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Care Tips For Cork Flooring

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If you have decided on cork flooring in your new build, you are to be congratulated on your choice and as you would expect, natural cork does require some TLC. This amazing material comes in 2 forms – tiles and boards – and when installed, should be coated in a special sealant, which protects against liquid spills and general wear and tear.

Here are a few cork care tips from professional flooring installers.

  • Mopping – We recommend a weekly mop with a thick mop that has excess water removed, leaving it damp rather than wet. Of course, you should sweep the floor with a soft brush prior to mopping. If you want a home remedy for cork floor cleaning, mix four parts vinegar with one part water, which can cut through dirt and grease. Avoid using cleaning solutions that are not recommended for cork flooring.
  • Clean Spills Quickly– The longer liquid sits on cork flooring, the more chance it will penetrate the sealant. Use tissue to soak up spilt liquid and leave the area to dry naturally. If you are looking for high quality cork tiles Sydney or your city prefers, a Google search will bring up a list of established flooring companies.
  • Direct Sunlight Can Cause Cork To Fade – If you have a lot of windows, you might want to install blinds to prevent fading. If there is a clear line between sunlight and shade, this can change the colour over a period of months.
  • Polyurethane Coating – While some flooring companies might recommend waxing as a way of taking care of cork flooring, most experts would recommend a polyurethane sealant, which offers better protection. When the floor is installed, the team would give at least one coat of sealant, or perhaps two.
  • Use Rubber Furniture Pads– Heavy furniture can cause the cork to sink slightly, therefore you should use special rubber furniture pads to spread the weight and avoid making indentations in the floor.
  • Removing Scratches – The easiest way to repair scratches in cork flooring is to use a wood filler of similar colour. Mix well and use a putty knife to fill in the scratch; leave it to dry and sand with fine abrasive paper and you won’t be able to see the scratch. Once sanded and swept, you can add a little polyurethane sealant over the affected area and that’s it.
  • Resealing The Floor – This can be done every year or thereabouts, depending on how much traffic. If you are unsure how to go about this, call in the company that installed the cork flooring and ask them to reseal it with another coat or two of polyurethane. Of course, the floor cannot be used until the coating is hard, which might take a full 36 hours.

When looking at cork flooring, it is best to actually visit a flooring showroom, where you can experience a range of cork tiles and planks in a natural setting. The sales staff are very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you might have.

How to Decorate a Home with Modern Rugs

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From your bedroom to your living room, every room in your home can benefit from the addition of modern rugs. They add colour and vibrancy to a space while also being practical and keeping your floors warm in the winter. But how do you select the best kind of modern rug? What size should it be? And how much should you spend on it? Use this guide to learn all about decorating with modern rugs, so you can create a beautiful space that’s both cosy and inviting.

Tips For Choosing Rugs

A major component of your home decor is undoubtedly its flooring. Carpets, rugs, tiles—they all contribute to your room’s overall design. But for a unique aesthetic, there’s nothing quite like a modern area rug. These cool-yet-cosy pieces can set any living space apart from its run-of-the-mill counterparts in big ways.

Are Modern Rugs Suitable for All House Styles?

The truth is that modern rugs aren’t necessarily a bad idea even in older homes. If you want a dash of colour and a little pizzazz, adding these rugs to your home can be a perfect way to liven up your place! However, these bright colours won’t always work with every style. That’s why you need to understand how modern rugs work well in certain areas of your home.

What Kind of Space Looks Best for a Rug?

The living room is a natural place for modern rugs. These colourful, stylish, and fun pieces are an effortless way to inject style into a space. This area of your home also tends to get high traffic, so having an area rug that can withstand foot traffic and vacuuming will help you keep things looking fresh longer. If you have kids or pets—or if anyone has ever had a drink in your living room—it’s also worth considering an area rug with stain resistance or extra durability.

Are There Any Rules for Decorating with Modern Rugs?

No, not really. Before you get started shopping for rugs and considering your options, it’s a clever idea to sit down and think about what kind of room you want to decorate. This will make picking out a style much easier for you. If your home features a lot of greys and blues, look for bright reds and yellows. On an all-white canvas? A modern rug should be at least one or two shades darker than white; three or four shades darker works best if you want the rug on display in your home’s main living area.

Is It Possible to Create the Look Without Having Expensive Furniture?

You don’t need to be rich or have expensive furniture to create a modern, sleek home. Many options give your home a stunning, high-end look without having to spend an arm and a leg.

Where Should You Put a Rug in Your Room?

The first thing you need to do when decorating with rugs is determine which area of your home you want them in. A modern rug is not meant for an ornate, Victorian setting. They are designed to add sophistication and style to a more minimalist environment. Therefore, we suggest using modern rugs on hardwood floors in rooms like your living room or bedroom. Alternatively, they can be used on tile surfaces in dining rooms and kitchens.

Reasons For Using Designer Furniture When Furnishing Your Home

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Furniture is one of the most important facets of making a house a home. Not only is it necessary for a house to function, but it can also turn an empty, bare room into a cosy and fashionable space fit for a variety of people.

Whether you buy locally or shop online, furniture is what determines the style of an entire room, and using designer furniture when furnishing your home is one way to get a style all your own.

Designer furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, from a traditional style of classic furniture with a European flair to a modern style with sleek clean lines that emphasizes elegance and simplicity. Alternatively, look at Kalusto’s unusual upcycled designer furniture, with deep colours and wood tones.

Exclusive Furniture in your Home Spotlight #1: It’s Not Retail

One of the many reasons to use designer furniture in your home is because it is unique. It will become a piece of your home that is unlike any other. More often than not, the fabrics that are available to an interior designer are not readily available for retail.

If you choose to order upholstered furniture through the designer, you give yourself more options to choose from, including more colours to coordinate with the overall feel of your home and more fabrics to coordinate with the rest of your pieces.

Exclusive Furniture in your Home Spotlight #2: It’s Custom Made Especially for You

The most obvious but often forgotten reason to go for designer furniture is the actual design itself. Although even the most economical flat packed furniture is functional and will serve a purpose, designer pieces that have a striking shape, as well as functionality, will bring that additional touch to your home. The hours spent deciding on the materials, angles, and fixtures of modern designer furniture are what sets it apart from regular items.

There is nothing more unique and less generic than custom-made furniture when decorating your home. Choosing customized furniture made especially for your needs is a great way to put your stamp on your home.

Working with a designer also allows you the chance to flex your creativity. You can communicate your requirements, demands, and desires to the designer. The result should be exactly what you want.

Another advantage to working with a designer to create custom furniture is the chance to design one space in accordance with the rest of your home. Having a flow throughout your home is important to many people, and using tailor-made furniture can help you achieve that look.

Exclusive Furniture in your Home Spotlight #3: It Just Looks Better

It may seem obvious but buying designer furniture for your home generally looks better. If you don’t want to buy that generic bed or sofa from the department store down the street, and instead are hoping for a statement piece that would only be suitable for your home, customized furniture is your best option.

For anyone who loves a little style, or for the person who lives for design, custom-made furniture is the best way to transform your home. Even if you are design-challenged, furniture with an edge and with a flair of style can change how you live.

The Different Types Home Heating Options

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During the cold winter months in the UK, it is very important that we are able to keep adequately warm. This is especially true for homes with older adults and children. These days we have many options for warming the home, and regardless of the size of your rooms or your budget, you will be able to find their heating solution that suits your needs. Here we look at some of the different options available today in 2022.

Gas stoves

Gas stoves look great, and they are effortless to use. They are also practical as they do not take much room and heat control is very efficient. You can vary the flame height, and some gas stoves even come with a remote control, which makes them an excellent option for the elderly who may have trouble getting up from their chair. There are many styles of gas stoves on the market; you can choose from an old-fashioned ornate stove or go for a more modern and contemporary model. You’ll find some excellent stove bargains at www.stoves4life.co.uk.

Wall mounted electric fires

Wall mounted electric fires are an extremely versatile heating option and easy to maintain. They come in many different sizes so you are bound to get the perfect size for your room, no matter how small or large it is. This type of heating is a great choice for modernistic rooms as it is sophisticated and sleek. The very realistic-looking flame will give the room a warm atmosphere. Provided you have wall space, wall mounted fires are a great choice as you can fix them anywhere without the need for a chimney, and unlike a stove, there is no daily cleaning involved.

Wall mounted gas fires

Wall mounted gas fires are a great way to keep your groom warm and give it an elegant look. As these fires are to be hung on the wall, you do not need a lot of floor space, so they are ideal for smaller rooms where space might be limited. Like the electric version, there is no need for a chimney, so they are a great easy-to-maintain and attractive heating solution. Generally speaking, depending again on your area, natural gas tends to be more affordable than electricity as a heating option. It also has the advantage of heating a room immediately, whereas with wood or pellet stoves, you have a wait a while until the heat becomes noticeable.

Multifuel Stoves

Multifuel stoves are becoming increasingly popular. Fuel prices are constantly rising, and depending on where you live, you may find that gas is sometimes more expensive than electricity or vice versa. With a multifuel stove, you can easily switch from pellets to logs or peat and back again depending on which type of fuel is more economical and easy to obtain. Therefore, this heating solution will save you money and allow you to keep your bills as low as possible. They also give out a lot of heat in proportion to the amount of fuel they use, so for several different reasons, they are a cost-effective choice of home heating.

Dog Care for Busy People

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Have you been wanting to get a dog, but you are afraid that you won’t have time to properly care for it? Are your kids pestering you to get them a four-legged friend, and are you terrified at the idea of having yet another creature to take care of and take to medical appointments? Or are you already a dog owner and struggling to make time to properly care for your pet? These tips will help you figure out how to take proper care of a dog when you are on a busy schedule.

Combine your and your dog’s exercise routines

Everyone needs to exercise! Dogs are renowned for needing to be walked several times a day, for both toileting and exercising purposes. For at least one of those times, find a routine which allows you both to exercise, such as running together in the park or playing a fast-paced game of fetch. Even walking itself can be a form of exercise if you do it fast enough. Here is a list of ten workouts you can do with your dog. Spoiler alert: it even includes a suggestion on how to improve your tennis skills while playing with your furry friend!

Find a walk-in vet clinic

One of the reasons why many people with busy lives are put off pet ownership is the thought of having to schedule appointments with the vet on top of medical appointments for themselves and possibly their kids. The solution to this problem is to find a veterinary clinic which offers walk-in appointments, such as the twenty practices which easyvet.com have across the United States. These vet clinics also offer an online waiting list as well as scheduled appointments, giving you plenty of flexible options for fitting your dog’s healthcare into your busy diary.

Hire a dog walker

Dogs get lonely really quickly and leaving them alone for a long period of time can make them miserable – which in turn will make them more likely to wreck your home. If your job takes you out of your home for most of the day, an obvious solution to this problem is hiring a dog walker to take care of your dog while you are at work. Dog walking and dog sitting are now established industries, and you are likely to be able to choose from several companies and individuals in your area, so follow these tips to make sure you find the best pet sitter for your dog.

The obvious disadvantage of relying on dog walkers is that it can be an expensive service. If money is an issue for you, consider joining a time bank or setting up another kind of skill swap agreement with someone you know. For example, your retired neighbor might have time to walk your dog during the week while you are at work, and you might be able to repaint their walls or do other house jobs for them at the weekend. This way everyone benefits!

What Should You Be Thinking About When You Get A Dog

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Owning a dog is a fantastic experience and it is a rewarding one too. Getting companionship, a faithful companion and unconditional love can really turn your life around and can help give it further purpose and meaning. So, now you know the physical and emotional benefits of owning a dog, what else should you be considering and thinking about? Getting a dog is a big commitment, and in terms of years it can be a commitment of 15 years plus, so getting questions answered now, before you make the commitment, is essential.

Knowing The Time is Right for a New Addition

Of course, there is nothing such as perfect timing, but there is a good time to get a dog and this is when you are financially and physically in a good place. Dogs are expensive to look after, you need to think about care, quality of life and veterinary bills as well as food and bedding. If you cannot comfortably and easily accommodate these needs, then maybe it is not the right time for you to get a dog just yet. If you are unsure about whether it is the right time for a new addition, look at your life as it stands and be honest with yourself. Do you have enough time and do you have enough disposable income?

Care for the Times When You Are Not at Home

Something that is often overlooked when getting a dog, is the care of a dog when you leave the home. Now when you go out to the store for a couple of hours you should be OK, but if you are going to work for 8 hours a day or you are going away overnight who are you going to get to look after your pet. Getting a provider in place like those at exceptionalpets.com will ensure that your dog receives high quality care and attention, even when they are not in your company. Good pet care gets booked up quickly, so thinking about who you will use and when is advantageous, and it will ensure that you get the care your pet deserves at all times.

The Breed, Age and Background

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and getting the right dog, with a breed and personality that suits you and your home is just as important as anything else. So, what breeds are you looking at, what do you like? Are you specific about a breed, or are you going to look at getting a rescue mongrel? All dogs have their own personalities, but some breeds have traits which may or may not suit your family. So, for example, do not get a border collie, unless you want to be walking every day for long distances. Do not get a greyhound in the hopes that it will join you on a morning run, as this will just not happen.

Getting a dog is a big commitment and to ensure successful integration into your life and home you will have to ensure that everyone within your home and family is on board with your decision.

Which Roofing Materials Offer Longevity & Durability?

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If you are planning a new build, your thoughts will quickly turn to the roof, which is the most important component of the structure. You will naturally want to choose roofing materials that will stand the test of time. You could ask a local roofing contractor for his professional opinion on the best materials for longevity and durability. With that in mind, here is our list of the best roofing materials when taking durability into account.

Slate

This natural material is at the top of the list and with a slate roof, you can expect the roof to last up to 100 years. Search with Google for a specialist Sydney roofing company or one in your local area that has extensive slate experience. Ask them to visit you at home and provide you with a quote. Slate is very attractive and is more than a match for areas with harsh climate. If installed professionally, there’s every reason to believe the roof will remain in good order for many years.

Metal

A metal roof would obviously be very durable and long-lasting. You could expect it to be serviceable for 30-50 years, with the right protection, of course. There are steel and aluminium roofing sections. With state-of-the-art thermal insulation, your interior will remain cool in the summer, while helping to retain the heat in the winter. There is hardly any maintenance with a metal roof, which is another bonus. The roof also comes in many attractive colours to add character to the property. If you live in a stormy region on the coast, a metal roof might be the best solution, as the sections are welded to the metal roof trusses.

Plastic Polymer Roof Tiles

This is a relatively new product that looks like regular shingles, yet they require zero maintenance. You can expect your roof to last 30-50 years. They will also withstand the biggest hailstones, which is great news. The tiles have great thermal insulation, and the colour will not fade over time, while these tiles reflect heat rather than absorb it. Not all roofing contractors work with polymer roof tiles, so you might have to search a while to find a roofer who uses plastic polymer tiles.

Asphalt Roof Shingles

Typically, these shingles will last for 15-30 years, and this is probably going to be the cheapest option. One must be very careful about hail. Only use shingles that have a high hail rating as cheaper shingles might not be able to withstand a hailstorm. Any shingles with no hail rating should be avoided (there are no laws in place to make manufacturers rate for hail) and you don’t want your roof destroyed by hail.

While every roof looks wonderful after it has been installed, time is the big test. When talking to local roofing contractors, make it clear that you are looking for a roof that will last for many years. They will brief you on all of the materials options and you can make an informed decision.

Tips For Remodelling Your Bathroom

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When it comes to renovating or modernizing the family home, it is likely that the biggest single projects that the homeowner will undertake will be within the kitchen and the bathroom.

A good bathroom design must not only be practical and functional, but it must also be in keeping with the tastes and styles of the homeowners to endow it with a sense of comfort and peace.

Here are a few tips to assist in crystallizing ideas for the perfect bathroom renovation.

Customizing your renovation project

Of all the rooms in the house, the bathroom is that singular room where each member of the household focuses on themselves. As such, the bathroom should not only be practical, but it should endow the user with a sense of privacy, serenity, and comfort.

Each person is unique, and a well-planned bathroom remodel should also underscore that sense of uniqueness. Consider engaging with a professional planner such as the Bathroom Specialists in Bedfordshire, Woodstone Bathrooms, to bring the project to fruition.

Consider the purpose of your remodel

Begin by considering the purpose and the scale of your intended remodeling project. Is the plan to gut and modernize the entire bathroom? In many cases, particularly with older homes, the plan is to remove all fixtures and fittings and undertake a complete facelift of the bathroom.

In other cases, the intention may be to retain certain elements of the existing bathroom – the bath or existing floor and wall tiling, for example – and install or blend new fixtures into the existing décor.

Perhaps the bathroom is too small and needs to be expanded to accommodate the needs of a growing family.

Considering the purpose of the project will give both the homeowner and designer a clearer idea of what is required.

The bathroom floor plan

Dependent on the scale and extent of the remodeling project, the plan and layout of the bathroom may perhaps vary from that of the original bathroom design.

A good professional will assist in the best layout, taking into consideration the location and the serviceability of existing plumbing and wiring.

As a general rule, it is advisable to keep new plumbing fixtures and upgrades as close as possible to the existing plumbing if intending to keep costs of demolition and renovation to a minimum. However, the world is your oyster with remodeling, and with the upgrade giving the bathroom an extended lease of life (not to mention increased property value), the homeowner may consider a more radical re-fit to be worthwhile.

Creating a sense of space

Many older-style bathrooms are typically small and cramped affairs and may benefit from some simple renovations to give the room a more airy sense of space.

Changing the room décor to lighter colors is an obvious first step. This can be further reinforced by switching to a clear glass shower door rather than a shower curtain which blocks light and gives the visual impression of a solid barrier.

Switching to pedestal sinks cuts down significantly on space and gives the impression of a more spacious room.

Using a well-positioned large mirror can add a finishing touch to add a further sense of space.

Summary

The bathroom renovation is typically one of the biggest single-room projects the homeowner will undertake.

Following a few early steps and then engaging a professional bathroom specialist will ensure a rejuvenated bathroom that will not only satisfy comfort and luxury but add significant value to any home.

4 Ways To Create An Eco-Friendly Backyard

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The environment and taking care of it, are hugely important, and it’s something we should all think about more in our everyday lives. Many people are doing a great job in being more eco-friendly and using sustainable products, but if you’re wondering what else you could do, perhaps it’s time to consider your backyard.

When we think of being more environmentally friendly, it’s our homes’ insides, or maybe the transport we use, that comes to mind. However, there are also a number of ways we can make our backyards more eco-friendly; here are some ideas so you can implement the changes as soon as possible.

Eco-Friendly Fencing

One of the best ways to incorporate sustainable products into your yard is by installing eco-friendly fencing. First, the fact that this kind of fencing is made up of composite recycled and sustainable materials means that it’s already better for the planet than standard fencing. Yet there are more great reasons to use this kind of fencing too.

One of these reasons is that eco-friendly fencing will last longer than standard fencing. It’s stronger and more durable, and that means fewer repairs and a longer life for the fence; you’ll have to replace it much less. This is great for the environment as there is less waste.

Conserve Water

Conserving water is an essential part of being eco-friendly, and your backyard is a great place to ensure it happens. Look for every downpipe you have and install a water butt at the bottom of it. In this way, you are collecting any rainwater, which can then be used to water the yard rather than using water from your hose.

With the right setup (which you may need an expert to help you with), you can even use this collected rainwater within your home to flush your toilets. However, if you choose to use this water in your shower, it will need to be treated first.

Don’t Use Chemicals

When you use chemicals in your yard to combat pests or to help your plants grow better, those chemicals will leach into the soil and water systems, and cause problems for the environment. This is why they should be avoided as much as possible.

Instead of using chemicals, there are many natural ways to remove pests from your yard and to encourage better plant growth. You can try ‘companion planting’, for example. When you plant certain species of flowers or vegetables close to one another, they can ward off the pests that would normally plague their partners. Another option is to erect bird boxes in your yard; this will help to keep your slug or caterpillar problem down since you’ll have more birds around.

Encourage Wildlife

We’ve already mentioned how to encourage more birds into your yard is a good idea, but encouraging other forms of wildlife is also eco-friendly. The more wildlife you have in your yard, the more eco-friendly it will be.

Bees are especially useful, and since they are becoming endangered, if you can make a safe space for them in your garden, that’s a positive thing. To do this, choose flowers that have large, ‘open’ faces and are brightly colored. You can even install a bee hotel.

5 Things Your Kitchen Needs To Make It Multi-Use

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Thanks to the pandemic, there are thousands of families up and down the country that are now juggling working with childcare as well as keeping on top of the daily tasks that need doing. Therefore, if this is you, you’re not alone, and you will be pleased to know there are ways that can make this difficult task much easier. One of those solutions is to make use of multi-use spaces, such as in your kitchen.

Why Multi-Use Spaces?

Thanks to everyone being at home, your kitchen is likely to have been turned into a multiple-use zone, where the kids do their e-learning, you do your home-working, hubby does his work, and one or all of you still have to cook every day. These five tips will help you create a multi-use area that is perfect for busy families just like you.

A Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands, if your kitchen is big enough, are a really great idea for busy parents and families! They provide ample space for you to work on food while the kids work on their school work, and they look so good too.

To really make your kitchen island multi-use, don’t put the cooker on the islands, as this will mean less work surface space, but keep your island nice and clear. Have a look at granitetransformations.co.uk for some great inspiration for your next kitchen update.

Pop Up Electrical Outlets

If there’s one thing that’s lacking in older homes, it’s a good selection of outlets! Usually, outlets are located on walls. In kitchens, this could mean dangerous wires trailing while the kids (and you) try to charge laptops to do homework or watch TV.

Pop-up electrical outlets are the perfect solution, and when not in use, they can be pushed back into the island out of the way. Perfect!

Good Chairs or Barstools

You’ve probably found yourself doing more homeschooling than you were planning to do over the last twelve months, and if you’re like many busy parents, you’ve also found yourself trying to work at home while the kids do e-learning?

Make this situation better for you all and your bodies by getting good chairs or barstools for your kitchen and bar. Chairs that support your back and help you sit correctly for those long hours behind your laptop will benefit all of you.

Plenty Of Storage

Kitchens aren’t just places to make food anymore, and even if yours is just a food prep kitchen, it’s likely that you’re missing out on vital storage space that can be used to store all kinds of kitchen gadgets and accessories.

Getting a good variety of storage is important here, especially if you’re storing homeschooling supplies next to the cereal.

Easy Clean Surfaces

Last but not least, invest in easy to clean surfaces. More people at home for longer means increased risk in spilled drinks, pen breakages, and of course, the odd crayon finding it’s way onto your work surface.

Go for a nice granite, stone, or lacquered finish for your work surfaces to help with the clean up after the inevitable disaster that’s likely to happen!