Posted on 03 Jul, 2023

Taking a tea or coffee break at work is more than just a routine task in the UK, it's an essential part of office life that's been embedded in the working classes for decades. Tea and coffee breaks not only help workers to relax but also provide additional benefits that can have a significant impact on their productivity.

From morning brews to midday pick-me-ups, these breaks have become an integral part of the workplace culture. However, many people may not realise that taking tea and coffee breaks can actually help boost productivity levels at work.

Studies have shown that taking regular micro breaks of around 10 minut... Continue reading >

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Posted on 13 Jun, 2023

Coffee shops have become a staple in modern society, with people enjoying their cups of coffee while catching up with friends, reading a book or getting some work done. However, the design of coffee shops has evolved significantly over the years, from the first coffee shop to the modern-day coffee shops we see today. As we are partial to a cup of coffee or two in our office, we thought we'd explore the history of coffee shop design, tracing back to the first coffee shop, and how it has evolved over the years.

Coffee shop design goes beyond the aesthetics of the space. It involves the layout, lighting, furniture and even the music played in the background. A well-designed coffee shop can create a warm and ... Continue reading >

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Posted on 23 May, 2023

The job search process can be a rollercoaster of emotions, from the excitement of finding a promising job opening to the discouragement of not hearing back from potential employers. It's easy to fall into a cycle of self-doubt and feel like giving up altogether. However, it's important to remember that everyone experiences setbacks and rejection during their job search. The key is to develop strategies to overcome those negative feelings and stay motivated throughout the process. In this article, we'll explore some tips for conquering the job search blues and building your confidence as a job seeker. From focusing on your strengths to building a support network, these strategies can help you stay positive and motivated on your path to finding your dream job. So, let's dive in and start ... Continue reading >

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Posted on 11 May, 2023

Whether you are having an in-person, remote or telephone job interview they are stressful experiences, even for the most experienced professionals. The pressure to make a good impression, answer questions correctly and demonstrate your skills and experience can lead to anxiety and stress that can negatively impact your performance. However, with the right mindset and preparation, you can easily control your nerves and ace your interview. In this article, we'll explore some simple but effective techniques to help you manage anxiety during an interview, so you can present yourself with confidence and composure.

It's natural to feel nervous before an interview, but it's important to un... Continue reading >

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Posted on 25 Apr, 2023

Panelling is an interior design technique whereby rigid panels – often wooden, though other materials have gone in and out of fashion – are installed on the interior (and sometimes exterior) walls of a property. The technique achieved its greatest popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was applied to the homes of the rich and influential. Back then, it served as a form of crude insulation, preventing the chill from bare stone walls from leaching into the room. These days, it is more likely to be applied for decorative effect, which also explains the growth in faux panelling for interior design work.

In this article, we’re chatting about both ‘real’ panelling and faux panelling and taking a look at some of the advantages in both of them. Continue reading >

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Posted on 18 Apr, 2023

If you’re looking for a design job in the UK or abroad, it’s essential that you have a rich and varied CV to back up your application. Whilst prospective employers are always on the look out for good grades and relevant qualifications, one of the best ways to impress is by undergoing a design placement or internship with a company, either as a gap year or as part of your course.

During lockdown these were very hard to find and were often remote internships which were not ideal. Now companies are open to bringing young designers onsite although competition is fierce to find these opportunities. In this article, we’re going to discuss the many benefits of design placements and internships, why you try your best to find one and how they can help ... Continue reading >

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Posted on 30 Mar, 2023

Can you believe it? It's now more than three years since Brexit, when the UK formally stopped being a member state of the European Union, and over two years since the end of the transition period and the signing of a trade deal between the two states. So much has happened since then!

Brexit has meant a complete overhaul of business practices and conventions that most companies in the UK had been used to dealing with over the 40+ years we had been a member. No industry has been unaffected by the process (though some have suffered worse than others) and the design sector is no different.

In this article, we’re going to look at some key areas in which Brexit and the subsequent changes in legislation have affected our industry.

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Posted on 13 Mar, 2023

Like any aspect of interior design, wallpaper has gone through a variety of trends and fashions over the last fifty years. With wallpaper being such an integral part of many British homes and intended to last a good few years at least, how its design changes over time can tell us a lot about the direction society was taking.

In this article, we wanted to look back at some of the major themes in wallpaper designs of the last half-century, and then look forward to what we can expect in 2023:

While we like to think of the 60s and 70s as two distinct eras, there was significant crossover between the two. In terms of wallpaper and interior design, the main difference was the introduction of avocado a... Continue reading >

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Posted on 27 Feb, 2023

The first couple of months of the year are a popular time for people to move on to new opportunities in their career. Many take the time over Christmas to appraise their lives and whether or not their current workplace is offering creative and financial satisfaction. They see a new year as a new page in their own personal story and the ideal time to search for a higher-paying position at another firm.

Last year, we talked about handing in your notice and, in particular, what you should do if your current employer makes a counter offer once you hand in your notice. If anything, the topic i... Continue reading >

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Posted on 16 Feb, 2023

As we settle into 2023, it’s worth keeping an eye on what the rest of the year is likely to bring in terms of interior design trends. The design sector is one that is continually in flux, evolving to meet the needs and interests of businesses and the general public. Some trends develop slowly, describing a smooth cultural arc as they do so, whilst others leap onto the scene, almost fully formed, and grab attentions and headlines in the process.

In this article, we’re looking at five interior design trends that are either already on the horizon or about to pop their respective heads over it:

This is an example of design trends changing to meet social trends. Despite the popularity of streaming audio servi... Continue reading >

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