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Building for a Brighter Future ; Matt Thomas Runs the Rule Over Wales' Architects and Finds They Are Adapting and Seeking New Markets to Beat the Recession: Architects Must Have Designs On Foreign Markets

AS one of the more garlanded architects in Wales, hyde+hyde are better placed than most to give a sense of how their profession is being affected by the current economic climate. The news, according to Kristian Hyde, is pretty good.

Emyr Pierce the Property Doctor

Q My wife and I are looking to downsize and we were talking to a couple with a young family who are looking for a bigger home. We both like each other's houses and would like to exchange. How do we do this without involving the expense of employing an estate agent? A There is absolutely no reason why an estate agent has to be employed. You are free to sell your own house privately either in the local newspaper or on the internet. The role of the estate agent is to actively market your propert...

Dick Proves a Green Life Really Can Be a Good Life

WHATEVER you think about TV eco-guru Dick Strawbridge there's no doubting he walks it like he talks it. Our interview, concerning his up-coming appearance in Swansea promoting sustainable living and engineering, has had to be rescheduled because of a pig-related mishap.

We Like ...

Time to Get Your 'Foot in the Door

ONE of the most popular holiday beaches in West Wales, Saundersfoot, has become a mecca for tourists as well as second home owners looking for a slice of beach-side life. In 1995, the town was designated a conservation area by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and it's long sandy shoreline takes in a number of Blue Flag spots.

Licensed to Sell - New Certificate for Agents

A NEW licence for estate agents has been introduced as part of a push to raise standards in the industry. The licence, launched at the House of Commons by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), requires that at least one agent per branch is qualified in residential property sales.

Select Seasonal Gifts ; If You've Got Lots of Homebodies to Buy for This Christmas, Wm Interiors Editor Rin Simpson has Plenty of Suggestions for You

Ornamental offerings Frames, vases and ornaments are all classic gifts for a very good reason - there are dozens of different styles to choose from and a huge range of prices too, so you won't have any problem finding one to suit your style or your wallet. STAR by Julien MacDonald small round black art vase pounds 12, large black art vase pounds 38, large animal lustre vase pounds 28, Debenhams, 0844 561 6161 Natural wood swivel picture frame pounds 21, Jasmine Way Bronze sculpture pounds 68,...

Gizmos and Gadgets

Hostess twin wine cooler/warmer HW02MA pounds 99, Littlewoods At the opposite end of the scale from the old fashioned crafty goods are the uber modern techy ones. The home has plenty of space for gadgets, many of which are real treats that you might not buy yourself, making them ideal gifts.

Homemade Home

Stylish Curtains Are a Makeover Must-Have

Attractive, well-made curtains provide a focal point in a room, and budgeting for them should be a priority when you are planning a revamp within the home. The way we treat our windows - whether curtains, blinds, shutters or screens - has seen a dramatic change over the last few years.

Nicola Wilkes a Question of Design Www.Walesathome.Co.Uk

Q How can I add dramatic effect to a small bedroom? Space is limited but I don't want that to mean a compromise in the style stakes. Help! A I absolutely adore this floor standing Octavia mirror from the French Bedroom Company and it could be just what you need to add that wow factor to your bedroom as all you need is a wall to prop it up against.

Favouriteobject

Paul loves his floating shelves on the wall, filled with his beloved design books and family photos. "My degree is in product design, so I'm very into high design and these shelves were made with a CNC machine, which makes me feel very nostalgic as we used them at university," he said.

Paul's Open Plan Designs On Family Life with a High-End Touch of Class

PAUL Hewett likes to have his family around him as much as possible - even when he's working. So the 30-year-old company director has created his own space for his fourstrong brood, a family-friendly living area that doesn't compromise on his taste for high-end design.

Steal Paul's Style

Three Bedroom Plus Properties Take4 ... To Buy

pounds 199,950 WHERE? Yarrow Close, Westfield Park, St Fagans, Cardiff WHAT'S IT GOT? An attractive, immaculately presented detached house which comprises of a hall, lounge, dining room and separate sitting room/study, kitchen, utility and cloakroom, four bedrooms, bathroom, and en suite. WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT IT? Westfield Park is a well respected modern development with good access links for the city centre and the Bay. This property is great if you're a family with a few cars as the corner ...

... Or to Rent

WHERE? Archer Road, Ely, Cardiff WHAT'S IT GOT? A furnished three- bedroom semi-detached house with a pleasant garden and a garage. This property also has gas central heating and double glazing. WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT IT? It's a Dutch-style home which oozes character and individuality. The quirkiness of the property is clear from the outside - cue the green walls - and with a little bit of love and personality, the out-dated interiors could be transformed into something as equally eye-catching ...

What Can You Get for Your Money Across Wales Right Now? We've Found Three Properties From Different Price Ranges Which May Suit Your Pocket Take 3

Under pounds 200,000 WHERE? Arabella Street, Roath, Cardiff WHAT? A two doublebedroom bay-fronted house which comprises entrance hall, living room, separate dining room and modern kitchen and bathroom with wc. There is also a forecourt to the front with a good sized garden to the rear. WHY? Location wise, this property is perfect if you're somewhat of a shopaholic. Not only is it situated close to local independent stores and boutiques in Albany Road and Wellfield Road, but it's also extremel...

A Top Idea for Your Kitchen ; Julia Gray Offers Her Top Tips On Replacing a Wooden Worktop and Also Reports, Right, On a New Offer at B&Q

REPLACING your worktop can be a relatively quick and inexpensive way to give your kitchen a new look. However, you shouldn't attempt to fit it yourself unless you're an experienced DIYer.

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