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House security

Charles Hallatt, Chairman of Banham, gives The House Directory some advice on designing out crime.

Q. What security can you provide for high value UK properties? A. There is no one solution to home security as each property and homeowners’ requirements will be different.  For our clients with high value properties, we would look to design a bespoke security system specifically for their needs.  One of our security consultants would look at the property holistically, considering its position in the road, where it sits in relation to its neighbours, its inherent weaknesses and provide solutions that best meet the client’s needs.  Monitored CCTV systems with IP cameras offer the highest quality images and ensure your property is being watched 24 hours a day.  A security door and frame rather than a standard door will offer an extra defence against attack and Banham can install made-to measure wooden doors lined with a hidden steel sheet to any design.  We can install strong rooms or panic rooms as well as luxury safes that can be designed bespoke to include luxury items such as watch winders, gold handles and, made to the finish of your choice. In addition, we can also offer security services such as guards and keyguard response where our fleet of SIA approved and trained guards will be dispatched to check on your property in the event of an alarm or deliver your keys if you are locked out.

Q. What are your most important security tips? A. Most people see security as a grudge purchase and all too often are put off buying it until after they become a victim of crime. Eighty eight years of experience also tells us that people become complacent and fail to use the security measures they have in place, often citing that they are too busy, or they ‘only popped out for a minute’. Criminals exploit these moments of weakness and most burglaries are opportunistic! Even if you have a high level of security for your property you should review it periodically as technologies change, as do personal situations.  If you are proactive rather than reactive, you will be less likely to become a victim of crime.

Banham Security can advise on all aspects of security from the fundamentals such as the type of glazing, lighting, both ambient and reactive.

Read more on The House Directory - House Security >>

#home security #house security #banham #burglar alarms #cctv #fighting crime #safe house #protect your home #security #neighbours watch

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T. G. I. F.

Tini time is nigh in a Friday flannel box check DB suit by Steed (Edwin DeBoise) with a Friday flannel tie by E. & G. Cappelli.

British shirtmaker.

http://www.tmlewin.com/Regular-Fit-Shirts/Mens-Regular-Fit-Shirts,en_US,sc.html

(T.M.Lewin & Sons Ltd)

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Old Place. (by Lorenzo Liverani)

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The Secret Garden wall mural collection by PIXERS

Following the aesthetics of the motives from The Secret Garden collection, PIXERS arranged them in the interiors full of eclectic furniture and accessories. The effect is simply stunning – a bit nonchalant and, at the same time, romantic. Every flower keeps its own secret and that it carries different meanings. Just remember to first look for its symbolic before you choose your dream motif.

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Create a Stunning Living Room

Also known as the drawing room, the formal living room is often the first place a guest sees upon arrival, so it is important to concentrate on making the best impression possible. As with any room design, the furniture and decorations are of utmost importance to the overall look and feel, so be sure to carefully select items that will convey the proper message and work with the rest of your home. Start by selecting a centerpiece or focal point for the room’s design. This could be a stunning piece of artwork or a beautiful piece of antique furniture. Entertainment centers can also serve as a focal point, but look for one that can hide the television, or consider hanging a flat screen on the wall that will appear to be a piece of art at first glance. When it comes to furniture, remember that not everything has to be pushed close together or up against the wall, and that many modern designs actually allow pieces to “float” in the middle of the room to provide division within the space. Just make sure you leave plenty of room for walkways so guests don’t feel cramped when visiting.

#Smart Living Room #Cheap Living Room #Stunning Living Rooms #Affordable Living Rooms

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From interior shabby rooms to retro chic living rooms and stripped rugs, here is a panel of the most stunning yet affordable living rooms that I love.

#Smart Living Room #Cheap Living Room #Stunning Living Rooms #Affordable Living Rooms

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Buying Children’s Bed Linen

When buying children’s bed linen, it is important to take a variety of special factors into consideration. Of course, you want something that looks nice and adds to the overall look and feel of the room, but you must also remember that kids don’t have the same set of interests as adults, especially when it comes to taking care of expensive things.

For this reason, it may be a good idea to avoid spending too much money on bedding for your children. Instead, focus on comfort and choose a material easy to clean. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to forego all sense of style, it just means that you will have to be selective when it comes to buying your children’s bed linen. Another reason to keep costs down? We all know that kids grow up very quickly, so keep in mind that the Spider Man sheets your little boy loves today may be the last thing he wants to sleep on in the very near future.

In addition, be sure to consider how old your kids are when choosing a style and material. For example, very small kids are more likely to wet the bed, color on the bed, etc., so it is very helpful to choose a fabric that is washable and stain resistant… Or at least stain tolerant! Cotton is a great choice for kids of all ages, because it is very durable and can be washed in hot water. Cotton also releases stains fairly easily.

Also, remember that the brighter the pattern and colors, the more likely the bed linens are to fade after repeated washings, soaking and scrubbing. Soft, absorbent bed mats are an excellent way to protect the mattress and today’s options are much better than the old plastic sheets that crinkled and felt horrible to the touch.

When buying, be sure to measure the bed and check the dimensions on the package. Even if your children sleep in twin size beds, the dimensions can vary depending on the mattress manufacturer. Sheets that fit well will be less likely to wear unevenly and will stay put even when your children have a restless night.

Buying children’s bed linen can also serve a hidden purpose; not only can it keep kids warm and add to the room’s interior design, but choosing a pattern with a favorite superhero or cartoon character can also help children who are afraid of the dark feel safer and more secure at night. Not only will this help your kids sleep better, but it can also ensure that you get a better night’s rest.

One trick is to keep two or three sets of sheets on hand in case you need to change them suddenly in the middle of the night. Parents with small kids know; it’s not uncommon to change the bed linens more than once in a 24-hour period! If you find a reasonably priced pattern and material that both you and your children like, go ahead and buy several sets. I promise – you won’t be sorry!

For older children, it is possible to branch out and be more open to spending more on bed linens. As your kids grow up and develop a sense of individual style, decorating their rooms can even be a fun activity for you to share. Just remember that their taste may differ wildly from yours, and you will have to keep an open mind and come to a compromise.

Working with an interior designer can be very helpful if your budget allows, as he or she will be able to mediate between what you want and what your children want. This can make it much easier to come to an agreement about the color, material, pattern and overall style of your children’s bed linen.

#Children Linen #Flax Linen #Natural Linen #Buying Bed Linen #White Stripes Bed Linen #Pure Linen #Children's Bedspread #Children's Bed Tips #Linen Sleepwear #Inspiring Bed Linen

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Get inspiration for the coming festive seasons...

Home to great inspiration

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Plate Chargers: Popular, Decorative Tableware

The world’s most sophisticated individuals have long employed the use of plate chargers to enhance the look of place settings and tableware. They are especially useful during dinner parties and other special or festive occasions to add a sense of elegance and culture to the affair. Plate chargers are essentially a form of decorative tray that fits underneath the main dinner plate. Their purpose is more one of style than actual function, although they can catch spills and do, as such, offer an additional layer of protection for the tablecloth. Sized slightly larger than the dinner plate, a plate charger is meant to enhance the other dinnerware, particularly the dinner plate, thereby creating another layer of color or texture for the table setting. Plate chargers first appeared in the early 1300s and were called ‘chargeours.’ Since then, potters, metals smiths and wood workers have produced these decorative tableware accessories, with a renewed interest in their use manifesting during the mid-1980s. In modern times, plate chargers have been used most frequently to enhance the look of wedding table settings. But in recent years they have made their way into a growing number of mainstream households, proving to be an easy, economical, yet visually stunning way to add a sense of glamour and panache to the overall look and feel of the dinner table. Another fun and festive way to employ the use of plate chargers is to look for holiday-themed varieties to complement other seasonal tableware items. For example, there are a variety of Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving-themed options, as well as a variety of plate chargers that go nicely with a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, or 4th of July party. In addition, if you look for festive plate chargers that can be used with your existing dinnerware, it can be an easy way to achieve a whole new look and feel without breaking the bank. Although many times the plate charger is purchased separately from other tableware, such as dinner plates, due to their increased popularity today there are also a variety of place settings that come with a plate charger included. In this case, they are usually crafted in the same finish as the rest of the tableware included in the place setting, or in a solid color to complement the design. Plate chargers are also available for purchase separately in a wide variety of materials, shapes and finishes, including poly, acrylic, porcelain and metallic. While round chargers are still the most common shape, there are also designs crafted in an octagonal or triangular fashion, as well a variety of others. Just be sure that your plate chargers are dishwasher safe and never assume they are created in a way that allows them to hold items that are intended for consumption. Plate chargers also have a variety of other non food-related uses, including holding a grouping of candles or a natural floral centerpiece. In both of these cases, a metallic plate charger can enhance the look and feel of the entire tableware set by reflecting light and presenting contrast to the silken natural flower petals. In addition, during less formal affairs, a plate charger can serve to provide added support for disposable paper or plastic plates, and they can also act as a serving platter for individually wrapped food items, even if they are not intended to come in contact with food itself. However, plate chargers are still most commonly used for fine dining, even if it is a dinner party in your home. They help to anchor each place setting and can be made from wood, such as bamboo, mahogany and wicker, as well as colored glass, earthenware pottery and fine china.

#plate chargers #tableware #luxury table #colorful dinnerware #Tava Plate Charger #Modern Kitchen Accessories #One-Stop Kitchen #Inspirational kitchen #Inspiring kitchen #tableware ideas #tableware hints #tableware tips

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Pure Style Veranda Showhouse by georgianadesign. Simply Wonderful.

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i’m in love with the shelves especially, but the whole room is really nice.  plus the natural light from the open ceiling is perfection.

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Great inspiration !

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Benefits of Cork Flooring

Although it has been used for well over 100 years, cork is finally becoming a popular flooring choice thanks to its durability, thermal insulation capabilities and sustainability. In fact, cork is harvested from trees without killing them, which makes it a favorite choice among eco-friendly consumers and contractors alike. In addition, cork provides cushion under foot and is highly resistant to moisture and decay. It is also quite easy to clean and provides a degree of acoustic insulation.

 Cork flooring comes in a variety of shades, including light, medium and dark. Due to its natural quality, there will be variation in the shade from one area to another, but most consumers find this to be a plus, as it adds visual interest and there is not a sharp contrast. Maintenance depends on the finish that you select, which could be waxed or coated with a polyurethane seal. In both cases a cork floor can be cleaned using a damp or dry mop.

#flooring

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Modern Plain English Kitchens Offer Classic Bespoke Designs

Plain English kitchens offer country style that is both warm and welcoming, with a unique design and character that is timeless, yet keeps up with the demands of modern life. As a result, this style has become a favorite among families with children, who desire the kitchen to function as a true workspace and to serve as the heart of the home.  With a simple aesthetic featuring minimal adornment, Plain English kitchens are often designed to resemble the traditional country kitchens of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which focused on functionality as the most important design element. This is not to say, however, that the designs are not beautiful or interesting. For example, many Plain English kitchens will incorporate classic farmhouse sinks, also known as butler sinks, which act as a focal point thanks to their large size and sturdy construction. These features also make them very practical, as they help to keep water from splashing out onto the floor and counter, which is a common problem with smaller sinks. Modern country kitchen designs also make use of reclaimed antique taps and large traditional-style range cookers, which can help to bring a very unique look and feel to the space. Today, these items are easily sourced and come in a variety of styles that are sure to suit your needs. Hand painting certain areas of the room is another feature that is commonly found in modern Plain English kitchens. Natural, earthy colors such as green, blue, terra cotta, and yellow are popular and can conjure up images of the countryside when used to add a personal touch to the space. Also, hand-turned wooden knobs or antique brass handles with a bit of tarnish can introduce the desired patina to a modern kitchen. If an aged, lived-in look is what you are after, Plain English kitchens will often introduce unfinished, rustic wooden elements, such as an antique sideboard, Pine shelving, a well-worn dresser or distressed dinner table. Reclaimed pine is also an excellent choice for a worktable, as it is already distressed and therefore provides a carefree place to prepare meals. These pieces will enhance any country kitchen and bring added texture to the room’s design. If your home is older, it can also be helpful to incorporate existing pieces of the home’s design, such as a fireplace or the original flooring, which can be beautiful with some wear and tear showing through. Even if the chimney is no longer functional, it can be kept and converted for use as a storage area, or to enclose a traditional-style range cooker. Many Plain English kitchens make use of old flagstone floors, but if you must install a new floor, opt for durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of a well-used kitchen. Stone, slate, tile, rubbed concrete or reclaimed hardwood can all provide excellent options for a country kitchen setting. A well-made kitchen can be an investment that lasts a lifetime if given the proper care and attention. Opt for simplicity of design mixed with high quality craftsmanship to create a unique country kitchen style that is all your own. A bespoke kitchen design can be made to complement any type of property, allowing for easy cleanup and providing an excellent place to entertain family and friends.  Regardless of the specific materials, try to choose designs with details that remain true to the 18th and 19th century designs that inspire country style Plain English kitchens. Remember that you will only get out of your kitchen what you put into it, so take the time to create a space that suits all of your needs. Pieces of the best quality you can afford will help to ensure that the space remains usable for years to come.

James Mayor Furniture offers bespoke and quality kitchens. Meaning you can choose exactly the interior fittings you want, as well as the door style, integration of drawers, changes in height, fitting floor to ceiling or freestanding. I love it!

#plain english kitchen #kitchen design #english kitchen

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Does it really make sense

#weird #fun #odd #signs #laughs #no point #why that

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INANIMATE OBJECT?

My 18 carat Bob Marley original Master CD album - Exodus.

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Global Consumer Goods