EXPERTS
Agony agent Readers put their property questions to our guest panel of experts: solicitors, mortgage advisers, property gurus and shared ownership providers
THIS MONTH’S PANEL OF EXPERTS
Sam Jones, Client Account Manager, Edward Thomas Interiors
Rupi Hunjan, Managing
Director, Censeo Financial
Sam Cox, Regional Sales Manager, Peabody New Homes
Where do I start with styling my new home? Q I’ve bought my first home and want to begin personalising it. What approach should I take for different shaped rooms? Aisha Flynn, Luton A In our experience, the most common room shapes are square/rectangular, L-shaped, open- plan, or long and narrow, so I’ve included tips for each. Square or rectangular rooms are the most straightforward as they leave plenty of scope for impactful designs. For a cosy and snug retreat, make a focal point such as feature wall, statement headboard or media unit, and position furniture to emphasise this. Add character through lighting, panelling, a picture rail or colour block painting. For L-shaped rooms, accentuate the L, either by adding a corner sofa or two sofas meeting in its centre. Remember not to overlook any space behind sofas too, consider adding a wall unit, bookcase or floating shelves to add character and space for personal touches. In open-plan or apartment living, using the logical flow of the property is a great place to start.You want to be “space-smart” and avoid creating pinch points with bulky objects or pieces of furniture. Keep decor light and bright. Add sheer curtains or voiles to windows or doors; install mirrors opposite light sources to reflect daylight and create an illusion of width and depth; and create zones for different activities with clever wall treatments (feature painting, wallpapering, panelling), or more temporary options such as screens or partitions. Long and narrow, or slim, rooms are the most difficult.We find the best approach is not to overcrowd them and, where possible, to try to make them feel wider and taller.You can achieve this by wall- mounting a TV in a central position on the longest wall and adding sofas, armchairs or love seats at either end. Also, think vertically! If wallpapering, use a vertical stripe to create an elongated effect. Use the walls and ceiling space for floating shelving, a drinks station, or even as hanging storage for pots and pans or plants.
TEST THE PANEL
We need your questions... If you have any queries, or difficulties in understanding the property buying process, our panel of experts is waiting to help. Send our team your questions on buying property, shared ownership, legal issues, or your financial problems and we’ll find the best person from the panel to give the advice you need.
Email your questions to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk
Sam Jones
126 First Time Buyer June/July 2024
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