Design & Build Happiness
Secrets from The Queen of Construction; Are you planning a home upgrade? A renovation or extension to create your dream home? Abigail Hall, Construction & Design expert, knows the difference between good and great and share the secrets to make your home deliver happiness every day. Each month we talk to the world class specialists about what changes to include in your upgrade project which will deliver genuine value to you life - every day! What to include, when to plan it in, how to buy it for the best price how to get a home that creates genuine happiness for the whole family.
Episodes
April 29, 2023 • 26 mins
This month we answer a listener question about home storage and organisation with the help of an author Abi has come to rely on. And it all comes down to decluttering.
For the first time in the podcast's history - we are giving advice which is COMPLETELY FREE and comes before you even talk to the Queen of Construction (or your regular contractor).
IN FACT - Abi says, if you do this - you might not even nee...
For the first time in the podcast's history - we are giving advice which is COMPLETELY FREE and comes before you even talk to the Queen of Construction (or your regular contractor).
IN FACT - Abi says, if you do this - you might not even nee...
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March 31, 2023 • 23 mins
This month we talk to Looeeze Grossman from The Used Kitchen Company about an industry secret; sourcing and installing used kitchens.
We talk practicalities of the process of finding, measuring your new used kitchen, pitfalls to avoid and costs to consider. While also talking about the savings which can be made, both to your pocket and to the environment.
If you would like to know more about The Used Kitche...
We talk practicalities of the process of finding, measuring your new used kitchen, pitfalls to avoid and costs to consider. While also talking about the savings which can be made, both to your pocket and to the environment.
If you would like to know more about The Used Kitche...
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February 28, 2023 • 29 mins
This month we talk to Sally from Red Dog Glass Design about a bespoke product which is making waves and giving owners goosebumps. Bespoke Art Glass.
We hear about what it is, how it's used, and when to install it. And we find out that Abi needs to think more about feelings than function!
If you would like to know more about this product then please see Sally's work at Instagram: @reddogglassdesign, their We...
We hear about what it is, how it's used, and when to install it. And we find out that Abi needs to think more about feelings than function!
If you would like to know more about this product then please see Sally's work at Instagram: @reddogglassdesign, their We...
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November 25, 2022 • 35 mins
Fixing damage to your beautiful home.
This month we talk about a secret of how to repair internal damage to your home. The scuffs, chips, stains and dents which take the shine off the pride you have for your home refurbishment project.
The honest fact is - things get damaged, either during the building process or just in life from living in the house! Most people - including people who work in construction,...
This month we talk about a secret of how to repair internal damage to your home. The scuffs, chips, stains and dents which take the shine off the pride you have for your home refurbishment project.
The honest fact is - things get damaged, either during the building process or just in life from living in the house! Most people - including people who work in construction,...
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October 28, 2022 • 34 mins
This month we talk to one of the world leaders in hand painted wallpaper; which is one of the most in demand 'I wish I could have in my home' items my clients ask for.
We cover the process from planning the design, through to making it fit to the architecture of your home and listen to some wonderful and amusing stories along the way.
I know, after listening to this episode, you will be as in love with Grac...
We cover the process from planning the design, through to making it fit to the architecture of your home and listen to some wonderful and amusing stories along the way.
I know, after listening to this episode, you will be as in love with Grac...
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September 29, 2022 • 34 mins
This month we talk to Design Forecasters and strategic consultancy to the creative industries; Vincent Grégorie, Consumer Trends & Insight Director from Nelly Rodi. Website: https://nellyrodi.com/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nellyrodi/
This episode contains essential information for growing design and fit out firms who will benefit from knowledge about the direction of residential and lifestyle trends....
This episode contains essential information for growing design and fit out firms who will benefit from knowledge about the direction of residential and lifestyle trends....
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August 25, 2022 • 37 mins
This month we talk about the process of developing your home’s style with interior design expert Saphia Sheikh from Urban Retreat Interiors.
We talk about Saphia’s interior design service, how to trust yourself and avoid limiting beliefs. She also talks through the most important aspects to consider when engaging an interior designer to extend or renovate your home.
For more information on the retreats to Ma...
We talk about Saphia’s interior design service, how to trust yourself and avoid limiting beliefs. She also talks through the most important aspects to consider when engaging an interior designer to extend or renovate your home.
For more information on the retreats to Ma...
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July 28, 2022 • 27 mins
This month I talk about the essential and complex subject of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning).
I cover topics such as the various sources of heat, how to improve your heating, different types of ventilation and how to achieve pleasing aesthetic and function as well as the ins and outs of air conditioning units.
For more information
https://www.abigailhall.design
If you have enj...
I cover topics such as the various sources of heat, how to improve your heating, different types of ventilation and how to achieve pleasing aesthetic and function as well as the ins and outs of air conditioning units.
For more information
https://www.abigailhall.design
If you have enj...
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This month we talk about your professional team with Joseph, Technical Director of AGA Associates, an architectural practice in Central London.
We discuss the size and roles of your professional team on a refurbishment or extension project and the power and benefit of having a range of individuals around the table.
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This month we are talking to Feng Shui expert, podcast host and published author Patricia Lohen from Powerhouse Feng Shui.
We talk about the accent art of Feng Shui - 5000 year old principles applied to our home extension or renovation.
Did she manifest me?
First things first, it is possible that Patricia manifested me to be on the podcast this month? We connected on a group of experts and when Patrici...
We talk about the accent art of Feng Shui - 5000 year old principles applied to our home extension or renovation.
Did she manifest me?
First things first, it is possible that Patricia manifested me to be on the podcast this month? We connected on a group of experts and when Patrici...
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This month we talk to an absolute favourite supplier - Chelcie from Orac decor. You might find their name familiar and that’s because we have before now featured Orac on the podcast with other product ranges (we’ve previously talked about coving). But this month we are talking wall panels and specifically formed panels which can be installed yourself - without the cost of a professional carpenter or decorator.
So go...
So go...
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This month we talk to a legend in the design industry. Frank Sawkins from Czech & Speake. You may not realise that many of the iconic ‘looks’ of bathroom brassware, which is the name used for taps, spouts and shower heads, were originally designed and supplied by Franks company. An industry leader, design innovator and expert in how to achieve the 5* luxury function and aesthetic in on of the hardest working rooms in yo...
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This month we talk to design professional Angel Tan, MD of The House Directory about how to source products for your project; We explore further the ‘Buy it’ stage, where will define every item which goes into furnishing and finishing your home, while making it come within your budget.
Angel has a background as an Architect and Interior Designer and so, not only does she have a company which provides direct and qualified p...
Angel has a background as an Architect and Interior Designer and so, not only does she have a company which provides direct and qualified p...
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July 16, 2021 • 38 mins
This week we talk to construction professional Siobhon Niles about the final stage of a project; The ‘Test It’ stage where you, your architect or your project manager will snag the work done by your contractor and sub contractors.
Siobhon has worked on building sites for over a decade but doesn’t hide the honest truth that if you don’t give the test it and snagging stage sufficient time, you are at a loss.
Sh...
Siobhon has worked on building sites for over a decade but doesn’t hide the honest truth that if you don’t give the test it and snagging stage sufficient time, you are at a loss.
Sh...
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July 10, 2021 • 39 mins
This week we talk to Paul Vanstone about the process of preparing for, planning and commission outdoor art. As a veteran marble sculptor who sells and installs his pieces globally - Paul has lots of advice to dispense.
We recorded this podcast at his atelier so thanks for understanding about some of the background noise.
Paul gives us great advice about the confidence and trust in the artist to commission ...
We recorded this podcast at his atelier so thanks for understanding about some of the background noise.
Paul gives us great advice about the confidence and trust in the artist to commission ...
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July 9, 2021 • 45 mins
This week we talk (via Skype – sorry for the quality at times!) to Construction Professional Brigitte Clements, Managing partner of Loki-Architecture, an Architectural Development practice operating in the UK.
We cover the difference in the different jobs, Architect, Contractor and Builder, when there is cross over and what you get from each of them.
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June 25, 2021 • 10 mins
Are you thinking about extending or renovating your home? Do you want to make sure the end product is perfect for your lifestyle, personality and taste? In this weeks podcast, Designing Happiness host and Technical Design Expert, Abigail Hall, takes you through the 5 easy stages.
They are:
They are:
- Plan it
- Design it
- Buy it
- Build it
- Test it.
Listen to the episode to find out what deliverable yo...
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July 24, 2020 • 16 mins
This week I answer a question I’m regularly asked. ‘How do I turn my project into a profession?”.
During the course of the lock down period a few friends have contacted me as they know I’ve run my own international design and fit out practice and wanted to talk about a career change into house refurbishments, interior design and project management. Basically they wanted to turn their own renovation, their own pro...
During the course of the lock down period a few friends have contacted me as they know I’ve run my own international design and fit out practice and wanted to talk about a career change into house refurbishments, interior design and project management. Basically they wanted to turn their own renovation, their own pro...
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July 17, 2020 • 38 mins
This week we talk to The Birch House curtain manufacturer and expert Carolyn Peyman about the technicalities of curtain rail or pole installation and the various technical choices which might influence your curtain & blind choice.
Carolyn talks about when to use a curtain pole and when to choose a track and the difference between hand drawn, corded and electric. She also tells you what you are likely to get for ...
Carolyn talks about when to use a curtain pole and when to choose a track and the difference between hand drawn, corded and electric. She also tells you what you are likely to get for ...
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July 9, 2020 • 35 mins
This week we talk to The Birch House curtain manufacturer and expert Carolyn Peyman about how to achieve the look you want with your curtains, poles, tracks and blinds.
Carolyn explains how poles are a great feature, whereas tracks are more discreet, That poles are for hand drawn curtains whereas poles can be hand drawn, corded or electric. And just to confuse things, you can get tracks that look like poles which mean...
Carolyn explains how poles are a great feature, whereas tracks are more discreet, That poles are for hand drawn curtains whereas poles can be hand drawn, corded or electric. And just to confuse things, you can get tracks that look like poles which mean...
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