Mirrors have so many dimensions. They symbolise thoughtful reflection and self realisation, but they also add so much to a space just by their presence. Antique mirrors look especially tasteful in a space as they add a unique touch of elegance to a room.

A reflective surface, in itself, has several design affordances. A wall with any mirror mounted on it can make a space look larger and more layered. However, a mirror with an aesthetic theme can add even more to a room. An antique mirror coupled with a sleek modern space can create quite an effect.

The way to obtain authentic antique mirrors is to look in the right places. Antique mirrors come in different shapes and sizes. It is also possible to find a period piece if you are looking to create a specific theme. (more...)

When refurbishing your home, it is important to maintain any character features, in order to add value to the property.

For example, a Victorian villa or townhouse would always be in demand when presented in a condition that is in keeping with its age. This may include including original fireplaces and ornate cornicing and mouldings. Furnishing the property with some well chosen antique pieces and furniture will also reflect the property's historical features.

Before filling your property with antiques, you will need to ensure the property is in a habitable condition. When refurbishing any property, one of the first issues which will need attention are the windows. It would be very easy to rip out the existing antique sash windows and replace them with any of the common or garden UPVC windows, Nottingham building suppliers have to offer. (more...)

When it comes to furnishing styles and themes everybody has varying tastes. What someone finds beautiful, someone else might detest! One aesthetic that is particularly popular nowadays is the antique kitsch look. There are many ways to achieve an \'antiquey look\'.

There are many reasons why people are drawn towards antiques and old styled things. For one, the sheer quality and skill of craftsmanship of many antique objects is hard to find today. Antiques seem to exude a richness of character that lends itself very well to spaces.

Antique furniture and antique objects like mirrors are extremely useful in creating an antique decor. Other features of the house such as doors, window frames and flooring can also be matched to go with this theme. A modern home with double glazing Nottingham can be transformed into a fusion of the new and old. (more...)

What defines an antique? That is actually quite an interesting question. Theoretically, an antique is something that is an old, collectable item. Something that has some intrinsic beauty and value that may appreciate with time, due to its rarity or popularity.

Obvious things such as furniture and jewellery can be collected as antiques, and have been through the centuries. However, our tastes have changed over the last twenty years or so, and items have a more disposable nature. What then, will the antiques of the future be?

For example, would an item from a canvas art gallery become an antique in the future? If it fulfilled the criteria of being reasonably rare, in good condition and holding some form of aesthetic beauty, then the answer could be yes. That is no guarantee however! (more...)

One of the great ways in which you can weave a fireplace into style is by surrounding a fireplace with antique glass tiles. Glass tiles create a traditional and authentic look, which can be something abstract and or retro, even modern and more contemporary look. These tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the quality levels varying with the materials used, the manufactures, and whether the tiles are used or new. This can include salvaged or restored tiles from a repurposed fireplace. You can also use frosted glass to encircle the fireplace.

Using different styles If you desire to use traditional styles, you may consider using a set of butter toned and or cream tiles in medium sizes for conventional glass tiles that surround the fireplace. Also, consider brown or rustic red tiles or even an assortment of the same color shades work very well in traditional glass tiles for the fireplace wall. The best thing is to keep the number of colors and patterns on the hearth wall simple if you are attempting to get the traditional fireplace look.

If you are seeking to get a contemporary look, you can make the fireplace a haven of modern styles by applying mosaic and or even mirrored tiles using primary colors. If you apply larger tiles, this means that you will apply fewer of those giving a more contemporary look. Consider abstract patterns that will give a unique and modern feel of the fireplace. (more...)