Warm and Inviting

As well as marking the end of British Summer time, for me the weekend the clocks go back heralds the start of winter proper, and time, once again to light my much loved wood burning stove.  I can safely say that the decision to open up the living room fireplace in my tiny terraced cottage, and install a wood burner is one of the best decisions I ever made.

Whether your style is minimalist or comfortable country, a stove provides that all important focal point, and with green credentials will churn out an unrivalled amount of heat.

 

 Stovax Brunel 2CB Matt Black

A charming little stove which would be equally at home in a small townhouse fireplace as it is in this inglenook.

 

 If your style is more contemporary then look no further than the Dovre Astroline 4CB.  This is a sleek, modern alternative and has an extremely useful wood store in the base.

If you are not fortunate enough to have a fireplace or outside wall on which to position a stove then don’t despair.  There are some great substitute gas and electric models on the market

 

The Gazco Medium Clarendon, Log Effect, Matt Black stove is incredibly realistic looking and is a tremendously effective heat source too.

 Gazco Studio 2 Verve Electric Fires.

 

 These two, featured this year at Grand Designs Live, are electric, and curved so can be enjoyed from all aspects in a room, can be mounted on an inside wall and look equally good with or without a hearth.

This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website

Read Full Post »

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow – as featured in Cambridge News

With arctic winds sweeping in and snow flurries predicted over the next few weeks its time to batten down the hatches and make sure your home is winter proof for the cold months ahead.

This blog first featured in Cambridge News

Make your home as welcoming as possible by lighting up front doors and porches  to guide visitors in from the snow (or rain). Stock up on salt as well to make sure pathways and steps are clear of ice and snow.

Prepare for a flurry of muddy boots by setting aside an area for damp clothes and shoes. If your hallway is carpeted make sure you’ve got a heavy duty door mat to ensure visitors don’t bring the outdoors in with them.

If you’re lucky enough to have an indoor fire or woodburner stock up on supplies of pre-seasoned wood and kindling to last you through a few nights and store them in a smart log basket indoors to prevent endless trips out to the woodpile.

To ensure heat doesn’t escape under the door and out into the night a thick drape across your front door is very effective. Or, for a cheaper option, a draught excluder will help to trap heat indoors and prevent the night air from whistling in.

And finally, layer up. Heap lots of snuggly throws and blankets onto beds to keep them nice and cosy, ensure your windows are thickly curtained to keep out wintry drafts and pile your sofa high with cushions in rich tactile fabrics.

Image credits: The White Company, Fired Earth, Graham and Green, Lewis and Wood

Read Full Post »