The approach to any international resort or residential project emphasises place making, creative thinking, innovative design, sound implementation and economic feasibility. Before construction began at some of the world’s most fascinating destinations, a program would have been derived from extensive site analysis and careful consideration of design alternatives. With respect for the past and anticipation for the future, it is necessary to embrace the opportunities and constraints of a pro...

Many people wish to build their own single storey houses in order to remain at home when old age approaches, but that was never an option for Nils, a seasoned architect by trade. “We would also like to live at home,” he explains, “but not in a single storey house. Sooner or later the stairs become a problem, so it was a good idea to include a platform lift.”

Nils and his wife, Brith-Eli, live in a house situated on a hillside lot in an old recreation area, within a slightly res...

Designers are an eclectic bunch. Not everyone shares their visions or ideas. But Miranda Meyer is different. Since founding her own corporate and mixed use design company back in 1998 she’s watched a constant stream of customers beat a path to her door. The reason is simple she says – great design and great client communication. Miranda Meyer Interior Projects (MMI Projects) make huge efforts to really understand what their client needs. 

“MMI is a company dri...

A survey by letting firm www.holiday-rentals.com found there are 425,000 British-owned homes overseas, including 35,000 bought in the year 2007-8. Overall, the sector is worth £58bn, a rise of £5bn on the previous year. Evidence points to new uses and goals for holiday homes – a drive away from the investment-fuelled market of the last ten years – to a revival in the use of overseas pads as a lifestyle choice...

The one thing that can make a room lighter and seemingly more spacious is a mirror. The tradition is to place these over mantelpieces where they reflect neither light nor space but simply the wall above the sofa opposite. Forget expensive mirrors with curly baroque frames, and go for a large sheet of lightweight acrylic mirror, resistant to clumsy children and drunken guests. You can get a 1220 x 607mm (4ft x 2ft) piece of acrylic mirror from 365 Plastics for £27, and they will cut it to an ...

The image of Kevin McCloud, squinting slightly at the camera with one hand in pocket, the other gesticulating in a curt, deliberative movement and delivering his verdict on yet another wildly ambitious building project, has slowly made its way – or perhaps slowly formed around it – the current domestic architectural zeitgeist. It’s no wonder really, the measured tones of McCloud’s speech; the well-thought out articulation and defined pauses as if he’s slowly reme...

The BIDA is comprised of interior designers and suppliers to the trade. Designer members have worked and trained for a minimum of six years, and consistently prove themselves to be some of the most talented and professional designers in the field. The organisation strives to promote high standards of practice throughout the interior design and decorating professions, encouraging and fostering proven design ability.

Lori Pinkerton-Rolet, Chairman of the BIDA comments: “BIDA interi...

After viewing almost 70 properties he finally found his perfect holiday home, in an idyllic setting close to the mountains of Serra de Tremuntana. Surrounded by traditional Spanish courtyards, verandas and terraces, the spacious finca-style property even features a beautiful well within its extensive grounds.

Although a new build, Mr Slater’s home has been carefully designed to look like a traditional finca property with an original Spanish-style theme. “Its individuality, ...

Interior design is a tricky subject. It’s very subjective after all; one person’s dream floral curtains are someone else’s nightmare. One man’s built in wall aquarium, is a place for another to drown, one ladie’s built in closet with shoe racks is another persons game room. We could draw these comparisons all day long, and try as we might, we’re not going to reach any definitive answers.

With the current uncertainty in property markets at home and ab...

Continental Interiors has stemmed from an English furniture retailer that formed in 1991 and has expanded to become one of the largest suppliers of quality furniture in England, offering over 250 pieces in 15 collections.

Overseas demand

In late 2007 Continental Interiors realised that with over 900,000 expats living in Spain alone, the demand for English furniture abroad was high. After researching different transport operations through...