Stay safe this half term

Spring is upon us! As the evenings get lighter and the weather gets warmer, we know your little ones will be raring to get outside and play, especially during the Easter holidays.

Living near a building site can be very exciting, especially for young children who want to explore, but it’s important that they know it’s not a playground. At St. Modwen Homes we regularly visit local schools to keep pupils safe by raising the awareness of potential hazards, including heavy machinery, scaffolding and falling objects.

Just as important is knowing the dangers at the end of your drive and the associated risks of young children playing in or around parked cars. To make sure your children stay safe this half term here are some top tips from the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents’ driveway safety campaign:

·         Be aware of the risks of children running out to greet or wave goodbye to guests while vehicles are still manoeuvring.

·         When you are reversing off a driveway, your view is limited and you may not be able to see small children in your mirrors. Whenever possible, reverse onto a driveway, and drive off forwards to reduce the risk. If you can’t do that, just be aware of your surroundings – wind down your windows and, being mindful of your blind spots, take it slow as you reverse.

·         Always make sure the handbrake is applied when you’re parked and if your driveway is on a slope, park in gear with the wheel turned so if the brakes fail the car won’t roll back and cause an accident.

·         Remember that drivers in larger vehicles, such as 4x4's and pick-up trucks, may not be able to see small children who are close to the vehicle's bumpers.

Take a look at this handy guide from the full driveway safety guide here to find out more. You can also find out more about building site safety here. 

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Tick Tock...Time to choose your perfect clock!

With the clocks going forward this Sunday, we thought it only right that we give some attention to the humble clock; a mechanism that has graced our mantelpieces since the 17^th Century. Here, Samantha Simmonds from Interior design agency, Killer 5, gives us an insight into her favourite clocks…

“Clocks do more than tell the time, they can often be a unique piece of art and create a real statement in a room. What’s more, there’s a clock for every interior trend (and budget) so, however you’re designing your new home, there really will be a clock to suit you.

“Whilst it is unknown who made the first one and where it originated from, the cuckoo clock has passed through the generations and still remains a firm favourite today. Whether you want a traditional wooden cuckoo clock like this one from Notonthehighstreet.com, a patterned mustard and grey version such as this from Habitat or a much more simplistic cuckoo clock (ok, it might not actually be a cuckoo clock but we liked the idea), there’s plenty to choose from. Personally, I love the bright red used in this statement clock and wall sticker and think it would look fantastic as a feature in a living room or child’s bedroom.

“The cuckoo clock wouldn’t suit every home though. Many people opt for a more simplistic interior design and there are some stunning clocks to suit this style too. One of my favourites is this slate and copper clock from Made which, when placed on a white wall, would create a real elegance to any room. You could also adopt a more industrial look with either this oversized clock from Cox & Cox or this intricate metal Cogsworth clock from House of Fraser. Alternatively, this wooden sundial clock would add a modern finish to a more traditional home whilst this wooden and white clock would look great on a brightly coloured feature wall.

“In fact, why not use your clock to add a bit of colour to a room? Here’s a retro teal and orange clock from Etsy, or you could opt for this unusual multi-coloured clock from Habitat.

“There really is a clock to suit every theme. Here’s an ice-cream clock from Asda, a personalised clock showing a map of your new home and a recycled PlayStation Clock. With so much choice out there it’s going to be hard to decide which will suit your home best.

“Just one last thing though, don’t forget to move all your beautiful new clocks forward by an hour this Sunday!”

N.B. The information supplied in this blog is the opinion of the individual quoted and not necessarily that of St. Modwen Homes. St. Modwen Homes recognises that many companies offer similar products and the Company is not endorsing any particular items. 

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Win a hamper for Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day approaches, we're giving people the chance to win a delicious hamper from Central England Co-operative over on our development Facebook pages.

To enter, all you have do is guess the number of butterflies shown in the picture taken from one of our stunning Show Homes. The nearest guess wins!

You’ll find the picture on all of the Facebook pages listed below (just click on the link to go to your chosen page) so take a look and start guessing.

Branston Leas Facebook Page
Edison Place Facebook Page

Glan Llyn Facebook Page

Gregorys Bank Facebook Page

Manorfields Facebook Page

Radley Park Facebook Page

Trentham Manor Facebook Page

Woodlands Reach Facebook Page

The competition closes at midnight on 14 February 2016 and you can find full terms and conditions here. Good luck!

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Industrial Chic

We’ve been talking to the talented folk at Killer 5 about interior design again this week, and here Samantha Simmonds, Creative Director, shares her top tips on bringing industrial chic into your home.  

“You don’t have to live in an urban loft or rustic barn conversion to appreciate (and lust after) the latest industrial interior trends. By focusing on simple shapes, worn textures and raw materials, you can easily incorporate this into your home using a few key pieces.

“Let’s start with stripped-back lighting, this is a great way to take on the industrial trend, and will work well in almost any room. I love this brushed-brass chandelier from Made.com but if you’re on a tight budget, this suspended light fitting from Tesco will make a similar statement at a fraction of the cost.

 “Exposed brickwork is a trend that is set to stand the test of time, so if you’re looking to completely transform a space, this Next wallpaper is a fantastic way to fake the look without stripping back the plaster. Choose between the traditional red brick for a striking feature wall or go with the grey slate for a more country cottage feel (see how this can work in the Alban  show home at Branston Leas). Accessorise with this stunning steeple wall clock or put your personality on the wall in these Kiko glass frames, group them together in different sizes and orientations for an individual look.

“If you don’t fancy hanging wallpaper, these rustic storage solutions are an easier way to incorporate the industrial trend in to your home. This John Lewis trunk doubles as a coffee table, so ticks both the stylish and practical boxes. While this wooden ladder shelf from Cox & Cox is the perfect display for fresh flowers and your favourite books. Or use it to store kitchen essentials, Maison du Monde have a selection of industrial chic tableware that would look great on the shelf, including this traditional cast iron teapot.

“Finally, if you want to invest, this leather loveseat from Debenhams would be a stunning addition to your home and will distress beautifully over time. Combine with soft furnishings, like this luxurious faux fur throw from Not On The Highstreet, to create a relaxed, cosy look.”

Don’t forget to share your industrial chic interior design photos with us on St. Modwen Homes’ Facebook pages.

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Getting cosy with copper

It’s that time of the month again when we chat to the talented guys at Killer 5 about the latest interior design trends. This month, Samantha Simmonds, Creative Director, tells us how embracing the copper trend can bring warmth to our homes this winter.

“Copper has been a big trend for the past two years and its popularity remains strong (if not stronger) amongst homeowners and interior designers across the country; Copper Blush after all was Dulux’s paint colour of 2015.

“With the nights getting longer and darker, copper can be a real friend to anyone looking to bring warm tones into their home, especially as it goes so well with the grey tones that continue to be popular decorating choices. It also works wonderfully with mink colours, chocolate browns and teal (in fact, unless you’ve got a bright red room or lots of chrome finishes, copper accents can be introduced into most rooms – and there really are accessories for all rooms!)

“We’re all aware of copper pots and pans in the kitchen (there’s a lovely selection in Marks & Spencer) but this metallic trend doesn’t stop there. Think kettles, saltmills, glassware, cafetieres and even cutlery. Those feeling a bit more extravagant could even stretch to these beautiful dining chairs by Cox & Cox.

“Anyone looking to redecorate a living room or bedroom this winter could gain some copper-inspiration from feature wallpapers. Choose between feminine patterns such as the popular Josette print from Laura Ashley, make an impact with copper and black, merge metallic with matte or make a statement with this plaincopper wallpaper from Graham & Brown. 

“If wallpapering sends shivers down your spine, look to accessories instead. I love this sequinned cushion from H&M. Anyone wanting to bring copper subtly into a grey-themed room could try this geometric patterned cushion from Amara and those wanting a brighter room should opt for copper and teal, such as this cushion from Etsy. Accessories come in more forms than just cushions though. Why not see how a round copper hanging mirror looks? Or pop some flowers in this vase from Asda and your favourite photo in this contemporary photoframe from John Lewis.

“My favourite way to add copper into a room is through lighting and there are some wonderful fixtures around. Both Dunelm and Asda have some great affordable options (such as this ceiling light and this tablelamp) whilst this slightly more pricey office floor lamp from notonthehighstreet will make a great statement (visit the Edison Place show home in Rugby to see how a similar light can work in your living room).

“Those on a budget can up-scale existing photo frames and furniture with this great metallic copper paint for metal and wood from B&Q – it’s perfect for adding a touch of glitz to your rooms!

“Finally, we couldn’t not mention Christmas, especially as copper is the top trend for this year’s decorations. You’ll find loads on the high street. Our favourite has to be this little fox bauble from John Lewis – he’s definitely going to be on my tree this year!”

Share your copper interior design photos on the St. Modwen Homes’ Facebook pages.

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How to buy: The benefits of buying new

Old or new? It sounds simple, but other than location, it's one of the first big decisions you'll have to make when you buy a home. Here, as part of our 'How to Buy' blog, we take a look at the associated benefits of buying new with St. Modwen Homes.

First of all, new homes are built to the latest environmental standards, making them more energy efficient and ultimately cheaper to run. As standard, we build all of our homes with double glazing and high performance insulation throughout, integrating energy efficient appliances and solar panels where possible. 

Depending on when you buy, you may be able to customise your new home by selecting some of the fixtures and fittings. Be that a stylish kitchen from Moores, complete with integrated appliances, a beautiful bathroom with Roca and Hansgrohe sanitaryware and tiles, or the luxury deep pile carpet you've always wanted. So you can move in to your dream home, tailor made to your personal taste. 

Finally, buying new means you will benefit from the NHBC Buildmark guarantee which covers your home against damages for up to ten years after completion. As a registered NHBC builder, all of our homes are built to the NHBC Standards, covering everything from design to material specification and workmanship. To make sure standards are met throughout the build process, each of our sites is visited a minimum of five times by a team of NHBC inspectors at key stages of construction. So you know you're getting a quality build with St. Modwen Homes, but if anything does go wrong you're covered with Buildmark.

On top of this, when you buy with us, you'll be able to take advantage of the St. Modwen Homes' warranty. This goes above and beyond Buildmark, guaranteeing items supplied as part of your new home, including your guttering and alarm system for the first year. The heating, plumbing and electrical systems in your new home are also covered for two years from completion by the St. Modwen Homes' warranty, full details of which can be found here.

If you want to know more, don't forget our sales team are always on hand to answer your questions and help you throughout the buying process, just give them a call.

For more information about St. Modwen Homes visit www.stmodwenhomes.co.uk

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Win a Mulberry handbag!

In the run-up to Christmas, St. Modwen Homes is giving residents and visitors to the housebuilder’s developments the chance to win a beautiful new Mulberry handbag. 

To enter, just pop along to one of the developments, take a selfie (or get someone else to take a photo of you) and tell us what you like best about St. Modwen Homes in 20 words or under. Then share your photo and captions on our social media pages (our Facebook pages and Twitter account are listed below – just click on the link to go to your chosen page).

St. Modwen Homes Twitter

Branston Leas Facebook Page

Coed Darcy Facebook Page

Edison Place Facebook Page

Glan Llyn Facebook Page

Gregorys Bank Facebook Page

Littlecombe Facebook Page

Manorfields Facebook Page

Meon Vale Facebook Page

Radley Park Facebook Page

Trentham Manor Facebook Page

Woodlands Reach Facebook Page

The person who sends us the best photo and caption (as voted for by an independent judge) wins their choice of Mulberry handbag (up to a value of £800)*. The competition is running between 2 November 2015 and 30 November 2015. Click here to read the terms and conditions and good luck!

*Based on availability at selected stores. 

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