when available. A visit to its helpful, new website is a must.

ASPECT WINDOW STYLING

1 Saracen Street, Bath BA1 5BR Tel: 01225 469559 Web: aspectwindowstyling.co.uk

Aspect Window Styling is a local family business that specialises in high-end made-to-measure window furnishings. These include blinds, powered blinds, shutters, curtains and awnings. Based in the centre of Bath, the team provide a full design, measuring and fitting service for both small and large design projects across the South West. The showroom is full of the latest products and its highly experienced staff are on hand to provide expert advice both for design and technical queries. Aspect Window Styling understands every window is unique, and aims to provide its customers with specialised solutions to bring out the best in their home.

BONITI

Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton, Wiltshire SN14 8JA Tel: 01225 892200 Web: boniti.com

Run by Giles and Simon Lunt, Boniti is a high-quality interiors (and exteriors) business. The showroom is a destination for all types of natural stone, porcelain and timber flooring, as well as decorative tiles, stoneware, Kadai firebowls, garden furniture, homeware accessories and the highly desirable Everhot range cookers. Boniti has an impressive client list of property developers and offers a specialist bespoke service that will supply and fit worldwide. For large and small projects, the Boniti team are masters of their profession and it shows in every detail. The showroom is easily reached from J18 of the M4.

LOAF

Unit 1D, Centaurus Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS34 5TS Tel: 020 3141 8300 Web: loaf.com

Brit-brand Loaf makes laid-back furniture for people to kick-off their shoes and to help them lead happier, more relaxed lives. The comfy sofas and upholstered beds are hand-produced in Long Eaton, Derbyshire – the heart of British upholstery making. And the mattresses are handmade in Wiltshire. Loaf opened its eighth ‘Shack’ last year at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. The 5,000 sq ft showroom includes a mattress testing station, oodles of squidgy sofas and arcade games for little (and not-so-little) Loafers to enjoy, making it a haven for kicking back and relaxing. There’s even an old-school ice cream parlour where visitors can lap up their favourite scoop!

GARDEN AFFAIRS

Trowbridge Garden Centre, 288 Frome Road, Trowbridge BA14 ODT Tel: 01225 774566 Web: gardenaffairs.co.uk

Create space for home working, hobbies, a growing family or even a new business venture with a cost-effective, versatile, fullyinsulated garden room. Garden Affairs offer a huge range of high quality, sustainable garden buildings and will help you get the design, the installation, the quality and the price spot on. Visit their extensive display centre at Trowbridge Garden Centre in Wiltshire to see garden offices, art and craft studios, teenage dens, granny annexes as well as a range of ‘posh sheds’ and summerhouses.

WOODHOUSE & LAW

4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath BA2 4EN Tel: 01225 428072 Web: woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Woodhouse and Law is a well-established full service interior and garden design partnership. From the showroom and studio on Bathwick Hill, the company offers every component necessary in the delivery of a project from concept to completion, ensuring the highest quality throughout. The unique servic e combines the expertise of in-house interior and g arden designers with that of a highly skilled team of local craftsmen and technicians. So, whether your project is residential or commercial, the team at W&L can help with a wide range of services to transform your space. From making up soft furnishings to a full design service and project co-ordination, everything is delivered with exceptional attenti on t o detail. To arrange an initial consultation, get in touch or pop in to meet the team.

SCHMIDT BATH

1 Park Road, Bath BA1 3EE Tel: 01225 337276 Web: schmidt-bath.com

Providing bespoke made-to-measure solutions in Bath for over 30 years, the Schmidt Bath team, headed up by Leroy McKenzie, can transform every room of your home. Specialising in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, Schmidt Bath, formerly Interior Harmony, has highly skilled in-house installers headed up by Colin Bevan, and can now offer complete renovation projects including extensions. The growing design team based at Park Road in Bath can help you create your dream kitchen, advising on the best layouts and appliances from brands including Neff, Siemens and Miele. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, revamp your bedroom or design the perfect home office, give the team a call to book your free quotation.

HOUSE OF RADIATORS

22 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 2AA Tel: 01225 424199 Web: houseofradiators.co.uk

House of Radiators sells traditional and designer radiators that can be off-the-shelf sizes/finishes or bespoke sizes and colours. This popular, family-run business opened its Bear Flat showroom in 2011 and not only sells to Bath areas but throughout the UK and overseas. Following a recent re-fit, there are over 100 radiators on d isplay and due to increasing popularity the traditional cast iron and column radiator range has expanded. With over 45 years experience in the heating and radiator industry they offer a friendly and high level of customer service. This is key in helping customers choose the right radiator for their home that will not only look amazing but will heat their room and do its job. Becaus e the team work with 20 of the leading manufacturers and distributors in the radiator industry, there’s always something to suit all budgets and styles. Locally the company offers a free, at-home consultation where they’ll measure up and work out the correct heat requirements and size up radiators accordingly.

HOMEFRONT INTERIORS

10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP Tel: 01225 571711 Web: homefrontinteriors.co.uk

The eclectic Homefront Interiors has an ever-changing selection of homewares, gifts and cards. This little independent store may be small, but it has a wide range and a regularly updated stock of new and vintage homewares and follows a simple ethos of sustainability. This could mean recycled material s, Fairtrade origins, small-scale production or simply s howing a little love and care to vintage finds. It is the clever mix of vintage and contemporary alongside an ever-growing selection of handmade pieces from local artists, including textiles, ceramics, jewellery, art prints and cards, that makes Homefront such a great destination. Ideal for gifts and unique finds for your own home.

NEWMAN’S JOINERY

3 Broadway Court, Miles Street, Bath BA2 4HX Tel: 01225 318378, Web: newmansjoinery.co.uk

In April 2015, Roland Newman took over the thriving Hulin & Hudson joinery firm following the retirement of Mike Hulin. Based in Widcombe, the joinery shop was a well-established local business providing highquality joinery for houses in Bath and the surrounding areas. Chris, the foreman, worked with Mike for almost 2 0 years and continues to run the workshop, so the wealth of experience and local knowledge has been retained. The company deals with everything from timber windows, staircases, doors and frames to alcove cupboards, panelling, timber conservatories and shop façades and they have a specialist knowledge in listed buildings. Contact Newmans for a free, no-obligation initial visit to discuss your requi rements.

AVONVALE CARPETS

37 Kingsmead Street, Bath BA1 2AA Tel: 01225 427057 Web: avonvalecarpets.co.uk

The choice of flooring is vital in transforming any room and the range of options can sometimes overwhelm. Luckily Avonvale Carpets is on hand to assist. It has served homeowners and businesses throughout the city of Bath and Wiltshire for 48 years, providing an excellent choice of flooring, in-depth expertise and perfect fitting. An independent, family-run business, Avonvale Carpets only works with trusted, local, professionally trained fitters, and deals directly with major manufacturers. The extensive selection of quality flooring is second to none: woollens, naturals, eco-friendly alternatives, vinyls, hard flooring and tailor-made options, too. You will be amazed at the variety on offer in the shop, fou nd just off Kingsmead Square.

KUTCHENHAUS

5 Saracen Street, Bath BA1 2NN Tel: 01225 634025 Web: kutchenhaus.co.uk

Kütchenhaus is the UK arm of company Nobilia – the largest manufacturer of fitted kitchens in Europe, making up to 3,000 kitchens daily. This means Kütchenhaus can not only keep prices competitive but still deliver high quality, German-engineered kitchens. They provide a wide selection of kitchen styles and can create bot h traditional and contemporary looks in matte and gloss textures. With their free design service, they can come up with superb, photo-realistic images giving a clear visual of a customer’s ideal kitchen. They also supply a full range of appliances including Bosch, Neff, CDA and Miele. Buying a kitchen is a big decision, and the Kütchenhaus team work closely with every single client to give them complete confidence in their important new purchase.

TRADITIONAL UPHOLSTERY SCHOOL

Unit 2, Holt Holdings, East Lane, Holt, Wiltshire BA14 6QU Tel: 07505 651030 Web: traditionalupholsteryschool.co.uk

In its new home surrounded by rolling Wiltshire farmland near Bradford on Avon, The Traditional Upholstery School is recognised as one of Britain’s top craft training centres. The School offers courses for everyone, from fun one-day hobby classes to professional training for prestigious Association of M aster Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) diplomas. Students travel from all over the UK for acclaimed classes ranging from creative lampshade-making to deepbuttoned footstools. Some want a creative day out – others are looking to train for a new career or lifestyle. All are expecting free cake... and they are never disappointed. This small, friendly school is owned and run b y local upholsterer, lampshademaker and author Joanna Heptinstall, as well as her team of expert tutors and Nellie the dog. But mostly by Nellie.

MANDARIN STONE

15–16 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ Tel: 01225 460033 Web: mandarinstone.com

Renowned for its comprehensive natural stone collection, Mandarin Stone has gained quite a reputation for its on-trend and beautifully designed porcelain. Ranging from tiles that cleverly mimic materials such as wood, concrete and marble to striking glazed and patterned tiles, the collection has endless surface desig n possibilities. Established for over 25 years and w ith 10 inspirational UK showrooms, it offers dependable specialist knowledge as well as technical expertise. Almost the entire natural stone and porcelain collection is held in stock in the UK, so lead times are short.

THE BATH FRAMER

14–15 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD Tel: 01225 920210 Web: thebathpictureframer.co.uk

The Bath Framer, owned by Kelly, is a friendly boutique picture framers that has a beautifully quirky front of house and an amazing naturally lit workshop. Both are a joy to work in and to visit for customers wanting to see how frames are created. Since opening, the business has gone from strengt h to s trength, building a client list of local residents and businesses based in Bath, Bristol and beyond. A bespoke framing service, tailored to suit all individuals’ needs runs alongside a gorgeous selection of cards, gift wrap and stationery.

ANNA DESIGN BESPOKE FABRIC COMMISSIONS

Tel: 01761 471663 / 07779 951691 Web: anna-design.uk

Anna Fraenkel has been fulfilling textile commissions since she was 17 and for the last decade has been working with national interior design company Jayne Clayton. She specialises in textiles for the home and events. Whether you’re looking to transform a village hall into a beautiful wedding venue, want something really unu sual, or simply need some curtains, blinds or cushions for your h ome, Anna will visit, advise and bring your ideas to life.

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

7–9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS Tel: 01225 312003 Web: bathkitchencompany.co.uk

Established in 1990, Bath Kitchen Company is a well-regarded family business based in Bath. With vast experience, the company takes pride in its close attention to detail and its understanding of what each client requires. Whatever an individual client’s tastes, the team will find a bespoke kitch en that strikes a perfect balance b etween aesthetic and practical requirements. Consequently every kitchen is unique, beautifully designed and perfectly functional. Handmade using premium materials and to the highest standards, a beautiful kitchen can be carefully crafted to make the most of available space, existing features and the latest technology. Whether designing for Bath’s oldest private homes o r cutting-edge c ity apartments, the principle is the same – Bath Kitchen Company will create a place that enhances your lifestyle.

REVITATILE

Tel: 01225 800232 Web: revitatile.co.uk

Whether it’s walls, floors, your bathroom or your kitchen, Revitatile provides a range of revolutionary services to help bring your tiled areas back to life. A cheaper, cleaner and quicker solution to a complete re-tile, Revitatile can clean or recolour your grout, giving it a new lease of life. Other services include silicone sealant replacement and sh ower-glass restoration. The company also provides a glass and tile protective coating service that helps keep these areas cleaner for longer. Displaced or cracked tiles that require replacement can also be fixed.

ORIENTAL RUGS OF BATH

Bookbarn International, Hallatrow Business Park, Wells Road, Hallatrow, Bristol BS39 6EX Tel: 01761 451764 Web: orientalrugsofbath.com

Oriental Rugs of Bath is home to an eclectic collection of authentically handcrafted rugs, kilims and furnishings from the Middle and Far East. Personalised on approval services are offered as standard and all stock is available to order easily online (with free nat ionwide delivery). Expert advice is readily available for all rugr elated enquiries and bespoke orders can be successfully organised. The specialist cleaning and repair service provided is renowned, restoring the most valuable of antique and modern oriental rugs.

ETONS OF BATH

Tel: 01225 639002 Web: etonsofbath.com

Founded in 2006, Etons of Bath is a specialist interior design practice focused on refurbishing, renovating and reinvigorating period homes and hotels. Their team of 12 interior designers, planners and project managers help you plan, design and deliver classically inspired interiors that add value, turn heads and improve the use of space. They cover pro jects of all shapes and sizes from large country estates to Bath townhouses, small apartments and cottages, boutique hotels to bijou boltholes, combining creative flair and solid experience together with a passionate and friendly team.

JOEL BUGG FURNITURE & SPACES

Tel: 01225 583520 / 07779 236242 Web: joelbugg.co.uk

Joel Bugg Furniture & Spaces designs and creates elegant, bespoke fitted furniture and interiors, which are architecturally thought through to seamlessly fit and suit your property. Joel and his team offer a fully managed service from initial space planning and concept designs, using teams of skilled cabinet makers in their manufact ure through to final installation. They w ill also recommend, source and provide lighting, flooring and other finishing touches as required. Their expertise spans all interiors from kitchens and bathrooms to libraries and boot rooms, and as well as working directly with clients they work collaboratively with architects and interior designers to deliver a truly tailored solution.

ARCHITECT YOUR HOME

Tel: 0800 849 8505 Web: architect-yourhome.com

Architect Your Home’s service kicks off with an initial design consultation – this is where your project starts. The consultation will include an indepth discussion to fully establish your requirements and aspirations. You will also be provided with sketch drawings of a properly considered and collaborative design proposal. The practic al implications of your design w ill be explained in detail and you will be equipped with the necessary tools so that you can move your project forward confidently to the next stage. You will also receive advice on issues with planning permission, listed building consents and structures. At the end of the session you will have an agreed proposal and recommendations on the next steps and how to move the p roject forward.

RECLAIMED RADIATORS

Tel: 07540 978 408 Web: reclaimedradiators.co.uk

Reclaimed Radiators sell a comprehensive range of antique and period cast iron radiators. Each original radiator is thoroughly tested and sympathetically restored before it is primed, hand-painted and returned to ‘as good as new’ condition, ready for installation. These original cast iron radiators combine form with function – they ar e vintage classics that will e nhance a period property, and with a core residual heat output they offer a superior efficiency and performance to modern pressed-steel radiators. With a large choice of vintage radiators in stock and a wealth of knowledge and expertise, the specialist team at Reclaimed Radiators are happy to help and advise customers find the perfect pieces as well as assist property owner s looking to restore their own radiators.

CATRIONA ARCHER

Tel: 07823 884945 Web: catrionaarcher.com

Catriona Archer believes that interior design should be accessible to all, which is why providing inspiring and practical working solutions is at the heart of what she does. Catriona starts by making the most of your existing items, storage and space. This is a wonderfully quick and inexpensive way to refresh and update your interior before discu ssing and sourcing any further a dditions you may require. So, if you are looking for a complete design and styling experience from start to finish, or simply an introductory half/full day consultation to spring-board or fine-tune your existing ideas, then contact Catriona to discuss what works best for you.

KINDLE STOVES

Glenavon Farm, 331 Bath Road, Saltford BS31 3TJ Tel: 01225 874422 Web: kindlestoves.co.uk

At the heart of your home should be the perfect stove. Kindle Stoves is a local specialist in clean burning, Eco Design Ready stoves approved for burning wood in Bath, with a wood-burner to suit every home and every style. The team stock the super-efficient Woodwarm, Contura and Rais models as well as many more, o ffering a full installation service – from fireplace alterations, to slate hearths and stone fireplaces. The lovely showroom, situated just outside Keynsham, has one of the largest displays of wood-burners in the South West and is open seven days a week. Pop in for advice and brochures or to book a home survey. Seasoned logs, gas fires, and the Big Green Egg outdoor cooker are also availabl e.

HEIDI REIKI BALANCING ENERGY IN PLACES

Tel: 07776 255875 Web: heidireiki.com

Tel: 01225 471888 What people say about

Heidi Reiki : “We really appreciate the work Heidi did for us; energy clearing the space after we had moved into our new clinic in London. Heidi is lovely, and has a very professional and healing nature. We had been recommended by a friend and are so glad we did. Heidi gave us Reiki sessions individually with specific advice f or each of us to feel as good as possible. Our clinic space feels so clear and peaceful now, thanks to Heidi’s extensive and tho rough work on the area. Heidi also gives you a full report explaining everything she did and what she found, which she also talks through with you, giving you tips to enhance the energy in the area. It honestly all made such a difference and our clinic has been thriving ever s ince. Thanks again for all your work Heidi, and we look forward to our next session in the future. Highly recommend to everyone.” Chiropractic Alchemy, London. A peaceful place to live and work: Major life changes, such as a new job, a new relationship, a new home, or an illness are all times when you and your home could benefit from energy clearing. Does something feel 'out of kilter' or not ‘quite rig ht’ in your living space? Sometimes energy flows need to be restored in places where there has been emotional upset, also other environmental factors can disrupt the flow of energy to a space. Moving through grief and other obstacles, with healing, can bring a sense of wellbeing to you and your home – Heidi’s process can help support to resolve these challenges and bring calm to you and your surrounding s. And it’s not just at these times either; for the general health of your home, a yearly process of energy clearing can be beneficial. In addition to Feng Shui, Heidi will offer Reiki to those living/working there, to help achieve a peaceful, relaxing, calm feeling for you and the space itself. If your home or work place would benefit from some balancing, contact Heidi for an informal chat and more inf ormation. To find out more

BATH CARPETS AND FLOORING

4 Kingsmead Street, Bath BA1 2AA

contact Heidi Lerner Rearden. heidi@heidireiki.com

Web: carpetsandflooringbath.co.uk

Supplying and fitting flooring throughout the South West since 2004. Bath Carpets and Flooring (BCF) offers a wide selection of carpets, all made from a variety of different materials including wool, polypropylene, nylon and sisals. With the combined experience of more than 90 years, the team’s extensive kn owledge and expertise puts you at ease as they match your needs with the perfect flooring solution. BCF pride themselves on only giving impartial advice and hassle-free measuring and estimating, so there will never be any sales pressure or confusion. As the city’s largest Karndean flooring specialist, BCF’s luxury vinyl tile showroom will give you the freedom to create impressive floors, where the only l imit is imagination. With showrooms over two floors offering an even greater selection of homely carpets, vinyl’s, LVT’s and modern rugs. Commercial flooring from all leading manufacturers is available through Bath Contract Flooring Ltd. So if it’s flooring for your home or your business BCF have got it covered.

MARDAN REMOVALS AND STORAGE

Tel: 01225 313233 / 07899 847857 Web:mardanremovals.co.uk

Mardan work with both home and business owners directly and all work is of the highest standard, reliability being paramount. The team are highly experienced in moving fine arts and antiques giving you the confidence that your most prized possessions will be moved safely and carefully. All your effects will be packed to Euro pean standards. Mardan o ffer a full packing service and all packing materials are free of charge with every move. The company also provides secure storage hire in Bath with around-the-clock access and CCTV security and with flexible rental periods and storage size at competitive rates. Whatever your reason for needing storage, if you’re looking to store all your household goods or just a couple of items , look no further. Mardan Removals can take the stress away and arrange it all for you in Bath.

STUART JONES INTERIOR DESIGN & RESTORATION

Tel: 01454 603947 Mobile: 07484 693095 Web: sjrestoration.co.uk

Stuart Jones Interior Design is a design and restoration company covering all aspects of interior design with over 20 years’ experience. They have formed an exceptional reputation priding themselves in transforming interior spaces, from renovating Georgian townhouses to assisting with new build projects. Using 3D design software brings the design process to life, creating room designs which help inspire and encourage their clients to visualise the finished space. Stuart Jones collaborate with other design-led professionals including architects and contractors to assist with room designs, layouts and product sourcing whilst sharing their knowledge and expertise to ensure a project is finished to the highest s tandard. As we go to press, we have just heard that Joanne Jones has achieved ‘Accredited Designer’ status by The Society of British International Interior Design. Excellent.

COOPERS STORES

13–15 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BN Tel: 01225 311811 Web: coopers-stores.com

Coopers is a highly acclaimed and award winning appliance retailer with over 70 years of continuous trading. With a large showroom in the centre of Bath, you can see a fantastic display of kitchen appliances including range cookers, refrigeration, laundry, dishwashing and built-in appliances. Coopers has a dedic ated, expert team always on hand to help choose the right product for you. They aim to be competitively priced with other high street players and online sellers too. They can deliver throughout the South West and offer flexible delivery slots to fit with a customer’s needs. They have also established links with a great team of expert installers to offer a complete advise, buy, deliver, and install serv ice. This is independent retailing at its best – values driven and a superb customer service – which is a real tonic to the spiritless online experience and for many years running, a popular entry in our ‘Best of Bath’ list.

TRUESPEED BROADBAND SERVICE PROVIDER

Tel: 01225 300370 Web: truespeed.com

TrueSpeed delivers futureproof connectivity to some of the South West’s hardest to reach areas, and is a full-fibre broadband and infrastructure company with a difference. Across the region TrueSpeed have built an entirely new network (going where other broadband service providers refuse to go) in order to provide residents and businesses with a solution t o all their online needs. Delivering 200Mbps guaranteed speed broadband into every property it connects, TrueSpeed provides reliable round-the-clock connectivity. And, driven by its community focused ethos, TrueSpeed invests in the areas it works by providing local schools and community hubs with free broadband for life. Allowing entire communities to benefit from the service for genera tions to come.

The Bath Magazine Homes, Interiors & Gardens Guide can also be found on our website: thebathmag.co.uk If you are a business or have a service you would like listed in the guide then please get in touch. Tel: 01225 424499 or email sales@thebathmagazine.co.uk

How to create the perfect home office

Over the last few months many of us have been working from home in less than ideal conditions, with the expectation that we would be heading back to the office pretty soon. Today, though, the outlook seems less certain. Working from home for all or part of the week looks likely to be here for the foreseeable future. So creating the right home office environment can make the difference between a frustrating day at the laptop and a highly productive one.

With this in mind, it makes sense to iron out those work-from-home niggles, perfect your home working environment shipshape and maximise your work-time effectiveness. So here are some top tips to create your perfect home office.

Decide on a dedicated work space

Now that working from home is a more permanent fixture, it’s time to find a proper space for your home office. It doesn’t need to be a fully fledged book-lined study - but it does need to be somewhere you can ‘go’ to work and where there are minimal distractions. Think creatively. A spare bedroom, a Harry Potter-esque desk under the stairs – it can be anywhere that allows you to properly separate your ‘home’ and ‘work life’ so you can switch off and switch on effectively.

Find a schedule that works

If you are an early riser and tend to do your best work in the mornings then allocate these hours to those more brain-intensive tasks and schedule online meetings later in the day. It’s also good to set clear expectations with other members of your team and to understand their preferred routines. This goes for people you live with as well – if they are aware of your work schedule, there is a much lower risk of getting interrupted in an important Zoom call.

Take a break

When you’re in the office, it’s easier to take breaks without even realising it – having a quick chat by the water cooler or popping out to grab a coffee. When you’re at home, though, it can be harder. Carve out time every day to get away from your computer, go for a lunchtime walk or sit outside with a cuppa so you’re away from your computer and other screens. You’ll be more productive throughout the day if you allow yourself to recharge and give your eyes a rest.

Decide what home office kit you really need

It’s very easy to browse stationery and office equipment and be tempted to splash the cash on things you might not actually use. Start with the basics – and check what your company will pay for. For example, your firm may pay for a new computer if the one you have is slow and unreliable. A printer is useful but if you only need to scan items occasionally then consider using the scanning facility on your smartphone instead.

Make sure your broadband is up to the job.

Having ultrafast, reliable broadband connectivity is a must for anyone working from home. Lots of providers advertise ‘fibre’ broadband but actually ‘subdivide’ the optical fibre coming out of your local phone cabinet and then share it between multiple homes, which can lead to digital traffic jams at peak periods and slowing down your service. So If you’re tired of fighting with spinning wheels and drop-outs, and Zoom calls that constantly freeze, it’s time to move away from substandard, part-copper and fake fibre broadband and switch to an ultrafast, supremely reliable connection.

By choosing a full fibre (aka Fibre To The Home/FTTH) broadband provider for a fibre-optic connection that runs right to your door. This way, you’ll get exactly what you pay for 24-7 without frustrating drop outs or slowing down of service at peak times. Connect multiple devices at the same time and have the peace of mind you can use the internet how you want, when you want.

The great news is, Truespeed is live in multiple villages across the South West so you could be enjoying 200Mbps guaranteed speed, full fibre broadband sooner than you think. Simply visit truespeed.com or call our friendly Bath based team on 01225 300370.

BRINGING THE BOUTIQUE HOTEL BAR TO YOUR BACK GARDEN

Bespoke lifestyle-oriented social solutions

The Outdoor Bar Company is a new and exciting Bath-based business which brings the style and vibe of a custom-made Boutique Hotel Bar to your garden. www.outdoorbarco.co.uk

The Outdoor Bar Company specialises in delivering beautiful build solutions coupled with the high design that you expect to find in some the of the world’s best bo utique hotels – right in your own garden.

Behind the venture is Chris Jones, who draws on twenty years of experience in the Boutique Hotel Industry, having created numerous lauded hotels throughout the United States.

“Out of the adversity of the past months, comes opportunity” says Chris, who normally spends his time between Barcelona and Bath. “I think the “New Normal” has led to lots of folks havi ng an enhanced appreciation of what we have on our own doorstep – and being able to socialise in our own gardens has provided a great relief for many. Taking that a step further, having the charm of a boutique hotel bar creates a great alternative that I think will “stick” even when the world starts to free up again.

We also see an opportunity for the many local Pubs to enhance their gardens, with the addition of a stunning Outdoor Bar and accompanying revenue opportunity.”

The bars are already creating a buzz. The recently completed project in Bath has a feel of a New York hotel bar, with stools pulled up to a copper bar top fronted with reclaimed wood. A piped rear back bar with vintage teak and a custom canvas roof completes the look and the bars have their own mini beer kegs, plus LED lighting co ntrollable from your smart phone. Each of the bars is individually designed and equipped with a host of amenities, but design takes

centre stage, with customers able to incorporate everything from beer and wine taps, to pizza ovens, heater units and a DJ booth.

Currently in design is a new outdoor bar for a soon to be announced “favorite local pub” - who are looking to make more of an already beautifu l beer garden. “Our design speaks to the pubs considerable history combined with Baths railway heritage - using reclaimed wood from the roof of a train yard, and materials traditional to the pubs name and narrative”.

There’s even an off-grid solar option for more remote locations –using solar and cell storage to run the lights and equipment.

“No two bars will ever be the same” says Chris, who believ es this to be a central core value to the company.

Customers can also name their bars and through partnerships with local companies, the Outdoor Bar Company intends to promote curated Wine, Beers and Spirits from local purveyors and of course, given the Barcelona connection, some Catalonian Cava.

Prices will vary depending on the size and scope but start at £6,500. Typical time from inception to comple tion is under a month, so order now and catch the Indian Summer, or have the Vin Chaud on tap for the cooler months!

Chris Jones 0770 200 5040 info@outdoorbarco.co.uk Instagram - @theoutdoorbarco Facebook - @theoutdoorbarco Twitter - @bar_outdoor