Latest news with #AlexFrancis
Sky News
2 days ago
- Business
- Sky News
Online travel agent Loveholidays mulls stock market excursion
One of Britain's biggest online travel agents (OTAs) is exploring a stock market listing - a move which could deliver a welcome boost to London's fragile pipeline for initial public offerings (IPOs). Sky News has learnt that the owner of Loveholidays is working with bankers on a flotation likely to value the company at well over £1bn. City sources said on Thursday that initial meetings with institutional investors had been scheduled, although further details of a potential listing were unclear. Loveholidays has been backed by Livingbridge, a private equity firm, since 2018, and has seen its financial performance improve markedly since the Covid pandemic threw the travel industry into chaos. The company specialises in trips to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, and boasts that its inventory of 35,000 hotels and 99% of all flights result in 500 billion possible holiday packages. It reportedly saw pre-tax profits rise by a fifth to £67.6m on sales of £284m in the year to October 2024. Along with OnTheBeach and TUI, Loveholidays ranks among the UK's biggest travel agents and has been a big winner from the post-pandemic resurgence in demand from holidaymakers. Last year, Sky News reported that bidders including CVC Capital Partners, the private equity giant, were examining offers for a controlling stake in Loveholidays. When that process was curtailed, it is also said to have explored the sale of a minority stake. Loveholidays was founded in 2012 by Alex Francis and Jonny Marsh, and now employs hundreds of people.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm a property expert – these 5 simple home improvements will boost your value when it's time to sell
WHEN it comes to creating your perfect interior, often the key is trying to make more of less. But giving the illusion that your home is bigger than it really is can sound like an even bigger task. 3 3 3 However that is only if you don't know what you are doing. Thankfully it is easier than it seems, with helpful hacks to make every part of a property feel much more spacious without breaking the bank. Expert Alex Francis, from Comodo Living, said: 'The key is to keep things simple and streamlined. "Focus on essential pieces that offer both function and impact, creating a calm, uncluttered atmosphere' Here are some tips from interiors gurus for making every part of the house look roomier. BEDROOM OPTING for the right bed frame is very important, as is maximising vertical space. Alex said: 'Opting for something sleek and sophisticated can help elevate the room's aesthetic. 'Consider a headboard that complements the room's style and adds an element of luxury without overwhelming the space. 'When floor space is limited, look upwards. Opt for wall mirrors rather than leaning floor mirrors. Think wall-mounted shelves, floating nightstands, and tall wardrobes. 'Prioritise functionality and add furniture that serves dual purposes, such as a bed with built-in storage. I'm an interior designer and here's 5 mistakes people make - including the 2010s fad & the print that should be illegal 'And be sure to measure carefully before adding anything to the room.' BATHROOM OLIVIA CROSHER, an expert interior designer at Naturewall, sees a smaller bathroom as an opportunity to get creative and infuse style and spaciousness. She said: 'Choosing a light, soft hue and pale colours can make the bathroom feel airy and open. Opt for panelling or tiles with subtle, natural textures or patterns to add interest without overwhelming the space, it can add layers to the room, making it feel cosy 'Incorporate hidden storage, like under-sink cabinets or recessed wall shelves, to keep essentials out of sight. 'Vanity units can anchor the room. Wall-mounted taps and sinks can save space while adding a modern touch. A walk-in shower with a glass screen will create a more seamless transition.' LIVING ROOM CHOOSING colours for a living room can have a big impact and fool the eye into thinking the space is bigger. Interior design expert Zara O'Hare, at Land of Rugs, said: 'White remains a widely adopted colour choice to create the illusion of a larger space. 'This holds particularly true when the room benefits from abundant natural light that can bounce off the walls, or in rooms that face south, where sunlight is more abundant. 'Choose crisp or brilliant white tones for small spaces to create a clean and calming ambience. 'To avoid making the room appear stale, incorporate warm or bright colours in furnishings. 'White stands out beautifully when paired with darker wooden flooring or a stunning rug. 'Eggshell or satin finishes typically reflect light, creating the illusion of more space.' KITCHEN WHETHER you are a great cook or a novice chef, many dream of having lots of kitchen space. Luckily there are plenty of ways to give this illusion. An expert at Naked Kitchens said: 'Natural light instantly opens up a small space, making it look and feel bigger. 'A simple kitchen layout, such as an L-shaped design, will offer plenty of storage and preparation space, while maintaining a more open feel. 'Choosing simple cabinetry with clean, unfussy lines, integrated appliances and minimalist hardware will create a sleek, streamlined look which draws the eye along the space. 'If you keep the sight lines in your kitchen open, your eye will continue to see through the space rather than come to an abrupt halt.' DINING ROOM A DINING room is the perfect place to host dinner parties and special events but it might not be easy if you think it feels cramped when everyone is tucking into a meal. Jennifer J Morris, founder of JMorris interior designers, said: 'The dining table can have the biggest impact. 'A table that is oval or circular in shape will give extra room and air flow/movement around the table. 'If you choose a table with a pedestal base, it will make the room seem lighter. A pedestal table also allows seating to be flexible, with more people being able to sit around it. 'Keep the chairs light; perhaps open backs on the chairs that are not too high above the table would be ideal.'
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I'm an interiors expert – here's how to make your small bedroom look bigger on a budget
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF the rooms in your house are small, it can sometimes limit the options when it comes to a makeover. But the desire to transform small bedrooms into stylish, functional sanctuaries is surging as searches for 'small bedroom interior' have soared on Pinterest. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Making clever use of all surfaces makes a difference in small bedrooms Credit: Getty As this trend continues to grow, interior design expert Alex Francis from Comodo Living has revealed his top tips on maximising your space and turning your bedroom into a luxurious retreat. Choose The Bed Wisely First up, Alex points out that the bed often takes centre stage in a small bedroom. So he says choosing the right bed frame is very important. He advised: "Opting for something sleek and sophisticated can help elevate the room's aesthetic without taking over the room. "Consider a headboard that complements the room's style and adds an element of luxury without overwhelming the space." Picking a solid headboard like a wooden one can also allow it to double as shelf space. Maximise Vertical Space "When floor space is limited, look upwards", Alex continues. "Think wall-mounted shelves, floating nightstands, and tall wardrobes, which can help you use vertical space and keep the room from feeling crowded." Mirrors can also be a great way to reflect light and give the illusion of a larger space, creating a more open, airy atmosphere. But Alex adds: "Opt for wall mirrors rather than leaning floor mirrors." I'm an interiors expert - 8 mistakes that are making your home look cheap Make Space for You When designing a small bedroom, it's crucial to carve out personal space that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. Alex says: "Prioritise functionality and add furniture that serves dual purposes, such as a bed with built-in storage or an ottoman that doubles as a seating area." Avoid Overcrowding the Room Finally, Alex revealed the "common pitfall" in small bedroom design - overcrowding the space with too much furniture or overly elaborate decor. He says: "The key is to keep things simple and streamlined. Focus on essential pieces that offer both function and impact, creating a calm, uncluttered atmosphere. "For example, choose a storage stool over a bulky armchair to save space without sacrificing style. "And always make thoughtful decisions, be sure to measure carefully before adding anything to the room."
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm an interiors expert – here's how to make your small bedroom look bigger on a budget
IF the rooms in your house are small, it can sometimes limit the options when it comes to a makeover. But the desire to transform small bedrooms into stylish, functional sanctuaries is surging as searches for 'small bedroom interior' have soared on Pinterest. 1 As this trend continues to grow, interior design expert Alex Francis from Comodo Living has revealed his top tips on maximising your space and turning your bedroom into a luxurious retreat. Choose The Bed Wisely First up, Alex points out that the bed often takes centre stage in a small bedroom. So he says choosing the right bed frame is very important. He advised: "Opting for something sleek and sophisticated can help elevate the room's aesthetic without taking over the room. "Consider a headboard that complements the room's style and adds an element of luxury without overwhelming the space." Picking a solid headboard like a wooden one can also allow it to double as shelf space. Maximise Vertical Space "When floor space is limited, look upwards", Alex continues. "Think wall-mounted shelves, floating nightstands, and tall wardrobes, which can help you use vertical space and keep the room from feeling crowded." Mirrors can also be a great way to reflect light and give the illusion of a larger space, creating a more open, airy atmosphere. But Alex adds: "Opt for wall mirrors rather than leaning floor mirrors." I'm an interiors expert - 8 mistakes that are making your home look cheap Make Space for You When designing a small bedroom, it's crucial to carve out personal space that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. Alex says: "Prioritise functionality and add furniture that serves dual purposes, such as a bed with built-in storage or an ottoman that doubles as a seating area." Avoid Overcrowding the Room Finally, Alex revealed the "common pitfall" in small bedroom design - overcrowding the space with too much furniture or overly elaborate decor. He says: "The key is to keep things simple and streamlined. Focus on essential pieces that offer both function and impact, creating a calm, uncluttered atmosphere. "For example, choose a storage stool over a bulky armchair to save space without sacrificing style. "And always make thoughtful decisions, be sure to measure carefully before adding anything to the room."
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I'm an interiors expert – here's how to make your small bedroom look bigger on a budget
IF the rooms in your house are small, it can sometimes limit the options when it comes to a makeover. But the desire to transform small bedrooms into stylish, functional sanctuaries is surging as searches for 'small bedroom interior' have soared on Pinterest. Advertisement 1 Making clever use of all surfaces makes a difference in small bedrooms Credit: Getty As this trend continues to grow, interior design expert Alex Francis from Choose The Bed Wisely First up, Alex points out that the bed often takes centre stage in a small bedroom. So he says choosing the right bed frame is very important. He advised: "Opting for something sleek and sophisticated can help elevate the room's aesthetic without taking over the room. Advertisement Read more in Fabulous "Consider a headboard that complements the room's style and adds an element of luxury without overwhelming the space." Picking a solid headboard like a wooden one can also allow it to double as shelf space. Maximise Vertical Space "When floor space is limited, look upwards", Alex continues. "Think wall-mounted shelves, floating nightstands, and tall wardrobes, which can help you use vertical space and keep the room from feeling crowded." Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Latest Mirrors can also be a great way to reflect light and give the illusion of a larger space, creating a more open, airy atmosphere. But Alex adds: "Opt for wall mirrors rather than leaning floor mirrors." I'm an interiors expert - 8 mistakes that are making your home look cheap Make Space for You When designing a small bedroom, it's crucial to carve out personal space that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. Alex says: "Prioritise functionality and add furniture that serves dual purposes, such as a bed with built-in storage or an ottoman that doubles as a seating area." Advertisement Avoid Overcrowding the Room Finally, Alex revealed the "common pitfall" in small bedroom design - overcrowding the space with too much furniture or overly elaborate decor. He says: "The key is to keep things simple and streamlined. Focus on essential pieces that offer both function and impact, creating a calm, uncluttered atmosphere. "For example, choose a storage stool over a bulky armchair to save space without sacrificing style. Advertisement "And always make thoughtful decisions, be sure to measure carefully before adding anything to the room."
