Guildford Living Dec - Jan 2020 10.29.04

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Dump the Pump and Switch to Electric Driving ADVERTISING FEATURE There has never been a better time to opt for an electric car and positively contribute to reducing pollution in your local area and towards slowing down global warming by fuelling your day to day driving with electricity from renewable sources... Not only are there environmental benefits to driving an electric vehicle but their manufacturers are also striving to reduce the carbon footprints of their models. Nissan began the electric car revolution in the UK with the launch of the Leaf in 2011. The Leaf comes in a number of specifications with ranges from 80 to 240 miles. But whilst Nissan’s vision of a more sustainable future starts with their zero emission vehicles, they are also shaping the idea of smart cities running on clean energy, vehicle 2 grid technology and more. The BMW i3 is an all-embracing sustainability concept with its interior of renewable and recycled materials and the vehicle assembly plant running 100% on renewable energy, making a genuine contribution to environmental protection. Renault see electric power as a breakthrough solution for countering climate change because even when factoring CO2 emissions produced by generating the electricity needed to charge an EV, the carbon balance is much better than for an equivalent internal-combustion model. Virtually silent, instant acceleration and a low centre of gravity mean electric cars are terrific to drive and easy to operate. Electric cars are significantly cheaper to power than their diesel and petrol counterparts and cheaper to tax and use in cities too. They have fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs. In the UK there are now more EV charge points than petrol stations, with extra units being rolled out every day. But how much cheaper is an electric car to fuel? The Energy Saving Trust suggest that charging an electric car at home for 100 miles of range will cost £4-£6 whilst driving 100 miles in a petrol or diesel car costs £13-£16. Cost savings can be even greater if you have access to an off-peak overnight electricity tariff. Whether you are inspired by the environmental benefits and reduced carbon footprint, or just want to reduce your annual fuel and maintenance costs, EV Experts can advise which electric car fits your lifestyle. We are independent specialists with a range of models in stock ready to test drive. We also organise the installation of home EV chargepoints. Take a look at our website www.evexperts.co.uk or give us a call for more information 01483 667744. 30 | www.guildfordliving.co.uk
Left, Blinds from englishblinds.co.uk Below, Lamp, £79, atkinandthyme.co.uk HOW TO MAKE YOUR GUEST BEDROOM Easy updates to make your guest room more inviting feel like home Whilst it can feel like another job to add to the list, preparing the guest bedroom to receive guests can actually be quite relaxing - making a space comfortable and inviting really does something good for the soul. When you start to plan your guest room, think about what you’d expect to find in a lovely hotel and try to make your room measure up to that standard. Your budget may not be enough to create a getaway oasis, but you can clear the decks, lay out all the necessities, and provide a quiet place to relax. PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE BED Don’t give your guests the oldest, saggiest mattress you have. Try sleeping in the room yourself and assess the quality of your sleep on that mattress - it may be time to invest in a new one. If you can’t afford a new bed, think about getting a quality air mattress. UPGRADE YOUR BEDDING Beyond clean, crisp bedding, think about adding luxurious bed linens and comfort items supplied by fine B&Bs: a featherbed or wool mattress topper, a choice of pillows, a cosy down quilt or thick throw, extra blankets and freshly ironed pillowcases. SUPPLY EXTRA LINENS Always have an extra set of bed and bath linens available for your guests. Accidents do happen! Or you may have one of those wonderful guests who insists on changing the sheets when they leave. Let them do it, and thank them profusely. MAKE ROOM FOR A SUITCASE Clear a space to put a luggage rack or provide a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. No one likes to have to stoop over to the floor to pull out a clean pair of socks. Even a chair is better than nothing. – more space, more comfortable, and more welcoming. Get rid of anything you would not find in a hotel room. Keep only the most useful items in the room, like a clock and calendar. BRIGHTEN THINGS UP One of the biggest hotel decor missteps is when an otherwise nice room has no light to read by. It’s always helpful to have a light control near the bed so your guest won’t have to stumble around in the dark just to turn a light on. If nothing else, provide a good reading light near a chair or over the bed. Another fixture or lamp near a desk would be great. A small night light is helpful, and a lit magnifying makeup mirror is a real luxury. CLEAN THE WARDROBE If your guest room shares space with a home office, clear at least a foot or two of pole space in the cupboard. Or purchase an inexpensive over-the-door hook that can accommodate some hanging clothes. It’s likely that guests will have items they’d like to hang. Don’t forget a supply of six to eight hangers. A simple hook on the wall or behind a wardrobe door can hold a coat or bag. DON'T FORGET SIMPLE BASICS A lighted clock next to the bed is a great amenity, and an alarm clock or clock/radio is even better. Provide paper and pens, scissors, tape, tissue, and a hairdryer to have all the bases covered. If you can, provide somewhere to sit in front of a mirror so guests can do make up or style their hair. If you don’t have an extra iron and ironing board to offer, be sure to tell your guest where they can find yours. PROVIDE PRIVACY You might know that the big willow tree just outside the window camouflages everything going on, but your guests won’t. Choose window coverings that add to the character of the room and also provide privacy and light control. If you need to keep it simple, blinds work great. You can always add a beautiful valance or side panels later. ADD SOME PERSONALITY Guest rooms can suffer from being personality vacuums - try to let some of your personal style infuse the space, or try out some decorative ideas that inspire you. We love spaces that mix mid-century modern furniture with boho soft furnishings, or fabulous colour on a single wall with dramatic wallpaper or artwork. Maybe dare to go dark with dark navy on the walls and gold detailing. FINISHING TOUCHES Add some lovely finishing touches to the room - a reed diffuser to fill it with delicious fragrance and pop some throw pillows on the bed or chair. If you like them, add some cut flowers to a dresser or move some of your existing houseplants into the space for some greenery. If you don’t use your room much during the year, be sure to open the windows for a few hours before guests arrive to help air it out. T CLEAR THE DECKS Resist the temptation to put your beautiful collection of dolls on the dresser or fill the closet with out-of-season clothes. In a guest room, less is more Extra large Cotton Throw £59, and Mudcloth Pillow, £56, hauslife.co.uk; Navy Pillow, £50, Soho House; Fish Lamp, £90, Dar Lighting; Moorish Mirror, £75, thefarthing.co.uk 4 www.guildfordliving.co.uk | 31
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Page 9 and 10: wellers of guilford ADVERTISING FEA
Page 12 and 13: Image courtesy Cottesmore Prep Scho
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Page 19 and 20: ADVERTISING FEATURE music matters M
Page 23 and 24: On a completely different note, did
Page 25 and 26: PEAR & BLACKBERRY FRANGIPANE TART P
Page 27 and 28: leading the way in sustainable food
Page 32 and 33: THE HOMEBUYER'S GUIDE Thinking abou
Page 34: COUNTRY COMFORT MEETS CITY STYLE: n
Page 37 and 38: Images featured are from Willow Mea
Page 40 and 41: PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD We are u
Page 42: talk Money, Talk Pensions Why talki
Page 48 and 49: Caring for the elderly members of y
Page 50: Time to Veg Out! The growing popula

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