From Village Hall to Family Home: Finding Warmth in a Historic Space

When I first stepped inside the converted church hall that would become our family home, I was struck by its character. This house was once the social heart of the village, a place where people gathered for Brownies and Scouts, tea dances, school lunches, wedding receptions, and milestone birthdays. You can still feel that history in the wooden floors and lofty ceilings, which once echoed with laughter and chatter. Part of the house is also the once caretaker's cottage so it is basically two buildings together which is great but does present some challenges.

As much as we loved the sense of community woven into its walls, we quickly discovered one major drawback: warmth. This beautiful building, designed for gatherings rather than cosy living, is notoriously difficult to heat. The high ceilings send warmth drifting upward, while draughts creep in through doors that were built to welcome crowds. On a cold winter’s day, the space feels more like a chilly community hall than a home and this part of the house is unusable during the winter which is a great shame. That’s why we’ve been looking into long-term solutions such as Ground Source Heat Pump,  a modern, environmentally friendly sustainable way to bring comfort to our home with such a unique past.

Why a Ground Source Heat Pump Could Work for Us

The challenge of heating our hall lies in the sheer volume of space. In the past a chimney breast at the far side indicates there was an open fire and there were radiators installed but in this large space, the heat would simply rise out of reach. I dread to think of the cost of multiple radiators heating this space. A ground source heat pump, however, works differently. By drawing steady warmth from the ground a few metres below the garden, it provides continuous, gentle heating that’s far more effective for large, draughty spaces. This is renewable energy so rather than burning fuel like a gas boiler, it draws the heat from the ground and transfers it into your home. It is also extremely efficient, especially compared with a gas boiler. 

We particularly like that ground source heat pumps  can pair with underfloor heating and solar panels to make our home super environmentally friendly. Imagine stepping onto warm wooden boards in the very hall that once hosted 1940's tea dances  or the local pantomime — that kind of comfort would transform the experience of living here - the whole building could feel inviting and evenly warm. We could start to use this large useful space during those winter months for parties and our daughter to play in.

Improving Energy Efficiency

Until then, we’re doing what we can with smaller improvements to give the area a bit more warmth/cosy it up and improve the energy efficiency of the overall house:

• Draught-proofing the big double side doors where generations of school children once hurried in for their school dinners. 

• Adding loft insulation so heat no longer disappears into the rafters. The loft space above the hall is vast and I mean vast. It's a whole other space that could be developed in itself. 

• Switching the current dodgy old lights to LED bulbs, cutting energy use while brightening the tall ceilings and giving a warmer hue. 

• Installing smart thermostats so we can heat side rooms individually — the little annexes that once served as meeting rooms or cloakrooms. In fact one of these rooms is now our bedroom!

• Cladding the outside of the house with wood and an insulation board layer. 

• Secondary glaze the sash windows

• Having some cosy large rugs on the wooden floor. 

These changes help, but they don’t solve the heart of the problem with our grand hall. The hall was built for gatherings, not insulation, and even with rugs, curtains, and draft stoppers, the cold lingers. The windows here can't easily be changed.

In the past, villagers used the rear garden for a bar area and there was a concrete skittle alley. Today, that same outdoor space could provide the room for ground loops or boreholes to support a ground source heat pump. Unlike an air source pump, which can be affected by wind and weather, a ground source heat pump makes the most of stable underground temperatures.

With government grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme helping to offset upfront costs, it’s a project that feels more achievable than we first imagined.

Keeping the Warmth Alive

What draws us to this property is its role in village life. For decades, it was the warm heart of the community — a place where neighbours came together to celebrate, eat, dance, and share their lives. Now, as our family home, we want it to recapture some of that warmth, both literally and figuratively. We don't want to change the building as there were plans prior to my husband purchasing this property for the hall part to be knocked down. I would hate to lose the hall, I feel like a guardian over it. So it is time to warm this space up. 

A ground source heat pump offers a way to do just that: to take this once bustling community space and make it a sustainable, comfortable home for the future for our daughter who could one day live in that space as a separate annexe. . The laughter and music may no longer echo across the hall every night, but by keeping it warm and welcoming, we can continue its legacy as a place where people feel at home.

*Collaborative post

Grass-Less Garden Ideas

Nowadays, with the busy hustle and bustle of life, more and more homeowners are choosing a grass-less garden over a high-maintenance lawn. I have to say, I can’t blame them. As much as I love getting out in the garden, I really don’t have a lot of time on my hands to give it the care and attention it needs.

If you’ve never had a grass-less garden before, you might be under the impression that they’re dull, lifeless and devoid of character. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. There are lots of things you can do to make your garden feel cosy and welcoming without adding turf or artificial grass.

Here are a few of my favourite suggestions for a charming grass-less garden. I hope you’ll give them a try!

Choose a Pretty Patio

The truth is, you really don’t need grass to create a garden with natural charm. Porcelain paving is a great alternative to grass, especially if you’re looking for something low maintenance. Porcelain outdoor tiles are designed with durability in mind, so once they’re installed you won’t need to worry about them looking dull, chipping or tarnishing over time.

To keep porcelain pavers clean, all you need to do is give them a quick wipe over with some warm soapy water. You can see how this would be a preferable choice over dragging the lawnmower out every couple of weeks during summer!

Paving is definitely a good option if you’re designing a grass-less garden. You’ll notice that porcelain pavers are available in a huge range of shades and textures so they’ll complement your garden whether you have a traditional or modern aesthetic.

I’ve even seen some porcelain tiles that have a wood flooring effect. Allowing you to create a real-wood look in your garden without worrying about maintaining real wood!

Paving is a great base for your table and chairs, your plant pots and your firepit – perfect for giving your garden a homely touch. 

Install Durable Decking

If patio doesn’t take your fancy, a garden deck might be a better option. Wooden deck boards and composite deck boards both offer a natural look that’s sure to bring your garden space to life.

If your main concern is maintenance, composite decking is the best way to go. With a polymer cap, it won’t need sanding, staining or sealing. Much like porcelain paving, all composite decking needs is a quick wipe over to remove dirt and debris making it much easier to maintain than an unruly lawn.

Wooden decking is also a good option, but doesn’t have the same low-maintenance properties as composite decking. This kind of decking can be susceptible to rotting and warping if it’s not maintained properly. That being said, it’s still going to require less attention than a lawn so it’s a suitable option for a grass-less garden. 

Take Advantage of Trees and Potted Plants

As I mentioned at the very beginning, there’s a misconception that a grass-less outdoor space is going to feel ‘cold’ and ‘unwelcoming’. Well, I’ve found that one of the best ways to combat this is to add a variety of potted plants and shrubs around on your patio or decking.

These don’t have to be plants that require constant care, they could be something easy to care for like geraniums, petunias, or something edible like mint or sage.

Either way, adding flowers, herbs and shrubs to your grass-less garden will bring so much life and vibrancy to the space that you’ll wonder why anyone bothers to have turf installed!

How to Baby-Proof Your Garden

When you’ve got a little one on the way, there are so many preparations to be made you might start to wonder if you’ll get it all done in time! For many of us, the focus is on the inside of the house where your little one will be spending most of their time. You might buy a fireplace cover, install a couple of baby gates and start re-arranging your furniture for a bit of extra crawl-space, but have you thought about your garden?

Parents often overlook outdoor spaces, but this is where a lot of hazards tend to live. Pebbles, thorny plants and water features can all be potentially dangerous for your little one. But don’t worry, I’m going to talk you through a few different ways you can address these problems and thoroughly baby-proof your garden.

Garden surfaces

While you want your garden to look great, you don’t want to choose an outdoor flooring option that’s dangerous for your child. Small stones and gravel can be a choking hazard, so if your garden is covered in them – it might be time to consider a garden renovation.

Grass is an obvious choice, it provides a soft, luscious space for your little one to play, learn and develop. Of course, the only downside with having your garden turfed is the amount of upkeep that real grass requires. You don’t want to be spending the summer holidays trudging up and down with a lawn mower when your little one wants to have a teddy bears picnic and enjoy the sunshine!

A great alternative to grass is composite decking, it offers a forgiving surface that (although not as soft as grass) won’t cause your little one a significant injury if they do happen to fall over. High-quality composite decking is designed not to split or chip, so unlike traditional wood decking, you won’t need to worry about your little one getting a nasty splinter. Better yet, composite decking will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance, giving you more time to spend with your family!

Plants

Having plants in the garden is a great sensory and educational experience for your child. When they get a bit older, they might even help you plant new seeds and begin to take an interest in the natural world (something that’s so often neglected nowadays).

Make sure you remove toxic plants and mushrooms, prickly plants and plants that bear fruit and berries, these plants might look nice in your garden, but they can cause real problems if children get their hands on them.

Instead, you should think about planting vegetables, larger fruits and herbs, the leaves of which are generally non-toxic and safe for curious children to explore. Better yet, if you get a good harvest of carrots and apples, you can add some home-grown vitamins into your baby’s diet.

Some beautiful non-toxic flowers are also a great choice. Pot Marigolds, Amaranthus (shown above), Lemon Balm and Daylilies are sweet smelling, taste rather delicious and will add a touch of colour to your outdoor space.

General Safety Tips

Here are a few other baby-proofing tips to help you keep your garden accident-free!

·         Keep the garden hose out of the sun – If you’ve ever picked up or stepped on a hose pipe that’s been left out in the sun, you’ll know that they can get incredibly hot! Make sure you store them in a shaded, cool place whenever possible.

·         Use plants to protect sharp corners – There are plenty of permeant features in our gardens that might pose a risk to little ones. Use greenery to create a buffer between your child and any sharp edges. 

·         Update your garden furniture – Ditch the glass tables and wooden chairs and treat yourself to a brand-new garden set with padded cushions, rounded edges and removable, washable covers (thank me later).

Hopefully these baby-proofing tips will help you relax and enjoy your garden as your little one explores, grows and changes!

*Guest post

Our home improvements: making use of a corridor space

There is a small corridor between the kitchen and the village/church hall side of the house that was a dead space. Until a few months back there was a staircase up to a room that used to be where the scouts and brownies met and probably things like Sunday school and parish meetings took place. It's now our bedroom so we knocked a door through from the main house landing and blocked this staircase off in order to make the room bigger.

It was decided that the blocked off staircase would make a useful cupboard space. 

So here we go from the kitchen...

BEFORE

The corridor has double side doors onto the road that was once used for people entering the church hall for functions I think, possibly a fire escape. We use this for loading up the car and Sweep's van, moving furniture in and out of the house, it's bolted up so not used unless planned. 

There was a scruffy little alcove that needed some attention too.

Sweep set about planning some useful storage space using recycled materials, so the old table tennis table was used as a back for the shelves. The space on top extends right back under the old staircase so we decided to buy plastic storage boxes for our huge collection of Halloween items, safely packed away and neatly out of the way.

 

AFTER

Sweep made a secret storage panel to cover the cubby hole where the Halloween items are stored. I was really organised and photographed each box so that I know where my spooky items are. We love Halloween! The panel can be unscrewed so the rest of the year it is a secure mini shelf section for small items. Below the shelves are deeper.

Sweep made a couple of shelves for the alcove, replastered and then painted the wall here which had crumbled away. We decided to keep the kitchen bin here as the beagle had worked out how to open the lid and was causing chaos. 

On the shelves I keep my 'to do' tray and a basket of admin - school letters, things to do with Little Bird's autism appointments, leaflets of places to visit, business receipts and that kind of thing. 

The cupboard space has become a mini pantry, we have a main pantry on the otherside of the kitchen but LB was sneaking in and eating too many sweet things and the beagle was ripping open bags of dog food so these are all stored in our mini pantry now - useful for the Christmas goodies and stockpiling dog food. 

The corridor has had a new coat of paint and the side doors have been made less draughty - Sweep made a little peepo cover for the old key hole - he loves making these quirky things.

I think I need some cute accessories for this area now, maybe a tin sign or two, a door sign or something to add some colour. But for now I'm glad the area is functional and looking smarter.

How to make the most of a small bathroom with a large family

Small bathrooms can make a home difficult to live in especially when you have a large family and it needs to be functional for all of them. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best ways to make a small bathroom work for a large family.

If you don't have a large family but still find the bathroom is too small for you then this post will also be something you will be interested in reading.

Here are some tips that you can implement to make the most of your small space.

1) Storage

Your bathroom is going to be one of the most used rooms in your home and when multiple people use the room it can soon become cluttered and look like a total mess.

The best way to get around this is to add storage to your room. Storage comes in many shapes and sizes, but you can't go far wrong with wall hanging cabinets, wicker baskets, ottomans and towel racks. If you add one or a few of the above you are going to have more functional storage in your bathroom.

You can also opt for sink units that have storage spaces underneath this can come in the form of drawers or baskets.

2) Specialist equipment

The bathroom needs to be a functional place for everyone that uses it therefore if you have young children or children or adults with disabilities the bathroom will have to be adapted. Senior citizens will also need additional help to use the bathroom.

If you want to make your bathroom suitable for everyone that is going to use it, then please consider their needs.

Children using the bathroom won't be able to reach items placed in higher locations so think of adding steps or add stackable storage and put their items on the bottom.

Disabled or older family members can also install items into the bathroom to make it easier for them to use. Bath hoists can be used to help them into the bathtub or walk in baths are another great addition to making your bathroom more accessible and friendly to all.

Image source: Bathroom Supastore

3) Organisation

Organisation is key in a family bathroom because you don't want to be using each other's items, not only from a hygiene point of view but also from a practical one. If you constantly have to look for your towel or toothbrush it's going to cause needless frustration.

To make the most out of your bathroom be sure to organise each member of the families towels, toothbrushes and everything else in a manner which makes sense for all.

Colour coordination is one way of doing it, adding tags or markings is another. Find a system that works for your family and stick to it.


4) Safety first

If you are designing a bathroom to be suitable for younger children you will want to minimise the chance of burns through scalding water. One of the best ways to prevent burns with a new family is to install a thermostatic valve.

A thermostatic valve is the safest way to prevent burning even if the cold water supply is changed. Some thermostatic valves can also be programmed to limit the time your children can spend in the shower which can save you money on your water bill.




5) Open plan living

A tight shower may be desirable to save space or to look nice, but in a bathroom that has to work for the entire family, you should avoid it. Washing smaller children in a confined space can be a nightmare so try to avoid it if possible. If you do want to install a shower try to keep your space open plan as much as possible and install a wetroom.

If you do choose to install a wetroom, you will have more space to clean your children and you don't have to worry about water splashing everywhere and ruining your floor.



Conclusion

Designing a bathroom that works for multiple ages and needs is difficult but if you take time to think of the storage space needed and the functionality of the room, it becomes a little easier.


Do you have any tips on making the most of a small bathroom for the entire family? If so please leave them in the comments below.

Autumn Mellowing

Finally we are into autumn, my mellow misty time of subdued days with a sprinkle or rather a dollop of Halloween excitement. I'm taking it easy this year as I'm in my second trimester of pregnancy, more on that another time. So......days of mugs of decaffeinated tea, chilling with the dogs and pootling about the village.

It's been a chore to get the blog back up and running since all my photos were held hostage by Photobucket but I'm updating all the back photos slowly to make my blog its old self of witchy pumpkin goodness at this time of year but it's a long arduous task. Regular updates will be here again since life is good and I have a new life to document.

I have a new study for my daily work and I'm so pleased with it. Halloween items which will stay all year for inspiration and other found and vintage items. Surrounding myself with fun things in the home is my necessity. There is a lovely view of the front garden and the church in the distance, even better on bell ringing evenings when I can sit with the sash window up and soak up the sound of my previous existence as a bell ringer.

The village has a few shops which is perfect for slow paced living. A florist, farm shop, convenience store, random gift and hardware shop with a post office. Just enough for a daily walk through the churchyard, gathering thoughts and sunshine.

The churchyard is on my doorstep, our home was part of the church as their building for functions when the Victorians deemed it unsuitable to be social within the actual church. So the house has a lot of echoes from the past which I am investigating.

Some days I've headed up to the garden centre in Shrewsbury for some autumnal garden purchases, Chrysanthemums for the wall to add to the pumpkins and more spooky items from tinsel spiders to glittery skeletons. I love the autumn garden, beauty in fading items and splashes of red and yellows.

Other days I've been adding to the Halloween collection, spooky mugs, skull decorations, lots of candles, spectred socks and signs to welcome wee ghosties on Halloween night.

But most of the time I'm just spending time with my gang of fuzzy friends who love the company and the snuggles. We love it on the dark afternoons with a candle flickering and cooking up autumn food ready for Little Bird and Sweep to come home.

Avoid These 7 Rookie Mistakes When Choosing a House Inspector

Buying a home is a huge investment, and for most people, it’s one of the most important decisions they will make in their lifetimes. 

A qualified house inspector performs thorough checks and lets you know about maintenance work and impending repair works. As a homebuyer, this helps you sniff out bad deals and gather irrefutable data points to negotiate a better deal. Moving into a house that has not been inspected can also be a safety concern. Everything from lead paint to a weak foundation can put you and your loved ones at risk.  

Home inspection services are also recommended if you are someone who is trying to sell your house. Inspection reports put potential buyers at ease about the condition of the home and help you close the deal faster. Home inspection reports also let you resolve disputes that relates to the condition of the house by ensuring maximum transparency. 

While there is no denying the importance of getting a home inspected before finalizing the deal, it’s equally important to choose the right inspector. The following are 7 mistakes most new homebuyers make when selecting a home inspection service. 

Selecting a Service Without Checking Sample Reports

All reputed home inspection services allow customers to look at their sample reports. Just like their name suggests, these are dummy reports that show you how their final report is going to look like. Most reports by reputed firms include multiple photos of problem areas as well as a detailed description of the problem. Some reports also include repair advisory that lets you know the possible cost of repairing the issue. 

House inspector services usually have a dedicated page for sample reports on their websites.

Not Understanding the Time and Cost Implications 

A lot of people don’t realize that home inspection can take about 2 to 3 hours to complete. This means they need to make arrangements to ensure the house remains available for inspection. People trying to buy a house may need to schedule a meeting with the real estate agent or the current homeowner to ensure a smooth inspection. 

Home inspection services are also not cheap. This means it’s only advisable to get a house inspected after all other details have been checked and agreed upon by both parties. Standard home inspections cost around $400 to $700. The price is dependant on the location of the house and total square footage. Bigger the house, the more cost it takes to inspect it. 

Not Enquiring About the Exclusions 

A standard home inspection service typically does not include pool inspection, radon inspection, sewer scope checks, and garage inspection. What’s included in the standard package depends solely on the home inspection company. 

This is why it’s important to ask about the exclusions and the list of addon services that may be bought to cover them. 

Picking a House Inspector Who Has No Insurance

Home inspectors need to have liability insurance as well as insurance to protect its employees from workplace injuries. Liability insurance helps cover the cost of any damage that happens during the inspection process. Something like occupational accident insurance protects inspectors by covering their medical costs if they happen to get injured when performing checks. 

These are vital because not having insurance may force you to pay compensation if the house gets damaged or if the workplace injury leads to a lawsuit.

Selecting a Home Inspection Firm That Also Does Repairs

You need a home inspection firm that does not offer home repairing services. This ensures that the inspection company has no vested interest and they have nothing to gain if the house needs repairs. 

Oftentimes, home inspectors have sister firms that does repair works and they get commissions for every referred customer. Do your research by checking online reviews and looking up the parent company of the home inspection service. 

Not Knowing What the Inspection Includes 

You want a service that offers a comprehensive inspection for a lower cost. To make sure you get a good deal, you need to know what the inspection service includes. All standard packages should include thorough inspections of the plumbing, electrical systems, roof, foundation, and basement. Inspectors should also look for moisture damage, wood rots, and issues such as asbestos, mold, and lead paint. 

Picking an Inspector Unwilling to Discuss the Findings in the Report

You typically don’t want an inspector who just sends you the digital report and calls it a day. A good inspection firm will take the time to explain the report. They will explain what repairs need to be done urgently and which ones are minor. They should also inform about potential safety hazards and provide recommendations about mitigating them. 

* Guest post

Ways to improve the future chances of selling of your home

Currently we are not thinking about moving house but always at the back of my mind I think well you never know, maybe one day we will downsize when the house gets to be too much to maintain. This year we are having quite a lot of work done to the property and fortunately my husband has building and carpentry skills and so is able to do most of the work himself to save money. We are altering the layout of the house to make it more functional and this would most definitely make the house more saleable in the future. The house was previously the church hall and meeting rooms so the space is unusual and vast – the front of the house is more traditional and so the aim is to make these two halves gel more together.

I have been thinking about ways in general to add to that saleability, elements that will make your home more attractive and appealing to future buyers.

Curb appeal

This is a must to and probably the easiest solution and the one I get most fun from. Our house was originally a murky pebble dash brown colour and my husband painted it white with a black border around the base – it instantly improved the look of the property. When I moved in years later, I wanted to paint the gate and doors in a soft grey colour for a classy look. Added to this are plants and flowers to soften the edges. Make sure fences are not broken and looking shabby, fix boundaries, add a new coat of wood preserver and generally do a walk around of the property removing broken pots and rubbish. Now is the time to take a trip to the tip to get rid of all those things that accumulate at the side and back of the house too. A lady I know is looking to move house and top of her list is to check out the garden, a little care and attention to the borders and beds can give people that warm glow and place your property to the top of their shortlist.

Doors

The door to your home deserves to be a showstopper and where better for entrance doors that Pirnar, a company whose range of innovative doors will give the wow factor and improve the saleabiity of your home in the future. Their high quality artisan doors have been built to a high specification with features such as LED lighting on the door handles and smart lighting as you approach the door – enchanting and also with safety in mind. A door from Pirnar will delight guests and of course those future buyers, a great first impression showing your excellent choice in materials and a key indicator of what the rest of your home is like and the care you have placed in it.

Pirnar doors

Cosy sitting room

What could conjure up an image of cosiness better than a wood burning/multi fuel stove in a sitting room. With a hearth dressed with bundles of kindling alongside piles of logs and a mantel adorned with candles. Having a lovely fireplace will be attractive to potential buyers, it’s a focal point for a room and with the popularity of woodburners for cost saving, this will make your property stand out. My chimney sweep husband says if you’re selling, get your chimney swept and obtain a certificate of sweeping so your buyers can be assured it is safe.

The kitchen as the hub of the home

The kitchen is a room that will have the capacity to sell your home. The current trend is for sociable spaces and any steps you can take to alter and update the kitchen along these lines will pay off. Repainting the cupboards and changing the door handles is a quick update, I love white chalk paint and find it a cheap solution to perk up kitchen cupboards. The kitchen here is reasonably big but was initially very unsociable with no spaces to stop and chat, the room felt too transient. My husband built a central island that is a focal point and a space to perch and have a coffee. I have since also added a kitchen table and chairs, also new stools at the breakfast bar helped to change the room to one that felt very family orientated.  Think about how people feel in a space and if you anticipate moving one day, keep this in mind when making alterations. 

As mentioned, our home is unusual in that the rear has an adjoining village hall not in use anymore but now part of our home. We are having to think very carefully about how we develop this space and I think a family room will be the best option. A space for all, to eat, to play and to relax.

*Collaborative post

Ways to create a summer entrance to your home

The blossoms are now falling from the trees giving way to lush green leaves unfurling and the swallows have returned to blue skies, summer is on its way. I have started spending more time in the garden and this is when I like the outdoors to transition into my home with doors wide open and fragrant scents of lavender and herbs in the air, breezing into the hallway or the kitchen. I like that feeling of the summer vibe being really apparent as soon as you approach the front of the house and of the garden carrying on into the home. It makes me happy to add little touches to transform the house entrance into a fresh new summer look and also consider long term improvements for a lighter summery style.

I love a home that feels both inviting and interesting to look at and have put together what I consider key aspects to create a summer entrance to your home:

Entrance Doors

The very first feature to bring visual impact to any home are entrance doors that are eye catching and bring light into the home, think of early morning rays beaming in through glazed door windows and the warm tones cast all day. Doors such as those from Pirnar, a family company started in 1968 who specialise in luxury innovative doors, create instant appeal and sophistication. Pirnar’s many options that can be chosen to suit your own tastes are door with windows set within them, or windows above and beside the door for optimum light, add to this illuminated door handles or surrounding LED illumination for balmy summer evening ambience. The choice of door finishes like aluminium or wood make their doors a very personalised feature for your home, the finishes can be chosen too, high gloss or matt, painted wood or perhaps the aluminium in different shades.

Colour is something that can easily change the whole look of the house, a coat of paint over a weekend and instant new appeal – be daring with a summery colour; punchy pink or coral, a fresh green, sky blues or a cheerful sunflower yellow. There is a town nearby here that has many colourful doors, similar to a coastal village where the style is much more daring and it pays off, you can’t help but smile at their colourful charm. If a colourful front door is too dramatic for you then perhaps some colour to accessorise the entrance instead.

Accessories such as door mats give a seasonal perk-up to the house front. There are so many fun designs to choose from and they are inexpensive. I love how you can really choose something that reflects your personality such as your love for cats or sausage dogs or playfulness with fun statements. The 'hello' decal sticker shown below is my must have and for a keen instagrammer like me, it fits in well for those front door photo shots. And I still love lanterns, tall ones with candles in, either side of the door look lovely and welcoming as the evening comes.
Pots and plants are a must have to spell out summer - hanging baskets, troughs and urns filled with flowers such as geraniums, roses and petunias. Create your own planters in colour coordinated pots by using a spray paint for your own unique look, a colour to accent against your front door perhaps. Galvanised buckets look very summery filled with daisies and will last all season. Splashes of colour created by flowers can be done on a budget and if you remember to water, feed and deadhead regularly, they will flourish into the autumn. 

I adore climbing or rambling roses the most and for me they create the perfect summer entrance - there is a rose colour and type for every taste and a scented one will intoxicate both your guests and the bees. Recently I've bought a peachy one to adorn some grey painted trellis (to match the front door) and this will grow alongside a clematis - another climber where you can find almost any colour.

An idea I spotted that looks great if you have a front garden or yard space is a little bench or a bistro table and chairs because if the evening sun is at the front, well then why not......? Sat there with a glass of wine/ mug of tea and being sociable to the neighbours or watching the evening passers-by sounds great to me. Garden furniture at the front of the house is very welcoming. It shouts of summer and sharing, I think that's what the key thing is about creating a summer entrance - it's a cheery hello of a space, not closed off and hiding like winter, of welcoming in rays of sunshine through doorways, of shiny materials and gloss or pretty seaside colours and fun accessories, of being seen and breathing in scent, of feeling relaxed and sociable. These extra elements to the front of any property will give the summer feeling and make you smile everytime you walk into the house.

*Collaborative post

Adding curb appeal to your home

As I walk down any street, I'm always looking at houses and their gardens for ideas, looking in admiration of their curb appeal or sometimes thinking to myself, what would I do to make it look better. How a property looks from the front is of course incredibly important when selling up but also for that feeling of pride that we all have for our homes. With all the houses I have lived in, how it looks to passers-by has been very much an area I have put much thought into. I think the Scandinavian concept of hygge has had a great influence on me and I very much want my home to look cosy and inviting. Having people comment on the home makes me very happy and seeing people looking as they walk down the road.

A pretty home I walk past

In my last house I tried to add greenery to the front although there was just a small drive, in my attempt to make it more cottagey. I planted up pots of flowers, sprinkled wild flower seeds into the gravel and added hanging baskets and window boxes of seasonal interest. Lovely exterior doors are key and this was on my list of things to change, something striking to bring out the best to the house frontage and improve the overall look of my property.

Now I’m in another house and I’m starting the same thought process all over again, plenty of flowers and a new door are required. This house is very different in that the front is away from the road and actually the whole side of the house faces the road and there is no pavement. But I have an area that I want to make pretty to give that welcome feel as people pass on their way to the church or the village shop.

So, how can you improve curb appeal?

A striking front door that creates a fab first impression.

I think the first thing I notice are house front doors and how they set a property off. It’s the central point or where the eye is drawn initially and everything else just frames it. From old wooden country cottage to modern town and city living, investing in a classy front door will create that key first impression. The world of doors have moved on with innovative doors offered by Pirnar, a family grown business with a whole host of technology for the sophisticated home. Theatrica is a super modern door as it is an entrance that is contactless with no door handle, it slides away, pretty neat hey! But how does it do this……well it opens by touch or face recognition and for this the company has received several awards. Pirnar also offer a large range of doors that will suit any property with a number of designs and finishes – classic looks with stained glass and contemporary sleekness. The options of wood, glass or aluminium mean that you can find a door to suit your property and with the designs being so unique it will be an exciting addition to your home. Door designs such as the Premium with rectangular window lights cast interesting light effects into the hallway and LED illumination to the door brings night time security and a glamorous feel. Fingertip recognition sounds amazing, no more scrabbling around for keys - this always happens to me. Certainly a lot of thought and craftsmanship has gone into these doors. 

Image from Pirnar

For me, a coat of grey paint on our wooden door will be in order to freshen it up (the dogs have scratched it so much) to tie in with the grey garden gate which is the imposing factor of our ‘front’ yard or as I’m calling it, our 'yarden'. I usually add a seasonal floral door wreath to keep things up to date and have allowed some self seed hollyhocks to stay by the gate post.

Greenery to soften the edges

My house needs double curb appeal as the outside gate presents to the road and then the main door to the home is for those invited further and those that don’t mind doggy paws jumping up at them. Outside by the self seeded hollyhocks, Sweep has created a brick raised bed where I add perennials and spring bulbs. Inside the yard by the door, I have framed it with scented climbing roses and pots filled with colour in the spring and summer. Over winter we move two standard holly trees here for evergreen fairy light hung loveliness.

It's good to think of the journey that is taken by a visitor to get to the front door. Planting lavender perhaps either side of a path gives a pleasant scent and adds a frothiness to the look. Box balls and standard trees such as bay gives structure and a combination of these provides impact and rhythm within a design. I do love curb appeal that shows the character of those that live there and an element of quirkyness shown by the door furniture, perhaps a fox door knocker (I want a bumble bee one) or a house number sign that reflects the interior style of the house. Being in the country, my style is very different to those houses I see in our nearest town of Shrewsbury, where a more contemporary and classic look of sleek sophistication works better - simple topiary balls and cones, evergreen shrubs and balanced planting....less is more. 

Sometimes the easiest thing to do for quick and easy curb appeal is simply tidying up and repairing any elements; boundary fences a fresh coat of preservative, mending broken panels, clearing away broken pots or removing dead hanging basket contents. I get really mad (inside in my head) when I see dead plants. Or the worse one is broken toys and garden furniture in front gardens. 

Whatever your budget, a weekend spent beautifying the front of the house is well spent - with bedding plants from the plant nursery, new pots, tidying up, mowing grass and repainting. The front door will always be the best element to provide picture perfect curb appeal but if like me, on a real shoestring budget at the moment, paint brushes and faux door wreaths are your friend.

This summer I shall be rearranging the pots in the front yard for a more pleasing look and adding some trellis for a gorgeous passion flower to climb up. I'm looking out for an outside door mat with some foxes on as there is a bit of a fox theme throughout the house.  We are also adding to the country village look with more cottage annuals at the front and an honesty stall at some point for our home grown plants. We purchased an old milk churn at an auction in the village hall last year and I shall be filling this with gorgeous flowers this summer. 

What curb appeal tips do you have? I'd love to hear how you add that wow factor to the front of your home. 

*Collaborative post