With the end of the school term fast approaching, I bet lots of us are counting down the days to a long-awaited summer holiday. And with that comes the inevitable pre-holiday organising. Last-minute shopping, packing lists and pet care arrangements probably spring straight to mind, but if you’ve got any houseplants, you also need a plan for keeping them alive while you’re away. Most houseplants will be able to tolerate neglect for a ...
Boiler replacement: what to think about before you buy
Collaborative postBoilers: we tend to take them for granted, don’t we? I know I only really think about ours when it stops working, or when the energy bills arrive! But if you’ve ever suffered through a boiler replacement in the colder months of the year - which is when they tend to break - you’ll know just how vital a boiler is to the comfort and function of your home.The reason boilers tend to break down in winter is because ...
How to create a traditional bathroom
Collaborative postLike kitchens, bathrooms are an expensive room to revamp - and you certainly don’t want to be replacing the whole suite on a regular basis. I think this is one of the main reasons why a traditional style of bathroom is always a popular choice. Get it right, and a traditional bathroom style is a timeless look that will serve you well for years without looking dated.Whether you live in a period property and are ...
Tips for maximising comfort and space in your bedroom
Collaborative postDoes your bedroom feel spacious, calm and comfortable? I’ll be honest, right now mine is full of clothes waiting to be put away, so it’s a bit of a mess!We spend around a third of our lives sleeping in our bedrooms, and it’s the main room where we try to relax and recharge, so it’s absolutely one of the most important rooms in the home. As such, it makes sense to try and maximise the space you’ve got, as ...
How to get your garden ready for summer
Summer is on the way, and with it the chance to spend more time enjoying our outdoor space. Is your garden ready? During the colder months we naturally spend less time taking care of our gardens, but when the weather warms up again in summer we immediately want to get out there and enjoy them. The trouble is, there’s often work required to get things looking good before we can sit back and enjoy the view! If your garden is looking a ...
Family Home Storage Tips
Collaborative postHaving enough storage space in a family home can make a huge difference to the practicality and look of your living spaces. This guest post has lots of home storage tips on how to get it right!One of the most rewarding experiences is to watch your family grow. The problem with a growing family, however, is that sooner or later you're going to run out of space in your home. As a family grows, so does the ...
Maximising natural light with VELUX roof windows #ad
This post is part of a sponsored project for the BritMums #VELUXdaylight project, sponsored by VELUX.So, spring is officially here - hurrah!For me, this time of year goes hand-in-hand with an overwhelming urge to make the most of all that lovely daylight and fresh air that I’ve longed for during the winter months. Obviously you can do this by getting outdoors more; so far this month we’ve been busy tidying up the garden, ...
How to create a luxury bathroom on a budget
Think you need a big budget to create a luxury bathroom? Think again! This guest post has lots of clever ideas that won't break the bank.Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home, and is much more than a functional area. Adding opulence and luxury to your bathroom can help to create a space that is both fresh and relaxing – and the good news is that you don’t need a huge budget to realise your dream. Here are some easy ...
Interior lighting: how to get it right
How early in an interior design project do you consider the lighting? I suspect we’re all a little guilty of leaving this particular element of a room re-vamp until the later stages, concentrating instead on things like room layout, paint colours and furniture. But really, lighting should be one of the first things we consider when embarking on an interiors project, because it’s so integral to the finished ‘feel’ and functionality of a room. If ...
How to Create a Multi-purpose Living Room
Creating a home that suits the whole family can feel like a tough job, particularly if your main living areas need to fulfil more than one function. One person’s style is another person’s pet hate, so creating a homely environment that’s well-balanced to everyone’s quirks can be a challenge. But it can be done!One way to tailor your space to suit the whole family is to create a multi-purpose living room. Get this room right, and it will be ...