PART OF THE NEW HOME OFFICE COLLECTION FROM FITTED FURNITURE SPECIALISTS SHARPS

Cutting-edge design meets practicality with Sharps’ exciting new Como home office range. Designed with today’s fast-paced lifestyles in mind, Como is the perfect choice for homeowners who want to create a dedicated work area that is practical but doesn’t compromise on style.

With a light walnut frame and chic white gloss doors, this beautiful home office design will blend seamlessly with living areas making it a great choice for those with an open-plan scheme or those who need  to transform a room into a multi-purpose area.

Como also includes some brand new features such as aluminuium framed cupboards with glass doors, available in both black and white colour options, and a stylish bookcase – ideal for storing important files AND for displaying decorative items too.

Also, as our working lives have evolved, and because technology is becoming ever-more compact, narrower desk options are also available for those with laptops or for when space is more limited. 

New Home Office Collection for 2010
This versatile and highly-stylish collection of home office furniture is brand new from Sharps for 2010 and epitimises how good design can help you to make the best use of space, creating a working area that looks great either as a dedicated room or part of your living envrionment.

The collection includes the Como range (as above) plus Luca, a contemporary range available in alder, oak and cream finishes, Nico, a minimalist design available in dark walnut for a dramatic look, and Nova, a practical home office with square routered detailing and timeless oak finish.

Space You Never Thought You Had
Sharps is the UK’s leading fitted furniture specialist, offering an all-inclusive service from design right through to installation. Each bedroom and home office is beautifully styled around the customer, and with an extensive range of storage solutions, Sharps will ensure everything is perfectly ordered to suit their lifestyle.

Working from home is on the rise, according to leading fitted furniture specialists Sharps

The home is fast becoming a haven for workaholics, as 45% of Britons admit to taking the office home with them at weekends, according to a survey by leading fitted furniture specialists Sharps . What is more, the recession has made matters worse for almost one in five people, as workers try to keep on top of their workloads and put in the hours to impress the boss. Not only that, but 28% of those questioned said that they had taken on extra home-based jobs to earn some additional money to support their finances. 

In the survey of 3,000 respondents, 12% said that they were individually clocking up a minimum of five hours unpaid work per week, which could equate to as much as 260 hours per year  – the equivalent of 34.6 days  and almost seven working weeks .

The implications of this on a national scale are huge, as it could mean that 12% of the employed population  are putting in a combined total of over 900 million  unpaid hours outside of work per year - the equivalent of 120,224,000 days  and 24,044,800 working weeks . 

Surprisingly, of all of those who regularly work from home, only 33% had a dedicated work area, either as a separate office or a desk positioned in the living room or bedroom. Those who said that they didn’t have an office space at home often found it difficult to concentrate.  “Using lounge or dining room furniture for work purposes rather than purely for relaxation can make things extremely uncomfortable, affecting posture, concentration and productivity levels.” says Gary Hunt, design and planning expert at Sharps. “Despite this, 27% of people working from home do so ‘from their laps’ whilst sitting on the sofa.

“There’s no doubt that people are finding their working lives merge with their social lives more and more, with the recession having had a big part to play.”

According to the Sharps ‘Working from Home’ survey, 58% claimed to work through their lunch break at least once a week and the same said they regularly worked overtime without additional pay. Over a third said they felt their boss didn’t notice the extra time they put in and the same number again found it hard to switch off outside of work and to resist checking emails and taking phone calls.

Men seem to find it harder to leave work at the office, with just over half working at weekends, compared to 42% of women, and a quarter of men have had to take more work home as a direct result of the recession. Men are also 10% more likely to check emails and take phone calls, even when they are on holiday, averaging six hours of work whilst they are away.

It also seems that those over 25 are more likely to do overtime unpaid whilst 20% of 19-21 year olds and of 46-50 year olds spend five hours or more working at the weekend. The 19-21 year olds questioned appeared to be the most concerned about the recession, saying they worked more outside of the office now because redundancies had made them busier than ever, they wanted to impress their boss and were worried their job would be at risk if they didn’t actively show how busy they were.

“We ourselves have witnessed more and more customers who want to incorporate a work space into their homes.” continues Gary. “One of the key reasons why is because of the increased pressure people feel to take the office home with them but also because of the rise of the computer in general. It is commonplace for all members of the family to spend time online, whether for work, school or social reasons so having a dedicated home office area is increasingly important. Thanks to the very latest designs, your home work space doesn’t have to be corporate or cluttered like your office and can be designed to complement the rest of your home beautifully.

“For some people, separate offices are the perfect solution if space in the home allows for this, especially as our survey suggests that our home and working lives haven’t blended completely, with just over three quarters of those surveyed saying they’d like to keep their work and home lives separate. However, we know that space can sometimes be limited and work areas within communal areas in the home are becoming more popular, which is why Sharps offers a range of flexible solutions designed around each customer.”

In a UK first, Sharps Bedrooms is bringing the stylish ‘waistband’ wardrobe design across the shore from Europe and into British homes for 2010. With sleek white high gloss doors and a walnut waistband feature, Horizon is a chic bedroom design that won’t date. From city living to more peaceful settings, this light scheme will bring a fresh feel to update any bedroom with clever storage solutions and a fantastic high-end designer finish.

Horizon reflects the light and undeniably creates a relaxing mood, turning the bedroom into a modern day retreat and somewhere to put your feet up after a long day. With a combination of contemporary gloss doors and warm walnut surround and detailing, it utilises contrasting textures and trends – a big trend for 2010.

Gary Hunt, bedroom planning expert for Sharps Bedrooms comments:
“We’re really proud of this new design. This is a unique look for Sharps and we expect the stunning ‘waistband’ design to be a popular option for our customers. This luxury finish really breaks up the classic slab door design and gives customers even more leeway to customise designs! I can’t think of a better way to update a more traditional style than with natural wood furniture and a gloss door. The waistband design feature adds a truly bespoke feel.”

Fresh for 2010, the classically styled Concerto bedroom from leading fitted specialists Sharps takes its cues from traditional wardrobe styling to transform any bedroom into a tranquil environment.

With a place for everything, this new bedroom has a panel door design, curved edges and sculpted pilasters between the wardrobe units with a crisp white painted finish, making it the perfect accompaniment to a range of interior schemes, from soft floral wallpaper prints to bolder colours.

Glass window doors add a special touch and look particularly stunning with your own choice of fabric hung behind, whilst glass shelving with mirrored back panels help reflect light and provide a striking way to display favourite ornaments, picture frames and perfume bottles.

Sophistication never goes out of style and the Concerto range is available with a choice of furniture options including coordinating bedside cabinets and a glamorous dressing table. Working in harmony with a Sharps designer, the new Concerto could be just what your bedroom is waiting for. 

Gary Hunt, bedroom planning expert at Sharps, comments:

“Bedrooms are the modern homeowners personal haven away from the stresses and strains of daily life and the timeless beauty of the new Concerto range from Sharps makes for the perfect, peaceful backdrop to truly unwind in.

“Suited to any style of home, from Victorian terraces to newer properties, Concerto is a bedroom built to last with special detailing such as glass shelves and dressing tables to add a touch of glamour to your boudoir. One thing’s for certain; you’ll be having sweet dreams with Concerto.” 

Sharps Bedrooms always likes to keep one step ahead – not just with products and service – but also by being the first on the high street with the latest trends.

Gary Hunt, bedroom planning expert at Sharps, reveals what bedroom trends he believes will emerge in 2010:

Mix-and-match
As the UK becomes more experimental, the trend for mix-and-match will see no sign of abating in 2010, and in the bedroom is no exception. Providing the design of the wardrobes is the same and as long as you avoid merging more than two different coloured wardrobe door fronts, mixing-and matching different colours and textures is a brilliant way to create an eye-catching focal point of any bedroom.

For 2010, high-gloss teamed with wood veneer doors is still sure to be the main ‘key’ look. Combining timeless elegance and up-to-the-minute design, Sharps’ Modena range shows how this can work, as you can be on-trend with the black gloss doors, as a feature piece, whilst the warmth of the wood shines through and provides a more timeless edge.

Follow the grain
There are few materials that offer the ageless appeal of wood and when it comes to incorporating fitted-furniture into the bedroom, there is no denying that wood or wood-effect furniture is back in trend. In particular the elegance of woods with a distinctive natural grain, such as olive, can be used to create a striking statement that is the epitome of sophistication.

In an unusual blend of old and new, we expect to see wood used to greater wow-factor effect in 2010, when given a high-gloss finish. Showing how this can be achieved with dramatic effect is Sharps’ Urban Olive design, where the aesthetic of the grain and the high shine of the durable gloss speaks volumes in terms of glamour.

Patterned glass
As well as colour and texture, 2010 will also see the resurgence of pattern in the bedroom, used to maximum impact on glass wardrobe doors.

With numerous design opportunities, glass doors which incorporate a stunning pattern can add a soft look to fitted wardrobes, creating appealing shadows and shapes which provide individuality and give the wardrobe a real edge.

Glass wardrobe doors are perfect for making the use of natural light to keep a bedroom light and airy and can be used to cover a whole wardrobe door or combined with a plain glass for a huge range of mix and match possibilities. Watch this space for the stunning patterned glass options that Sharps is due to launch in autumn 2009.

It’s all in the storage
Storage in the bedroom is still likely to be king in 2010, as we look for stylish solutions to organise our daily clutter. At the forefront of the market in terms of fully-fitted storage solutions, Sharps continuously looks for innovative ways to maximise space without compromising on style and in 2009 led the way by opening up an area most people had long forgotten about – the back wall. With our new storage capsules we have made overhead storage fashionable again.

Sliding doors
Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors offer a statement look and are particularly efficient at optimising space, especially where a conventional wardrobe door would encroach on valuable floor space.

Sliding doors are also ideal for hiding a stylish walk-in wardrobe behind. As we find that most bedrooms don’t offer the space required for such a look, many customers are converting small box rooms into walk-in dressing rooms, but here they are typically restricted by sloping ceilings and awkward corners.

For 2010 this will no-longer be a problem for Sharps, as the internal mechanism which the doors run on has been modernised to allow them to now fit and incorporate within any given space – meaning awkward corners, alcoves and sloping ceilings can easily be dealt with.

As such we expect to see even more bedrooms making use of sliding doors as a stunning backdrop to a superb streamlined bedroom. Keep your eyes peeled for Sharps’ new sliding doors that can fit any space as they will be available from autumn 2009.

2010 Trends Ebook

Click on this link to see the trends mailer online, view images relating to the above trends and also find out what’s hot in kitchens and bathrooms.

Launching with more than an astounding 400 different design combinations, Sharps Bedrooms has taken their selection of wardrobes to another level with their amazing new range of sliding wardrobes.

Sharps’ 2, 3, 4 and 5 piece door combinations means customers can mix colours, materials and textures to create their own dream bedroom and storage heaven. With endless opportunities to choose from, the wardrobe will now be something of a focal point, or flawlessly integrated into a bedroom’s existing scheme. Whether it is within a period property, or city pad, Sharps’ new range can be adapted for any taste or style.
   
Sharps are leading the industry, by turning their back on the aluminum extrusion frames so popular in the UK. Guided by the look the customer wants, rather than the style and size of wardrobe available, Sharps wardrobes can be made exactly to fit your home and tastes. With made to measure doors and interiors, every corner and slope can be catered for - so no space is wasted and no areas are pointlessly blocked off. Meaning you can keep everything in its place and have a place for everything too!
         
With soft close doors as standard, the doors glide silently to sit flush against the wall - making the most of every inch of available space. With Sharps Bedrooms the transformation of your room does not need to stop at pretty exteriors. Interiors are available in Maple, Tyrolean Beech, Light Walnut, and even a Dark Walnut finish so the customer can custom design every aspect of their bedroom. There is no compromising on design, or storage, so with a choice of linen presses, shoe rails, tie racks, and even double hanging rails, you can really organize your wardrobe to suit all the seasons.

Gary Hunt, Bedroom planning expert for Sharps Bedrooms comment’s on keeping your home streamlined and clutter free for Christmas:

“During the festive period, one of the most common things people come to us requesting is space to hide all their possessions away from relatives prying eyes.  As fitted bedroom experts we can really help with a wealth of specialist storage features from shelves, hanging spaces, drawers, shoe racks and even laundry baskets, to ensure your new bedroom will be totally unique to you and all kept behind a clutter-hiding sliding door.
“A popular feng shui principle insists that clutter in the home equals clutter in the mind. And, with bespoke fitted furniture you can give your bedroom a new lease of life, maximise storage space and create a clutter-free environment; allowing you to customise your wardrobe according to your personal needs and habits. Plus, why not make the most of your unused spaces or box rooms with a walk in wardrobe – keeping you relaxed and everything in its place.

“To keep warm and cosy this winter why not opt for a dark wood effect in your room as it will ensure the room is inviting and luxurious. The sumptuous Sonata collection with solid oak frames and veneered oak panels brings a real touch of glamour to any room with finishing touches to make anyone envious! Or try the gorgeous Urban Olive, pictured, with a fashionable wild wood finish and high gloss appeal – perfect for making a modern statement in your home.

“Brand new to Sharps is the fantastic Milan range featuring the new innovative storage solution, pictured. A new take on the bed bridge, Sharps is one of the only fitted furniture companies to offer overhead storage, meaning every inch of space can be catered for without it looking cluttered.

“What’s more you can be happy knowing it’s an investment that will last for many more Christmases to come. With a design expert visiting your home you will be provided with lots of practical advice to help make your available space work harder and hide a wealth of sins, before creating a plan to bring your ideas to life. With our team of specially trained craftsmen fitters, your bedroom will be tailor made to fit perfectly within your space.  Installation normally takes place within just two to three weeks and is typically completed in the day. With a well established reputation for quality and service, all Sharps bedrooms also come with a twelve year guarantee.”

Gary’s top tips for clearing the clutter this Christmas:

1. Have a big clear out. Look through your wardrobe and if there is anything that doesn’t fit or you haven’t worn for at least 12 months then send it to charity - be ruthless!

2. Your wardrobe should reflect how much time you spend working, relaxing and socialising. Be practical, if 50% of the time you wear suits then make sure you put these where you can easily access them. Your cocktail dresses may look great, but you won’t need them every day!

3. Clear out your old wardrobe and put it back laundered, pressed and ready to wear.

4. Keep everything at reach with options such as Sharps’ pull down hanging rails. Having accessories close to hand means you can make outfits at a glance and everything will remain tangle free. Plus built in storage racks allow exact storage and will keep your shoes immaculate and easy to find.

5. Don’t underestimate what you can do. Even the smallest rooms can have fitted furniture and storage – awkward corners, alcoves and sloping ceilings are easily dealt with- allowing you to make the most of every inch of available space.

   Just like the cocktail, Sharps’ new Cosmopolitan bedroom has all the right ingredients to suit today’s fashion conscious homeowners.

The chic, smooth high gloss doors contrast beautifully with the warmth of the walnut frame and interiors in this latest design from the bedroom specialists. What’s more, available in a choice of door finishes - walnut, white, ivory and burgundy doors you can truly personalise the look by mixing and matching to create real drama in your room.

Ultra sophisticated, Cosmopolitan is the perfect room to sit back and relax in. With wardrobe fittings to cater for your every need – shoe racks, pull down rails, adjustable shelving, hanging space and drawer systems - there really are endless possibilities! Cosmopolitan also benefits from Sharps’ flexible frame system; fitted wardrobes without carcasses – meaning your wardrobe is custom made to make sure that no space is wasted.

A bedroom design that even Carrie Bradshaw would fall in love with Cosmopolitan is a bedroom that suits urbanite apartments as well as more period properties. With the flexibility of knowing every Sharps bedroom is made specifically to your room’s measurements and to your lifestyle, you can also benefit from a twelve year guarantee, meaning it really is a bedroom that you will enjoy for many years to come.

Gary Hunt, bedroom planning expert for Sharps comments:

“High gloss finish and the flexibility to mix and match colours and materials continues to be a real trend amongst designers and a popular choice with customers. Cosmopolitan is arguably our most contemporary bedroom to date - offering the ultimate in luxury living and available with all our innovative storage solutions. As a room to escape the daily stresses of modern life, you can keep all clutter at bay and get the best night’s sleep you’ve had in a long time.”

Sharps has opened up a whole new area of space in the bedroom, one that many people had long forgotten about - the back wall.

Did you know that only 15% of people have overhead storage in their bedrooms or that only 10% of people have bought wall units for bedroom storage in the past three years, despite 40% of people complaining of having too much stuff!* As a result Sharps decided to take action, after all, that’s a huge 85% of people not making the most of the space they have right under their noses!

For many, the image of the bed bridge can be the bulky overhead bar design that was hugely popular back in the seventies. At Sharps they have totally taken this back to the drawing board - with their fabulous Milan range - completely reinventing overhead storage, making it a real focal feature for the bedroom and truly optimising the room that you have without compromising on floor space.

Available in maple, alder, wood and cream it can be mixed and matched to suit your style. Meaning you have the flexibility of creating a room that is completely stylish and suited to your home.

With Sharps’ new design you can sleep soundly knowing a safe, stylish and simplistic feature will keep your bits and bobs tucked away, or on display. Choose to have them vertically or horizontally, and with or without doors – creating your bedroom just how you like it.

  Ideal Home August 09 Urban Olive

  Ideal Home August 2009 Malmo

The sun is starting to shine – but if you’re still fighting your way through a wardrobe of woollen jumpers, and battling past your long winter coats – then what better way to get  organised for summer than by adding fitted bedroom furniture, or a luxurious walk-in wardrobe?  

Gary Hunt, Sharps bedroom planning expert, comments:“A popular feng shui principle insists that clutter in the home equals clutter in the mind. And, with bespoke fitted furniture you can give your bedroom a new lease of life, maximise storage space and create a clutter-free environment; allowing you to customise your wardrobe according to your personal needs and habits. Plus, why not make the most of your unused spaces or box rooms with a walk-in wardrobe – keeping you relaxed and everything in its place.

The ultimate indulgence has to be Sharps’ Highline room design. From shelves, hanging spaces, drawers, shoe racks, laundry baskets and even workstations your new bedroom will be totally truly unique for you and all kept behind a clutter-hiding sliding door.

Gary’s top tips to spring clean your bedroom include:

1. Have a big clear out. Look through your wardrobe and if there is anything that doesn’t fit or you haven’t worn for at least 12 months then send it to charity - be ruthless!

2. Your wardrobe should reflect how much time you spend working, relaxing and socialising. Be practical, if 50% of the time you wear suits then make sure you put these where you can easily access them. Your cocktail dresses may look great, but you won’t need them everyday!

3. Clear out your old wardrobe and put it back laundered, pressed and ready to wear.

4. Keep everything at reach with options such as Sharps’ pull down hanging rails. Having accessories close to hand means you can make outfits at a glance and everything will remain tangle free. Plus built in storage racks allow exact storage and will keep your shoes immaculate and easy to find.

5. Don’t underestimate what you can do. Even the smallest rooms can have fitted furniture and storage – awkward corners, alcoves and sloping ceilings are easily dealt with- allowing you to make the most of every inch of available space.

Woman's Weekly March 2009  

BBC Good Home Nov 08  

CITY CHIC WITH URBAN OLIVE
 

Undoubtedly one of the most striking bedroom designs Sharps has ever introduced, Urban Olive is the perfect combination of classic styling and contemporary finish making it the ultimate in city living sophistication.

“With an olive wood high gloss finish, Urban Olive is an unusual blend of old and new design that will give wow factor to any bedroom scheme.” says Gary Hunt, Bedroom Planning Expert at Sharps. 

“The true beauty of this bedroom comes from the distinctive natural grain of the olive wood and the high shine that comes from the durable gloss finish. The furniture is a statement in its own right, and can be matched with a more muted scheme to let the aesthetic speak volumes for itself.

“However, for the more trend-conscious, Urban Olive works well with more dramatic looks and vibrant colour schemes for a bedroom that is unique and of course, designed to fit into your lifestyle.”

 
To add a touch of retro glamour, choose Sharps’ striking square brushed steel handles and don’t forget to make the most of the range of storage solutions and clever interior options available to help keep shoes, clothes, bags, belts, ties and other items in their place so the final look is polished and unspoiled.

SONATA
The cornerstone of a beautiful bedroom

There is nothing quite like the natural appeal of solid oak, which is why Sharps has introduced the Sonata range; a bedroom that brings this classic finish right up to date within a contemporary furniture design.

“Featuring solid oak frames and oak veneered centre panels, Sonata is quite possibly the most beautiful bedroom we have ever introduced.” says Gary Hunt, Bedroom Planning Expert at Sharps. 

“The solid oak trim on the inside of the centre panels gives the furniture a beautiful bespoke look and adds that extra special touch to enhance the room as a whole.”

The Sonata range includes wardrobes, low-line furniture and individual large chests of drawers, which have deeper drawers and look great as a statement piece of furniture, so you can have the perfect mix to suit your lifestyle needs.

Opt for a long run of wardrobes, broken up by sets of drawers and with Sharps’ clever internal storage solutions to make maximum use of available space, or choose tall chests and generous bedside tables to keep items organised and close to hand.

To complement the oak drawers and doors, Sharps has introduced a new nickel finish oval knob option to add that all important touch of sparkle to your boudoir.

MODENA
A modern bedroom classic
 

Mix and match styling has been a popular trend for the kitchen, but this year it’s the turn of the bedroom, with high gloss doors and solid wood finishes working in harmony to create a bedroom with the best combination of timeless elegance and up-to-the-minute design.

Leading specialist Sharps has introduced Modena to its 2009 bedroom collection to offer style-conscious homeowners the best of both worlds, with a customisable furniture range. Comprising of stand-alone and full height wardrobes, low-line units and freestanding chest of drawers and bedside options, Modena’s striking black gloss doors can be mixed with the beautiful real walnut veneer to suit individual tastes.

“People are becoming more adventurous when it comes to making over the bedroom, and black is now a key colour for a sumptuous scheme.” says Gary Hunt, Bedroom Planning Expert at Sharps. 

“Glossy wardrobe doors have become a popular choice for the modern home, however it is important to take into consideration how the scheme you want will look over time, especially when opting for custom made fitted furniture as it is more of an investment and if you were to sell your home in a few years, would the bedroom invite them in or scare them off?

“With Modena, you have the perfect balance. You can be on-trend with the black gloss doors as a feature piece, whilst the warmth of the wood shines through and provides a more timeless edge.”

Modena can be customised to suit your lifestyle needs, and with Sharps’ expertise in designing internal and external solutions, your final bedroom is guaranteed to make the best possible use of space.

LATITUDE
Fall in love
 
Texture is big news for interiors this year and the brand new Latitude bedroom from Sharps features a striking mix of wood grains for a fresh scheme that will never go out of fashion.

The Latitude range incorporates full height and stand alone wardrobes, chest of drawers, bedside cabinets and dressing tables making your dream of a tailor-made, chic yet timeless bedroom scheme a reality.

The light oak veneered door combines horizontal wood grain down the central panel, with vertical wood grain running either side to provide a really interesting texture to the room that begs to be touched.

“Bedroom furniture design has come a long way in recent years,” says Gary Hunt, Bedroom Planning Expert at Sharps, “and whilst wood is still the number one choice, it doesn’t have to be any less adventurous than other finishes.

“This unique look is a great way to add depth to the room whilst the light oak finish makes Latitude a versatile style that suits different colour palettes.

“Beautiful when combined with neutral tones or pastel shades, there’s no reason why this bedroom can’t be used as the backdrop to a more trend-led scheme and will look just as stunning with an injection of colour on the walls.”

And because the bedroom should be a haven away from everyday stresses and strains, Sharps has all the clutter-busting solutions to tailor the final room to suit your lifestyle. You can place wardrobes and units wherever suits you best, plus clever internal features such as hidden laundry baskets, shoe racks and pull out trouser racks help to create a clutter-free room where everything has its place.

NUOVO
Be in vogue in the bedroom

Bringing the warmth of walnut into the bedroom, the new Nuovo range from specialists Sharps is an elegant option for those who want to create a timeless scheme.

Putting a twist on the ever-popular shaker design, Nuovo has a functional, understated look which allows the beauty of the wood to shine through whilst the clean, uncomplicated lines lend themselves to the master bedroom.

Gary Hunt, Bedroom Planning Expert at Sharps, comments: “Homeowners certainly seem to have a love affair with wood when it comes to the bedroom, because of the variety of finishes available and the timeless appeal it holds. That is why we have introduced Nuovo; the solid walnut wood veneer offers a rich tone and a beautiful grain structure that helps to add real depth and give an exquisite aesthetic to the range.

“Nuovo is a highly adaptable design that will equally compliment a period home full of character and a new build with a contemporary edge.”

Featuring seven-piece doors, solid wood frames and walnut-veneered MDF centre panels, plinth, cornice, corner posts and end panels, Nuovo is both sturdy and practical and also includes coordinating low-line furniture for a complete look.

For the all important finishing touches, Sharps has also introduced two new handle styles; the subtly brushed effect stainless steel handle and a stainless steel rail bar that makes a real style statement.

BEDROOM TREND PREDICTIONS FOR 2009

People are treating their bedroom as more of a private sanctuary than ever before. So it’s no surprise that bedrooms are high on the decorating agenda and it’s all about making a room that reflects our personality.  We no longer use this room for just sleeping though. We need a bedroom to be multi-purpose, allowing us to work as well as relax in style – which is why our Home Office collection is proving so popular.  

Sharps is renowned for its professional installation service and offers the very latest in innovative designs. As such you can expect fitted furniture that is flexible, has ample room for storage and is extremely stylish.

KEY TRENDS FOR 2009

1) Dark & luxurious

Darker wood finishes are proving increasingly popular and are a trend that is set to stay.  Our recently launched Malmo in walnut (pictured) has been a big success this year and is a popular choice for creating a room that makes a statement.  The dark wood contrasts with brushed steel handles to create a luxurious and indulgent environment.

Top tip: Offset the dark wood finish with lighter coloured soft furnishings; this will create a feeling of space and harmony.

2) Back to nature

There is a growing trend towards neutral tones which reflect the great outdoors.  White bedroom furniture such as Linea (pictured) creates the perfect backdrop for such a colour scheme, whilst pale wood effects can also be used to create a more ‘earthy’ tone in the bedroom.

Top tip: Ensure you make the most of the space available in your room – Sharps can fit storage solutions in almost any space.

3) Contemporary yet classic

Simplicity is of paramount importance when creating a new look for the bedroom and there is still a strong demand for classic fitted bedroom furniture – such as Sharps’ best selling Sherbourne range (pictured.)  The biggest attraction for this range is that it has a universal appeal, and provides a backdrop on which you can stamp your own individual style.

Top tip: Classic bedroom design has a wide appeal so if you’re thinking of selling your house one day, your new bedroom could become one of the key selling points of the home.

4) Glamorous Gloss

The trend for gloss finishes is set to stay – creating a chic, sleek look that transforms a bedroom into a truly inspirational boudoir.  Sharps’ Metropolitan range is available in Burgundy (pictured), Ivory and Cappuccino and is guaranteed to transform a bedroom into a room you want to spend even more time in.

Top tip: Combine fitted wardrobes with freestanding units to complete the look – and, for a high tech bedroom, you can include push-catch doors, external and internal lighting.

5) Behind closed doors...

Storage innovations will continue to be top of the list of priorities in the bedroom.  As electrical  goods such as TV’s and stereos have made their way into the bedroom, the demand for hidden storage has increased – we need somewhere to keep the DVD’s, CD’s and other electrical paraphernalia as well as our clothes. 

Top tip: Think about what items you keep in the bedroom and which areas you’d most like to see tidied up – whether it’s magazines on the floor or shoes piled up in the wardrobe, our range of storage systems will enable you to organise and tidy your room once and for all.

Your bedroom is the perfect place to be when the winter nights begin to draw in, so transform your room into a warm and cosy retreat to forget the cold, bleak weather outside. 

Sharps Bedrooms offers the following tips for cosying up this winter:

 1) Opt for traditional warm wood finishes to ensure that your bedroom looks snug and inviting. 

The Malmo in walnut design from Sharps is ideal and you can offset the deep, rich tones with lighter fabrics and accessories to create a sense of space and luxury.

2) The Shaker range from takes a classic style and gives it a modern twist, combining an intricately crafted Shaker door with either sleek steel handles or more traditional wooden door knobs, Shaker is available in a range of wood finishes including alder, maple, oak and white birch.

3) It’s easy to accumulate more clutter during the winter months, especially with having to find extra space for bulky jumpers, coats and Christmas presents.  And, with guests invariably coming to stay, storage is key for creating a bedroom wonderland.  Sharps are experts in storage solutions and can create your own personalised wardrobe with flexible hanging space, drawers, shelves and stackable shoe racks, in customised designs to fit absolutely any space.    

4) To make a real statement at home this Winter, choose a strong colour for the bedroom, that will inspire and warm you.  The Metropolitan high gloss bedroom design is very on trend and the burgundy finish will ensure your new fitted furniture is admired by all your Christmas guests.

Press enquiries to:

Kelly Edmonds / Nicola Weston
Willoughby Public Relations
Tel: 0121 456 3004
Email: kellye@willoughby-pr.co.uk / nicolaw@willoughby-pr.co.uk

 Fitted wardrobes are extremely beneficial for those who want a clutter-free life. Suitable for all bedrooms they’re the ideal choice for maximising on storage space.  Whilst they have long been considered more traditional in terms of style, there is now a vast amount of choice including some highly contemporary designs. 

Bespoke fitted furniture makes your life easier as it allows you to customise your wardrobe according to your own personal and specific needs. You are free to place interior units wherever suits you best, and can include clever internal features such as hidden laundry baskets, shoe racks and pull out trouser racks, helping to create a clutter-free room where everything has its place.

Sharps' Top Tips

1. To make the most of space opt for fitted wardrobes as they can be designed to fit any space. Awkward corners, alcoves and sloping ceilings are all easily dealt with.  Sharps also offer 45 end-wardrobes which create a neat finish to fitted wardrobes and create that extra bit of storage.

2. Opting for adjustable shelves and hanging rails within your wardrobe is ideal for the changing seasons as your storage needs tend to change with the weather. Choose a wardrobe with an interior system which can be altered to cater for your changing lifestyle needs. Sharps innovative new wardrobe system, Highline, offers a choice of fully adjustable drawers, hanging rails and shelf options.

3. Make the most of clever internal features such as hidden laundry baskets which help to create a clutter-free room where everything has its place.  Built in shoe racks allow easy storage, keeping your shoes immaculate and making them far easier to find. Trousers and ties can be stored on pull-out racks to keep them neatly pressed. Adjustable drawers and baskets are perfect for smaller items such as makeup and jewellery.

4. Opt for over-the-bed cupboards to capitalise on space which would otherwise be unused. Neat cupboards above the bed are ideal for items which you don’t need constant access to and very large objects such as skis.

5. A window seat is an attractive and extremely practical option. Perfect for large, bulky items such as blankets, or as a clever alternative to a toy chest in the living room or a children’s bedroom.

6. Planning your room can be daunting. If like most people you’re looking to maximise space then it’s advisable to consult a design expert. You need to work in the best possible storage arrangements that use every inch of available space and make the most of all the clever solutions available.

Press enquiries to:

Kelly Edmonds / Nicola Weston
Willoughby Public Relations
Tel: 0121 456 3004
Email: kellye@willoughby-pr.co.uk / nicolaw@willoughby-pr.co.uk

Featuring: Sharps Metropolitan bedroom in Ivory finish

  BBC Good Homes October 2008 - makeover pg.1 BBC Good Homes October 2008 - makeover pg.4

  BBC Good Homes October 2008 - makeover pg.2 BBC Good Homes October 2008 - makeover pg.3

Featuring: Sharps wardrobe solutions

Real Homes, October 2008 - wardrobes

Featuring: Sharps' Ascot bedroom range

  BBC Good Homes, September 2008 - bedroom storage feature

Featuring: Sharps' Metropolitan bedroom in Ivory finish

KBB, September 2008

The average Brit spends almost a quarter of a century in bed - but just TWO months of that having sex, according to new 'undercover' research carried out to coincide with National Bed Month.

In total, we spend a staggering 24 years and four months of our lives under the covers, but only sleep for 18 years and 10 months of that – averaging 7.5 hours a night.

But, rather than using the rest of the time to get raunchy between the sheets, Brits are more likely to just talk to their partner, watch TV, surf the net or read.

Leading fitted bedroom specialist Sharps, comments:
 
''The results of this survey show that Brits do far more in bed than just sleep – people even work in bed. 
 
''It is well worth taking the time and effort when it comes to planning your bedroom, especially when you consider you are going to be spending a third of your life either in bed or on it.’’
 
''We at Sharps would urge everybody to take a close look at their bedroom today and think about how much time they spend in it.
 
‘‘The bed should be comfortable, but the décor, storage and surroundings are important too.’’

The poll of 2,000 Brits revealed that, next to sleeping, talking to our partner in bed takes up the most time, almost half an hour each night or just over a year of our lifetime.  When we’re not sleeping or talking to our other halves, we talk on the telephone in bed for 80 minutes a week – which adds up to five months – and do four months worth of work in bed.

On top of that, we spend more than 18 minutes a night watching TV in bed - a total of eight months of our lifetimes plus seven months of our lives reading in bed and six months listening to music.

In comparison, we spend only two and a half months of our lives getting passionate and it’s the lucky Scots who get the most nookie – averaging at almost 45 minutes a week (or more than three months in a lifetime.)

Those in the South West aren’t quite as fortunate though, spending less than half an hour getting jiggy, a measly two months of their lifetime. 

Sharps added: ‘’These findings are a sure sign that people are becoming more aware of the important role their bedroom plays in their life – 52 per cent of people say their bed is the most important piece of furniture in their house. 
 
‘’We spend so much time doing all sorts in bed, so why not make it as comfortable as possible?’’
 
‘’As the leading specialists, we at Sharps bedrooms make a point of discovering how each customer makes use of their bedroom and work to ensure that we come up with a design to suit the lifestyle. 

‘’We are finding that more and more people are opting to install a Home Office in the bedroom and have recently introduced a storage option designed specifically for the TV.’’

Forty per cent of Brits admit to snacking in bed, with toast being the most popular food to munch on, followed by chocolate and crisps.

TOP 10 BEDTIME ACTIVITIES

1. Sleep
2. Talk to partner
3. Watch TV
4. Surf the net
5. Reading
6. Listen to music
7. Talk on telephone
8. Work
9. Play computer games
10. Sex

Press enquiries to:

Kelly Edmonds / Nicola Weston
Willoughby Public Relations
Tel: 0121 456 3004
Email: kellye@willoughby-pr.co.uk / nicolaw@willoughby-pr.co.uk

Featuring: Sharps HighLine bedroom makeover

  Sunday Mirror 4th July 2008

Children certainly attract a lot of clutter, but a well-planned bedroom can ensure that every inch of space is used efficiently whilst providing a handy place to store everything from toys to clothes, behind closed doors.    

As children grow up fast, you need the bedroom to be adaptable and fitted furniture will keep mayhem to a minimum, utilise space even in smaller rooms, plus there are a range of different styles to ensure that the finished bedroom is in-keeping with the décor of your home.

Opting for neutral finishes will provide the ideal backdrop for you to change the scheme of the room as your child gets older.

Press enquiries to:

Kelly Edmonds / Nicola Weston
Willoughby Public Relations
Tel: 0121 456 3004    
Email: kellye@willoughby-pr.co.uk / nicolaw@willoughby-pr.co.uk

 

A: Since most of us don’t have a separate room for a study, there are now many fitted furniture solutions available that utilise the space you have and can be incorporated into your living space.  

Options include positioning a workstation in one corner of the lounge, choosing an in-wardrobe office system or making use of the awkward, and often wasted, space under the stairs.

Creating a dual-purpose area is a practical idea, and by installing a fitted home office, your files and documents can be stored away, keeping your work space clearly defined and clutter-free whilst keeping your living space just that.

Press enquiries to:

Kelly Edmonds / Nicola Weston
Willoughby Public Relations
Tel: 0121 456 3004
Email: kellye@willoughby-pr.co.uk / nicolaw@willoughby-pr.co.uk
 

In-line with the current trend for rich wood tones throughout the home, leading fitted bedroom and home office specialist Sharps’ has introduced striking walnut finish to its Home Office collection.

Designed to blend seamlessly with Malmo, their number one bedroom range, Sharps’ Home Office enables homeowners to combine a home office with their bedroom space without compromising on the overall scheme and creating a wealth of storage opportunities so that every inch of space is used.

As seen in kitchen design, walnut finish is also proving to be incredibly popular in the bedroom too as it creates an impact whilst offering a timeless look that won’t date, especially when teamed with contemporary chrome bar handles.

Also available in light oak, alder and maple finishes to suit any scheme, this latest home office provides a range of innovative storage options to choose from including interior pull-out shelves for easy access and narrow cupboards that are ideal for computer tower unit storage.

Another option which is great for more compact bedrooms is the stable door, which allows for the desk to be positioned up against the wardrobe unit without losing the all-important clothes hanging space in the corner. 

Sharps comments on how to create the perfect home office space:

“In recent years we have seen an increase in demand for home offices, especially for workstations that are incorporated into a bedroom, as they provide a flexible solution for families with teenagers at home. Also, more people seem to be bringing work home with them and especially when space is a concern, incorporating a work area within a bedroom design is the best solution. Bespoke fitted furniture makes the most of available space as it can be customised to fit to suit your specific requirements. 

“When considering the layout of your home office, bear in mind the following points to ensure comfort and ease of use:

1) Position your keyboard directly in front of your body, at a comfortable height, which allows you to relax your shoulders and maintain an open position with your elbows.  Ensure that your forearms are kept parallel to the floor and that your fingers are always lower than your wrists.  For added practicality, opt for a slide-out keyboard shelf.

2) Ensure that your monitor is positioned at arm’s length, directly in front of you.  The screen should be positioned tilted back between 10 to 20 degrees.

3) Make the most of clever storage features in order to ensure that everything is within easy reach.  Sharps offer clever options such as a desk cupboard featuring two slide-out shelves, which is ideal for printers and scanners.

4) Use a shelving system that is fully adjustable in order to ensure that you can adapt it according to your changing requirements.

5) Make sure that cables are kept tidy, tangle-free and safely out of the way.  Sharps provide cable outlet ports, which can be cut into the worktop as specified by the customer, plus a handy pop-up power unit which is ideal for plugging in portable items such as lap-tops, digital cameras and mobile phones.

”Your personal Sharps designer will be able to discuss all the available options with you so that together you can create the perfect bedroom and home office environment to suit your lifestyle and your home.”

Press enquiries to:

Kelly Edmonds / Nicola Weston
Willoughby Public Relations
Tel: 0121 456 3004
Email: kellye@willoughby-pr.co.uk / nicolaw@willoughby-pr.co.uk

Bedrooms are high on the decorating agenda these days and it’s no wonder when you consider that we spend more time in bed than we do anywhere else. As a result, we are finding that more people are now prepared to invest time and money into making sure this important room reflects our personality and enhances our mood, but more than this the room needs to be multi-purpose.  

The bedroom now functions as a Home Office and a place where we can recline in comfort and enjoy watching TV and DVD’s or listen to music. Gone are the days when the bedroom was just a place to sleep, we now use this room as our own private sanctuary, away from life’s stresses and strains.

Space can often be limited, so it is important to think about how you use your room, decide on the features you need to incorporate to make this work and design the room accordingly.

Fitted furniture has truly come into its own over the past couple of years and is now regarded as a practical yet highly fashionable option for homeowners. As we continue to demand more from our homes, new construction methods have been developed to make efficient use of space whilst offering a streamlined look, as seen in the brand new high-gloss Metropolitan range from Sharps.

Completely unique, the new construction system utilises a sectional framework inside the wardrobes, upon which the door hinges can be mounted, allowing for all the doors to sit tightly together so no facings are shown in-between. This design provides all the features and benefits of a carcase system whilst retaining the advantages of Sharps’ original front-frame system.

High-gloss doors are a stunning new trend, especially when combined with contemporary wood frames, and there is a range of exciting new colours being incorporated into bedroom designs, from classic ivory to bold burgundy.

Touch catch doors, which automatically pop open when pushed at the edge of the door, are also proving to be highly popular as they provide a streamlined and unfussy finish, and, whilst soft close drawers and doors are a desirable choice, storage solutions will always be one of the most important considerations. There are a wide variety of options available from double clothes rails to pull out trouser, tie and shoe racks, pull-down hanging rails to integrated shelving and drawers, so speak with a bedroom specialist to find out what can work for you.

Co-ordination is also paramount when designing the perfect bedroom space so look out for ranges that feature matching freestanding storage and bedside cabinets.

Press enquiries to:

Kelly Edmonds / Nicola Weston
Willoughby Public Relations
Tel: 0121 456 3004
Email: kellye@willoughby-pr.co.uk / nicolaw@willoughby-pr.co.uk