Choosing the right desk for your home office is vital. If the desk is too small you run the risk of working in a cramped environment which means a drop in productivity and clutter. A smaller desk would still suit me but you need to find your own comfort level with whatever desk you intend to work with. Just stick to the flat working surface ideal and you’ll be fine. The challenge is finding a small desk that can work in the space, and hopefully add some other aesthetic value to the overall apartment décor. (more…)
Georgie Fordham is one of a growing number of people who believe that good lighting is as important as a colour scheme or upholstery for your home. “We had two London houses professionally lit, and when we moved to the country I was determined to have proper lighting here too, even though the house is very old and I didn’t want to start gouging holes in the walls,” she says. “I’m a real lighting convert and I would urge people, even if they have a small budget for their home, to think about lighting it properly; good lighting can change completely the way you feel about your home.”
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Chinese building contractors are in big demand by the Trinidad and Tobago Government, and are often tagged for major projects over home-grown construction companies, who have been criticised for their inflated bids, poor work ethic, and failing to complete jobs on schedule.
But builders have in turn accused the Government of discrimination, saying the foreign builders have more leeway to import labour, some of whom are being paid below market rates, causing displacement.
A Chinese contractor is the sole builder of the new Prime Minister’s residence and diplomatic centre, the academy for the performing arts and a new ministry of education. Another has been awarded a contract to build a stadium, and one is involved in the construction of the Alutrint smelter plant. (more…)
While the Blairs squabble with the neighbours over their expansion plans, it is possible to broaden the horizons of your home with the minimum of fuss. And, as Graham Norwood writes, there’s a tidy profit to be had
Don’t tell Tony and Cherie Blair about interior designer Elizabeth Hiney. Britain’s First Couple last week secured planning permission to build a roof terrace on their house in London’s Connaught Square. But it wasn’t without complications. Neighbours were unhappy at a potential loss of privacy, possible noise and smells from the Blairs’ outdoor dining, and whether the terrace would fit in with the skyline of adjoining properties. Meanwhile, Elizabeth has created a dramatic 385 square foot roof terrace at her Cheshire home, with the minimum of fuss and without planners – or neighbours – getting involved. (more…)
Summer is just around the corner and that means it’s time to dust off that lawn furniture. But if you plan to spend a lot of time in the garden this year, you’ll want to make sure the set you’ve got will provide comfort, style and durability as you lounge into the dog days of July and August. If you’re hitting the patio furniture stores this spring, keep the following tips in mind:
_ Cedar and teak are good low-maintenance options, as they can be left outside without special care.
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