November 2024

Porter & Gold interior designers new pop up at Ablectrics

Posted on: 18 Nov 2024. Category: Ablectrics

Porter & Gold: Pop-Up at Ablectrics' Lighting Showroom

We are thrilled to announce a new Porter & Gold pop-up display pod at our showroom, Porter and gold is a unique interiors service to developers for their showhomes! Walking past new developments in our own areas of Bristol, and seeing the large and uninspiring banner images of the showhomes, convinced us there was a space in the market for doing interiors differently. We feel that the mass produced synthetic furniture world has had its day, and want to show that working with vintage, antique and sustainably made pieces can create clean, modern and inviting interiors. As we spend a great portion of our lives inside buildings, whether that is our home or work environments, it makes perfect sense to be somewhere we love to be, with beautiful, comfortable and functional objects and furniture

Pop-Up Pod

This pod is more than a showroom—it’s a place where we can showcase one of our designs in a real-life setting for the next six months, right in the heart of our neighbourhood. For this collaboration, we also worked with Fired Earth, who’s paints have set the perfect tone for the space. The walls of our pop-up feature their beautiful soft Ecru matt emulsion, and we’ve added Fired Earth limestone flooring as a sample (stay tuned for more pictures). A big thank you to Ceri and everyone at Fired Earth for helping us select the ideal finishes for showing off the lighting and art on display, as well as providing all the materials. We’re planning a proper launch soon—please drop us an email if you’d like to attend.

The Purpose of Our Pop-Up

The goal of this pop-up is to invite local homeowners into a setting that reflects Porter & Gold’s design philosophy. By experiencing a taste of our work firsthand, we hope to inspire people to consider enhancing their own living spaces. Here’s a summary of the services we’re offering:

Interior Design Consultations:

Whether you're redesigning your home or updating a single room, we can help with:

Colour Selection: Discover the perfect palette that suits your taste and enhances the space’s lighting and mood.

Furniture Placement: Arrange your furniture for optimum flow and aesthetics.

Redecorating/Renovation: From refreshing a single room to a complete makeover, we can guide you through options that work with your vision.

Moodboards: Giving you a template to work from to create the home you want to live in.

Supplier & Trades Recommendations: For those ready to take on projects themselves, we provide advice on sourcing local skilled tradespeople, furniture, art and materials.

We also specialise in Home Staging for Sellers: If you're preparing to put your home on the market, we can help you style it to maximise its appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers, or if you have an empty property we can stage it with furniture and art from our collection.

To explore how we can help you create or style a space in your home—whether for personal enjoyment or readying it for sale—please contact us here.

Our Design Inspiration

As you can see in the photographs, the design of our space at Ablectrics is simple yet purposeful, inspired by a window desk/breakfast bar seating arrangement I encountered during my travels. It’s a versatile setup that could work in a variety of home styles, from alcoves and wall spaces to actual window nooks. This particular setup is compact, measuring around 120 x 80 cm. Interested in adding something like this for your own home? Let’s talk about bringing a similar concept to life in your space!

Lighting for Every Space

All the stunning lighting in our pop-up is available to purchase at the showroom on Zetland Rd, Bristol, or online. Here’s a look at some of the featured pieces:

Ceiling lighting: The metal lamp shade, combined with a black fabric cable, bronze lamp holder, black ceiling rose, and hook, creates a striking focal point— also ideal for dining areas.

Wall lighting: The brass Lincoln picture lamps on each side are perfect for highlighting hallway art or accentuating focal pieces in any room.

Table or bedside lighting: A standout piece, this modern brass side lamp, is not only stylish but also exceptionally well-made.

If you’re unsure about the right lighting for a particular area of your home, Ablectrics offers a comprehensive lighting consultation , either in person in-store or at your home.

The Finishing Touches for our Pop-Up

We styled our desk area / breakfast bar with a ‘window-style’ mirror and stained the wood with Liberon ebony stain. The stools are from my favourite vintage source, Vinterior, while the artwork and accessories are personal finds from Shepton flea markets, Arthur Swallows Antique Fair, and other vintage shops in Bristol. If you follow our instagram @porterandgold you will know that I love to collect bowls and pots…

The Story Behind Our Collaboration

There’s some family history to share with you here! Back in 1990, my mum, Gill, met and became friends with a woman named Amy Besant who was the teacher at her yoga class. Amy’s kindness and encouragement gave our Mum the opportunity to train as a Shiatsu practitioner—a dream she could never have afforded on her own. Over the next 32 years later, she built a career that gave her, and us (her three kids) a better life thanks to Amy’s generosity. Recently, I shared this story with Fraser, Amy’s grandson, as he had no idea! and now here we are, collaborating in ways that honour that kindness and bring our own families’ stories full circle. A heartfelt thank you to Amy, Fraser, and the Besant family for this wonderful opportunity.
The Benefits of Domestic CCTV

Posted on: 15 Nov 2024. Category: CCTV

The Benefits of Domestic CCTV: Enhancing Home Security and Peace of Mind

In an era where security concerns are ever-present, homeowners are increasingly turning to domestic CCTV systems to safeguard their properties. These advanced surveillance systems offer a myriad of benefits, from deterring criminal activities to providing invaluable peace of mind. In this blog, we will delve into the numerous advantages of installing CCTV cameras in your home and why they are becoming an essential component of modern home security. Investing in a domestic CCTV system is a prudent decision for any homeowner looking to enhance their security measures. The benefits of deterrence, real-time surveillance, evidence collection, and increased peace of mind make CCTV an invaluable tool in protecting your home and loved ones. With the added advantages of potential insurance savings, increased property value, and the ability to integrate with smart home systems, it’s clear that CCTV is more than just a security measure—it’s a comprehensive solution for modern home protection.

One of the primary benefits of installing CCTV cameras is their ability to deter potential criminals. Visible cameras can make your property less attractive to burglars and vandals, who are less likely to target homes where they know they are being watched. The mere presence of a CCTV system acts as a strong deterrent, significantly reducing the likelihood of crime. CCTV systems provide real-time surveillance, allowing homeowners to monitor their property at any time and from anywhere. Modern systems come with remote access capabilities, enabling you to view live footage through your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This feature is particularly useful for checking on your home while you are away, ensuring that everything is as it should be. In the unfortunate event of a crime, CCTV footage can serve as crucial evidence. High-definition cameras capture clear images and videos that can help identify perpetrators and provide law enforcement with the information needed to apprehend criminals. This evidence can also be invaluable in insurance claims, helping to verify incidents and support your case.

Installing a CCTV system can potentially lower your home insurance premiums. Many insurance providers offer discounts to homeowners who have taken proactive steps to secure their property. By reducing the risk of burglary and vandalism, CCTV cameras make your home a safer bet for insurers, which can translate to significant savings on your insurance policy. Perhaps one of the most important benefits of domestic CCTV is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your home is being monitored around the clock can alleviate anxiety and help you feel more secure. This is particularly beneficial for families with young children, elderly members, or individuals who spend a lot of time away from home.CCTV cameras can be strategically placed to monitor vulnerable areas around your home, such as entrances, garages, and secluded spots. This ensures comprehensive coverage and allows you to keep an eye on all critical points. Some systems even come with motion detection features that alert you to any unusual activity, further enhancing your home’s security.

Homes equipped with advanced security systems, including CCTV, can see an increase in property value. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for homes that come with pre-installed security features, recognizing the added value and protection they provide. This makes CCTV not only a security investment but also a financial one.Modern CCTV systems can be integrated with smart home technologies, offering enhanced functionality and convenience. For example, you can connect your CCTV cameras to your smart doorbell, lighting system, or even your thermostat. This integration allows for a more streamlined and efficient approach to managing your home’s security and overall operation. Burglar alarms can also be connected.
Homebuilding & Renovating Show at Bath & West Showground

Posted on: 05 Nov 2024. Category: Homebuild & Renovation

Homebuilding & Renovating Show at Bath & West Showground: Your Gateway to Dream Homes

Are you dreaming of building a new home or renovating your current one? Look no further than the Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the Bath & West Showground, a premier event that brings together experts, enthusiasts, and exhibitors under one roof. Whether you’re a first-time self-builder or an experienced renovator, this show is designed to inspire, educate, and provide the resources you need to bring your vision to life.

What to Expect

1. Expert Advice:

The show features an impressive lineup of industry experts who are ready to share their knowledge. From architects and interior designers to financial advisors and legal experts, you’ll have access to a wealth of information. Attend seminars and masterclasses to learn about the latest trends, innovative materials, and best practices in homebuilding and renovation.

2. Exhibitors:

With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing a wide range of products and services, you’ll find everything you need for your project. Explore new technologies in sustainable building, discover the latest in home automation, and find unique design solutions that suit your style and budget. The exhibitors are on hand to answer your questions, provide demonstrations, and offer exclusive show deals.

3. One-on-One Consultations:

Book a session with an expert for tailored advice on your project. Whether you need help with planning permission, structural issues, or design challenges, these personalized consultations can provide clarity and direction. Bring your plans and ideas, and leave with actionable insights to move your project forward.

4. Inspiration:

Walk through stunning displays and model homes that showcase the latest in architectural design and interior decor. Gain inspiration from beautifully crafted spaces and gather ideas that you can implement in your own home. The show is a treasure trove of creativity, sparking new ideas and possibilities for your build or renovation.

5. Networking:

Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for homebuilding and renovation. Whether you’re networking with other homeowners, sharing experiences, or exchanging tips, the show provides a community atmosphere where you can build relationships and learn from others’ journeys.

Highlights from Previous Shows

Previous editions of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show at Bath & West Showground have seen a diverse range of highlights:

Interactive Workshops: Attendees have enjoyed hands-on workshops that cover various aspects of building and renovation, from bricklaying to interior painting techniques.

Live Demonstrations: Real-time demonstrations of tools, products, and building techniques have provided practical knowledge and skills.

Innovative Products: The show has been a platform for launching cutting-edge products, giving attendees the first look at new innovations in the industry.

Green Building Focus: A significant emphasis on sustainable building practices and eco-friendly materials, reflecting the growing trend towards environmentally conscious construction.

Plan Your Visit

Dates and Location: The show is held annually at the Bath & West Showground, a spacious venue equipped to host large exhibitions. The 2024 dates are Saturday 16th November (10am-5pm) & Sunday 17th November (10am-4.30pm)

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Early bird discounts and group rates are often available, so plan ahead to take advantage of these offers. Currently you can get 2 x free tickets from this link: Homebuilding & Renovation Show

Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, with provisions for visitors with disabilities. Ample parking, on-site catering, and comfortable facilities ensure a pleasant experience for all attendees.

Conclusion

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show at Bath & West Showground is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the art of making a house a home. Whether you’re at the beginning of your homebuilding journey or looking to renovate your existing space, this show is a must-visit. Gain expert advice, discover new products, and leave with the inspiration and confidence to tackle your project.

Mark your calendar and get ready to transform your home dreams into reality at the next Homebuilding & Renovating Show! Ablectrics & CinemaWorks will be attending the show so please feel free to see us and say hello, we are happy to assist with a range of topics for your project including but not limited to: Lighting Design, Heating Design, Door Access & CCTV, Home Cinema planning and PV & EV.