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