In light of all that's been happening recently, many of us have been spending more time at home and with this, thoughts may have turned to changing a few things around the house or the garden.  It's something we've been mulling over and a redesign is looking highly likely as we spend more time using and looking at the garden.

If you are not sure about what you want to do, how to do it, or any idea of cost then it's worthwhile getting in some professional help in from an interior designer or garden designer.  As with most things, a professional will be able to look at your project objectively and offer you options that you may not have thought about yourself - they also have access to a wide range of suppliers, manufacturers and tradespeople that will be able to make the most of your budget.

Have you heard of  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) ?

VOCs are a combination of chemicals, some of which may have short and long term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are much higher indoors than outdoors.  You may be surprised to know that even carpets can contain VOCs and are also emitted into the air through second hand cigarette smoke and we all know of the health risks associated with that!

November each year is World Vegan month.  The awareness month was established in 1994 to commemorate the forward movement of the ideology, as well as the creation of The Vegan Society in the UK in November 50 years prior. 

Vegans lead a life which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.

One thing all vegans have in common is a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish and insects), dairy, eggs and honey - as well as not using animal-derived products such as leather or any tested on animals. 

Designing the interior of your home can be great fun and theses days with so many themes and ideas to choose from the possibilities are endless.  Venturing into 'Retro' by carefully mixing and matching from different eras can work well and result in a very unique look.

Retro-style decorating encompasses several decades and covers any interiors theme that is influenced by trends and styles from the past.  It's most used to describe decor from mid-20th Century onwards - so that's the 1950s, 60s and 70s and even, dare we say, the 80s!  

We have worked with a variety of interesting gift and homeware companies that produce both functional and often quirky ceramics, their designs sometimes telling a simple story, portraying a character or even expressing a feeling.  Cats, sheep, 'Batman' and bats can all be found on contemporary ceramics and from Sweden, subtle patterns and colours that give that 'hygge' feeling to your eating experience. 

With ever increasing energy costs and concerns over the impact on the environment from fossil fuels and nuclear power, solar power generation has increased massively and its uses are amazing - from automatically opening a farm gate to providing power for an entire island.

Norfolk is certainly open for business - from a new caramel vodka to a jewellery business owned by two Norwich sisters and a graphic design-led lifestyle brand there's a wealth of creative talent launching innovative products that are putting the county well and truly on the design map!

Which trade fair to visit with your gift and craft products?

We spend a lot of time visiting trade fairs up and down the country seeing and supporting clients who are showing at them and talking to potential new gift and craft PR clients.