News and Articles
The Evening Post - 'Pamper Your Guests' - Interiors Column - Dec 2012
This time of year often encourages us to re-evaluate the design of certain areas of our home that come into play when visitors arrive. Last week I shared my tips with you on how to create the perfect guest bedroom, but what better way to provide your friends and family with a luxurious stay than with their very own bathroom.
The Evening Post - 'Off The Wall' - Interiors Column - Oct 2012
When it comes to choosing the perfect wallpaper, the decision process can often be overwhelming and it can become a bit of a minefield finding the correct pattern, style and colour to suit the space you are working with. Furthermore, when you think you have found the perfect design, often you will only have a small sample to help you envisage the overall result.
The Evening Post - 'Quick Fix Weekend Makeover Tips' - Interiors Column - Oct 2012
At this time of year, we often start thinking about changes we would like to make in preparation for the festive season, ready for when friends and family come to stay. We all want our homes to look their best before guests arrive and although I don't want to wish time away, I would recommend that you start implementing a few quick-fixes now to avoid a last minute rush! An interior design project can be as big or small, costly or inexpensive, extravagant or understated as you like. It is up to you. Even those of you that are restricted in terms of budget or time can take part in giving your home the update it deserves.
The Evening Post - 'The Bohemian Look' - Interiors Column - Oct 2012
I often think that the weather outside reflects our mood and how and we feel on the inside. When it's a sunny day, the chances are my spirits are lifted, however when it's pouring with rain, it's difficult not to feel down in the dumps. Now that autumn is well underway, it's safe to say that that we can wave goodbye to our summer wardrobes and prepare for the colder weather ahead. A change in seasons often provokes a change in decor.
The Evening Post - 'Feature Walls' - Interiors Column - Sep 2012
As we enter the autumn/winter season, you may be having a slight re-think of the interior schemes throughout your home. Now is the perfect time to start making some changes to prepare your home for the colder weather and darker evenings. Incorporating a feature wall can help to bring a feeling of warmth into a room. It can be as simple or dramatic as you like and the design you choose should be a reflection of both your interior tastes and personality.
The Evening Post - 'Reclaimed Glamour' - Interiors Column - Sep 2012
Over the past year there has been an explosion of all things 'vintage' in both the fashion and home interior worlds. In every high street store you enter, a sense of nostalgia fills the aisles and it has become hard for many of us to resist. Many of the design projects we are planning at the Taylor's Etc showroom, have taken a step back from modern minimalism and are now incorporating a feeling of reclaimed glamour.
The Evening Post - 'Cloakrooms' - Interiors Column - Aug 2012
With an increasing amount of new build developments now including a cloakroom as a basic requirement and with so many homeowners looking to incorporate one to boost the value of their homes, cloakrooms are becoming a far more common asset than they used to be. For those of you that do benefit from a cloakroom, it is likely to be the smallest room of your home, yet probably the most convenient.
The Evening Post - 'Bedroom Update' - Interiors Column - Aug 2012
Your bedroom is the one place of the home that should be dedicated purely to relaxation. Whether you are need of an afternoon nap, a long night's sleep or just a moment of peace, make your bedroom a space that oozes calm and tranquillity where you can escape the hectic lifestyle that so many of us now endure day in, day out. Your bedroom is also the one room of the home where you can fully express your personality, style and interests.
The Evening Post - 'Bedroom Update' - Interiors Column - Aug 2012
Your bedroom is the one place of the home that should be dedicated purely to relaxation. Whether you are need of an afternoon nap, a long night's sleep or just a moment of peace, make your bedroom a space that oozes calm and tranquillity where you can escape the hectic lifestyle that so many of us now endure day in, day out. Your bedroom is also the one room of the home where you can fully express your personality, style and interests.
The Evening Post - 'Metallic Magic' - Interiors Column - July 2012
This summer the world will be focusing its attention on the UK as we host the Olympic Games. With the events drawing closer, it seems only right that we join in with the hype and look at the different ways that you can incorporate winning streaks of bronze, silver and gold into your interior schemes.
The Evening Post - 'Oh I Do Love to be Beside the Seaside....' - Interiors Column - July 2012
This time of year often inspires us to take a spontaneous trip to the seaside with our loved ones and families. There is nothing better when the sun is shining than a walk along the beach with an ice cream in hand and not a care in the world.
The Evening Post - 'Traditional Bathrooms' - Interiors Column - July 2012
If you take a look at the latest trends in the interiors market, there is no escaping the fact that there is now a definitive steer towards traditional styling. Many of you are now opting for a more nostalgic theme throughout the home when it comes to deciding on a new interior scheme. This doesn't mean to say that modern minimalism is now old-hat, but over recent months many of the projects we have designed at Taylor's Etc have had a heritage appeal.
The Evening Post - 'First Impressions' - Interiors Column - Jun 2012
The hallway is often an area of the home that gets overlooked, despite the important role it plays in creating a positive first impression. We can't help but form an opinion within just a few short seconds upon entering a household for the initial time, so it is important that your hallway says exactly what you want it to. Some will scream out unorganised chaos, yet others will provide visitors with a feeling of calm and tranquillity, either way, it is important to make the most of this space and treat it with the same care and attention to detail as the rest of your home.
The Evening Post - 'Pretty Pastels' - Interiors Column - May 2012
Pastels are set to make a big come back this season and take the interiors world by storm. As with many of the trends that we incorporate throughout our homes, a similar look will also be found in high street fashion stores and on the catwalk. As we continue to relish in the vintage revival that has not only influenced our wardrobe choices over the past couple of years, but also our interior design schemes, pastels complement this trend well and provide a feeling of nostalgia and comfort yet can also work well with a modern decor..
The Evening Post - 'Wish you were here!' - Interiors Column - May 2012
With the summer season approaching, I'm sure many of you will be planning a trip away, jetting off on holiday, or simply wishing you were soaking up the sun on a tranquil beach abroad. After all, let's face it, our British summers never really live up to the dream of warm weather and clear, blue skies, so why not transform your home into a holidaymaker's paradise with a little bit of inspiration from around the globe?...
The Evening Post - 'A Sense of Nostalgia' - Interiors Column - May 2012
With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee now approaching, friends, families and communities will be coming together to celebrate the occasion. As seen with the royal wedding last year, Britain loves nothing better than a reason to throw a street party and celebrate with those closest to them, and it is at times like this that we start reminiscing over the 'good old days' where we laugh over memories from a bygone era...
The Evening Post - 'Tile Trends' - Interiors Column - April 2012
Tiles are now far more than a functional tool in the kitchen and bathroom; they now also act as a creative design feature that can be applied to spaces throughout the home. Whether you live in a contemporary city apartment or a rustic country house, tiles can work to enhance the decor of any room and can offer an ideal balance between beautiful aesthetics and essential practicality. Tiles can add energy, colour and depth to any room in so many aspects from the form of a simple splash back to a decorative feature wall. Let's take a look at the current trends...
The Evening Post - 'Floral Design' - Interiors Column - April 2012
Now that spring is here, it means that the Chelsea flower show is just around the corner. Those of you that have been before will know it is a pool of inspiration for garden designs. Â Visitor's can't help but get drawn into the beautiful creations which leaves them dreaming of replicating them in their own outdoor spaces. Â I love the creativity, passion and energy that the exhibitors apply each and every year to deliver an outstanding display that 'wows' the crowds. For me however, the Chelsea Flower show inspires me with ideas for not just outside the home, but indoors too.
The Evening Post - 'The Best Come in Small Packages: Compact Kitchens' - Interiors Column - April 2012
The role of the kitchen has transformed over recent years and has now become a multi-functional space within the home used for cooking, dining and entertaining. Often referred to as the 'heart of the home', it is a place where family and friends can come together, however where space is limited this can sometimes be difficult. For those of you that have a compact kitchen, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the space available to you either by a slight re-think in terms of layout and design or in terms of decor.
The Evening Post - 'Minimalist Chic' - Interiors Column - March 2012
If you love the modern minimalist look but don't want to break the bank, with a little careful planning, it's still possible to design an ultra contemporary home on a budget. Minimalist or urban chic is all about keeping the style simple and uncluttered. So follow the rules of stark, contemporary styling, dress it up with a little bit of pattern and colour or take a more nostalgic approach enhancing some traditional styling - the key is to deliver this in a very simplified form.
The Evening Post - 'Garden Glory' - Interiors Column - March 2012
As we enter the spring/summer months, it is the ideal time to start preparing your garden for the warmer weather. The new season often encourages homeowners to revamp their interior spaces, but exterior environments should be considered too. For me, the garden becomes an additional living space as soon as the lighter evenings and sunny days arrive...
The Evening Post - 'Make the Most of It' - Interiors Column - Feb 2012
Ironically, it is in our nature to progress up the property ladder and aspire to invest in a home that is bigger, better and offers something more than what we had before. Some dream of having a larger garden whilst for others it is the luxury of an ensuite or cloakroom, but there is one aspect that is increasingly becoming an essential requirement; the area of the home we have generically come to refer to as the ‘spare room’.
The Evening Post - 'Bathroom Luxury' - Interiors Column - Jan 2012
As spring arrives, many homeowners update and refresh their homes to correspond with the seasonal changes that are happening outside. Newly blossomed trees and fresh green grass often inspires us to treat our homes to a new lease of life. This regularly comes in the form of a deep spring clean, where once a year the whole house is turned over from top to toe and believe me, mine is no exception! But, for others, this is the perfect time of year to think about undertaking a larger renovation project..
The Evening Post - 'Creating a Child's Bedroom is as easy as A, B, C' - Interiors Column - Jan 2012
When it comes to the design and layout of your home it is important that the space available is utilised in the best way possible and works to suit the whole family. If all needs and interests are considered, then you will probably find the home to have a calmer and more harmonious atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all...
The Evening Post - 'The Key to Colour' - Interiors Column - Jan 2012
When we renovate our homes, the first thing we usually consider is our colour scheme, and with good reason! We all have favourite colours that we would love to surround ourselves with but I always urge my clients to spend time considering the colours that will work best in your home. A beautiful scheme is all about achieving a sense of balance and colour can be integral to this...
The Evening Post - 'It's that Time again...' - Interiors Column - Jan 2012
I hope you all had a merry Christmas and I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year! For me, the festive period is one of my favourite times of the year and there is nothing better than all of the family coming together to enjoy a delicious meal and sharing plenty of laughs. However, when the festive period comes to an end there is often a feeling of anti-climax as things return to normality and we enter back into the same routines....
The Evening Post - 'It's that Time again...' - Interiors Column - Dec 2011
I hope you all had a merry Christmas and I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year! For me, the festive period is one of my favourite times of the year and there is nothing better than all of the family coming together to enjoy a delicious meal and sharing plenty of laughs. However, when the festive period comes to an end there is often a feeling of anti-climax as things return to normality and we enter back into the same routines....
The Evening Post - 'Christmas Special 2011: Prepare your home for Christmas' - Interiors Column - Dec 2011
Christmas is just around the corner and, like it or not, the festive season means pulling out all the stops at home as friends and family join you for the celebrations. Don't fret - all it takes is a little planning and, with my help, I'll show you how you can get your home back into shape to make it ready for the big day...
The Evening Post - 'Winter Decor' - Interiors Column - Dec 2011
The cold, dark and chilly evenings suggest that winter is now well and truly upon us, so this is the perfect time to transform your home into a cosy hideaway. Â With the run up to Christmas being such a hectic time for many, there is something comforting in returning home and shutting the door on the bitter winds and leaving the stresses of the day behind you....
The Evening Post - 'Boutique Bedroom Heaven' - Interiors Column - Dec 2011
In recent years, many of the home projects I have undertaken required much of my attention to be applied to the master bedroom. Increasingly, homeowners are looking to transform this typically private space into a room filled with grandeur and luxury, which becomes far more than just a place for sleeping and resting, but actually an alternative room within the home to relax and enjoy...
The Evening Post - 'Bathroom Trends for 2012' - Interiors Column - Nov 2012
Lifestyle habits are constantly changing, none more so than how we use our domestic bathrooms. Once a place purely for function it now provides homeowners with a haven to relax and unwind from the stresses of the day as it’s often the only room in a home where you are able to lock the door behind you and enjoy some uninterrupted time to yourself. Subsequently, buying habits have dramatically changed in recent years; here is my guide to the latest bathroom trends for 2012....
Swansea Life - 'Interior Design Course - Part 8: Retro Revival' - Interiors Column - Nov 2011
I often believe that interior design can be compared to the fashion industry as trends from different eras always seem to make their way back onto the market. At the moment there is a real passion for reinventing the past and every clothes shop you enter is full of vintage designs that are thought to be the latest fashion, despite the fact they made an appearance many years ago. . .
The Evening Post - 'Come dine with me. . . ' - Interiors Column - Nov 2011
When I was younger, I would sit myself at the dining table every evening with the rest of my family to eat dinner. It was often the only chance we had to spend time together and I realise now just how important those moments were. . .
The Evening Post - 'A nice little place in the country' - Interiors Column - Oct 2011
Whilst I love contemporary living and interior designs that reflect this modern lifestyle such as the combination of linear furniture with stark wall colours of white and black and even shades of grey, I still cannot help but feel that a sense of both comfort and character is sometimes lost, especially when a period property is given over to 'urban chic' styling. . .
The Evening Post - 'Winter Warmer' - Interiors Column - Sep 2011
I don't want to cause any panic attacks but winter is fast beckoning and before we know it, the snow will be falling. It's scary how fast the months past but you don't have to spend a fortune or a massive amount of time keeping your home in check with the seasons latest trends. . . .
The Evening Post - 'A clutter free bathroom is a happy bathroom' - Interiors Column - Jul 2011
A place for everything and everything in its place is key to the smooth running of any home and if you are opting for a clean, contemporary interior it becomes even more important to ensure you have a dedicated space or spaces in which to hide away unsightly clutter. . . .
Swansea Life - 'Out with the old, in with the new' - Column by Lesley Taylor - Jun 2011
This month we are going to focus on contemporary design and how to create a modern space within the home. There is no better way to escape the gruelling day to day routine and hectic lifestyle that so many of us now find ourselves a part of, than to return home to a crisp, clean, minimalist space. . .
Swansea Life - 'En-tile-y up to You' - Column by Lesley Taylor - Jan 2011
The power of tiles as a design tool is completely underestimated by the majority of UK homeowner looking to make interior changes to their homes. Nowadays, there are so many fantastic tile products available, you can really get creative and think outside the realms of conventional use. . .
Swansea Life - 'Deck the Halls' - Column by Lesley Taylor - Nov 2010
With Christmas only a few weeks away, now is the perfect time to start thinking about festive decor and how you are going to present your home to friends and family over the holiday period. . .
The Evening Post - 'Natural Beauty' - Interiors Column - April 2010
This season is all about natural beauty; not just on the fashion catwalk with nude shades gracing every designer boutique and high street store across the country but in the fabulous world of interiors too. . .
The Evening Post - 'Bathroom Beauty' - Interiors Column - March 2010
Evolution is a beautiful thing, especially when it relates to the wonderful world of design. Like fashion and the automobile industry, interior design continues to develop and change with the times, ensuring new and exciting pieces season after season. . . .
The Evening Post - 'How to Update Your Bathroom on a Budget' - Interiors Column - Nov 2009
The bathroom is one of the most important spaces within the home, a place I myself dream of escaping to after a hard days work. Previously seen as a practical and functional environment, a room used merely for ablutions, the bathroom is now considered a luxury retreat. . . .
The Evening Post - 'Bedroom Bliss' - Interiors Column - Nov 2009
Lesley Taylor, BIDA, Interior Designer and Design Director of Taylor's Etc, takes us on a journey through bedroom design and explains how best to achieve the perfect balance between comfort, functionality and glamour. . .
The Evening Post - 'Breaking Down the boundaries. . . . ' - Interiors Column - Jun 2009
Over the centuries, an individual's wealth has often been judged by the size of their property or the number of rooms found within it. Bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and, in latter year's; walk-in dressing rooms, have also become an example of ones perceived success. . .
