When you are cleaning, it is important to remember to clean your electric heating appliances as well. Just because the warm weather is upon us and we may not need the additional heat source, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take care of them. Doing a quick and easy cleaning now, means less work in a few months when you need to use them again.

Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters contain no moving parts; therefore little maintenance is required beyond a quick wipe down and vacuum cleaning. However it is essential that the units not be operated with an accumulation of dust or dirt on the element, as this can cause build-up of heat and eventual damage. So taking the time to clean the units is important, and since you are already cleaning everything else in your home, it is a great time to clean your heaters as well. Here are some quick steps to a clean baseboard heater;

1. It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember that before starting any cleaning of your baseboard heater, ensure the power has been turned off at the circuit breaker panel
2. If your heater has been used recently, make sure you allow adequate time for the element and body of the unit to completely cool before touching it
3. Remove the front cover to the heater, exposing the heating element
4. Lightly vacuum the element, removing any dust or dirt build up that may have occurred over time
5. While you have the front cover off, give it a wipe with a damp cloth, both inside and out, making sure it is dry before replacing
6. Once cleaning is complete you can replace the front cover
7. If you have more than one baseboard heater in your home, complete all the steps above before restoring power to the units

Fireplaces & Stoves

Here are some quick tips for cleaning your mantel and fireplace;

1. It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember  to disconnect all power supplies before performing any cleaning or maintenance
2. Never use abrasive cleaners on any Dimplex product as it can cause damage to the interior and exterior of the product
3. Mantel surface cleaning: to remove dust, dirt, fingerprints or other marks, wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, a mild detergent can be used if required. To prevent any water spots from appearing, the surface should be completely dried with a lint free cloth.
4. Fireplace surface cleaning: cleaning the surface of the fireplace is easy, simply use a warm, damp cloth and lightly go over the painted surface. Never use abrasive cleaners or spray liquids onto any surface as this can damage the unit. If the fireplace has been used recently, please allow adequate time for the unit to cool down before cleaning any internal surfaces.
5. Stove Surface Cleaning:  to remove dust or dirt from the surface of your stove, wipe the exterior with a warm damp cloth. To prevent any water spots from appearing, the surface should be completely dried with a lint free cloth.
6. Front glass cleaning: As with most glass surfaces, dust can easily and quickly be removed by using a clean, dry cloth. To remove fingerprints or other marks, the glass can be cleaned with a damp cloth, or for stubborn marks, a traditional glass cleaner can be used. To prevent any water spots from appearing, the surface should be completely dried with a lint free cloth.
7. Purifire™ Filter: Some Dimplex fireplaces and stoves feature our Purifire™ Filter; this filter is reusable and washable. To clean the filter, gently tap filter on a hard surface to dislodge any loose dirt or debris and then gently clean with water. We do not recommend using any soap or cleaning products on your filter.

Along with cleaning your fireplace or stove, it is also a good idea to check to make sure the unit is in good working order, look for any lights that may have gone out over time, replacing them now, saves you from having to do it when the weather gets colder and use of your fireplace increases.  Light bulbs need to be replaced when you notice a dark section of the flame or when the clarity and detail of the log exterior disappears.

If you have any questions about the cleaning or maintenance of your Dimplex product, please refer to the Owner or Service manual. All manuals for our products are available on our website and can be found here http://www.dimplex.com/en/customer_support/technical_and_troubleshooting

When it comes to creating an ideal living environment, one thing that is crucial is creating the perfect atmosphere. What is “atmosphere,” you might ask? It can be tough to provide an exact definition, but I like to think of it as the tone, or mood, that a space or room inspires in us. Whether you’re aiming for a space that is bright & cheery or cozy & comforting, every detail, from furniture to paint and flooring colors, needs to work toward achieving that particular style.  An out-of-place object or furniture item can really draw the eye and detract from the overall look and feel of a space.

As you redecorate and reorganize your home this spring, here are some great ways to create achieve the precise mood you’re aiming for through carefully chosen décor and details.

1. Use Lighting To Your Advantage.

Lighting is something people rarely think about, but it can be SO important to achieving the look you want.  For instance, maybe you are trying to create a quiet den perfect for fireside chats and evenings spent with a book and a cup of tea (or a glass of merlot!). In that case you definitely want to warm up your space with warm-toned lighting effects by using light bulbs with a yellow or orange cast, and stay away from blue- or white- toned bulbs. Installing these into fixtures that help enhance this “warm tone” will also improve the situation.  Try a classic tiffany-style lamp or a more contemporary piece.

[Stock photos courtesy of stockxchng]

2. Choose the right color palette.

Deep burgundies and golds, paired with dark cherry are not the right way to go if you are looking to create a bright and airy breakfast nook. Buttery yellows and spring greens make better accent colours, as do pale woods and wicker. Add mismatched china for a Bohemian touch.

[Check out this gorgeous layout on the Better Homes and Gardens Blog.]

3. Scale your furniture to your space.

For a commanding office space, go with one or two commanding focus pieces to really anchor the look and feel of the room, but make sure you don’t overwhelm the room with too many of these high-presence items. There’s nothing like the bold and elegant look of a traditional fireplace mantel, paired with a spacious carved desk to make an office feel like the perfect place to tackle important projects and make great things happen.

[Here is a great example from House to Home UK.]

4. Mix and Match Textures and Patterns.

Pair a delicate French toile bedspread with a heavy steamer trunk coffee table, or a classic Persian rug with an ultra-modern living room set.  The interplay of these unlikely details add visual interest to your space and can be a source of great delight and whimsy.

[Image is from a great article on Houzz about using steamer trunks in home décor.]

5. Appeal to all five senses.

Sounds, smells, and textures are just as important as sight. A scented candle, a dish of potpourri, or even essential oils can add a layer of depth to a space that ties everything together. A favourite playlist on an iPod can turn a normal bathroom into an amazing spa getaway.

[This gorgeous bathroom features the stunning new BLF34 wall-mounted fireplace from Dimplex.]

No matter which of these tactics you use to bring atmosphere to your home, remember that the most important thing is to always keep your end goal in mind and make sure that everything you add to your space works toward that goal.

Magic was in the air at the Dimplex booth in the Orange County Convention Centre.  We worked hard to set up an inviting and eye-catching display, centrally located in the convention hall, and visible almost anywhere you went.  You couldn’t miss us, what with our beautiful signage and the 360-degree mini-showroom we were able to set up! I’d like to give a special thank you to Kristen O’Shea and Ashley Jarvis for their hard work preparing all our signage and displays: we couldn’t have done it without you.

This year, we were proud to show off our improved Opti-myst flame effect technology. A central feature of our booth, this enchanting product line mesmerized everyone who dropped in to chat and explore. Convention-goers were dazzled by the level of innovation evident in the flicker and glow of the Opti-myst flame effect. It was truly rewarding to see the wonder and delight that Opti-myst inspired. The reviews are unanimous: Opti-myst is the single most realistic electric fireplace technology on the market. No other flame effect comes close: it’s clear that at a glance, Opti-myst looks incredibly similar to a wood-burning fire, similar enough to make many people at the show do a double-take!

The new Amsden (GDSOP-1382CN) mantel with an optional 2-sided installation was a popular product this year. Now more than ever, consumers are demanding new and novel ways to turn a hearth into a feature point in their home. 2-sided installations give consumers and contractors the ability to save space, money, and add drama and style to their renovation projects. Imagine the possibilities for using this hearth in places where traditional mantels might not be an option—where having 360-degrees of viewing and enjoyment is crucial or simply an exciting bonus feature.

Speaking of innovative, space saving designs: Dimplex wall-mount fireplaces made quite a stir. In addition to the fan-favorite 50” BLF-50 Built-in Linear Fireplace, Dimplex debuted two new models; a petite 34” BLF model, and an extra-wide 74” version of this award-winning and space-conserving unit. Visitors to the booth couldn’t take their eyes off the enchanting and atmospheric flame effect of these versatile fireplaces.

The Wakefield (DWF-1318) wall-mount model was a huge draw: visitors loved how nature intersected with technology in this model. Everyone had great feedback, and several people remarked that the contemporary trim style coupled with the large river rocks of the media bed could bring warmth and atmosphere into minimalist designs and highly modern living spaces.

Overall, we were impressed by the level of engagement, excitement and enthusiasm we saw at the show. Our booth traffic was up (way up!) over last year, and we heard so many positive comments on the products we were showing off (like “Even though there is no award, you guys were Best in Show,” and “Opti-myst really cranks it up a notch!”). Everyone, from visitors, to volunteers, to exhibitors, was happy to come together to explore the latest and greatest hearth, patio and barbecue trends. We are so happy that we were able to participate and foster some amazing discussions and make a few new friends as well.

Since the show is not open to the public, I thought I would share with you some of the more interesting things that I saw during my visit. Digital innovation, colour, nostalgia, and interestingly, sparkling water, were among the key elements that really stood out among the 2,100 exhibitors who were showcasing their goods.

Home comfort products were everywhere on the show floor. We saw small desktop heaters, portable room heaters, humidifiers, air purifiers, portable air conditioners and even some products being showcased that boasted all-in-one capabilities.  What stood out among all these gadgets and appliances was not necessarily what they did, but how they looked and worked.  In order to really stand out in such a crowded and competitive product category, you need to have a unique “hook” designed to catch the buyer’s attention. In the categories of small desktop heaters and room humidifiers, colour was a huge factor. In the past, bright traditional colours had taken center stage, but this year, a softer, pastel palette was added to the colour range, making it easier to incorporate them into your home.

In product categories such as room heaters and air purifiers, manufacturers are using cutting-edge digital technology to differentiate themselves from the competition. Long gone are the days of manual controls: It seemed the more lights, buttons and digital displays, the better. In a market where technology rules our lives, I was not surprised to see this trend. Whether it was controlling the unit with a smartphone, tablet, fancy remote or even just a swipe of the hand, there is no doubt that home comfort products are now climbing on board a hi-tech bandwagon that won’t disappear any time soon.

Now as for those inventive gadgets and gizmos that we all love to see at the show: this is definitely the place where manufacturers introduce their latest and greatest! This year, all the major players were out in full force, and they certainly did not disappoint. One trendy, up-and-coming product category that had quite a showing was sparkling water. It appears drinking plain “still” water is a bit passé! Now, there are machines you can buy for your home that transform ordinary still water into fresh sparkling water or soda. That’s right, not only will these machines carbonate your water for you, but you can even purchase syrup flavours such as cola, root beer and cream soda to give your water a little kick and turn it into a soft drink, perfect for the warm summer months ahead.

Robotics was another innovative category at the show. I saw quite a few robotic vacuums cleaning the carpeted halls and following people around, but I also saw a few others; such as the “Winbot” that was busy cleaning the windows at the EcoVac booth and the automatic barbecue cleaners that the company Grillbot was showcasing in a few different colour options. I don’t know about you, but vacuuming, window cleaning and cleaning the BBQ are all chores I would love to never have to do again. If there is a robot that can do all of these for me, I say bring it on!

Now that we have reviewed some seriously futuristic products, let’s step back and talk about the past! The show featured a ton of gadgets and products packaged with a retro vibe designed to bring out a feeling of nostalgia in each of us.  No matter what gooey, refreshing, cold or warm treat you may be craving, there is a product available to help you make it. Nostalgia Electrics had many products on display, and quite a few of them were up and running making delicious treats such as homemade peanut butter, kettle corn, cotton candy, slushies and frozen yogurt. Although these are products that have been around for a little while, there were some new ones around the show that I had never seen before. The first was a Greek yogurt maker. It was available in different sizes and even came with a travel container that allowed you to put your freshly made, healthy yogurt on the bottom and your fruit or granola on top, ready for a snack whenever you need one. Also intriguing was a silicone tray that allowed you to make potato chips in the microwave; something I never thought possible. Now, I am a potato chip fanatic, so I was pretty skeptical about this one. But I will say they tasted great—they came out crispy and salty but not greasy at all!

For people who enjoy making treats for family members, especially those of the four-legged furry persuasion, you are going to LOVE the electric dog-treat makers that popped up at a couple booths. You just can’t have a show that focuses on housewares without having something for the family pet. The appliance came with biscuit cutters, a storage container and even a decorating set to personalize “Fido’s” treats to your liking.  I brought home some treats to test out on my own dog and he loved them. I’m thinking there might be one of these little machines wrapped up under the tree this Christmas with my dog’s name on it.

There is so much more I could tell you about the show, so many products that I didn’t even touch on (such as the slew of single serve pod coffee makers), but I wanted to at least give you a glimpse of what the show is all about and what cool new trends we can look forward to seeing in stores this year. It really is a fantastic show to attend, and since these are products we bring into our homes, it’s important that even if you can’t make it to the show, you get to see what everyone else is excited about.

For more information about the show, here is the link to the website http://www.housewares.org

Thanks for joining me!

There were three things that stuck out for me, the first was just how many people it took to make this show happen, it was reveal day when we were there, so things were pretty crazy and the house was packed full of crew and contractors working on every aspect of the house. It was incredible how fast they worked and the work they did was impeccable even though the house was quite small and they were sometimes shoulder to shoulder in one room. There was a contractor for everything, painting, kitchen, electrical, flooring and they were all working side by side as fast as they could to make sure the house was ready to reveal to the home owner later that day.

The second was how nice every member of the crew was to us, we were not there to work, but just observe and even though I am sure at times we were in their way, they were nothing but gracious towards us. It was cold while we were standing outside waiting and talking to different crew members and almost everyone we talked to invited us into the crew’s warm trailer for a hot drink and something to eat. Billy (Mike’s uncle) was amazing; he warmed my hands up with a nice cup of hot chocolate and warmed our feet up with heat blasting from the trailer. We might not have officially been part of the Mike Holmes team, but we felt like it for that day.

The third was just how important it was for everyone working on the show that the house was providing exactly what the home owner needed. When they were installing something new and innovative that would help the home owner, everyone was excited, you could tell they really cared about what they were doing and they enjoyed doing it. The crew had a sense of family between them (and that is not just because many of Mike’s family members work on the show), I recall asking one crew member how long he had worked for Mike, before he could even answer, someone said, “Mike doesn’t like us saying we work for him, because we work with him, we are a team” and that is exactly how it felt being around them.

There was only one thing that I wasn’t expecting and that was all the waiting around, however looking back I should have known things wouldn’t be on time, most renovations around your home take longer than you expect and this was no exception. Our segment was near the end after the house was almost complete and everything had been cleaned up, so we had some time to fill while on set. Lucky for us, there were a lot of things happening that kept us occupied, from talking with Mike Holmes, Frank (his electrician since the beginning) and many members of his crew, watching all the activity in and around the house and witnessing the guys on the crew having some fun and getting into a snowball fight, it made for an enjoyable day, even with the waiting.

As someone in marketing, it always makes me smile when I see one of our products at a store and walking into the house and seeing our LPC heater installed around the main floor of the home  with cameras and light everywhere, gave me that same feeling, a sense of pride. It was exciting to see Frank working with our product and talking to Jeff (one of our engineers) with the cameras rolling, about the unique Connex™ control technology that is available with our LPC and PCH heaters. This technology in electric heat was new to Frank and he was excited to be able to show it to Mike, the home owner and the viewers and of course we were just as excited for everyone to see it.

All in all, it was a great day with Mike Holmes and his entire crew from the Holmes Makes it Right show, we couldn’t of been happier with the product installations and the fact that they loved the product as much as we do was just icing on the cake, or donut (the crew really liked their donuts).  A big thank you to everyone on set that day who made us feel welcome and comfortable, we can’t wait to see the episode when it airs.

If you want to find out more about the products that were used here are some links to the product pages on our website

LPC baseboards http://www.dimplex.com/en/home_heating/linear_convector_baseboards/products/lpc_series/linear_proportional_convector

Connex™ Controller http://www.dimplex.com/en/home_heating/dimplex_connex_sup_tm_sup

Precision Comfort Heater (PCH) http://www.dimplex.com/en/home_heating/fanforced_heaters/products/pch2000tcw/precision_comfort_heater

More Focused

One thing we wanted to fix with the new design was to be more focused. With the old website, we felt like we were trying to tell every story all at once. You will notice on the home page that everything is more simple, less messages but still the same amount of content.

Bringing it All Together

Another goal of ours was to bring together the full Dimplex family including brands and product categories. In the past we’ve offered micro-sites for different audiences and product launches. We have finally brought our three key audiences together offering everyone the same great content.

Easier Navigation

The biggest change to the site is that it’s easier to get to where you want to go. We have a user-friendly horizontal menu which includes a large product menu. We wanted to make it easy for you to get to the page without having to think twice, we have easy drop-down menus including our product drop down.

Inform & Educate

Another major change to the website is the introduction of our “showcase pages” these are the pages you see after clicking on a product category. We created these pages to  offer additional education to the world about our fabulous products. Now you can learn about Media Consoles, or our new Linear Convectors by going to one place. They include detailed copy about the features & benefits of a product as well as enhanced images. After you feel comfortable with the product category you can than see the different products available.

Dancing Flames?

We are especially proud of offering you a real-time view of our flame effect on our fireplace models. On each category showcase page you will see how the flame actually looks through video.

Streamlined Product Listings

Our product listing pages have been revamped to use a grid layout showcasing more products on a single page. We have added filters so that you can search by finish, firebox style and more. You will also notice that we have compiled multiple skus to a single product item. For example the Marana, in the old site we had 4 Marana’s listed, in the new site you will have one Marana listed. In the product detail you will have the ability to select the different firebox or different finish swatch which will refresh the website to display the new model number, image and additional information. This functionally will help bring our products together in a more succinct design.

Larger Than Life Images

With our new layout we had more room for larger images, of course we took advantage and made everything bigger. Now you will see huge beautiful full-screen images. Plus, we have larger product images with an extended zoom feature. Now you can see every inch or pixel of your favorite products.

More extensive product detail pages;

Each product page has been improved to include more information as mentioned above we larger images with an additional image zoom so you can see every detail in our mantels and logs. We have also included better product descriptions and outline key features & benefits for every product.  Additionally we have created a better “related or similar” product area called “Products that you might be interested in”.

Extensive FAQ’s

We still have the great customer tools that we offer on our old site as well as a new FAQ area. The FAQ area has been expanded with answers for almost all product categories. We feel that this page will help answer some or your questions so that you don’t have to call us up for support.

Like it, Tweet it, Plus, or Pin it

With the rise of our social media presence we have included easy share buttons so you can easily share your favourite products on your social networks.

Stone and  brick veneers are similar in their approach and installation, but there are some important differences.  A stone veneer is real stone that has been sliced into thin segments and ‘stacked’ into slabs that are approximately 24” wide and 6” to 12” high.  These slabs are applied to the wall with adhesive, much like tiles would be installed.  When all the slabs are applied, the effect is one of randomly stacked stones.  There are no visible seams between slabs and there is no grout or mortar required.   If you wish to install a fireplace into such a wall, you would create the fireplace opening before covering the remainder of the wall in stone.  If you prefer to mount a fireplace on the surface of the wall, then the stones would have to be left off of the portion of the wall that will hold the fireplace mounting plate.

Brick veneers are composed of thinly-cast man-made ‘bricks’ laid out in a traditional staggered pattern onto sheets sized approximately 30” wide by 18” high.  These sheets are applied to the wall with tile adhesive, with the ends of each sheet interlocking with the adjacent sheet, for a truly seamless brick effect.  Once the adhesive dries, mortar is applied to the gaps between the bricks, as roughly or as smoothly as you prefer, to achieve the look you like.  As with stone veneers, if you wish to install a fireplace into the wall on which you are installing brick veneer, you need to cut the opening into the wall before proceeding with the installation of the brick.  If you wish to mount a fireplace onto the wall, then you would do this after the mortar is dried.

Whether you choose brick or stone, both come in a wide range of sizes and colours.  They create instant ambience and architectural interest wherever you use them, and are the perfect backdrop for many fireplace designs.

Prevent Drafts and Leaks

A bit of caulk and weather stripping, along with added insulation in strategic locations can significantly reduce your energy costs. Seal drafts around windows and doors with caulk and weather stripping. Add insulation in your attic and basement or crawl space, as well as insulating your water heater. Your efforts can result in savings of up to 20 percent annually, according to Smart Money magazine.

Turn It Off

Running an air conditioner during the summer can result in huge electric bills. However, you can set your air conditioner to a higher temperature or even turn it off altogether and still keep rooms cool by closing blinds or shades on south and west facing windows during the heat of the day. Another strategy is to run ceiling fan along with your air conditioner to evenly distribute cool air throughout the room. Window fans also make the room feel a few degrees cooler on days when the temps are not so hot.

During the winter, you can use a similar principle to save on heating bills. Use a fireplace to provide heat in addition to or instead of a conventional heating system. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider installing a Linear Proportional Convector baseboard heating system to efficiently heat your room through unobtrusive baseboard mounted units.

Your computer, microwave, cell phone charger and your TV may still be using power even when they’re supposedly turned off. That’s because many appliances have a standby power feature that accounts for 5 to 10 percent of residential electricity use, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory claims. Prevent this power drain by plugging appliances into a power strip – and turning the power strip off when appliances are not being used.

Keep It Clean

Ensuring that filters on your heating and cooling system or window unit air conditions are clean allows them to operate more efficiently. Remove grass and other debris that accumulate in the coils of your home’s central heating and cooling unit. As a result, your heating and cooling units will expend less energy while still keeping home comfortable. Your electric bills will be lower; your home’s indoor air quality will also be improved.

Change Electricity Providers

If you live in a state where electricity providers have been deregulated, you can shop around for the best deal and save up to 15 percent, Smart Money reports. Look for suppliers that use a mix of energy sources, including renewable electricity, to reduce your carbon footprint now and be positioned for greater energy savings down the road.  You may also be able to negotiate an energy plan with pricing based on peak usage – and concentrate your energy use during periods where prices are set lower.

Make the Switch

Changing your light fixtures from incandescent to compact florescent bulbs represents a significant up front investment. However, each compact fluorescent bulb provides up to $35 in energy bill savings over its useful life, Smart Money claims. In addition, compact florescent bulbs generate less heat than incandescent bulbs.

Making the switch also applies to your laundry. Wash and rinse all but your dirtiest laundry in cold water, which can result in significant savings on your energy bill. Many detergents are formulated to work as well in cold water as they do in hot water, so you won’t be sacrificing clean clothes.

For Further Reading

• Five Biggest Ways to Reduce Your Summer Electricity Bills
• Five Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill
• Sixty-Six  Ways to Save Energy and Lower Your Energy Bill
• Thirteen Simple Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill 

Will the fireplace be visible from the entire room when it’s placed in the corner?  In an L-shaped room, as in the basement shown here, the corner is the only position which can be viewed from all parts of the space.   In a rectangular room, the corner fireplace may be an ambient feature, adjacent to the seating area, or a focal point across from the seating area.  Neither is wrong, unless you plan to place the TV above the fireplace, in which case, it obviously needs to be visible from the seating area.

Can you fit the right size fireplace into a corner?   Whether you are looking for a flat-wall or a corner fireplace, the fireplace should be sized to suit the space in which it will sit.  A large room calls for a large fireplace.  If your corner can’t accommodate the right size, it may be better to go without a fireplace, or to rearrange the furnishings in the room to accommodate a larger flat-wall fireplace.  Sometimes, utilizing the corner is the only way to fit a large fireplace into the space without projecting into the room too much.

Is the corner going to be your focal point?  No one likes to stare into a corner.  A fireplace is usually the focal point of its space, and as such, will garner much attention.  When you place a fireplace in the corner, be sure to finish it appropriately for its starring role.  This means that the fireplace cabinet has been designed to fit into the corner, or you have filled in the corner with a flat wall that angles across the corner, so that there is not a gap behind the fireplace.  Accessorize the top of the fireplace as you would any other fireplace, with art and interesting objects.

Nostalgia

Everything old is new again. Time and again, we spotted table-top sized reproductions of old planes, boats, cars, bicycles, phones and cameras. For walls, oversize reproductions of old maps and store signs added instant ‘patina’ to room settings. Likewise, clocks were made to look old.

Reclaimed

Many furniture makers were showing furniture made from reclaimed wood, for looks that were always rustic, and often industrial, depending on the nature of the hardware and metal fittings. Complementing the reclaimed furniture are ‘repurposed’ accessories, or items that are made to look that way, such as theatre lights as floor lamps.

Rustic mixed with Sleek

Slick modern displays were often made warmer with the addition of rough, natural finishes, such as twigs, wicker, and reclaimed wood. This is a trend that is already affecting new electric fireplace designs in models such as the Dimplex Chalet. ‘Garden’ lanterns were a very strong trend that popped up in dozens of displays, in all shapes, sizes, and finishes for indoor use.

Apartment in Paris

This may be Britain’s year, with the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics, but accessories still favour items that hint at the Parisian lifestyle. Eiffel tower models, old city maps, folding iron garden furniture were just a few of the items we found.

Multi-dimensional Art

Unframed canvasses seem to be growing in popularity, and many that we saw featured added elements to enhance the print or painting. For instance, we saw metal ‘railings’ added to a photo of a balcony, and glitter added to landscapes to catch the light in just the right places.