Category: Interiors

Summer interior trends to adopt in our Glasgow apartments

Another season and a whole lot of interior trends that you can adopt into your own home.

From bringing the outdoors inside to downtown apartment styles, as well as pastels and metallics. There is a whole selection to try and test to suit your taste.

In this latest blog post we’ll be looking at interior styling for our apartments, in particular focusing on our Pollokshaws Living development – minutes from the heart of Glasgow’s Southside and City Centre.

Spacious, with fresh natural lighting throughout, they provide endless styling opportunities to homeowners. So here they are, the top 4 suggested trends you should be adopting into your apartment this summer.

cosy apartment feeling with the use of a boho aesthetic

Boho chic/Comfort core

As first choice we begin with the boho chic/comfort core combination. Still utilising the classic earthy palettes that boho is known for, it’s great for creating a warm and welcoming feel in our open plan apartments.

It also brings in textured finishes and layering for a cosy feel, all whilst keeping a slightly minimalist look.

This would be fairly simple to introduce into any of our new apartments in Glasgow, with just a lick of paint and select furniture/accessories to complete the look.

styling ideas for apartments in glasgow

Modern maximalism
If something more eccentric sounds better suited to you, then the artistic expression and freedom of maximalism may be more up your street.
Embrace bold and extravagant colours, patterns, and layering, display your cherished items or pieces of nostalgia. Truly let your personality shine through and think more is more.
This style suits the open plan layout of our Southside apartments as the abundance of artwork, colours, shape and texture is a great way to bring spaces together.
However what we would say is maximalist style is built up over time, so don’t expect to have the completed look straight away, see it more as a collector activity.

2023 interior trends within glasgow city apartments

Relaxed coastal style

And if maximalism seems a bit much, then how about opting for the 2023 trend that also picks up on some key pattern and colour trends – relaxed coastal style.

Think of the ocean, sand and sky: crisp whites, neutral hues, and fresh blues, all paired with stripe accessories and natural finishes.

Again perfect for your new Urban Union apartment, as you’ll be able to benefit from your freshly plastered and painted white walls, saving you some DIY.

70s influence

Still not found the one for you? How about some nostalgia in the form of a 70s aesthetic. We’re talking metallic and brass finishes, velvets, olive green and more.

However how far you are influenced by this flamboyant era is entirely down to you. Take the picture above for example, this home utilises the large rug, the rounded lamps and furniture and organic table shapes – all complemented by an olive green couch.

The great thing though? The subtle nod to the era isn’t completely obvious, which means you don’t have to make the commitment to having a vintage style home.

You could easily recreate this look in our Pollokshaws apartments with a few trips to local and city centre furniture shops and antique markets. What a great way to explore your new location.

new apartments available new glasgow city centre

Looking to purchase one of our Glasgow Southside apartments?

We mentioned before regarding the high demand for our Pollokshaws Living development, but time really is of the essence for any house hunters. Particularly those looking for apartments, as just four remain on site.

Make sure to get in touch with our sales team directly to arrange a viewing and secure your new home. Call us on 07498 057112 or email pollokshawsliving@urbanunionltd.co.uk

How to decorate your home this Christmas

Whether it’s your first Christmas within your new house/ apartment, or you have just decided on a new look for this year, decorating for Christmas can be both a joy and a hassle. That’s why we have rounded up some of our favourite inspiration, to provide you with a few Christmas decorating ideas this holiday season.

Whether it’s your living room/ dining area, bathroom or kitchen, we guarantee you’ll be spreading some festive cheer.

So here goes, our top Christmas décor to include within your home.

traditional wreath hanging on door of new home for Christmas

Traditional wreath on the door of your home

A traditional element of any home in December, placing a wreath on your front door is a great way to spread the Christmas cheer before you’ve even entered your house.

Whether it features pine cones, candy canes, fairy lights , holly berries or mini baubles, this small addition can make all the difference in giving your home a little festive atmosphere.

And, in similar style, you can then emphasise the rest of the doors in your home with small trinkets like velvet ribbon or mistletoe.

It’s these small and quirky touches that make all the difference!

Hanging baubles on Christmas tree within home

Choosing a Christmas tree to suit your space

However, by far, your Christmas tree is the most iconic element of any holiday décor.

With so many options now available, including narrow and halved options, you’re sure to find one to meet the needs of your space.

The same goes for your Christmas tree decorations, you can emphasise your own personality with your use of vintage ornaments, glass baubles and other accessories.

One of our favourite holiday decorating ideas we’ve seen has been using dried Gypsophila between branches to give the impression of fake snow – a tradition from the 70s.

christmas decorations on dining table

Decorating your dining room

Arguably the second most important feature of any Christmas season – your dining room table.

Some may want to leave this until Christmas morning to take care of, however small additions like a table runner and ornaments in the lead up to the big day can stop it from looking out of place and provide some extra sparkle to the rest of your Christmas decorations.

Then it’s just simply the case of adding your seasonal candles and plates to finish the look.

Christmas decorating ideas

Other Christmas accessories to use within your home or apartment

And to really transform your home in to a winter wonderland, other great accessory options include string lights, hanging paper stars or a pine garland over your fireplace mantel or window sill.

In need of some more Christmas decorating ideas?

Your ideas should all be flowing now and we hope you have some great Christmas decoration ideas in mind, all of the above has provided you with some insight in to what you should be including in your Christmas décor.

However not to worry, if you feel your lacking a little creatively, then make use of Pinterest or follow home accounts on Instagram to see what others are doing.

Apartments available to reserve this Christmas

Looking to make a move next year?

There is still time before the end of the year to reserve your new home/ apartment for 2023.

With availability in both our Pennywell Living and Pollokshaws Living developments, and reservations starting at just £99 within Edinburgh, it’s the perfect way to sign off on 2022.

Get in touch with our sales and marketing team via info@urbanunionltd.co.uk or phone 0141 530 4000 to discuss.

A New Way of Living and Working

Following the pandemic there has been a shift in how people feel about their home, and this has had a profound effect on the property market in the UK.

The lockdowns we have all experienced since March 2020 and the subsequent changing restrictions has caused people to re-evaluate what they want (and need) from their homes. Features that people previously didn’t place importance on suddenly became a priority. Gardens, a balcony, roof terrace, proximity to green spaces and a place to work or study all became must-have features.

According to a survey by Zoopla, despite working from home being the e norm for most people last year, 20% weren’t happy with their working set up. In addition, only 23% of those we surveyed had a dedicated study or workspace, with 18% working in their living room and a further 14% working in their bedrooms.
Lack of space was the biggest issue for homeowners and renters, with nearly a fifth of respondents complaining about being forced to share their workspace with a spouse, family member or housemate and 8% felt the lack of privacy for calls and virtual meetings was impacting on their work.

Open plan living has always been a popular feature of a home as people return from an office or work space and want to feel that the space in their home is maximised and allows for more sociable living. Since the pandemic 30% of people said their views on open plan layouts had changed, with 11% saying they did not think they were practical and 33% believing it wasn’t a good idea in the first place.

However, 17% of those surveyed said they now preferred the idea of open plan living – this could be because they felt cut off not being in an office environment.
Houses have been in high demand from those looking to move leading to a rise in house prices for homes with 3+ bedrooms and outside space.

Going forward, recent research from Deloitte found that 60% of people who don’t normally work from home will be doing so more often going forward and the Bank of England Chief Economist predict that 50% of all office-based staff will be working from home full or part time, compared to 5% before the pandemic.

If you are looking for a property with space, light, access to communal areas or with a balcony or garden, take a look at our developments with properties available at affordable prices, in regenerated communities and close to city hubs.

What Makes a Great Kitchen? The kitchen is the hub of the home – it’s the place in the home where we gather to cook, eat, socialise, entertain, relax and, since the pandemic, many of us have been using the kitchen as a place to work. When designed well, the kitch read more

An Urban Union Community

At Urban Union we specialise in not only delivering outstanding new homes, but regenerating communities. Our ambitious developments deliver homes where they are most needed and in doing so we support local communities and enhance the lives of those who live there. So when you consider what home you’re buying – we hope you’ll also consider what kind of community you’ll be a part of.

We create homes that provide a mix of terraces and apartments in a variety of different house types suitable to first-time buyers and growing families alike. In addition to one and two-bedroom apartments, our developments include two, three, four and five-bedroom terraced homes. Everyone from young professionals to families can enjoy a modern and stylish home at an affordable price.

Established in 2011 with the aim of working in Glasgow, similar regeneration opportunities followed, and we now deliver housing in key regeneration areas across Scotland.

With a track record in delivering critical regeneration projects to support the demand for high quality, affordable homes we provide an opportunity for people to join the property ladder in city centre locations. New sustainable mixed tenure communities are facilitated through the provision of new housing, community facilities, green space and, where appropriate, commercial units. Our developments combine superior architecture, urban design and spacious, flexible accommodation.

The heart of a community

Community engagement is at the heart of our plans and our aim is to build relationships with the local communities to ensure the homes we build are to the benefit of the people of the cities in which we have developments.

Various jobs are created during the construction phase of the project, with Urban Union committed to providing employment opportunities for local people.

We have successfully delivered hundreds of homes at our developments and are putting that award-winning experience to good use as we support ongoing regeneration.

Embedded in our developments is the link to local community, for example connecting the community by supporting the Citizen’s Theatre, local school children helping to plant trees at the Pennywell Nature Garden, celebrating local heroes with our Living Legends arts project at Laurieston, and running young apprenticeship programmes links to local schools and colleges across all of our Projects.

Commitment to exceptional design

We work with architects who have an ongoing commitment to creating high quality, crafted architecture, public realm and landscape that is embedded and connected to its local and wider context. We ensure that our regeneration projects benefit the local landscape and community, so our sites feature green spaces and a mix of accommodation, with potential for commercial opportunities and retail outlets.

Help to Buy

The range of properties are competitively priced and are suitable for a wide variety of needs and budgets. Most include outdoor space and the flexibility for home working.

With the introduction of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme in March 2021, you can purchase a home with just a 5% deposit (subject to application) or by using the First Home Fund. We enjoy welcoming residents to the area to start the next chapter of their lives and becoming part of a thriving community.

Tips for Safe Garden Gatherings

From Friday, six people from six different households can meet outside. After nearly a year of being put in and out of restrictions and lockdown, and for much of it being unable to see or socialise with our friends and family, many of us are excited at the prospect of getting back to normal.

With the news that we can meet in private gardens, it’s important to ensure that you and your guests stay safe.

Seating

Even though you’ll be outside, it’s still important to keep a safe distance of two metres from your guests or host. This is easy to do when setting out the seating and is especially important if your guests are all from different households. It’s also important that your guests stay in the one chair, so ensure you communicate this.
Before guests arrive, give chairs and the table a clean and repeat this once your guests have left.

Masks

The government guidelines state that you can enter the property to use the bathroom and can walk through the home to access the garden if there is no side access. When doing so it’s important to wear a mask. Wear a mask when you arrive or greet your guests. Masks outside aren’t mandatory but it’s good to get into the habit of wearing them when you get up from your chair.

Provide hand sanitiser

If guests are unable to wash their hands with soap and water, make sure you have hand sanitiser at the table for them to use regularly.

Food and drink

If you want to minimise the risks then how about people bring their own food in containers – whether it’s picnic food or something to put on the BBQ it will prevent guests worrying about how food is handled.

2021 – The year of working from home!

Last year was challenging for most of us, but with the vaccine rollout in full force, we could soon start to get back some much-needed normality. One of the changes that many of us have experienced is home working – either full or part time – and it appears that many people will continue to work from home especially as we have all adapted to this way of working. Zoom meetings have replaced in-person meetings and people are able to work longer hours when not having to travel to and from work. Many companies have now embraced the benefits to both themselves and their employees in allowing staff members to work from home either full or part time.

As a result of this change in lifestyle, demand for homes with an extra bedroom are in high demand and many people are looking for ways to create a home office within their home. Recent reports stated that having a home office shed in your garden can boost the value of your home by as much as £12,000.

A place to work

It’s important to set up a quiet dedicated area otherwise you could find it’s a difficult balance trying to cut off from your personal life when in the home.

Think carefully about an area to set aside for home working. Some people work well with the radio or television on and some need complete quiet. If you have space restrictions then look at the space you do have – could you clear an area on your dining table, use a dressing or console table, clear out the under stairs area or even transform your shed? Anywhere could be a possibility as long as it makes you feel comfortable and the space is functional.

Furniture and office equipment

Make sure that you pay attention to a good office chair that is both comfortable and comfortable. You’ll be spending hours sitting on it and you need to take care of your posture to avoid any problems in the future. Look also at where you position your printer, computer screen and anything else you may need. If you have a laptop, consider getting a monitor so that you are looking ahead rather than downwards to avoid putting pressure on your neck and spine. This may help you to calculate the correct height of your desk and chair: https://www.blitzresults.com/gb/ergonomic/. Make sure you also have all the office equipment you need along with suitable storage so that the area can be left clean and tidy.

Give your area some personality

One of the best things about working from home is that you can personalize the space without any restrictions! Use your favourite photographs and pictures, add colourful plants, or go crazy on cushions and colours – there is no office policy other than yours.

Lighting

It’s essential that your space is well-lit to avoid straining your eyes if you are doing anything off-line. Use a good quality lamp and if you have natural light try and maximise this.

Keep it tidy

Tidy work area, tidy mind! Make sure you clear away any cables using the DIY solutions available and make sure all paperwork is tidy and use paper trays to organise your documents. There are also some very small and compact filing cabinets available.

Setting up a home office doesn’t need to be daunting or expensive especially as it could be temporary.

Choices and Selections – Home Décor

Your Urban Union home already has a superb specification as noted in our site-specific brochure, but we recognise that you may wish to personalise your new home. Subject to the construction stage and type of property you are buying, it may be possible for you to choose certain items to be included within your new Urban Union home.

Take a look at these interior design trends that are reshaping homes this year – perhaps it will help you decide how your new home could look.

Following the pandemic, we have all spent much more time in our homes and as a result, the interior trends for 2021 appear to be about creating a comfortable, peaceful and relaxed home that mixes modern and vintage whilst layering textures. One area that homeowners appear to be focused on more than ever, is our outside space.

With restrictions easing in the next month, we will be able to have friends and family in our gardens – and with many people working from home for the foreseeable future, outside offices are more popular than ever.

Comfort

Homeowners are spending time creating a space that enables us to escape the outside world. Layers of soft, natural textures are an easy trend that we can all incorporate into our home decor. Using different types of natural textures and materials in shades of the same colour will add personality and character to a room without overwhelming the room.

Natural organic colour pigments are at the heart of this trend with cool blues and greys mixed with warmer pinks and cream, using soft fabrics such as velvet, faux fur, natural sisal and wool. A great way to incorporate this theme is to include blankets, throws, cushions and rugs. In addition, accessories made from rope, string or twine can add a natural element to your home.

Flowers

A popular trend for this year is the use of dried flowers to decorate the home, making a change from green and vibrant houseplants, which are still as fashionable. Dried flowers last longer and require no maintenance. Many florists now offer dried flowers as a bouquet option.

Earthy colours

A natural palette is set to be a big trend this year. Earthy toned pigments are proving popular when it comes to selecting a bold shade for an accent wall, furniture, flooring or splashbacks. Dark greens, blues and teals make statement even when used in a subtle way. You can choose just one part of the room decor such as a wall, a rug or sofa cushions.

#Cottagecore

Cottagecore is a trend that is sweeping social media. It sums up a homely look for with traditional touches, such as parquet flooring, exposed beams and bare brick. Add charm with vintage pieces and gold or brass accessories.

Natural light

Homes filled with natural light appear spacious and desirable. Homeowners are looking for more ways to introduce natural light into their homes to brighten up the darkest corners of your home. Open-plan living spaces can enhance the natural light and roof windows are also popular especially in a home office.

Take a look at our Developments.

Have Yourself a Merry Eco Christmas!

We are well into the swing of things and Christmas is just around the corner! It’s been a challenging year and with restrictions set to continue for the time being you may not be thinking too much about the environment, but it’s important to all do our bit to be eco-conscious. In previous years, environmental issues and global warming have been a hot topic and once we get back to normal it will be again.

There are ways you can make your Christmas eco-friendly, here’s how:

Christmas tree

When it comes to Christmas trees, you could rent a real Christmas tree whereby a local farm or company will replant it for you after Christmas, or you could buy a planted one that you can replant and use the following year. If you do opt for a cut real tree, these are locally grown and sourced and fully recyclable (put it in or next to your brown bin – check with your local council) so it’s another great option. If you do opt for a plastic tree, the stats show that you’d have to use it for 22 consecutive years for it to become sustainable so make sure you buy one to last.

Christmas cards and wrap

Consider sending electronic Christmas cards and if you do want to post something to a friend or family member, choose a card made from recycled paper or one that donates part of the proceeds to charity. Alternatively you can buy plain cards and envelopes made from recycled paper on Amazon – so get the children to make them, which will be a lovely touch to any Christmas card!

Wrapping paper and gift tags are another item that you should be conscious of buying – the rule of thumb is that if it can be scrunched up and stays that way, it’s recyclable. If it springs back, then it is likely to have plastic in its composition.

Christmas lights

Swap your Christmas lights for LED bulbs which are much more energy efficient.

Food shopping

When shopping for Christmas food try and buy from local food producers and farms rather than the larger supermarket chains if you can – at the moment it’s important to buy local and support the independent businesses where we can.

Crackers

Crackers get thrown away every year so consider making your own. This means you can fill it with something you know your guests will love rather than plastic items that ultimately end up in the bin.

Fresh foliage

Fill your home with natural products such as fresh Holly, Mistletoe and evergreen foliage. Use natural products to adorn your mantlepiece, for a wreath on your door, foliage on your staircase or just to hang in the kitchen for a festive feel. Use fairy lights for an added festive feel. You can even place natural foliage around food serving plates and to frame candles as a centrepiece.

Follow these tips to not only help the planet but to give yourself a feel-good Christmas!

What is a green mortgage?

By choosing an energy efficient home you’ll not only reduce your monthly utility costs and be more appealing to potential buyers, but you could also secure a better rate on your mortgage by applying for a ‘green’ mortgage.

These are relatively new products and are becoming increasingly popular with lenders including high-street banks. For example, Barclays has a Green Home Mortgage range that enables those purchasing a new-build property with an energy efficiency rating of A or B to get a lower mortgage rate. In addition, Nationwide has a green mortgage range with preferential rates to those buying a new-build property that has an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

A green mortgage could be a great option when looking for the lowest mortgage rate especially if you have a smaller deposit. Although this type of mortgage restricts the type of house a buyer can purchase with this type of mortgage often only available on new-builds that have an energy efficiency rating of B or above.

If you are looking to purchase a property with just a 10% deposit or less you may still struggle to obtain lending, even if it’s a green mortgage, in today’s climate. If you are considering a green mortgage, it’s important to talk to a mortgage broker who can assess if this is the right product for you.

Green mortgages look to grow in popularity over the coming years as consumers and the Government become increasingly aware of the negative impact energy consumption is having on the environment and the importance of reducing emissions. There could well be even more products such as this available to reward those who are living greener, more eco-friendly lifestyles.

Improving your efficiency rating

If you want to live in a highly energy efficient home the advice is to buy new. These are built to high standards, are well insulated and have energy efficient appliances and heaty systems. At present, all homes that are built, sold or rented must now have an EPC, which gives the property an energy efficiency rating from A or 100, which is the most efficient, to G or 0 which is the least efficient.

Having an energy efficient home can help sell the property, as well as cutting down on your utility bills. There are a number of ways that homeowners can improve the energy efficiency of their home including:

Installing a new boiler,
Insulating lofts and cavity walls,
Fitting double or triple glazing,
Installing solar panels,
Hanging thick curtains and buying stick-on insulation for doors.

For more information about EPC visit the Government website.