Hi all! We are planning to extend and in the process open up our existing lounge into the roof to create a vaulted ceiling with velum windows to let light into the currently dark and dismal dining room. The lounge is south facing so everyone is warning against velum windows due to the heat factor/ fading effect on furniture etc. My architect has suggested Siesta blinds so I wondered how effective they are? Thanks!

Daylight! There's loads of research showing how natural light can help the working environment (along with others, such as hospitals) but it's often forgotten in design. There are loads of ways to add more daylight to even a windowless room. And don't you find getting away from your computer and looking out over the surrounding area a great way to take a break? Here are some interesting related reads: Exposure to Natural Light Improves Workplace Performance Daylight Exposure has ‘Remarkable’ Effect on Office Workers’ Health ^Emma

This year has seen Juliettes Interiors embark on more social media campaigns to achieve a wider audience within the luxury furniture retailing industry. So far this is proving highly successful, and we wondering if others have found this to be so? Love them or hate them, are they a necessity in business, or do you feel slightly at their mercy? It does take up an extraordinary amount of time, and although we do keep it in house, we also take advice from the professionals. Having said that, our recent competition to design the perfect bedroom has proved very popular. https://www.juliettesinteriors.co.uk/winner-of-the-luxury-bedroom-design-challenge/ We invited lifestyle bloggers to create their perfect bedroom. Our winner, Banke http://astylediary.com/how-to-transition-bedroom-summer-winter/ is a dream bedroom centred around our beautiful Italian Four Poster Bed. Inspired by memories of her grandmother’s bedroom. All of us at Juliettes Interiors really loved all the fabulous luxury bedroom designs submitted by our team of talented interiors bloggers and it has been an enjoyable challenge, fantasising about the four fantastic bedrooms. Love them or loathe them, are social media campaigns a necessity in business? Check out the designs our bloggers put together and let us know if you think this is effective? http://deardesigner.co.uk/luxury-bedroom-design-challenge-juliettes-interiors/ http://astylediary.com/how-to-transition-bedroom-summer-winter/ https://www.thedesignsheppard.com/bedroom/bedroom-style-challenge http://thestylistandthewardrobe.com/bed-challenge-with-juliettes-interiors/

Consider an electric fire and fireplace as an alternative to bio-ethanol. My daughter has a bio-ethanol fire in her rented flat. The fuel isn't cheap to buy and you have to order it and store it. It does give off sufficient heat. However, I have chosen electric. You can have the flame effect on with or without heat. You can put it against any wall and take it with you when you leave. Wayfair have a good selection. https://www.wayfair.co.uk/diy-plumbing/pdp/suncrest-milan-electric-fire-scru1053.html I'd personally shunt the sofa up out of the corner and agree it isn't about symmetry but balance. Your music and books in the alcove with a nice contrasting comfy chair too.