Christmas Redecorations
Have you noticed how, in the pre-Christmas retail silly season, things of real value get moved to the back of the store to make space for seasonal product - stuff that's at the right "price point" for a Christmas present and has sufficiently universal appeal? Sales of gifts and accessories have rocketed at our Shepton Mallet Interiors Outlet, while the fantastic fabric bargains have recently been ignored.
It is only ever at Christmas that a bottle of Badedas bath stuff enters the Clayton household. Why? Well, it is of course a desperation purchase. The retailers have hidden all the useful stuff so we can find the gift stuff quicker. In any case, previous experience suggests that "useful" is not a good criterion for present selection. Saucepans just don't hit the spot. In fact these days it seems presents must make a noise beep or be interactive in some way. Where have the days of simple presents gone I wonder. Once upon a time a orange, bag or nuts or box of toy soildiers was enought to please, now its laptops, iphones or consoles that are the only acceptable present for modern youngsters.
When it comes to the children, there is only so much stuff that they can actually cram into their rooms or onto their screens. So, here's an alternative idea. Combine two jobs in one and give them a bedroom makeover for Christmas. The time that you then save on desperation shopping can be applied to some fruitful home improvements. Consult them first. The trick is to preselect two or three options as a basis for choice and further negotiation. If you offer them complete freedom of choice – a blank canvass onto which they can stamp their personality – you may have to accept black walls and ceiling or everything in pink. If you can work on the motivation levels, you may even get them to help on the project.
Those with younger children might find inspiration at our Interiors Outlet at Kilver Court. We have just acquired a large collection of Liberty children's fabrics, now selling at just £9.00 per metre.
Interior design for children's room is different. You don't need to be so bound by notions of taste, convention or practicality. The guiding principle should be FUN. But do remember that things move fast when you're growing up. This year's passion will soon give way to a new interest. So plan ahead, or be prepared to do it all over again next year. The other universal rule about redecorating is that it takes longer than you think. So cancel the turkey and the in-laws. You'll be too busy.
It is only ever at Christmas that a bottle of Badedas bath stuff enters the Clayton household. Why? Well, it is of course a desperation purchase. The retailers have hidden all the useful stuff so we can find the gift stuff quicker. In any case, previous experience suggests that "useful" is not a good criterion for present selection. Saucepans just don't hit the spot. In fact these days it seems presents must make a noise beep or be interactive in some way. Where have the days of simple presents gone I wonder. Once upon a time a orange, bag or nuts or box of toy soildiers was enought to please, now its laptops, iphones or consoles that are the only acceptable present for modern youngsters.
When it comes to the children, there is only so much stuff that they can actually cram into their rooms or onto their screens. So, here's an alternative idea. Combine two jobs in one and give them a bedroom makeover for Christmas. The time that you then save on desperation shopping can be applied to some fruitful home improvements. Consult them first. The trick is to preselect two or three options as a basis for choice and further negotiation. If you offer them complete freedom of choice – a blank canvass onto which they can stamp their personality – you may have to accept black walls and ceiling or everything in pink. If you can work on the motivation levels, you may even get them to help on the project.
Those with younger children might find inspiration at our Interiors Outlet at Kilver Court. We have just acquired a large collection of Liberty children's fabrics, now selling at just £9.00 per metre.
Interior design for children's room is different. You don't need to be so bound by notions of taste, convention or practicality. The guiding principle should be FUN. But do remember that things move fast when you're growing up. This year's passion will soon give way to a new interest. So plan ahead, or be prepared to do it all over again next year. The other universal rule about redecorating is that it takes longer than you think. So cancel the turkey and the in-laws. You'll be too busy.
