Category General Article

Whether you have recently relocated or are looking for home fix up, or perhaps something a little more significant, then there are some easy design tricks that you can do that take are cost efficient and require minimal effort.

Small Room Tricks

Painting small room in light colours will help make a room feel bigger and more spacious. A living room is a good example of this as it can have the tendency to feel cluttered and crapped, particularly if it stores large pieces of furniture such as sofas and cabinets. Painting your walls white or off-white and fitting an oversized mirror will reflect the natural light that enters through your windows. The mirror also gives the illusion of extra space which can widen narrow rooms. Light furniture to match the light walls is also a good way of making the room feel less cluttered and airier. Dark furniture can appear to use more space within the room and creates the illusion of shadow.

Wicker

Wicker furniture such as baskets are an elegant and economical way to add storage to any room. This is a great tip to use if the room is small and lacks storage space. Not only can the wicker baskets store books, blankets and towels, but by adding a cushion on top, they can be used as a footrest, perfect for when you want to kick back and relax. Wicker sofas are great to use as conservatory furniture and look great when in a minimalistic designed … Read More

Windows are part of the external fabric of a home. Like the roof and doors, windows help protect our home from the weather and intruders. Good quality windows can enhance the value of a property whereas low-quality windows have the opposite effect.

The majority of modern homes these days have uPVC windows fitted. They are the norm. Look around an average street in the UK and you will see that only older or period properties have wooden window frames. UPVC windows have come down significantly in price in the last 20 years, and it’s now possible to purchase a new uPVC window for less than £500. You can view a full selection of styles and designs at https://thehomedesigngroup.co.uk/double-glazing-upvc-windows-belfast/, but before you do that, you need to decide whether it is worth replacing your existing uPVC windows.

Here is a quick guide to help you make the right decision.

Your Windows are Old

Older-style uPVC windows are less energy efficient than newer windows. Purchase new energy efficient windows and you could save money each year on your energy bills. Look for windows that have been rated by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) as A-rated or higher. The highest rating is A++. Good quality double-glazing companies sell A-rated windows as standard.

There is Condensation Between the Glass

Condensation between the glass panels means the seal has broken. This is common in older windows. You can have the glass unit replaced without removing the frame, but if your frames are old, it … Read More

If you’d like to create a really fun and chic look in your dining room, a stenciled ceiling can be the statement you’re looking. If you have a dining room filled with all-white furniture, the intricately-painted ceiling can do so much to bring the room together. Plus, you can also work on making sure that you provide accents that highlight the ceiling. In the case of the dining room, the accents might be the napkins and the dining room table centerpiece.

1. Tools You’ll Need
You’ll need ladders that are sturdy. You’ll spend a lot of time standing to prepare this design. You’ll also need a few sponge brushes to dab the stencil design into the ceiling. Purchase painter’s tape so that you can keep the stencil in place while you paint. It’s pretty impossible to do a stencil design without the stencil of your choice. When you find the perfect stencil pattern, purchase a few of the same pattern. You’ll be able to tape them all together to create a large pattern of the same stencil. When you’re covering a surface area, you won’t have to utilize as much tape to reapply a small stencil pattern. Don’t forget to purchase your choice of paint as well.

2. Protecting Your Home
Protection is so important. When you’re painting the ceiling, there’s potential for paint to get everywhere. You don’t want this to happen so it’s best to use dropcloths on the floor and on top of any lingering furniture. The … Read More