Home & Interiors

Our renovation project is well documented on the blog however one of the surprising features that attracts a lot of attention when people come to visit, is our glass feature panes above the doors in the bedrooms. When we first bought the house, I couldn’t wait to get rid of them. They were above each door upstairs apart from the bathroom. At the time I did some research on their purpose and I was intrigued!

They are actually known as “borrowed lights” and are used to let light in particularly for children’s rooms. However going back even further the thinking on them was that they are Georgian features used to let daylight into internal domestic spaces thereby saving on expensive candles for candlelight. Really fascinating.  Having debated at length about whether we keep or cover them up, my husband (who did most of the work!) was an ardent supporter of keeping them and turning them into a feature in the house. I caved in and they were kept.

Glass as a feature

Glass was one of those things that I hadn’t thought of using as a feature internally. However I was shocked by the various offering of places like Express Toughening.  There is everything from decorative glass to toughened glass to fire rated glass. I just love the look of both stained glass and what is known as satin glass. It is lovely to look at yet practical, durable and low maintenance. We also used in our newly constructed en-suite. Keeping with a clean minimalist look, I loved the look of a frosted stain glass shower door going  from floor to ceiling. It was just perfect for making the most of the space we had to work with.

Other ideas where glass makes a great feature include:

• Splash backs
• Stair balustrades ( I love love love this look)
  

  Pic Credit: Pixabay

• Light features
• Shower doors/ enclosures
• Outdoor garden features
• Table top – crackled glass look, also makes a nice splash back or counter top
• Cladding on internal wall – creating cool clean looks
• Press doors either kitchen or bathroom or easy wipe down for playrooms

My advice having been through this process is to buy from reputable sources and use qualified, insured trades/companies as given the material you want to make sure it is firstly the correct material for the particular project and secondly its fitted and secured as intended.

I recently came across Emma’s blog post where she suggests using glass to create an art deco vibe which just shows it versatility for use in the home for both functionality and design.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Pic Credit: Pixabay

As the season begins to change and we begin to plan our summer parties, we often think of how we can upgrade each room a little bit, without having to completely splash out and spend a ton on painting and decorating. Are you looking for some affordable and accessible ways to spruce up your space and get it looking a bit fresher? Why not take a look at this list of DIY techniques to modernise your home. The mistake people often make is that to do any DIY work you need a lot of tools, that really isn’t the case some critical tools like bandsaw blades and basic drills should be enough to commence the work. 

Clear your clutter and improve your storage

Modern minimalist designs are popular in modern homes, particularly among those who are working with restricted space. To achieve a home that is a little more simple and easier to maintain, why not start by decluttering things you don’t need? Recycling and donating old clothes, toys and furniture, rather than just throwing them in that dreaded cupboard we all have, can be a therapeutic process. A clean home has been proven to be good for concentration and relaxation after a long day.

In their luxury city-centre studio apartments, property investment company RW Invest entice young professionals and entrepreneurs with their state-of-the-art minimalist designs and smart-fitted technology. For inspiration, looking at designs like these might help you to visualise a home that can compete with desired modern trends, and inspire you as to how you might integrate what you have to make it feel more compatible with modern sensibilities.

Upgrade to a smart home 

Pic Credit: Pixabay

The idea of the ‘connected home’ is becoming more widely accepted by consumers every day, and is beginning to permeate the mainstream. With a vast number of different electronic devices in varying shapes and sizes available, smart devices such as speakers, lights and security can really help around the house, as they become more intuitive and easier to understand by the day.

Did-you-know? As of 2019, Amazon has sold over 100 million units fitted with their smart assistant ‘Alexa’, and they are quickly capturing the zeitgeist among consumers young and old with their ease-of-use and accessible functions. You might think it’s a little expensive to get involved in this ‘voice-activated’ trend, but with a variety of different models available, it’s easy to find the most cost-efficient piece for what you’re looking for

Scrub up on the outside

Moving out of the home, maintaining the garden can be a fun and rewarding way to get outdoors in the coming summer months. If you’re someone who wants to put as little effort into making sure your greenery doesn’t die, or just don’t have the time very often, there are plenty of low maintenance flowers and bushes you can plant that will be resilient when winter is coming.

Doing some simple tasks on your front path such as weeding or cleaning the windows can make your home look that little bit better to the average onlooker, giving you a home to feel proud about. If your path or patio needs a bit of a clean, why not invest in a pressure washer or something similar to give them a good hose down? It’s a lot cheaper than repaving your entire house and can be the perfect facelift your outdoor furniture needs pre-summer barbeque or party.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Fancy skylights are a beautiful addition to any home. They let natural light in, give you a glimpse of the outside, and give your home that extra detail that can change the entire aesthetic. Plus, installing skylights in your home can increase the overall value as well. There are many positives to adding fancy skylights to your home. However, before you go ahead and do so, you should be sure to ask these five questions to ensure you’re getting the best skylight to compliment your home.

Should the skylights have the ability to open?

Not all skylights need to open—some are designed purely to let in light rather than air. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your needs, but discussing the options with your contractor can help you decide what works best for your home and family. Skylights that open give you the flexibility of letting in a cool breeze, although this isn’t always practical in spaces with high ceilings, where reaching them manually can be difficult. In such cases, remote-control systems provide an effective workaround. If you’re working with a set budget, it’s a good idea to ask your contractor about installation and maintenance costs. Whether fixed or operable, skylights can serve as powerful natural daylight solutions, brightening interiors and making your home feel more open and inviting.

What kind of glass is used in the skylights?

It’s important to ensure the type of glass being used in your skylight is durable and of the highest quality. Companies like https://surespancovers.us/ can offer long-lasting glass that is made to withstand the weather. This will minimize the need for future repairs and make it much easier to maintain. The best glass to use is tempered glass, and we highly recommend that this is what you install. Tempered glass is much more flexible than other forms of glass. In the event that it does break, it only fractures into small pebbles, rather than entirely shattering into sharp shards, which is much safer. For instance, in the unfortunate event that there is a storm and a tree falls on your home, the tempered glass would better protect you. You won’t have to worry about any glass shards falling on you or your family. When comparing skylight options, choosing models that feature high-quality tempered glass can significantly improve safety, durability, and long-term performance.

Are these skylights energy efficient?

Not only will you be helping the environment by installing energy efficient skylights, but you will also be saving yourself money in the long run. Hot air rises. Because of this, if you do not install energy-efficient skylights, this hot air will leak out of your home during the winter, resulting in a chillier home. This will, in turn, cause you to constantly feel the need to turn up the heat or trigger your furnace to continuously pump heat into your home, costing you more money. One way to ensure the skylights are energy efficient is by asking your contractor if the glass being used is at least double-paned. Additionally, be sure to ask about thermal breaks, as this will help minimize the amount of heat loss caused by induction. The right skylight from Sunsquare, or a similar firm, can reduce your heating and cooling costs while providing natural light and ventilation. This can lessen your reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems, further resulting in a more sustainable and cost effective household.

Are there any accessories I should be adding to my skylight, and if so, what?

Sometimes merely installing a fancy skylight isn’t enough. There may be some accessories that will better this new addition. As briefly mentioned above, a remote control can be an extremely beneficial accessory to install. You may be able to choose this addition regardless of whether or not you have a high ceiling. If you prefer to not have to manually open the skylight, choosing the remote-control option may be in your best interest.

Further accessories that may be available for your new skylight are interior trim kits, sun screens, and blinds. When it comes to blinds, you may be able to choose from light-filtering blinds and blackout blinds—all depending on what exactly you are looking for. We understand that there may be some days you don’t want to have all that natural light radiating into your home.

Will I be able to clean my skylights and how?

It is no secret that glass gets dirty. However, it can be more of a challenge to clean skylights, depending on the height of your ceilings. Plus, these should not be cleaned like just any other glass windows you currently have in your home. Using the usual water, ammonia, and dish liquid should suffice; however, it’s important to remember to clean the frame of the skylight while you are up there as well. When it comes to drying your skylight after the wash, do not be too harsh.

You will want to clean your skylight at least twice a year. Before you install your skylight, be sure to ask your contractor if there are any special cleaning tips or tricks you should know about and be able to prepare for. Your contractor may also recommend a more frequent cleaning schedule, depending on the type of glass or area it has been installed in.

When it comes to installing fancy skylights, there are a lot of questions you’ll want to ask before getting started. These are simply a glimpse at some of the most common, and very important, questions that you should be asking. It’s important to always think about what works best for your home and your family. This will help you figure out where exactly the skylights should be located and whether or not they should have the ability to open.

Additionally, be up-front with your contractor about your lifestyle and what you’re looking for. The contractor should be able to provide you with suggestions, maybe even some you haven’t thought of or didn’t even know about.

Also, visit with a roofing professional about any considerations regarding your roof’s structure or ability to support a skylight. At Interstate Roofing, they’re happy to talk with you anytime about how installing fancy skylights will work with your roof, or any other roofing questions or needs you have. Feel free to give them a call or stop by and meet with one of their staff. They promise to relieve any stress you maybe have and answer all your questions.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Sunny days are great for swimming or stretching in the lounge. But if your patio or deck is well-decorated and there is no shade, the scorching sun will most likely ruin your fun moments. Therefore, adding a shade to your seat-out ensures you maximize your outdoor moments.

When looking for a patio umbrella online, there are some things you should consider. The tips below will help you get an amazing shopping experience.

 1. What Are You Shading?

If you want a shade for just 2 to 8 people dining tables, a market umbrella may be your best bet. It features a pole in the center that you mount through another hole in the middle of the dining table. It also has a ripped canopy, and it opens and closes using a simple pulley or a crank.

Furthermore, if you want to shade large seating areas or bigger dining tables, a cantilever or offset umbrella will be a good choice. The mounting pole is heavy, and its long arm stretches out such that it holds the canopy to one side. This ensures that the pole does not stay in the middle while shading the large area.

2. What Is the Shape and the Size of the Area You Want to Shade?

Patio umbrellas come in various styles, but there are 2 categories: offset and center pole.

Centre pole

This type has a long pole that goes straight from the top to a secured base. It is either single or double. You can stabilize the pole with a fixed or mobile base. This type is common and has been in vogue for many years.

There are different types of center pole umbrellas. They are:

• Market Umbrella 

It is a popular type in this category and has an octagonal or round shape with clean edges. Some canopies have vents for airflow to cool the people underneath. The vents also help the umbrella to withstand wind.

• Half Umbrella

This type has one flat side such that you can place it against a wall. If you want to shade a small porch or balcony with a confined space, a half umbrella will do a good job. It is like a mobile awning. The canopy is straight or round with a clean edge, valance, or drape.

• Beach Umbrella

This is more like a minimalist thing. Its shape is round with a hanging valance around its edges. Most beach umbrellas use a basic spiked bottom that is inserted in the beach sand.

Cantilever or Offset Umbrella

This category features a jointed or arched pole that is positioned to an off-side. The canopy gets support from the top and the side, which enables it to freely hang over various tables and seating configurations. You may want to read this article to see how to set up this type of umbrella.

The major benefit of this category is that unlike the center pole type, it shades large areas without obstructions. This is particularly important if you want to shade a table that has no umbrella hole or your hot tub. Most offset umbrellas can rotate to give 360 degrees coverage. This makes them versatile.

3. What is the Climate in Your Location?

Different locations experience different climates.

Windy Areas

Patio umbrellas are like sailing ships, so places with strong wind require some considerations. Gusts of wind can break or bend the snap poles and ribs of the canopy. It can even pull out the umbrella from its base and send it flying down the street. Therefore, if your location is windy, consider the following:

1. Buy a top-quality umbrella with canopy ribs that are flexible and replaceable.
2. Ensure the pole has a big diameter and an extremely heavy base.
3. When you are not using the umbrella, keep it closed.

High Altitude

Those living around such areas are closer to the sun. Therefore, more intense sun rays will beam down on the canopy. This can accelerate deterioration and lead to fading over time. Ensure that the umbrella you buy has UV protection, mildew resistance, and an enduring color to prevent fading.

Close to the Ocean

If your home is close to the ocean, ensure you get a pole that is made of aluminum that won’t rust or spoil due to salty air and moisture. Also, ensure that the fabric is easy to maintain, mildew-resistant, and UV-protected.

4. How Much Do You Want to Spend?

If you want a good quality, long-lasting patio shade, you should be ready to pay for it. If you are tempted to purchase some cheap products from one of those big box stores, you may learn the hard way. The canopy fabric will tear and fade, the ribs will break and can’t be replaced, the pulley systems will break or bind up, and we can go on and on.

If you want to spend quality time on your patio, investing in quality shade won’t be a bad idea. It should be one that can endure the weather conditions and still provide shade all through many seasons. You may want to check out https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-patio-umbrellas-shade/ to see different types of patio shades.

Conclusion

Summer periods are good for creating happy moments outdoors and we do not want to make a mess of it. Invest in a good shade for your patio and ensure you use the tips we shared before buying online.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Engineered hardwood flooring is just like having the look and feel of real solid wood but without the maintenance and installation process. It gives you the aesthetics you desire in your home without all the work and extra expense which is why it’s such an appealing option to many.  The engineered flooring Melbourne homeowners get from Market Timbers are made of high quality material. They can then discover a range of options suitable for their specifications and budget requirements. 

With all wooden flooring though, there are some practical elements to consider before you go out looking and buying. This article will consider exactly what you need to look for and how you go about choosing the best engineered wooden flooring for your home.

How To Choose Engineered Hardwood Flooring

What’s the difference between engineered and normal wooden flooring?

First, get to know the differences between engineered and solid wood. These are the main two types of wood you will see in the stores. Solid wood is much thicker then engineered wood and is on average 18-22mm thick. Engineered wood however can be a very thin cut of real solid wood that is placed onto a plywood or cheaper material.  Once you have decided on the thickness, you will have an easy journey as it relates to the extent that the floor needs sanding and refinishing touches.  

Another consideration may also be whether you need to factor in if acoustic flooring is something you need to include in your thought process.  Acoustic flooring can reduce the noise levels that pass through the flooring so depending on where the floor is going it might be an important consideration not too over look.

Know your budget.

Costs can become higher or lower due to a number of elements. The wider you go when looking at boards, you will be looking at higher prices compared to narrower ones. So, if you don’t mind thinner wooden boards on your floor, this may save you some money.

Get guarantee for your engineered wood.

As with any high-priced item you will want to ensure you get suitable cover for your flooring. Even though it’s natural so will be susceptible to everyday wear and tear, there are some things you can get covered on. However, it is your job to maintain them as best as possible by not dragging furniture around and not walking in heels on the wood for example.

Find out what finish you will like.

There are two types available on the market: oil and lacquer finishes. These two offer a variety of different visual appeals and benefits so they are important to consider when choosing the wood. 

Oiled engineered hardwood will help promote a more genuine and natural looking finish. However, it might easily be marked when there are spills. This means that if you have a younger family you may want to consider lacquer which offer more protection over spillages.

Now you have a bigger picture of what to look for when choosing hardwood engineered flooring, you’ll be able to move closer towards what you really want.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Over the last number of years we have undertaken some seriously extensive renovation work on our home.  While pouring over articles on interiors one trend kept popping up time and time again….the vintage theme.  This trend has really stuck around over the last number of years and its really easy to see why.  More and more we are seeing the mixing of high street with high end to create the perfect vintage vibe. Some tips I have gleaned from my research are below:

• One of the first things I learned and come up many times in my research was that “vintage” and “old” are not the same thing!!
  

  Pic Credit: Pixabay

• Mix and match! By mixing new with re-purposed goods you can add that extra dept to the project. For example these gorgeous glass wall lights from Cox & Cox give that vintage feel and when paired with for example some vintage furniture, it would really compliment the look
• Be realistic with the old products you buy. If something requires an inordinate amount of work carefully consider whether its the project for you especially if you are DIY challenged like me
• Simple, simple, simple, as tempting as it is to include every vintage style piece, ornament etc be clever with what you use in the space.  I love the look of a couple of cool statement vintage furniture pieces which do the talking for themselves paired with some minimal ornaments and modern pieces for that added depth.
• Carefully consider the floor covering, look for features that will help to make your flooring last such as a product that is stain or scratch resistant, that has clean sharp line and wont detract from the furniture which is the feature piece of the room.  Ideal option is a floor covering such as a resin floor.  Particularly in a family house, will hopefully increase its longevity and ultimately add to that vintage vibe, making the floor the ideal back drop to showcase that vintage inspired room.
• Those more in the know that me suggest adding plants works well in a vintage themed room.
• Avoid the twee accessories – bunting im looking at you!! You want to create nostalgic feeling.
• Include your own personality, I really feel that is critical

If anybody has  more ideas id love to hear them. While im no DIY expert I really do think this interior trend is not going anywhere soon.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Over the last number of years on the blog you will have seen references and posts about our renovation project. We are so very close to completion. The final piece of this mammoth undertaking was the sitting room. We decided that this would be the last room completed. Its the first room you meet when you come in the front door and what we really wanted was a calm, relaxing, clutter free place to chill out together as a family or to entertain family and friends when they called over.  We deliberately took our time on this as we wanted it to be perfect.

Generally my house is like any home to young kids full of toys, food stains. I had the kids well warned in advance that the new sitting room would be a food free zone!  There are plenty other places to eat in the house, the sitting room just wont be one of them.  Life in the Mamma Fairy is hectic, from full time work, to school work, to kids sports/ activities and day to day living therefore quality downtime is paramount, that’s time to chat, converse and enjoy each others company. I suppose in reality the sitting room is the heart of our home. If I was on Home of the Year I would be putting the red circle here as my favourite spot.

Here a little pic of the before, there wasn’t anything wrong with it as such but it didn’t invite or encourage that vibe that I wanted to create.  The wallpaper  had got to the stage I pretty much couldn’t look at it any longer, I was so sick on my second wee man that I spent days on end staring at that while on bed rest.  The mere sight of it brings back those emotions.

The Dada Fairy is in the construction business so he is mega fussy and incredible safety conscious about all work that goes on in the house and products we buy. Quality products are of paramount importance and he knows quality when he sees it 🙂

The products

A little drumroll please……………………and here is the finished product. I love love love it, its exactly the vibe I wanted to encapsulate, calming, welcoming, soft natural tones.

Panelling

The panelling was completed by Customised Creations by John O’Shea.  We paid for this ourselves, not sponsored or gifted in anyway, we are just extremely satisfied customers. The carpenters who were on site with us were professional, discrete, and so tidy in terms of cleaning up after their days work. The spent some very long days and nights here to get finished up in time for Christmas and we are very grateful for that.  Honestly, would have no hesitation in recommending them. We have had them back since to do built in wardrobes which I will also be sharing on the blog when completed.

Sofas

I’m not sure many purchases generate as much argument debate than the purchase of the sofas in a house.  I really thought I wanted leather, thinking about the kids and cleaning the inevitable spills etc, however a visit to DFS provide a wealth of valuable information.  You can get the fabric sofas coated with a stain proof prior to delivery to overcome this very obstacle.  We fell head over heals for the Zinc collection, fitted my brief perfectly, natural tones, relaxed yet stylish.

However one of the lesser known facts about DFS sofas are that have been awarded the BSI Kitemark indicating they reach the highest possible standards and are guaranteed for 15 years.  That to me shows a dept of confidence in their brand. 15 years of bottoms on seats, of kids jumping around and they are willing to stand over their product for 15 years?? To my mind that shows trust in the quality of their brand.

DFS has was the first and only UK and Ireland furniture retailer to be certified to the BSI Kitemark™ for upholstered furniture.  The BSI Kitemark is one of the most established and  recognized symbols of quality and safety throughout the world thus giving consumers an independently verified quality seal of approval.  Interestingly as a result DFS factories will now receive annual audits to ensure this consistent high standard is met.

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Pic Credit: Pixabay

The last thing we want when we’re lounging around at home is to be cold, and although we can wrap up with a blanket or jumper, it’s just not the same as being wrapped up in the heat of the house.  Although we may have timed the heating to come on when we get in from work, and we’ve even popped the fire on, sometimes getting warm can be hard – especially given the harshness of the UK’s winter weather. But what about heaters?

Although you may have an image of big and bulky electric heaters that just spoil the room, you can get a wide selection of stylish heaters these days from places like Coopers of Stortford. Let us talk you through your modern-day portable heating options.

Style and Substance

Of course, the last thing you want is something hideous in your living, dining or bedroom. But today’s heaters are a long way from the historic ones you can remember. Now you’ll find them in sleek, slimline designs that resemble something of an Apple product, which sit wonderfully in the corner of your rooms just waiting to be switched on to give you that extra blast of heat.

Old School Charm

Of course, maybe your décor theme isn’t modern, which would make an Apple style sleekly designed product a bit of a no go. However, even if you’ve gone for an older style of décor in your home, you can still find a wonderful electric heater that’ll add a little bit of décor magic to your home, while also bringing that extra bit heat. You’ll discover this in stove style designs that look like old fashion fireplaces, but are on hand for that added warmth when needed.

Hidden Away

Perhaps you prefer a more minimalistic style in your home, in which case the sight of a portable heater, regardless of how sleek and slimline, is just going to stick out like a sore thumb. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept that little chill every now and then. Instead, you can opt for mini heaters that can be easily hidden away. But how you may ask, well that’s easy. These mini heaters can be plugged into the wall like an electronic air freshener, meaning it can be hidden away at all times, depending on where you’ve chosen to plug it in.

And there you have it, three quick and easy ways to add extra warmth to your rooms at all times, without affecting the look of your home.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Every day, millions of homes are kept at a comfortable temperature by an air conditioning unit. Because these units are usually out of sight, many homeowners do not pay close attention to them and this is why many of them do not realize when their units start becoming inefficient. As they run inefficiently, their performance is compromised, and the result is usually higher electricity bills. So, what signs should you be looking for to tell if your AC unit is performing as efficiently as possible? Read on to find out!

Dirty Filters

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Replacing the filters on your AC units is one of the best ways to keep them working as they ought to. A dirty filter can lead to the unit overworking, which could lead to damage or health risks for your family. Different types of pathogens can thrive on dirty air filters and make their way into your home. Cleaning the filters, therefore, is not only a good way to make sure the AC unit is working as expected, but also to protect yourself from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.

Unusually High Electricity Bills

The one thing you will notice almost immediately if your AC unit is not running as expected is higher than normal electricity bills. The reason for the increased power consumption is that, because the unit is not performing as efficiently, it requires more time to heat or cool the home thereby consuming a lot more power in the process. One of the best ways to ensure your AC is performing as efficiently as possible is by scheduling regular maintenance and AC repair Orlando. When you get in touch with Bob Heinmiller, an air conditioning and electrical contractor in Orlando, you will be able to schedule an air conditioner check. Once that is done, they will do the AC repair at an affordable cost. If your AC is too old, damaged, or inefficient, Bob Heinmiller can also recommend the best AC unit for your home, and any unique requirements you have, and get it installed quickly and professionally.

Ice on the Compressor

If you see ice on the compressor, that is a sign that the coolant is leaking and that you should call a professional from Milestone Electric, A/C, & Plumbing, or a company akin to this as soon as you can. This is quite common in older AC units and can be caused by damage to the coils carrying the coolant.

If the ice clogs the filter, it can impact the flow of air and its circulation, and your AC unit will just be consuming power without providing any benefits to you.

Leaking Ductwork

Pic Credit: Pixabay

If your AC unit has ducts, they should be sealed off, meaning that there should be no leaks. If the ducts are leaking due to damage, there will be a lot of energy wasted and the unit will end up consuming a lot more power to keep the house cool.

Conclusion

Your home’s AC unit should perform as efficiently as possible. This is so that it keeps the house at your preferred temperature and filters the air as efficiently as possible. The good news is that there are some signs you can look for that will tell you if it is time to have the unit repaired or replaced.