Home&Interiors
Home & Interiors
As the golden days of summer fade and autumn sweeps in with its crisp air and rich colours, there’s something wonderfully inviting about turning our focus back to home. This is the season of cosy comforts, of layering textures and of creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming, ready for the months ahead. It’s also the perfect time to give both house and garden a little extra love, because a cared-for home really does lift the spirit.
In this issue of Cornwall Living’s Homes and Interiors supplement, we celebrate the local experts who can help you do just that. If you’ve been dreaming of new doors and windows to truly elevate your home's exterior, then Collington and Company (page 35), are masters of craftsmanship, blending timeless design with everyday practicality. New windows deserve both style and substance, so Just Shutters (from page 36), bring a sleek, elegant finish that makes the most of natural light while adding character to any room.
Of course, home isn’t just what’s inside, your garden deserves attention too. With Colourfence from Gardens Made Easy (page 41), you can ensure your outdoor space stays protected, neat and beautiful year-round, thanks to fencing that’s as low-maintenance as it is striking. And for those thinking about the bigger picture, GreengenUK (page 38) are leading the way in sustainable living, helping homeowners embrace renewable energy solutions that are kind to both planet and pocket.
When it comes to pulling it all together, Mylor Interior Design (page 43), are on hand with inspiration, expertise and a keen eye for detail, creating schemes that reflect your personality while offering seasonal flair.
So, as the leaves fall and evenings draw in, why not embrace the chance to refresh your spaces? After all, home is where the heart is and autumn is the perfect time to make it shine.
...happy reading!
A luxurious living space transformed by Mylor Interior Design, offering tailored, flexible solutions designed to create your dream home.
Keep in the loop at www.cornwall-living.co.uk
Inspiring interiors for autumn
If you’re looking for a home refresh this autumn, then Eve Hughes, of Eve Hughes Interior Design is the person to talk to. Whether a simple revamp or a large-scale project, Eve has an expert eye for detail. Regardless of scale, each project is carefully and skilfully managed with the same attention to detail and enthusiasm. Providing professional interior design services that specialise in bespoke curtains, blinds and soft furnishings, inlcuding a full measuring and fitting service, all products are hand sewn and finished to the highest possible standards here in Cornwall, using only the best quality linings and sundries.
For more information call 07826 843393 or visit www.evehughesinteriors.co.uk
Come rain or shine
As summer reaches its final flourish, we are still drawn outside, eager to soak up the last of its warmth. Gardens that have thrived in the long days of light still call to us, offering spaces to linger, whether on a sun-warmed patio or wrapped in an extra layer against an unexpected breeze.
Even when a sharp wind cuts across the lawn, it feels good to be outdoors, breathing in the shifting air of the season. These onceneglected corners, revived for the summer months, continue to serve as extensions of our homes – places to gather, to pause and to connect.
Kestrel Specialist Handrail Systems understands this, too. That’s why their mirror-polished 316 stainless steel, with
10mm toughened glass, systems are designed to allow you virtually uninterrupted views of your garden, whilst protecting you from unwelcome gusts and chilly winds.
For more information, call 01726 338086 or visit www.kestrelshs.co.uk
From groundhugging bungalow to striking coastal retreat
Blue Wave Design and Construction Services Ltd has meticulously overseen every aspect of the transformation, turning this modest dormer bungalow into a stunning coastal home. The project involved constructing an entirely new first floor, complete with modern electrics and a full-width balcony designed to capture both the warmth of the sun and sweeping sea views.
Working hand in hand with the client, architect CASA Studios, and a team of trusted, highly skilled sub-contractors – including Cornwall Zinc Roofing, Empire Scaffolding, All Glass Cornwall, and Tierney Plumbing – and with building regulations expertly managed by Stuart at Stroma Building Control, this project has come together to create a home that is as technically accomplished as it is visually impressive.
From the initial frame construction to the installation of the final cladding board, Blue Wave Design and Construction Services Ltd delivers a seamless service, ensuring every detail is completed to the highest standard.
For more information, email bluewavedcs@gmail.com or visit www.bluewavedcs.com
Transformational Outdoor Spaces
www.wildscapecornwall.com
EXPERIENCEQuality hung on
Reliable window and door installations from one of Cornwall’s trusted experts.
Collingtons and Co began life in 1969 as a family-run venture and has steadily grown into one of West Cornwall’s foremost providers of windows, doors and conservatories. The company is FENSA registered, ensuring that every installation conforms to building regulations and prides itself on offering honest advice rather than high-pressure sales pitches.
Today, the business offers an extensive portfolio of products. Their windows include energy-efficient double-glazed units in standard and flush casements, sliding sash types (as an official Bygone installer), uPVC and aluminium options – all custom-made and available in a range of finishes, including woodgrain, black, grey, or green. The door selections mirror this wide variety: uPVC entrance doors, Apeer 70 mm GRP composite doors in traditional or modern styles, French doors, patio sliders, bi-fold systems, stable and single configurations. Each option can be customised in a palette of colours and furniture fittings to suit the home's aesthetic and personal taste.
One of Collingtons’ key strengths is its integrated approach. The installation team consists of skilled tradesmen employed directly by the company, ensuring quality control from initial survey to finishing touches. All installations come with a tenyear guarantee, supported by manufacturer
warranties on furniture and fittings, and servicing and repairs are available should any component need attention.
Clients can begin the process without a callout fee; Collingtons’ team will visit to discuss requirements, or visitors are welcome to the Helston showroom at 16 Water-Ma-Trout to view the full range in person. The company covers the entire West Cornwall area and, over the years, has built a reputation for combining competitive pricing with high-quality workmanship, a reputation grounded in decades of industry experience and a familystyle, hands-on approach.
Whether the task is residential or commercial, new installations or maintenance of existing windows or doors, Collingtons delivers solutions that balance practicality, durability and design integrity. Customers benefit from modern materials and fitting techniques paired with down-to-earth service and full aftercare. For those seeking to update windows or doors in West Cornwall, the company offers a dependable route to long-lasting results.
COLLINGTON & COMPANY
16 Water-Ma-Trout, Helston TR13 0LW 01326 572599
info@collingtons.com www.collingtons.com
Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
Versatile and PRACTICAL
By design, window shutters offer a level of versatility that curtains and blinds simply cannot match. They provide a striking balance of light control, privacy and aesthetic appeal that is hard to rival. As interior trends evolve and homeowners demand more practical, stylish window solutions, shutters increasingly outshine traditional soft furnishings.
More than a decade ago, Andrew Cook identified this shifting appetite among homeowners and interior designers.
Recognising that curtains and blinds, while popular for centuries, no longer met modern demands for energy performance, durability and design, he anticipated shutters would rise as the premier window covering. Acting on that insight, he founded Just Shutters in Newquay, Cornwall. His business vision quickly led to regional success, and ultimately, a family relocation to Cornwall to grow the enterprise further.
Today, Just Shutters has become a vital part of the Cornish home market. Based in Newquay and covering all of Cornwall (and Devon), the company offers a personalised service that caters equally to long-term residents and holiday let owners alike. Their modern process integrates online consultations via Zoom or FaceTime, allowing homeowners to make informed decisions without needing to be physically present. Professional installation by their expert team means most shutter installations are completed within two to three hours, a crucial advantage for holiday changeover schedules.
The appeal of plantation shutters lies not only in their efficiency but in their broad design possibilities. Just Shutters offers a vast selection of materials, colours, and finishes, many exclusive to their brand. Options include classic smaller louvres with central tilt-rods for traditional interiors, and wide-panel shutters with sleek contours for contemporary homes.
They can also craft café-style, tier-on-tier, tracked or shaped shutters, even triangular, arched, or porthole designs, for almost any window configuration. This flexibility ensures shutters enhance both interior décor and exterior kerb appeal, imparting a subtle continental chic to every property.
Although shutters often carry a higher upfront price than curtains or blinds, they offer unmatched long-term value. Plantation shutters not only look elegant and timeless, but they’re also exceptionally durable – they won’t warp, fade, or discolour and they’re repairable should damage occur. Just Shutters supports this longevity with an industry-leading lifetime guarantee, underlining the reliability of their workmanship and materials.
Energy efficiency is a standout benefit of choosing shutters. Plantation shutters can improve thermal efficiency by up to 40%, trapping a layer of air between the window and the shutter to reduce heat transfer and UV damage. Research by Glasgow Caledonian University highlights that shutters can reduce heat loss by as much as 51%, significantly outperforming blinds or curtains. These gains translate into tangible savings with typical households able to reduce energy costs by £110–£290 per year simply by installing highquality shutters.
In addition to thermal performance, shutters also contribute to acoustic comfort. Their solid construction helps dampen outside noise, from traffic to rainy Cornish weather, providing quieter, more peaceful interiors. They’re also child- and petfriendly: no dangling cords, no fabric hazards, and secure fittings mean added safety in family homes. What’s more, with fewer dusty fabrics around, shutters support allergy reduction and promote a cleaner living environment.
From a wellbeing perspective, modern studies underscore the mental and physical benefits of optimised natural light. Plantation shutters let you precisely control daylight – reducing glare, managing intensity, and preserving views while enhancing privacy. This creates a more comfortable, healthier indoor environment, promoting better sleep, mood and productivity.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple: a light dusting every so often keeps shutters looking pristine – and you’ll never need to launder, dry-clean, or replace them as you would with curtains or blinds.
Shutters also add solid resale value. As a fixture, they remain with the home, and prospective buyers frequently view them as an upgrade, boosting attractiveness and potential sale price.
Just Shutters differentiates itself by specialising exclusively in plantation shutters –they don’t offer them as a side product alongside curtains or blinds. The team delivers expert design, meticulous bespoke craftsmanship, and professional installation covering even the most unusual window shapes. Checkatrade reviews consistently rate them 9.9–10/10 for workmanship, reliability and customer service, with many repeat customers recommending them over again.
Whether you’re looking at a coastal holiday let in Cornwall or upgrading an everyday home, their blend of tailored design, installation speed, aesthetic quality, environmental performance and ongoing support makes their shutters an investment worth considering.
In conclusion, Just Shutters deliver more than just window dressing. They integrate style, durability, energy efficiency, comfort and value, backed by expert local service and the reassurance of a lifetime guarantee. For many homeowners and designers, shutters are the ideal solution.
JUST SHUTTERS
01637 808397
www.justshutters.co.uk
Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
Power for the
FUTURE
A Cornish firm delivering renewable energy solutions across the South West.
Founded in 2011 in Helston, GreenGenUK has become a trusted name in renewable energy installations throughout Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. Their expertise spans air- and ground-source heat pumps, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal, battery storage and electric vehicle charging. Whether working on domestic or commercial projects, the company focuses on designing integrated systems that provide tangible savings and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
This winter, demand for efficient heating is expected to surge. By booking an air source heat pump installation now, customers can be ready before the cold sets in. GreenGenUK helps clients access the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which currently offers a £7,500 grant towards heat pump systems. By pairing a heat pump with solar PV, homeowners can generate their own electricity, further offsetting running costs. Battery storage enhances these savings, allowing surplus solar energy to be stored or electricity to be purchased during lowrate tariff periods, sometimes as little as 8.5p per kWh.
Last year, GreenGenUK completed around one-third of all Boiler Upgrade Scheme heat pump installations in Cornwall, demonstrating both capacity and local reach. This is set to expand, with enhanced financing options, insurance cover and the support of a broader installer network.
From the outset, the company has prioritised clear advice and tailored solutions. A free, noobligation consultation ensures every system is designed around the property’s needs, meeting MCS accreditation standards and government approval. This commitment to quality is matched by an understanding of the region’s energy demands, enabling installations that perform reliably year-round.
For those considering the switch to renewable energy, GreenGenUK offers a route to lower energy bills, increased property value, and a reduced carbon footprint. Their approach balances technical know-how with a practical understanding of incentives, tariffs and the economics of home heating. With energy prices being unpredictable and environmental targets tightening, investing now in a futureproof heating and power system could be one of the most valuable decisions a homeowner makes.
GreenGenUK’s record speaks for itself: grounded expertise, strong local presence and the resources to deliver results across the South West.
GREENGENUK
Unit A Ruston House, Wheal Vrose Business Park, Helston TR13 0FG 01326 564513 enquiry@greengenuk.com www.greengenuk.com Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
+44 (0)7721
sj@samanthajohnsondesign.com samanthajohnsondesign.com
PLUMBASE WADEBRIDGE
Boundaries for
EVERY SEASON
Reliable protection and style with ColourFence from Gardens Made Easy.
Autumn’s arrival prompts the annual checklist of home and garden tasks, from clearing leaves to draining hoses. It is also the right moment to assess something many overlook until it fails – the garden boundary. Recent storms, such as Floris, have shown that high winds can strike in any season, bringing with them the risk of damage from loose panels and failing posts. With weather patterns shifting and gales growing less predictable, ensuring the perimeter of a property is secure has become a practical necessity rather than an optional upgrade.
Gardens Made Easy (formerly Colourfence Cornwall) has been supplying and installing ColourFence in Cornwall for the past 11 years. This robust fencing system is designed to withstand even the harshest conditions. Constructed from high-tensile steel, it can withstand gusts of up to 130mph. The finish is durable, resistant to corrosion and requires minimal upkeep, eliminating the rot, warping and regular repainting associated with timber fencing. Once in place, it offers years of reliable service without the cycle of seasonal repairs. Beyond strength, ColourFence provides choice. Available in a range of colours and configurations, it allows homeowners to match their boundary to the character of their property, whether aiming for a clean
contemporary look or something more traditional. Its design is engineered not only for resilience but also for a neat, consistent appearance that endures.
A well-maintained fence contributes to security, deterring intrusions and reducing the risk of debris damage during storms. It also plays a role in defining and protecting garden spaces, which for many are valued extensions of the home. By acting now, before winter’s strongest winds arrive, homeowners can secure peace of mind and reduce the likelihood of urgent repairs in the colder months.
Gardens Made Easy offers a full service from site survey through to installation, ensuring each fence is tailored to the location and requirements. Their experienced team handles every stage, allowing customers to invest in a boundary that looks as good as it performs. For those considering a replacement or an upgrade, ColourFence is a practical, long-term solution that brings resilience, low maintenance and style together in one installation – ready for whatever the weather may bring.
GARDENS MADE EASY
11 Pentire Road, Newquay TR7 1NX 07810 375 351/ 01637 222578
www.gardensmadeeasy.co.uk
Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
WITH PURPOSE Interior design
Elevate your living space for yourself or as an aid to increase the return on your property investment.
Transforming a space requires more than desire; it demands experience, understanding and the ability to translate ideas into environments that work. Mylor Interior Design, founded by Ally and Kim, brings together twenty-five years of combined expertise gained in both London and Cornwall. Their partnership blends different skills, enabling them to handle projects that range from subtle refurbishments to complete overhauls.
Each project begins with a consultation designed to capture the client’s vision. Sometimes inspiration comes from a single object – an inherited chair, a painting, a colour. From this, they craft a mood board, first digitally and later as a physical sample board, helping clients to visualise and refine the direction. This structured process ensures decisions are made with confidence wrought around a prescribed framework.
Mylor Interior Design also offers flexibility in how they work. Their services can be taken as a full package, from concept through to final installation, or at individual stages depending on need. Their development phase focuses on the careful selection of materials – paint, wallpapers, furniture, and finishes – while the realisation stage covers procurement
and coordination with trusted suppliers and trades. Their network extends across Cornwall, the South West and beyond.
They also bring specialist insight into holiday letting properties. Their designled approach has been shown to improve booking rates, making them a valuable partner for owners seeking to maximise appeal. Similarly, for homeowners preparing to sell, thoughtful design interventions can make a marked difference to the eventual sale price.
With every project, Ally and Kim balance creativity with cost awareness, tailoring solutions that reflect both the client’s ideas and budget. They believe good design should not only look right but also feel right, functioning as an integral part of daily life.
For those contemplating a refresh, whether it’s a single room, an entire home, or an investment property, Mylor Interior Design provides the expertise to bring ideas into focus and turn plans into reality.
MYLOR INTERIOR DESIGN
mylorinteriordesign@outlook.com 01872613215
www.mylorinteriordesign.com Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
