Yearly Archives: 2021

Underfloor Heating, The Pros and Cons

Posted on August 31, 2021 at 6:33 pm

Underfloor heating is available in two different forms; water and electric

The water system is a network of pipes linked to the boiler that pump hot water around a room.

An electric system is a network of wires and coils under the floor that heat up.

There are some pros and cons to underfloor heating.

Pros

You have the comfort of walking on warm flooring in the winter, especially when using the bathroom,

There are no sharp edges or hot radiators to hurt yourself on, especially toddlers.

Underfloor heating is easy to run and requires very little or no maintenance and radiators do not need to be bled.

Cons

Installation can be very expensive.

Underfloor heating can take longer to heat up than a radiator and with smaller underfloor heating systems they may not heat up enough of a room adequately so you may require a freestanding radiator as well.

Posted in Home Improvements

Top Tips for Measuring for Curtains

Posted on April 27, 2021 at 3:46 pm

Measuring for the correct size curtain is not about simply measuring the size of the frame of the windows but has a few more steps than that. Firstly, you will want to ensure that whatever type of curtain rod or track you are planning on using is already installed, to get accurate measurements. Once your rod or track is in place, 15cm above the window top and 15-20cm either side of the edges, you will want to measure for the width of the curtains. You do this by measuring the total width of the track or pole, excluding the decorative ends or finials. Half of that measurement will be the individual curtains width.

Next you will want to measure for the correct length or drop of the curtains. To do this you will start from where the pole or track starts down to where you want the curtain to drop to. If you want them at the base of the window frame, this is normally done by going to the window frame base and then take off 1cm. Or if you want it below the window sill, add 15cm. If you want floor length, measure to the floor then take away 1cm.
This is an excellent way to ensure that you order the correct size of curtains, the first time.

Posted in Home

Pros and Cons of Wallpaper

Posted on April 17, 2021 at 12:04 pm

Nearly everyone has probably heard a horror story about someone trying to either put up or remove wallpaper. Over the years wallpaper has changed quite a bit and can offer a wide range of colours, patterns and textures. If you are trying to decide if wallpaper is right for you, consider a few of the advantages and disadvantages of using it.

Pros

• Versatility- wallpaper can offer a much wider spectrum of colour and design than paint
• Durability- wallpaper can typically last longer than paint, as paint needs touching up every 2-5 years whereas quality wallpaper can last 10-15 years
• Aesthetics- the incredible variety you can get with wall paper means you can create a much higher level of creativity with minimal effort

Cons

• Cost- wallpaper is typically more expensive
• Removal/Replacement- whilst if done right, removal may not be that hard, but it is time consuming
• Installing- if you are not experienced, putting up wallpaper, then matching patterns, seams can be difficult

If you choose to try wallpaper, be sure to do your research and learn as much as you can about installing and removal before attempting it.

Posted in Interior Design

How to Choose Lighting for a Bathroom

Posted on January 9, 2021 at 1:08 pm

Bathrooms are a tricky room for planning lighting as the vanity, tub and shower all require different types of lighting but still needs a cohesion in the style and overall design. To help you plan and choose what will work best in your space, here are three top tips:

Aim for ‘layers of light’
It is most beneficial to have three layers of light in a bathroom. A combination of ambient light, task lighting (for daily grooming) and accent lighting will assure that the light is distributed evenly.

Don’t worry about ‘exact’ matches
The style of all the different fixtures does not have to be exact, however, you should ensure the fixtures have the same finish, to maintain unity. Brass or Chrome are the most versatile finishes as they can easily complement other bath accessories.

Consider sizing
It is important to keep in mind the size of the space. Make sure that the fixtures are not too large or too small. If the bathroom is a good size you can accentuate its size with something larger, like a chandelier for example.

Posted in Home, Home Improvements