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How to Measure a Door Latch

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:05:26 +0000

If you're looking to replace a tubular mortice latch in the UK, it's important to measure the dimensions of the latch accurately to ensure that you purchase the correct replacement part. In this blog, we'll take a look at how to measure a tubular mortice latch in the UK, step by step.

Measure the “BACKSET”. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the latch. This measurement is important because it determines how far your handles will be from the edge of the door when they are fitted. To measure the backset, measure from the edge of the door to the centre of the hole where the latch is fitted.

Measure the Case Depth. The case depth is the distance from the front of the faceplate to the back of the latch case. This measurement is important because it determines how much of the door you will need to cut out to fit your latch. Some glazed or panelled doors may not have enough space to fit a longer latch. To measure the case depth, measure from the front of the latch to the back of the lock case.

Measure the Forend Size. Most forends are rectangular, they are the plate that covers your latch and sit in the middle of the door. If replacing an existing latch this size is important because it determines whether you will need to make any adjustments to the existing cut out in the middle of your door.

Check the Handing. The handing of the latch is also important, as it determines which way the latch will open. All Handle King locks and latches are fully reversible which means you don’t need to worry about handing when purchasing from us.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interiors and style, check out our previous blogs and be sure to visit our Pinterest for more inspiration!

How to Change a Cylinder Lock

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 08:30:00 +0000

Here is our quick 3 step guide on how to change a cylinder lock on an internal door at home!

For this task, you will need: a screwdriver, ruler, and the lock cylinder replacement with screws.

Begin by removing the retaining screw which is located on the faceplate on the side of the door, usually in alignment with the bottom of the lock cylinder and keyhole.

Next, insert the key into the lock. Once the key is in the lock, turn the key about 10 degrees to line up the cam with the body of the lock, and remove the cylinder slowly.

Finally, remove the cylinder by gently twisting the cylinder while its inserted in the lock. Once the cylinder loosens, pull it towards you and out of its socket.

For tips on choosing the right split size, here’s our simple guide:

Measure the overall length of your existing cylinder lock with a ruler.

Attain the split size by measuring from the left external side of the cylinder lock to the centre of the screw-hole.

Measure from the right internal side to the centre of the screw hole.

We hope our DIY guide on how to change a cylinder lock has helped you with your installation!

Find a suitable lock cylinder replacement in our selection of key locks! Our euro cylinder lock replacements are intended for installation in conjunction with a euro sash or euro dead lock. To suit your internal door at home, we offer a selection of split sizes including 30/30, 35/35, 40/40, 40/45, 45/45, 40/50, 40/55, 45/55/ and 40/60 split which can be selected from the drop down option here: Euro Cylinder Lock

Our euro profile cylinder locks are supplied complete with fixing screws and 2 keys for ease of installation and are ideal for adding an element of security within the home or workplace.

How to Fit a Sliding Door Lock

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:00:00 +0000

If you are DIY savvy and have a pocket door that requires a bathroom type lock, here’s our guide on how to fit a sliding door lock in six steps! The following instructions are intended to guide the installation of our X89002, available in satin nickel, copper, and matte black finish.

For this task, you will need: a sliding door lock with fixings, 30mm drill bit, spade bit or hole saw, electric drill, jigsaw, pencil, and chisel.

Using a 30mm drill-bit, spade bit or hole saw, drill 2 holes in vertical alignment 138mm apart (centre to centre) and 53mm in from the edge of the door.

Note: to avoid any damage to the door these holes should be drilled from both sides of the door, meeting in the middle.

With the two holes drilled, use a jigsaw to cut from one hole to the other. Lining up both holes so that you have one long rectangular opening with radius ends.

From the centre of your top hole, draw a line out towards the edge of the door for reference. From this centre line, drill a 12mm hole from the centre of the edge of the door until it meets with the rectangular opening.

From the same reference line, measure 30mm down and drill another 12mm hole from the centre of the edge of the door until it meets with the rectangular opening. Chisel away the section of the lock block between the 2 holes to accommodate the lock case.

Use a chisel to chop out 12mm from the top and bottom of the lock case mortice with a depth of 4mm and width of 20mm so that the faceplate of the lock sits ush within the edge of the door.

Once all the holes have been drilled insert the lock case into the edge of the door. Place the lock operator side into the long rectangular opening so that it engages the pin through the loop. Place the lock indicator side from the opposite side of the door using the fixing bolts to secure the two sides.

And there we have it, our simple guide on how to fit a sliding door lock in six steps. Discover our selection of sliding bathroom door locks with indicator and complement your hardware fittings with door furniture and accessories in the matching finish. Our range of sliding doors locks include all the fixings for ease of installation.

3 Interior Design Trends for 2021

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:00:07 +0000

As we prepare to approach a new year with a lifestyle that will most likely include spending more time at home, we’re excited to look at the forecasted style and interior trends for 2021.

With ample free time to carry out home improvement projects and DIY tasks around the house this autumn/winter season, we thought we would look ahead to the trends that are sure to dominate fashion-forward homes.

From updating your internal door furniture and performing household repairs to switching out your light summer textiles for warm, winter layers (and then switch again for spring!), there is plenty to do at home to upgrade its appearance and practicality.

Navy Tones and Brass Accents

Contemporize spaces with the elegant aesthetic of navy and gold brass accents. If you want to incorporate this trendy interior statement without making considerable changes to your current décor, you can integrate minimalist touches of navy in your decorative accessories, such as your pillows, throws, and homeware. Alternatively, featuring a statement navy chair with brass legs can instantly upgrade your space.

Complement the navy and brass tones with new brass door furniture. Pair brass door handles with a set of new brass hinges and a brass door latch for a cohesive fit throughout your home.

Scandinavian Woods

The Scandinavian style is all about minimalist spaces and practical placement of furniture and smaller furnishings. Lights woods are a trendy material to feature at home in 2021. Not only is light wood easy on the eye, it's also a flexible element to work with as it complements a vast array of interior styles and décor palettes. Feature this trend with new luxury vinyl flooring. Not only will it give your home the Scandi-style upgrade you’re dreaming of, but high-quality vinyl flooring is also more cost effective without losing the authentic appearance of the wooden aesthetic. Grey oak effect laminate will continue to be an extremely popular choice in 2021 as it sets the tone for cool, contemporary home decor.

Amplify the upgrade of your home flooring with luxury chrome cupboard handles on your drawers and cupboards. Whether you have a desk workspace or cabinet in mind, our range of chrome cupboard handles offer a striking appearance. Modernise your space with Modern D cut polished chrome handles.

Global Influence

According to homeandgardens.com, global influence will take over home design in 2021. Characterised by earthy tones and neutral palettes, the warmer tones are a popular alternative to the cooler grey interior trend. Complement organic textures and warm earthy colours with statement matte black door furniture and accessories. Our popular matte black door handles on rose offer a robust feel in the hand with contemporary qualities.

Privacy with a Bedroom Door Key Lock

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:15:21 +0000

Whether you live in a house share or family home, it’s important to secure some personal privacy with a key lock on your door. Having the ability to lock your bedroom door during the day when you are out of the house offers peace of mind that no one can enter without a key. If you are looking for a bedroom door lock or an internal door lock for your study or closet, scroll down for our recommendations...

TOP TIP

Before you go ahead and order a mortice lock for your internal door, you will need to know the backset dimensions so that you order the correct size. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the door handle or knob spindle hole. We offer two backset sizes: 57mm and 45mm. In addition to these dimensions, you will also see the overall case length.

76mm (3 Inch) with 57mm Backset

63mm (2 ½ Inch) with 45mm Backset

Once you have your measurements noted, you can then consider what finish will best suit your existing hardware. The high-quality finishes that we offer include satin nickel, matte black, copper and brass to suit every interior style. For ease of installation, our 3 and 5 lever mortice locks are supplied with a dust socket and screw fixings for ease of installation and can be easily configured for use on right- or left-hand hinged doors by adjusting the reversible latch bolt.

Satin Nickel

Supplied with 2 keys and screw fixings, our 3 lever mortice lock features a neutral brushed chrome finish which complements our wide range of chrome door handles. It’s the perfect option for doors embellished with door handles and hinges in a satin or polished finish.

63mm / 45mm Backset

76mm / 57mm Backset

Fit matching escutcheons to conceal the keyhole: Euro Escutcheon Pair in Satin Stainless Steel 10mm A8510S

Satin Stainless Steel

Our mortice sash lock euro lock case features a durable satin finish and is high-quality grade 304 stainless steel body. Featuring a euro cylinder lock case for installing a euro cylinder lock, our mortice sash lock is perfect for adding an additional element of security to an internal door.

Fit matching escutcheons to conceal the keyhole: Euro Escutcheon Pair in Satin Stainless Steel 10mm A8510S

Matte Black

Make the ultimate statement with matte black door furniture. Presented in a fashion-forward matte black finish, our statement 3 lever lock is the perfect choice for luxury interiors. We offer an exclusive selection of matching matte black door furniture and accessories for a cohesive fit throughout your home.

63mm / 45mm Backset

76mm / 57mm Backset

Fit matching escutcheons to conceal the keyhole: Black Escutcheons Keyhole Cover 10mm in Matte Finish A8310BL

Copper

Presented in a warm, contemporary copper finish, this 3 lever mortice lock offers a seamless aesthetic when fitted in conjunction with our wide range of copper door furniture and accessories. It’s the perfect option for interiors with a copper or rose gold décor theme!

63mm / 45mm Backset

76mm / 57mm Backset

Fit matching escutcheons to conceal the keyhole: Keyhole Cover Plate Escutcheon Pair in Satin Copper 10mm A8310SCU

Brass

For homes featuring a modern farmhouse or transitional style, the brass finish door lock is the go-to option. Designed for internal doors that require additional security, our 3 lever mortice sash lock in satin brass finish is supplied with 2 keys and all the fixings for fitting upon installation. Our satin brass 3 lever mortice sash lock can be styled together with our wide range of matching door furniture and accessories for a cohesive fit.

63mm / 45mm Backset

76mm / 57mm Backset

Fit matching escutcheons to conceal the keyhole: Gold Polished Brass Escutcheon Pair for Internal Doors D8310PB

And there we have it, our recommendations for securing your possessions and personal privacy with a bedroom door key lock. For more options, check out our 3 lever mortice lock and internal door key lock range.

Update Kitchens with Cupboard Handles

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 08:30:00 +0000

Updating your tired kitchen does not need to be an expensive and time consuming project. With a few simple steps, there is a much simpler and cost effective way to give your kitchen space the upgrade it needs without calling in the experts. For our tips on how to upgrade your kitchen, scroll down!

Give your kitchen the upgrade it deserves by conducting a clear out, applying a fresh lick of paint, fitting new cupboard handles, and organising your kitchen cupboard contents so that it brings you peace!

Clear Out

Start by clearing out each drawer in the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home, the hub of the household, and every kitchen has that one random drawer that gets filled with random bits and bobs over time. From single-use straws and grocery receipts to the little hand wipe packets that you get with your takeaway (which reminds you how much you have spent on takeaways!), this drawer needs a sort out! Go through each cupboard and dispose of any clutter, plus broken mugs and expired food items.

Paint

Give your kitchen an instant upgrade with a brand new paint job! For a luxurious aesthetic, consider painting your cupboards and drawers in a dark grey. This trendy shade is a must-have for many fashion-forward, modern homes. Dark, daring kitchen cupboards create quite the statement and contrast when styled with bright white walls and countertops.

Once you have chosen your desired paint colour, you will need to remove all the knobs and handles then apply masking tape to your cupboard hinges. Place dust sheets on the floor to protect it from accidental paint drips. Wash your cupboard doors with a mixture of warm soapy water and dry it with a cloth. Once they are completely dry, you may need to sand down the existing cupboard surface, although this step is not required for surfaces with a high gloss finish. Apply your primer and begin painting with a synthetic paint brush. Apply two coats of coloured paint to ensure a long-lasting finish.

Install

Replace your existing hardware with new stylish cupboard handles or kitchen cupboard knobs. Our selection of cupboard handles offers a huge and attractive choice of finishes, sizes and shapes including D-Shaped, T-Bar, Curved and designer kitchen cupboard door handles. There is something for every interior style and colour palette. Warm brass hues are an ideal feature for dark kitchen cupboards and there is plenty of designer and industrial inspired design to choose from.

Our knurled cabinet handles in polished brass features the classic T bar shape with an intricate knurled texture for the ultimate industrial aesthetic. Available in a variety of sizes to suit the dimensions required for all your drawers and cupboards. This popular design is also available in matte black and satin nickel.

If you are new to the DIY scene, just remember - righty-tighty and lefty-loosey!

Organise

Once your kitchen cabinets have been painted and embellished with new hardware, you can start putting your cutlery, mugs, and dinnerware back into storage. Storage space is like valuable real estate and with such little storage space offered by most properties, it’s important to make the most of it! Take advantage of plastic takeaway containers by placing them inside your drawers for storing your bits and bobs.

Store pans on their side in between dividers and add custom labels to your refillable spice jars and dry food containers. Make use of drawer dividers to organise your kitchen tools and cutlery. Clear acrylic risers can be used in cupboards as a custom shelving solution for your plates, bowls, and tableware so that it’s easy to move dishes in and out of the cupboard.

Which Pocket Door Hardware Kit?

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 07:30:00 +0000

Sliding doors, also referred to as pocket doors, are an ideal solution for properties that lack the space for the swing of a hinged door. Designed for architectural effect and internal entry ways, such as a bathroom or walk-in wardrobe, sliding doors simply hide in the cavity of the adjacent wall. It’s a great space-saver! If you are in need of a quick how-to guide when choosing the right size pocket door hardware, scroll down for a few of our expert tips!

Our pocket door kits for single door pocket door systems feature a high-quality galvanised steel finish and are available in a range of sizes to suit every requirement.

To determine which size sliding door kit to order online, you will need to measure the width of your door in addition to the horizontal and vertical wall space. The length of hardware required will be the sum of the door width measurement multiplied by 2 and roughly 4 extra inches (to allow for overhang or error). A rail that is slightly too long is much better than one that is too short!

The formula is: (Door width*2+4”)

For example, internal sliding doors with a 762mm overall width, a 1980mm height measurement and a thickness of 35mm will require the 762x1981mm for 114mm Width System. This pocket door kit will allow for a 52mm pocket width and the length in which the door will slide open.

Available for standard metric door sizes and supplied for both 125mm and 114mm finished width stud walls. The 114mm finished width is suitable for doors with a 35mm to 40mm thickness whereas the 125mm finishes width is suitable for 40mm to 44mm thick doors.

Simply select the size required for your installation and add to cart. Our pocket door kits include a galvanised steel pocket door frame, sealed ball bearing running gear, door hangers, door jambs, dust brushes and rubber seals.

Add the finishing touches to your pocket door with a newly fitted pocket door handle or sliding door lock set. Available in a variety of styles including round or rectangular and finished in high-quality stainless steel, copper and black. Our selection of sliding pocket door hardware will suit every interior style, ensuring that architectural elements maintain cohesive to your design.

8 Steps to Fit a Door Latch Strike Plate

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 07:30:00 +0000

A strike plate is the metal plate that fits into the doorjamb where the area has been morticed and fitted with a dust socket and keep. When the internal door is closed, the latch bolt extends into the hole in the strike plate and holds the door closed.

Our selection of door latches, mortice locks and bathroom locks are supplied complete with the strike plate, dust socket and fixings for ease of installation on arrival. To help you with your DIY home improvements, here’s our eight steps on how to fit a door latch strike plate.

Once your internal door handles on rose have been fitted, you will need to complete the installation by fitting a dust socket, keep and strike plate. Without fully closing the door, simply line the door up to the doorjamb and use a pencil to mark the top and bottom of the latch bolt.

With these two points marked, simply move the door away from the doorjamb and draw vertical and horizontal lines to indicate where the door jamb needs to be chiselled out.

The strike plate has two parts including the inner section and outer part. The inner section is where the latch bolt sits inside the door keep, maintaining the closed position. The outer part of the strike plate is the metal plate that protects the door from scratches as the latch extends and retracts.

Use the pencil markings to position the strike plate, aligning the top and bottom part for accuracy. The bottom part of the inner bit of the strike plate should line up with the lowest horizontal mark.

With your pencil, stencil the outer and inner parts of the strike plate so that you have two distinctive sketches on your doorjamb.

For the inner sketched outline of the strike plate, drill a series of holes along the vertical pencil line.

Once the holes have been drilled, chisel out a small hole for the outer part of the strike plate. Ensure that this is deep enough for the strike plate to sit flush within the doorjamb.

To complete your latch installation, position the door latch strike plate over the recessed area and secure it to the doorjamb with fixing screws.

And there we have it, our eight steps on how to fit a door latch strike plate.

If you’re making home improvements and would like matching door furniture, we’ve got a wide range at the most affordable prices. Our selection of door latches is available in a 45mm backset or 57mm backset in range of finsihes including satin nickel, copper and matte black. Discover our cohesive selection of stainless steel, matte black, copper, brass and chrome door handles and door hardware. From door handles and mortice knobs to latches, key locks and hinges, we’ve got everything you need to complete the installation of your internal doors.

Luxury Door Handles: Novas Collection

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 12:46:23 +0000

Aligning style with functionality, the exclusive Novas collection embodies elegance and high-quality craftsmanship. Designed to offer a seamless embellishment on the door of any home interior, the Novas collection features three distinctive door handle styles and three deluxe finishes including high-shine polished copper, smooth satin copper and matte black for a durable yet stylish finishing touch.

Make a statement with your hardware by fitting the unique door handles with minimalist design to all your interior doors. Featuring subtle curves and straight lines, the deluxe style of these door handles is one-a-kind.

Available in a selection of long-lasting finishes, each distinctive design creates a fashion-forward edge to suit modern, contemporary, and transitional style properties. For the ultimate contemporary aesthetic, pair these unique door handles on rose with the matching door accessories.

Novas luxury door handles are supplied with all the required fixings, an innovative rubber O-ring for ease of fitting and a micro-tight spindle for a secure fix. Designed with low maintenance qualities, each door handle pair is supplied with a soft polishing cloth to preserve the appearance of the high-quality finish.

Discover the exclusive NOVAS collection online.

5 Tips to Unstick a Swollen Door

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 07:30:00 +0000

When seasons change from summer to autumn, you may notice that your internal wooden doors become swollen, making it hard to open and close the door with ease. With these changes in climate, moisture in the air causes porous wooden doors to swell which can be a result of condensation building up on closed windows as you sleep at night. To help you unstick a swollen wooden door, here’s our five simple tips and tricks….

If your door latch and handle work efficiently, try lining the surface between your door and door frame with a small amount all-purpose lubricant. Use either a squirting bottle or a narrow spatula to apply lubricant to the closed door.

To determine whether your door is actually swollen or jammed, check the hinges on your internal door. Do so to ensure that they are secure and not loosely fixed; if they are loose, you should tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

Avoid moisture build-up by keeping a window slightly open as you sleep. Alternatively, if you want to maintain thermal comfort during the night, you can open the window for ten minutes every morning.

Ventilation is key to reducing moisture build-up, so you may choose to keep internal doors open throughout your home.

If condensation build-up is a common problem throughout your home, you could invest in dehumidifiers to help reduce the amount of moisture in the air.

And there we have it, our five simple tips to unstick a swollen door.

If you’re making home improvements and would like matching door furniture, we’ve got a wide range at the most affordable prices. Discover our cohesive selection of stainless steel, matte black, copper, brass and chrome door handles and door hardware. From door handles and mortice knobs to latches, key locks and hinges, we’ve got everything you need to complete the installation of your internal doors.

How to Fit a Skirting Board in 10 Steps

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 07:30:00 +0000

Skirting comes in a range of widths, sizes and materials and is designed to ensure a neat finish as it covers the joint between the interior wall surface and the floor. Skirting boards also protect walls from damage such as accidental knocks, scuffs and scrapes. To help you with your DIY home improvements, here’s our guide on how to fit a skirting board in ten steps!

For this task, you will need: a pipe and cable detector, your trimmed skirting boards, an electric drill, a 6mm drill bit, PVA glue, flexible decorators caulk and a cartridge gun.

Once your skirting boards are trimmed correctly and ready for fitting, it's time to fix them into place.

Check that the wall is clear of hidden pipes and electric cables before starting your installation. A pipe and cable detector will be required for this step preliminary step.

Apply a generous amount of grab adhesive to the side of the skirting board that you will be sticking.

With a steady hand, push the skirting board up against the wall and secure it into place.

For a masonry wall, use a 6mm drill bit on the skirting board. A measurement of 50mm from the end of the wall and a position of 25mm from the top and bottom of the skirting is recommended for drilling. Drilling countersunk holes will ensure that the screws are well hidden.

Insert a 6mm wall plug and an 8 gauge screw then secure it in place until the head of the screw is embedded within the skirting board.

To secure the external joint, apply PVA glue to the surface of the skirting board width. PVA glue will not be required for fitting internal joints.

Line the gap between the wall and the skirting board with flexible decorators caulk and a cartridge gun.

Conceal the fixing holes by filling the countersunk screw holes with the flexible decorators caulk.

Sand down the skirting board surface so that’s its prepped for painting.

Protect your skirting board and door by fitting a door stop to the newly fitted skirting board. Our selection of high-quality stainless steel door stops accommodate all interior styles and spaces. Available in a variety of styles, sizes and finishes, our durable door stop range is the most affordable online!

Top Tip: If ever in doubt and need more information on how to fit a skirting board, follow the manufacturer's instructions or call a professional carpenter to fit the skirting boards.

5 Most Popular Door Handle Packs

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 07:59:00 +0000

Fitting new doors at home? We’ve got just what you need! For ease of installation, our door handle packs are available in either a latch, bathroom, or backplate lock type. Scroll down for our five most popular door handle packs.

The bathroom packs include a pair of door handles, a bathroom lock mechanism to go inside the door, a matching thumb turn and release and a pair of hinges to hang your door in the frame.

The door handle on backplate lock packs include a pair of door handles on backplate, a key lock mechanism to go inside the door and a pair of matching hinges.

The latch packs include a pair of door handles, a latch mechanism to go inside the door and a pair of hinges.

Each pack is supplied complete with all the fixings and an 8mm spindle for a DIY installation. The bathroom packs also include a 5mm spindle to enable operation of the lock mechanism with the thumb turn and release.

Top Tip: Our bathroom door handle packs with lever on backplate feature the thumb turn and release on the face of the backplate whereas our door handles on rose are supplied with the matching thumb turn and release. If you need only one or two components, these can be purchase separately on our website.

Interior Door Handle Packs with Duo Chrome Handles, Latch and Hinges H750021D HL1

Featuring a blend of polished and satin chrome finish, this stunning door handle offers ultimate comfort in hand. The matching bathroom handle pack is suitable for all interior bathroom doors and is particularly striking when fitted in conjunction with additional duo chrome features in fixtures and furnishings.

Internal Door Handle Packs with Chrome Handles, Latch and Hinges H750022D HL1

This door handle latch pack is a popular option for embellishing regular doors in any modern interior. Featuring an attractive curved lever on rose design with a long-lasting satin chrome finish. The matching bathroom handle pack is suitable for all interior bathrooms and ensuites.

Interior Door Handle Pack with Straight Oval Levers H750026D HL1

This stylish interior door handle pack contains all that you need when fitting new doors or replacing old door furniture. Featuring a solid yet comfortable lever with a modern duo chrome finish to suit both satin and polished hardware, fixtures, and fittings.

Square Rose Door Handle Packs with Latch and Hinges H750062D HL1

This door handle pack is perfect for those seeking an ultra-modern square rose design and neutral duo chrome finish. Supplied with a pair of fire rated, double ball bearing brushed stainless steel door hinges and screw fixings for ease of installation for any DIYer. Check out the bathroom pack to complete the upgrade of all all your interior doors.

Black Nickel Door Handle Packs with Latch and Hinges H750043D HL1

Vivid and stylish in design, our black nickel door handle pack complements black, polished, and satin chrome finish elements within your interior. Complete the installation of all your internal doors at home with the matching black nickel handle pack for bathroom doors.

Top Tip: Set aside 30 minutes to an hour to complete your door furniture installation and work as a pair to fit the door in place if replacing or installing new door hinges.

5 Most Popular Door Handle Finishes

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 15:44:46 +0000

Updating your internal door handles can instantly upgrade the look of your interior. With so many designs and finishes to choose from, you may be wondering which door handles will fit best in your home. To help you decide which sets to buy, here is a list of our top five most popular door handle finishes.

Chrome Door Handles

Chrome door handles are the go-to option for many homeowners as the neutral tone exterior suits many modern interior styles. Chrome door handles on rose are particularly popular, due to their minimalist appearance on the surface of the door. Available in either a reflective polished finish or smooth satin sheen, our chrome door handles offer a cohesive aesthetic when fitted with additional chrome fixtures, fittings, and furnishings.

Here’s our most popular Chrome Door Handle on Rose in Duo Finish. The gentle curve on the lever makes this handle a comfortable option that will never look dated.

Matte Black Door Handles

Door handles in a matte black finish offer a deluxe aesthetic in contemporary and modern style interiors. Matte black door handles have soared in popularity as homeowners opt for trendy black elements in their light fixtures, furniture pieces and home décor. Our exclusive collection of matte black door furniture is designed to complement one another and features door hinges, latches, locks, keyhole escutcheons and bathroom thumb turns and releases.

Here’s one of our most popular and affordable Matte Black Door Handle on Rose. Designed with a wing shaped lever, this contemporary style door handle is a real eye-catching piece in many fashion-forward homes.

Copper Door Handles

Copper accents in home interiors offer a touch of industrial style, which is emphasised by the luxury knurled texture on the circumference of this door knob on backplate. The gorgeous warm tones on our knurled door knob possesses a certain quality and charm which is unique to our exclusive selection of door handles in copper finish.

Here’s one of our most popular door handle pairs in copper finish - Knurled Door Knobs on Backplate with Copper Finish.

Polished Stainless Steel Door Handles

Polished stainless steel reflects light and creates the impression of larger, brighter living spaces. Not only does the neutral tone of stainless steel complement every modern interior style, our stainless steel door handles excel in performance, quality, and durability for a long-lasting solution on every internal door at home. Take a look at the versatile and eye catching finish of our polished stainless steel door handles on rose: Polished Stainless Steel Door Handles on Rose.

Satin Stainless Steel Door Handles

The finish of satin stainless steel features a subtle sheen which is visually resistant to fingerprint marks and smudging. This low maintenance finish is a seriously popular option for busy households where style and functionality align.

If you are a fan of straight lines and subtle curved contours, check out our Designer Door Handles with 3 Ring Brushed Steel Lever. This attractive yet affordable door handle lever is a popular option for homes with Scandinavian ambience and simplicity.

Hang an Interior Door in 3 Steps

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 08:35:00 +0000

Updating your interior doors adds value and appeal to your home which is particularly beneficial if you are trying to sell your property. Whether you’re planning on moving or simply want to revamp your living space, why not replace your dated doors with something new and stylish. If you’re ready for an interior update, here’s our DIY guide on how to hang an interior door in 3 steps.

For this task you will need: a door wedge, tape measure, pencil, chisel, screwdriver, and your brand-new hinges. A second person will be needed when fitting.

The first step in this revamping project is to choose which style of door is most suitable for your interior style. Modern doors work best in modern and contemporary style homes whereas traditional-type internal doors are better suited to traditional properties. Determine which material is better suited to both your desired aesthetic and budget. Get some inspiration from our Pinterest board of interior doors!

Here's how to fit your door hinges

Before you buy your replacement doors, you will need a few measurements to ensure that the new doors are the correct size. Use a tape measure and jot down the height, width, and thickness of your existing doors. For a stylish finish, you should fit new hinges to your new doors. Our wide selection of door hinges features a variety of styles, sizes and finishes to suit your door furniture and the metallic elements within your interior. From stainless steel and chrome to brass, copper and black, there is something for every home in our door hinges category.

Once your new doors have arrived, you will need to plan the position of the new hinges. Have someone hold the door into place on the door frame and mark the hinge recesses on the new door with a pencil.

To hang the new door, place the hinges in position on the door and mark around them as your guide for chiselling. Chisel the markings to create the recesses. Fit the hinge to the doors, using one screw per hinge to begin with. Fix the hinge to the frame with one screw and check that the door opens and closes efficiently. Continue to fasten the remaining screws to ensure that the hinge is securely fixed to the door and door frame.

And there we have it, our simple DIY guide on how to hang an interior door in 3 steps. If you are thinking about carrying out more home improvement projects, discover our wide range of door furniture online. Need to contact us? Our award-winning customer service team are available to answer any query that you may have!

How to Replace a Door Knob in 10 Steps

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 10:20:26 +0000

Updating your internal doors with new chic door knobs can work wonders for your interior décor. For steps on how to replace a door knob, scroll down!

For this task you will need: a screwdriver, measuring tape, brand new door latches and door knobs.

Start by removing the screws on the rose of your door knobs. This will enable you to pull the door knob away from its position on the door.

Pull both door knobs away the door simultaneously. The central 8mm spindle that connects the door knob through the latch will also be removed at this stage.

Loosen the screws on the latch fixing plate and remove it, then slide the latch out of the door.

Remove the strike plate on the door frame using the screwdriver.

Measure the distance from the centre of the hole in the door across to the edge. This measurement is called the backset which is important to know if you are looking to replace your existing latch.

Open your Handle King package and take the contents out of the packaging. Our range of modern and antique doors knobs are supplied complete as a pair with an 8mm spindle and wood screws required for fitting. Our selection of door latches are available in 2.5 Inch / 45mm backset and 3 Inch / 57mm backset to suit your installation. Available in a variety of finishes including brass, matte black, copper, polished and satin stainless steel; our door latches are designed to match our contemporary range of knobs and door handles.

Insert your new latch and secure it into place with the supplied screws.

Attach the new strike plate to the door frame.

Begin by inserting the door knob with the spindle fixing, passing it through the latch mechanism in the door. Screw the fixings securely into place.

Line up the other door knob with the spindle and fit to the door.

Your door knob installation should now be complete! If you are thinking about carrying out more DIY home improvement projects, discover our wide range of door furniture online. Need to contact us? Our award-winning customer service team are available to answer any query that you may have!

Tips on Replacing a Bathroom Door Lock

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:55:27 +0000

Replace your faulty, old, or tired looking bathroom door furniture with a new bathroom lock and a stylish set of door handles with a matching thumb turn and release. Replacing a bathroom door lock is quick and simple with our tried and tested tips! So, scroll down for tips and upgrade your door furniture with our affordable, easy-to-install solutions!

What you will need:

To lock a bathroom door, you will need a bathroom door lock, a thumb turn and release and a pair of door handles. You will also need a screwdriver to remove and replace your hardware.

Enhance your bathroom privacy whilst showcasing your eye for interior accents with a modern finish to suit your décor and current plumbing fixtures. Available in polished stainless steel, polished brass and satin nickel, our internal bathroom door locks are supplied with all the fixings for ease of installation.

Our selection of bathroom thumb turns and releases are designed to be used on a bathroom door where privacy locking is required. The thumb turn operates the deadbolt as you turn it clockwise and anti-clockwise whereas the release component offers a practical and aesthetic appeal on the external side of the door. The emergency coin release will permit access from the external side of the door in the event of an emergency, which is a desirable feature for all families and households with elderly residents. All bathroom thumb turns are supplied complete with screw fixings and a 5mm spindle which passes through the door to facilitate operation.

Start by removing the door handle. To do this, you may need to twist or pull the rose away from the door. Once the rose has been removed, you will see the screw fixings. Simply unscrew the fixings and the grub screw to remove the handle away from the door. Repeat this process on the opposite side.

Using a screwdriver, remove the fixings from the strike plate and remove the lock from the door. Measure the backset of your existing bathroom door lock and ensure to choose a new bathroom lock with these measurements in mind. Check out our range here!

Before fitting your new lock into door, check the configuration of the latch bolt. Our reversible latch bolts are suitable for doors that are right and left-handed.

Fit your new lock into the door, securing it into place with the fixings on the strike plate.

Thread the 8mm door handle spindle through the door and secure your new door handles on rose with the supplied fixings. Push or screw the rose to conceal the door handle fixings.

To fit to the thumb turn and release, pass the 5mm spindle through the door lock door and lock. The 5mm spindle is the mechanism which throws the deadbolt into the lock and unlocking position when rotating the thumb turn and release.

Screw the fixings securely into place and check that all components of your bathroom hardware are operating efficiently.

Your new bathroom lock should now be fully operational. If you have any further queries, get in touch with our friendly, award winning customer service team by calling 0333 772 9634 or by leaving your message in our Contact Us form.

Replacing a Board in a Wooden Fence

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 10:18:53 +0000

Closeboard fencing is simple to maintain and repair in the event of loosened or damaged boards. Closeboard fences are made by nailing vertical feathered-edge boards to horizontal timber rails that are mortised into vertical fence posts. Each board overlaps the other and can be finished by adding a clapping strip along the top edge. Softwood is the most common material for closeboard fences due to the attractive appearance, and its availability and affordable price point. If you’re looking to complete some garden improvements, follow our DIY guide on replacing a board in a wooden fence.

For this task, you will need: feather-edge boards, tenon saw, pencil, wood preservative, paintbrush, galvanised steel, claw hammer.

TOP TIP: Check with your neighbours before staring any fence repairs or projects.

Remove all boards that need replacing. Rotten wood cannot be salvaged so it’s best to just discard of it. Keep hold of boards that are in a good condition as these can be repaired and reused. Remove any old nails using the claw component on your hammer.

Use one of the old boards as a measurement guide so that you can mark the length on the new boards.

Saw each board to the correct size.

Treat the ends of the freshly cut boards with wood preservative. You can stain new boards to match your existing fence after it has been secured. If you’re planning on changing the colour of your entire fencing, clean up the old boards, then apply your new stain or paint.

eather-edge boards are tapered towards one long side, that is, they have one thick edge and one thin one. Work from left to right, keeping the thick edge on the left. The next board should overlap the previous one by about 12mm.

Space each board to match the existing fencing. Use sturdy galvanised steel nails to secure it to the cross rails, making sure that it does not pierce the board underneath.

To complete the look of your garden fencing, we offer a high-quality selection of gate furniture which has everything you need to operate a gate and secure you garden and shed.

Update a Porch Light to a Security Light

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 10:54:35 +0000

Amp up your home security with a few changes to the external side of your property! An exterior wall or porch light with motion sensor technology automatically lights up when visitors approach your home. Porch lights offer a sense of security and can be a great deterrent to intruders as the light switching on alerts you to someone within proximity of your property.

Not only is it a great security measure to have, security lights are also useful for when you’re searching for keys in your handbag at night time. Motion sensor lights can also be installed to sheds which is particularly beneficial if you store valuable equipment inside. Protect your home and read on for our DIY tips on changing a porch light to a security light.

For this task you will need: motion sensor security light, ladder, spanner, screwdriver, drill, wall plugs, hammer, wire strippers and pliers.

TOP TIP: Make sure to switch off the electricity at the main isolating switch before undertaking any electrical repairs or modifications. Failing to do so could result in serious injury. Make sure to read the instructions supplied with your motion sensor security light.

Locate your existing porch light and safely lean your ladder up against the wall so that you can reach the fixings for removal. Make sure that you have the correct tool for unfastening the screws before you climb the ladder.

Loosen the wall plate of the porch light to expose the wires inside. You should see a plastic connecting block. Unfasten the screws to release the wires and remove the light component from the base.

Unscrew and remove the existing base plate.

Attach the new base plate securely to the wall using the screws and wall plugs. The cable from the mains supply will pass through the base plate.

Follow the instructions provided with your new motion sensor light to ensure that you connect the wiring correctly. Install the assembly securely in position.

Switch on the power to test the light then adjust the angle of the sensor to suit your requirements.

The installation of your new motion sensor security light should now be complete! Continue your home security improvements by fitting our door viewer and security door chain lock. Featuring an attractive, neutral chrome finish, our front door furniture is perfect for every style of property. If you’ve recently moved to a new house or have lost many keys over the years, you should replace your front door lock with a new euro cylinder lock. Featuring anti-pick and anti-drill technology with 6 hardened steel pins, our euro cylinder locks are available in various sizes to suit your front door and they are supplied with 5 keys which can be keyed alike.

How to Fit Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 13:48:53 +0000

Updating your kitchen cabinet doors and handles can instantly give your kitchen a whole new vibe! For tips on how to fit kitchen cabinet doors, follow our DIY step by step guide.

Kitchen cupboards usually come in a standard size however, it’s important to check the measurement so that you fit cupboard doors that are accurate in size.

For this task you will need: a drill and drill bit, pencil, screwdriver, cupboard hinges and woodscrews, new kitchen cupboard doors and new cupboard handles.

To start the removal of your existing cupboard doors, detach the hinge from the hinge backplate by simply loosening the screw at the back of the backplate. Start with the bottom hinge to help support the weight of the door and repeat the process for the top hinge. The hinge will then easily slide or lift off. If the hinge looks as though it has a clip on fix, all you need to do is press the release button on the back and it will detach from the backplate.

Separate the hinge from the door by unfastening the screws. If you’re planning to reuse these cupboard hinges, ensure to set them safely aside.

For your new cupboard door, you will need to use a drill bit that’s suitable for use on wood. Place a scrap piece of wood behind your new cupboard door to ensure a nice clean exit. Begin drilling and keep your fingers away at a safe distance. Place the hinge into the new fixing hole on the back of the door.

To fix the new hinges to the cupboard door, simply push the round part of the hinge on the circular recess. Secure it with screws using a screwdriver. Check that the hinge is fitted level; the arm of the hinge should sit at a right-angle to the edge of the door.

Once the hinges have been secured to the cupboard door, you will need to fix the hinge backplate to the inside of the kitchen unit. If the fixing holes don’t line up with your new hinges, measure and pencil mark the new position for each hinge backplate and drill new holes.

The hinge backplate can now be fitted with fixing screws. Attach the top hinge first sliding or clipping the hinge onto the backplate. Follow this step for the bottom hinge. Turn the hinge adjustment screws if required to eliminate any gaps between the door and the unit.

The installation of your new kitchen cabinet doors should now be complete. Continue your kitchen updates by fitting new cupboard handles to match your décor. We offer many attractive designs and finishes to suit your interior style whilst adding a touch of beauty to any new cupboard. Our high-quality selection of cupboard handles, and knobs includes T Bar, Cup and Designer styles in popular finishes like copper, chrome, matte black and brass. Discover more in our Cupboard Handle category.

How to Build a Garden Gate

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 13:24:27 +0000

If your garden gate is damaged beyond repair, discard of it and build yourself a brand new one! Make the job a little easier and buy a pre-pack softwood gate kit, then all you need is a few extra items to complete the build of the gate. If you’re feeling up to the task, read on for our DIY tips on how to build a garden gate..

For this task you will need: screwdriver, saw, hammer, nail, punch, wood glue, measuring tape, pencil.

The first step is to determine the width of the gate. Cut the bottom rail to this width and the top rail 14cm shorter. Position the bottom rail in the cut-outs in the hinge and latch posts. Make sure that the rail ends are flush with the post edges.

Secure the rails with the screws provided. Position the end of the top rail that has drilled pilot holes between the hinge and latch posts. Then screw through the holes in the posts to secure the rail at each end.

Lay the assembly on the cross brace, then mark the pointed shape at each end using a pencil. Then, mark the position of the cross brace on the top and bottom rail. The bottom end of the cross brace must always be on the side of the post where the hinge sits.

Cut carefully along the pencil lines. Apply wood glue to the marked areas on the top and bottom rails, then reposition the cross brace. .

Place the vertical slats on the assembly and space out as required. Mark the position of each slat with faint pencil lines on the top and bottom rail and the cross brace, then remove the slats.

Apply wood glue to the marked areas, reposition each slat and attach the nails. Use a nail punch to drive the nail heads below the surface. Wipe away excess glue and let dry.

Once your gate has been erected, you can paint it in any colour of your choice! To complete the look of your garden gate, we offer a high-quality selection of gate furniture which has everything you need to operate a gate and secure you garden and shed. Our garden gate bolts with padlock security are the perfect choice for those who require an additional measure of property security. Available in zinc plated and epoxy black finish in bolt measurements of 100mm, 150mm and 200mm. Discover our full range of gate furniture.

How to Replace Garden Gate Hinges

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 08:13:49 +0000

Fixing a broken or damaged gate can instantly perk up and upgrade the look of your home exterior. A lockable garden gate provides additional security to properties, so it is important to maintain it and ensure that it’s fully operational. To help make your DIY improvements easy, we have put together a simple guide on how to replace garden gate hinges. Scroll down for tips on selecting your hinges and steps on how to rehang a wooden gate with heavy duty gate T hinges.

Selecting your Gate Hinges

Our T hinges feature a rectangular-shaped knuckle which fits to the gate post and has a tapered strap which fits to the gate. We offer 300mm (12”), 400mm (16”) and 450mm (18”) T hinges to suit your gate or shed door installation as the width of your gate will determine the hinge length required. The hinge should be at least one third of the width of the gate. Our heavy duty gate hinges are sold in pairs and feature pre-drilled fixing holes ready for fitting.

Small gates will require 300mm (12”) T hinges and 400mm (16”) hinges for gates that are larger. For gates measuring over 900mm wide, we recommend our 450mm (18") T hinges as the longer length will stabilise the weight of the gate. Available in various sizes to suit your installation, our gate hinges in zinc finish and epoxy black finish provide a high level of weather protection.

Steps for Rehanging A Gate

TOP TIP: Fitting a large gate can be difficult if attempting it alone, so find yourself a friend to help make it easier!

For this task you will need: a screwdriver or drill, new heavy duty T hinges and screws, exterior-quality wood filler, new gate latch, bradawl, thin wooden wedges (or battens to hold gate level when rehinging).

Remove the broken or rusty hinges with a screwdriver, along with any other fittings such as a gate latch. You may find it challenging to remove gate hinges that are particularly rusty, so try tapping the head of the screw first to loosen it up.

Locate the screws holding the post to the wall. Tighten the screws to determine whether they are holding the post securely to the wall. If this has no effect, you may need to remove the gate post and insert new wall plugs into the old holes.

The old screw holes may no longer correspond with the new T hinge holes, so fill the old holes with an exterior-quality wood filler. Allow it to set then sand and smooth.

Screw the new hinge to the gate first then hold up the gate to the old post. Use the wooden wedges or prop up the gate with battens so it is raised to the correct height. Drill pilot holes first, then screw the hinge securely to the post. Insert the top and bottom screws to keep the gate in position while the remaining screws are inserted.

Finally, close the gate to attach the new gate latch. Place the latch part on the post and mark the screw holes with a bradawl. Do the same with the bar part on the gate then screw both parts in place.

The installation of your garden gate should now be complete. Our high-quality selection of gate furniture features everything you need to operate a gate and secure you garden and shed.

How to Put up a Washing Line

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Make the most of the warmer weather by hanging your clothes, towels, and bed linens out to dry. Clothes dried in the sunshine maintain a lovely, long-lasting fresh scent whereas clothes dried indoors can often retain a damp, unpleasant odour. Freestanding drying racks take up indoor space and it is also much more cost effective to limit tumble dryer activity by hanging out your clothes and sheets on breezy, warm days. So, scroll down and read our simple guide on how to put up a washing line outdoors.

For this task you will need: chalk, ladder, drill with a 12mm (1/2 inch) drill bit, 12mm (1/2 inch) wall plugs, goggles for eye protection, hammer, small drill bit and matching plugs, large hook, pulley, cleat, washing line, metal line post (if you haven’t got a tree to attach the line).

Top Tip: Damp washing can be rather heavy, so you will need to use a heavy duty plug for your heavy duty hook. This will ensure that your line does not come down!

Look at your wall and choose the position for the hook fitting. Use your ladder to reach the area safely and mark this position with a piece of chalk. Fit your drill with a large 12mm (1/2 inch) drill bit. Put your safety goggles on and drill the hole.

With your goggles still on, blow into the hole to remove the brick dust. Ensure that the rim is flush with the wall by using a hammer to tap the wall plug into the hole. The wall plug should fit nice and snug. You can then screw the hook into the plug.

Top Tip: If you are working solo, it’s a good idea to wear a tool belt so that you can carry your equipment with you up the ladder.

Attach a cleat to the wall at a point directly below the hook. Use this to secure the washing line when its raised to its highest position.

Hold the cleat to the wall and mark the screw hole positions. With your eye protection still on, swap the drill bit for a smaller one and drill the holes where indicated. Put a wall plug into each hole and screw the cleat into place.

You will need the ladder again for this step as you tie the washing line to a sturdy tree or post.

Thread the end of the line through the pulley and hang it from the hook. Pull the washing line taut and secure the loose end around the cleat.

Complete the practicality of your garden with our range of gate furniture. From tee hinges and tower bolt locks for gates to fence post supports and long throw gate locks for increased security, we have what you need to operate a gate and secure your garden area and shed.

Tips on Renovating Cast Iron Railings

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Cast-iron railings are a wonderful feature unless in need of a bit of cosmetic attention. To keep your railings looking gorgeous, follow these steps and watch how it transforms the look of your garden.

TOP TIP: Do this task on a warm, dry day. Windy weather may blow dust particles onto your paint work, requiring you to sand and repaint the railing. You don’t want to do that!

For this task, you will need: rubber gloves, dust mask, paintbrushes, bucket, exterior metal primer, exterior metal paint, white spirit for cleaning, abrasive paper, wire brush, cloth, metal cleaner/de-greaser and rust stabiliser.

Put on a dust mask before you begin. Use the wire brush to remove loose flakes of paint and rust particles. Brush in all directions so that you do not miss any intricate or convoluted areas.

Sand all surfaces with coarse abrasive paper to take the shine off the previous paintwork. This will also create a good, smooth base for the primer and top coats. Roll the abrasive paper into a small tube to get it into small, tight, or curved areas. A flexible sanding pad will help buff intricately patterned surfaces.

Spray the cast iron railings with the metal cleaner/de-greaser, ensuring to saturate every area of the railing.

With a bucket and warm soapy water, wash the railings thoroughly with a cloth to remove all the residue from the metal cleaner. Allow to dry. If you discover rust patches, apply a rust stabiliser to the affected area and allow it to dry completely. Rust tends to spread so it is important to tackle the affected areas sooner rather than later.

If you plan on changing the colour of the metal, you will need to prep it with exterior metal primer. Using a clean brush, apply a liberal coat of primer to the railing and allow it to dry.

Before you start painting, use plenty of old newspaper to protect the surrounding area from drips. Apply one or two coats of paint with a paintbrush. Allow time to dry between paint applications and apply the paint in thick coats to provide a protective layer.

As you make your garden improvements, you may want to upgrade your garden gate furniture. Our high-quality selection of gate furniture features everything you need to operate a gate and secure you garden and shed.

How to Maintain Front Door Furniture

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Dull or corroded door furniture is far from attractive. Over time, brass door furniture loses its shine, but this can be cured with a few easy steps, a bit of elbow grease and 10 minutes of your time! To help you with your DIY task, here are our top tips on how to maintain front door furniture.

You will need: Rubber gloves, plastic basin, soft scourer sponge, soapy water, soft cloth, salt, vinegar and metal polish.

Protect your hands with a pair of rubber gloves and mix up one cup of hot water with one tablespoon each of salt and vinegar. Apply the solution to the door furniture and use a soft scourer sponge in circular motions to buff away the dullness and dirt.

As you work to buff away the nasty deposits, you will start to see the dirt dissolve. When the brass looks clean, wash it with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dry the fitting thoroughly with a cloth.

Take the metal polish and begin to work it into the fitting with a soft cloth. Use plenty of elbow grease and you will soon see the shine return!

For heavily weathered brass door furniture, try polishing the build-up of brown deposits with a few household ingredients.

Apply a solution of hot water, salt and vinegar liberally with a scourer sponge. By loosening the deposits, you will be able to rinse the brass fitting with fresh water. Once clean and dry, polish the area.

If the elements have taken a severe toll on your brass door furniture, you may need to replace them with new fittings. Our range of front door furniture features numerous finishes including brass, chrome, and stainless steel in satin and polished finish to suit the aesthetic of your property.

From nightlatch locks to door knockers, letter plates, house numbers and letters, our range of polished brass front door furniture will add the perfect finish to your property. Add a touch of sophistication to your front door with a Victorian door knockers. The timeless design of our Victorian door knocker is the perfect centrepiece for traditional and transitional style properties.

A Guide to Repainting an Exterior Door

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Freshly painted exterior woodwork instantly revitalises the look of property fronts. If you have a dreary, weather worn front door in need of bit of TLC, here are our tips on how to repaint it and revive the exterior of your home.

For this task you will need: Sander, dusk mask, screwdriver, cloth, bucket, gloves, exterior wood, filling knife, masking tape, paintbrush, primer, exterior paint, exterior varnish.

Unscrew and remove the handles along with other items of front door furniture. Ensure to keep the spindle in place on your side of the door or you may find yourself locked out if the wind blow and slams the door shut.

Wash all the woodwork and the threshold with soapy water to remove dirt, debris, and grease.

Examine the frame thoroughly for cracks in the wood or small imperfections on the surface of the door. Using a filling knife with a flexible blade, fill all damaged areas so that they are flush with the surrounding timber. Wait for the filler to set. Large holes and deep cracks will require filling in layers. Be sure to wait for each layer to dry before applying the next.

Smooth out the surface of the door by using an electric sander. You could use abrasive paper for this task, but it will be a harder, more time consuming activity. Save yourself some time and effort with an electric sander, and don’t forget to wear a dust mask when sanding.

Use strips of masking tape to mask off the edges of the glass panes. This will protect the glass as you paint around the edges of the wood.

Stir the paint well before application. A self-primer exterior paint will save time in the painting process as it eliminates the waiting period for paint layers to dry. Make sure to use a self-priming paint that is suitable for wood.

For the door threshold, apply one or two coats of an exterior-quality, clear varnish to seal and waterproof the wood. Allow time to dry between layers. The threshold may need special attention because it gets the worst of the rain.

Your freshly painted exterior woodwork will instantly uplift your property. Continue to upgrade the look of your door with new front door furniture. Our wide range of stylish and practical front door furniture includes all the essentials, suitable for domestic and light commercial properties. Available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes to suit your front door.

Tips on Repainting uPVC Windows

Thu, 28 May 2020 08:00:00 +0000

uPVC windows are relatively low maintenance. They are double glazed and are not prone to issues such as rotting and warping that many experience with wooden frame windows. However, plastic does not stay clean and fresh forever so here are our tips on renovating and repainting uPVC windows.

For this you will need: uPVC cleaner a soft cloth, rubber gloves, masking tape, paint brush, abrasive paper, uPVC primer (for a colour change) and uPVC white gloss (or coloured exterior gloss).

Clean the window frame with warm soapy water or a special uPVC cleaner – the adhesion of the product relies on a spotlessly clean surface. Do not use a scrubbing brush or any abrasive material as this will scratch the surface and cause unsightly damage.

After cleaning, mask off the edges of the glass on all four edges of each unit using strips of masking tape. This trick will make things much easier as the tape protects the glass from the paint if you slip with the paintbrush. Be careful when painting around the edges and once you are done, simply peel off the tape.

Before applying any paint, make sure to stir the pot. Apply one even coat of uPVC gloss (or primer if changing the colour). Use a synthetic brush suitable for water-based paint for the best results. Apply an additional coat of paint after eight hours, or primer after four hours.

Using a fine abrasive paper, sand off any imperfections once the first coat of paint or primer is dry. Wipe away any dust particles using a damp cloth. Apply the topcoat of white or the first coat of coloured gloss paint and allow to dry. If you have taken the colourful option, you will most likely need to apply another coat when the first is dry. Now clean your brushes with warm soapy water.

If you need to replace your existing window handles, we offer uPVC window handles in white and black finish to suit your interior and the paintwork of your window frame. Supplied complete with fixings and screws for ease of installation, our uPVC window handles feature a key lock for securing your home when the windows are closed. We also offer uPVC door handles in the matching finish to enable a cohesive aesthetic throughout your property.

Build a DIY Brick BBQ for Summer

Thu, 21 May 2020 08:00:00 +0000

As the weather gets warmer, start making the most of your garden with your family. Building a brick barbecue is fun and simple for families and it takes no time at all! The arrangement of stacked bricks makes for a sturdy structure.

For this you will need: 74 bricks, 4 paving slabs for the base, a grill shelf from your conventional oven and a steel sheet approx. 45cm square.

Paving slabs and bricks have rough edges which can cause injuries if hands are not protected, so start by putting on a pair of protective gloves.

Lay the paving slabs on a level surface to form the base for the barbecue. Take six bricks and lay them out in a circular pattern so that the bricks meet at the corner.

For the next brick layer, rotate the bricks so that they lie across the gaps in the first layer. Lay the third as the first, and the fourth as the second. Continue this alternating pattern to build a wall of 10 brick layers.

The foundation of your barbecue is now ready for the fire shelf. Take the steel sheet and lay it squarely on top of the tenth brick layer. Lay one more course of bricks on top.

You can now install the grill shelf. Simply place it on top of the brick tower, ensuring that the corners overlap the bricks so that it is steady. Borrow the shelf from your oven for barbecue use – just remember to return it to the kitchen when done!

Create a wind break by stacking another layer of bricks on top of the grill shelf. If it is particularly windy, you can build it a little bit higher. This extra row of bricks will hold the grill in place.

Whilst you’re spending more time in the garden this summer, make sure to check the security of your garden gate and shed. We offer a selection of gate furniture in various styles, sizes and finishes to suit your requirements. Most garden gates will feature tower bolt in addition to a ring gate latch or Suffolk latch.

If looking for the ultimate in garden gate security, install a long throw gate lock as it features a six-pin lock with double locking cylinder. Supplied with five keys, this feature allows the gate lock to be locked and unlocked from both sides of your gate. Our high-quality long throw garden gate locks are manufactured from grade 316 stainless steel for a weather-resistant finish.

Tips for Jammed Doors & Windows

Thu, 14 May 2020 08:00:00 +0000

If you are having issues and wondering how to open a jammed door, we’ve put together some tips to ease the jam and open it without damage!

Avoid using force

Resist the temptation to force a jammed window or door open. There is a risk that the frame will be weakened, and the putty loosened. You may even crack the window glass.

Wait for the swelling to go

When a door or window starts jamming in its frame with the onset of wet weather, it indicates that moisture is penetrating the paintwork. This causes the wood to swell. Do not plane down the edges of the opening or you are likely to end up with too big a gap when the wood dries out. Instead, wait for a dry spell and repaint.

Speed up the drying process

Using a hot air gun, run it along the edges of the swollen door or window frame. This will draw moisture out of the wood. Use the hot air gun in short bursts so it just warms the surface without scorching it. Take care not to crack the glass if you are working on glazed door or window frame.

No need to remove the door

You can plane the outer edge of a door if it is binding on the frame without having to take it off its hinges. Keep the door still as you work on it using a door wedge. Remove the lock or latch if there is a chance of the plane striking it. Plane off a little at a time, aiming for a 2mm gap between the door edge and the frame.

Breaking a paint bond

Casements painted into their frames can sometimes be freed by running a trimming knife around the edge. Then release any catches and bolts before tapping the casement open from inside using a wood block and mallet.

Rising butt hinges

Do not plane the bottom edge of a door that scrapes on the floor the wider that its opened. Otherwise, you will end up with a wide, draughty gap when it is closed. Change the hinges for rising butt hinges, the spiral on the knuckle of the hinge lifts the door as it opens. Our rising butt hinges are available in both left and right handed, perfect for doors fitted over uneven flooring as they feature a 9mm rise when opened 180 degrees, aiding clearance over the floor.

7 Tips for Fitting a Mortice Lock

Thu, 07 May 2020 08:00:00 +0000

If you are wondering how to fit a mortice lock, you have come to the right place! To make your DIY task that little bit simpler, we have put together our top seven tips for fitting a mortice lock. These seven tips are for anyone who is about to install a key operated lock to an internal door such as a bedroom, study, or closet door where additional security is required.

Measure to fit

Look at the width of the door stile and thickness of the door before ordering a mortice lock. Lock bodies come in several different thicknesses and lengths to suit interior doors. We offer two sizes which includes a 63mm width with a 45mm backset, and a 76mm width with a 57mm backset. Our key locks are suitable for fitting to both new and existing doors.

Mark the keyhole

When you have cut the mortice, hold the lock body against the face of the door so you can mark the position of the keyhole on it with a bradawl or pencil.

Be careful when drilling

This tip will help you determine when to stop drilling! Drilling too deeply into the door stile can weaken the internal door. To avoid this, wrap some tape round your drill bit so you can see when you have drilled holes to the required depth. The correct depth is a fraction more than the length of the lock body. If your drill has a depth guide or stop attachment, you can use that instead.

Don’t split your sides

Choose a drill bit that is just a fraction wider than the thickness of the lock body. If you create a wider mortice, you will weaken the door which could split around the lock if forced.

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Shield your eyes

Although we recommend wearing eye protection for this DIY task, we understand that you may not have that available. Resist the temptation to the blow the loose shavings out of the mortice. Instead, pull out the shavings with the drill bit or use a vacuum.

Getting a firm grip

Turn the key to extend the bolt of the lock before you insert it in the mortice to test the fit. If it jams you can then grip the bolt and pull the lock body out with ease.

Measure up for a perfect fit

With the lock fitted, use a ruler to measure the distance between the bolt and the closing face of the door. Use this measurement to position the keep plate on the door frame so that the bolt just engages when the door is locked.

For ease of installation, our 3 lever mortice locks are supplied with a front plate, keep plate and the screws required. Two keys are also supplied and are 3 lever mortice locks are suitable for use with standard 8mm spindles. Our range of mortice locks feature various finishes, including matte black, copper, polished brass, and satin stainless steel to suit all interiors and offer a cohesive fit with our wide range of matching door furniture and accessories.

Now go forth and tackle your DIY installation with our seven tips for fitting a mortice lock! We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interiors and style, check out our previous blogs and be sure to visit our Pinterest for more inspiration!

Our Top DIY Shed Storage Solution

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Cluttered sheds can be a headache. From garden tools, watering cans and buckets to paint and paintbrushes, there just never seems to be enough space for everything in the shed. Avoid any further cluttering and get the shed organised with our top shed storage solution!

Sheds have great storage potential, but they often need a bit of maintenance to keep them from looking neglected! If your shed is unsafe, then its better to demolish it and build a new one. However, if it’s simply just a bit old, tired and unorganised then give it a new lease of life with a quick storage makeover!

Make sure the shed panels are firmly attached to each other at the corners. If the joints are loose, simply tighten the screws.

Oil the hinges and replace them if rusty. We offer a variety of tee hinges in various sizes and finishes to suit many types of door.

Check the roof for any leaking. If the roofing felt is loose, simply reattach it with galvanised nails. If its past resurrection, remove it and replace with new felt roofing.

Simple shelf brackets like our white shelf brackets are budget-friendly and perfect for sheds and outbuildings thanks to their versatile and adaptable design. All you have to do is mark the position of your shelves on the vertical supports in your shed and use a spirit level to ensure that the brackets are all positioned at the same height.

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Screw the shelf brackets securely in place. Place a simple plank of wood cut to size on the shelf brackets then screw the brackets to the underside of the shelf as this will ensure that it stays in place when loaded with items. You will need one bracket at each end of a short shelf, and one or more in the middle if it’s considerably longer.

Once the shelf is finished, you can think about adding extra storage solutions to make finding bits and bobs a little easier! Start forming a collection of jars to remove labels from and wash them thoroughly. Attach the lids of the jars on the underside of your shelf with two screws. Fill the jars with screws, nails and other small items that can easily go missing. Simply twist the jar back to the lid and admire your organised possessions! This quirky tip makes good use of space under shelves and doesn’t require any labels to indicate what’s inside!

How to Clean a Garden Fence

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 08:00:00 +0000

With warm, summer days on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to get your garden space ready to enjoy. Whether you have a wooden, UPVC or metal fence, it’s important to keep them clean so that they last longer. Freshly cleaned fencing will also brighten up the look of manicured gardens.

Wooden Fences

Wooden fences can easily accumulate dirt, grime and algae growth which can lead to more serious damage and the possibility of spending money on new garden fencing. To avoid that happening, keep wooden fences in good condition. Luckily, wooden fences are easy enough to clean and unless you own acres of fenced land, it can also be a relatively quick task.

To clean a wooden fence, all you need is a pressure washer. If you haven’t got one of these, then here’s a list of items you’ll need: Bucket, Sodium bicarbonate-based cleaner, Scrubbing brush, Cloth, Hosepipe and Washing up liquid.

For those who own a pressure washer start by preparing the pressure washer and hold it approximately 8 inches away from the surface of the fence. Use a pressure washer to remove stubborn stains and algae growth and move it around to thoroughly clean interwoven or overlapping fence panels.

For those who don’t have a pressure washer fill a bucket with warm soapy water and scrub the wooden fence briskly with a household scrubbing brush. Use circular motions to buff the dirt away then rinse the fence with fresh water.

UPVC Fences

For this task, you will need a soft cloth and warm soapy water. There are a few things you will need to avoid when cleaning a UPVC fence including bleach products as this will stain the fence, and a hard scrubbing brush. The bristles from a scrubbing or wire brush will scratch the plastic and cause permanent damage. Cover any closely surrounding plants with a plastic sheet to protect them.

Metal Fences

Cleaning a metal fence involves a tougher approach compared to fences made from wood and UPVC. A dirty or weather-worn fence will need to be scrubbed with a wire brush. Scrub the fence briskly with a warm soapy water in order to remove any build-up of dirt and debris. This scrubbing method will also help to remove any flaking paint or rust patches. Once the metal fence has been left to dry, treat the exterior of the fence with a rust inhibitor and repaint it to give it a new lease of life!

Don’t forget to clean the garden gate and check that it’s still in good working order. If the winter weather has caused damaged or effected the operation of the gate, you may need new gate furniture. A new set of heavy duty gate hinges maybe needed and why not complete the look adding either a ring gate latch or Suffolk latch in epoxy black finish.

5 Easy DIY Repairs at Home

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 08:00:00 +0000

If you’re itching for a project to do or simply need some tips on how to tackle a few household jobs, we’ve put together some DIY tips, hints and how-to’s to get you feeling productive this week!

Clear guttering

The weight of leaves, trapped water and debris can bring a gutter crashing down. Deal with gutter blockages as soon as you notice them to avoid dangerous falls. For this task, you will need a gutter scoop to remove the blockage. If you lack certain tools, simply fetch an empty plastic soup container from your recycling bin and remove the lid. Alternatively, try cutting the bottom part of any small plastic container that will fit in the gutter. Hang a bucket on your ladder and empty the leaves and debris into it. Use a rag as a temporary bung in the top of the downpipe to prevent rubbish being swept into it as you scoop.

Clear blocked drain

Whether it’s the shower, bathtub or kitchen sink, blocked drains happen and it’s easy to sort out. If it’s in the bathroom, it’s going to be hair and if it’s the kitchen sink that’s blocked, it’s likely to be a build-up of food waste. To clear it, start by pouring hot water down your drain. Add baking soda and let that sit for a few minutes. Then, pour a mixture of vinegar and hot water on top of the baking soda. If you can, cover with a drain plug and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Finally, flush with hot water.

Aligning latch or lock bolts

If recent work on your door hinges means that a lock or latch bolt no longer engages cleanly into its strike plate or keep, use shoe polish to reveal the distance by which it is overlapping the plate. Smear a little shoe polish on the end of the bolt, then close the door and operate the lock to leave a mark on the plate. Use a file to enlarge the cut-out if the discrepancy is small. If it is more than about 1mm, reposition the plate instead.

Upgrade the locks on external doors

It’s recommended that a deadlocking night latch is fitted on front doors, even more so when the doors glazed. When deadlocked, the internal lever cannot be operated, so a burglar cannot get in by breaking the glass, reaching through and turning it as they can with a non-deadlocking type night latch.

Improve your window security

An intruder could quietly remove the panes of louvred windows by bending the metal clips that hold them in place. Prevent this by gluing the glass to the clips with an epoxy-resin adhesive.

3 Spring-inspired Bedroom Tips

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 09:00:00 +0000

It’s time to start thinking about styling your bedroom for springtime. So, with warmer weather and longer days at our doorstep, we thought we’d share our top three styling tips to freshen up your bedroom space. From pastel shades to floral accents and a fresh bit of DIY, these simple tips will breathe new life into your bedroom.

Feature pastel canvas paintings

Pastel shades showcase the ultimate spring aesthetic. The cool tone colours integrate seamlessly into many interior colour schemes and they have the power to lift either bland or neutral spaces. Home accessories, like rugs, cushions and wall art allow you to express your personal taste and can be changed throughout the year to transition into a new season. Home accessories are also a fast and cost-effective way to keep up to date with the latest interior trends. We suggest replacing your existing wall art with your very-own canvas acrylic paintings.

Whether you want to feature muted lemon, mint green or pastel pink, a home-made acrylic painting is a great way to add a unique touch to your living space. Simply source the acrylic paints and get a plain canvas (or three for an extra stylish effect). Follow a YouTube tutorials for beginners and showcase your very own art on your bedroom walls.

Upgrade with embellishments

For a subtle upgrade, paint your door frame a seasonal hue, like mint green or light pink. The low-lift tones instantly freshen up your home décor and it’s a much simpler activity than painting all four walls in the bedroom. Simply style your doors with attractive polished and satin chrome finish door handles and matching door furniture for a delightfully cohesive fit throughout your property.

Packaged with all the fixings required for completing the fit at home, our convenient door handle packs make home improvements easy and straightforward. Our most popular door handle pack features a desirable winged lever which offers comfort in hand whilst showcasing a timeless, elegant design.

Spring is peak season for tulips

Yellow tulips add freshness to bedside tables, and you don’t have to limit the room to just one floral arrangement. Bring your bedroom to life with various vases, each filled with a bouquet of beautiful, bright flowers. Ensure that the colours of the flowers tie in together for a unified appearance. For a luxury, monochromatic look, group tulips of the same colour together and wrap your vase with ribbon to customise your arrangement. To add fragrance and fullness to your floral piece, place field greens like solidago, or a fresh snip of eucalyptus into the vase.

4 Bedroom DIY Ideas

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 09:30:00 +0000

If you’re looking to keep busy without leaving the house, there’s plenty of DIY jobs that can be done at home. And as it’s National Bed Month so we thought we’d start with the bedroom!

Your bedroom is a cosy, sacred space that’s always occupied so it’s important to ensure your room is comfortable and organised, with everything working properly. With busy work, home and social lives, it’s easy to put jobs that need doing round the house to the back of your to-do-list. So, now is the time to get on top of it all!

These fast and stylish home improvement ideas will give your bedroom space a fresh new look and feel.

Revamp your drawers

For a quick fix at minimal cost, revive your plain or outdated chest of drawers with a fresh lick of paint and customise the style with new drawer knobs. When painting furniture, simply use two light coats of primer and two light coats of paint. Give each coat of primer and paint the time it needs to dry thoroughly before applying the next. For bevelled and raised sections, use a high-quality angled brush and to ensure a smooth finish on the flat surface, use a foam roller.

Identify the primary metallic features in your room and choose drawer knobs in the finish that matches. From satin and polished finish to brass, copper, matte black and silver tones, there’s something to suit every chest of drawers. Copper drawer knobs look particularly striking on dark tone furniture pieces and matte black is a trendy yet timeless tone to feature. Matte black drawer knobs will suit both light and dark tone furnishings which makes them a go-to for those who love to frequently change up their home accessories and décor.

Add elegance to bedroom interiors with luxury crystal drawer knobs and maintain a cohesive theme throughout the room by switching out your dressing table drawer knobs to match your chest of drawers. Do the same for bedside tables and watch how these elements tie everything in the room together.

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Paint and fit a shelf for storage

Keep side tables and drawers clutter-free with extra wall storage space. Choose shelf brackets that are just a bit shorter than the depth of the shelves that you want to install. Available in a neutral white finish, we offer three sizes to suit your requirements. For a streamlined look, paint the shelf to match your wall colour or create a statement feature by painting it to stand out. For this task, you’ll need a paint brush to get into the corners and complete a smooth finish across the larger surface area. Place a sheet underneath as you paint to avoid paint drips on the carpet and once dry, fit the shelf in place then decorate with a few bedroom accessories.

Stop the squeaky door hinge!

Don’t put it off any longer, get it sorted or be at risk of going insane. We’re only kidding. But, whilst you’ve got the weekend to get on top of DIY jobs, you can’t ignore the squeak! Check out our tips on how to stop a door from squeaking.

And finally, clean forgotten areas!

Keep your sanctuary germ free by deep-cleaning your bedroom and other rooms at home. Hoover under the bed and move furnishings around to get to the floor space. Dust skirting boards and wash curtains if they’re looking a bit dusty. Using EPA-approved cleaning products, take the time to disinfect your door handles, cupboard handles, light switches and surfaces. Use disinfectant wipes to clean your TV remote, phone and other frequently touched items. Strip the bedding and wash on a high heat to kill any bacteria. Make your bed up with fresh sheets, light a candle and enjoy a relaxing night in after all your hard work!

Turn Bedrooms into a Restful Retreat

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Did you know that this month is National Bed Month? It’s all about raising awareness of how important a quality, comfortable bed is in helping to achieve a good night's sleep.

Not only is your bed an important factor in getting a restful night, there’s plenty of other factors within the room that can affect sleep. We’re here to give you some tips on how to turn your bedroom into a restful retreat!

To create a retreat, think about your basic senses including sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. By considering each sense, you’re able to assess the current state of your bedroom and determine what you can change about it to make it more comfortable.

Sight

Visual chaos can cause stress and anxiety which may affect your ability to relax and drift off to sleep. Try to maintain a clutter-free bedroom by keeping the bed, floor and furniture free from mess. Put worn garments in a wash basket, hang your clean, dried clothing up in the wardrobe and make it a habit to stop throwing clothes over the back of a chair after a long day at work.

Using electronic devices, like your phone, tablet or TV, before bedtime can be physiologically and psychologically stimulating in ways that can adversely affect your rest. The blue light emitted from these electronic devices keep your brain and body alert which makes it challenging to fall asleep.

As bedtime approaches, switch off any distracting electronics and allow your mind and body to relax. Put your phone on silent and keep it in a draw until the morning. If you want to read or watch something before you go to bed, simply lower the brightness of your device, turn on night-mode and avoid anxiety provoking material such as news, emails and social media.

Hearing

During the warmer seasons, you may choose to have the window open as you sleep which is a great idea if you live in a rural location. For those that live in urban areas, the noise levels from outside can affect the quality of your rest, especially if you’re a light sleeper. If the noise pollution from a nearby rail round, motorway or busy road is particularly unpleasant, it may be better to open windows during the day, as opposed to at night, to ventilate your property.

Touch

Start with a good mattress and build upon this foundation to ensure that your bed is at an optimal state to induce tranquillity. Comfort is key to getting the best sleep possible!

Thermal comfort is also an important factor, so consider the season and the temperature both inside and outside your home. If you’re mindful of heating expenses in the freezing winter months, you may want to cosy-up in thermal fleece pyjamas and surround yourself with fluffy cushions, plush throws and a thick duvet. As the seasons get warmer, you should strip back on the thermal furnishings and opt for lightweight materials to let your skin breathe during sleep.

Not only is a closed door more energy efficient, it can also help to make you feel safe and secure as you sleep. If your interior door doesn’t stay closed, it may be that your door latch is failing. Simply replace the latch, if it still doesn’t close properly, you may need to tighten the fixings on the door hinges.

Smell

Consider the aroma of your bedroom. A strong fragranced automatic diffuser in confined spaces can make you feel a bit queasy or short of breath. If you love home fragrance and want to create that spa—experience before bed, choose subtle, calming scents like a lavender scented candle or an aromatherapy reed diffuser. An oil mist diffuser will also help to quell anxiety and agitation.

Taste

The NHS suggests that we should avoid eating heavy meals before bed which can cause night-time indigestion and result in discomfort and delayed sleep. It’s also important to clean and floss your teeth every night before bed.

Which Size Flush Bolt?

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Deciding which size flush bolt to buy can be confusing for those who haven’t fitted door furniture before. With numerous sizes available, it’s important to order the correct size for a easy installation. Our flush bolts are available in four different sizes, all of which you shall find the dimensions are detailed within the descriptions.

Designed for use on double doors, lever action flush bolts keep one of the double doors shut whilst the other door is used. Featuring a thumb operated lever, the door is held closed with a flush bolt positioned at the top and/or bottom of the door.

Some double doors will only have one flush bolt installed at the head or foot of the door and operate with the bolt sliding upwards or downwards into the keep.

There are two positions in which to install flush bolts, either on the narrow edge of the door or on the face of the head or foot of the door. Our flush bolts are suitable for both applications. Before ordering, you need to check the height and width of the flush bolt required and note down the measurement in millimetres.

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Our flush bolts are also available in two finishes including brushed satin and polished stainless steel to ensure a cohesive fit with your existing or new door furniture. For ease of installation, the flush bolt is supplied complete with all the required fixings and a keep to be fitted on the casing or threshold of the door frame.

If you’re unsure or need a little assistance, then contact us, we’d love to chat. Our award-winning customer service team have great expertise and will be more than happy to help.

Mid-century Modern Interiors

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 09:00:00 +0000

What is mid-century modern design?

Characterised by sleek, simple and iconic elements, the mid-century modern interior style is irresistibly stylish with minimal adornment, clean lines and a strong connection to nature.

Popularised during the 1940’s with the newfound prosperity that followed World War II, mid-century style was derived from new technologies and materials. The designs of the era were also influenced by the migration to urban areas and the smaller living spaces that homeowners had to work with.

Colour schemes and palettes

The traditional mid-century colour palette featured a range of shades from bright hues in the 1950’s to earthy colours and neutrals in the 1960’s. Fast forward to modern day and there’s plenty of interior and architectural inspiration that blends mid-century style with modern components.

This captivating design works with a variety of different shades so it’s easy to style in existing interiors. Adding a touch of contemporary flair, such as matte black accents and crisp white walls, brings this style up-to-date for a timeless aesthetic. Pastel shades and muted hues also work well when styling mid-century modern interior spaces.

Materials and accessories

Staple mid-century pieces feature plenty of wood finishes on lightweight, thin-framed furniture. A classic statement chair with slender wooden legs presents a real focal point in any interior. Add a hint of modern visual interest by accessorising the chair with a shaggy textured, faux fur cushion. Over time, you may consider streamlining the wood finish aesthetic by pairing your furniture piece with a coffee table, drawer set or cabinet.

Create a mid-century modern aesthetic at home with medium-toned stain internal doors. The unique appearance of panel shapes in the interior door will give a contemporary space that retro mid-century style. Embellish interior doors with matte black door handles on rose for a chic, fashionable aesthetic. Featuring a combination of straight lines and strong edges on the handle lever, our new-in matte black door handles with robust design possesses the contemporary qualities that will instantly update the look of mid-century style.

Maintain design cohesiveness by pairing the matte black door handles with coordinating door furniture throughout your property. This may include hinges, a lock and black escutcheons on a key locking bedroom or office door. Our 3 lever lock for internal doors in smooth matte black finish appeals to the eye with its luxurious dark hue. Indicate your exquisite attention to detail by embellishing high-quality door furniture.

8 Top Tips to Beat the Burglar

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Planning your interior style and decorating your home is such an exciting time for new home owners. Whilst colour schemes and furnishings are important, it’s essential to set up proper security measures to keep the burglars out!

According to UKCrimeStats, 29,542 burglaries were reported last December. To help lower the chances of a break in at home, we’re sharing our top tips to beat the burglar! Keep reading for eight simple things that you can do to keep your property secure and your possessions safe.

New house? Change the locks!

If you’ve recently moved into a new house, you must replace the cylinder lock to retain key authority. You never know who may still have a set of keys. Changing the locks will keep your new house more secure and give you peace of mind. Check out our blog on how to change a door lock for more information! We offer a variety of door lock solutions to suit your front and internal doors.

Always keep doors locked.

Don’t just lock up at night, always keep your doors locked when you’re inside the house. Most burglars are opportunists. They’re crafty and bold which makes your property vulnerable to a day-time break in. Ensure that all doors and windows are locked when you leave the house (even if your just in the garden).

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Take the key out the door.

We’ve all done it and felt foolish when we’ve discovered that our keys are still in the front door. Make it a priority to remove your front door key and place it in a designated storage place every time you enter your home. The repetition of the task will soon become habitual and the chances of you making the mistake will decrease.

Don’t leave keys outside.

It’s a classic error to leave a spare key in a ‘secret hiding spot’. Burglars know all the potential places to hide keys and if a burglar uses them, your contents and home insurance policy may be void. Use a key safe to store a spare house key and only leave a key with someone you completely trust.

Be smart before you open!

Check to see who’s knocking before you open the front door. Ideal for elders and all family members, a door viewer for front doors that features a 160° field of vision will increase your sense of security at home. Adjustable for doors from 35mm up to 65mm thick, our front door viewer features a modern satin nickel finish that coordinates well with other chrome and stainless steel door furniture.

Store valuables in a safe.

From wedding rings and other items of jewellery to various documents such as passports, our homes contain many of our most valuable assets and possessions. We recommend using a small electronic digital safe to keep your possessions secure. Featuring a 12 litre storage capacity, our robust home safe also includes a programmable 3-8 digit code and override key for the main user. For ease of installation, our digital safe is supplied complete with both wall and floor fixings along with instructions, 4 x AA batteries and override key.

Going on holiday? Outsiders will never know.

If you’re going away on holiday, invest in some plug-in timers for your lamps. Set each lamp to a different time during the evening so that it looks like someone is active in the house. Install blinds to reduce visibility from the outside and keep expensive possessions stored away and out of sight. If you use a taxi service to travel to the airport, make sure to mention how glad you are that the house sitter is there (even if you don’t have one).

Close your curtains at night.

You can’t see out, but someone will be able to see in, especially when your house is lit. A passer-by may notice your glaring TV and other desirable possessions. Keep curtains closed at night time to limit the opportunity of potential burglars catching a glimpse of what’s inside your home.

Top 5 Bathroom Styles

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 09:00:00 +0000

From practical bathroom updates to decorative accessories, colours and textures, these bathroom design trends are the ones to watch! If you’re planning do make a few home improvements this year, you won’t want to miss what top designers are saying about bathroom trends!

Mixed Metallics

Metals are meant to be mixed. From faucets to hardware and bathroom accessories, this year it’s all about metallic combinations for a contemporary aesthetic. Mixing satin and polished chrome with matte black finishes creates the perfect monochrome look whereas warm polished brass with rich copper hues and matte black accents offer enviable appeal in neutral tone interiors.

Whether you want your metallic elements to dominate or simply remain subtle, our wide range of bathroom accessories has everything you need to update even the quaintest of spaces. From toilet roll holders to bathroom thumb turns and bathroom locks, our exclusive designs feature every desirable finish to create your own on-tend mixed metallic bathroom.

Bathroom Tubs

Tubs are taking a stand this year. Reminiscent of opulent stately homes and luxury hotel suites, freestanding tubs serve as a bathroom’s focal point. Offering an alluring quality with their high sides, deep soaking tubs give us the ultimate feeling of warmth and comfort. Enhance your pampering experience and embrace a little more self-care this year with the elegant and sculptural appeal of a freestanding bathtub. It’s the ultimate companion for those moments of relaxation.

Daring Dark Bathrooms

Bold black bathrooms are back this year and its black's big bid to win your heart. This daring, dark hue can terrify some as they contemplate the commitment to take the next step… but sometimes you’ve just got to take plunge. Staying in one lane gets boring, right?

The bold black interior theme is perfect for ensuites, family bathrooms and guest spaces. It creates a high-end aesthetic, evocative of luxury spa retreats where all your troubles seem to evaporate. For the ultimate dark interior, keep decor cohesive with fully blacked-out walls, floors and ceilings. Embellish black interior doors with satin black or matte black door handles to preserve the deluxe quality of ‘all black everything’. Pair black door handles with the matching hinges, bathroom thumb turn and bathroom lock for a stylish, undisturbed finish. Feature the matte black adhesive toilet roll holder on your black painted, tiled or textured wall.

Less Tech, More Texture

Get back to basics with the simple things. According to Architectural Digest, “While many brands focused on tech, others looked toward texture to create a sensory visual experience in the bathroom”.

With that being said, we introduce our luxury knurled door handles, available in satin stainless steel, matte black, copper and satin brass finish. Featuring a diamond-cut, criss-cross pattern on the lever and a smooth stem and radius rose, the knurled range offers the ultimate industrial style to any bathroom interior. If you’re looking for something quirky and unusual, our newest unique door handles on rose feature an enticing ribbed textured effect for a sturdy yet comfortable feel in hand. This exclusive design is available in matte black and polished chrome finish to suit all interior colour palettes.

Marbleised Wallpaper

Kitchens are all about calacatta marble elements whereas bathrooms are embracing marbleised wallpaper for a glamourous, contemporary look that packs a punch in bedroom ensuites and shared bathroom spaces.

Creating a ‘wow!’ moment every time you open the bathroom door, marbleised wallpaper is a must-have for bloggers, and everyone inspired by budget-friendly solutions to achieving the high-end aesthetic. Choose a marbleised wallpaper which features either a prominent copper or gold veining effect and accessorise with additional pieces in the matching finish. Our wide range of copper and satin brass door furnture and accessories makes styling simple and seamless in your beloved bathroom.

TOP TIP: Brass finishes are a great way to add a little luxe to your life.

Curate Your Architectural Digest Home

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 09:00:00 +0000

When you watch the luxurious tour videos of Architectural Digest celebrity homes, you’ll notice a recurring theme… details, details, details. Whilst each home differs in style, space and layout, the curated interior design tells a personal story that ultimately gives life to the home.

But how do these homeowners craft such inspiring spaces? Well, they work together with interior designers, finding inspiration from all kinds of weird and wonderful places like countries they’ve travelled to, bespoke pieces they’ve discovered in quaint shops, forecasted trends and surprisingly the homes of others. (Celebrities are just like us, remember… just wealthier with a much larger fan base!)

Whether you’re making home improvements to your existing home or moving into a blank canvas, we suggest putting a plan of action together with a budget and finding visual inspiration to guide your project.

Wondering where to start?

To recreate the look of an expertly curated space, homeowners should start by looking at the architectural structure of their property. The goal is to maximise the potential of your space and to do so, you need to see past the visual stimuli of your current decor. Look up, around and down. Does your home have clean-cut characteristics of a modern home or more traditional elements with built-in cabinetry, columns and coffered ceilings? Don’t hide these elements, instead work to incorporate them into your interior theme.

Creating a good foundation for your home is the best way to begin your renovation journey. Ensure that doors are fitted properly and that paint finishes are neat and professional in appearance. Once these structural tasks are done, you won’t need to revisit these types of improvements for a long time.

What difference does hardware make?

When you look at the homes on Architectural Digest, you probably notice the layout, furnture and wall to floor décor. What you may not notice is how all the various elements are tied together. It’s the metallic elements embellished in the architectural structure that unify themes.

Door furniture and accessories that feature a cohesive style and matching finish can transform spaces from bland and unplanned to stylish and attentive. Our aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective and efficient solutions for doors speak volumes about your attention to detail in interior design. By matching the finish off your door handles with your door hinges, locks, escutcheons and accessories, you will create effortless harmony in your design approach. This is essential for chic maximalist style as it requires a balance between eclecticism and carefully-thought out design.

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If fitting new interior doors or replacing the furniture on your existing door, then take a moment to consider your ideal metallic finishes. Warm gold tones and the rich pigment of copper can turn up the visual thermal comfort of a room whilst cool-tone chrome, stainless steel and black finishes offer a sense of calm.

Are you in need of something chic to style up your home this year? Our newly added and existing hardware will instantly upgrade the look of any living space. With a focus on unique designs, contemporary finishes and comfortable qualities, our products are perfect for all architectural styles and interior tastes. From door handles on rose to kitchen cupboard handles, these fresh, trendy, high-quality pieces are worth your attention.

5 Energy Saving Tips to Reduce Bills

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:00:00 +0000

It’s Big Energy Saving Week! This is a national campaign to help people cut their energy bills. Who wouldn’t want to save their pennies?

According to Ofgem, the average household spends around £1,254 a year on heating and power. In fact, energy consumption peaks between 6-9pm which is usually when families return home to cook dinner, have baths, enjoy some TV time – all with the lights on! Read on to find our how you can reduce your energy bills with our top five tips!

Invest in double glazing

Making home improvements such as a double glazing window installation can help you save money. Double glazing insulates your home from the cold and helps reduce heating bills. If you choose to install uPVC window frames with your new double glazed windows, then it’s important to ensure security to your property with key locking window handles. Match your uPVC window handles with key lock to your window frames by choosing a cohesive finish. Available in either a universal white or deluxe black finish to suit your frames, our UPVC window handles are supplied complete with a key to open, close and lock your windows.

Ensure that your French doors are also double glazed and are complemented with external uPVC door handles. Featuring a contemporary black finish to suit dark hue interiors and additional black accents, we also offer a universal, crisp white finish to suit white frames and light interiors. Our range of uPVC door handles are supplied complete with a spindle and bolt fixings for installation.

Turn off standby appliances

It seems quite simple, but many households leave appliances plugged in and turned on at the socket. Whether it’s the TV, kettle, washing machine or phone charger, these little things add to your energy bill. Encourage family members to switch off their appliances after use and if you’re awful at remembering, you could always use timer plugs to schedule a turn off time.

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Draught-proof your property

A cold draught can cause your home to lose heat, which makes it more tempting to turn the heating up during the winter. Prevent this from happening by installing a durable stainless steel letter plate. Our high-quality stainless steel letter plate features an integrated draught excluder and both internal and external plates. Our wide range of stainless steel door furniture and front door furniture makes styling super simple.

Install a smart thermostat

Smart home technology allows users to control and monitor their connected home devices from apps on their phones and tablets. Smart thermostats assist to keep heating bills down by only warming the rooms you are using. Using artificial intelligence, smart thermostats learn how long it takes to heat your home. Once this data is amalgamated, the smart thermostat can heat up your home to the right temperature at exactly the right time.

Wash clothes at a lower temperature

Washing clothes at 30 degrees can help reduce your energy usage. With active lifestyles, large families and small washing drums, staying on top of the washing is vital. Reduce the length of your wash cycle and hand wash smaller items.

Top 5 Kitchen Trends this Year

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 09:00:00 +0000

The turn of a new decade calls for new interior inspiration and we’ve got the scoop on what styles will dominate the trends this year! The kitchen is fast becoming the heart of the home as more and more households embrace healthy eating habits by preparing fresh, homemade dishes. According to Fortune, cookbooks are one of the only genres in the book business that is growing and doing better every year. This means that households are expected to spend more time in the kitchen than they have been in recent years.

Stay ahead of the trends and check out these five superb styles, predicted to rise to the top as the must-have kitchen interior style!

Calacatta Marble

If you follow interior bloggers, there’s a fair chance you’ve seen the obsession with marble finishes. It’s sleek, sophisticated and presents plenty of visual interest whilst maintaining a timeless aesthetic. Calacatta marble offers a distinctive, luxury look with strong, robust qualities. It features a pronounced veining effect that lends a bold, graphic appeal. Suitable for both warm and cool tone interiors, calacatta marble should be featured as a backsplash wall behind cooker hoods, on kitchen counters and breakfast bars.

Calacatta marble appears particularly striking when styled with primary cool tone décor and secondary warm tone metallics. Picture light grey kitchen cabinets, a dark forest green breakfast bar and cooker hood. Imagine luxury polished brass metallics embellished in the legs of your dark forest green breakfast bar chairs, lighting fixtures and most importantly, kitchen cupboard handles.

Exclusively designed for luxury kitchen interiors, the knurled T bar cupboard handle features an industrial quality with its unique diamond-cut texture. Blending strength with elegance, this sleek T bar handle adds the perfect finishing touch with its warm, satin brass finish.

Sleek Simplicity

Let your metallic elements stand out by keeping everything else in the kitchen simple. "This year, simplicity will be key," according to Pickart. "Flat-panelled millwork with minimal detailing and fuss is the best way to let unique cabinetry materials really shine."

Perfect for minimalist spaces, the designer polished chrome cabinet handle features a sophisticated and charming look with its natural, high-shine finish.

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Brick

Looking to incorporate the industrial loft style into your kitchen? Showcase the raw aesthetic of brick in your backsplash wall. The refined, rustic style of exposed brick commands the attention as it combines modern with traditional style. If red brick feels too daunting, try white brick to brighten up your kitchen space.

Make brickwork pop by muting your metallics with matte black features. The sleek appearance of the versatile matte black kitchen handle will certainly upgrade the look of any kitchen interior. If the red brick is more your style then warm, copper accents will compliment this hue. Feature copper in your kitchen cabinets, appliances and serving ware for a stylish, cohesive fit.

Cerused Wood

Cerused wood, which involves applying coloured pigments while still allowing the wood's natural grain to shine through, is having a moment in both cabinetry and furniture, says Donna Mondi.

Add further flair to your kitchen cabinets with the embellishment of sleek cupboard handles in a unique black brass finish. The underlying warmth of the black brass finish will add just a touch of visual delight to the dynamic design of cerused wood. Available in a variety of sizes to suit all types of furniture pieces, this cupboard handle packs a punch on drawers and cupboards.

Green Cabinetry & Accessories

The trend for bold, dark hues will be ever more prevalent in this year’s interior décor. From forest shades to green olives and emerald hues, the colour green is expected to gain plenty of interest.

Wondering how to style?

According to Ideal Home, ‘Deep forest greens can be balanced out with latte shades, smoky glass and soft metallics to bring opulence to the kitchen. The addition of white marble and brass through design aspects like lighting and worktops, or even accessories, help to bounce the light around the space and offset the heavier hues.’

Showcase effortless flair by styling dominant green kitchen interiors with a blend of mix metallics. Feature subtle accents of polished chrome, matte black, copper and satin brass throughout your kitchen and tie the shades in together with cohesive appliances, tableware and utensil sets.

Available in a variety of finishes, half-cup handles for cupboards and drawers are perfect for minimalist or smaller kitchen spaces and they also feature concealed fixing holes for a tidier appearance.

Pantone Colour of The Year 2020

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Every year we eagerly anticipate the announcement made by Pantone for the Colour of The Year. From fashion and home furnishings to industrial design, product packaging and graphic design, Pantone’s Colour of the Year has major influence on product development and purchasing decisions, this year we welcome Classic Blue.

Inspired by social trends, culture and travel, Classic blue is described by Pantone as “a timeless and enduring blue hue.” Which we can certainly agree on. It’s restful, calming and can be easily integrated into any style of interior. Classic blue is relatable, and it truly is as titled… classic.

Elegant in its simplicity, Classic Blue brings an element of peace and stability as we enter a new decade and here’s how Pantone describes the shade:

“Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”

Incorporate Classic Blue

Simple. Think soft furnishings like cushion covers, rugs, bedding and artwork wall hangings. This delightfully elegant blue hue makes a striking statement as a bold, block colour in large furnishings like a statement sofa. Add elements of warmth to a plush velvet blue sofa with sumptuous caramel shades. A leopard print cushion cover will spark visual interest and give your sofa a trendy, contemporary touch.

A block blue bedding set adds character to minimalistic rooms with its daring depth and subtle masculinity. Classic Blue fits seamlessly in both light and dark toned bedrooms, pairing effortlessly with a variety of primary neutral shades. Ranging from white, cream, stone, beige, brown and black, this earthy palette is perfect for showcasing the luxury aesthetic of Pantones Colour of the Year.

Alternatively, you may choose to feature Classic Blue in smaller quantities throughout your decorative furnishings. A bedside rug, sofa throw or patterned cushion cover with flecks of the elegant shade will add contrast and texture to relaxed spaces.

Warm Up Dark Interior Schemes

Dark blue hues are a popular backdrop for furniture which is why so many interior enthusiasts are painting their walls and kitchen cabinets in this moody hue. To lift the mood of a dark colour scheme, we suggest warm toned metallics such as copper and satin brass. These metallic accents offer a sense of thermal comfort through their glowing appearance and be can be featured in both architectural elements and decorative accessories.

Maintain a cohesive interior theme at home by matching your brass or copper door handles with copper hinges, cupboard handles, knobs and bathroom accessories in the matching finish. Enhance the warming aesthetic with copper or satin brass lighting fixtures, mirror frames, furniture legs and tableware.

If you desire the dramatic appearance of a moody interior, choose matte black finishes to compliment your Classic Blue features. Pair your contemporary matte black door handles with our wide range of matching door furniture and accessories for a fashion-forward look. Our matte black door handles are a must-have piece which showcase masculine vibes with their robust lever whilst providing quality and comfort in hand.

Offering elements of cosiness with inviting vibes, Classic Blue is sure to be the go-to, timeless shade for 2020 home improvements.

Tips on How to Get Organised This Year

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 09:00:00 +0000

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to create some much-needed organisation in your life. A tidy up of your household clutter may be just the remedy to kick start this new year and new you!

Your home is your sanctuary; a place to relax after a long day at work and recharge the batteries. With that in mind, it’s essential to keep your living space clean, tidy and organised. There are many ways to get more organised and here we will be focusing on our top three tips. So, settle down with a cuppa and start planning on how to get organised this year at home.

Declutter!

If you’re a little bit of a hoarder or simply haven’t had a free moment to sort through your things over the last year then now is the time to get on it! The first step towards creating space in the home is to sieve through your household things and declutter. Grab a big box and sort through your belongings room by room. Whilst you do this, ensure you make two piles - one for the charity shop and one for the bin. It may seem extreme, but Christmas is a time when gifts can overload your space. So, it’s out with the old and in with the new as you find a home for all your belongings!

Add Storage

Once you’ve decluttered your space, start thinking of how you’re going to store your things. Where better place to start than in the hallway? The hallway is usually the entrance to your home and it should be clutter-free to welcome guests whilst being spacious for you and your family to walk around easily. We all have winter coats, hats and scarfs so why not organise your outer wear with our trendy matte black coat hooks! As they’re self-adhesive, all you need to do is pick a wall and position it firmly. If a classic, neutral look is more your thing, we also offer satin or polished stainless steel finish alternatives!

Another great way to implement organisation at home is through smart storage solutions! Keep toiletries, desk clutter and other items stored neatly in cabinets and drawers. Our mushroom shaped satin brass drawer knobs add character and charm to furniture pieces and are also available in matte black and chrome finish.

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Keep coffee tables clear and showcase your decorative items and photo frames by installing shelves where required with our white shelf brackets. Available in a small, medium and large size, all you need is the fixing screws for a quick, simple fitting. TIP: make sure to dust your shelves often to avoid the look of neglect.

The Little Things

And finally, when all your belongings are all tucked away in their own little home, it’s time to focus on the detail. Compliment your new and improved tidy house with a hardware upgrade. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how the smallest of changes can transform your home. For example, if you’re craving the industrial look within your interior, simply swap your bland cupboard handles and knobs with our luxury knurled drawer handles. Featuring a t bar shape and available in either the daring depth of matte black or warm satin brass, these industrial touches will add an element of chicness to any interior space.

Top 5 Grabs in our Boxing Day Sale!

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 09:00:00 +0000

It’s Boxing Day! A day filled with post-Christmas cheer, spending time with family and eating leftovers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s also one of the biggest sale days of the year. Perhaps you feel inspired by your new kitchen appliance and you’ve decided that this new year you will finally create the kitchen of your dreams. It’s time to grab great deals for your home improvement projects in our fabulous Boxing Day Sale!

Homeware sales allow you to achieve your dream interior for less with discounts across all types of homeware. Think bedding, electricals and more importantly, hardware, which is where we come in…

With all that choice we thought we’d be extra helpful and provide a list of the top five items that will help transform your living space. Well, it is Christmas after all.

Knurled Copper Door Handles

If chic industrial style is on your interior wish list, then knurled copper door handles are the option for you. Designed with raw qualities, these luxury knurled door handles instantly upgrade the look of interior spaces. With its textured knurled detailing and high-quality finish, these door handles are high on our list of great grabs this Boxing Day Sale.

Knurled Drawer Knobs

Consistency is key when you’re aiming to achieve interior perfection, which is why we recommend pairing our knurled door handles with our deluxe knurled drawer knobs. This stylish drawer knobs are suitable for fitting to a variety of furniture pieces. These luxury drawer knobs feature a coordinated unity of straight lines and sleek curves with a unique criss-cross patterned texture.

Square Door Handles with Duo Chrome Finish

The perfect choice for those seeking a contemporary and practical solution to home improvements. Featuring a gently coiled rectangular lever integrated on a square rose, this door handle will upgrade the look of your home interior. Presented in a modern and stylish duo chrome finish, this handle on square rose adds a unique and unconventional touch to interior spaces.

Black Door Hinges

An item all households require. Blending form and function these trendy black door hinges ensure cohesively styling throughout home. Whether it’s part of a dark statement wall or you simply want your door hinges to match your matte black handles, then these black door hinges are for you. Ideal for fashion-forward homes, you won’t want to miss this Boxing Day deal! Our interior door hinges also available in a range of sizes and finishes including satin or polished stainless steel and copper.

Self-Adhesive Black Coat Hooks with Four Pegs

Need a solution to all the coats you have lying around this winter? Hang all your outerwear on these innovative self-adhesive black coat hooks featuring four pegs and a contemporary matte black finish. Forget the fuss of drilling holes, this sturdy piece can be installed quickly and easily onto any wall or internal door at home. Featuring impressive holding power, these self-adhesive coat hooks will transform any space from cluttered chaos to clearly chic.

And there we have it, five fabulous hardware items that are all available in our exclusive Boxing Day Sale.

3 Table Decor Ideas for Christmas

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 09:00:00 +0000

It’s Christmas and you’re in charge of hosting the family feast. You have a list longer than your arm of tasks to complete before the Big Day. There’s gift buying, wrapping and food preparation to name just a few! With so much going on its hard to keep up with other crucial Christmas Day tasks and duties, like your Christmas table decorations. But don’t panic, we’re here to make your life easier with our top 3 ideas for chic Christmas table décor. It’s time to get creative without compromising your unique interior style…

Details, details, details.

What upgrades the table from looking bland and uninteresting? It’s all in the details. Be wary though, there’s a very fine line between curated design and visual chaos so it’s important to follow a theme and stick to it.

An easy way to determine a theme for your festive décor is to identify the metallic elements within your interior. Once you’ve done that, you can then highlight these hues in your table decor. Match your kitchen cupboard handles with your dining ware for an effortless pinch of panache. Whether it’s satin nickel, chrome, polished brass, copper or matte black, these distinctive hues are incredibly versatile and can be styled with various colour palettes.

When hosting the annual family get-together, you’ll want to make sure that all your cupboards and drawers operate efficiently as there will be lots of activity in your kitchen. Style other features on your table with your dominant metallics. Consider you knives and forks, Christmas crackers, drink coasters and napkins. If dark is more your thing then simply match your matte black fittings with matte black dining sets.

Centre of Attention Centrepiece

Creating a unique focal point is one of the easiest ways to create an enviable festive Christmas table. Whether your budget be smaller or larger this Christmas, there are so many creative designs to consider for your centrepiece. Traditional centrepieces include Christmas wreaths and candles whereas contemporary styles feature floral and fruity focal points. If silver tones are dominant within your interior, blend traditional and contemporary style by opting for unconventional colours like blue or purple.

A floral centrepiece bouquet doesn’t necessarily require a trip to the expensive florists, simply achieve the fashion-forward look with white roses, glittery silver ribbon, a shallow circular vase and and a mix of sparkly blue and silver baubles. For an extra tip, use artificial flowers and save them for next year. Don’t forget to feature a few pinecones!

Candles are another great centrepiece alternative. Create a cosy atmosphere whilst you tuck into your Christmas dinner with a few sets of tall white candles. Use faux antler candle stands or a gold metal leaf design for extra festive feels.

Table Runners

If time is not on your side this Christmas, then a simple runner might be just the solution for you. Runners offer a great alternative to centrepieces as it takes the hassle away from a busy table. Runners come in all shapes and sizes in an array of different colours and patterns. Match your runner with your dining set and choose a palette that compliments the dominant hue within your interior. For example, if you’re a classic white dish kind of person then opt for a traditional red material runner with green leafy decoration. Or, if you’re after something more extravagant then go all out with candles, baubles, fruit and more!

Whatever you choose to jazz up the Christmas table, we wish you a very merry Christmas!

3 Front Door Wreaths for Christmas

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Spread some festive cheer this season with a spectacular front door Christmas wreath! Whether it’s a Christmas tree, staircase garland or festive display, we decorate our home interiors every year and often forget the exterior. This year, go ahead and deck the halls with one of these DIY Christmas wreath ideas. Give your family, friends and visitors an entrance to remember with one of these three front door wreaths. We’ve also got some timeless ideas for styling up your front door after the festive season.

Magnolia Leaf Wreath

Change up your festive flair with a nature-inspired wreath. You will need a plain foam wreath and some magnolia branches which you can buy from the florist. To make the foam wreath a little more malleable, soak it in water for five minutes and set aside on a towel to drip dry for 2 minutes. Pick the magnolia leaves from the branch and put to one side. Select a bunch of the leaves and paint them silver or gold to add visual interest to the leafy wreath. Once the painted leaves are dry, push the stem of the leaves into the foam, following a directional pattern and mix up the colours to make it look appealing. Repeat this process until you can no longer see the white foam wreath underneath.

Cookie Cutter Wreath

This idea is super affordable! All you need is silver paper clips, red twist ties and 10 star shape cookie cutters (an array of different sizes if possible). Arrange the cookie cutters into a circular shape and clip the straight sides together with the silver clips. Flip the wreath over very carefully and secure the same spots with additional paper clips. Take the red ties and tightly twist them around the silver clip sections. Loop a piece of red, festive ribbon around the peak of the wreath, threading in a touch of evergreen sprig, and secure to the front door.

Bow Wreath

We saved the easiest one till last and it only takes about 30 minutes to complete! If you’re the type of person that saves the bows after unwrapping presents, then this front door wreath idea is perfect! If not, then you will need plenty of bows in a variety of colours and sizes. You will also need a hot glue gun and a foam wreath. Simply add a little dab of hot glue to the bottom of the bow and stick it to the wreath. Continue this process until the foam wreath is fully covered -voila! – your front door Christmas wreath is ready to be displayed outside your property.

Beyond Christmas…

If you’re on the hunt for a more permanent solution to decorating your front door, we offer stylish front door accessories to suit every season.

Every home is unique which is why we’ve curated a selection of front door furniture pieces to suit modern, traditional and contemporary style homes. Delightfully affordable with weather resistant properties, our full range of front door furniture features door numbers, letters, door knockers, letter plates and more.

3 Homely Winter Trends to Try

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 09:30:00 +0000

Looking for some fashion-forward winter trends to try this season? According to House Beautiful, this year it’s all about colour, comfort and cosy vibes with an emphasis on berry tones, peacock blue and black kitchens! Keep reading for our ideas on how to feature these delightfully spectacular shades in your home!

Peacock Blue

This shade of blue is strong, powerful and ever so divine. Whether you’re styling your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or living room, there’s plenty of ways to incorporate this majestic shade of blue. It can be featured in furniture, decorative accessories or wall paint as a two-tone feature wall. If painting a wall, pair this opulent shade of blue with millennial pink and add a splash of mustard into the mix with cushion covers, throws or tableware.

To break up the powerful peacock blue shade, add a few deeper shades of blue to create a curated style within your interior. Feature the deeper blue shade within your curtains, tableware (think bowls and plates) or within soft furnishing patterns.

Peacock blue seriously suits darker wood toned furniture such as tables, chairs, cabinets and bed frames. For a pop of drama, feature matte black elements in your furniture, home accessories and door hardware. We offer an exclusive range of pieces in a matte black finish, from door handles to hinges, cupboard handles to toilet roll holders. Getting trendy has never been so easy!

Black Kitchens

Gothic hues emerged last year as a must-have in home interiors and where better to feature this daring shade than in the kitchen. Leisha Norman, Designer at Harvey Jones, explains: 'For 2020, we are seeing a lot of bold cabinetry colours – people seem to be braver than they used to…”

Black adds an element of sophistication and depth to a space whilst injecting a high-end and luxurious feel. Depending on your preferred aesthetic, showcase either a glossy or lustreless matte black finish in your black kitchen cabinetry. The darker colour scheme can be lightened up with statement metallic ironmongery and well-positioned lighting. Infuse depth and drama by choosing to feature black on black on black! Match black appliances to your black kitchen cabinetry and feature matte black kitchen cabinet handles for a truly striking effect!

With a variety of styles available, choosing stylish cupboard handles couldn’t be easier. If you prefer the metallic shine of polished chrome or the warm hue of copper or brass, then check out our range of kitchen cupboard handles. From D-Shaped and T-Bar to Curved and Designer, there’s a style suitable for every home interior.

Berry Tones

Now this sounds festive! A home owners favourite with cocooning qualities, this autumn/winter trend takes inspiration from the various berry colours. The berry palette includes cherry, blackberry, raspberry and blueberry… sound delicious right? These rich red, purple and pink tones work perfectly all year round and should be styled accordingly with seasons in mind. Simply, thin textures out in warmer seasons and insulate more when temperatures drop. Stay chic during frosty months by padding your home with cosy textured rugs, cushions and throws.

If you’re looking to style with berry shades, then you should consider complementing the palette with additional strong contrasting colours. Pair berry tones with neutral walls, black embellishments and dark wood tones. Blending colours, textures and pattern will help create an interesting and contemporary looking scheme. Fuel drama with matte black or shine bright with gold, brass, copper and silver embellishments!

Replacing Drawer Runners

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re repairing one or many existing faulty drawers at home, this guide on replacing drawer runners will help you complete your home improvements! Fitting new drawer runners can make a desk, dresser or cupboard drawer feel brand new.

The Basics

Drawer slides are designed to enable smooth operation on drawers around the home. Our selection of drawer runners are perfect for fitting to home storage systems and are ideal for kitchen spaces. Depending on the required measurement needed for installation, we offer three different closed length measurements including 350mm, 400mm and 450mm.

Each drawer runner set features a ball bearing mechanism with a soft close feature and a telescopic design. Ideal for furniture units and kitchen drawers, our drawer slides allow for full drawer extension which makes rummaging for smaller items at the back of the drawer much easier!

Designed with added sturdiness, the built-in ball bearing mechanism enables a smooth and quiet operation as well as a soft-close feature to prevent drawers from slamming shut.

To replace your existing drawer runners, you will need a tape measure, pozidrive screw driver, pencil and of course the new drawer runners and fixings.

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Fitting Drawer Runners

Start by removing the drawer from the unit. Carefully pull the drawer out as far as it will go and begin removing the fixings that attach the runners to the sides of the drawers.

Removing the fixings will allow you to lift the drawer off the runners, after which you shall be able to access and unscrew further fixings that secure the runner to the unit.

Measure the length of the closed drawer runners with your tape measure and ensure that you jot down the correct length as well as the width of each runner.

If replacing the runners on multiple drawers, be sure to measure the runners from each drawer as variation can occur, even in the same unit.

Once your new drawer runners have arrived, you will need to align the guides for installation, completing the fit by screwing the new fixings. Repeat this process for every drawer.

Impress with Dining Room Décor

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 09:00:00 +0000

When it comes to interiors, details and small changes can have a great impact on the overall aesthetic. When working on home improvements, we tend to focus on the areas that get the most use such as the living room, bathroom and bedroom. Dining areas are often forgotten and it’s time to think about reviving this space! Whatever your space and budget, we’ve got some tips to encourage more sit-down meals at home and impress your guests with these dining room décor ideas!

With today’s busy lifestyle, the typical ‘meal time’ dining has evolved from conversation with family members at the table to a quick-tea-on-a-tray in front of the telly. From dinner to homework, the dining area should be a versatile place to suit every member of the household.

Not everyone gravitates towards colour which is why so many incorporate safe neutrals in their colour scheme. Upgrade your dining area with showstopping metallic lighting. Copper and brass light shades offer a touch of sophistication and warmth which beautifully complements wooden furniture and wood effect vinyl flooring. Whether its your kitchen, living room or dining room that your updating, you can incorporate additional metallic elements to tie it all together. Replace your existing kitchen cupboard handles with stylish cupboard knobs, T-bars or cup handles in a luxury copper or polished brass finish.

Alternatively, you can feature cupboard handles in a matte black, satin chrome or polished stainless steel finish to offer a cohesive fit with your existing metallic hues.

Deciding on a dining table centre piece doesn’t need to be difficult. You may want to feature flowers in a vase, eye-catching candle sticks, a potted plant or an assemblage of objects. Make sure to coordinate your feature piece with other shades from the colour palette of your room. A classic transparent vase with a bunch of flowers is always a winner or if you fancy something a little more daring, you can display an assemblage of decorative objects. Play around with textures and sizes and follow a minimalist approach to avoid a cluttered appearance. For large dining tables, feature a combination of decorative elements such as candle holders either side of a floral centre piece.

Matching tableware transforms dining tables from boring and bland to sumptuous and chic! Table dressing is all about layering and this includes a table runner, placemats, drink mats, dinnerware, barware and silverware. Set the table right and make the most of your meal times with luxury, contemporary or traditional touches.

Dining rooms that are separate to the kitchen and living room should ideally have a door wedge in place to keep the room open and inviting. Make the most of the natural lighting by opening blinds and curtains then maximise the light by featuring a large mirror on the wall.

4 Front Door Halloween Decorations

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 09:00:00 +0000

You don’t need witchcraft to conjure up something spooky for your home! Delight your trick-or-treaters with quirky and creative DIY Halloween decorations for your front door. Get the kids involved and add a few ghoulish touches with these simple ideas for your front door to set the mood this Halloween! We’ve also got some timeless ideas for styling up the front door to your property.

Coffin Door Décor

Using a ruler for continuity, draw six coffin shapes on black kraft paper and cut them out. Then draw six smaller coffin shapes onto grey kraft paper and repeat the process. Use the black cut-outs as your boarder and stick the grey kraft paper on top. Paint letters on the grey coffins with red acrylic paint to spell "COFFIN". Hang a plastic chain above the door and attach the coffin cut-outs with hot-glue (or clear sticky tape if preferred).

Sweetie Wreath

This one is to be seen and not touched! You will need to gather plenty of assorted wrapped Halloween-theme sweets such as Black Jacks, lollipops and mini bitesize chocolates. Wrap a polystyrene ring in black ribbon and secure with pins. Attach the sweets with hot-glue, layering and overlapping as you go. Finish with a ribbon bow in the colour of your choice! We suggest black for a spooky effect.

Plenty of Pumpkins

Gather a variety of different sized pumpkins. Take a black sharpie and draw the outline of a creepy face onto each pumpkin. Carve out each one and ensure that there is room to place a tealight inside. Once you have a collection of spooky pumpkin heads, you can place them by the side of your front door and ignite the tealight before closing the top with the lid. Add a touch of quirkiness by featuring spooky-faced oranges with your pumpkins.

£1.29

Keep Out Door Décor

It’s time to put the cardboard boxes lying around the house to good use! Measure the width of your front door and cut out the cardboard to imitate the appearance of wooden slabs. Paint a "Keep Out" sign on two slats and leave it to dry. Drape some artificial cobwebs across the door to give it a neglected appearance. Glue silver buttons to each corner of the cardboard to resemble bolts and tape the slabs to the door with double-sided sticky tape. Arrange the slabs horizontally then stand back and admire the scary sign!

Beyond Halloween…

If you’re on the hunt for a more permanent solution to decorating your front door, you may choose to feature stylish accessories that will last throughout the year. Our antique door numbers for front doors offer a stylish yet daring aesthetic in wrought iron with black antique finish. These textured antique-style door numbers are perfect for adding a touch of interest to the exterior of your property. Also available in a brushed or polished stainless steel finish, our range of front door numbers and can be fitted on the front of your house, a side gate as well as internal doors where required.

How to Stop a Door from Squeaking

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:00:00 +0000

There is nothing more annoying than a squeaky door, especially when someone in the house is moving around whilst you’re trying to sleep! There’s a simple solution to this issue, so sit back, take a deep breath and continue reading for the answers!

The creaking noise is a result of friction within the hinge that can increase over time due to continuous opening and closing of the door. This is considered general wear which can often be resolved with a lubricant. Experiencing the squeaking noise with a newly fitted door may indicate that the hinges have been fitted out of alignment and may need adjusting.

Lubricating the Hinge

If general wear is the case, try the easiest option first by lubricating the hinge without removing it. We recommend graphite lubricant which can be applied to the hinge pin to reduce the friction. Move the door into the open and closed position a few times to manoeuvre the graphite around the hinge pin and assess whether the lubricant has worked.

If this hasn’t worked, then depending on the type of hinge fitted, you may be able to remove the hinge pin, clean it and then lubricate it. Remove the door from the frame and look for the hinge pin head that sits between the flat leaves of the hinge. Pull the pin out from the leaves and clean the grease and grime with a disposable cloth or a piece of kitchen roll. Directly apply a graphite lubricant to the hinge pin before reassembling. Ensure a secure fit then open and close the door again to determine whether this technique has worked.

Rusty Hinges

Hinges that are old and rusty are past resurrection. You will need to replace these hinges to eliminate the irritating squeak. Our exclusive selection of high-quality door hinges is suitable for every internal door at home. Available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes, our door hinges will instantly update the performance and aesthetic of your doors.

For a cohesive interior theme, choose door hinges to complement your existing metallic elements. We’re seeing a rise in the appearance of copper and black finishes in fashion-forward homes, from decorative accessories to larger furnishings and feature wall embellishments.

Dark, Daring and Divine Living Rooms

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Interior designers, like Abigail Ahern, suggest that dark interiors look and feel more interesting. There’s an element of sophistication with dark tones that is often seen emphasised with pops of colour, varying textures and striking finishes in home interiors.

Black walls are incredibly fashionable. They’re dark, daring and different to the safe option of neutral and grey colour schemes that many homeowners are choosing for their living rooms. We frequently see bloggers sharing their thoughts on dark interiors, specifically their fear towards taking the leap to make such a bold statement in their homes.

You can certainly incorporate moodier hues without committing to big home improvement projects. Instead of paints, try darkening the vibe of your living room with furnishings and home accessories.

Updating Furnishings

Deep tone sofas are a popular choice for homeowners looking to make a statement with moody hues. Admired for their durability, dark shades of brown, grey, black, blue and green bring a cosy and comforting feel to living spaces. An easy, time saving option to transform the overall appearance of a space is to update with darker coloured furnishings. Take inspiration from your sofa and weave in shades that either match your suite exactly or range on the shade spectrum. This may include cushions, rugs, throws and artwork wall hangings.

Emerald green interiors are trending within the interior design sphere. Renowned for its divine opulence when styled with copper metallic finishes, this shade is a must-do for daring designers. Emerald green furnishings effortlessly complement dark wooden furniture such as cabinets, drawers and tables as well as dark laminate or authentic wooden flooring.

Metallic Finishes

Comparable to the way that jewellery completes an outfit, metallic finishes in hardware and homeware unite all the elements together within an interior. Update dark wooden cabinets and drawers with the rich, warm hue of copper. Offering a touch of luxury with its diamond-cut knurled texture, our knurled drawer knobs add depth and charm with a hint of industrial ambience.

For a cohesive aesthetic, coordinate the copper finish in your home accessories and door furniture. The contemporary style of our deluxe knurled door handles in copper finish appear striking embellished on timber doors. The key to curated styling is to unify themes to ultimately create something beautiful and easy on the eye.

Alternatively, cabinet knobs in a matte black finish can help maintain the depth of darker coloured furnishings. Our high-quality knurled cabinet and drawer knobs are easy to install, which makes updating existing furniture simple. Follow our recommendation on unifying themes and coordinating the finish of these knobs with your door furniture and home accessories.

Matte black also looks great with high-shine finishes and elements. Mix your metallics by featuring door furniture in polished chrome finish with varying decorative pieces in copper, matte black and chrome.

How to Change a Door Lock

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Homeowners may choose to have the ‘locks changed’ for security reasons when moving into a new property or if keys get lost. Here’s what you need to know if you’re changing the locks on your front and back doors.

Only the euro cylinder needs to be changed as this is the part that interacts with a key. The euro cylinder features a classic euro shaped keyhole which operates a lock bolt retained within a case.

There a two types of euro cylinder locks; one with a key hole on each side and one with a thumbturn on one side and a key hole on the other side.

The most common type that people search for is a double euro cylinder lock which enables you to lock the door from both sides by use of a key. This type of lock is an ideal solution to replacing or updating your door security on the external doors of your property.

How Euro Cylinder Locks Work

An internal cam mechanism rotates in the lock by the rotation of the inserted key. As you turn the key, the cam rotates and moves the lock bolt, thus locking and unlocking the door. Also known as a pin tumbler lock, a euro cylinder is located through the lock case and fits securely with a fixing bolt from the edge of the door.

Size is Essential

The new replacement euro cylinder will need to have the same dimensions as the existing one that you’re switching out. A cylinder that sticks out too far on the outside will make your home vulnerable to burglary so it’s important to get the correct measurements.

The length of a lock required varies from door to door which is why we offer a variety of split sizes to suit all installation requirements.

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How to Measure a Euro Cylinder

There are two ways to take measurements; either in the door or out of the door. You can take measurements of your existing lock without removing it; simply take your ruler and open the door. Looking at the depth of the door, measure from the middle of the centre screw to the end of the keyhole face on each side of the door. Take the measurement in millimetres.

If you’re measuring the cylinder lock outside of the door, then you will need to measure the same points as outlined above.

Now that you have your measurements, you can then search for the double euro cylinder in the correct size to replace it.

We also offer thumbturn cylinders. This type of lock is primarily used on the front doors of residential apartments, student rooms and bedrooms in house shares where additional security is required. These specific living spaces do not open out to the exterior of your property. Featuring a key lock on one side of the door and a thumbturn on the other, allowing quick and easy exit in the event of an emergency.

All our double euro cylinder locks offer an attractive dual finish to suit every style of door furniture. Our euro cylinder locks feature 6 hardened steel pins with anti-pick and anti-drill technology to maximise your home security. Each euro cylinder lock is supplied with a fixing screw for installation and 3-5 keys, we also provide cylinders that are keyed alike so that the keys supplied can operate multiple cylinder locks.

If you’re unsure or need a little assistance, then contact us, we’d love to chat. Our award-winning Customer Service team have great expertise and will be more than happy to help.

All About Escutcheons | Keyhole Covers

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 08:00:00 +0000

If your new to DIY home improvements, you’re bound to come across many terms that you’ve never heard of before. Here we’ll discuss escutcheons – their purpose at home and why you may need them.

Escutcheons are more commonly known as keyhole covers. Usually supplied in pairs, escutcheons are an item of door furniture which surround the keyhole on a key locking door. Unlike door handles on lock backplate, escutcheons are required if you have installed door handles on rose to an internal key locking door. Utility, bedroom, study and closet doors may require a key lock if you’re intention is to increase security and limit access to these rooms.

Escutcheons will need to be installed below the handle lever to conceal the lock and any rough edges caused as a result of the lock installation. The purpose of escutcheons, or keyhole covers, is to provide a neat finish to the overall look of a door. Escutcheons also provide protection from damage as key insertion and high frequency of turning action within the doors’ key lock mechanism can cause general wear and tear. All our escutcheons are concealed fixing meaning no screws will be visible.

Our high-quality selection of escutcheons are easy to install and available in several sizes and finishes along with the option of round or square to coordinate with the model or door handles selected.

Euro Profile Escutcheons - A euro profile escutcheon features a classic key hole shape and is required to fit alongside a euro cylinder lock.

Standard Profile Escutcheons - A standard profile escutcheon features a slim, oval shape key hole and is required to fit alongside a 3 or 5 lever lock.

Our modern range of escutcheons have been designed to pair seamlessly with the corresponding door handle style. If you’re only looking to buy escutcheons without the handles, then you are sure to find the finish and perfect match to your existing door furniture.

There’s a finish for every style and it’s easy to choose door furniture to complement the existing metallic finishes of your home accessories and décor. Our extensive range of finishes include:

Satin Stainless Steel Polished
Stainless Steel Duo Stainless Steel
Duo Chrome
Duo Black
Polished Chrome
Polished Brass
Coloured Chrome
Polished Copper
Matte Black
Pewter

Available in a wide selection of thicknesses, we offer 6mm, 8mm and 10mm escutcheon thickness with diameters from 50mm to 54mm.

Click Here to select those that are right for your installation. Remember, you can filter your options if you have specific requirements.

If you’re unsure or need a little assistance, then contact us, we’d love to chat. Our award-winning Customer Service team have great expertise and will be more than happy to help.

Boho Industrial Style Interiors

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 08:00:00 +0000

“There’s no place like home” … especially when everything about the space reflects your personality and tastes. We spend a lot of time at home; eating, sleeping, relaxing and raising a family, so it’s important that you feel happy and content in your living space.

When it comes to decorating your home, there’s so many styles to choose from and it can certainly feel a bit overwhelming when moving or renovating a property. If you love a stylish look with fun, free-spirited vibes, then we’ve got the style for you! Say hi to Boho industrial style interiors!

This boho chic inspired style features modern industrial elements with strong characteristics of bohemian flair. This interior aesthetic is all about blending industrial accents whilst drawing on various bohemian and hippie influences in the décor, furnishings and accessories. Exuding creativity with layers of textiles, patterns, colours and furniture styles, this interior design offers a seriously nonconformist vibe as it leans towards eclecticism.

The mix of industrial elements with boho qualities brings a stylish, contemporary edge to home interiors which is sparking a lot of interest in the interior design realm! Strong hued feature walls, such as raw concrete, exposed brick and metallic paint are seen in homes alongside an attractive and harmonious mix of multi-tonal patterns, bold hues and rich textures.

Pairing large house plants, Moroccan-inspired textiles and brightly coloured, velvet upholstery curates a classic bohemian feel. For this style, metal finish industrial accents can be added in the form of lighting fixtures and door furniture such as door handles and door hinges. Other metallic elements, such as framed mirrors, table legs and decorative accessories; adhere to the engineered charm. Boho industrial style interiors are notable for their mix of organic and structured materials as warming rustic wood tones partner well with steel, iron and chrome.

Crackle glazed mortice door knobs fit perfectly into the boho industrial interior style. Featuring a smooth, crackle glazed finish in white or muted pink, these door knobs are comfortable and easy to operate while mounted on a coherent round rose. Alternatively, these spaces can be styled with plenty of copper, matte black, polished and satin finish door hardware and interior accessories.

The blend of boho chic and industrial style may sound like chaos but when styled together, the aesthetic elements begin to complement one another instead of clashing. There’s a real ‘care-free’, indie sense to this style, especially when industrial elements in the architectural structure of the home are left untouched. Leaving exposed brick, wooden beams, and steel staircases on show is a simple way to showcase the industrial aesthetic.

If it all sounds a bit too much, this style can be obtained with a minimalist approach; blending extraordinary designs with simplicity. Switch out the bold hues and multi-tonal patterns with a subtle neutral palette. A crochet curtain puts a unique twist on window frames whereas rich textured upholstery looks sophisticated in muted tones of beige, blue and brown.

A soft colour palette styled with a dark contrasting rug can add a simple touch of boho chic which can be exaggerated with decorative cushions in a matching coloured pattern thread. Bohemian style seating brings socialising down to earth with a fortress of pillows in various sizes and patterns on the floor.

Back-to-school Bedrooms!

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 08:00:00 +0000

September time – the month for back-to-school organising and seasonal switch-overs at home. The month to start ‘cosying up’ your living space for darker, cooler evenings. We love the idea of watching a film on a rainy Sunday with a blanket as you start to layer the home with textiles and autumnal shades for a warmer, cosier aesthetic. September is a time for transition as we get back into routine and say goodbye to summer.

After a few months of fun-filled days out, garden BBQ’s and an annual holiday away, it’s now time to get the house back in-order for the start of a new season. We could all do with getting ‘back-to-school’ ready, so lets’ get bedrooms organised with a seasonal September checklist!

Wardrobe switch-over

A season change is the perfect time to sieve through your wardrobe and organise your clothes. Take your autumn and winter wear out of storage and freshen them up with a wash cycle. Take any coats that you may have to the dry cleaners so they’re ready for layering up in the winter. Transition your wardrobe from summer to autumn with a few simple steps.

Start by clearing out your entire wardrobe, dresser and drawers, placing all your items onto the bed. Once these spaces are empty, give it a good dust, wipe and hoover so that it’s clean for the last quarter of the year. As you start to refill your wardrobe, create a separate pile of summer clothes to store away and replace them with your freshened-up jumpers, coats and jackets. Now would be a good time to donate any clothes that you no longer wear and bin anything that’s beyond repair.

For a simple, stylish update, switch out the hardware on your wardrobe doors and chest of drawers with chic knurled drawer knobs in a warm copper finish. The industrial ambience and criss-cross knurled texture offers a seriously luxury aesthetic without breaking the bank! These drawer knobs have the effect of making old or low value furniture look new and high-end with their contemporary qualities and unique textured details. Also available in matte black, satin brass and satin nickel finish, each drawer knob will transcend the seasons, making them a timeless option for any home interior.

Organise your days…

We all know what September means… STATIONARY! The shops are brimming with brand-new, quirky and unusual stationery and shopping for ‘back-to-school’ (or ‘back-to-the-office’ as we like to think) has never been so exciting. Yes, we all have our phones and various technology to make notes in our calendar but there’s no better incentive than the feeling of putting a pen to paper to get organised. Taking yourself away from digital screens can help boost productivity, giving you the power to harness your creativity and ideas.

Get prepared with pens, highlighters and a bullet journal or diary planner to place at your bedroom desk. Write down your plans for the month including any coffee dates and most importantly; meetings, appointments or deadlines.

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Warm up the bed!

Comfort is so important for getting a quality nights’ sleep at home. As the nights get cooler you may want to switch out the lighter-weight bedding with something a bit thicker and plush. Add warmth to your bed with a faux fur throw and scatter a selection of textured cushions by your pillows.

If you want an alternative to faux fur, look out for rich fabrics like wool, velvet, and cushion cases with textured cotton patterns. Chunky cushions with lots of stuffing are perfect for adding depth perception to larger rooms as they can often appear quite cold and bland. Adorning your bed with cushions is a simple and cost-effective way to add a pop of colour and interest to your bedroom. Hunt for colours that will match your interior theme and get creative with a mixture of prints, patterns, styles and sizes for a stylish, curated interior design.

A bed runner or throw not only insulates your feet at night time, it also adds style and luxury to the overall aesthetic of your room. The extra textiles on the bed will add comfort and support when you fancy sitting up to read or watch TV (with a cup of hot chocolate or tea!).

And finally, deep clean!

With busy and demanding lifestyles, we rarely have the time to give rooms a thorough cleanse. To make sure you do it, take out your diary planner and schedule a day on the weekend to give your bedroom the clean that it needs. Prep your cleaning products and materials, such as multisurface cleaner and dusters, to ease the process on the day. Make sure to clean behind and under the bed, along with other large furnishings as these areas tend to get dusty (they’re also great hiding spots for spiders! So, make sure you wear socks).

Wipe every wall hanging and tableside accessory then organise storage spaces to make day-to-day life a little more manageable. Cleaning can be a great stress reliever as you burn calories, blow off steam and release endorphins in the process. Your cleaning day is also a great chance for you to sort out your important documents; paper shredding anything that’s no longer required and storing files neatly away in your drawer.

How to Style a Holiday Home

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 08:00:00 +0000

We all love a holiday, so we can see why destination homes have become increasingly popular over the years. Whether it’s the climate, culture or food calling you back, there’s plenty of pro’s to owning your own get-away space. It’s great to break away from daily life, recharge the batteries and enjoy some activities in the comfort of your own holiday home!

When we think of a holiday, we tend to picture blue skies, sea and sandy shores but not all properties are by the beach. Like with any style of property, there’s various interior designs that can help bring life, interest and function to a space. From seaside UK cottages to Moroccan style villas and quaint apartments, there’s a holiday home for everyone and we’re here to give you a few tips on styling!

Considerations…

Before you dive into decorating, it’s important to consider the primary use of the property as this will guide your interior styling. Factors to consider include the frequency of travel to the holiday home and the number of people who will be staying. Planning before embarking on a redesign project will give you a clearer understanding of what features are required within the environment. Remember, furnishing and decorating a property for a family with children will greatly differ to the desires of a middle-aged couple whose children have flown the nest.

Style Themes & Colour Schemes

Subtly is key when furnishing a holiday home. Whether you’re renovating from scratch or updating the current décor, simplicity in design will ensure that the property appears timeless whilst easy to maintain. Minimum cleaning means more time relaxing during your time away… bliss!

A utilitarian design is perfect for all types of holidaymaker. This concept lends itself to the idea that the space facilitates daily activities through efficient design as all furniture and accessories have a purpose. For a timeless aesthetic, focus your design approach on comfort more so than details with staple furnishings and organic finishes for a fresh, summery feel. Bring nature to every room of the house by choosing natural wood furniture, cotton, leather and linens for curtains, cushions and sofas.

Your surroundings should aid your relaxation; you can’t go wrong with calming neutral shades and a hint of colour. Choose white, cream, stone and beige shades to paint the walls and keep furniture cohesive by matching it to the walls of your interior. Add a pop of colour, such as blush pink or blue, with a curated selection of big, plump throw cushions. This little feature will add luxury and comfort to your holiday home whilst keeping you snug at night time (even in warmer, summer climates!)

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Accessories!

For a modern aesthetic, install stunning door handles to the interior doors throughout your property; maintaining a cohesive style with your chosen finish. The polished and satin finish on stainless steel and chrome are equally as beautiful with long-lasting, durable qualities. Embellish your front door with a 6 pin double euro cylinder lock to ensure that your holiday home is safe and secure when your away from the property. The anti-pick and anti-drill technology offer a heightened level of security to protect your home. The addition of a night latch front door lock will also increase security by locking automatically from the moment you shut the door, double locking from the outside and deadlocking from the inside when staying at home and overnight.

A splash of blue with timber accents can help give holiday homes a true beach house aesthetic (even if you live far from the sea!). Place a timber coffee table in front of your living room sofa and feature wicker baskets in open cabinet spaces as a storage solution. Create a seaside vibe by embellishing a few nautical accessories around your get-away space. Forget the classic ship ornaments, anchors and rope prints, think subtle blue stripe bedding and artwork inspired by shades of the ocean.

Utilise space in the living room to encourage socialising by featuring a large sofa and dining table. This practical feature is perfect for hosting friends and families by keeping everyone together. If children and pets are expected, place fragile accessories such as vases and sculptures out of the way to eliminate unwanted damage to valuables.

Trending: All Things Floral

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Fresh, airy and mood lifting… that’s what homeowners are aiming for with their soft florals, colourful blooms and botanical prints in home decor! With an influx of botanical designs in the interiors market, it comes as no surprise that online bloggers and interior experts are flaunting their feel for the outdoorsy vibe!

This year we’ve seen plenty of homes with character, showcasing refreshing flower arrangements and floral prints, patterns and textiles in wallpaper, furnishings and accessories. Biophilic design continues to trend within the home-styling-sphere as more and more people see the benefits of bringing the outdoors in! Housing flowers at home can do more than simply enhance your living room’s aesthetic appeal as studies prove that flowers can help boost your mood, memory and aid with sleep. Here’s our tips for creating a ‘zen-ful’ experience at home with a vision of elegance and poise!

Flower Power Accent Walls

An accent or feature wall is a wall in which the design differs from the design of the other walls in a room. It isn’t a new concept in interior design, but it’s strongly admired and utilised for adding interest and visual depth to a living space. Accent walls are a sure-fire way to transform a room with colourful, intricate or bold designs. Dressed in either wallpaper or paint, accent walls are an easy and stylish way to tie in colours and themes for a unified aesthetic within an interior.

Bold, bright and exaggerated floral prints inspire fun and creativity whilst a soft palette and delicate pattern encourages relaxation. A floral print wall can help create stress-free, enjoyable environments at home with visions of nature. For a unique and modern look, make a striking statement with an abstract mural, featuring a busy pattern, cheerful colours and playful strokes.

Alternatively, choose oversized florals with a soft colour palette, such as blush pink, grey and cream, for a more understated demeanour. A subtle floral print lends itself perfectly to a social setting as family and guests gather around the dining table or lounge area. A few accessories, such as drink coasters and table cloths, in complementary shades can be added to create a cohesive feel.

Floral wallpaper designs range from classic to modern, subtle to exotic, so there’s something for all interior styles and personal tastes.

Floral Print Furnishings

Bring a contemporary feel to a space with modern floral accessories. Echo the colours of your larger furnishings, such as sofas and decorative wallpaper, with floral print statement throw cushions. Place block coloured cushions behind your floral prints to add comfort to the sofa whilst simultaneously drawing focus to your colourful abstract or naturalistic style cushion covers.

Unify themes by embellishing doors with high-quality door furniture. Copper door handles and those finished in matte black will add a unique and contemporary feel to interiors with their luxury qualities and classic designs. The polished copper and matte black finishes suit a variety of interior palettes and can be placed on any internal door with the matching escutcheons or bathroom locks. The duo chrome door handles for internal doors are a practical, attractive and easily affordable option for interiors that exhibit elements of polished and satin chrome within the décor. A highly versatile finish for any interior, these interior door handles command the attention of your guests with ultra-modern straight oval levers on round rose.

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Flower Arrangements

In interior design, ‘elevate’ refers to something that’s been kicked up a notch or taken to another level through styling. To elevate a rooms aesthetic, you may consider subtle improvements by updating decorative features and accessories with new contemporary styles. The comfort of a room can also be elevated by adding a variety of textured cushions to the sofa and draping a luxury, thick faux fur throw blanket over the back-rest cushion.

A fresh display of flowers will breathe life and colour into your home. Simple white flowers possess a freshness and organic quality that speaks to our soul, enabling feelings of comfort and sophistication at home. White flowers brighten up darker rooms that emit more of a masculine demeanour. For an angelic dash of femininity, a full arrangement of short stem white flowers in glass vases can be placed on coffee tables and side cabinets next to plain white candles in glass jars.

Style your home with easy DIY flower arrangements and fill your space with delicate scents of nature. For a vintage farmhouse vibe, Country Living suggests crafting Mason jar vases at home, topped off with a twine bow around the top of the jar and an adorable hand-stamped tag.

To aid sleeping difficulties, you can place a bunch of lavender flowers next to your bedside to help create a relaxing environment for resting. Previous studies have found that smelling lavender before going to bed helps you experience more deep sleep, resulting in higher energy levels the following morning.

Say Bye to Boring Interiors

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 08:00:00 +0000

A grey colour palette is a timeless, lux and versatile interior theme to follow however, neutrals aren’t for everyone. We’re all unique with differing tastes which means that there isn’t one interior design style that fits all. Much like your choice in fashion and accessories, your home should reflect your personal style too.

It’s easy to get caught up in popular trends, especially when everyone (on Instagram) seems to be favouring the minimalist aesthetic! Take a stand from the crowd and say bye to boring interiors with some unique ideas to showcase your personal style.

Metallic Walls

Beyond giving a room an ultra-glam look, metallics are becoming the must-have trend as interior designers maximise on the shimmer to bring both light and warmth into a space.

Luminous touches of copper, gold and polished chrome are not only making their way into interiors through kitchen cupboard handles, appliances and accessories, they’re now also showcased on walls from floors to ceilings. Metallic paints create the look of glimmering metal on walls and doors which are then embellished with ultra-modern door handles. Our contemporary door handles on rose offers simplicity with luxury qualities which assist to create an effortless tranquil vibe in homes.

Series of floor to ceiling mirrors are also becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms, hallways and stairways at home as they reflect light, altering the perception of space within an interior. Mirror walls offer a sophisticated flair and look even more luxurious when styled with metallic furnishings and accessories.

Eclecticism

An eclectic approach to interior design is about deriving ideas, styles, colours or trends from a broad and diverse range of sources. It’s often a misunderstood style and eclectic isn't a term to label the mismatched. There’s a cohesiveness to true eclectic décor as the mix of different styles and eras is highly intentional.

As discussed in our previous blog Are you a Minimalist or Maximalist?, there’s a fine line between cluttered chaos and curated eclecticism; there needs to be unifying themes that bring the elements together.

Catrin Morris offers a perfect explanation for eclectic décor “…a heavy velvet Victorian armchair may be paired with a Lucite coffee table so as to highlight - through contrast - the independent beauty of each piece.”

Feature Pieces

Incorporating feature pieces is a fabulous way to weave style and chicness into a room while simultaneously adding your own personal and creative flair. Ideal for smaller budgets, homeowners can choose to showcase either one or a few several feature pieces into a space to create interest. Save your money on renovations by finding a quality accent piece to draw in the eye of your guests.

Enjoy design for both its aesthetic and function by making investments in pieces that have a purpose such as high quality door furniture with intricate details and contemporary designs. An ornate antique full length mirror is the perfect contribution to bedrooms and large hallway spaces. Not only do they offer functional benefits with their reflective qualities, they also appear delightfully trendy within any interior style.

3 Ideas for a DIY Man Cave

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 08:00:00 +0000

A man cave at home is every mans dream! When you want to get away from the outside world and chill out with beer, pizza and TV; nothing beats your own personal hideaway.

Growing up, your bedroom was your man cave to relax in and it probably featured your favourite posters, sports, band or car memorabilia. When you move in with a partner, it may feel strange to compromise on all the feminine elements that tag along. From floral prints to throw pillows, blankets and sparkly décor, it’s time to take back your own personal space with our 3 ideas for a DIY man cave!

Make use of a spare room, garage, outbuilding or loft space by turning it into a hideaway fit for a gentleman. Firstly, decide what sort of space you’re looking to create, whether that be a home office, games room or bar. The size of the room and function of the space will help determine what furniture, features and decorative accessories you choose.

TV and Games Room

A man cave doesn’t necessarily need to be dark and dingey, although it’s important to have the option to block out natural lighting to avoid light rays on the TV screen. If an intimate, cinema effect is desired then you may want to follow a moody colour scheme by painting all four walls with a dark colour such as black or dark grey. If you’re working with a smaller sized room, then paint only one wall with a dark shade to avoid visually shrinking the space.

Masculine shades rely heavily on darker colours such as brown, red and black and should be accessorised with neutral shades of beige, tan and metallics. These shades look fantastic when styled with brick walls, wood, concrete, stainless steel and other industrial materials. Leather is also a seriously popular material for game room furniture and looks fantastic in either tan or black. Leather is also convenient for drink spills and it tends to suit a bit of visual wear and tear.

If you’re expecting guests in your entertainment hub, then pair a long leather sofa with a matching armchair and footrest to kick back in front of your TV. Place industrial style metal side tables at either end of the sofa to hold your drinks and snacks! Match a metal frame side table with stainless steel door handles for an ultra-modern aesthetic. Industrial style bulbs and geometric lights work incredibly well in masculine interiors.

Set up a mini fridge in the corner of the room to keep your drinks cool and place quirky coasters on the side tables with bottle openers at a close reach. If you’ve got the space, place either a pool table or foosball table in your man cave and decorate the walls with your favourite framed film posters, sports, music or car collectables.

Home Bar

There’s nothing cooler than your very own bar, especially when you love to entertain at home. Stocking your home bar with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages to offer your guests is a failproof way to impress! A bar counter and stools are a key focus and essential part of a home bar which requires a balance of function, comfort and aesthetic. Classic metal finish stools offer an industrial appearance as they complement any interior colour palette with their metallic sheen.

Stock your man cave bar with all sorts of alcohol and display the bottles on shelves so that you and your guests can see them. Alternatively, you can stock your drink bottles in wooden cabinets. A wine glass rack offers a touch of elegance in home bars as it holds glasses by the stem. For the perfect vintage home bar lighting, choose soft and warm lights that create a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Black candles offer a warm glow to create the ideal ambience for a few social whiskeys while industrial lamps hung from the ceiling over the counter offer an authentic look.

If you want something just that little bit different, spice up your home bar interior by featuring varied shades of aubergine purple, midnight blue and emerald green to achieve a sultry yet luxe aesthetic.

There’s more to a home bar than spirits and beer (or at least some would argue) so, hang a dart board on the wall and if space permits, get a poker table for a late night game with your pals.

Keep children at bay by installing an internal door lock. If your man cave bar resides in an outbuilding, then a night latch front door lock is ideal. Available in either polished chrome, polished brass or grey finish, the nightlatch is supplied with two keys and features a hold back button to prevent the door locking when guests are walking in and out. This type of lock also provides deadlocking functionality which improves the security of your external door overnight.

Home Office

A man cave home office should be practical, smart and inspiring. It needs to offer function with lighting, space and equipment so you can hideout and get your work done in peace. This room doesn’t need to be plain and boring to keep you focussed on work, in fact, studies suggest that colour psychology in your work space can help enable productivity and creativity levels. Just avoid white walls as the clinical look can have you feeling passionless!

Place a desk and comfortable chair in your man cave office and maximise on natural lighting by installing neutral coloured curtains or white roller blinds for a modern appeal. Opt for plenty of storage solutions to hold all your files, books and important documents. A luxury home office can offer a masculine demeanour with lots of dark features, straight lines and contemporary decorative accessories.

Interior Design Buzzwords: Part Three

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Like any industry, Interior Design has its buzzwords. With new, evolving and revolutionised design trends, there’s plenty to try and keep up with. If you love all things interior styling, then you’ll need to know the meaning of certain words in order to fully understand what bloggers, interior designers and industry experts are on about! So, without hesitation, let’s get into it with part three of our guide to interior design buzzwords!

Reimagined

This buzzword is usually referred to when discussing a new concept for an interior. To ‘reimagine’ a space means to completely reinterpret without boundaries or constraints. A reimagined space requires an eye for detail, spatial awareness and an understanding of the simple design principles in order to improve upon the existing interior. A reimagined space may be completely different to the original design or it can feature few changes to transform what already exists into an updated version.

For example, think of your bathroom at home. Now reimagine how it could appear with improvements. Perhaps you would update the flooring to a new luxury floor installation, then switch out the old door hardware to modern door handles with matching thumb turn and release. To achieve a cohesively styled interior space, you may replace the current amenities with new, high-quality bathroom accessories that coordinate with the finish of your architectural hardware.

Clean

A ‘clean’ look or ‘clean’ line suggests minimalism and refers to a linear and uncluttered style with no frills. A minimal interior is characterised by clean, crisp lines and a modern design that is surprisingly family-friendly as these spaces enable the ability to move around freely. Reduced visual noise and distraction in clean spaces can help lower feelings of stress and anxiety at home, improving upon the wellbeing of all family members. A bit of creativity in small spaces can help maximise on elbow room which is something we’ve discussed in our blog: 3 Solutions for Styling a Small Bedroom.

Elevated

Another way to elevate your home design is to paint the skirting boards of your home in the same colour as your walls as you get all the architectural interest without trimming off any of the room’s height or breadth. This is a great technique for unifying space and maximising on the effect of brightly painted or dark coloured walls.

Energy

Interior design influences how you feel as energy is released through the aesthetic aspects of colour schemes, possessions, illusion of space and layout. The question to ask is ‘how do you feel while in this space?’. Colour choice can psychologically impact on your mood; white is often associated with purity and cleanliness and green perpetuates feelings of calm and soothing.

TIP: When designing a room, you’ll want to establish the energy you want it to emit. Energetic and joyful? Warm and intimate? If you’re new to DIY home improvements, our failproof recommendation is to choose a neutral shade for the largest areas (like walls and flooring), a soothing colour for furniture and other sturdy items. Then, throw some interest into the mix by picking a third more dramatic colour to pop in your statement accessories and décor.

Our crackle glazed door knobs are an ideal choice for trendy sherbet colour scheme rooms as the pink shade is known for its romantic qualities, often associated with relaxation. The mortice door knob in the white glaze finish looks exceptional on white painted timber doors as it seamlessly blends into the door for a unified aesthetic - perfect for minimalist interiors characterised by simplicity!

Curated

Now this is a buzzword we’re seeing more of! A curated interior is a design that incorporates distinct style with a point of view; drawing from personal style and taste that’s more than a trend, it speaks to you time and again. The scope of curated home decor is vast as your home speaks volumes about your personality and identity while also adding an emotional angle to it. Curating interiors is about carefully choosing new furniture or accessories and mixing it with pieces that you already own to improve upon its previous state and reflect your signature style through self-expression.

Curating interiors requires great designing and creative skills as you create comfort and peace in your home. Not everything needs to be expensive to be quality, it’s about choosing the right materials for the right purpose that survives the test of time in busy homes.

And there you have it; part three to our guide on Interior Design buzzwords! We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interiors and style, check out our previous blogs and be sure to visit our Pinterest for more inspiration!

Are you a Minimalist or Maximalist?

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Maximalist design is trending, but what are you to do if you feel like your style is more minimalist. These days it’s all about personal style and you don’t have to keep up with trends that cease to pique your interest. We should embrace the styles, designs and colour trends that speak to our soul and gets us feeling inspired!

In this blog we’ll outline what it means to be a minimalist and maximalist to help you determine your own personal interior design style.

Minimalism

Minimalist design is characterised by simplicity. This includes clean lines, empty spaces, plain neutrals colour palettes and little to no pattern. This design thrives on utilitarian design; a concept that lends itself to the idea of form follows function. In other words, the interior of a home is designed to facilitate daily activities through efficient design and cost-effective construction. All furniture has a purpose, all accessories have a purpose.

Minimalism is all about reducing visual noise and keeping spaces light and airy by maximising on natural light and only displaying useful, practical items such as furniture and lighting fixtures. This design approach focusses on comfort more so than details as it is characterised by pale colour schemes and organic finishes. Minimalist décor embraces storage solutions so that everything can be organised and stored away out of sight.

There’s an overall elegant aesthetic and feel to minimalist interiors as features blend seamlessly into the room’s structural layout. The typical style of door furniture in these interiors includes the one piece designer door handles as they offer an ultra-modern aesthetic to minimalist interiors. This is due to the clean cut, straight lines of symmetry and the solid, one piece appearance. Alternatively, the designer twist door handles features a gently coiled rectangular lever on square rose, perfect for adding an element of sophistication and body to interiors. Both styles are presented in a modern and stylish duo chrome finish and appear elegant with the matching escutcheons and turns.

Maximalism

Maximalist design is the opposite of everything that characterises minimalism. It embraces eclecticism with a mix of colours, patterns and textures. It isn’t about clutter and excessive pattern (although there is a fine line) but more so about visual noise as rooms tend to appear much busier with variety.

A maximalist interior has a theme and sense of unity that creates a pleasing, welcoming space that envelopes you in happiness and content. This design approach is the ‘go to’ for outgoing creatives as it embraces bold colours, pattern and plenty of detail. Maximalism is all about comfort, convenience and practicality as the eyes wonder with visual interest to all areas of the room.

A key aspect to maximalist design is the decorative features and furnishings, which don’t necessarily have to match but work together to appear thoughtfully curated. It’s about filling your room with memories and things that make your heart feel warm, such as travel souvenirs and keepsakes.

Think You May Be Both?

Your interior style can incorporate elements of both minimalism and maximalism as most people do tend to fall somewhere in between. With busy work lives, children and pets, it’s difficult to stay concerned about maintaining a certain look. It’s a lot easier to live mindfully and surrender control of your home from time to time; it’s all a part of ordinary home life.

Embrace aspects from both design approaches and blend them to suit your personal style. Add finishing touches where you like and nestle in the comfort of your ambient living space.

FACT: Maximalist minimalism doesn’t have to be modern; it can be traditional with qualities of period style or it can be a blend of modern and traditional! Now that’s daring.

Glam Your Home Like a Blogger

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Inspiration is plentiful on the internet and if you're anything like us, you already have a list of daily home DIY and interior design reads that keep your creativity levels up! But figuring out what your home should look like (think style, time, and of course budget), is an entirely different story.

There’s no better way to start your home improvements or updates than by creating a Pinterest mood board and pinning all your favourite interior design images and blogger photos to it. This can be your archive of every bedroom, bathroom and kitchen you’ve ever daydreamed of residing in!

The next step to get started with your home updates is to research and read a few blogs on your favourite styles of interior that you know are achievable! (Hint: We’ve got loads of interior tips and tricks about all the different home design styles!) These articles will give you an idea of how and ‘where-in-the-world’ to begin the transformation process!

Don’t be Fooled!

Remember: One thing home-design bloggers love to do is post perfect photos! These images are often staged to look flawless with no clothes on the bed and no shoes scattered across the floor, no crease in the duvet and definitely no snacks peaking out of the bedside drawer! Now look past the perfection and pick out what elements about the room that you like. Is it the colour scheme? Blend of textures? Or perhaps the way the metallic accents have been fused together?

Copper and Rose Gold

This year it’s all about fresh, natural materials, such as copper, concrete and stone that bring an organic and peaceful quality to any space. Bloggers are flaunting their copper interiors, blending elements of the hue in kitchen appliances, furniture, lighting fixtures and architectural hardware… it’s all in the details with this trend!

This rich, warm and metallic hue is often referred to as ‘rose gold’ and a simple way to begin the copper transformation in your home is to start with smaller accent pieces then build up to the larger features. Switch out your old door furniture and replace it with fresh, new door handles featuring a polished copper finish. Merging traditional and contemporary design, copper door handles strike the perfect balance between elegance and strength.

Complement the copper aesthetic by integrating a matching bathroom turn and release onto your bathroom doors and if you’re DIY savvy; install the corresponding copper door hinges too! Replace your old drawer and cupboard handles with copper cup handles to continue the cohesiveness of the metallic accents.

Once you’ve started embellishing the copper glow into your furniture, you can then begin to incorporate additional copper home accessories and decorative items such as lamps, mirrors and storage sets. Make the glamourous hue truly stand out by keeping the rest of your interior white and simple!

Luxe Revival

In recent years, luxe has become a buzzword in the interior design bubble. Bloggers are loving this style as Luxe best describes fabrics and furniture pieces that exude pure decadence. The key colour scheme in this trend includes dusty rose, burnished gold and natural clay earth pigments with plenty of velvet, marble, brass and fur textures. Statement minimalist lightning is an essential feature in blogger shots with plenty of decorative geometric outlines and Art Deco rounded shapes.

This interior style is all about luxury as the elements ooze class and eclectic sophistication! It’s the perfect setting for drinking gin and we’re expecting to see more of this trend as soon as Autumn rolls around. Knurled drawer knobs in luxury satin brass finish are the perfect feature in luxe revival interiors and so simple to install! Check out the Quick Tricks to Upgrade Your Drawers blog to get the ball rolling on your home transformation!

Refined Glamour

As the name suggests, this home decor trend refers to an interior of understated elegance. It’s noticeably less glossy than some of the other glamour trends and more sophisticated with its subtle hints and qualities.

Characterised by opulence, this interior trend is HOT in the home design blogger sphere as the general colour palette features plenty of grey tones, blush pinks and neutrals with pewter finish as the statement feature in light fixtures, decorative pieces and hardware.

If this is the style you love, start by stripping back your current interior and focus your colour scheme on various grey tones and blush pink. Update your cabinet drawers with smoky pewter cup handles, hand forged from iron for a rustic yet understated glamourous appearance.

Interior Design Buzzwords: Part Two

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Interior Design is a field rifle with buzzwords! Some are pretty simple to figure out while others have us squinting with confusion. In order to get you on your way to fluency, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top industry terms that are worth knowing. With our buzzword guide, you’ll confidently enjoy reading about the interior design world!

Refined

Refined means developed or improved so as to be precise or subtle. To put this into context, it is having many design options at your fingertips but selecting just those few that complement each other. It’s a term that you may see associated with luxury interiors as the balance of harmony, colour and scale is ever so carefully formed. A refined space features a balance of elements that work seamlessly together.

Moody

Moody describes a style that is usually dark with layers of texture. Moody interior design is a style that explores a deep and saturated colour palette with richness of depth and character. Colours within this style of interior are usually black, dark grey or dark blue which conveys romantic, serene and mysterious auras. Rooms with these auras have distinctive qualities, featuring a combination of dark and light colours and prints with more of an emphasis on the darker elements. Incorporating walls, floors, furniture and accessories, a moody interior can appear chillingly beautiful and alluring.

Dark walls and doors are particularly striking in spacious, light-filled apartments. To maintain a cohesive depth to the walls, interior designers may choose black door handles and hinges to seamlessly blend in with the colour palette. Alternatively, doors may be embellished with eye catching door furniture to inject some discontinuity and break up the aesthetic of darkness.

Timeless

This design style strays away from trends that come and go to avoid quickly dating. The objective for choosing a timeless interior is that it won’t go out of fashion, meaning that you’ll avoid hefty costs of keeping up with trends by maintaining a stylish and tasteful interior design for years to come. Neutral colours are a key element in this design style with secondary colours added via interchangeable accessories and decorative items.

Timeless is synonymous with luxury with focus on elegance and sophistication. Duo chrome door handles on rose are a timeless option for interior designers as they offer practical and functional qualities while appearing simple and attractive with any colour palette. Featuring a duo effect of mirrored polished and brushed chrome, these door handles resist finger print marks, ideally low maintenance for homeowners with busy lifestyles!

Chic

Simply put, this means “Trust me, you’ll like it”. Used as either an adjective or a noun, ‘Chic’ can be defined as elegant, fashionable and trendy. Chic interior design is all about arranging the right colours, patterns and furniture in a specific, distinctive and unique order and taste. This sounds like the foundation of every interior design trend… and that’s exactly what it is. Chic can be used to describe practically any style with a casual, understated look that is still cool, fresh, updated and modern.

Collected

A collected internal space is filled with one-of-a-kind, treasured pieces acquired over time having evolved naturally and gradually. Collected interiors feature items that tell a story about your personality, interests and experiences.

A collected décor is unique to an individual and cannot be replicated by anyone else as items simply cease to exist on trendy retailer websites. A collected look might include unique, hand-made furnishings, artworks or accessories purchased from a market stall during a travelling experience to Marrakesh. Or, it may include significant pieces passed down from generations of family members.

The key to nailing this trend is to be consistent with the items that are paired together. Interior designers advise that homeowners complement various pieces by paying attention to the shape, texture, scale, colour and visual balance of each item. Failing this observation can cause a living space to look cluttered, making the homeowner seem like a hoarder!

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interiors and style, check out our previous blog Simple Steps to Make Life Easy and be sure to visit our Pinterest for more inspiration!

Simple Steps to Make Life Easy

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 08:00:00 +0000

The flowers have bloomed, the sun is shining, and the house is now well overdue a sort out. If you’ve been putting off your deep clean this year, it’s time to get it sorted! With our simple DIY tips for decluttering and organising, you’ll soon have your home and life in order! By focussing your space on what you love and throwing out the unwanted, you’ll have a clearer head to relax and enjoy your home.

Make it Simple

Approach the task of decluttering by doing one room at a time. Put together a checklist of what needs to be done in each room and tick off these tasks once completed. This is a great trick that many of us do when we’re packing to go travelling so that nothing is forgotten! Our tip is to be detailed with your tasks, for example, clearing out your wardrobe and cleaning your wardrobe interior may be two separate tasks. Today we’ll start with our bedroom edition!

Before you begin the challenge, get all the products and cleaning materials ready and ensure that you’re wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting dusty (or sweaty!).

Wardrobes & Chest of Drawers

For a thorough, deep clean in the bedroom, take items out of your wardrobe and decide whether to keep, toss or donate by sieving everything into piles. For homeowners with built-in wardrobes, it’s time to get the hoover out and give it a blast on the interior. In addition to dust, condensation is a common issue in both fitted and standalone wardrobes which can be prevented with regular ventilation and discreet dehumidifier sachets.

Dust skirting boards and wardrobe rails to make sure everything’s clean before hanging your ‘keep’ pile up. Replace broken or sagging wardrobe rails with a new sleek polished chrome clothes rail pole. Available in a 2ft and 3ft length measurement, choose which suits your requirements and complete the installation with coordinated rail end brackets. To prevent any drooping of the wardrobe rail from heavy coats, fit the matching wardrobe rail centre bracket to provide additional support in the centre of the rail. This helpful little device can also be used to create a joint between two separate rails – perfect for the lucky ones with large wardrobes!

Keep handbags in dust bags and store your favourite shoes in clear stackable storage boxes. This little trick will make life simple the next time your pairing together an outfit or searching for shoes in your closet.

Follow the same method with your drawers, clearing out what’s no longer needed and cleaning the insides of the drawers with appropriate solutions for the material. If ever in doubt about what products are suitable, opt for a simple solution of warm water and washing up liquid, taking care not to drench surfaces and allowing it to dry before putting possessions back in.

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Side Tables and Surfaces

Clear the top of your bedside tables and give the surface a dust and a wipe with warm soapy water. During this dry time, give your bedside possessions a dust and a wipe and return loose belongings back to their designated place.

If you tend to just throw everything into your side drawer, you may consider investing in some drawer organisers and storage solutions for those small bits and bobs. Clear storage containers are a great investment as they offer transparency so things can quickly and easily be found. Say ‘goodbye’ to stressful searching… especially when you’re in a rush!

TOP TIP: Limit the number of things that you keep out on display on your bedside table. A bedside stand can hold a lamp and an alarm clock or smartphone to wake you up each morning but shouldn’t hold a pile of books, magazines and a variety of glasses and mugs with varied levels of beverage!

And there you have it! Our simple steps to make life easy, now go forth and keep bedrooms simple, stress-free and serene.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interiors and style, check out our previous blog Brown Interiors Alternative Dark Hues and be sure to visit our Pinterest for more inspiration!

Brown Interiors Alternative Dark Hues

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 08:00:00 +0000

50 shades of grey? Try 50 shades of brown! Versatile, stylish and simple to style, this week we’re looking at deluxe brown interior design!

Dark interiors are seriously chic, but for many, painting the walls of a room in a ‘gloomy shade’ is one of the most fearless decorating decisions you can make! One way to incorporate a bit of darkness without going full force is to opt for brown as its earthy shade range offers versatility to any room. Whether it’s the walls, furniture or decorative accessories, brown is a safe (and sensual) alternative to black and other moody hues.

So, why do we love it? Well, brown is a rich, warm, timeless classic that’s easy to play with for luxury results! All shades of brown can be combined, so decorating your home can be a straightforward project. There’s certainly some ambiguity around the colour brown as the palette ranges in hue, tone and depth which can sometimes confuse the average home owner. Some of the most common terms to describe the different shades include dark and light chocolate, dark cocoa, mocha, latte, cappuccino, tree bark, tan and sandalwood… to name a few.

Mix It Up

TOP TIP: It’s important to mix up your browns to steer clear of creating rooms that are visually uninteresting. Brown shades complement other colours such as neutral shades of beige, cream, taupe and white and more colourful shades of green, blue and yellow. These colours mimic the tones of the natural environment – think sandy beaches, flourishing verdure, blue skies and golden rays of sunshine… bliss.

If you’re looking to paint a room, check out some online variations and order colour swatches to hold up against the wall and make comparisons. Pinterest is a great place to fuel inspiration and give you some home ideas.

Style it Out

To pack a punch in your home, weave in some matte black for a striking, confident aesthetic. This contemporary shade can feature in bold sofa cushions, photo frame boarders, lighting fixtures and contemporary door furniture.

TOP TIP: Door hardware can often be overlooked by home owners but it’s the details that bring the design of a room together! Tie in all the black elements with charismatic matte black door handles on rose and matching black door hinges for internal doors. Keep this style consistent throughout your property for a truly cohesive interior design.

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Another way you can weave in additional colours is through wall hangings such as artwork and ornamental pieces. Coordinate curtains with rugs and be cautious not to over do it with too many pattern variations. Embellishing patterns and texture can offer some much needed visual depth to create an ambience that’s cosy and comforting.

In bedrooms, weave colours in effortlessly with a bold, silky bedspread or throw, decorative cushions and large scented bedside candles. Whether it’s solid or patterned, these simple aesthetic qualities will make all the difference to your brown dominant interior.

For homes that feature wooden beams, floors and walls, style it up with further essences of natural materials. Look out for coffee tables and dining furniture in oak, solid wood or pine. Emphasise this natural flair with green houseplants and large stones or wood logs in the fireplace.

Make it Sparkle

Metallics and gold radiate sheer luxury in rooms that have a singular striking dark brown feature wall. The display of metallics goes far beyond candle holders and photo frames as it appears stunning embellished in back and seat sofa cushions, rugs, bed frames and backboards!

TOP TIP: Brass is an ideal metallic to showcase in darker interiors. Switch out your existing knobs on cupboards and drawers with luxury satin brass finish knurled drawer knobs. These high quality, unique knobs will have your guests demanding all your decorative secrets!

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interiors and style, check out our previous blog Quick Tricks to Upgrade Your Drawers and be sure to visit our Pinterest for more inspiration!

Quick Tricks to Upgrade Your Drawers

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Updating the hardware on the drawers of your cabinets, dressers and bedside tables can have a dramatic impact on your room’s overall appearance. Got mismatched furniture or just tired of its’ outdated look? We’ve got you covered with our cost effective, quick tricks for upgrading your furniture!

We all love that feeling of buying something new, especially when it comes to interior design as we proudly display our new possessions. Lord knows it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of renovating and spend more than what’s needed.

Replacing old hardware with new cupboard and drawer knobs is a much more pocket-friendly solution to home improvement! It can make inexpensive pieces look high end and can help tie your interior design together by coordinating your hardware throughout the home. To ensure a cohesive style, choose new drawer knobs that suit the colour scheme and vibe of your home.

Here’s the plan of action:

Identify how many drawers knobs you need to replace the existing ones.

Identify the style of your interior – is it more traditional, vintage, modern, contemporary?

Check out our wide selection of stunning cupboard and drawer knobs in a variety of styles and finishes.

Add the quantity required to cart, checkout and they’ll be on their way!

Once your cupboard knobs have arrived, start by taking a pozidriv screwdriver to loosen the fixings of your existing knobs. Open the new packaged cupboard and drawer knobs and find all the fixings needed to complete the installation of each knob by securing the fix with the same screwdriver. Ta-da! How simple is that?

TOP TIP: Matte Black finish hardware will suit all and any interior colour palettes! Not only that, the versatile knurled drawer knobs in matte black finish will suit an array of interior styles!

TOP TIP: For a seriously trendy aesthetic, choose knurled drawer knobs in copper finish to embellish your furniture. This popular metallic isn’t going anywhere soon so consider incorporating small decor accents, fixtures and fittings. For a more striking copper fusion, get creative with statement pieces of furniture and showstopping feature walls.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interiors and style, check out our previous blog Trending: Beige Colour Palettes and be sure to visit our Pinterest for more inspiration!

Trending: Beige Colour Palettes

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Is beige the new grey? Interior Design influencers seem to think so. Cool toned neutral grey interiors are seeming to take a back seat in social media posts as beige takes the throne… and we’re loving the neutral tones!

Decorating with beige is simple. It’s a neutral shade that you can depend on to withstand trends for years to come. You can introduce beige into every room of the house; it complements any interior design and it can take a back seat for bold colour schemes and decorative patterns.

Tints of beige can vary as some may appear pinker toned and others more cream based, sandy or grey. The key to choosing the right beige to paint walls is to determine the overall aesthetic of the room that your redecorating.

Questions you need to ask yourself might be: Will it blend with the tone of the floors? Will it complement the colour of the furniture? Order yourself some colour swatches and hold the swatches next to flooring and furnishings. If you’re stuck for choice, there’s always the option of ordering paint sample pots to swatch the walls of your home.

One thing we know for certain is that beige is ambiguous. Cool, neutral and warm hues are all prevalent in beige and it can be a challenge choosing the right option. The key to overcoming this challenge is knowing what secondary shades work well with your primary colour. Shades of light brown, white, khaki tan and dove grey blend seamlessly with beiges that boast a touch of cool toned grey. Warmer red-tinted beige however, suits colours in soft mint and brighter colours of salmon pink and mango for a calming effect. A popular beige this year is Spiced Honey, Duluxe’s 2019 Colour of the Year, which showcases a rich caramel like appearance with a subtle hint of earthy brown and amber tones. We’re a big fan!

To decorate like a pro you should weave in the secondary shades through the display of your decorative pieces. If you’re completely redecorating a room or starting from scratch, work your way down to decorative accessories by starting with larger furnishings such as sofa’s, rugs and curtains. Abiding by the rule of cool, neutral and warm hues, mix up the secondary shades to avoid blandness and create interest with patterns and texture. This can be done with smaller furnishings such as bedding, cushions, throws and ottoman foot rests. If you want something striking and contemporary, go for metallics to!

Rooms that feature polished chrome and matte black accessories, such as photo frames, vases and wall art, are effortlessly trendy and they enhance the overall aesthetic of beige colour schemes. Shelve these accessories with chrome handrail brackets to add that stylish metallic edge to the room. Copper works well with beige colour palettes so you’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to accessorising and adorning!

Consider embellishing your internal doors with high quality door furniture for a true interior statement piece. Door handles with a traditional style appear elegant and sophisticated on white and wooden finish timber doors. Finish the room with fresh potted plants to add an element of nature to your neutral contemporary space.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interiors and style, check out our 5 Suggestions for Eco-friendly Interiors and be sure to visit our Pinterest for more inspiration!

5 Suggestions for Eco-friendly Interiors

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 08:00:00 +0000

With sustainability trending everywhere, from fashion to food, it makes you wonder what more we could be doing in our own homes. There’s plenty more to the green movement than recycling our waste and taking a bag-for-life with us when we go shopping, so we’ve put together our top 5 suggestions for living an eco-friendlier existence!

Upcycle

You probably guessed this one! Upcycling is the creative reuse of products and materials that can be repurposed around the home.

A great way to get into upcycling is to start small. Transform your glass bottles and jars by turning them into vases, candle holders and plant pots. You can strip the label off and paint the bottles to complement the colour palette of your interior. Or, for an authentic, vintage aesthetic, keep the label on and showcase your discernment and refined taste with a hanging bird feeder in the garden!

Over the years, you tend to accumulate lots of ‘things’; things that served a purpose at the time but somehow seemed to go out of fashion or replaced by something new. Elaborately patterned fabrics are one of those ‘things’. Remember when animal print was everything in the 90’s? Funnily enough its back! If you followed the trend and stored away your leopard print bedding, it’s time you get it back out! Instead of putting it on you bed, you can use the pillow cases to make personal laundry baskets.

Let the Natural Light In

The right lighting can make all the difference in a living space as it plays a part in altering ambience, mood and spatial perception. Avoid painting rooms in dark colours and opt for white and light shades to reflect the natural sunlight from your windows; maximising light and space with mirrors. Taking advantage of natural light sources at home keeps energy bills low as it reduces the need to switch lights on when entering a room. Consider adding large windows and skylights if you’re extending your property to ensure maximum natural light intake!

Insulate Efficiently

Turning the heating up full blast isn’t always an option (nor is it eco-friendly!). This makes curtain insulation a fantastic, energy efficient way to make sure that no heat escapes and no unwanted cold enters your home. Double glazing also helps reduce air leakage, meaning that heat from your central heating can be retained in your home for longer. Layer textiles throughout the home to keep warm! Incorporate textured rugs, throws and cushions to stay cosy on chilly winter nights.

Use Stainless Steel and Natural Materials

Limit furniture made from plastic moulding and try to seek out eco-friendly alternatives. To make your home’s interior sustainable, you need tables, chairs and other furnishings made from natural wood and organic materials. Bamboo is a popular option for accessorising interiors as biophilic design continues to trend in the interior design world! It’s all about bringing natural elements into the built environment with organic patterns, textures and materials.

Stainless steel is playing an important role in sustainable design as it is almost a hundred percent recyclable and a great amount of stainless steel has been repurposed in architectural developments. Solid stainless steel door handles with winged levers on rose are not only designed with ultra-modern qualities but are also non-corrosive, making them a durable and sustainable option for embellishing doors at home.

Choose stainless steel door handles and accessories to decorate your home and keep an eye out for antiques and used furniture for sale in your local area.

Use Plants as Decorative Pieces

This is a great one! Living plants are simple decorative pieces that complement any interior style while providing oxygen and filtering out harmful chemicals from the air. Their verdure offers freshness and natural beauty which can be weaved into every single room of the house. We believe that there isn’t a limit for accessorising your home with plants, unless you tend to neglect your greenery! If this sounds like you, start with one or two plants and make a conscious effort to care for them. Alternatively, opt for an aloe plant as they require such little maintenance, it would be difficult to kill it!

How to Fit Kitchen Cupboard Handles

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Did you know that great interior design is all about curating a space rather than just decorating it? That means using visual elements that complement each other, from colour scheme to texture and materials. To maintain a modern and fresh looking kitchen, you need only make small, occasional changes. Updating decorative features and furniture embellishments, such as cupboard handles, can offer a significant impact to an interior’s aesthetic!

In this blog we’ll discuss how to simply update kitchen cupboard handles while offering advice on suitable colour palettes for the different handle finishes.

The removal and installation of handles to your kitchen cupboards need not be a difficult task. It’s actually pretty simple! With the right tools, time and understanding of the process you’ll be able to complete this activity without the hefty costs of recruiting a fitting professional! The key items you will need for this task include a measuring tape, screwdriver and of course the cupboard handles themselves.

If you’re wondering whether the predrilled holes in your kitchen cupboards are correct, be aware that there are no set rules for positioning the handles as long as you and other users can operate them comfortably. We offer a range of centre measurements to suit the needs of all our customers. This way you can choose the handles most suitable for your kitchen cupboards and drawers.

Before ordering your handles, open the doors and measure the distance between the existing fixings on your handles, the distance in between equals the centre measurement. Take note of this value and feel confident when ordering your new cupboard handles. Our selection of handle centre measurements ranges from 64mm to 640mm with many options in between!

At this stage, you may also decide on your preferred material and finish. Our selection of finishes offers a variety to suit all interior styles, from modern to traditional.

TOP TIPS

D shaped kitchen door handles in polished stainless steel are exceptionally high quality with a budget-friendly price. They are easy to operate due to the 40mm projection and can be featured within any interior design as they embody the ideal modern finishing touch.

The warm bronze hues of copper are trending in interior design! The shade offers a stylish industrial aesthetic, appearing striking when weaved into rooms with either dominant white aspects or dark palettes. Think white walls and minimalism and on the other hand, dramatic dark decor schemes. Statements are made with copper accessories and what better way to exaggerate this trend than by complementing these room shades with copper kitchen appliances and polished copper hardware. The colour palette and chromatic appeal of copper cabinet knobs and handles can be effortlessly laced into any interior. Check out our popular range of kitchen cupboard handles for some inspiration for your kitchen refurb!

Once your new handles have arrived, take a screwdriver and begin the unscrewing process of each handle. If you’re new to the DIY scene, just remember - righty-tighty and lefty-loosey! Next, open the cupboard handle packaging and begin working your way through the installation process. Once all handles are fitted, take a step back and admire the great job that you’ve done!

Love Sleep with Bedroom Interior Design

Thu, 30 May 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Who here loves their bed? During the work week we think about sleeping in on weekends and cosying up with a Netflix series at night. We apply fresh sheets and snuggle up to the aroma of lush fabric softener… bliss!

While we all love our bed, many of us are experiencing sleep related issues and are therefore facing exhaustion in the morning. No matter how many coffee’s you have at your desk, it just isn’t the same as having had a great night’s sleep.

To combat the issue, we’re offering our interior design tips and tricks so that you can get the restful night’s sleep you’ve been daydreaming about!

Initially, you need to analyse whether your making smart decisions before bed. The late-night Netflix binge or that second serving of dinner you had isn’t helping you to wind down. Make bedtime all about resting with no distractions to help your body slip into a state of relaxation.

Declutter

Clutter causes stress. Then the thought about having a huge tidy-up in your free time causes stress… it’s a vicious cycle of stress that can be easily broken! You just need to get organised.

Keeping organised is all about routine. But first you need to dispose of anything that you can live without. Make some time on the weekend for a clear out, throwing away rubbish and putting away items, then give your room a clean and a hoover. Excess stimuli can cause overwhelming feelings of anxiety and so decluttering helps to reduce the chaos in your mind.

Try to hang up clean clothes and when items have been worn, put them straight into the wash basket. Once you’ve done it a few times it becomes routine and you’re less likely to fall back into messy ways!

An excess of teddies or pillows on the bed can also induce feelings of tension. Keep your bed simple, clutter-free and inviting, ensuring that you make it every morning so it’s ready for when bedtime hits.

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Lighting & Thermal Comfort

Whether its natural or artificial, simple adjustments of lighting in your bedroom can aid in getting your mind and body ready for bed.

Invest in a bedside lamp that features multiple light strength settings. This way you can set the intensity of the lighting for the mood and ambience you wish to create. If bright streetlights or early sunrises are affecting your sleep pattern, opt for black out curtains. This type of curtain offers the added benefit of room insulation while also assisting to block out noise from the outside; perfect for urban living or for homes near railway tracks and motorways.

Colour

For inviting, restful bedrooms, calm colours are exactly what you need. Bold, statement shades, such as bright yellow and fuchsia pink, are aesthetically pleasing when delicately weaved into patterns but not so delightful when plastered all over the walls. Stick to pale cool tone hues such as white, cream, beige and grey for your wall paint. Fuse bolder shades and brighter colours into the room through placement of cushions, flowers and artwork.

For those who want to add some extra interest to their interior, choose a patterned wallpaper for a stylish single wall feature. Keep the palette neutral and decorate the room with simple furnishings and pieces, all the while avoiding clutter. For instance, a bedside lamp and a candle.

TIP: Get yourself a digital clock for your bedside as this will deter you from picking up your phone. Checking the time on your phone can turn into checking your emails and so forth; thus keeping you awake.

Comfort

Comfort connotes feelings of contentment, which you feel when you know you’re safe and secure in your home. To maximise these feelings, embellish your doors with sturdy and copper knurled door handles. Projecting warm, industrial tones, this style of door handle offers a luxury ambience and visual depth while also feeling robust and secure in hand. The satin stainless steel and matte black version are modern alternatives to the copper finish, providing a stylish option for all interior colour palettes.

Finally, you should consider how comfy you feel in bed! If you share with your partner, it’s important to have a bed that comfortably supports both of your spatial needs. If the mattress is the issue, it might be time to invest in a new one! Over time a mattress can interfere with your sleep as it loses its shape and begins to sag, creating an uneven surface.

Choose soft, simple bedding that helps to maintain your thermal comfort. For healthy, consistent air quality, open the window first thing in the morning and close it before you leave for work. This quick task will encourage fresh air flow, ceasing stuffiness and reducing moisture inside.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. If you love all things interior design, check out our previous blog Interior Design Buzzwords!

Interior Design Buzzwords!

Thu, 23 May 2019 08:00:00 +0000

At some point I’m sure you’ve stumbled across some interior design buzzwords and for the average reader, the definitions are not always clear. Whether it’s about home, office or garden design, buzzwords are frequently weaved into blogs, articles and social posts.

Ergonomic design, reclaimed wood, rustic, eclecticism and contemporary design… to name a few!

To help you understand some of these industry terms, we’ve compiled a list with examples so that you can read on and converse with cognition!

Ergonomic Design

Ergonomic Design is the science of refining the design of products to optimise them for human use. The goal is to eliminate discomfort by strategically placing objects that assist human activity; promoting well-being and performance.

For example, coffee tables are a practical piece of furniture that pulls together all the elements in a room. We often fail to notice the importance and versatility of coffee tables in our home but it’s an object we would miss if it were to vanish.

It has many functions from holding our drinks and the TV remote, to acting as a rest for our legs and feet. It’s an object that we gather around for conversations with family and friends; casually dining on take away food or breakfast cereal as we watch our favourite series. The coffee table is a fundamental and indispensable item to have in every living room. It assists in creating a flow of traffic through the furniture while adding visual depth to interiors.

In other words, ergonomic design simply helps to make a room more user-friendly! The living space becomes useful providing enough storage space for possessions and enough room to move around easily.

Reclaimed Wood

Regarded by The Independent as ‘The Hipster Interior Design Trend’, this approach (as you may have guessed) features plenty of wood. Prominent features of this trend include exposed woodwork in the architectural structure, wood ceilings and support beams, wood plank floors, walls, and cohesive wood design.

Retrieved or recovered from past buildings and structures, reclaimed wood is recycled and reused to meet the present day need for sustainable and eco-friendly buildings. There’s an industrial feel to reclaimed wood in homes as it connotes craftsmanship and restoration.

This trend is often seen in modern farmhouse and country house interiors and should not be confused with salvaged wood which instead has been preserved for several years.

Rustic

Rustic style is all about accentuating natural materials with an emphasis on a past connection. Typically used to describe homes with warm and cosy qualities, interiors decorated in this style are simple, unostentatious, and comfortable. Neutral earth tones, organic textiles and textures are prominent in ‘rustic’ interiors. This buzzword is frequently used to describe the characteristics of farmhouse and country house interiors.

Eclecticism

Eclecticism is another recurring buzzword that we’re seeing in the media as it refers to the combination of heterogeneous elements. Considered the antonym of minimalist design, eclecticism is all about mixing up seemingly disparate styles, trends, patterns and materials, all the while remaining harmonious. That sounds like a difficult challenge to master, but it’s all about creating a look of controlled chaos.

The objective of eclecticism is to invent an interior design that is authentic to your personal preference, which is unique and cannot be copied by others. It’s a style that you’re unable be create by choosing cohesive furnishings from a catalogue! Essentially you can decorate however you wish, providing your decisions offer visual satisfaction and physical comfort.

Many interior designers have shed light on how to nail this trend, but you must remember that style is subjective and if you’re happy with the results of your eclectic styling, then bravo! You’ve done it!

Contemporary

There’s a common misconception between contemporary and modern design. Often referenced synonymously, these two styles do have several distinctions.

Modern design refers to the specific time period. Contemporary design, however, does not refer to any specific time period. It is an ambiguous term constantly evolving to reflect the popular styles and trends of present day design.

Think back to an interior design trend that you’ve seen or heard about. If it mentioned minimalism, neutral palettes, or geometric shapes then it was referring to contemporary characteristics.

Mention of materials including nickel, steel, and chrome often allude to contemporary styling. Interior door handles with straight oval levers offer a unique aesthetic in contemporary spaces as they feature a blend of organic and geometric lines. This being the round shaped rose extending to the straight line of the door handle levers.

Steel accessories such as polished stainless steel coat hooks can be featured throughout the home as a stylish system for holding coats, robes, bags and scarfs. Offering a practical benefit to homes, the reflective polished finish of the stainless steel is perfect for contemporary styling.

We hope that we’ve cleared up some confusion as you complete your own home improvement projects. At Handle King, we offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more tips on the art and science of enhancing your interior, check out our previous blog Modern Farmhouse Interiors.

Modern Farmhouse Interiors

Thu, 16 May 2019 08:00:00 +0000

It’s everywhere, from articles to social media posts; interior designers, bloggers and homeowners alike are loving this new emerging trend: Modern Farmhouse interiors.

Characterised by simple and organic cues of traditional country house interior design, this style offers natural charm by blending contemporary and traditional qualities.

There’s a distinct relaxed ambience in modern Farmhouse interiors that stems from light beige and cream shades as the architectural work maximises light intake with large feature windows. Infused with industrial accents, exposed beams and brickwork offer an authentic depiction of a traditional Farmhouse aesthetic.

Whether you live on a farm or just admire the style, we’re here to share the secrets and tell you the few key design elements to getting this trend spot on!

Timber Cladding and Features

Timber is a fundamental material used in Farmhouse interiors as the natural texture of the wood offers a classic rustic aesthetic. Achieving this look in your home is relatively simple. Feature the timber effect in your floors and walls by incorporating weathered or reclaimed timber flooring and wood for wall panelling. For a cost effective and durable option, opt for timber luxury vinyl tiles or laminate as this imitates the appearance of real wood flooring without the expense!

There’s plenty of vinyl flooring options available so keep the tones of your interior in mind. If styling from scratch, you can choose the decorative aspects before furnishing. If you’re renovating but keeping your original furnishings, consider the shades and tones of these features and style floors and walls accordingly.

For a truly unique statement, apply slim, longline timber boards or beams to the ceiling. You may choose to fill the entire ceiling or keep it understated with a few beams. Overwhelming the interior with timber cladding can render an unattractive effect. The best way to style this trend is to mix up the materials by incorporating carpets, rugs and wall paint to separate the materials.

Apply beige, stone, off-white and cream shades to achieve the modern style. These shades offer tranquillity and sereneness whilst soft materials in carpets and rugs provide comfort and cosy connotations of traditional Farmhouse interiors.

For a cohesive fit, include timber and wooden based furniture, artwork and decorative accessories in your property. This may include chairs, desks, coffee tables, lanterns and storage systems.

Soft Fabrics and Simple Textiles

Modern Farmhouse interiors are all about combining sleek clean lines of contemporary design with rustic and warm qualities to acquire a fresh take on the style.

Adhering to a neutral colour palette, embrace a varied mix of soft fabrics in carpets, rugs, cushions and curtains. The sensation of soft fabrics provides a physical comfort, affecting our emotional state as it relaxes our senses. Natural based materials such as cotton, flannel, lace, linen, tulle, and wool can be blended to establish a light and airy aura.

Classic patterns and varied textures in large and small furnishings affect visual depth perception, attaining the sense of warmth that is synonymous of traditional Country house style.

Industrial Accents & Pieces

Add finishing touches to your interior with industrial accents and pieces. Metal light fixtures and door hardware are highly recommended due to their visual and functional attributes.

In keeping with the modern approach, choose door handles on rose for their sleek appearance while injecting some visual depth to an interior with duo chrome finish. Featuring a gentle curve and twist lever, the duo chrome door handles appear elegant whereas square rose door handles offer a more methodical, geometric component to an interior.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more secrets on the art and science of enhancing your interior, check out our previous blog 7 Elements of Interior Design.

7 Elements of Interior Design

Thu, 09 May 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered how designers create stylish show homes? The sort of homes that you walk into and immediately admire every aspect; causing feelings of calm and content. Well there is a method to the magic and it’s all in the details.

Interior designers focus on certain qualities that fit together to create harmony within a living area and it all begins by analysing an architectural space. Interior design is a science composed of principles and fundamentals that piece together to complete a puzzle.

In this blog post we’ll discuss the seven elements of interior design for the purpose of achieving your own ‘show home’ influenced interior.

Space

Space is the foundation of interior design as rooms are made up of dimensions, including length, width and height. A ‘positive space’ is a space that is essentially filled with furniture and decorative features whereas an empty space is referred to as ‘negative space.’

Designers believe that there should be an equilibrium between the positive and negative space, meaning that rooms should neither overcrowd nor skimp on the furniture and accessories. Maintaining an equal measure of positive and negative space will enable a room to appear easy on the eye while avoiding feelings confinement.

Lines

The three principles of interior design are harmony, contrast and unity which can be created with room furnishings and fixtures. These concepts are defined in shapes with horizontal, vertical and dynamic lines that visually guide the eye. Interior designers will find a balance with furniture and features by incorporating a mix of the different lines.

Feelings of freedom and strength are evoked by the vertical lines of windows and doorways. What better way to exaggerate these feelings by choosing door handles on square rose that feature a mix of vertical and horizontal lines, blending strength with efficiency which are ideal components for contemporary interiors.

Available in a variety of finishes, from satin chrome to satin brass, there’s an option for all colour schemes and styles. Dynamic lines are featured in the gradual curve of the handle, providing energy and movement as it stimulates the eye.

Form

Geometry is the science of shapes and this plays a part in creating harmony and balance with three dimensional forms. Proportion and scale are key aspects to consider when placing objects together as this can affect the balance.

Essentially there are two types of forms: Geometric and Natural. Geometric refers to square edges and hard lines whereas natural refers to more organic forms that, like the name suggests, are more unrefined in appearance. Forms can also be open and closed depending on whether an object does or does not possess a caved in space.

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Light

Light is key in interior design as it highlights the space, lines and form while emphasising the colour, texture and pattern within a room. Whether it’s natural or artificial, lighting can have a great affect on ambience and mood. Dimly lit rooms can engender feelings of relaxation and tranquillity, likewise it can also negatively effect mood and energy. Getting the correct balance is tricky but most certainly achievable.

The trick is to maximise on the natural light that an architectural space offers. It is essential to get the balance right, which is why interior designers seek to utilise the natural light sources such as windows and patio doors. Homeowners and architects will often install skylight windows to exaggerate the natural light in the room.

Artificial lighting can be used in a few different ways to brighten spaces as lighting fixtures are incorporated to style interiors, adding ambience and atmosphere where required.

Colour

Colours influence and alter the perception of interiors, creating the illusion of large and small spaces while simultaneously engineering certain emotions and moods. Colour is truly a science all on its own and can be a rather difficult element to master.

Colour psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behaviour. It influences perception and can have great effect on mental and physical well-being as colours incite emotional responses.

As many of us know, light colour schemes maximise interior spaces whereas darker shades have the opposite effect; condensing the size of a room. It takes a certain level of skill to combine shades and hues of colour to induce certain emotions and perceptions.

Most colours can be roughly divided into two types: cool and warm. Cooler colours such as blue and green have a calming effect whereas warm tones of red and orange evoke feelings of passion and activity.

Before decorating a room with colour, identify the purpose of the area and determine what sort of feelings you wish to ignite. Black bathrooms offer serenity and tranquillity, perfect for bathing and winding down after a long day. For a cohesive fit, place duo black door handles on square rose to bathroom doors to render feelings of security and privacy in spa inspired bathrooms.

Texture

Texture refers to both visual texture; perceived by the eye and actual texture; the tangible feeling of an object. Texture offers dimension to a room and can have an overall effect on an interior when placed in proximity of other objects. Textured furnishings can warm up a room without the need for warm tones, colours and hues. Correspondingly, a lack of texture can cool down a room. This technique is often used in rooms that feature a neutral colour palette to draw out an emotional state or reaction such as comfort and cosiness.

Pattern

Pattern has similar qualities to texture and is greatly linked to the principle of colour as it is found in the design of wallpaper, soft furnishings and decorative accessories. Careful consideration of pattern will help create balance and harmony in a room as it encourages spatial illusion in addition to drawing focus to special pieces. Many choose to showcase pattern in cushions, curtains or in a single feature wall to add interest and life to an interior. Implementing any type of pattern appears particularly seamless when continuity is ensured.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more interior inspiration, check out our previous blog Renting: 3 Ways to Make it Homely for some tips on personalising your space.

Renting: 3 Ways to Make it Homely

Thu, 02 May 2019 08:00:00 +0000

There’s plenty of challenges faced when trying to get on the property ladder. First-time buyers express their difficulty in finding affordable properties that tick all the boxes. That’s why many find themselves renting for years before making such an investment.

You often hear renters express their desire to redecorate and change up their living space and perhaps you’ve thought about it too! Whether you live in a rented house, apartment or house share, there’s a certain limit to what’s permitted by your tenancy agreement.

Its always suggested that you seek permission from the landlord before tackling any DIY and home improvement projects, but if it’s easily reversible, there shouldn’t be an issue! There’s plenty you can do to make a rented space feel like home and its all in the details. You may not be able to change the colour paint, carpet or larger furnishings, but you can work around what’s already there. It’s true… minimal changes can dramatically affect the overall aesthetic of an interior!

Wall Décor

Whether you’re renting furnished or unfurnished, the walls are yours to embellish. That’s if there’s existing wall hooks or you’ve been given the green light to install them. Walking past wall décor that you loathe, or dislike will only cause you to dwell on your negative feelings. Replace decorative pieces, such as canvas’s, clocks and mirrors with your own. Hanging up your own wall art or a feature that represents your personal style will elicit feelings of content in a private space that is yours.

Make sure to securely store away any items that were supplied with the property. Wrap items in bubble wrap to prevent them from breaking – you don’t want to lose your deposit when you eventually leave!

If wall hooks are out of the question, you can always tilt and lean your wall décor up against the surface. Full length oversized mirrors are a striking statement piece that not only entice the eye but also help to make smaller spaces look larger and brighter. This can be achieved by angling a mirror up against the wall to reflect light from the window. The same rule goes for wall art. You can tilt canvas’s up against a tall narrow console table or better yet, feature friends and family in photo frames.

Furniture and Textiles

If the layout of a room isn’t right for you, try moving furniture around to see what works best. Choose shades that will complement the existing colour scheme then scatter cushions and throws to add comfort. A variety of fabrics and textures will help encourage a cosy homely feel.

Adding some verdure to your rented home is always a great idea. Whether it’s a bright bunch of flowers, a green leafy Pothos or a large Yucca for the corner, there is plenty you can do with plants. Not only do they brighten up indoor spaces, plants have an air-purifying quality that benefit both physical and mental well-being.

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Accessories

They’re used every day, but we often neglect them. We put clean plates, cutlery and cups back into them but realistically, how often do we clean these spaces? It’s about time we give them a bit attention and an overdue cleanse.

There are some simple steps you can take to change up an interior’s aesthetic. The key is in the detail, and that detail may transform your kitchen from appearing outdated to modern! For a non-permanent home improvement project, replace kitchen cupboard and drawer handles with a contemporary style that better reflects your taste.

Polished chrome cabinet handles are a fantastic option that seamlessly blend with any style counter top and cupboard finish. For a unique alternative, there’s the industrial inspired copper drawer handles. This style captivates the eye when embedded within black kitchen furniture.

Kitchen cupboard handles are easy to install by yourself providing that you have the required screw driver to make the switch. When you move on from the rented home, you just replace the handles with the original ones.

Another feature you can add are over door hooks to hang towels and robes on the bathroom door or coats, bags and belts in the bedroom. Versatile in design, you can change the location of these hooks, using them as a storage solution to hang up anything that clutters the wardrobe…. or occasionally the floor!

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more interior inspiration, check out our previous blog Updating Your Kitchen on a Budget to find out how you can modernise your property!

Updating Your Kitchen on a Budget

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 08:00:00 +0000

The kitchen, a place where roast dinners are prepared, where families sit and chat about their day, where we pop the kettle on for a catch up with friends. It’s a room we should take good care of, cleaning and whatnot. After all, we spend hours on end in the kitchen over our life time.

With busy lifestyles, kids and pets, there isn’t always time to keep on top of all the household jobs. Maybe your kitchen looks a little dated and needs a refresh or perhaps there’s a cabinet hinge that just isn’t working like it used to. Well don’t sweat, read our top tips on updating your kitchen on a budget!

Starting Point

First things first, decide what improvements need to be actioned and prioritise them based on their importance. Remodelling can be a rather expensive and time-consuming task, but with smart decisions and plans in place, you’re sure to get the best results. The size of a kitchen space is an important factor to consider when renovating. Colours, textures and finishes can make or break the interior and effect the visual depth of the room. This is something we’ll touch on in the blog. As a starting point, we’ll focus on a few primary areas that you need to consider. That being flooring, walls, cabinets and drawers as their aesthetic can make a huge difference!

Flooring and Walls

Vinyl flooring is a relatively low-cost option compared to genuine stone or ceramic tiles. With this option you can choose from a variety of flooring effects and finishes. It’s a popular choice for many interior design enthusiasts who want the wood, tile or concrete aesthetic without breaking the bank!

Make sure to choose a tone and style that complements the design idea you have in mind. When working with colours, consider selecting a colour temperature that flatters the size of the room. Using a warm colour, such as red and orange, in a tight room can cause the atmosphere to feel claustrophobic. Correspondingly, using cool shades, such as blue and green, in a spacious room can leave it looking bare.

When sieving through the range of floor finishes, identify the undertone of the colour and hold up the sample next to your paint swatch to see how they match. White, beige and sand paint shades have a neutral undertone which means that they can pair with either warm or cool hues.

The great thing about paint for walls is the versatility it offers for when you decide to switch things up again in the future. It’s a cost-effective solution that can be trialled and updated with ease and simplicity.

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Cabinets and Drawers

Start by removing all the contents of the cabinets and drawers. If space is an issue, work from one cupboard to the other, removing and storing items as you progress. Take a bowl with warm water and pour in some washing up liquid. Using a sponge, wipe down the inside and outside of each surface and door. Use a tea towel to dry the damp area and open a window to facilitate the quick drying method.

Fitting new doors or drawer fronts to your cabinets and drawers will make them appear good as new without splashing out on new kitchen units. For smaller kitchens, you will want to keep the space light and airy, choose a light colour to distract the eye from the size of the space. Alternatively, larger kitchens can look a little stark without colour, so in this case, you can be daring and choose either a dark or warm colour for your cabinet and drawer fronts.

If you like the colour that you already have, you can try something similar by updating the cupboard handles and hardware. Not only does this assist in altering the aesthetic of your interior but also helps with function. Repair that faulty cabinet with a new set of drawer runners, zinc finished cabinet hinges or for a stylish, eye-catching feature in contemporary homes, opt for knurled cabinet handles in either matte black, polished brass or satin nickel finish. Alluring, these handles are easy to fit, low maintenance and sure to withstand frequent use for years to come.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more interior inspiration, check out our previous blog Stay on Trend Without Breaking the Bank to find out how you can continue saving your coin!

Preparing Your Garden for Sunshine

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Spring is here and summer is fast approaching. The daffodils are blooming, and the British woodlands are blossoming with the colours of the rainbow. We’re ready for garden weather (think BBQ’s on the patio) but is our garden ready for us? It’s time to start preparing the garden for longer, warmer days so here’s our guide for getting it sorted!

Kill the Weeds

The first thing on your to do list should be to kill and remove the weeds. These pesky things rise in the crevice of the patio and ruin the aesthetic of the stone or brick. An infestation of unsightly weeds calls for some hard graft.

To make the job simple, you’ll want to gather all the essentials before starting. Get a tight-fitting pair of hand gloves, a billhook and boil the kettle. You may want to try a variety of natural remedies, so fetch some salt, white vinegar and baking soda to use with the boiled water.

Weeds are easier to extract when the ground is wet. Pour generous amounts of saltwater solution that is 3 parts water to 1 part salt, into your patio cracks. Wait a moment for it to sink in, taking care not to burn yourself, then place the billhook at the root and slice! Continue this activity until all the weeds are removed. Be wary that weeds are resilient pests and this process may need repeated action over the next few weeks.

Mow the Lawn

Don’t you just love the sound of the lawn mower? That noise just indicates garden weather and we’re all for migrating outside for the vitamin D!

Top Tip! Only mow grass when the ground is dry, so consider this before bringing out the jet washer! We suggest that you follow the “1/3rd rule”, making sure not to mow down more than a third of the total height of your grass each mowing. This will keep turf looking fresh and healthy.

Ensure that the ground is clear of toys and debris before starting the process. For an even cut across the garden, mow back and forth in straight lines with a slight overlap.

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Patio Jet Wash

Pressure washing is quick and effective at thoroughly cleaning stone, brick and decking. It’s a great alternative to manual scrubbing as it washes away dirt, algae and moss. Wear protective eyewear and appropriate working clothes as you may get splashed!

Before starting, use an outdoor bristle broom to clear away any large, loose pieces of dirt and debris such as leaves. Connect your hose to your pressure washer and work away at your patio using a mixture of circular and straight up and down motions. Once you’ve finished this task, the patio will look clean, clear and good as new!

Repair or Update Fencing & Gates

The elements can be rather harsh on your garden during the winter, causing fencing and gates to become weak and battered. To repair a sagging fence gate, you will need replacement gate hinges.

Gate furniture must to be robust and durable, so choose heavy duty gate hinges that will last throughout the seasons. For contemporary properties, hinges presented in a zinc plating offers a neutral and weather resistant finish. The hinges will provide a soft and subtle aesthetic on brightly painted gates, complementing the seamless blend of paint and hardware.

For gardens that feature shades of black in furniture and fixtures, you can make a statement with heavy duty gate hinges with black epoxy finish. They look superb on gates of all colours and style, appearing trendy in outdoor spaces. The sizing options range from 300mm to 400mm to 450mm, offering a solution for a variety of gate measurements.

Complete the look of your garden gate by adding a stylish ring gate latch in the same epoxy black finish. The circular scalloped-edge rose adds a touch of elegance to a quaint countryside residence.

If the fencing looks tired and old, you can revive it with a fresh lick of paint. Choose a paint that will withstand seasonal conditions and decide on a shade of colour. Ensuring a liberal application, paint the fence to fully penetrate the timber. Repeat this activity on sheds and summer houses that need a bit of TLC.

Finishing Touches

The garden will be looking super refreshed by this point, now it’s time to prepare the furniture ready to sit back and reap the rewards of your hard work. Retrieve your furniture from storage and set it up in position on the patio. Using a simple dish wash detergent with warm water and sponge, give tables and chairs a quick clean to clear out the cobwebs and make glass sparkle.

Tend to your flourishing flowers and pot plants regularly and place a squirrel feeder in the garden to attract wildlife. Now sit back and relax… take a sip of lemonade on ice and enjoy the sun shining days!

We hope to inspire your home DIY projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more home improvement inspiration, check out our previous blog Stay on Trend Without Breaking the Bank.

Stay on Trend Without Breaking the Bank

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 08:00:00 +0000

One minute it’s all about neutrals and simplicity, the next minute we’re seeing pattern and bold colours combined! From fashion to interior design, the trends adapt over time with many of us trying to keep up.

Whether it’s your wardrobe or your home, its refreshing to switch up the style especially when seasons change. In this blog we’ll discuss how to stay on trend without spending a fortune. Because, let’s face it… we’re bound to shop, and we all love a bargain.

Where to Start

There are plenty of predictions made in social media posts and blogs for upcoming interior trends and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the blogger lifestyle. Feel free to take inspiration from these posts but know that your budget and home space may vary to theirs.

The most important thing to consider when you decide to follow a trend is to choose a style that you truly admire. A complete refurbish every quarter can become quite an expensive hobby so it’s a smart idea to choose an overall interior style that you know will last longer than a season.

Try and keep a relatively neutral base, adding pops of colour and pattern with soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, rugs and decorative accessories. There are many ways to incorporate design trends into your home whilst implementing a cost-effective approach.

Key Pieces Make the Difference!

Interchangeable accent pieces are a great way to switch up an interior aesthetic. For example, you can swap a cosy sheepskin winter rug for a lightweight hand tufted wool rug in the summer. This small change will have a great effect on the atmosphere and ambience of a room. This also works for cushions and throws in various colours and fabrics. Deep tone velvet may appeal to you in the winter, but once spring arrives, you may favour the airier pastel shades.

Whether it’s a colour, pattern or material that you particularly like, you can start by building up a selection of key pieces in this style. Place these pieces around the room to generate the aesthetic trend that you desire. Once you’re ready to move on from this look, you can store these elements away and return to them in the future.

Transforming your interior shouldn’t be a pressure because new trends and social media tell you to do it. It should only be about your personal tastes and style evolution. Use inspiration from design trends effectively to create your own signature style.

If there’s a trend that you can’t keep out of your mind but feeling too nervous to try, start off small and find key pieces from this trend. You can incorporate it into your decorated room, gradually building upon the style by slowly switching out your décor.

Updating elements such as door hardware for a distinctive statement door handle can have an impact on a room’s aesthetic whilst remaining cost effective. Copper features are prevalent in interior trends which makes the polished copper door handles the ideal choice for someone seeking a contemporary option.

For a truly lasting trend, you’re onto a winner with the polished and satin chrome door handles on rose. They’re a timeless option, able to withstand any interior refurbishment. Pair with chrome door hinges and mortice door latch for a cohesive aesthetic throughout the home.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into the minimalist or maximalist style, its also important to consider how design elements will fit into your lifestyle. It may not be ideal to choose the all-white trend or feature too many glass furnishings if you live with kids and pets!

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more interior inspiration, check out our previous blog Go Gothic with Moody Hues to find out how you can showcase your daring side.

Go Gothic with Moody Hues

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Well, dark doesn’t necessarily mean gloomy in home interiors. Many homeowners worry that dark colours will appear dull and depressing but that’s far from the case.

Interior designers highlight that dark toned interiors can elicit feelings of calm and cosy, rendering a sophisticated demeanour to any sized property.

Since the return of grey there has been an increase in demand for sultry shades with blackout bathrooms becoming the must-have style.

Bold shapes and deep tones make a strong statement for a maximalist aesthetic. It’s also far more forgiving than the minimalist approach.

For one, you can decorate without the constraint of clean lines and minimalism. And two, there’s the practical aspect of not worrying about spills and scuff marks on the furniture.

I can hear the pet owners and families with children cheering in the distance. Homeowners consider the dark trend an ambitious and brave move, wondering whether they can really ‘pull it off’…

Facts

The key to a dark interior style is to go for luxe textures and statement features.

Proving dark coloured rooms need not be dull, there’s the option of installing polished copper door handles onto painted timber doors. Often described as rose gold, this style of handle adds warmth and glow to all rooms in the property.

For a striking and textured effect, the matte black industrial inspired door handles with knurled detailing is the style to adopt. Black hardware, such as hinges, key covers and bathroom locks, on dark grey or black timber doors offers a cohesive aesthetic.

By distracting attention away from the architectural structure, it enables focus on dramatic statement pieces. Perhaps an elaborate form of colourful art on the wall or a Greek key coffee table crafted from glass with gold finishes.

It’s normal to experience hesitation towards using a dark paint on the walls. But it isn’t only varied shades of black and grey that apply to the dark trend. Aubergine purple, midnight blue and emerald green interiors offer a stylish twist to the gothic aesthetic.

It’s these shades that are quickly becoming the go-to for counters and cupboards in contemporary kitchens. Usually combined with light walls and varied tones of hardwood flooring, the style sings elegance.

Many are opting to paint one dark wall within a room to capture the daring effect without committing to a complete refurbish. This approach can be seriously effective! And it gives you the option to blend light and dark elements with bold colours and pattern.

Imagine one dark emerald green wall, surrounded by white walls, laced with quirky copper metal décor. Envision a round copper frame mirror placed above a striking white chaise lounge… effortless class.

Plush velvets are a popular luxe piece in lounge interiors and bedrooms, embedded within cushions and opulent statement armchairs. Dulux has named 'Spiced Honey' as its Colour of the Year for 2019; it’s the perfect cappuccino shade for any home and a great option to complement darker shades.

Final Thoughts

Whether you chose to go all out or to simply spice it up with dark shades, there’s an option for every interior. Create a mood board of inspiration and execute your refurb plans from there!

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more interior inspiration, check out our previous blog Bold Moves Towards Self Care & Peace and find out how you can create your very own spa-inspired bathroom.

4 Reasons to Feature Acrylic Furniture

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Making an impact with style need not always be elaborate or flamboyant. With the right inspiration, it can be simple yet still appear significant.

Transparent materials are showcasing everywhere, from fashion to furniture, the popularity for clear acrylic is soaring. In this post, we’re going to focus on the latter as we determine why clear acrylic furniture is so sought after in interior styling. Here’s our four reasons why you should feature this trend into your interior design.

Anything Goes

The main benefit of acrylic furniture is the visual transparency of the material which can be styled into any home interior to complement all and any features!

Whether you’re undergoing a complete refurbish or making few changes, clear acrylic furniture will fit into bedrooms, bathrooms, lounge areas and kitchens.

No matter what décor you currently have, acrylic furniture is the easiest and most versatile piece to weave into any home interior. The see-through material enables effortless styling with a variety of interior colours, hues, patterns and design approaches.

For an alternative look, go dark with knurled matte black door handles as the textured appearance offer layers of visual depth. These handles feel robust and hefty in the hand offering an element of masculinity to the interior.

Rooms that display clear acrylic create an opportunity to experiment with unconventional statement pieces. Style up internal doors with square rose door handles, the matte champagne finish highlighted with a reflective inner rose will appear striking and chic in contemporary properties.

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It’s Easy to Style

Style your interior with a clear acrylic side or coffee table, placing a plant, candles and coasters on the surface. Acrylic shelves are an excellent feature in rooms with big prints and busy patterns as they blend seamlessly into the walls, possessing a weightless quality. Perfect for smaller spaces, clear acrylic furniture can be used as a perceptive tool to maximise the illusion of space whilst adding function and comfort.

For kitchens and quaint dining areas, incorporate acrylic chairs for their sleek lines to reduce visual depth. Kitchen bar stools are a stylish addition to any kitchen island; however, they can often appear bulky. To solve this issue, place acrylic stools by the bar to generate a unique and deluxe appeal.

For a high-end and exclusive aesthetic, place luxury crystal drawer knobs to wardrobes, drawers and cabinet doors. The angled surface captures and reflects light around the room, adding to the open and airy aesthetic that clear acrylic furniture creates.

It’s Easy to Clean

Like any piece of high quality, acrylic furnishings need to be cared for and it’s ever so easy to maintain. A build-up of dust around the house is common, use a soft damp cloth to wipe away the dust and dry the surface with a microfibre cloth to prevent scratching the acrylic layer. For dirtier surfaces, mix warm water with a mild shampoo and use this solution to clean. Blot the clean area dry with a microfibre cloth. The simple low maintenance properties of acrylic furniture offer a child and pet friendly solution for home furnishing.

It’s Easy to Locate Possessions

Acrylic drawers are a great solution for organising makeup, medicine, stationary, jewellery and other small objects. The transparent material imitates the appearance of glass whilst offering increased durability and impact-resistance, making it ideal for home furniture.

With clear acrylic drawers, you will never lose your belongings again! That’s a rather definitive statement to make, but perhaps see-through drawers will aid in lowering the chance of your items straying!

We hope to inspire your refurb projects and showcase a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more interior inspiration, check out our previous blog 3 Solutions for Styling a Small Bedroom and see how you can feature clear acrylic furniture.

3 Solutions for Styling a Small Bedroom

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel claustrophobic in your bedroom? As if there just isn’t enough space for you let alone all your worldly possessions. Do you start piling clothes onto the end of your bed or end up loosing items amongst the sea of clutter?

Let go of the tension and say goodbye to the clutter by following our 3 solutions for styling a small bedroom, a guide towards making the most of your limited space!

Storage Ideas

Storage areas in smaller chambers are usually scarce and boxes tend to clutter walkways, adding to the contents of the bedroom. There are several ways to maximise clearance without compromising space or style!

Storage beds are a fantastic solution for stowing away items such as fresh bedding and clean towels. For a narrow bedroom, opt for a side-lifting ottoman bed frame as opposed to one that features side opening drawers. This design will enable easy access to storage items without trading-off the surrounding space.

For items of clothing, place a self-adhesive four peg coat hook to the internal side of your bedroom or wardrobe door as a convenient solution for hanging coats, dressing gowns and other items such as scarfs, hats and handbags. The matte black finish presents a luxury aesthetic in contemporary interiors whereas the highly reflective polished stainless steel finish appears bright in light, airy environments.

Illusion of Space

A fantastic way to maximise space within a smaller bedroom is to follow the minimalist style, keeping décor neutral and simple by opting for light block shades such as white and soft beige for the walls, floor and bedding. Choose window blinds in a cohesive pale hue, keeping them open during daylight hours to flood the room with natural light.

Exaggerate the effect of bright, natural light with mirrors. Large wall mirrors will reflect light from the window, creating a larger and brighter environment. When occupied, the bedroom door is usually closed, making it a perfect surface for installing a full-length mirror.

Consider placing mirrors inside of the wardrobe as the reflective surface will brighten the interior, assisting visibility inside. Choose mirrors with slim, light metallic boarders over framed wall art as this will assist to visually expand petite interiors.

Select slimline cabinet handles, such as the bow cabinet handles, for drawers and cabinets as they appear dainty and elegant on furniture. A reflective polished chrome finish will maintain brightness in the room whilst feeling light and delicate in the hand.

Organised Wardrobes

Piling everything into the wardrobe is never a good idea. It makes choosing an outfit challenging and can often spark an unnecessary spending spree as you forget what you already own. Whilst you visually struggle to see past the jumble, overflowing wardrobes can also cause ironed clothing to become creased, resulting in wasted time re-ironing the garments. Who has time for that?

If it’s clothing that fills the wardrobe, consider having a clear out. Determine the items that you wish to keep, throw and donate by separating the piles and placing the garments within them. Action this activity by truly donating good quality, reusable items and recycle clothing that ceases to provide any value. This may include garments that are stained or showing signs of wear and tear.

If most of your items are keepers, the next step in this process is to access the items and segment them by season. As the season transitions from winter to spring, you can fold the turtle necks and woolly scarfs into a separate pile. This is also applicable for the transition of summer to autumn, however in this case you will be folding shorts and swimwear.

Once the segments are sorted, place the clothing into vacuum storage bags and stow away for the next few months then switch the items around when the season changes.

We hope to inspire your refurb projects and showcase a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more interior inspiration on styling a smaller bedroom, check out our previous blog A Guide to Scandinavian Minimalism.

3 Rooms in Need of Light Wood Floors

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 09:00:00 +0000

When carrying out refurb work, homeowners tend to contemplate what colour will best suit the walls, painting a variety of small patches in line then standing back to visualise how each shade will appear.

It’s a tedious and agonising task, selecting the perfect cool or warm tone then scrutinizing it further. Yes, it’s a necessary task but it’s time to look at the bigger picture, the flooring is just as important as the walls!

Consider the floors from the outset and determine what flooring option is suitable for your aesthetic and practical needs. Interior design enthusiasts are favouring light wood flooring to heavy darker tones which isn’t too surprising as lighter shades create larger, more airy spaces.

Decorating around light wood floors can be a challenge as rooms can end up looking flat and uninspired. However, with these few tips you can create your interior vision with assurance that the overall look will be interesting and stimulate your senses!

Hallways

The hallway is usually the first internal space that you and your guests walk into so consider making that entrance a delightful and inviting experience. Wood effect laminate flooring is a great option for hallways, it’s durable and easy to clean making it a practical choice for those with children and pets!

Consider the tones and colours of your interior. Traditionally, darker colours have been incorporated to induce a cosy vibe to a space, but it’s still viable to create a warm, welcoming aesthetic with light wood floors too. Blue-toned grey flooring will ensure coolness within a space whilst cool tone brown floors can add an essence of warmth without appearing dark and heavy.

If you feel as though the light wood floors and pale wall paint is appearing rather bland, add some visual depth with textured furnishings such as textured photo frames, a patterned or sheepskin rug and a protruding wall mirror. Choose a variety of metal finishes and colours to create extra interest within your interior.

Living Room

The great thing about light wood floors in lounge areas is the versatile advantage, allowing you to input your own personal style. Reflect the light with floor shades of birch, beachy white and light oak, then decorate however you wish!

For a cohesive overall look, pay close attention to the undertones of your floors and coordinate your decorative pieces to complement these tones. Pastel shades of pink, peach and blue appear effortless whilst dark purples with varied grey tones and patterns look striking.

Establish warmth by adding texture in cushions, throws, footstalls and pouffes. A coffee table with an assortment of decorative items will add to the visual depth. Opt for a mirrored metallic tray and place a selection of candlesticks, varying in height and thickness, with cream coloured candles. Get creative with your light fixtures and choose a statement design as a focal point for your living room.

Showcase your personality by incorporating statements pieces into your living space. For the quirky and artistic homeowner, choose bold style door handles such as the wave shaped lever on rose in brushed chrome or charismatic matte black knurled door handles for an industrial feel.

When seasons change from winter to summer, you may choose to store away the textured throws and replace the cosy accents with flourishing plants and flowers. Regardless of season or atmosphere, light wood flooring should have you feeling confident, transitioning from cosy to cool and casual to luxurious, without relinquishing comfort!

Kitchen

Gone are the days when cold tiles dominate the kitchen floor. Maximise your space by installing light hardwood floors in your chosen shade and pair with white marble countertops and dark grey cabinets for a truly stylish and modern aesthetic. Alternatively, you can add depth with other dark colours for kitchen cabinets and drawers. This may include black, forest green and dark blue for a truly daring and dramatic effect.

Polished chrome cupboard handles will appear tremendously eye-catching against the darker shades whilst reflecting light from the light wood flooring and white marble counters. The sleek modern designer kitchen cabinet handles will have your guests admiring your interior style!

A Guide to Scandinavian Minimalism

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Interior designers have an eye for spaces; planning, designing and coordinating the intricate details that facilitate in creating the ultimate aesthetic. Whether you’re blessed with the flair for styling or need a little bit of guidance, we’re here to assist with your project!

Scandinavian design focuses on functionalism and simplicity. With its minimalism characteristics, this style is a cost-effective approach that will endure trends over the years to come. Connotations of well-being and productivity are projected in the elements of brightness, ventilation and clean lines that the style boasts. For your chance to swiftly attain your interior nirvana, follow our guide for the accent pieces you need!

Warm & Cosy Textures

To secure a welcoming homely feel, choose warm and cosy textiles. For those who favour plenty of visual depth, opt for accent pieces in mohair, wool and sheepskin fabrics to bring texture into the home. This may include throws, cushions and rugs and it’s recommended to mix and match the fabrics for subtle dimension, especially if you’re choosing one colour group to work with.

When selecting blankets or throws, adopt neutral tones of grey, natural textures, and muted hues, like pale purple and pink with cool undertones. These shades are timeless and versatile, so can be transitioned to match your future refurbishments and restyling.

Quality is Key

Scandinavian designs continue to trend among bloggers and interior enthusiasts. The great thing about a minimalist style is the opportunity it gives to experiment with accent pieces and features in your décor. The simple aesthetic of your space will enhance the stand out features and for a truly luxurious look, focus on the quality of the accent pieces.

Metals Hues

Embellish your doors and cabinets with high-quality hardware to showcase your attention to detail. Choose door handles in the champagne satin chrome finish with a touch of polished chrome for its’ unique and high-end aesthetic in contemporary homes. The gentle curve of the lever offers comfort in hand whilst the rounded corners of the square rose appears soft and subtle.

Alternatively, you may choose to match the grey tones of your small furnishings with the door handle. In this case, choose the duo black and polished chrome finish door handle for its exclusive and distinctive appearance.

Consider the legs and circumference rim of your coffee table by choosing a metal hue to match your door hardware. The continuity of tones in both metal and non-metal elements throughout the property will showcase your consideration and meticulousness.

Impress your guests and family members with elegant cabinet handles that feature a smooth bow design completed with a highly reflective polished chrome finish. When light floods through your windows on bright sunny days, the reflective surface of the cabinet handles will cause the beams to bounce off and further reflect off the internal white walls, giving the effect of a larger space.

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Paper Lantern Lights

An interesting alternative to metal light fixtures is paper lantern lights. There's an elegant and ethereal feel to giant paper lanterns, creating a whimsical overhead installation in kitchens, lounge areas and studies. Fit paper lanterns in groups of 4, draping at varied lengths from the ceiling to add to the room’s visual depth.

Plants

Greenery is an important aspect in Scandinavian homes, offering benefits of improved psychological well-being and physical human health. Indoor plants improve perceptions of the space; however, many are hesitant to the idea of real plants in fear of causing its premature death.

Whilst artificial plants look appealing, they only offer an aesthetic benefit and there a many low-maintenance alternatives to living house plants that can withstand all types of neglect from dull winter days. The dracaena house plant is the ideal solution for someone with a busy lifestyle or residing in an inherently dark property. Highlight your efforts for maintaining the condition of the plant by displaying its verdure in an industrial inspired vase, crafted in a similar metal hue that complements your hardware and additional metal features.

We strive to offer simple solutions for interior styling and showcase a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more interior styling inspiration, check out our previous blog 5 Tips for Achieving the Industrial Look.

Combining Feminine and Masculine Tones

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Purchasing a home for the first time with your significant other is an exciting event, packing up and moving all your belongings to a space that is truly yours to share. Whether you have rented together prior to the move or are about to live together for the first time, you may be anticipating the decorating dilemma. Whilst entering a space with a blank canvas offers creative opportunity to decorate as you wish, it’s important to discuss aesthetic preferences with your partner to enable a greater understanding of your expectations. You can then start creating an environment that satisfies you both!

When you think about industrial chic, your immediate attention is drawn to the openness, the vintage, stand out pieces and the metal elements embellished throughout the space. Designing your interior and decorative features around your industrial style hardware will pave a pathway to completing the look!

Feminine and Masculine Tones Explained

Typical feminine colour schemes run towards the lighter spectrum of soft pastel tones and vibrant hues, including varying shades of white, pink and peach. Masculine shades rely heavily on darker colours such as brown, red and black, whereas neutral shades of grey and tan can be applied to both styles.

Despite the conventional descriptions of feminine and masculine interior styles, it’s important not to assume your partner will prefer the colour scheme of their gender. It’s easy to create a space which renders neither overly feminine or masculine connotations by following these simple style tips.

Discuss Your Ideas and Preferences

Discuss your colour scheme preferences with your partner and conclude what colours, furnishings and features you want displayed in your shared living space. Assemble a mood board together prior to the moving date as this tool will provoke style inspiration and visually assist with communicating your ideas and organising your design plans.

Merge the Typically Feminine & Masculine Tones

For an effortlessly sensual appearance, integrate pastel and neutral shades to the walls, flooring, furnishings and in decorative items. Pastels evoke a sense of calm and simplicity to any room with their visually soft aesthetic and can be thoughtfully presented with darker tones to establish a unisex atmosphere. Selecting vibrant colours will appear more dramatic and prominent. Combining typical pink feminine tones with darker masculine tones will add visual depth to a room and will appear particularly striking when featured in bold soft furnishings such as terracotta coloured throws or cushions.

Create harmony by choosing your chosen shade of white or grey for the walls, paired with large grey furnishings and softer furnishings in either peach or dusty pink to add warmth and interest to a pared-down palette. Alternatively, choose pastel shades of blue, green and yellow for a cooler ambience. Pastel and vibrant shades complement both warm and cool toned oak flooring and appear soft yet distinctive when incorporated in the design of geometric print rugs, cushions and throws.

Get the Unisex Vibe with Elements of Black

Characteristics of black appear exceptionally striking against romantic shades of pink, summery shades of peach and cool tones of grey whilst adding a touch of strength and masculinity to the room. Elements of black within an interior will frame the entire aesthetic, creating a powerful impact in the form of matte or reflective black metal features of your furnishings. This may include table and chair legs, wall decor and cabinet handles.

Don’t forget the intricate details! For a unique and ultra-modern look, add square rose door handles in a duo black finish to your internal doors. The graphite-like satin elements paired with the polished chrome highlights on the door handles create an alluring and opulent ambience to any interior. To obtain a slightly more delicate yet luxury appearance, include black door handles that feature both gentle curves and straight edges positioned on square rose with elegant radius corners.

Adorned in the architectural structure, the dominant black hardware features will complement components of pastel hues and additional casts of black in soft furnishings such a cushion patterns and in the detail of decorative accessories like chess boards, tea lights, wall art and vases.

Ensure Continuity in Colour Scheme

For studies, bedrooms and bathrooms that may require locking doors, choose matching duo black key hole escutcheons and thumb turn and release locks to maintain aesthetic continuity throughout the home. The square rose with radius corners will appear charismatic and give the door a deluxe characteristic, merging seamlessly with the door handles and black internal door hinges. Consider placing additional black accessories into the rooms of your home to ensure synchronicity throughout the design.

Now that you understand feminine and masculine interior colour fusion, you can reside together in harmony! We offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance to help make your styling decisions easier. Follow these simple tips to develop your very own unisex interior styling.

5 Tips for Achieving the Industrial Look

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 09:00:00 +0000

The industrial look boasts a utilitarian style, with design features that offer a minimalist appeal and are highly functional. Whether you have an apartment, a suburban house or a countryside cottage, any home owner can incorporate the industrial style with these few simple tips!

Maintaining an Open Space

Minimalism and simplicity are a key aspect of this style and usually incorporates aged brick or concrete walls in a space of raw architecture. This distinct feature focusses on the way that space is utilised and how it appears to always look incomplete. Renovated factory lofts are fantastic spaces to incorporate the industrial style as they render large open spaces, open floor plans and high ceilings. However, there are ways to obtain this stylish trend without selling up and relocating! Our philosophy is ‘keep it simple’.

Metal Accents Say It All

Incorporate industrial style metal hardware into the structure of your home, matching the finish of the door handles with your hinges and locks. Choose textured knurled handles in either a matte black, stainless steel or copper finish to add style and layers of depth to the interior. The contrasting smooth composition of satin stainless steel over the rose and stem of the lever with create a charismatic visual texture whilst feeling robust in the hand. After choosing your dominant metal finish, install internal door hinges in the same hue to complement the striking appearance of the handles.

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Match Your Flooring to Your Metal

Forget carpets, install real wood or laminate flooring in either vintage or light oak to obtain an authentic factory look. Stainless steel hardware will look exceptionally prominent when paired with cool toned grey light oak flooring and concrete walls whereas copper hardware will suit warm toned vintage oak flooring and brick walls. Matte black hardware presents a neutral hue and will suit either cool, warm or neutral interior decor.

Accessorise with More Metal

Use your space wisely and make sure not to overcrowd your furnishings and possessions. Leave pipes and wires exposed to get that working ‘factory’ look and focus on incorporating furnishings that adhere to the metal elements to highlight the rawness of the interior. Proudly display metal furnishings such as a metal coffee table, a traditional oak table in the appropriate tone, and industrial 20th century lamps. Further accessorise by adorning your space with metal framed mirrors, clocks and lighting fixtures to complement your hardware and colouring. Conforming to your chosen metal finish, fix knurled textured hardware to your storage units to add stylish detailing.

Incorporate Salvaged Articles

Don’t forget your stand out pieces! This may include a few salvaged and vintage articles as the industrial style permits the inclusion of upcycled and aged items. For a unique aesthetic, try cutting up old credit cards into guitar picks then feature them next to a hanging or standing electric guitar. This crafty project will produce a quirky ambience to the space and will have your guests gazing in admiration. Remember to keep your home open and airy as overcrowding a room can distort the desired effect that an industrial style delivers.

We understand that your environment can greatly affect your mood whilst showcasing your own character and style. To help simplify your decisions, we offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance, suitable for both contemporary and more traditional homes. Check out our offering to obtain your very own industrial style interior.

Adopt the Stately Home Style

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 09:00:00 +0000

We all love visiting stately homes; admiring the soaring ceilings, bold décor and the spectacular opulence fit for royal residents and aristocratic families. With a few tips and ideas, you too can live the country manor lifestyle! Admire the stately home design in your own home by incorporating a few interior décor features influenced by beautiful traditional properties.

Vibrant Walls and Floors!

Block wall colours and neoclassical wallpaper are common features in stately homes, exuding decadence in the fine detail and rich colouring. Adding a bold block colour or patterned wallpaper to your interior will create impact and depending on the colour choice incorporated; it can appear either subtle or dramatic in effect. The colour hues chosen will determine whether your room will appear warmer or cooler in tone and therefore influence the accessories and features encompassed to complement the aesthetic. Vibrant shades in red and blue are common place in traditional stately properties; influenced by the trends of Eighteenth and Nineteenth century design. Add sophistication to the interior with patterned floor runners, rugs or carpets fashioned in the tone range of the dominant wall colour.

Upholstery!

One of the main features that you notice when walking around beautiful stately homes are the elaborate and large curtains fitted to the window structure. The curtains often appear as though they are crafted from thick, heavy fabric; acting as luxury insulators as the hemmed tassel fringe material elegantly drapes down to the floor. Tasselled cords and textured rope are used to grip the curtains to the wall during the hours of daylight and are then released at night to retain the warmth of a wood burning fireplace. Cleverly create the stately home look by adding hand crafted fabric upholstered chairs and sofas to the room adorned with softer furnishings such a mirrors, elaborate art frames and ornaments in a brass finish. A mix of chandelier lighting fixtures, floor lamps and table lamps will add visual depth to the room whilst intensifying the indoor brightness. Embellish your home with Eighteenth century style sculptures and art pieces to convey authenticity and a touch of upper class perception.

Tradition in the Details!

To obtain an authentic traditional interior, it's important to choose and embroider doors, drawers and cupboards with hardware that suits the manner of the room. Door handles on backplate are sprung lever handles that sit on backplates and are a familiar feature in traditional properties. Polished brass door handles are a popular choice as the warm metal hue creates a reflective glow and a sense of visual thermal insulation as the fireplace roars. A scroll lever design will offer sophistication and style whilst providing the user comfort in operation.

Keep Technology at Bay!

You’re on your way to creating the illusion of residing in your own stunning stately home, however the appearance of modern technology can quickly destroy your hard efforts for a truly traditional property. Make sure to incorporate storage facilities, such as TV cabinets and desks with drawers to conceal your entertainment systems, laptops and other smart devices that may ruin the allure of the stately home style. For drawers, wardrobes and storage systems, knurled brass drawer knobs offer the perfect blend of a classic finish and high quality performance to ensure aesthetic legitimacy and ease in functionality.

Follow these simple tips to create your very own stately home! We offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance to help make your styling decisions easier. Now go forth; decorate and reside like an aristocrat!

5 Steps to a Quick House Sale

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 09:00:00 +0000

If you’re putting your house up for sale, you need to consider the variables that will affect how well your home is received by the viewers. You can certainly create a positive first impression by adhering to a few measures and to help you do this, we have developed the 5 steps to a quick house sale for any homeowner. Here’s our list to get it right for every visit!

DIY

It is important that your home facilities are functioning correctly as issues with anything in the home, that requires daily usage, can dampen the value of your offering. Whether it be a faulty toilet roll holder or a stiff door handle, it’s a great idea to make these amendments, repairs and replacements prior to the first visit. For a cost effective solution, spruce up your bathroom with a new, stylish toilet roll holder by choosing a finish that complements your existing metals and colour scheme. Decide between the option of a self-adhesive backing for a quick, simple fitting or an option with screw fixings. Both options offer a secure fit and may be decided between based on their overall aesthetic appearance in your bathroom.

If your door handle is stiff to operate, there may be an issue with lubrication. To check, remove the door handles from the door using a screwdriver to unfasten the fixings. Once the handles are removed from the door, operate them in hand to check for any sign of malfunction. A broken spring means that your handles need replacing, which is a simple task and with the variety on offer, we’re certain you will find the perfect choice for styling your interior. You may want to give your home a complete refresh, especially if the design and metal finish of your hardware is dated. For an ultra-modern appearance, incorporate a duo chrome lever with a polished and satin chrome finish as this small embellishment will add a touch of luxury to your home.

Declutter and Tidy

It’s all too easy to put items down around the house and forget about them. Walk around each room and collect any papers and items that add to the clutter. Shred documents that you no longer require and throw away bits and bobs that cease to offer any value. For the items that you do want to keep, incorporate small accessories including coat hooks and storage items such a key dishes and baskets to keep your possessions organised. Invest in some stylish coat hooks by the front door and hang up your coats and jackets. Incorporate robe hooks in the bathroom and on the back of your bedroom doors to hang towels to dry as this step will ensure a clutter free interior.

Deep Clean

Now make your home sparkle by giving it a deep clean! Grab your cleaning products and work through each room of the house; dusting, wiping and hoovering the dirt away. Start by taking your duster and give everything a light sweep to collect as many particles as possible. Dust often sticks in the ridges of wooden doors so take an old toothbrush and warm soapy water to the door to ensure you clean away the build-up. Use your appropriate cleaning products to clean surfaces, furnishings and decorative items to guarantee a shine in your metals. Finish off by hoovering and mopping the floors to get the carpet and flooring looking fresh!

Decrease the Darkness and Add More Light

Increase the sparkle of your home furnishings and décor by increasing the amount of light in the room. If the visit is set to take place during the day, open blinds and curtains to elevate the natural brightness. For dull days and evening visits, turning on lamps in addition to switching on lights around the home will increase the brightness, making the rooms appear more welcoming and positive. The light beams will reflect off your decorative metals and cause a gleaming effect on your hardware. It’s the small details that add to the desirability of your home!

Do Ventilate!

Finally, ventilate your space! If the temperature outside is warm, leave windows open slightly during a house visit to ensure a flow of fresh air. If the weather doesn’t permit this, opening windows for 5 minutes, an hour before your guests are due to arrive, will gain a fresh supply of oxygen in the property. Whilst you want ventilation in your home, keep in mind that cold spaces may have a negative effect on the experience of your visitor. Setting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature will enable thermal comfort and secure a ‘homely feel’ in your property.

We understand how stressful it can be getting your house on the market and sold, so we hope you found our 5 steps to a quick house sale helpful! We offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance to help make your styling decisions easier. Follow these simple steps to create the best experience for your house visits!

Bold Moves Towards Self Care & Peace

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 09:00:00 +0000

The concept for wellness and self-care continues to be all-embracing and people are designing their interiors to implement a calm and relaxing atmosphere. A boldly coloured room may not strike immediate feelings of peace and tranquillity however, choosing a black colour scheme may render these feelings! Emphasising sensuality and luxury, we’re allured by the idea of stepping into our own spa-inspired black bathroom. The style offers a unisex appeal and looks exceptionally striking when refurbished with textured black mosaic tiles and chrome or polished stainless steel hardware to add a glistening effect.

Adopt the Black Spa Inspired Look

The adoption of wellness and self-care practice is rising and whilst women have been more often perceived to indulge in self-care, the conventions are swiftly changing. Whilst bold colours for the interior begin to emerge within homes this year, what better way to incorporate the practice of well-being than by doing so in a sultry black bathroom? Consider the dramatic change of bathroom colour as a healthy, holistic approach to good health; for the mind, body and the eyes!

Sparkling Embellishments

Incorporating polished stainless steel hardware into your bathroom; such as the designer door handles with a 3 ring groove design, will offer a distinctive and sublime aesthetic whilst providing elements of unique charm in the space. There is the added benefit of durability from the polished stainless steel hardware due to the high quality of the material used in manufacturing. The material and finish of the polished stainless steel hardware provides the perfect choice for adorning contemporary style homes and properties. Embellishing the bathroom with designer door handles will offer an elegant appearance, whilst adding a luxurious touch to the desired spa-inspired bathroom.

Matte Black Embellishments

Alternatively, you may choose to pursue an all-black bathroom look with the use of matte black finish hardware for a distinctive, dark characteristic. This concept is exceptionally daring, yet so easy to incorporate into your design. Add a matte black toilet roll holder with self-adhesive backing to blend seamlessly into the walls in addition to self-adhesive black towel hooks attached to the back of the door to hold matching black towels and robes. For your bathroom cabinets and drawers, add matte black drawer handles in a T-bar design for an eye catching embellishment. Vary the textures of your room for sensory delight by adding knurled matte black handles to your bathroom doors. The knurled texture and the luxurious feel of the weight in hand offers a comfortable grip which emphasises feelings of security and privacy in your personal space.

We strive to make your interior design planning easier by offering inspiration and a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. You deserve a peaceful life, so try incorporating these spa-inspired interior design tips to relieve some of your stresses.

For more inspiration on bold statement interiors, check out our 3 Rooms in Need of Living Coral blog.

Style Up with Mixed Metal Accents!

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Mixing metals? The once considered taboo is a thing of the past! Whether it's your jewellery or your interior features, its time to throw out the old ways and start blending the elements!

This year is going to be the year for experimental decisions and to be honest, it makes a fun change from the minimalistic Scandinavian style trend that captured everyone’s attention last year. Mixing metals within a room favours the more eclectic style, incorporating a mix of textures, hues and finishes which, despite what you may feel, shouldn’t be so intimidating. Accents of metals that vary in hue and texture add sophistication, character and depth to any interior. With unlimited boundaries for mixing and decorating, we’re sure you can easily incorporate this trend into the rooms of your own home, but just to be safe; here’s our method to the madness.

The first thing you need to consider are the different tones of metals.

Warm metals – brass, copper and gold
Cool metals – aluminium, stainless steel and other silver metals
Neutral metals – cast iron, other black metals

Before you start mixing warm and cool coloured metals, here’s a tip for understanding what colours pair seamlessly with one another. For example, warm metals like brass, copper and gold pair well with warm hues like browns, reds and yellows. Cool metals such as chrome and silver pair well with cool hues like blues, greens and violet. Neutral metals can be mixed with both warm and cool hues. If you’re starting with a neutral palette (think white walls with simple neutral colour shades), adding varied warm tones in a variety of finishes will ensure glow, colour and character!

Choose One Superior Colour

Choose your favourite primary metal to be most prominent within your interior. This might be chrome and can include two toned design features such as duo finish chrome door handles, polished chrome plated hinges and satin chrome cabinet handles. Incorporate a chrome mirror to match the reflective feel of metallics as you want the eye to notice the prominent metals first and then swiftly switch focus to your accent metal hues.

Choose 1 or 2 Accent Metals

Blend the cool tone of the chrome with a warmer tone such as copper. A modern chrome finish kitchen will look fantastic with accents of copper which can be incorporated in light fixtures, copper cupboard handles and maybe even a copper leg table with chairs. The hue of the copper design will immediately add warmth and glow to an otherwise cold space. Other warm hue metals such as brass, gold and rose gold can be considered for your interior colour palette, especially for fixing into a light and airy space. Maybe add accents of your chosen metal in small features such as candle holders, a candle tray, flower vase or a potpourri/key dish.

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Mix up the Metal Finishes and Textures

Varying the textures and finishes of your metal features can really define a space and elevate the overall experience of your design by giving it a stylish depth. Knurled hardware, such as cabinet handles and door handles, offer a stunning sleek touch for a modernistic design. The polished brass knurled handles simulate style elements of Italian designer Versace, emphasising luxury with its bold, sultry aesthetic. The effect of brass and matte black accessories truly transpires as luxurious and striking in designer interior photos. Another option to consider for adding texture to a room could be in the form of larger furnishings like a textured rug with flecks of the metal hue in the fabric or cushions that offer both comfort and visual weight to your home. By placing opposing smooth and rough textures directly together, the rough texture will stand out and draw the eye towards it. Distance metal textures to achieve a subtler visual weight.

“It’s all about moderation and context”, says Keita Turner of Keita Turner Design. By following this method of madness, you’re sure to produce “a timeless and tasteful way to create balance and definition in an environment.”

We understand that interior design planning can be time consuming, so we offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance to help make your decisions easier. Some rules are made to be broken, and we’re glad the old taboo of mixing metal is one of them! Are you ready to style up?

3 Rooms in Need of Living Coral

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 09:00:00 +0000

In celebration of Pantone's 2019 Colour of the Year announcement, we warmly welcome Living Coral; an energizing coral hue with a golden undertone. Every year, the colour forecasters at Pantone choose and announce the colour which they believe will be hugely popular. This year we will embrace the vibrant coral hue, connoting the attitude of optimism and feelings of cheerfulness; a mentality which many desire heading in to the new year.

Home redecorating projects may not be your priority, however there are various cost-effective ways to update your home interior style without spending a fortune. In this blog, we will suggest a few examples of how to incorporate this year's Living Coral and the colour partner which will complement and highlight your interior features.

Where to Start

Depending on your initial budget, there are a number of ways that you can update the interior style of your home. From larger features such as sofas and wallpaper to smaller soft furnishings such as rugs and pillows; an option for all budgets exists. Due to its visual attributes, Pinterest offers consumers an enormous amount of inspiration and can provide home owners with some ideas for their interior updates. After having determined whether the changes that you want to implement are large or small, you can then start browsing for the materials, furnishings and décor items to purchase.

When we think of coral hues we immediately consider the Great Barrier Reef and the explosion of bright beautiful coral colours in the ocean. However, the interpretation of this style differs to the nautical theme which may come to mind! Living Coral is a striking colour which requires the perfect colour component to emphasise the effect it has within an interior. According to Nadia McCowan Hill, Wayfair's Resident Style Advisor, dark hues, such as matte black, seamlessly complements the Living Coral colour. Subtle changes have the power to transform an interior space, and whether you have decided to implement drastic or minor style updates, you can also incorporate traits of matte black. Hardware features including door handles, hinges and coat hooks can often be overlooked, however their aesthetic impact is mighty, and their integration is cost effective for all budgets.

Incorporate this Year’s Colour

Revitalise your living space with 2019’s colour of the year paired with matte black fittings to create a joyful, stylishly social and engaging environment for your family and friends to enjoy! The main living space in your home is a good starting focus and whether that be your lounge area or kitchen, there are products available to spruce up your interior style.

For the kitchen area you can subtly incorporate accents of Living Coral in the form of patterned vases and window blinds. You may also like to update your mugs and crockery sets by conforming to the Living Coral hue to create colour theme continuity throughout the kitchen. By adding matte black drawer handles or knurled cabinet handles, you can emphasise the impact of the Living Coral. It’s the small changes which will have your friends and family complimenting your interior styling!

For your living room, you may consider implementing Living Coral either as a block colour or patterned in both large and soft furnishings. This includes sofas, curtains, rugs and sofa cushions. For smaller decorative items you may wish to include framed wall prints, candles and plant vases. All of these features pair impeccably with matte black fittings such as door handles, key hole escutcheons and even antique door numbers for the front door as your Living Coral curtains will be seen from your home exterior. The colour theme radiates a welcoming warmth with stylish accents of matte black.

If you would prefer to start off with small interior updates, your bathroom is a great place to begin. Accents of Living Coral can be embellished into the room by incorporating colour themed toothbrush holders, mirror frames, soap dishes and toilet brush holders. To emphasise the effect of the vibrant coral hue, you can then introduce fittings such as a matte black toilet roll holder, door handles, hinges and cabinet handles for your bathroom cabinets. Imagine waking up every morning to clean your teeth and stepping into a space which immediately brightens your mood and sets you up for optimism!

Our Thoughts…

We understand that your environment can greatly affect your mood, productivity and wellbeing and so to help maintain this, we offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. Will you be incorporating Living Coral and Matte Black into your home?

Easy Kitchen Improvements

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 09:00:00 +0000

The cost of a brand new fitted kitchen can vary considerably depending upon the design and specification that you decide upon, so regardless of your budget there are always changes you can make that will improve the appearance of your kitchen! Check out our top tips on how to approach kitchen improvements.

Extent of the Refurbishment

You can give your kitchen a new lease of life without having to replace everything including the kitchen sink! If you are on a budget or don’t want to upturn your home for renovations, then a few small improvements can be made to revitalise your kitchen!

Identify areas that are in good condition and or working order. If you simply wish to change the appearance of your units, you can do so by changing your kitchen cupboard handles, or by going a step further and changing the cupboard doors! There are a range of fixtures and fittings available on the market, all varying in design and finish. From bang on trend matte black cupboard handles and accessories to timeless stainless steel and chrome.

DIY Experience

Any tasks that you can complete yourself will help you to save money. However, it is important to realise the extent of your abilities to ensure renovations are carried out to a high standard and won’t end up costing you more in repairs! Even if you can help to complete part of the work such as tiling and painting, this will help to reduce your overall cost.

Budget

Budgeting is key to successful kitchen improvements. There are plenty of options available, all of which range in design, specification and cost. If your dream kitchen comes in over budget, this gives you the opportunity to source alternative products that meet with your criteria before work has commenced.

For more tips, why not check out our previous blogs on Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid and Updating Your Home on a Budget.

How to Choose Door Hardware

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 09:00:00 +0000

All of your doors will require a handle pair and hinges. Your handle pair enables your door to be opened and closed from either side of the door and your hinges serve two purposes. The first is to attach your door to the door frame and the second enables the door to be ‘swing’ open and closed.

Non-Locking Door

If you have a ‘standard’, non-locking internal door you will also require a latch. The latch is the mechanism which retracts when you push down on the lever, enabling your doors to be opened and springs out once the lever is released to hold your door shut.

Key Locking Door

Typically a three lever sash lock is fitted on internal doors. This combines a latch and key locking mechanism in one unit and supplied complete with the keys to operate the lock. This product is often fitted in conjunction with an escutcheon pair, which covers the keyhole on both sides of the door. The escutcheon pair sits below your handles and is sold separately to your lock to enable them to be matched with your handles for uniformity.

Bathroom Locking Door

A bathroom mortice lock is perhaps one of the most common options for your bathroom door. This works in much the same way as a key sash lock, with the latch and locking mechanism in one unit. However the lock part is operated by a thumb turn on the inside of the door, instead of a key. This is typically sold separately to the lock itself, as like the escutcheon the thumb turn sits below the handles so is typically matched to their design.

Double Door

A non-locking double door is typically fitted with a latch and rebate kit, which enables the latch to close into the second door, rather than a door frame. It is worth noting that you will have a primary door which is fully functional and a secondary door which is usually held stationary using a flush bolt.

For more tips on choosing interior doors, why not view our earlier blogs, 6 Tips for Fitting New Interior Doors and 8 Tips on Choosing Cupboard Handles.

Architectural Inspiration

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000

In celebration of World Architecture Day we have been looking at architectural masterpieces that can offer inspiration for redesigning your interior in line with current decorative trends.

The Museum of Fire (Poland)

The Museum of Fire offers great inspiration for those looking for ways to use copper in their homes. A striking and imposing building with an unusual structure, this building is unusually clad in corrugated copper and features lighting to create the illusion of a live fire. Copper is a great choice if you live in an industrial property as it will coordinate with any existing features within your home and disperses a warm hue throughout your space, which is further exaggerated when paired with lighting. The sculptural aspect of this building could also be applied to those looking to create interest within a modern interior. Think oversized architectural copper lampshades and copper door handles for a statement look.

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MOCA (Ohio)

This futuristic building showcases the perfect way to use black tones in your space. The exterior of the building is clad with a reflective finish and features a glass approach, which projects a sense of light and space in contrast to the dark tone of the material. The interior presents bold feature walls to further juxtapose the exterior finish. When incorporating black into an interior, it is a good idea to consider the size of your space and ensure that there is a plentiful source of natural light. Reflective surfaces and bright pops of colour are the perfect way to ensure a bright, cosy feel. Think about incorporating a large statement mirror and bright soft furnishings for a harmonious collaboration.

For more inspiration, handy hints and tips why not check out our previous blogs on how to Get the Art Deco Look and a guide to using Steel Framed Windows & Doors.

How to Fit a Curtain Pole

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000

If you have repainted your room and just need to add those final few touches to your interior, then getting your curtains back up is a must to redress your room! Check out our top three tips on how to fit a curtain pole!

Check Measurements

First measure the width of your window and allow enough space either side of the aperture to draw your curtains away from the window, to optimise the potential of natural light flowing into your room when your curtains are open. When fitting, it is advisable to position your curtain pole a good distance above the window recess to reduce leakage of external light when your curtains are closed.

Check Specifications

Where possible it is best to try and install a curtain pole made from one length, for a smooth and unrestricted action when drawing your curtains. If however you have a large window or bay window and need to install it in two or more lengths, it is advisable to consider the positioning and functionality of any additional brackets required to conceal and support the joints. If the join will not sit centrally you may find that your bracket restricts the movement of your curtains.

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Curtain Pole

Curtain poles are available in a range of different colours and finishes and can be supplied with either decorative finials or end caps for a minimalist appeal. Consider the colours and shapes you wish to extenuate within your space when choosing your curtain pole, to achieve a harmonious space. If you have rounded mortice door knobs for example, ball finials can be a great way to echo this shape. If however you have a monochrome interior then a black curtain pole could be the perfect solution to dress your space.

For more DIY tips why not check out our previous blogs on Geometric Tiles and how to Get the Art Deco Look.

How to Wallpaper

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Whether you are looking to apply lining paper to your walls or a decorative paper to reinvent your space, a flush and seamless finish is key. Check out our top 5 tips on how to wallpaper your room and achieve a professional finish.

Calculate Wallpaper

First calculate the amount of wallpaper needed. To do this you must determine the meterage required. Measure the width of each of the walls you will be wallpapering and divide by the width of the wallpaper to give you the number of drops. Then measure the height of your wall and multiply by the number of drops to get the meterage required remembering to allow for a little extra whilst accounting for any repeating patterns (if applicable).

Prepare Your Wall

Once you have your wallpaper it is time to prepare your walls. If you are papering over existing wallpaper, then it is a good idea to stick down any seams that may have lifted with wallpaper paste, to ensure a flush finish. If papering over paint then it is worth checking that there are no hard lumps of paint that have drip dried, which could cause an uneven finish if not removed beforehand. Once you are satisfied that the walls are smooth it is a good idea to wipe them down with a clean damp cloth and leave to dry for a couple of hours.

Cut Your Lengths

Once your walls are dry, you can prepare your wallpaper. It is best to choose a corner without any obstacles to start papering. With this in mind, measure the length of your wall and mark out where you will need to cut the roll. Before you cut the paper, it is worth holding the first roll of paper up to the wall to check the fit. Tweak as necessary and once you are happy you can cut the wallpaper to the required length.

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Hang Wallpaper

Next, you will need to lay your wallpaper face down onto a wallpapering table and apply your paste directly onto the reverse of the paper. Then carefully lift the paper from the top corners, so to avoid getting any of the adhesive on your hands. Hold the paper up to the wall and use the ceiling and corner to align the paper and help determine the correct positioning. Be sure to overlap the paper slightly over the corner, which will lead to a seamless finish upon completion.

Once you are satisfied with the position, use a clean soft wallpaper brush to smooth the paper onto your wall. It is important to start at the top of the wall and move your brush from side to side in a downwards motion. This will minimise the possibility of air becoming trapped between the wallpaper and wall, causing bubbles to form.

Once you have done this, it is time to cut your next strip. If you are using patterned wallpaper remember to remove any excess paper from the top of the roll, so the pattern starts in line with the first piece you have applied to your wall. Once you have worked your way around the room and moved onto your final strip of wallpaper, you should be able to position the final edge in alignment with the corner that you started.

Negotiate Obstacles

If you have any wall lights, shelf brackets or corners that prevent you from laying your wallpaper as above, then it is important to prepare your length of paper with the obstacle in mind. Cut the wallpaper to length as in step 3 then measure where the obstacle lies and make any necessary incisions in the wallpaper.

For more DIY tips why not check out our earlier blogs on 8 Tips for Replacing or Restoring Coving and 8 Tips for Painting Interior Doors.

How to Maintain Your Gutters

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000

It is important to regularly maintain the guttering on your home as it plays a very important role in protecting the structure of your property. The primary purpose of guttering is to catch excess rainfall and safely deposit it away from the foundations of your home, typically directing it to the drains at the exterior of your property. If your guttering is damaged or broken it may not be possible for the rainwater to be contained and carried away from the foundations. This could lead to water collecting at the foundation of your home, which can lead to devastating damage such as subsidence occurring. Check out our top tips on how to approach maintaining your gutters.

Remove Debris

Before you can check your gutters, you will need to remove any debris that may have collected and clean away any algae which may have formed on the surface. This both enables you to assess the overall condition of your guttering and improve its functionality. Once your guttering is clear you can test for damages by pouring water at one end and checking that the water does not leak. Should you find any issues it is important to ensure the necessary repairs are made.

Potential Hazards

If you are planning to carry out this work yourself then check your property for any potential hazards, to ensure that work is carried out safely. Always ensure your ladders are tall enough for you to comfortably carry out the job, check that they can be locked into place and rested onto a sturdy base before commencing work. Always work in easily reachable sections and climb down the ladder to reposition it when the section you are moving onto is not comfortably within reach.

For more DIY tips, why not check out our previous blogs on How to Maintain Your Door Handles and Minor Repairs Before Selling Your Home.

How to Paint Skirting Boards

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Freshly painted skirting boards can really help add the finish touches to a recently decorated room. If you are looking to redecorate, then why not read our top tips on how to paint your skirting boards.

Remove any Existing Paint

It is important to ensure any hardware such as door stops have been removed from the skirting board and the old paint is removed or rubbed down prior to repainting. This helps to smooth out any uneven finishes on the surface. Sanding is the most common method used to achieve this. However, it is important to determine the makeup of the existing paint to ensure it is removed safely, as some paint types should not be removed in this way.

If you are carrying this work out yourself, then ensure that you have the suitable attire and and lay down some dust sheets. Once you have completed this, you should clean the surface with a damp cloth to prevent dust from becoming caught up in the paint and causing an uneven finish.

Preparations

Before you paint, it is advisable to apply masking tape directly above and below the skirting. If you don’t have the steadiest of hands, then this is a must to ensure a neat and tidy finishing line! Gather your paint and a suitable brush and you are ready to paint. When selecting your brush ensure that the paint brush is no larger than the depth of the skirting board and consider the material of the skirting board so you can choose a suitable paint type. Typically, skirting boards are made from wood, so a wood stain or paint would need to be applied.

Painting

If you will be applying gloss paint then ensure you have enough paint on your brush to per stroke. However, be careful not overpaint an area, as this can lead to runs of paint or brush marks forming. If you choose to apply further coats then ensure you have left ample time for the paint to dry in between. Once you have finished painting, you can remove the masking tape and refit skirting door stops.

For more tips on redecorating your home, why not check out our previous blogs for advice on How to Choose a Paintbrush and Tips for Cleaning Your Paintbrushes.

Eco-Friendly Carpet Stain Removal

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Summer is the season for entertaining, but every home owner dreads the moment when someone accidentally stains their otherwise flawless carpet with a glass of red wine or BBQ sauce and it’s tricky to know what product to use to remove stains when they occur.

There are many solutions available on the market to help combat stains, however it is important to act quickly when removing carpet stains to ensure the stain does not become ingrained in your carpet. So where better to start than with the items you may already have in your kitchen cupboard.

Immediately Wipe Up

The number one rule to remember when removing stains from your carpet is to wipe up any spillage as soon as possible to avoid it soaking into the carpet and staining. If for example you have spilt red wine on your cream carpet then start by lightly pressing the affected area with a paper towel to absorb any surface liquid before working on the stain.

Baking Powder

Baking powder or salt work great to remove carpet stains. Make a paste from either baking powder or salt with a little water and when rubbed into the carpet fibres it will help to clean away the stain. Baking powder also neutralises odours, so if you’ve spilt milk or even a milky coffee it can help to prevent the smell of stale milk too!

White Vinegar

White vinegar is another fantastic cleanser that can be used to lift stains from your carpet. A solution consisting of vinegar and water can be applied directly onto your carpet before the stain worked out using a cloth. Like baking powder, vinegar also helps to deodorise your carpet and it is a fantastic natural cleaning solution, fear not the smell won’t linger either!

Of course, there are a number of other methods and products that can be adopted to remove staining from your carpet, however homemade cleaning solutions made with baking powder, salt or vinegar are not only great because they can be quickly sourced from the kitchen but because they don’t leave any harmful residues, so your carpets are safe for children and pets to use once the mess has been cleared up.

For more tips on adapting your life style to be more environmentally friendly, why not check out our previous blogs for tips on How to Save Energy and Reduce Your Bills and Tips on Conserving Water at Home.

Tips for Cleaning Your Paintbrushes

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 08:00:00 +0000

This time of year is ideal to carry out painting and decorating in your home as the daylight hours are longer and the weather warmer which helps to increase your working time and decrease the drying time. It is important though to clean your brushes once you have finished painting, to prolong the life span of your paint brushes. Check out our top tips on how to clean your paintbrushes.

Chemical Makeup

It is important to determine the base material of your paint in order to effectively remove any residue from the brush. If a water-based paint is being removed, then you can clean the bristles using warm water. If on the other hand an oil-based paint has been applied, your brush would need to be soaked in a suitable cleaner such as turpentine, in order for the paint to be removed.

Clean the Brush

Try and work the majority of the paint off the brush by cleaning the bristles in the relevant cleaning solution, but be sure to soak your brush following this step to ensure any stubborn sections of paint are dislodged. Once you have soaked your brushes you can then repeat the first step to check that there is no paint remaining. Your paint brush can then be left to air dry before being packed away.

Reuse

If a chemical cleaner has been used to remove oil-based paint from your brushes, then don’t pour the remnants of the solution down the drain, rather reuse the solution by pouring it back into the bottle until you need it for cleaning your brushes again!

We hope this guide has proved a useful insight into how to prolong the life of your paintbrushes. For more useful DIY tips, why not check out our earlier blogs 8 Tips on Painting Like a Professional and 8 Tips for Painting a Garden Fence.

How to Choose a Paintbrush

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

With a wide variety of paintbrushes available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which are best to choose when it comes to redecorating your home. Check out our three simple steps to discover which type of paintbrush you should choose to achieve a professional finish when re-painting your home.

Material

It is important to determine whether you need natural or synthetic bristles. As a rule of thumb, it is best to use natural bristles with oil-based paints to achieve a smooth finish. In contrast it is advisable to use synthetic bristles with water-based paints as they will absorb less paint, therefore ensuring more paint goes onto your walls rather than simply soaking into your brush.

Brush Size

Although it may seem obvious, don’t forget to be logical. If you are painting a large surface area such as a wall, it is best to use a wide paint brush. A narrow paint brush on the other hand should be used to paint smaller and more intricate decorative sections like coving or panelling to achieve a neat finish.

Brush Shape

Shape is also an important factor to consider. For flat surfaces like a wall or ceiling, a wide flat-edged brush or roller can be used for a consistent and even finish. On corners and edges like that on a radiator or dado rail, an angled brush can be invaluable to help achieve a neat line.

For more tips on redecorating your home, why not check out our previous blog on 8 Tips on Painting Like a Professional or How to Strip Paint from Doors.

Minor Repairs Before Selling Your Home

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

If you are looking to sell your home then it is important to ensure your property is looking its best. A potential buyer will be assessing the condition of your home, considering any possible repair works that they will have to undertake. General maintenance tasks are the priority as this will enable you to assess the condition that your property is in and give you the opportunity to rectify any areas of concern. Check out our top tips on key areas to check before selling your home.

Roof

Check that there are no broken or missing roof tiles and if there are then replace these to prevent rainwater leaking into the property. Leaks from the roof could lead to much more serious issues arising such as damp forming within the home, so ensure to check your loft for leaks, any signs of daylight streaming through the roof could indicate a broken or missing tile.

Windows and Doors

Check that the sealant around any external doors is intact, this will help to prevent draughts and show that you have looked after the property. It is also worth checking that your window and door hinges operate smoothly and that door locks are functioning correctly.

Guttering

Check that the guttering is clear. It is important that this is maintained so that any rainwater can flow freely, preventing any water damage occurring to your home. Once your gutters are clear of debris you will be able to check for any leaks.

For more handy tips on maintaining your property, why not check out our earlier blogs Home Improvements add Value and Key Boiler Checks You Should Make.

What to do After a Burglary

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

If you think your house has been burgled it is important to first relocate to a safe place in case the intruder is still in your home. Next you should inform the police of the incident and wait until they have arrived to re-enter your home. Once you are sure your home is free from intruders and the police have finalised their investigations, you can then commence sorting through your home.

Entrance Points

Assess all entrance points to identify any security issues and sort through your belongings to identify any stolen or damaged possessions. Check specifically for high value and personal documents such as passports, bank cards and any other paperwork or devices containing any sensitive information. Once you have assessed the damage you will need to advise your insurance company, bank and any other relevant organisations of the burglary, noting any missing items, so that the relevant action can be taken to secure your information.

Should you have found any damage to your entrance points, it is important to address this promptly in order to make safe your home. If you believe keys to have been removed from your home, then it is advisable to get the door locks changed asap.

Additional Security

You may even wish to consider installing additional security features to prevent burglary reoccurring in the future. There are a number of options available to help increase security in your home, from exterior lighting to home alarms and camera systems. You may even wish to consider joining your local neighbourhood watch group, to help you feel more secure in your neighbourhood.

For more information on increasing the security of you home, why not check out our previous blog, Home Security Solutions.

Top Tips on Conserving Water

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

With the glorious summer sun beating down upon us and reduced levels of rainfall, we should all be conscious to try and conserve fresh water. This can be done simply by becoming savvier in the day to day running of our homes. Check out our top tips on how you can save water.

Recycling

It is important to reuse fresh water where possible, as this helps to conserve resources. Of course, you should always ensure that the water you drink is fresh. However, some greywater such as leftover bath or dish water can be reused for other endeavours like washing the windows or car. By reusing such greywater, you will be reducing your overall consumption of fresh water. This in turn may also help to reduce your water bills!

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Daily Regime

Simple amendments to your daily regime, like having a shower instead of a bath can have a huge impact on your overall water consumption. Similarly, if you only wash a few garments of clothing at a time then why not consider waiting until you have a full load to do your laundry? This way you will reduce the number of wash loads and in turn reduce your water consumption. Consider additional ways in which your daily routine could be improved to help reduce your water usage.

Water Butt

Water butts help the environment by capturing precious rain water during heavy rainfall and storing it safely for when you next need it. This enables you to water your plants during dry periods without switching on the tap! This can not only help you to decrease your water usage, but your plants will also thank you as rainwater is much more beneficial to them than tap water.

We hope that this has helped to inspired you to save water, but for more ideas on how to help the planet and save money on your energy bills, why not check out our earlier blog on how to Save Energy and Reduce Your Bills.

How to Build a Garden Shed

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

In the summer the garden becomes much more demanding, requiring regular tending. A shed is fantastic for storing all of your garden essentials, providing a secure and easily accessible storage space. If you are considering building a shed in your garden, then check out our top tips on how to approach this!

Level Foundations

Paving slabs are perhaps the most common choice for those laying a base on which to build a shed. Before you lay your slabs it is important to level the ground, as this will help to ensure your shed sits level and that the door opens smoothly and shuts with ease. Once you are certain that the base is level you can lay your slabs. Typically sand is used below the paving slabs that are then fixed into place with cement. It is important to let the cement dry and harden before you begin to construct your shed, so be sure to follow the instructions on the cement you are using to ensure you have left adequate drying time.

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Assemble the Shed

Every shed is different, so it is important to follow the instructions provided when assembling your shed. Typically however you would start by laying the base followed by the sides, ensuring that you hang the door before erecting the front panel. Finally the roof can be added to complete the structure. Once you have the basic framework assembled the finer details such as windows and waterproof membrane can be fixed into position.

Finishing Touches

Once your shed is fully constructed, it may be worth applying shed preserver to ensure its longevity, along with installing a hasp and stable with waterproof padlock to keep your tools secure.

We hope this how to guide has provided a useful insight into how to build a garden shed. For more information on how to prepare your garden for summer, why not read our previous blogs National Gardening Week and 8 Tips for Painting a Garden Fence.

Door Hinge Types in Your Home

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000

There are many door hinge types and sizes available on the market, but how can you differentiate between their various features, to ensure you select the best model for your home.

Type

Perhaps the most common hinge types you will find in a typical home are pin hinges, washered hinges and ball bearing hinges.

Pin hinges are a basic design for light weight doors, where the leaves (on either side) overlap the knuckle directly. If it is a loose pin hinge then this allows for the leaves to be separated and the door easily removed.

A washered hinge is an upgraded version of the pin hinge. It works on the same principle, but incorporates small washers which are concealed discreetly in between the leaves and knuckle which make opening and closing the hinge somewhat easier. They also help increase the longevity of the hinge.

Also available are ball bearing hinges, which offer similar benefits to that of washered hinges. However enclosed within the knuckle are rings of ball bearings (instead of washers). This helps to distribute the weight over many smaller surfaces, which greatly assists when opening and closing the door. Ball bearing hinges also provide a smoother action and increase the longevity.

Weight

Remember that your hinges need to be able to support the weight of your door. Always check the weight capacity of the door hinges you wish to fit with the retailer or manufacturer before installation.

Size

If you are fitting hinges onto an existing door then it is worth considering the size of those already installed. It is not usually an issue to install larger hinges if there is sufficient room to do so, but you may wish to ensure they are at least equal in size, to ensure any existing fitting holes on your door and door frame are concealed for a neat finish.

We hope this guide to hinges has been useful. For more information on door hardware, why not check out our earlier blogs on How to Maintain Your Door Handles and Replacing Door Handles on an Existing Door.

Make a Side Table from Pallet Wood

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000

No experience at woodworking, but can’t find that perfect table to complete your lounge or bedroom? This is a beginner’s guide to learning a new skill!

Sourcing Pallet Wood

Pallet wood is an ideal material to work with and usually it can be salvaged for free. Make use of local social media groups or freecycling schemes to request pallet wood, businesses in your area may also have a few broken pallets lying around which they would be grateful for you to take off their hands, but remember to ask before you take.

We found an advert for pallet wood advertised as fire wood, it was fairly broken up but we were able to salvage enough pieces for what we needed. The best part about using free materials is that it doesn’t matter if things go wrong!

What You Will Need

Pallets (one may be enough, depending on the size you want your table to be), hammer and crow bar, tape measure/ruler, pencil, saw, screws, carpenter's square, sandpaper, drill and 3mm drill bit (optional). Ensure that your wood has been heat treated and is safe to use before proceeding.

Designing Your Table

The first stage to building your table is designing it. You can follow our template or alter it to suit. Work out what height you want your table to be, this may differ depending on whether you want to use it as a bedside table or coffee table.

Next, how much surface area do you need? Once you have an idea of the size you want, cut a large piece of paper to this size and lay it on the floor in position to give you a visual representation of the amount of space your table will take up. You could even arrange objects such as lamps and drinks coasters on the piece of paper to check that everything will sit nicely on top. Measure the width of your pallet wood and work out how many pieces you will need to lay side by side to make up the total width of your design. Once you are happy, make a note of your dimensions and work out how many pieces of wood you will need of each length.

Our Dimensions:

Legs - 650mm x 4 pieces
Cross supports - 320mm x 4 pieces
Top - 250mm x 4 pieces
Shelf - 220mm x 4 pieces

Breaking Up Your Pallets

Using the measurements from your design, work out where you can cut your pallet to make the best use of it. For longer lengths of wood, it may be necessary to remove the nails from joints and ease the pieces of wood apart. This can be done by hammering a crow bar between the two planks and then levering them apart. Don’t be scared to use some force, pallets are made to be sturdy! Any marks you make on the wood will add to the character and rustic nature of your table.

Mark Your Cutting Lines

Now that you have all your pieces of wood ready to build, you can get more of a sense of what your table will look like. Measure out all your pieces of wood using a tape measure. Make a small pencil mark and then use a carpenter's square pressed up to the side of the wood to draw a straight cutting line across the width of the plank. Make sure to indicate which side of the line is waste and which you need to keep.

Cut Your Lengths of Wood

Ensure that your plank of wood is tightly secured on a workbench with your cutting line a centimetre or so over the edge. Position the saw slightly to the outside of your marked cutting line to ensure you maintain the full length that you have measured, you can always saw more off or sand down the edges. Hold the saw at a 45 degree angle and draw the saw back several times to make a grove. You will then be able to begin a forward and back sawing motion.

When you are nearly all the way through, use your spare hand or ask somebody else to hold the piece of wood you are cutting off to prevent it snapping off and reduce splintering. Use sandpaper or a wood rasp to remove any splintered edges. Repeat for each cut you need to make.

Screw Your Table Together

Now that all your pieces are cut to length you can begin screwing them together. Initially, lay out your pallet wood in approximate positions so you can identify how it fits together.

Use clamps and/or a workbench to hold the pieces of wood together in place. Mark a small cross on the surface where your screw needs to be and use a 3mm drill bit to drill a pilot hole to help guide your screw into the wood.

First, attach the legs to the cross supports. We have used 2 screws per joint, however you can use as many as you feel necessary.

Next, screw each plank of the bottom shelf onto the cross support pieces of wood at either end, joining your two sets of legs together.

Finally, add the top of your table. Screw through from the top, into the top cross support planks.

Finishing Touches

Sand down your table using sandpaper to remove any remaining splinters. You can choose to wax or varnish your table to give the desired finish, or alternatively you may like to leave it as it is.

And voila, before you know it you’ve made yourself a wooden table and gained some carpentry skills. Pop your table in the desired position and dress with lamps, photo frames or plants, your unique rustic piece of furniture is sure to be a conversation starter and the envy of all your visitors.

Save Energy and Reduce Your Bills

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000

In celebration of World Environment Day we have put together a quick guide on how you can help to save the planet and reduce your energy bills too! Our utilities contribute to climate change, so by looking at ways to reduce our energy consumption we can all help to reduce the effects of global warming and save money at the same time!

Water Consumption

When the temperature of the earth increases water reserves can dry up, so it is important to conserve water where we can. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of water we use in our homes and by recycling water too!

There are many nifty solutions available from toilets that flush recycled water from your taps, to water butts in the garden which preserve excess rainwater that can be used to water your garden or clean the car during droughts. And on a daily basis there are even more simple solutions like using the shower instead of the bath, as much less water is used.

Central Heating

It is all too easy nowadays to simply turn the thermostat up to boost the heat supplies within our homes, but it is important to make a conscious effort to monitor your energy usage. For example, try turning the heating down a little when your house is unoccupied and improve insulation by resealing exterior doors and windows and using draft excluders and door seals to prevent heat from escaping your home. If you think you may need to turn the heating up just a little, consider wearing a jumper or sitting with a blanket rather than simply turning up the thermometer.

Electricity

The steep increase in household electronic devices is having a significant effect on the environment so it is important to try and reduce our usage. You can do this quite simply by switching devices off rather than putting them on standby when you have finished using them. Lighting in particular proves a significant drain on fossil fuels and also contributes to our greenhouse gasses. Try opening curtains and blinds and turning the lights off when you are leaving an empty room.

For more inspiration, why not read our previous blogs Key Boiler Checks You Should Make and 6 Ways to Keep Your Home Cool.

Home Security Solutions

Wed, 30 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000

With the average number of working hours increasing and our homes being unoccupied for extended periods of time, it is important to put additional security measures into place to keep your home safe and secure. Here are our top tips on how to keep your home safe.

External Security Lights

Security lighting is a fantastic addition to any home and acts as a powerful deterrent for burglars, who will think twice about entering your property in full view of the street. With many solutions available on the market, including budget friendly and easy install versions!

Burglar Alarm

Should anyone break into your property a burglar alarm could prove invaluable as it alerts your neighbours of disruption and should help to startle an intruder, encouraging them to leave your property before further attention is brought to their presence.

Security Cameras

Both internal and external security cameras can help to deter burglars, but for some people, internal cameras in particular can feel a little intrusive. If this is the case for you then why not consider signing up to your local neighbourhood watch? Nosy neighbours can be a fantastic deterrent to any undesirables monitoring your property.

Smart Systems

Smart systems are a fantastic way to disguise the fact that you are away from home. There are many smart solutions available on the market, which allow you to activate your lighting and other electronic devices remotely. For those who don’t have this feature, electronic timers can provide a great solution for those who work away from home frequently, giving the illusion of the house being occupied.

Door Locks

Of course your house is only as secure as you make it, so it is worth checking that the door locks you have installed onto your doors reach the recommended levels of security. The more secure your locks are, the less likely an intruder is to gain access to your home.

We hope our top tips help to improve the security of your home. For more ideas why not check out our previous blog, Smart and Simple Security.

Choosing a Bedside Lamp

Wed, 23 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Soft furnishings provide the finishing touch to your interior and with a large selection of fabulous lighting solutions on the market, it is easy to stray from the ultimate vision of your dream interior when you search the lighting market. Before you start looking, it is worth having an idea in mind to ensure you achieve the overall finish you had hoped to create.

Consider Material

If you are looking to use natural materials within your space the options are unending. For a soft and cosy feel consider a wood lamp paired with a fabric lamp shade, or for a more unique appeal you could consider a lamp made from pink Himalayan rock salt!

For those who are furnishing an industrial apartment or would prefer a more stark and minimalist edge to your interior, then a desk lamp finished in metal finishes such as chrome, copper or even brass could offer a fantastic solution for your needs. This is a great way of coordinating your accessories with other metal features in your space, such as exposed rafters and copper door handles.

Impact vs. Practicality

If you are looking to make a statement with your lamp, then why not think big and opt for a floor lamp? Available in a variety of styles to suit a number of different interiors, from tripod-style for a retro appeal to modern lamps with bright lampshades for maximum impact.

It is also worth considering available space. If your bed side table is only large enough to accommodate a cup of coffee and one other item, then you may wish to consider a dual function lamp and alarm clock.

Innovative Solutions

If you get fed up trying to fish for the switch at bedtime, why not consider a touch-sensitive dimmer lamp? The benefit of these lamps is that you can choose the level of light required at the time. In addition, this style of light is often quite neutral in appearance, making it suitable for use in a number of spaces.

The options really are endless, for more home decorating inspiration, why not check out our previous blogs on Replacing Door Handles on Existing Door and Updating Your Home on a Budget.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains

Wed, 16 May 2018 14:09:07 +0000

For most people drains are an area of our homes that are commonly neglected until it becomes apparent that there is an issue. Everyday materials such as food waste, tissue and hair that travels down the toilet or plug hole can block your drains. In order to prevent this from happening in your home, why not check out our top tips for the best ways of maintaining your drains.

Clear Drains

It is advisable to place a filter over the plug hole in your kitchen sink to catch any remnants of food that may otherwise end up in the drains. Filters are relatively cheap and easy to install as they are simply small mesh discs that rest over the plug hole to catch any residue material, so that you can then simply transfer this into the bin. Similarly, when washing your hair be sure to dispose of any loose hair into the bathroom bin rather than simply washing it down the plughole.

It is a little trickier to keep the soil pipe clear as it is required to ensure the sanitary removal of waste and tissue. However, your toilet should not be used in place of a bin to dispose of other items like cleaning wipes for example, so be sure to make use of the bathroom bin for other such items.

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Drain Maintenance

You can easily maintain your system by simply running hot water down the drains on a regular basis. If you have any issues with a blockage then this can also help to dislodge any materials that may have become ‘stuck’ to the walls of your drains.

If you do find that your drains are still blocked, try pouring a cup of bicarbonate of soda mixed with a cup of vinegar down the offending drain and leave for a few minutes before flushing this solution through with hot water. This helps both to clean your drains and also neutralise any unpleasant odours.

For more information on maintaining your property, please see our previous blogs, 6 Tips for Keeping Mould off Bathroom Ceilings and Fixing Squeaky Floors from Above.

National Gardening Week

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 14:35:45 +0000

Now is the prime time to transform your garden into an oasis of calm and serenity in time for the summer. With the last of the spring bulbs about to die down for another year, it is an essential time to get planting in order to maintain a splash of colour in your garden throughout the summer months and an essential time for nurturing any edibles to protect them from adverse weather and insects and birds that may otherwise reap the benefit of your crop!

Mow the Lawn

What better way to start National Gardening Week than by mowing the lawn, ready for the family to enjoy as the weather improves. Remember to pick a dry day to start mowing, ensuring that the grass is dry before you start. It is important to remember to only take a little off the length initially and reduce the length gradually over time, to preserve the ongoing health of your lawn.

Restore Garden Furniture

If you have not already prepared your garden furniture it is worth doing this sooner rather than later, so you can sit back and enjoy the sunshine as the summer weather really sets in. Wooden furniture, gates and benches in particular require regular maintenance to ensure longevity, so be sure to get varnishing if you have not already done so, remembering to remove any ironmongery such as garden gate latches and gate hinges prior to commencing work.

Maintain Existing Plants

De-weeding is an essential part of preparing your garden for the summer months ahead. This helps not only to ensure your plants have enough room to blossom, but to determine where you have space to plant new ones. In addition, any edibles that you planted in spring may need protecting by fleeces in the event of frost and summer berries would benefit from netting to prevent pests from eating your crop.

For more handy hints and tips on preparing your garden for the summer, why not check out our previous blogs on how to Revamp Your Garden or How to Clean Wooden Garden Furniture.

Shades of Colour Homemaker Interview

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:08:47 +0000

In celebration of International Women’s Day earlier this month, we want to recognise those women making their careers in an industry which is dominated by males. We have been speaking to Rebecca Bristow who owns painting and decorating business Shades of Colour Somerset, to find out about her experiences as a tradesperson.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) have recently conducted research into opinions on female builders and tradespeople and found that almost one third of homeowners would feel more positive about hiring a female tradesperson, as opposed to a male.

Have you ever experienced either a positive or negative reaction from being a woman in the building and construction industry?

A) I have always had really positive working experiences with all my customers, there has never been anything negative.

People surveyed felt that female tradespeople might be more trustworthy and more respectful of their home. Do you think that your customers may come to you, rather than male painter and decorators for these reasons?

A) Yes, my customers seem to be comfortable with having a female in their home. They don't worry about changing their minds on colours and feel they can discuss ideas without feeling pressured.

The FMB concluded that there is a clear appetite among consumers for more women in trade; have you witnessed a greater volume of women in the industry recently?

A) Nope, I haven’t noticed more women in the trade recently, there is only one other female in this industry in my local area.

How did you get into the painting and decorating industry and get to the point of starting your own business?

A) My husband’s ex-wife died, I had to be a stay at home step mum for a few years to look after 7 children. At the time I needed to find a job that I could fit in around the children as I had no one I could ask to have seven children for six weeks of the summer holidays! At the time I was classed as a stay at home mum and the government were offering grants for retraining. I found a local training company and for two years trained in plastering, carpentry, brick laying and a bit of decorating. I left with qualifications and decided to set up as a self-employed painter and decorator which fits in around all the children and I have never looked back!

Do you have a decorating job that you’ve completed which sticks out as a favourite for you?

A) I loved taking part in DIY SOS recently, it was an amazing experience for a good cause.

What advice would you give to people who are thinking about choosing a painter and decorator for their home? What are the important questions to ask?

A) You must choose someone who you feel comfortable with, you can also check them out on social media to see what they are like and what other people have said about them.

Why should homeowners choose a professional painter and decorator over DIY decorating?

A) People have such busy lives, so it is a lovely thing to come home to a decorated house or room which is clean and tidy. If you hire a professional, it also means you end up with a quality finish and you don’t have the worry of cleaning all of the brushes and rollers!

A massive thank you to Rebecca for taking the time to talk to us, if you are local to Somerset and need a painter and decorator, Shades of Colour Somerset contact details can be found below. Let’s continue celebrating women tradespeople!

Rebecca Bristow, Shades of Colour Somerset; Tel: 07747 030647

Using Bolt-Through Fixings

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 11:03:05 +0000

Bolt-through fixings are a type of fitting that are used in conjunction with wood screws to strengthen the fitting of internal handles to your door. Unlike wood screws which surface fix from one side of the door, bolt-through fixings go from one door handle through the door and connect to the other door handle on the other side, securely fastening the handles in place.

Why Use Bolt-Through Fixings?

Wood screws can inherently work loose and in time cause the screw hole to expand. For this reason, it is advisable to install bolt-through fixings alongside your wood screws as they strengthen installation and prevent the wood screws from moving and working loose. It is particularly important to install bolt-through fixing in commercial premises and high-traffic areas as they offer a secure fit and ensure your door handles stand the test of time.

Install Bolt-Through Fixings?

Bolt-through fixings are typically used in conjunction with wood screws to install door handles on rose. These are generally fitted on the horizontal axis to the left and right of the spindle. It is however only possible to use bolt-through fixings if the mortice door latch or mortice lock have bolt-through holes to accommodate the fixings. Once fitted the bolt-through fixings will be concealed by the outer rose of the handles for a tidy finish.

For more handy hints and tips on how to fit new door handles, why not check out our previous blog on ‘Replacing Door Handles on Existing Door’.

Replacing Door Handles on Existing Door

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 16:11:19 +0000

Replacing your door handles is a simple and effective way to update your home, but it is important to ensure that they will fit with ease and cover any old fixing holes or marks left behind from your old door handles. Considering the following to ensure your new handles are the perfect fit.

Backplate or Rose Size

You should first consider the dimensions of the backplate, or diameter of the rose on your new door handles to ensure that they will cover the old fixing holes and any marks remaining on your door from your old handles.

Centre Measurements

You may also wish to take into consideration the centre measurements on those doors with locks. Internal doors usually have lock centres of 57mm, which represents the distance between the spindle of the door handles and the centre point of the keyhole.

Latch or Lock Size

If replacing old door latches then it is important to consider the size of the face plate (on the inside of your door) and strike plate (situated on the door frame), as your door will have been morticed to accommodate the existing latch. If a new latch is required, then it is best to choose one that is the same or larger in size to conceal these cut-out sections.

Backset Measurement

Where a new latch or mortice lock is being installed it is important to consider the backset measurement of your latches and locks on your current doors. This measurement represents the distance from the centre of the spindle hole to the edge of the door. It’s easiest to install the same size latch or lock that is currently fitted to eliminate or at least reduce the work involved.

Spindle Size

When fitting new handles and making use of existing latches or locks then it’s worth checking the thickness of your current spindles, or the width of the follower (spindle hole) in the latch or lock so that you're sure these are of the UK standard size, 8mm² and will easily accommodate that of the spindles supplied with your new handles.

For more tips on fitting new door handles why not check out our blog on '8 Ways to Repair a Loose Wood Screw Hole' or 'Which Size Door Latch?'

How to Maintain Your Door Handles

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 17:00:12 +0000

Door handles are not an item you wish to replace regularly. For this reason, it is important to understand how to maintain your interior door handles and ensure they stand the test of time. We have put together a how to guide below to ensure that your handles are preserved for years to come.

Check Material

Interior door handles are most commonly manufactured from either stainless steel or chrome plated alloy. The material your handles are manufactured from will determine how they should be cleaned, so it is important to establish this information before you start cleaning them.

Polish Your Handles

As part of a regular maintenance regime you should simply buff your handles using a dry polishing cloth. Don’t be tempted to use an abrasive cloth and be sure not to use any chemical cleaners as this will cause damage to surface of your handles.

Clean Your Handles

To clean your interior door handles it is advisable to use only a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may have collected on the surface. It is however imperative to ensure that they are wiped dry following cleaning to ensure that no moisture collects on the surface of your handles.

Dry Surface Moisture

It is important to recognise when moisture appears on the surface of the handles and to ensure that the handles are wiped dry using a soft, dry cloth. This is especially relevant in areas of high condensation such as kitchens and bathrooms, as if moisture is left to settle on the surface of your handles it could lead to surface rust forming over time.

Remove Surface Rust

If surface rust or stains should appear on your stainless steel door handles then a non-scratching cleaner or polish that’s for use on stainless steel can be used. Be sure to apply with a soft cloth or sponge and clean off with clean warm water before wiping the handles dry to preserve the finish.

For more advise on door hardware why not check out our blogs on ‘8 Tips for Cleaning Interior Doors’ and how to ‘Repair Door Handles’.

Christmas Countdown

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 11:13:30 +0000

The count down to Christmas is on and what better way to start your festivities than with arts and crafts to involve the whole family prepare for Christmas day! Check out our hints and top tips for Christmas craft inspiration.

Edible Tree Decorations

Why flourish your tree with plastic ornaments when your decorations could double up as a tasty treat presented on the Christmas tree? Think shortbread stars and gingerbread baubles and to provide a sweet Christmassy scent throughout your home.

Christmas Stockings

Christmas stockings are a great way to inject a little Christmas cheer into your home. Think vivid red stockings with a cosy cream trim to add a little warmth to your decorations. Stockings are also a great way to display your gifts and can be easily hooked over door handles for presentation.

Paper Snowflakes

Paper snowflakes are a fantastic way to involve the family with decorating your room. They are simple and cost effective to make and look fabulous displayed at the window.

For more festive inspiration why not check out our previous blogs on Door Decorations for New Year Parties and 6 DIY Christmas Decoration Ideas.

How to Assemble Flat Pack Furniture

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 13:42:11 +0000

Flat pack furniture is a great way to reinvent your interior without a hefty price tag, but it does require a little patience and perseverance before its ready to take centre stage in your home. Check out our top three tips on how to approach assembling flat pack furniture.

Check the Contents

First locate the instructions and list of contents. Check that you have received all of the parts listed within and keep any small components such as screws and bolts safe, to ensure they are not misplaced! Next read the instructions to work out which tools you will need and gain an understanding of how your flat pack needs to be assembled.

Prepare

Lay down dust sheets in your workspace and make sure that your tools have been positioned close to hand. Where possible try to set up as close to where the completed item will be situated, as this will prevent you from having to move it too far once assembled.

Don’t Deviate

It is important not to take a lackadaisical approach to assembling flat pack furniture. While it may be tempting to ‘wing it’, it is important to make sure you follow each step of the instructions carefully or you may end up with having to take it apart to start again!

For more DIY inspiration why not read our earlier blogs on Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid and how to Repair Door Handles.

Key Boiler Checks You Should Make

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 16:36:24 +0000

It is invaluable to carry out regular checks on your boiler throughout the year, to ensure its ongoing safety and longevity. Your boiler is a crucial source of heat during the cold Winter months and if neglected can not only be extremely costly to replace, but could also cause serious health implications.

Don’t Skip a Service

It is imperative to ensure your boiler is regularly serviced by a qualified and registered engineer to ensure it is in good working order and if necessary, carry out any minor adjustments that may need addressing to ensure your boiler is safe and in good working order. Check your dates to ensure that you keep on top of your maintenance plan, as although it is worth making regular checks of your own in between scheduled visits this should never be done in place of your service.

Check the Water Pressure

It is advisable to regularly check that the water pressure level on your boiler match that of the guidelines set out by the manufacturer. This can be checked by simply viewing the pressure gauge on your boiler. If you should find a discrepancy it is best to seek advice from a reputable specialist, who will be able to establish if there are any problems and ensure that any potential issues are rectified safely.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

It is important to regularly check your carbon monoxide alarm, to ensure that you do not have a leak. Leaks of this nature can create disastrous consequences, so need to be identified and resolved quickly! If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide alarm installed then it could be worth installing one as they are inexpensive and easy to install.

Check External Pipework

With the Winter approaching it is important to check that there is sufficient insulation on your pipes. If your pipework is left exposed then this can lead to damage from the elements! If you do notice any gaps in your insulation, then ensure this is addressed quickly in order to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

For more handy hints and tips on home maintenance, why not check out our previous blogs offering DIY Inspiration for the Winter and Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid?

DIY Inspiration for the Winter

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 09:27:29 +0000

With Autumn now in full flow it is important to prepare for the colder months ahead. Read on for our top tips on how to ensure your home stays warm and weather-tight this Winter.

Window and Door Sealant

It is a good idea to check the sealant on your windows and doors, as any small gaps can lead to cold draughts within your home. It is relatively cheap and easy to re-touch the sealant on your windows and doors and with home DIY kits being readily available on the market, this could save you having to pay extra towards heating costs to compensate for any loss of heat this could cause. It may also be worth adding some graphite lubricant to your external door hardware to ensure it doesn’t become too stiff to operate in the cold weather.

Inspect your Roof

It is essential to ensure your home stays water-tight during the winter months. Consider checking your roof for loose or missing tiles, so you can address any potential issues quickly. It is also advisable to check your loft space to ensure no water has leaked from the roof. Should you find any issues with your roof then contact a professional to carry out repairs, but carrying out these simple checks could be invaluable in preventing larger issues occurring at a later stage. Once you are satisfied that your roof is in a good condition you may even consider improving the insulation in your loft space too.

Bleed your Radiators

This is possibly the most simple yet effective way to instantly maximise the heat potential within your home. The purpose of bleeding your radiator is to release any air that may have built up, to ensure that heat distributes evenly when your radiator is turned on. Once you have done this you will be sure to notice a difference throughout your home.

For more guidance on how to keep your home warm this Winter, why not check out our earlier blogs for guidance on Fixing a Draughty Door and how to Draught Proof Wooden Floors?

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 12:14:24 +0000

DIY is a fantastic skill to have, but be careful not to make any mistakes that could have been easily avoided, if only you had taken the right precautions! Before you start to undertake any DIY work, check out our top tips on how to avoid the most common DIY disasters in your own home!

Preparation

Preparation really is key when tackling a DIY project, but one of the most common DIY mistakes is to skip this vital step to get the job done faster. It is important to first research exactly what is involved in your project, to ensure you will get the results you desire! Remember that it is better to spend a little longer during planning to achieve a high-quality result that will stand the test of time, rather than making a quick fix that may not last and could ultimately become more time consuming to rectify. Taking time to complete tasks like hanging new doors and fitting new door handles may seem tedious, but ultimately can save you having to pay fees to a handyman.

Don't Cost Cut

Quality materials will not only achieve a superior finish but also stand the test of time. When investing in tools and other materials remember to also ensure that you have everything you need to preserve your items, as there is little point in investing in high-quality items if they are not going to be maintained. Spend time cleaning paintbrushes and oiling tools after use, as although this can be a time-consuming process it will prove invaluable in ensuring your tools are preserved for years to come.

Ask for Help

It is important to gain a realistic perspective on your abilities and recognise when you are simply out of your depth. Don’t be afraid to bring the professionals in to ensure the job is done properly and remember that where specialist works are required, it is important to leave skilled jobs to a qualified and reputable tradesperson. Despite your level of competence, do keep in mind that there are some jobs that should purely be left to the professionals and thoroughly researching your specific project will also prove a vital part of uncovering such areas.

Looking for some how to guides on getting started with DIY? Why not check our previous articles How to Fit a Door Frame Level and How to Repair Burn Marks on a Wooden Table?

Getting Started in DIY

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:41:43 +0000

With the Autumn already in full flow it’s the right time of year for making any home improvements before the Christmas rush! So what is DIY? It's simply an abbreviation of ‘Do It Yourself’ and can in its simplest form be hanging a picture and at its more advanced level encompass more specialist skills such as carpentry.

DIY Novice

Having said this, if you are a novice it is best to start small and build on your skills, so before proceeding with a large DIY project like building your own fitted kitchen, perhaps instead consider changing the kitchen cabinet doors and replacing the cupboard handles to update your kitchen instead.

Basic Tools

In order to carry out works on your own home you will first need a few basic tools. Possibly the most commonly used tools are a hammer, multi-head screwdriver, metal tape measure, spirit level, pipe and wire detector, electric drill, paint brushes, roller, wood saw and pliers.

Small Essentials

Don’t forget small essentials like screws, picture hooks, dust sheets and masking tape too! Of course, the exact tools you will need depends on what you are trying to achieve, so make sure that you have the necessary tools to hand before commencing work. Once you have your tools and essentials you are ready to get started with your first DIY project!

Need some tips first? Why not check out our previous blogs 8 Tips on Painting Like a Professional and how to Repair Door Handles.

Make Your Living Room Feel Larger

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 12:19:12 +0000

With the winter months looming, now is the perfect time to turn your home into a cosy space that can accommodate the whole family. Why not check out our top three tips on how to achieve a light and bright space in which to relax?

Use Light and Bright Colours

Using light colours does not limit you to using shades of magnolia but it is best to avoid dark shades and neon tones, as although they can make a room feel warm and cosy they can have a negative impact for those looking to instil an increased sense of space. Consider not only the colour of your walls but also that of your furnishings, as dark wood flooring and sofa’s will naturally take up a large proportion of your living space, so will therefore have a significant impact on the overall feeling of space within your room.

Use Proportionate Furniture

Choose furniture that is relative to the size of your room as oversized furniture is certainly not going to help your room feel any larger! When you shop for furniture remember that the items you are viewing will often appear smaller in the vast showroom space than they will once in your own home. Take time to measure your space and map out exactly how much of your room that dream sofa is going to take up before deciding that it’s the one for you!

Make a Statement with Mirrors

Mirrors are a fantastic way to make your room feel larger, as they reflect your space and bounce light around your room to give the illusion of a greater space. Why not use framed mirrors to create a bold feature within your living room? Copper accessories are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to add warmth to your space in time for winter too. Why not look to accessorise with a copper framed mirrors and matching copper door handles for a statement look.

For more inspiration on how to add a sense of warm to your interior, why not check out our previous blogs on Embrace the Winter Hygge or an Be Bold with Brass?

Updating Your Home on a Budget

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 10:01:24 +0000

Looking for inspiration on how to update your home, but struggling to achieve this on a budget? Look no further! Check out our top tips on how to create a modern and inspirational space without breaking the bank!

Repaint

A fresh lick of paint makes a big difference to the overall appearance of your room. It not only makes for a tidy and presentable space but also provides you with a black canvas on which to redesign your room. With a wide variety of colours and bespoke paint mixing services available, painting is a simple and cost effective way to refresh your room and bring it right back up to date!

Accessorise

Hoped to replace that dated sofa, but can’t justify the cost? Why not get creative and accessorise with a chic throw to reinvent its appearance. Complete the look by decorating with plush cushions, for a touch of indulgence at a fraction of the cost! Perhaps also consider updating other accessories within your space, for example, fitting new light shades and contemporary door handles to create a truly modern appearance.

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers or potted plants are a great way to freshen up your space and come at a fraction of the price of decorative ornaments. Hyacinths are a great choice for the Autumn as they inject a flash of colour into your interior and will also disperse a sweetly scented aroma to perfume your room!

For more advice and inspiration on how to recreate your interior on a budget, why not check out our previous blogs, Join The Upcycling Phenomenon and Leap Into Home Improvements.

Creating an Office at Home

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 15:48:17 +0000

Working from home can prove a difficult balance to strike between work and home, but it is mostly important to ensure a healthy balance between home and work life. It may be worth creating a separate space within your home to ensure a productive environment in which to complete your workload.

Choose Your Space

It is important to carefully consider your office space as you will inevitably spend a large proportion of time at your desk, so try and choose a room that is going to offer you enough space and natural light to enable a productive work environment. Be sure to install a blind at the window too in case you need to reduce the glare of natural sunlight on bright days.

Perfect Office Chair

It is important to invest in a supportive chair or back support if you spend a vast proportion of your time at a desk, as this will help you to maintain a good posture and enable you to sit comfortably at your desk.

Light and Bright Colour

Colour can make a powerful influence on our emotions. Perhaps most notably blue and green tones are recognised for instilling a sense of calmness and clarity and yellow for positivity. Why not incorporate colour into your work space by introducing a potted plant or colourful accessories to help inspire you during the day?

Organisation is Key

An organised space enables you to think clearly and ultimately be productive in your work. Be sure to assign everything its rightful place and be careful that extra items don’t in time creep in from the other rooms in your house. It is important that your office does not double up as a storage space, as this could cause your work space to feel cluttered. Perhaps also consider installing key locking door handles on your door, to keep your office feeling separate from the rest of your home once you have finished work for the day.

Motivational Quotes

Motivational quotes are a great way to gain inspiration, especially for those working at home without colleagues. Why not make a creative display board of your favourite quotes to achieve a positive and engaging work space.

Feeling inspired? Why not check out our previous blogs on Utilising Space and Discover Minimlism?

Finding Your First Home

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 12:10:51 +0000

The world of first time home buying is both an exciting and daunting process. Check out our top tips on how best to prepare for finding your perfect home!

Budget

It may seem obvious, but it is important to establish your budget before you start your property search! If you are buying your first home with a mortgage then it is important to gain a realistic understanding of how your savings translate to the amount you can borrow, so you can establish which properties to view.

Requirements

It is important to consider your requirements and make a clear definition between those that are essential and preferred. This way you can save time on unnecessary viewings and make a confident decision on whether you wish to proceed with a property. Location, number of bedrooms and parking requirements are a good starting point when compiling your list.

Perhaps your dream home is a four-bed house in the suburbs, but it is often not always realistic to achieve this with your first home. Consider how many rooms you need, the maximum radius you can search from work and if public transport links or a driveway would be more beneficial to you.

Viewing

Once you have determined your requirements you are ready to view! It is advisable to approach viewings with a realistic yet open mind. You may not like the current décor in any of the houses you view, but re-decorating your home is often a quick fix and a large part of the fun!

Repainting the walls, updating door handles and light fittings are all little things you can change as and when you can afford to. If you are looking for a larger renovation project however then make sure you have thoroughly researched the costs and time that may be associated with any work that will be carried out, as you need to ensure that you will have the time and budget to achieve your goals!

Reflect

It is advisable to attend a few different viewings in order to establish the current market values and it may be that you need to view a few properties before you decide on proceeding with a particular property. You may even find after having viewed a few homes that you need to compromise on your preferences in order to fit your budget, but don’t let this taint your experience as getting onto the property ladder is both a big achievement and an exciting new phase in your life!

Already moved in and need some design inspiration? Why not check out our previous blogs Leap into Home Improvements and Join the Upcycling Phenomenon?

Be Bold with Brass

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 10:19:53 +0000

Brass is a wonderful choice for those looking to inject a sense of opulence into any space. It is a powerful substitute for chrome and copper, offering both a sense of warmth and light into your room. Sound intriguing? Why not check out our top tips on how best to introduce brass into your home?

Make a Statement

Bold brass accessories are a very elegant way to introduce accessories into a neutral space. Think a dramatic oversized brass chandelier paired with stunning polished brass door knobs and gold framed mirror to reflect the luscious golden tones around your room.

Replicate Golden Tones

Don’t be afraid to introduce soft furnishings for a cosy and uniform finish. Think plush gold cushions and tactile throws subtly laced with black or turquoise tones for a striking impact, or subtle cream hues for a calm and serene interior.

Think Bespoke

Brass is best used as a statement, so if you really want to create a truly designer look in your interior then don’t be afraid to break the mould and introduces a few bespoke pieces which reflect your own personality into your space too.

Looking for further inspiration? Why not check out our previous blogs on how to Make a Statement with Copper or Join the Upcycling Phenomenon.

Revamp Your Garden

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:23:18 +0000

We often spend time maintaining our homes, but it’s important not to forget about your garden too. With summer upon us, now is the perfect time to refresh your garden before the Autumn weather sets in. Here are our top three tips on maintaining your garden this summer.

Maintain your flora

Perhaps it is obvious, but the best place to start is by maintaining the flora in your garden. Start by mowing the lawn, defining borders and pruning your plants and hedges, to ensure a tidy finish. It is important however to remember to wait until all of the flowers have dropped before starting to prune, so you don’t miss this years’ bloom!

Maintain your Borders

Now you will have created a manageable space with easy access to your borders, you can look to sculpt your box-hedges and re-paint any fences and garden gate. While this can at first seem like an arduous task, it is a worthwhile job to do as will ensure that your boundaries are well-maintained and stand the test of time.

Gate Security

Check your garden gate furniture is in good working order to ensure your property is kept secure. When installing new ironmongery, it is advisable to check the gate furniture offers a protective weather-resistant finish for a low-maintenance security solution.

For more inspiration for your garden, why not check out our previous blog on how to Design Your Perfect Patio.

Discover Minimalism

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 11:34:07 +0000

Too busy and can’t find the time or space to unwind? Why not consider minimalism? Minimalism is quite simply mind over matter; declutter your home to declutter your mind. Surely this is a worthy consideration in our busy modern lives?

Practical and Organised

So where do you start? It is important to first consider your essentials and not give up any of your well-earned luxuries. Remember that Minimalism is not about living frugally in a bare and empty space. It is about creating practical and organised surroundings tailored to suit your lifestyle! It is also a great way of showcasing the luxury items you have, so they don’t just get lost in the background! If you really want to make a feature, think calming whitewashed walls paired with striking black door handles and light fittings, softened with the introduction of plants in matching black pots.

Minimalist Concepts

Nowadays we live in a busy and disposable society, with material goods having more emphasis in our lives than they ever would have done in the past. With the increased use of electronic communication devices in the last decade, our ‘me’ time is rapidly diminishing. Of course, it would be unrealistic to simply just remove all modern technology from our homes, but if you would appreciate some quality time out in which to relax and unwind each day, a dedicated relaxation space inspired by Minimalist concepts could be invaluable to create the calm and tranquil space you desire.

Why not check out our previous blogs on how to Join the Upcycling Phenomenon and Monochrome Madness.

Make a Statement with Copper

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 07:56:58 +0000

Copper has recently taken the nation by storm following the growing trend for renovating old industrial properties in which carefully restored exposed copper rafters and highly polished pipework can be seen featured. Of course, the average home does not sport these quirky structural features, but why let that stop you from embracing the growing trend and creating your own copper infused home.

Warm Ambience

Copper is a fantastic option for your home as it injects a warm ambience into your interior and helps to create a truly bespoke space. With a number of copper products now readily available on the market, why not look to embrace the copper craze throughout your home! Copper is not only bang on trend, but also a versatile medium which can be used in almost any type of interior. Why not check out our handy hints and tips for introducing copper into your own home!

Designer Aspect

For a traditional country home it is important to decorate sympathetically in order to retain the charisma of your home. Copper is an effective way to introduce a designer aspect within this type of interior without loosing any of the original charm. Think solid oak kitchen units and terracotta tiled floors, offset with striking copper cup handles and copper sink for a truly in keeping and luxurious finish.

Perfect Palate

It goes without saying that copper is the perfect palate to choose when looking to furnish a newly converted industrial building, as it not only emphasises the buildings original features but also assists in transforming the inherently large open-plan space into a warm and contemporary home. If you really want your copper features to stand out, try juxtaposing your copper accessories with stark white-washed walls, but be sure to introduce luxurious textured soft furnishings in neutral tones to ensure a comfortable vibe!

Feeling inspired? Why not check out our previous blog on an Introduction to Copper Door Handles for more top tips on how to incorporate copper throughout your home!

Steel Framed Windows & Doors

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 10:27:45 +0000

Home renovations have taken the population by storm in recent years, with homeowners looking to step away from the mould and create their own bespoke space. For many of us windows and doors are often overlooked when it comes to redecorating, but they form an integral part of an interior which impacts greatly upon the style of each room within your property. Surely for this reason, this is an ideal place to start your renovations, as it could provide the inspiration needed to help you think outside of the box and create a more unique living space.

Typically wooden or PVC framed windows and doors are fitted within the modern home, but steel framed alternatives offer a versatile option for those looking to refit a contemporary home or sympathetically restore a period property. Steel frames are long lasting, hard wearing and available in many different colours for a truly tailored finish. Monochrome interiors are a particularly popular innovation at present and work well within both modern and period homes. For those looking to create a dramatic impact within any space, think striking black window frames against stark white walls accessorised with bold black door handles and curtain poles for a smart and uniform finish.

Another appeal of steel framed windows and doors is that they need not only be used on your external walls. In fact, they can also be incorporated as a partition inside your home. This innovation has been used in both homes and offices to create the illusion of one light and open space. This is a particularly effective technique for those looking to maximise the potential of natural light throughout the home and instil an increased sense of space within each room, without the need to extend your property or convert your home into an open plan space.

For more ideas on designing your perfect interior, why not check out our previous blogs, Monochrome Madness or Get the Art Deco Look.

Design Your Perfect Patio

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 16:22:11 +0000

Is your garden looking tired and uninspired? Fear not! With the winter months firmly behind us, it’s time to get set for summer and spend time enjoying the glorious weather from your garden! For many of us the house takes priority while the garden often suffers neglect and is used simply to deliver a low maintenance and child friendly space during the summer months, but with a little imagination it can offer so much more! Think barbeques, family games and quiet relaxation areas all rolled into one.

Dedicated Spaces

The first thing to decide is what your garden needs to deliver and from this you will be able to plan dedicated spaces with a purpose, but a good place to start is with your patio. It is important to consider where you enjoy relaxing in the garden and if you like to sit in the sun or the shade. It is also worth noting how large an area you want to dedicate to this space in relation to the others. One you have planned this, you will need to decide upon the materials you wish to use.

Concrete Slabs

Perhaps most commonly seen are traditional concrete slabs and contemporary wood decking. Concrete slabs are a hardy and low maintenance option for those looking to create a patio area and reclaimed slabs can often be sourced at a fraction of the cost. They also offer a low maintenance solution, only occasionally requiring weeding in between each slab, which can be easily achieved using a paving brush and or weeder.

Wooden Decking

In recent years however, wooden decking has provided a fashionable alternative to the traditional concrete slab, but does not offer the durability of a concrete slab and requires regular treatment to ensure a lasting finish. Solid wood panels are also much more complex to install, as the decking needs to be mounted over a slightly elevated framework to avoid direct contact with the ground. While this is a nice feature for those seeking a quiet haven to relax in, it is also imperative to ensure that the rain water does not soak into the wood causing warping and rot.

Composite Decking

PVC and composite decking offers a compromise between the low-maintenance properties of concrete slabs and stylish appearance of wooden decking, boasting easy fit functionality, anti-warp and low maintenance properties making this innovation a strong contender to suit a busy modern lifestyle. It is also available in a spectrum of colours, making it easy to make your garden a true extension of your home. For a monochrome interior think striking black decking or subtle silver-wood tones. If you really want to work the garden into your living space however, why not opt for copper door handles on wood-frame doors to replicate the natural tones of your garden?

Read our article How to Look after Garden Decking for top tips on how to maintain or refinish your garden decking.

Geometric Tiles

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:43:19 +0000

Tired of minimalist, showhome interiors and want to add a little character into your home? Why not look to introduce Geometric tiling into your home?

Bold Feature

Geometric tiles are a fantastic way to introduce a bold feature into any home. First popularised in the Victorian period, Geometric tiles are a largely preserved feature in traditional properties of the Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian periods and offer a stylish and relevant attribute to homes of these eras. Traditionally, these tiles were moulded from clay and featured intricate patterns and bold, dramatic hues for a lavish and impressive feature, such as the beautiful Minton tiles featured in St. John’s Church, Croydon.

Dramatic Statement

Although often overlooked in contemporary interiors, Geometric tiles are also a versatile choice for those looking to inject a dramatic statement into a modern space and are a fantastic way to add a touch of individuality into any modern home. Tiling also offers a durable and easy clean surface to suit our busy modern lifestyles. With a variety of different patterns and styles available on the market, Geometric tiles surely could be the perfect choice for those looking to inject a little personality into any modern home.

Geometric Tiling

For a contemporary interior, plain geometric tiling is a great way to introduce interest into a blank space. Think bold art deco prints in colourful primary tones, or stylish monochrome to coordinate with striking black door handles and curtain poles and light fittings. For a country property why not consider featuring geometric tiles manufactured from the traditional clay medium and pairing with copper accessories for a soft and warm hue?

Whatever your preferred style and colour scheme, geometric tiling is a truly versatile medium to create your very own bespoke and design led space.

Read our article Monochrome Madness for further inspiration and top tips on how to design your perfect monochrome home.

Join the Upcycling Phenomenon

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 15:34:02 +0000

Upcycling has become a popular choice for homeowners in recent years, offering both an environmentally friendly and cost effective way to redecorate and furnish your home. There are many ways in which you can upcycle materials to use within your home and you need not be a DIY expert to get fantastic results!

Unique Stamp

Upcycling is a fantastic theme for first time buyers to take on as furniture can often be sourced for a fraction of the cost of that bought new and in some cases is even given away for free, so not only could your new home could be fully furnished in no time, you could also pick up some fabulous bespoke pieces and reconfigure them to put your own unique stamp on your home!

Experiment a Little

Don’t be afraid to experiment a little with accessories too. Think coat hooks made from antique door knobs, light shades and chandeliers made from recycled glass bottles or jam jars, and clocks made from unwanted records. As always with upcycling, the costs are low and the design possibilities endless!

DIY Fanatic

Of course, if you are a DIY fanatic you need not purely limit yourself to renovations. You could design and build your own bespoke furniture or even refit your entire kitchen from reclaimed materials! Whatever your skill level, with a little creativity and ingenious we can all benefit from a little upcycling for a truly bespoke home!

Read our article 5 Highly Creative Ways to Reuse Old Door Knobs for more great ideas on upcycling.

Utilising Space

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 08:52:12 +0000

We all have a ‘Box Room’ within our homes, but how does one best utilise this space to ensure it remains a calm and uncluttered haven? Of course, each household has a different use for their spare room. Most commonly the box room is intended to be a home office or a bedroom, but for many households this room ends up being used as an additional storage space. We believe that your spare room can be used exactly how you intend and still offer you the extra space you need to store all of your additional items. For inspiration on how best to achieve this read our top three tips below:

Proportionate Furniture

Our number one tip for making the most of a small space is to think carefully about the size of the furniture you are going to install into your space. Consider the dimensions of the items you are planning to have in the room and ensure you will be satisfied with the amount of floor space left around this item once the furniture has been added to your room. In a box room office consider adding a slimline desk, for example.

Storage Space

A little organisation can go a long way! Make sure that your items have a designated place within the room and keep your items tidy to ensure chaos does not pursue! Consider space saving items like a divan bed, for example, to maximise on available storage space within your room. Don’t be afraid to have a clear out from time to time to ensure your room does not become overloaded with excess items!

Bright Interior

Choose your lighting carefully. A dark and dingy room can often feel claustrophobic, so if your room is also on the cosy side ensure you have maximised the amount of potential natural light in your room. Where possible install voiles rather than blinds at your windows to soften bright sunlight streaming through your window during the daytime and choose light, neutral shades for your curtains and carpets. This does not mean that you need to settle for a bland room, but instead be mindful of the overall impression of the space you are creating. Adding colourful feature pieces can be a great way to add a little interest into your room. Displaying a colourful painting and fitting polished internal door handles, is a great way to inject a little personality into your room.

Read our article How to Furnish a Galley Kitchen for more great ideas on making the most of small spaces.

Monochrome Madness

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 11:12:36 +0000

Super sleek and ultra-modern monochrome is back! The fabulous thing about this trend is that it is can be as subtle or as striking as you like and is relatively inexpensive to achieve. It is a fantastic way to add a modern twist to a tudor-style home by accentuating its dark beams and striking window frames, but you can also create this look in a modern home. Check out our top tips below for idea’s on how to design your perfect monochrome home.

Tone

The first thing you need to establish is the tone of your walls, in terms of how light or dark you wish to paint them. It is worth bearing in mind that your room will feel brighter and more spacious if you paint it a light colour, but warmer and more muted if painted in a deeper shade. As a rule of thumb a smaller room will benefit from a lighter shade, whereas larger rooms tend to absorb a deeper shade better. Whatever you choose, it is important to establish your base colour first so you can best decide how to accessorise your room.

Accessories

First you need to decide on the overall look you are hoping to achieve. Contrast is key for achieving a dramatic effect, but subtlety can often help to create a more relaxed and serene space. Create a striking result by pairing white washed walls with bold features, a black fireplace, black door handles and curtain poles, for example, could be used to exaggerate the overall impression of the room. Alternatively you could layer shades of grey throughout your room to achieve a softer and more subtle effect. Why not consider grey accessories, for example a soft grey marbled fireplace paired with either anthracite grey or chrome door handles and a decorative mirror to achieve a luxurious finish.

Texture

Texture is absolutely key when designing a monochrome room, as it can be used to inject a sense of warmth and luxury into your space. Think plush velvet cushions, warm throws and decadent curtains. Rugs can also be introduced to a tiled or boarded floor to add a little luxury and soften the appearance of the space. For ultimate dramatic effect, bold geometric prints can be introduced in your soft furnishings to create a striking focal point within your room.

Colour

Don’t be afraid to introduce aspects of colour if you feel inspired to! If you feel your room would benefit from an injection of colour you can use the monochrome look as a platform on which to introduce colour. The simplest way to so this is to introduce some bright accessories such as decorative cushion covers and paintings. For example, primrose yellow works especially well with soft grey hues to add a little lift into your space, whereas pillar box red is ideal for a statement room proudly displaying bold geometric prints, so adapt the look as you wish to create your perfect space!

Looking for further ideas then read our article Home Interior Design Tips.

How to Furnish a Galley Kitchen

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 15:27:44 +0000

Galley kitchens can offer a fantastic amount of work surface space making them ideal for the keen cook, but with limited floor space you need to consider the overall design of your room carefully to ensure your kitchen does not end up feeling claustrophobic and enclosed.

Choose Your Units

Where possible install light coloured units to give the illusion of a larger surface area. Gloss surfaces are also a fantastic way to create the illusion of a larger space as they help to bounce light around the room. Carefully consider how much cupboard space you need, as you could opt to install slimline units to maximise on floor space, but be confident that you have enough storage space if you do this as the installation of additional freestanding units at a later date may leave your room feeling even shorter on space.

Consider Your accessories

In a galley kitchen it can be difficult to find the space to introduce accessories to personalise your space. Take your time to select the essential details like your kitchen cupboard handles and splashback, as these items will ultimately become the focal point in your room. If you have a particularly long room it may even be worth considering incorporating a dining/breakfast area at the end of the room to break up the linear structure of the units and create the illusion of a wider space.

Select Your Colour Scheme

Where possible use light and neutral shades of colour in large areas. Although bold colours are a fantastic way to add warmth and put your own stamp on a room, they can often make a limited space feel smaller. Lighting is a fantastic alternative to add an increased sense of warmth into your space and any additional lighting can prove to be an extremely useful addition to your kitchen. Additional lighting can be installed underneath your kitchen cupboards and ceiling lights swapped for spot lights to provide an increased sense of warmth into your space.

Not sure on which kitchen cupboard handles are suitable, then read our article 8 Tips on Choosing Kitchen Cupboard Handles.

Embrace the Winter Hygge

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 16:06:14 +0000

Hygge is a Scandinavian concept which is currently trending across the globe. The meaning of Hygge is 'cosy' and the idea behind this phenomenon is to promote emotional wellbeing in our daily lives by spending precious time with friends and family in warm & comfortable surroundings. With loved ones no doubt scheduled to visit over the festive period, what a perfect time of year it is to embrace the winter Hygge! So here are a few ideas to inspire your own Hygge this winter.

Introduce Warm Colours

It is common for our homes to be spruced up in time for Christmas as we spend more time indoors during the winter months and like to prepare for the many visitors we will welcome into our homes at Christmas. If you have a large space and want to create the ultimate cosy feel into your home, consider painting your walls in a bold, theatrical colour like a warm red or forest green. If your living space is a little more modest, why not introduce these colours into your soft furnishings and accessories instead, for example cushion covers and light shades. Stainless steel and chrome ironmongery can also be swapped for copper to add more warmth to your room. Why not consider replacing your chrome door handles, light sockets and switches for those in copper too?

Add Warm Textures

Soft furnishings really are key for dressing up the look. Tactile blankets and warm throws will instantly inject a little luxury into your living space. Consider using thick fabrics with lavish textures such as velvet and velour for the ultimate cosy feeling. If you do not have carpet in your living space, perhaps consider adding a decorative rug to increase the sense of warmth in your space. For a little extra luxury, dress curtains can be added to living rooms where blinds usually feature during the Summer months.

Consider your Lighting

Mood lighting is a fantastic way to create an intimate atmosphere, but do consider the overall look you are going for. Dark coloured lamp shades will instantly reduce the overall level of light in your room and inject an increased sense of warmth to your space, but they can also make a small room feel even smaller. If your space is a little more limited, you may prefer to invest in a dimmer switch instead so you can custom select your required level of lighting. Table lamps and lava lamps are a great focal point in a smaller room, or in a living room where there is no fireplace featured.

Read our article Introduction to Copper Door Handles for more ideas on the introduction of Art Deco into your home.

Get the Art Deco Look

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 16:13:00 +0000

With Art Deco having recently made a swift come back, what can we do to introduce this high fashion look into our own homes? The Art Deco movement was founded in Paris in the earliest 20th century and quickly spread in popularity. It has also maintained a high level of popularity across the globe for many years since. Art Deco is characteristically comprised of bold geometric designs married with the vibrant colours we often associate with the continent. You can see the influence of the early Parisian architecture in the line work that prevails within this popular style. The Eiffel Tower (Paris), and the more recent Chrysler building (New York City) are both a fantastic example of the industrial style designs that are inherent to the Art Deco movement.

Art deco is a fantastic way to add maximum impact into a relatively muted space, with feature pieces being used to inject dramatic effect into the room. Be sure to choose your feature pieces carefully, to ensure that they are show cased and do not draw attention away from one another. Choose a bold geometric print for your curtains, for example and tie in with add a coordinating painting to a blank wall to complement the look.

Simplicity really is key when putting this look together and colours are a great way to effectively coordinate the Art Deco look in your home. Black and rose gold is currently a popular combination that will create a striking focal point within your room and will complement the Art Deco style perfectly. Why not pair your geometric curtains with a striking black curtain pole and black door handles to complete the look? Think the American Radiator Building (New York City), with its powerful and striking stance, or the Carbide & Carbon building (Chicago) for its majestic elegance.

The Art Deco look can also be incorporated into glass works and decorative radiator grilles within your home. If you are lucky enough to have some original Art Deco style windows or radiator grilles in your home, you could use them as the feature piece from which to draw your influence for the rest of your space. The tip of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church (Oklahoma) is a fantastic example featuring intricate Art Deco glass works.

Read our article Introduction to Copper Door Handles for more ideas on the introduction of Art Deco into your home.

Introduction to Copper Door Handles

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 16:04:17 +0000

Copper has become a popular choice for statement accessories in transitional interiors, but what is the most effective way to display copper in our homes? Typically, copper accessories are used to compliment the exposed copper rafters and piping we often associate with an industrial property. Its bold, rose golden colour also works well in this setting as it adds a sense of warmth to your space. Here are our top three tips for introducing copper accessories into your home.

Staple Items

Staple items are a great way to introduce a new theme throughout your home. Copper door handles and light switches are a great way to introduce copper into your living space, as they can be used from room to room to create a sense of unity throughout your home. Remember when using copper accessories as your feature within a room, they are a fantastic feature piece on their own so always work well to compliment a simple and relatively neutral space.

Copper Piping

If you have exposed copper piping in your home and want to make a statement of it, then strip the paint from your pipe work and polish the copper to achieve a high shine finish to complement your staple item. This technique can be applied to your radiator pipework and any other exposed pipes in the kitchen and bathroom.

For the DIY Shy

For the DIY shy, there is of course an easier way to incorporate copper into your home. There are many copper finished products on the market now, from copper framed mirrors and photo frames to curtain rails, light shades and blinds. If you currently have chrome or stainless steel taps in your kitchen and bathroom, you may also wish to consider swapping these for some copper ones to continue your copper theme! You can even complete the look with matching copper pans and kitchen utensils!

Of course, you need not renovate your whole home in copper. You may prefer to explore this look in one room only. However, you choose to use copper in your home, you can be sure to achieve a thoroughly modern and quirky finish.

Read our article Home Improvements add Value for further tips and great ideas on improving your home interior.

Home Improvements add Value

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:54:37 +0000

Thinking of selling your home, but don’t think you have maximised the potential value? Here are 5 helpful tips to modernise your home.

Repaint the Walls

Repaint the walls and doors in a neutral colour to create a blank canvas for your buyers and create the illusion of a larger room. Sometimes, buyers can find it difficult to visualise themselves in your space. By neutralising your home and removing your personal touch, buyers may find it easier to imagine how they could use the space and how they could best configure it for their own family. To add a modern twist, you may also like to consider fitting new internal door handles.

Replace old Carpet

Replace dated carpets with plain carpets or flooring in a neutral shade. If you live in a period property, you may be lucky enough to discover some original floor boards beneath the carpets. These are easily restored using a sander and varnish, and even if you find that there are a few squeaky boards then these can be easily repaired. If on the other hand you already have neutral carpets, but they are pale in colour you will know that although they are highly stylish and can make a room feel enlarged, they can also show any dirt more easily than darker or patterned carpets. If this is the case, why not hire a carpet cleaner for the day to show them off in their full glory!

Renovate your Kitchen

Are your kitchen cabinets looking a little tired? You can renovate the appearance of your kitchen at a relatively low cost by painting the cabinet doors in a light shade or replacing them with a more modern design. To finish the look, replace the kitchen cupboard door handles with modern designer ones.

Re-tile the Bathroom

Replace any colourful bathroom units with modern white ones and re-tile the bathroom in a neutral colour. If you are not planning to re-tile the whole room, then paint the remaining area’s in a white or cream shade. If you are short on storage space, you may wish to purchase a vanity unit to store your cosmetics in, so the room appears clutter free in time for your viewing.

Rearrange your Belongings

Neatly store your belongings out of sight and add shelving or storage units where required. If a viewer can see your belongings laid out around your home, they may conclude that there is not ample storage in your house and move on to their next viewing.

Read our article Home Interior Design Tips for further tips and great ideas on improving your home.

Leap into Home Improvements

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 16:24:22 +0000

With leap year coming around just once every four years, it’s not very often we get to decide what to do with and how to make the extra day memorable. We decided to have a look at this topic and discovered that whilst some of us will be involved in unusual and crazy activities, others holding parties to celebrate or spending an extra evening with friends and family, many more of us leap into home improvements ready for when spring arrives. We’ve put together a short list of cheap, easy and effective DIY home improvements for you and your home to take a leap this February, keep reading for five ideas on home improvements that will transform your home, adding value and style in no time at all.

Natural Light

It probably comes as no surprise that sunlight not only improves the look and feel of a room, but will lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face. Maximising the natural light that enters the room is an easy, effective and well-timed home improvement ready for the spring and summer sunshine to come. Replace heavy curtains for blinds, install skylights where possible, cut back trees and hedge rows that are causing obstruction to your windows and don’t forget the easiest improvement of all is to simply clean your windows inside and out.

Switch your Switch Plates

White plastic switches and plug sockets in modern homes are out, but properties that we’re built some years ago will no-doubt still have the standard and some may say boring white plastic sockets so many of us are now replacing. Whether experienced in DIY or simply enjoy a challenge, you must importantly always turn off the power at the fuse box before switching the switch and plug socket plates. With many finishes now available including chrome, stainless steel or even black nickel it’s quick and easy to modernise your switches and sockets.

Door Handles

A small home improvement that makes a big difference is replacing old door handles with those that are modern . A step further which isn’t much more of a job would be replacing all door furniture including latches and door hinges as well. Easy, cheap and highly effective, fitting new door handles and door furniture throughout your home or just a room at a time will revive tired looking interiors and transform your entrances into those that greet you and guests in style.

Wall Art and Paintings

Colourful wall art is a great way to add an interesting focal point to any room throughout your home, but the arrangement of and hanging each piece is where it can easily go wrong! Two of the most important things to consider are the scale of the piece and at the height it will be positioned. Along with the scale of and checking the central point is at eye-level, before filling your walls with picture hooks and holes use paper placements the same size as the art work to trial on different walls around the room, this will indicate how the master piece will look and avoid the frustration of hanging or placing the art incorrectly.

Shampoo your Carpets

With spring inching closer and the hope of better weather ahead now’s a good time to shampoo your carpets, you’ll be surprised with just how clean your carpets can look. Share the experience and make a day of it with a friend or family member as you’ll need some help with moving furniture anyway. Most machines will tear up an average sized room within half an hour or less, so with the extra day this leap year you’ll not only be able to complete your home but your neighbour’s too.

Read our article Home Interior Design Tips for further great on ideas on improving your home.

How to Fit a Door Frame Level

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:03:00 +0000

Perhaps we should have written this article sooner, but seen as we haven’t it’s about time we did! When it comes to fitting door frames in a newly built property or when replacing existing frames, it’s crucial to install them perfectly level and square so that when it comes to hanging the interior doors and fitting interior door handles you end up with a faultless doorway. At the same time as ensuring that the door frame is fitted level and square it is also important to make sure that the left and right trims of the frame are running perfectly parallel with each other so that you don’t end up with doors that when closed the bottom reaches the frame before the top, or the other way round. Door latches and door locks that don’t locate the strike plate are another common issue caused with frames that are unsquared.

Assembling the Door Frame

If you haven’t purchased pre-assembled frames then you will need to assemble them before being able to fit them. Door frames that aren’t pre-assembled will come with the left and right trims, header and still. Some frames have headers that are the same thickness as the side trims and others have headers that are narrower. If the headers are the same thickness then this allows for you to assemble the frame whichever way around you choose, whereas in the case the header is of a different thickness you must assemble the trims the correct way, allowing for the doors width. Once you have determined the assembly plan, you can slot them together using amble wood glue and 3 wood screws on each joint.

Squaring the Door Frame

It makes for a much tidier and quicker install if the frame is perfectly square and parallel. You can check this by taking the measurements diagonally from the bottom right to the top left and the bottom left to the top right corners and if square you’ll find these measurements are identical. If there not, then loosen of the screws and adjust/realign and tighten the screws before checking again.

Bracing the Frame

If fitting a standard interior door, it will be easiest if you brace the side trims towards the bottom so that they are held apart at the exact same distance as that of the top of the frame. A diagonal brace can also be added to one of the top corners to help keep the frame perfectly square during manoeuvring and fitting within the doorway. Bracing the bottom at the same width as the top is easiest to achieve using a piece of wood (2x4 inch) cut to the same width as the header. Position the wooden brace 6-8 inches up from the bottom and nail it to the exterior side along the far right and left edges of the trims so that when removed the nail holes are concealed by the frames architrave. You can do this on both sides of the trims/frame, at the same height which will keep the trims perfectly straight. The diagonal brace can also be added in the similar way, using a framing square to hold the brace at a 90° angle whilst nailing it.

Levelling the Header

Position the door frame in the doorway opening and check the header is level using a spirit level. Regardless of whether level or not, at this point it makes good practice to mark one of the sides using a pencil, so if removed to make adjustments your able to quickly determine which way round to put the frame back in. If the headers level then you’re ready to move to the next step but if it isn’t then place wedges under the side of the frame that needs to go up until it levels out. After you are sure the header is perfectly level, measure the distance from the bottom of the trim to the ground on the wedged side of the frame. Once you have measured and checked your measurements, remove the frame and cut the length off the bottom of the opposite trim, and when returned to the opening the header should now be level.

Fixing the Frame in Place

It’s important to get both sides of the frame fixed in place as straight as possible. If the doorway is within a section of studwork then drill 4-5 pairs of holes in each trim, that are evenly spaced out along the full height of the door frame. If fitting to a brick wall then space the drill holes out as equally as possible making sure that they are also positioned to fall in the middle of the brick to avoid cracks. Next, ensuring that the frame is lined up, tighten the screws on the hinge side first. Once you have tightened all screws use a spirit level on the internal face of the trim to check that it is running straight, and repeat on the other side. You may need to use wedges of wooden packing to fill hollow areas, along within loosening off and tightening screw pairs individually to achieve perfectly straight sides on your door frame.

Once you have fitted the door frame you can move on to fitting new door hinges to your doors, read our article on how to fit door hinges or buy door handles UK from our wide selection of modern door furniture ready for once your doors are hung.

How to Saw Kitchen Worktops

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:51:00 +0000

If you’ve read our article on choosing kitchen cupboard handles then rejuvenating your kitchen cupboards and replacing your chrome door handles is hopefully complete. Now it’s time to take on the dreaded job of sawing the kitchen worktop to size, which seems to worry most DIY enthusiasts and even kitchen fitters more so than other jobs. Perhaps this is because of the cost of kitchen worktops or maybe because worktops are so visible that even the slightest of mistakes will show, but as long as you have the correct tools to hand, measure and check your measurements and mark lines at least twice before cutting, then sawing a kitchen worktop will be a breeze.

The best tool for the job, which is almost impossible to do without, is a circular saw. As long as the blade is suitable for fine cuts and sharp then it shall cut through laminated chipboard or hardwood kitchen worktops like a hot knife through butter. There are a however a couple of areas for thought when using a circular saw though, along with ensuring you’re wearing the appropriate work wear, safety goggles, earplugs and dust mask.

Read on for some tips and ideas on how to avoid chips when sawing laminated type kitchen worktops and improve results.

Avoid Chips

Some people suggest that using masking tape on the laminated surface of kitchen worktops during cutting and others would recommend sawing the worktop from the underside due to the teeth on circular saw blades only cutting on their way up, we say the combination of both methods works best and significantly reduces the chance of chips occurring.

Straight Cut

Another tip to improve results and end up with a clean straight cut, is once everything is measured, checked and marked out, use a perfectly straight edge that is clamped down to the worktop along the cut line using several G-clamps so that you can push up against it as a guide.

Improve the Cut

Ensuring that both sides and the full length of the worktop are supported will also improve the cut, even off-cut sections should be supported to stop any burr, splintering or damage occurring. Support the worktop using saw benches and if possible the help of a friend.

Support

Another method of support, which works well and leads to almost a complete reduction of splintering and chips in the laminate is to have a large sheet of ½ inch or thicker MDF underneath the kitchen worktop and setting the depth of the circular saw to cut into it by a couple of millimetres. The benefit of doing this is that the complete surface area of the worktop is supported, eliminating the chances of damage being caused by strains or snaps prior to the cut is finished.

No Pressure

Start the circular saw before the blade comes into contact with the worktop, then allowing the saw to do its job, rather than applying a forwards pressure, let it pull/glide through the worktop keeping a slow and controlled speed throughout the whole length of the cut.

Avoid Exit Wounds

Saw from the front rounded edge to the back of the kitchen worktop, so that the saw blade exits on the far side will also improve results. Exiting from the back will also mean that any exit burrs created by the saw will be hidden against the wall.

Play Around

If you still have an old kitchen worktop, or just a section of laminated board then make use of it, play around and make as many practice cuts as possible, after all practice makes perfect.

Should you scratch your kitchen worktop whilst fitting it or at any point after, then you may find our article on how to repair plastic scratches helpful.

8 Tips on Painting like a Professional

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:57:00 +0000

Painting your home, whether inside or out was once a job left only to a professional decorator, but over the years this has changed. With the availability improving and price of decorating materials decreasing coupled with the cost of employing a professional decorator to begin with, many of us are now choosing to pick up the paintbrush ourselves not to mention getting stuck into other DIY jobs that we didn’t previously take on. The question is, are the results as good, maybe there better or they certainly could be if you read on for our 8 tips on painting like a professional.

Preparation

Painting over the top of cracks or flaking paint is simply a waste of time and effort, with the defects showing up again almost as soon as you've put the paintbrush down. Fill the cracks and sand any areas of peeling paints before applying new paint. Similarly there’s little point to painting over grease spots or damp areas and by preparing the areas first will lead to a much more professional look and finish.

Paint behind

Removing or loosening off your light switch, plug and any other socket covers is a few minute job that will allow you to paint behind. This also applies if painting door frames, by removing the door hinges and door handles if painting the door itself will lead to improved results.

Right tool for the job

Buying the right tools for the job is essential in achieving a great finish. Quality brushes and the right roller will give you a better coverage and finish, not to mention avoiding dropped bristles in fresh paintwork. Keeping your brushes and roller covers clean is also important. Use a solvent based cleaner immediately after application, followed by a mild detergent and conditioner to keep the bristles of your brush in good condition and ready for the next job. Never leave your paintbrush or roller to soak for longer than a few minutes in solvent based cleaners.

Cover up

Using dustsheets to cover up floors, doors, cupboards, televisions and other furnishing protects them from drips and splashes, allowing you to focus on the job and not the cleaning. Similarly masking off areas of the floor when painting skirting boards and the same around windows and door frames while placing sandwich bags over interior door handles will keep them paint free.

Primer

Although it increases the cost and time of decorating, using a separate primer will help to produce a professional finish. This is especially important when the walls are dirty, cracked or when old paint is flaking as it helps smoothen and seals the surface, preventing absorption of subsequent layers of paint.

Top to bottom

When painting walls, start by cutting in at the edges where the wall meets the ceiling and skirting board, before using a roller to apply the new paint from the top of the wall downwards. This will mean that any splashes, drips and imperfections will be covered up as you make your way down.

Pressure

High-end paints and the use of a quality roller and paintbrush will mean that the paint should flow onto the wall with ease. There should be no need to apply much pressure and if you’re finding such then check the condition of your roller and that your paint is suitable for the application.

Layers

When applying several layers of paint, allow for each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This will reduce the chance of streaks or patchy colour, whilst give you a breather and chance for a cuppa! Also keep this in mind when applying a single coat or on each layer by avoiding over painting areas that are partially dry will lead to a professional result.

If you’re finding painting behind the radiator awkward then without doubt you’ll find our article on how to paint behind a radiator helpful.

Smart and Simple Security

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 06:58:00 +0000

You may not like the sound of it, but your home is a target for criminals! You should try to make it as safe and secure as possible without breaking the bank or deploying private security personnel! Simple steps, like fitting new door locks or making sure you use those already fitted can be taken to improve the security of your home, protecting from the unexpected and keeping your family and possessions safe, easing the mind whether you’re home or away.

Don’t Rush

Dashing out of your home in a hurry can lead to forgetting about locking or double locking the front door, you may even forget to leave other doors and windows open in the rush! Show everyone in your home how to lock all doors properly, also ask that everyone checks for windows left open. Some modern door handle systems have built-in multipoint door locks, which are perhaps as secure as they get, but if you’re doors are a little older then consider fitting a 5 lever mortice door lock along with the existing deadlock night latch.

Alarm It

If you’ve got a home alarm system, then use it, and if not then have one installed. Opt for the maximum protection you can afford, deciding whether you want a simple system or one that’s connected to a company that monitors for activations 24 hours a day, providing an immediate response by alerting the police. It’s also a good idea to select an alarm whereby you can easily deactivate motion sensors in each room independently of the entire alarm system, allowing for you to still use it whilst at home. This feature is quite common and also helps if you have pets that are left home alone throughout the day.

Easy Access

A mistake that’s easy to make, yet just as easy to remedy, is leaving your keys on display. Placing your keys on the side or hanging them up next to the door doesn’t only enable, but encourages thieves to break the window or use a grab wire through the letter box to pick up your keys and let themselves in! Thankfully all you have to do is remember to place your keys in a draw or on a key rack inside a cupboard positioned away from doors and windows.

Garden Security

Gardens and driveways should be where intruders face the first line of defence protecting your home and family. We’re not talking about a Doberman or Rottweiler, but if you’ve got garden gates then keep them locked, and to improve fence security use fence spikes or SmartWater along with deterrent signage to send out a powerful warning to thieves. Don’t forget security lighting also, fit movement sensor lights by all entrances to your home to light up your driveway and garden discouraging thieves on their approach.

Don’t Leave Home

Not literally, but when you do leave home make it look like someone’s still there. Use random timer lights in rooms throughout your home, and if you’re going away for a couple of days or longer then ask a reliable neighbour or friend to pop in to draw the curtains along with move any post off the doorstep, after all there is nothing that says “I’m away” louder than a week’s worth of newspapers and junk mail building up in the porch.

Seal your Shed

Garden tools, power tools and the family’s bicycles are valuable possessions kept in most if not all garden sheds. Make sure to seal your shed and keep your valuables safe using barrel bolts and shed locks on the door and windows. You could even consider installing motion sensing security lights and a shed alarm.

Safe Place

Installing a safe for your jewels and most valued possessions is a great way to protect items that are of most importance to you. Cupboard safes however are easily lifted from your home and broken into by the thieves later once their away from the crime scene. So if you’re going to install a safe then the best type for homes is a floor safe that can be hidden underneath floor boards or a piece of furniture so that no one is aware of the location.

Read our articles 8 tips to improve window security and 10 tips to improve front door security for further ideas on securing your home.

Beware of Cheap Imitation Door Handles

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 13:01:00 +0000

We’ve all seen, heard of, or even fallen foul to cheap imitation products at one time or another, but whereas it usually involves brand name products or designer label clothing, you’ve probably never heard or experienced such with cheap imitation door handles! What....! I hear you say, and you’re quite right to be saying so, as what we’ve recently read in the news is discouraging to say the least.

We won’t mention any names, however a well-known supermarket in the UK has recently recalled almost 100,000 locking door handles sold over the last year! The cheap door handles which were for use on UPVC external doors have been a huge disappointment to all of those that purchased them, failing to lock, with the key only turning and not actually locking the door!

As the number one retailer of door handles UK and Europe this doesn’t surprise us having previously encountered many dubious qualities of door furniture, but what does surprise us is that the issue wasn’t spotted or dealt with by the supermarket sooner.

We avoid such disappointments for our valued customers by being inflexible on product quality, uncompromising however cheap it means we can make a door handle. We also have a 3-point quality control process in place whereby each of our products are inspected and tested throughout each stage of manufacture, upon entry into our warehouse and once again before dispatch, no-doubt something the supermarket may now be wishing they’d also had in place.

So what do you need to look out for when you buy door handles, and how do you know if what you’re buying is or isn’t a cheap imitation?

Seek the advice of a specialist, whether that be us having years of experience, your local lock smith or carpenter.

Buy your door furniture from a specialist, not your local DIY store or supermarket.

If you buy online then check the company display their address and telephone number.

When shopping online take your time to read the product description and specification thoroughly.

Whether purchasing online or not, always ask about or check the returns policy and length of product guarantee.

Ask how long the company have been established, the longer the business has been trading the better.

If buying stainless steel door handles, check the Grade of stainless steel used in manufacture.

Check up on the company’s reputation by reading online testimonials and product reviews.

Following the tips above should help to ensure you make the right decisions when purchasing door furniture, and if shopping with us then rest assured we’ve maintained a level of product quality over the years that we're not only proud of but that exceeds customer expectation and at the same time managed to create a wide range of door furniture, that’s easily affordable not cheap!

Now you know where to shop, read our article which door handles to help understand which items of door hardware you'll need.

8 Tips for Painting a Garden Fence

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 11:38:00 +0000

Keeping your garden fence maintained may not sound like much fun, in fact it’s a tiring job that will sap the energy of even the most practical of person. But painting or staining your fence and garden gate every couple of years will preserve it for many years to come, not only improving the appearance, keeping the neighbours happy but also adding value to your home. When the time comes though don’t rush out and splash the paint on, take your time and follow our top tips for painting your garden fence from below.

Like with most DIY jobs, preparation is key and the more care you take and time you spend ensuring the preparation work is completed as best as you can, the better the results shall be.

Strim and Trim

Mow the lawn and get the strimmer out to trim around the bottom of the fence, gate and fence posts, and if you don’t have a strimmer then bring out the edging shears or scissors!

Debris and Dirt

Using a hard bristle hand brush or broom, brush away debris and dirt from all areas of the fence that shall be painted. It’s also a good idea to sweep away any leaves and grass cuttings from around the base of the fence to stop them blowing up against it during painting.

Scrape before you Paint

If the old paint is flaking, cracked or chipping, then you’ll need to scrape the fence before moving onto the next step. Use a wide blade paint scraper and coarse sandpaper to smoothen.

Wash and Dry

Using a pressure washer if you have one, or if not then a garden hose and spray nozzle, wash the fence thoroughly. Keep your hard bristle brush and a bucket of soapy water to hand for any stubborn spots of dirt. For fences that have attracted mildew and algae, apply a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 1 part water) with the hand brush before rinsing clean with the pressure washer and leaving to thoroughly dry.

Masking or Removal

When repainting a fence with a gate, then it’s best to remove the hinges, door handle and barrel bolt. If you’d rather then you can mask off the hardware so that it doesn’t get painted, you can even wrap a small plastic bag over the handle, simply sealing the edges with masking tape.

Protect don't Forget

Now that you’re almost ready to start painting, lay tarpaulin or dust sheets to cover up the ground below the areas of fence you’ll be painting. This will protect your flower borders, grass, garden decking or whatever lies underneath from getting splattered in paint or stain.

Trees and Greens

If there are tall shrubs or hedging trees planted close to, or making contact with the fence then place a sheet of plywood or hardboard against them. This will allow for you to squeeze in between the wood and the fence and gently lean back on the hedging keeping it away from the fence whilst painting.

Paint don't Faint

For best results and to make a tiring job that little bit easier, avoid painting during the heat of the day when the sun will be at its strongest and sun light will cause the paint to dry too quickly, resulting in a patchy finish.

Our final tip for painting a fence although quite an obvious one, is to check the weather forecast and choose a couple of days that are looking dry, the last thing you want is torrential rain, which is when you should be reading our article, DIY jobs for a rainy day.

5 DIY Jobs for a Rainy Day

Fri, 03 Jul 2015 13:26:00 +0000

At the end of a heatwave usually arrives torrential rain, and although the suns come back out today, it’s not going to be long before once again we have what seems like monsoon rain falling down upon us. But when it rains do you make the most of being trapped inside your home, or do you forget about all of the improvements you could be making and hide away under the covers until the clouds have passed? Well if the latter sounds like you, then read on for 5 DIY jobs to improve your home for when it begins to pour.

Home Fixtures

A great place to start is with those fixtures and fittings around your home that are looking warn and untidy. From replacing lightshades and curtain rails to fitting new taps, showerheads and beyond will freshen up your home quickly and easily if you have a right tools to hand. Further beatifications can be made by updating old brass door handles for modern chrome door handles or replacing kitchen cupboard handles for those that are a little more sheikh.

Colour is Key

Making the most of your interior walls, using them as focal points and stunning backdrops is something only few of us think about, and even fewer of us do. But when it rains, it gives you the opportunity to make a visual statement on your wall using either colourful paints, wallpaper, artwork, photographs or even a collection of materials. Try hanging new artwork and photos or colourfully decorating the key wall within your room.

Tidy Tiling

Fitting new mosaic tiles to the splashback behind your kitchen worktop, surrounding the cooker and sink or even adding them as a cover to a side table is an easy DIY job which brings instant transformation to the appearance of your kitchen space. Perfect for a rainy day, mosaic tiles are often small half inch or inch squares on webbed backing, making them super easy to fit with tile adhesive and grout.

Harmonise your Home

You may not consider it to be DIY although you do, do it yourself! Feng Shui is perfect for wet days and doesn’t only change the appearance of your room but balances the energies and harmonises your home. It’s easy and rewarding and doesn’t cost a thing unless you want it to. There’s many steps to practice, start with simply tidying away clutter, repositioning and even remove pieces of furniture from the room that are no longer used to create open spaces, before working to colour coordinate your rooms using existing or new items of furniture and décor with a similar colour scheme.

Keep it Watertight

If you’ve only got an hour and must soon venture out regardless of whether its stopped raining or not, then replacing old silicone sealant around your sink, shower tray or bathtub is a quick and easy DIY job that not only improves the appearance of your bathroom but reduces the chance of water damage to the surrounding areas.

Now that you’ve worked your way through the DIY jobs for a rainy day, hopefully the suns back out and you can make your way back into the garden and start work on maintaining your garden decking.

How to Look after Garden Decking

Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:06:00 +0000

Decking has increased in popularity in recent years, many of us spending the entire weekend or longer digging up concrete slaps and patios, replacing them with wooden decking or constructing raised timber decks over parts of garden or surrounding ponds and areas that typically didn’t get used. Garden decking gives you much more flexibility than patio blocks, and when custom built it doesn’t only look great but offers an expansion of your garden for entertaining, dining or relaxing in the sun, it also adds value if maintained.

With the first day of summer only a week or so ago and hopefully many hot and sunny days to come, if you haven’t been working in your garden already then no doubt you will be soon, unlocking the back door handles and venturing out. A great place to start after you’ve got on top of mowing the lawn and planting your borders is cleaning and preparing your decking for the summer days and evenings ahead.

Larch and cedar woods are commonly used in the construction of timber decking due to their suitability for outside use with high resistance to all weather conditions and lasting durability. However if left uncared for over the years or if refinishing is needed they can start to appear dirty and worn. This article details how to look after your garden decking, including some great tips on how to preserve its finish ensuring it lasts for years to come.

Brushing

Brushing away debris from your decking regularly throughout the year will help preserve its life. Sweeping away bits of moss and fallen leaves will stop mould and green algae forming, leading to not only slippy surfaces but slowly rotting the wood.

High Pressure

Use a high pressure washer or if you haven’t got one then warm water with a multipurpose cleaner and garden brush to remove any moss and algae while cleaning in between the grooves of the decking. If you’d rather use a homemade natural based cleaner then read our article on how to clean wooden garden furniture, which lists some ingredients found in most kitchen cupboards.

Stain Test

If it’s been a couple of years or longer since the last time you stained or applied wood preserve to your decking then there’s a good chance it will be ready to be refinished. A simple check can be done to see how resistant your timber decking is and whether or not it needs restaining. Sprinkle water on a small area of the decking and see if it is absorbed into the timber quickly or beads up like water on a waxed car, and if the water soaks in quickly then it’s time to grab a can or two of preservative stain and your paint brush.

Preparations

If you’ve decided to apply a new coat of wood stain or preservative then you’ll need to clean the decking, as in step two, while also sand it down to ensure it’s free from any loose dirt, marks and flaking stain. Use a flat belt power sander and/or orbital floor sander to sand down the entire surface. After having completed the sanding, including the handrails then use a soft brush to sweep away the sanding dust and then either rinse the whole area using a hose or damp towel.

Choice

When purchasing a stain, then it’s best to use one that will soak into the wood rather than a simply a preserve coating. You may have to apply several coatings due to it absorbing into the timber but the end result will be longer lasting and minimise the chance of peeling and flaking. It’s also good to choose a stain that dries with a clear or opaque finish rather than a dark coloured stain that within a few month’s starts to show wear and faded patches.

Frequently sweeping and cleaning your garden decking, along with checking whether it needs restaining once a year will ensure it keeps its attraction and provide many more years of fun.

Stainless Steel and Chrome Interior Door Handles

Wed, 06 May 2015 13:10:00 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, although there’s many similarities, chrome door handles aren’t stainless steel, and stainless steel handles aren’t chrome! Whilst the two may look very similar there is a difference between them, albeit taking a trained eye to determine using sight alone. Whereas stainless steel door handles are manufactured from a steel alloy containing a varying percentage of chromium depending on the grade, chrome door handles can be manufactured from various base metals which are chrome plated after to provide either a polished mirror like, brushed or mixture of both finishes on the surface.

Since the mid 90’s when contemporary interior design started to become popular, product designers quickly followed the trend, which lead to manufactures producing stainless steel and chrome door furniture, soon becoming the preferred choice for architects and property developers, except perhaps when upgrading door furniture within traditionally decorated or period properties where antique polished brass or black door handles are more suited and complementing.

Similar to how front doors can ‘say a lot’ about the person who lives behind, the door handles throughout your home also add personality, and certainly get noticed by all of those who visit. So regardless of whether you choose stainless steel or chrome interior door handles, as long as your happy with the style and price then both will transform your doors creating a contemporary look once fitted.

As with everything though, there are advantages of both materials and methods of manufacturing. The benefit of chrome door handles over stainless steel is that because of the choice of base metal the manufacturer has, it means the levers or knobs can be formed easier leaving virtually no limitation with design, providing a wide variety of styles and shapes with even the most intricate detail. Another plus point is that the cost of manufacturing chrome door handles can be lower, which means the customer gets great looking contemporary handles for less.

The advantage of stainless steel door handles is that there are numerous grades, and the higher the grade stainless steel used in manufacture the more resistant the handles become to atmospheric conditions. This isn’t usually a concern when fitting interior door handles, where grade 304 is most commonly used, but if they are for outside use, in coastal properties, swimming pools or marine projects then a grade 316 is typically recommended due to its increased resistance to corrosion. Another benefit that stainless steel door handles have over chrome handles is that some models are fire rated, meaning they have been tested and can withstand a duration of time under standard fire conditions, which is important for property developers where building regulations may require that fire rated door handles are used.

Whether you buy chrome door handles or decide upon stainless steel then from time to time you will need to clean and buff them. This should be done by wiping the surface of the handles with a soft cloth using nothing more than mild soapy water, before wiping again with clean water and drying with a soft towel. It is important that you never use cleaning products that contain chlorine or other abrasive chemicals nor should you use scouring pads as this can damage the finish.

Read our articles, cleaning stainless steel door handles and 8 tips for cleaning interior doors for more on cleaning door furniture.

6 Jobs for this Year's Spring Clean

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 13:28:00 +0000

With the winter months behind us and the warmth of the gorgeous summer sun upon us, many of us have spring cleaning listed as a job we must do soon! Whilst most of us intend to do a thorough job, and will go to great lengths of moving furniture to vacuum underneath, standing on stalls to dust on top of the cupboards and bring back the shine by polishing our stainless steel door handles, there are several spring cleaning tasks that regularly get overlooked. Luckily for you we’ve got you covered and have written this article to list the very tasks that get forgotten.

Unblock your Gutters

It’s not the nicest of jobs, although you do get to enjoy the sun whilst doing it, is cleaning out your guttering that is no-doubt obstructed with decaying leaves and other debris left over from the winter months. If forgot about, debris can lead to leaks and overspill which will eventually cause damp and damaged walls. Make sure you’ve got your gardening gloves on, preferably those that are water resistant and using your hands and a trowel, scoop out of much of the debris as you can before wiping the guttering clean. Once finished you can use a garden hose or bucket of water to check water flow.

Bleed Radiators

Although not cleaning as such, bleeding your radiators during a spring clean makes sense while a good routine to get into each year. Radiators should be bleed to help avoid potential problems such as burst pipes occurring down track. Bleeding your radiators will also help reduce or even remove cold spots from your radiators, which can still give a chill to the room at this time of year.

Cut the Trees and Hedges

Cutting back overgrown trees and hedges early on in spring will help reduce potential problems caused by growth spurts expected during the coming months. Cutting back hedging and branches that are overhanging your property or interfering with windows and doors will stop damage to your properties roofing and brickwork.

Uninvited Visitors

Rodent and insects aren’t only troublesome but can cause great damage to your property if left to come in and nest. So whilst spring cleaning popup into your loft, check the garage, shed and any other areas of your home for signs of their presence. A pungent smell, droppings, chewed cables, rustling or even a buzzing noise are signs that you’ve got uninvited visitors.

Plunge your Plugholes

Checking your plugholes and pipework are clean and unobstructed is something to do every now and again, and there’s no better time than during a spring clean. More than a third of people have experienced blocked sinks or pipes at some time or another so by plunging and cleaning occasionally you’ll hopefully not be included in that third. Use 10 heaped tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda mixed with 100ml of vinegar poured in to the plughole, leave it to fizz for 5 minutes whilst plunging each minute or so, before pouring some hot, yet not boiling water down the plughole to flush the cleaning solution through.

Tackle Damp

There’s more to spring cleaning than a feather duster and pair of marigolds, so while the weather is dry take the time to remove damp from around your home. If there is damp patches on painted walls or ceilings then scrape away the flaky paint and treat the area with damp sealant before repainting.

If damp and mould has been a problem for you over winter then read our article, 6 tips for keeping mould off bathroom ceilings.

6 Ways to Keep Your Home Cool

Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:59:00 +0000

It’s not often were lucky enough to have such glorious weather but with the sun’s rays beating down upon us over the last couple of weeks and the mercury on the rise within the thermometer, forecasters are predicting one of the hottest few months on record this summer. We’ve previously written an article on how to keep warm during winter and thankfully it’s now time to cover ways to keep cool, so read on for 6 ways to keep your home cool without the need for air conditioning.

Open Up

It may be obvious but open up your doors, windows and skylights to let the heat out and cooler air in. This is most effective during the evening, night and early morning before and after the heat of the day. If possible and only where your homes security will not be affected, leave your windows open throughout the night allowing the hot air out and cool air in, watch out for those pesky mosquitoes and little insects though!

Shutter Up

It’s a shame to have to do so but heat exhaustion can be very serious, so if your home has window shutters then make the most of them, and if not, like most of us in the UK then use blackout curtains, venetian blinds or just your normal curtains to block out the sun during mid to late afternoon when the suns at its strongest.

Avoid Cooking

We’ll it’s probably time to start a diet anyway, and what better time to start then as the hot weather begins and we’re bringing out our skimpy summer clothes. Try to reduce or avoid cooking using the stove or oven, making lighter meals using the toaster, microwave or even by simply eating a fresh salad or sandwich. You may even decide to dig out the barbecue and cook outside, although doing this each day won’t help much with the diet!

It’s Sweltering

We hear it year in, year out “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” and even though the UK’s climate isn’t very humid, it’s true, humidity is known to make you feel stickier and warm than it really is. So by reducing the moisture in the air you will reduce the humidity making you feel cooler and more comfortable. Some of us may have fancy dehumidifiers but for those that don’t and even those that do, there are several ways to reduce the humidity within your home. Try doing the laundry, washing up or running the dishwasher late at night or early in the morning, also take showers at night or again early in the morning to reduce humidity from water evaporation. The same goes for your garden, water it late at night so that the water gets chance to soak into the ground and benefit the plants, not evaporating and adding to the humidity levels in and around your home.

Be Reflective

It may be a bit extreme and might not even come to this with many long term weather predictions being incorrect anyway, but you can further reduce heat build-up within your home using a combination of reflective paints and window films on your south and west facing walls and windows, reducing the suns penetration into your home.

Air Circulation

Almost as important as opening up your exterior doors and windows is keeping your internal doors open so that the air can circulate between the rooms. Some modern homes have air circulation systems installed but for the vast majority of us without such modern features, simply grab each and every one of your internal door handles pulling them down and opening each door throughout your home.

6 Home and Garden Improvements

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 10:59:00 +0000

Easter holidays are about to begin and so no doubt are the DIY jobs that you’ve been holding off all winter. If you’re lacking in inspiration or just unsure where to start, then read on for 6 home and garden improvements that will quickly and easily make a difference this spring and into the long and sunny summer ahead.

Plant and Hang
Plant and hang your flower baskets ready for a colourful summer. Dig them out from the shed or garage, line them, fill them with planting soil and then plant a selection of your favourite plug plants before watering thoroughly. Hanging them outside your front door is a popular choice but you can hang them wherever you fancy as long as it's partially shaded yet receives a few hours sunlight each day.

Feeding Time
Feed the lawn, but before you do you will need to rake and mow. Use a lawn rake to clear the moss that’s grown through the winter months and then trim the grass with your lawn mower making sure to finish the borders and edges with clippers or strimmer. Use a high in nitrogen feed that includes iron phosphate to kill off the remaining moss and liven up you lawn ready for summer.

Prepare to Lounge
Bring out your garden furniture and get it ready for lounging around in the sun. If you didn’t clean it before putting it away at the end of the year then of course you’ll need to now. Some people use a high pressure washer and others a garden broom and warm water, although we’d say you’d be best to use a mixture of ingredients taken from your kitchen cupboards that will do a super job removing algae’s and fungus’s in no time at all, read more on how to clean wooden garden furniture.

Spruce Up
Spruce up your doors with new internal door handles or better still replace all door furniture, including the door hinges, latches and locks choosing from one of our many door handle packs to modernise and transform your home.

Relaxing Bath
Make bath time more relaxing by re-grouting tiles, cleaning mould off your bathroom ceiling, replacing the silicon sealant around the bathtub and/or shower tray and removing lime scale from on and around the taps and shower. You could even go to the length of replacing the washer in that dripping tap that your partners been moaning about for months!

Rejuvenate
Repair your kitchen cupboards and wardrobes, giving them a new lease of life by replacing worn hinges, runners and cupboard handles. Simple, easy and with little cost involved you can rejuvenate your kitchen cupboards and wardrobes in no time at all.

How to Fit a Barrel Bolt to a Door

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:59:00 +0000

Barrel bolts or sometimes named sliding bolts are an alternative to external or internal door locks with keys, they are a simple locking mechanism and super easy to fit along with being one of the cheapest solutions to securing a door. Available in many different sizes, styles and finishes giving you a choice of bolt that will be most suited to the door, some of which are straight others cranked and even those that are designed for use with padlocks which are ideal for sheds and gates.

Before getting started with fitting the bolt you will need to check that you have the tools required to hand, these will include a pencil, power drill, drill bits suitable for the material you shall be drilling, a screwdriver and if fitting a barrel bolt where the frame or architrave is not flush with the door a chisel and hammer will be needed.

Position

Once you have the tools required and have purchased the barrel bolt(s), it’s time to decide on the position that would be best for fitting. Fitting bolts at the top and bottom of a door provides the most security whilst avoids interference with the door handles. If fitting to a toilet or bathroom door then bolts fitted centrally at hand level are easiest for use whilst still provide adequate security to stop someone walking in.

Check its Level

Now that you have decided where you shall be positioning the door bolt(s), draw a straight line on the door and the frame using a straight edge and pencil. At this point a spirit level or combination square is useful although not essential if you’ve a good eye or willing to measure the distance from the top or bottom of the door at both ends of the line to check its level.

Ensure its Flush

Once the line is drawn, align the bottom edge of the fixing plate on the line and the end with the edge of the door ensuring its flush before marking the fixing holes using the pencil.

Pilot Holes

Put the bolt to one side and check that the markings are aligned before using the power drill to create shallow pilot holes using a drill bit thats narrower than the fixing screws that shall be used.

Keep Position

Screw the barrel bolt onto the door and as you tighten the screws hold it in alignment with the straight line to ensure it screws on level. Take the ‘keep’, the part of the door bolt that will be fitted to the frame or wall and position it to get an idea of whether it can be fitted without chiselling out a section of the frame or architrave.

Chisel or Not

If you need to remove some of the frame or architrave then draw around the ‘keep’ marking the section to chisel. Using a sharp chisel and hammer carefully chisel out the section so that the ‘keep’ plate will sit flush on the frame and allow for the bolt to slide in and out easily.

Keep Fixing

Once you have chiselled out the frame or determined the frame is flush with the door and doesn’t need chiselling, place the ‘keep’ on the frame and mark the fixing hole with a pencil. Drill pilot holes using the power drill and screw the ‘keep’ to the frame or surround. To ensure the ‘keep’ aligns with the bolt and allows for easy use, keep the bolt extended within the ‘keep’ whilst marking the fixing holes.

Test for Ease

With both parts of the barrel bolt screwed securely to the door and frame, test that the bolt slides easily into the ‘keep’.

Having successfully fitted the barrel bolt to the door, you may also like to read our article on how to fit a door stop.

How to Repair Plastic Scratches

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 11:28:00 +0000

Wouldn’t it be nice if your plastic surfaces, windows, doors, kitchen worktops and all plastic furnishings were scratch free? Well unfortunately it’s not commonly the case, as with most plastic, acrylic and Perspex it doesn’t take much for scratches to appear. While of course it's best to avoid scratching your plastic furniture, you need not worry any more. This how to guide will take you through the steps of removal or repair of fine to medium depth scratches without the need of a professional polisher or any special tools.

Before you get started you will need to check you have amble ‘Wet and Dry’ paper amongst other things, for best results you will need a couple of sheets of different grade paper including 600, 1000 and 1500 grit. You will also need a bowl of high concentrate soapy water for lubricant along with a couple of yellow polishing cloths, brass and silver polish creams.

Wet and Dry

Prepare the surface ready for repair, this may envolve taking off the kitchen cupboard handles or simply moving a few things around depending on the object that's scratched. Once ready start with 600 grade, a medium grit ‘Wet and Dry’ paper and soapy water, gently and slowly sand the area of the plastic surface until the scratch is no longer visible. Try to keep within the immediate area of the scratch and don’t be concerned of the opaque or frosted look the sanded area will take on.

Keep it Lubricated

Now that the scratch has almost disappeared change the ‘Wet and Dry’ paper to a finer grade of 800 or 1000 and repeat step one ensuring you use plenty of soapy water to keep the surface lubricated.

Repeat

After you have completed step two, repeating the first step with a finer grade paper, dry the surface and inspect the results, before repeating once again with a fine, 1500 grade ‘Wet and Dry’ paper. The idea behind changing the grade of ‘Wet and Dry’ paper used is to replace the scratch with finer scratches each time.

Clean and Dry

After having completed step three, clean and dry the surface thoroughly using a little water and old towel or rag.

Polish to Finish

Now you have finished removing the scratch it’s time to improve the finish by polishing out the opaque look the sanded area has taken on. Using a yellow polishing cloth apply a small amount of brass polish to the area and gently polish for several minutes in a circular motion.

Arm Ache

Once your arms aching or once you have been polishing for five minutes or more, wipe away the excess brass polish and check the results. Hopefully as if by magic the shine should be returning.

Bring Back the Shine

If the frosted look is still visible then repeat with brass polish once again, else move on to polishing the area with a silver cream polish and fresh cloth to give the repaired area a full shine.

Tips

1) Don't let the surface dry out whilst sanding, it is essential that you use plenty of high concentrate soapy water as a lubricant at all times.

2) Skip to step three for really fine scratches, starting with the finer grade ‘Wet and Dry’ paper may be enough.

3) Polishing out scratches can never be rushed, take your time, and even when you think the scratches have gone continue for a little longer.

If you found this article helpful, then watch our video on how to repair wood scratches using a walnut!

Home Interior Design Tips

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 09:59:00 +0000

Modernising furniture and ornaments to improve your homes interior can be an intimidating task, let along knowing where to begin. If you’re new to interior design and looking to give your home a makeover then you needn’t worry, our 12 home interior design tips will help you along the way, describing the items of furniture that can be easy to replace.

Inspiring Ideas

Inspirational ideas don’t appear from thin air, look online and in magazines, collecting images of home interiors that bring inspiration. When the time comes and you’re ready to modernise the room refer back to the images you’ve collected.

Size Matters

Home interiors look best when not cluttered with furniture and ornaments. Before buying more, try rearranging your existing furniture or use a paper template to see if the new furnishings you’re hoping to buy will work in the space you have available.

Clutter Free

Keeping your home tidy and free of clutter is not always easy, but an important part of creating an inviting and attractive home interior. Use chests and storage boxes to hide items that are cluttering the room. The beauty with storage chests are that they are available in such a wide range of shapes, sizes and styles they’re a piece of furniture in their own right.

Boudoir

Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a palace and even then, the main feature and focal point of a bedroom will always be the bed. A simple, easy and affordable change is to update the quilt cover and bed linin, adding modern cushions and a colourful throw to create a luxurious appearance.

Illuminate

There’s more to home lighting than meets the eye, following a well thought through lighting plan for each room will create stunning focal points out of your wall art or other works of art and ornaments within the room. Your thoughts should begin with the natural light that the room attracts, adding to this using a combination of stand lamps, table lamps and candles to create an attractive and enticing lighting plan.

Door Furniture

Updating your interior door furniture is another great way of modernising your home, and whichever model you select from our large range of modern door handles they’re sure to transform your doors and room in style.

Accessorize

Soft furnishings including cushions, throws and rugs are a quick, inexpensive and luxurious technique of refreshing your home interior. Colourful candles also work well, bringing a sense of warmth and calm to your room design.

Wall Art

Wall art, whether framed or not will add to the room, although positioning is key in ensuring the art looks its best. Make sure pictures are hung at eye level so that you and your guests are naturally looking straight at them when standing, groups of framed photography or art can also be look very attractive. Keep the large pictures for spacious, empty walls and smaller pieces where they can be viewed up close.

Looking Glass

Mirrors are a great way of giving the illusion that the room is more spacious than it really is, whilst directing light around the room. Similar to artwork, mirrors can create an interesting centrepiece.

Floor Covering

Rugs are a great way of dividing large open rooms into smaller areas that can be used for different furniture, for example a sitting area and dining area. Approaching this without any thought however can have undesirable results, try to use rugs that complement each other, in size, colour and style.

Floral Features

Plants and freshly cut flowers bring a wealth of life and colour to your home, although of course not for long if you forget to water them! If you’re away from home a lot or simply don’t want to add to your long list of chores, then faux plants and flowers are the solution.

Varicoloured Vases

If plants and flowers aren’t your thing or you’d just like to try something a little different, then clear glass vases, dishes and bowls filled with varicoloured ceramic beads or vibrant glass pebbles are an attractive and stylish alternative.

Ensure your wall art looks its best by reading our article, 8 DIY Tips for Hanging Pictures.

Home DIY for Spring

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 08:34:00 +0000

Thankfully winter doesn't last forever, and with lighter mornings and brighter afternoons on the way it’s a sure sign that spring is just around the corner, an excellent time to repair the exterior of your home and get it ready for next winter. The frost, heavy rain, snow and gale force winds over the winter months will have pummelled your home and no doubt caused some damage. Some easy and simple DIY tasks won’t only improve the appearance of your home but save your home’s exterior from deteriorating into a condition that can only be repaired by a professional and of course costly tradesman.

Repointing

Repointing is a common DIY task undertaken at this time of year, winter can cause damage to the mortar used in exterior walls, so regular checks assessing any signs of damage are recommended. Not only does loose and damaged mortar effect the appearance of your exterior walls but leads to leaks and damp appearing inside your home, both of which will be costly to remedy especially if left to deteriorate.

Repointing isn’t that difficult, in fact it’s quite simple, but can easily eat up a whole day if not longer when you’ve got large walls that need repairs.

The first thing you should do is inspect all of your walls noting any areas where the mortar is damaged, particular attention should be given to the brickwork around windows and doorways, which are especially prone to damage. Using either chalk or masking tape to mark the areas of brickwork will help ensure you repair all areas when it’s time to mortar.

After marking each area of the wall that needs repointing, start to remove the old mortar using a small chisel and hammer, a small screwdriver can also be handy to wiggle free any loose pieces from between the bricks. Start on the vertical edges before moving onto the horizontal edges of the brick to avoid creating further damage. Remove between 6-12mm of mortar depending on the depth of mortar used in the wall.

Once all of the cracked, loose and damaged mortar has been removed, mix up the new mortar, 1 parts cement to 3 parts builder’s sand is usually a good ratio and ensuring it’s a good firm mix, use a pointing trawl to apply the mortar between the bricks, taking your time making sure the mortar is pressed firmly into the gaps.

Repainting

Repainting the exterior of your home is another great way of brightening it up in time for the summer and the years ahead, while ensuring that any damage caused by the winter weather is repaired. Repainting your home however, is no small task and it’s important to make sure you have plenty of time in which to complete the job, also check the weather forecast and plan the work for when the weathers looking bright.

To make the job easier and safer than balancing on ladders you can rent scaffolding or raised work platforms, you can also rent spray guns that will speed up the job whilst give you better results than brushes or rollers.

Before painting you’ll need to make sure the walls are clean and dry along with free of any old flaky paint. Use a scrapper and remove the old paint from areas where needed before sanding the edges down to ensure a smooth finish.

After the walls are prepared mask off the window and door frames, also cover the ground below your work area with dust sheets or plastic to prevent paint from splattering on your driveway or flower borders.

Complementing Touches

Complementing touches make all the difference, and creating a welcoming, attractive appearance needn’t be costly, try new door handles and stainless steel door numbers along with a lick of paint on your front door to compliment the newly repaired exterior.

Now that you’ve successfully repaired your exterior walls its time to repaint the front door, but before you do read our article on how to strip paint from doors.

How to Repair Skirting Boards

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:56:00 +0000

Skirting boards and ceiling coving are both traditional features of interior design that make great difference to the appearance of a room. Modern skirting boards are usually less intricate in design when compared with older versions, although the same steps need to be taken when repairing them. If the skirting is cracked, split or rotten in sections, then it’s much better to replace the whole length or section rather than trying to cover up the damage with fillers and paint.

Tools for the Job

The first step in replacing your skirting board is checking you have the tools and materials required to hand, there’s little point in starting if you can’t complete the job. You’ll need a chisel, claw hammer, hand saw, pry bar, pencil, tape measure, combination square, wood screws, nail fixings, flexible filler, filling knife and power drill with various size drill bits. You’ll also need the new skirting and paint to finish.

Wrench away the Skirting

After you’ve checked you’ve got all of the above its time to get to work. Start with prising the skirting away from the wall, gently tap the chisel behind the skirting board from the top and pry it away using the claw hammer. Work from one end of the skirting to the other inserting the chisel each 20cm - 30cm loosening it at each fixing nail.

Pull off the Skirting

The skirting board should now be loose enough to get the pry bar in behind and lever out the fixings nails. Work all the way along removing as many of the nails as possible, then gently pull the board away from the wall.

Measure and Cut

Measure the length of skirting board that will be needed to replace the old section and cut it to fit allowing for mitred ends where the skirting meets with a door way or external/internal corners. If you haven’t a mitre block then use a combination square or at worst a plastic protractor to mark a 45 degree angle on the edges of the new board and carefully saw each mitre.

Fixture and Finishing

Fixing the new skirting board to the wall should be completed using countersunk screws, taking care not to drill the fixing holes too close to any knots in the wood. After having fixed the skirting in place use flexible filler to fill the countersunk holes and any small gaps between the joints or along the top edge and wall. Once the filler is dry use a primer with a couple of coats of paint to finish the job.

If you're ceiling coving is cracked and damaged then read our article on replacing or restoring coving.

8 Easy DIY Tips for Hanging Pictures

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 15:53:00 +0000

As with every DIY job there’s a skill involved, and hanging pictures makes no exception, these 8 easy to follow tips and tricks will lead to perfectly positioned, level and beautifully hung pictures throughout you’re home, while taking away the frustration that naturally comes from drilling holes and fixing picture hooks at the wrong level.

Consideration

When choosing where to hang your artwork there are two main considerations, first, will it complement the room, think about the colours of the picture and the colours of the décor and furnishings, and second the scale of your artwork. Hang large works of art where they are surrounded by space and can be viewed from a greater distance and small pieces of art where you can view them up close. Avoid hanging pictures near doors, windows or in areas of your home where there likely to get worn or damaged.

How High

How high you hang your pictures depends on the height of your ceilings, the room you’re hanging it and personal preference, although as a rule of thumb, centre the artwork at eye level, 145.

Minty Fresh

Where to drill the fixing holes is one of the most important steps in hanging pictures, however it’s not as easy as holding up the frame and marking the wall behind it as the frame always gets in the way. Use a small dab or dabs of toothpaste on the back of the frame and simply press it against the wall creating the marks for fixings… easy yeah!

Ingenious Idea

Another ingenious idea to mark out your drill holes is to photocopy the artwork and tape it to the wall. If you don’t have a photocopier or if your artwork is simply too big then using a large piece of paper, if even newspaper, will give you the same results, allowing you to mark out the fixing holes with ease.

Magnetise

If hanging your pictures on high walls with the use of a ladder then keep your screws and nails at the ready with a magnet in your pocket. You could even glue the magnet to the handle of your hammer or side of your ladders, providing even easier and quicker access to your nails and screws.

Makeover

If your frame is scratched and damaged then using coloured markers, paints or even makeup will quickly restore it. If the scratches are too deep or if there’s chips to the edges, then use plastic wood filler or another filler type to repair them.

Painless

This trick is one of our favourites, almost guaranteed to stop your fingers throbbing, and not only does this tip work for hanging pictures, but whenever hammering nails. Protect your fingers by using a polystyrene loose fill chip to hold the nail in place. Simply painless!

Hammer Head

If you’re not very confident when hammering or even if you’re the ultimate handyman, avoid marking the walls by stretching several elastic bands around the hammer head.

Now you've finished hanging your favourite artwork, try these 4 Easy Home Improvements.

2 Ways to Improve Garage Door Security

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 11:53:00 +0000

Garage doors pose a security concern for most homeowners. Whether storing a high value classic car, power tools, bikes, fishing equipment or even if the garage is empty, garages are an attractive target for thieves, and over the last few years there has been numerous warnings issued by police forces across the UK to improve your garage door security.

A combination of economic downturn and residents giving little thought to security has led to a steady increase in the number of garage burglaries taking place. For some reason homeowners almost forget about the value of the items stored away in their garage, forgetting to lock the garage door all together!

Most up and over and sliding garage doors will have a standard cylinder lock built into the door handle. While standard locks are better than no lock or door locks that are left unlocked, there not very secure, and with little effort, an experienced thief can soon force them open.

There are however several ways to tighten up the security of your garage door, and all of those that have some simple DIY knowledge and a power drill will soon be able to add additional security features to their garage door.

Garage door bolts that lock

A common solution to garage door security are garage door bolts that lock in place, easily found online and available at most DIY stores. As the name suggests they function by having a pair of locking bolts that extend into the walls or ground. The bolts can be fixed to each side of the garage door either vertically at the bottom or horizontally on the edges.

Compatible with the majority of garage door types including up and over, folding, hinged and sliding, the position in which you attach the lock bolts is an important factor on how much additional security the lock bolt provides.

For up and over garage doors a pair of lock bolts will give you a level of security that alone is more secure than the standard lock fitted within the handle. Each lock bolt would ideally be positioned at the bottom of the door, 20-30mm in from the edge and extending into the ground. If drilling into the ground proves difficult, or for whatever reason you’d prefer to have the bolts extending into the walls then position them 20mm or so up from the bottom of the door running horizontally.

Garage lock bolts can be operated from both sides of the door if you drill a small key hole through the door panel, but if you can access the garage from an internal door then security can be improved further by choosing not to drill the external keyhole.

Garage defenders

Garage door defenders not only increase the level of security, but are super easy to install and externally facing providing a visual deterrent that most thieves will soon pass and move on to a garage door that’s less secure.

For use with up and over garage doors, door defenders comprise of a solid steel base plate secured to the ground and a strengthen steel post that is locked to the base plate using a padlock of your choice when in use. A simple solution, the steel post stops thieves from being able to tilt open the garage door and gain access to the junk or treasure you’re storing.

Although easy to install check the base unit can be fixed to a solid 120-150mm deep concrete surface before purchasing, fitting to block paver slabs or tarmac drives is not half as secure. Another consideration to make during installation is that you should position the base slightly back from the garage door so that the door is still able to tilt and swing open when you want it to!

Having now secured your garage door, read our article 10 tips to improve front door security.

8 Tips for Replacing or Restoring Coving

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 15:35:00 +0000

If cracks are appearing in-between your walls and coving or even worse and the coving is hanging down from the ceiling, then it’s probably time to consider replacing it or at least restore it back to it's former glory. It may seem like a difficult job and perhaps one that should be left to a professional decorator but with a few tips from us and a little willingness and time you could replace the coving throughout your home without the expensive of a tradesman.

Interior coving is a moulding that fits between your wall and ceiling adding a decorative feature to your room design, although in some cases coving may have been used to conceal wiring. Most modern homes have coving typically manufactured from polystyrene usually with a simple design. Older houses may have plaster based coving fitted, that usually has a more decorative and ornate pattern design.

Replace or Repair

If part of the coving is damaged then nine times out of ten the simplest way of repairing it is by replacing the damaged section with a new piece. Many designs and sizes can easily be found at your local DIY store or even available to buy online. And if your struggling to find a design that matches then you can have coving made to order, some suppliers are even able to take an imprint of the existing coving to ensure a perfect match.

Remove Coving

If you haven’t yet removed the damaged coving, gently pry it away from the wall and ceiling using a flat edge, usually a metal paint scraper is the ideal tool. Insert it at several points breaking any of the remaining adhesive before prying the coving away from the wall and ceiling.

Scrape and Fill

Once the damaged section of coving has been removed, scrape any broken plaster and fill any holes using polyfilla or any plaster based filler. Once the filler is dry, sand the surface down to ensure a smooth finish and fixing area.

Cut and Fix

Cut the new piece of coving to the exact size of the section you are replacing using a sharp knife or fine cut handsaw and fix it into place using coving adhesive. For heavier coving manufactured from plaster you will need to support or use holding pins until the adhesive has set.

Sanding Down

Once the adhesive has dried, sand down the edges between the old and new sections of coving to ensure a smooth joint. If there are small gaps left between the coving and wall and/or ceiling use a small amount of filler and again allow for the filler to dry before sanding it down and painting.

Simple Repairs

For coving that’s simply scratched or has slightly broken edges, you may be able to get away with restoring it rather than fitting a replacement section. Try using polyfilla to build up the edges or fill the deep scratches. For larger holes you can try packing them with polystyrene pieces before applying the filler.

Particularly Tricky

Restoration of coving can be particularly tricky with curved profiles and ornate patterns to recreate. Making sure you have a selection of scrapers, amble time and plenty of sand paper to hand will help replicate the coving and achieve the best results.

Paint and Finish

Once you’re happy that the coving is restored or replaced an all-over gentle sand down and clean before painting will ensure a smooth and tidy finish. Painting your coving white or a lighter colour than used on the walls will help your hard work standout also lightening up the room.

If decorating your room then read our articles on how to paint behind a radiator and painting interior doors.

8 Tips on How to fit a Door Stop

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 13:33:00 +0000

Knocked and scuffed walls are a common problem that can be easily avoided by the use of door stops. Door stops are a relatively cheap item of door furniture which are easy to fit, saving you both time and money, avoiding the need to replaster or redecorate your walls where doors have slammed into them. Follow this how to for details on selecting and fitting door stops throughout your home.

Selecting

Selecting the type of door stop that is most suited for the door and the door furniture fitted is where you should start. There are two common types of door stop available in a wide selection of finishes, either the fixed post type that are fitted to walls or skirting boards behind the door or the second type, which are floor fitting.

Buying

Wall and skirting board mounted door stops are suited for all door types including heavy weight doors, whereas floor fixing door stops are best suited for use with lightweight doors or where there isn’t a mounting point for fixed post door stop. Once you have decided on the type of door stops to use you can buy them online or from your local DIY shop.

Easy DIY

Fitting wall and skirting board mounted door stops is an easy DIY job although care should be taken to ensure it’s fitted in the best location. If fitting the door stop to a cavity wall then locate a stud (wooden frame) for fitting.

Marking

Open the door until its running parallel with the wall. Depending where you will be fitting the door stop use a pencil to mark the wall or skirting board behind the door in line with the edge of the door.

Fixing Points

Make a second mark at the same level but 3-4 centimetres away from the first mark, inwards towards the door hinges. Be careful when marking out the fixing points because if the door stop is fitted at a point that’s away from the edge of the door then it could damage or even worse, punch a hole through hollow-core doors.

Checking

Once you have double checked the fixing points are marked out correctly, drill on each point to the depth and diameter suitable for the rawl plugs and screws provided with the door stops. Common fixing hole sizes are 6-8mm in diameter by 30mm depth.

Fitting

Once the holes are drilled, you will first need to insert the rawl plugs making sure they are pushed into the holes so they don’t project. Once ready you can fit the door stop, making sure it’s securely fixed and works when the door is opened.

Floor Mounted

If fitting floor mounted door stops then similar steps are required, although marking out the fixing point will of course be on the floor. You should also leave between 10-15cm between the door stop and the wall behind, allowing amble space so the door handles don’t knock the wall.

If you’re fitting door stops to ceramic tiled walls or floors then you may find our article on how to drill ceramic tiles helpful.

4 Easy DIY Home Improvements

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:26:00 +0000

With Christmas over and the New Year in full swing its time when many of us are challenging with the New Year’s resolutions we set for ourselves. Whether it be a personal goal or renovating your home, New Year’s resolutions can be hard to stick to. If you had grand ideas of a full home makeover or struggling to think of the easy home improvements that will breathe life in to your home, then continue reading for 4 easy DIY jobs that can quickly and most importantly after an expensive Christmas, cheaply, create a huge difference to the look and feel of your home.

Door to New Home

First impressions count, and your front door gives that first impression each and every time a guest visits your home. If your exterior doors are looking old and worn or simply dated then replacing them or giving them a new coat of paint along with fitting new modern door furniture will make a big difference to that first impression.

Inside your house, is just as important, whilst replacing interior doors throughout your home can be a costly job, updating internal door handles with modern door furniture will complement the changes made to the front door.

Kitchen Makeover

A new kitchen maybe what you dreamed of for Christmas but in reality the cost of a new kitchen plus the disturbance of having a complete kitchen installed are usually the reasons why it gets put on hold. A kitchen makeover however can be easy and affordable bringing a new lease of life to your Kitchen in no time at all.

Small repairs can make a world of difference, fixing stuck drawer runners, broken cupboard door hinges or wobbly cupboard shelves is the first place to start. After which replacing the kitchen cupboard handles with modern designer handles will look superb.

For a completely new look without the cost of a brand new kitchen, then replacing your cupboard doors, cupboard handles and kitchen worktop is the best option, leading to the transformation of your kitchen.

A Lick of Paint

A lick of colourful paint works wonders in gloomy rooms that haven’t been redecorated since the millennium. If you’re on a tight budget and want to get the most out of your money, then there’s no easier or cheaper way than redecorating. Repainting or updating your wallpaper will rejuvenate your home, giving the room a fresh lease of life. The great thing with redecorating is that it can be completed in no time at all. Easily complete even the largest of rooms over a weekend.

Finishing Touches

The finishing touches are almost as important as the foundations, and as most woman will tell you ‘accessories can either make or break an outfit’ and the same goes for your home and the ornaments within. Spending a little time selecting the right home accessories or rearranging them to get the most out of them is a simple job that will transform your property with ease.

You may find our article on how to paint behind a radiator of help if you’ve decided to redecorate, and 8 tips on choosing kitchen cupboard handles if you’re planning a kitchen makeover.

Door Decorations for New Year Parties

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:40:00 +0000

With the New Year approaching fast, and many of us looking forward to the countdown and celebrations, it’s time that our Christmas parties should have been planned and out the way ready for us to move on to our New Year’s party arrangements. We’ll leave it up to you to decide on the bites and beverages you’ll be serving up, but thought we’d provide some fun ideas on door decorations for your New Year celebrations.

Cocktail Umbrella Wreath

Making a big entrance, and certainly our favourite door decoration for New Year parties is the umbrella door wreath. A vast array of brightly coloured or even polka dot cocktail umbrellas can be used to create an unusual yet stylish wreath to hang on your front door. All you’ll need is an oasis ring (floral foam) and several packs of fancy coloured cocktail umbrellas. Open them up and poke them into the floral foam one at a time creating layers of beautiful colours.

Metallic Stars or Stripes

A decorative idea that costs as little as a roll of tin foil, simply cut out some stars or stripes (not both together unless you’re from the USA) and stick them to your front door. Unlike the flag diagonal stripes look best, so make sure to cut them at a length that will cover the full width of your door when hung at a 45 degree angle. Another tip that will save some time is to cut the stripes wide enough (15-20cm) so only 10 or so stripes are needed to cover the full height of the door.

Metallic Door Streamers

A door decoration that can be made at home although cheaper and easier to buy, are metallic door streamers. Hung from the top of the door, metallic streamers are available in numerous colours and patterns that will give you a curtain of glimmer dazzling your guests on arrival.

Party Poppers

Creating a big bang, party poppers are more fun than a decoration but certainly worth a mention as we get busy making arrangements for New Year parties. Not for the faint hearted or elderly guests, tape party poppers to the door frame with the pull strings taped to the door, when the handles turned and the door comes open your guest will get showered with streamers.

If you’re running behind and still to put up the Christmas decorations, then read our article on 6 simple and creative Christmas decorations.

6 DIY Christmas Decoration Ideas

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 10:51:00 +0000

There are many ways in which people celebrate Christmas and brining in the New Year, but between doing the Christmas shopping, planning a big lunch for the whole family and throwing New Year parties for friends, the arrangements not to mention the cost can become all a little too much. But by keeping things simple you may actually get through this year’s celebrations with a smile on your face. Continue reading for 6 simple and creative DIY Christmas decorations.

Elegant Entrance

Christmas decorations aren’t only for indoors, start with your front door or gate adding a seasonal touch using a Christmas door wreath or ball balls hanging from the door handles. Sticking to Christmas colours will give you a traditionally warm and inviting entrance, or mix things up a bit using bright pink and yellow for an exciting electric look.

Fireplace Fun

If your home has a fireplace then no-doubt you’ll be gathering round an open fire on Christmas day. Forget about hanging stockings and silver tinsel, go natural using sprigs of holly, red berries and cup candles placed on the mantel to give that warm and cozy touch.

Count Down the Days

A decoration that children will love and a festive decoration that has a purpose is a homemade calendar. There are many ways to make great looking calendars but our favourite this year is by using old cans or jars. Decorate them with coloured tissue paper and number labels one to twenty five, place a small toy or any surprise gift in in each and stack them into a pyramid with number one at the top.

Lights On

While many people will have fairly lights for the tree tucked away in the decoration box, using oversized coloured bulbs twisted through a wreath wire frame and hung on the wall creates a fantastically bright and attractive seasonal decoration. Add to the wonderful lighting effect by hanging the wire frame over a mirror.

Dining in Style

Christmas lunch for the whole family can easily turn into a stylish and elegant dining experience by using simple table decorations. Use metallic stars, candles, glitter and a few small ornaments along with the crackers and big bird in the centre for a wonderful Christmas lunch.

Style your Stairway

If you’ve got family or friends staying with you this Christmas, or even if not, then a decorative stairway adds to the Christmas spirit. Use seasonal foliage, green ferns, red berries, pinecones and ribbons to decorate the banister and create a lasting impression.

Try making your own Christmas wreath, read our article on how to make a Christmas wreath for your front door.

Tips for Buying Bi Fold Doors

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:36:00 +0000

Bi fold doors have become increasingly popular in recent years leading to many of those people replacing their old sliding doors and door furniture selecting them over standard sliding doors. Not only do they look great and let the light through like normal glazed sliding doors but also concertina (fold), so giving you a much larger opening which is the perfect entrance/exit from your home into your garden or wherever you install them. Although Bi fold doors make a fantastic choice they cost more than other door types so it’s important you know what you’re looking for.

Door Material

Manufacturing material is important in all door types but even more so when buying Bi fold doors as they concertina (fold up) each and every time you open them. Sliding along top and bottom fitted rails it’s important that the doors do not distort or twist with use else over time they may become difficult to open and shut. For this reason recommendations are that you buy metal bi fold doors, especially when there to be fitted with an exterior facing side.

Door Hinges

As with all doors, the door hinges that are used are one of the most important items of door furniture. Door hinges support the weight of the doors while ensuring minimum effort is needed during operation. Choosing quality stainless steel door hinges will help to ensure that each door panel stays precisely where it should, allowing for easy and smooth operation. Stainless steel door hinges are also weather proof which is perfect for exterior facing bi fold doors.

Pull Handles

Choosing bi fold doors with door pull handles on each panel will help you open and close the doors with minimal effort while reduce the strain put on the hinges and fixings.

Door Locks

Door security shouldn't be overlooked if fitting bi fold door. Look for those that make use of deadlock door locks that operate by a single key from both inside and out. Each section of the bi fold door should also have its own door lock which when combined with anti-lift runners help to prevent panels been lifted out.

Tracks

Much like railway tracks, door tracks are an extremely important part of bi folding doors. Not only should tracks be manufactured from stainless steel but they should be installed flush with the flooring so that they don’t create a tripping hazard. Another feature to look for when selecting tracks is that they have some kind of pre-attached draught excluder or insulation strip, this will not only reduce draughts but stop rain water coming in.

Air Ventilation

A nice feature to have is air vents, usually a sliding strip at the top of each panel that allows for ventilating the room without the need to open the doors.

Double Glazing

When you’ve decided to go with bi fold doors, selecting low quality double glazing to save money is perhaps the worst mistake of all. With so much glass its worth spending slightly more and having quality glazing installed. Look for toughened safety glass so it can withstand accidents or even people walking straight into it without shattering. Also consider gas filled glazing to help insulate your property as efficiently as possible.

Once you’ve got the bi fold doors installed then from time to time you will need to adjust and maintain them to keep them operating as smoothly and effortlessly as possible, read our article on adjusting bi-fold doors for more details.

Making a Christmas Wreath for Your Front Door

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:12:00 +0000

Making an attractive Christmas wreath for your front door or wherever you choose to hang it, is a simple decorative idea that will save money and bring on the holiday spirit. Gather up supplies and a selection of seasonal foliage then pour yourself a drop of mulled wine and get creative.

There are two basic methods of making a wreath, the first is by using a metal frame on which you attach the foliage, and the second is to use a foam base. Using these methods you can create a vast array of Christmas wreaths for your front door, bringing joy to all.

Essential Supplies

Before you get started make sure you’ve got all of the essential supplies you shall require to complete the job. These will include, the wire frame or foam, floral wire, gardening gloves, hanging hook, scissors, ribbons and bows, not to mention your choice of seasonal foliage.

Wire Frames

Wire frames provide the strongest base for front door wreaths, they can be brought from almost all gardening stores, florists or even found in supermarkets at this time of year.

Wreath Style

Depending on the style of wreath you shall be creating, single wire frames are ideal for elegantly delicate door wreaths whereas double and triple wire frames will provide enough support for layer upon layer of lush green evergreen and heavier foliage.

Greenery

Take a small bunch of greenery and lay it over a section of the frame attaching it with floristry wire. Wrap the wire tightly around the stems a couple of times and don’t cut it. Take another bunch and overlap the previous bundle by approximately half its length wrapping the wire round the stems again and repeating until you have attached greenery all around the frame.

Hanging Loop

Once you have completed the covering of greenery, tuck the wire under the frame and secure with a knot. Cut the wire leaving several inches in which to twist into a hanging loop.

Bring it to Life

Clusters of holy, mistletoe, red berries, jingle bells, pinecones, dried citrus fruits or even bows and ribbons will bring your wreath to life. Attach these with floristry wire or garden twine, tucking and twisting the ends into the greenery and wrapping/tying behind the frame.

Twinkle Twinkle

For added attraction and that starry night sparkle use a light coating of gold or silver spray paints on your greenery. An alternative is to spray a dusting of fake snow on the wreath to give you that chilly winters look.

Hanging the Wreath

Suspend the wreath using wide ribbons pinned to the top of the door moulding, this will avoid creating fixing holes in your front door and add to the decoration.

The styles of Christmas wreath you can make and display are endless, but don’t stop there, add to the decorations and Christmas spirit using bundles of twinkling greenery, ribbons or bows attached to your door handles, door knockers and surrounding frame!

8 Tips to Stay Warm this Winter

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 15:38:00 +0000

It’s starting to feel like winter has arrived already, and if you’ve been keeping up to speed with the nations newspapers, then you will have no doubt read that its set to be the coldest winter on record in over 100 years! Whilst some of us will simply turn up the heating to its highest level and make everyone in the house swelter in the heat, it’s important to remember that heating your home during winter costs a lot of money. Fortunately, just for you and anyone who has cold toes, we’ve compiled 8 tops tips for keeping warm this winter without costing you lots of money.

Layer up

Forget the fleece and that thick woolly jumper your grandmother knitted for your last year, one of the best ways to keep warm is to wear layer upon layer of thin clothing. With multiple layers of clothing air gets trapped in between and heats up, keeping you warm and toasty.

Shut the door

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘Born in a barn’, well those that are looking to stay warm this winter should learn from it. Grab that door handle and shut that door tight, keeping the heat in the room, really it's that simple.

Exclude draughts

With strong winds blowing and the certainty of more gales to follow this winter, make sure you use draught excluders to reduce draughts from doors and windows. There are numerous products available that will do a perfect job, but if needs be, bath towels or even spotty dog the teddy can reduce draughts.

Make use of your oven

They will never take the place of an open fire or hot radiator, but if you’re using the oven, make sure to make the most of the heat it generates. Sit next to it while cooking your dinner, and once your roast is done, turn the oven off, leave for a minute to slightly cool then open the door so the heat can escape to warm your kitchen.

Light a candle

If asked, most of us would say ‘candles give light’, and we can’t argue with that, but in a well-insulated and draught free room one or more candles will also provide enough heat energy to make a difference to the room temperature. It may take half an hour or so before there’s noticeable change, but a couple of good candles can do a great job. Make sure to keep your eye on the candles and whatever you do don’t dose off, else the house may get considerably warmer than you’d want!

Exercise is the key

Not only is exercise good for your health, but it soon warms you and the room you’re in. Watch a keep fit DVD, push dumbbells high in to the air, or do the vacuuming and housework to generate some heat this winter.

Get out more

If your house is so cold that whatever you try you can’t keep warm then just go out! Try a library which are usually well heated and catch up on some reading. Alternatively pop to your local pub or cinema although that may not end up been quite as cheap.

Bleed the radiators

Something that’s easily overlooked is whether your radiators need bleeding. It’s quite easy to tell, as if they do the radiators will be warmer at the bottom than the top as there is trapped air within, stopping the water circulating properly. With the heating turned off and an old towel to hand, use a bleed key to turn the bleed plug and tighten it back up as the water starts to come out.

Read up on fixing draughty doors or how to draught proof wooden floors for more great tips on keeping warm this winter.

8 Tips to Improve Window Security

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 15:24:00 +0000

Whether upstairs or downstairs all the windows throughout your home or property should be secured to prevent burglars, and in an ideal world all windows would be fitted with at least one built-in window lock. While most modern window units come with locking handles as standard, older windows found on country homes and older properties in general may not have locks. The following tips will help improve window security, giving you the added peace of mind that you are protecting your home the best you can.

1) If you’ve got window locks then make sure you use them. Not only will it be a caveat of your home insurance policy to ensure there locked, but they really do reduce the likelihood of an intruder breaking into to your home and making off with your jewels and most valued possessions.

2) It may sound obvious but keep your window keys away from the windows, don’t leave them sitting on the window sill just waiting for an intruder to break the glass. While making sure there away from the windows do check there in a place thats known to all whom are resident so if needed in an emergency you don’t have to look for them.

3) Installing window restrictors which stop the window opening fully can be fitted to most window types. There primary purpose is to stop people from falling out of the window, although they also provide an obstacle for intruders that reduces the chance of them gaining entry through the window.

4) Window grilles and bars provide a level of security which is virtually impassable. They can be fitted on either side of the window (internally or externally) and while the burglar may be able to open or smash the window they will not be able to gain entry through the bars.

5) Fitting reinforced glass will prevent intruders from breaking in through the windows, although it’s a bit of an extreme measure for home windows. An alternative for home use is security film, a self-adhesive transparent film that once adhered to the glass will prevent it from shattering and works as an obstacle for intruders that attempt to break-in through a direct attack on the glass.

6) As simple as it sounds, keeping your valuables out of sight will deter burglars. If they can’t see any items of high value then they are likely to lose interest and move on to another property.

7) There are numerous types of window alarms available, some of which are part of your home security system and others that function independently. Installing window alarms will lead to the alarm sounding immediately upon an intruder gaining entry and may just stop them from venturing any further.

8) Displaying alarm and/or neighbourhood watch stickers in your windows is perhaps the easiest and cheapest deterrent that may just be enough to discourage an opportunist thief.

Now you’ve secured your windows, read our tips on improving front door security.

10 Tips to Improve Front Door Security

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:40:00 +0000

Home security is a worry for everyone, and while you may have the best door locks in the market an alarm system in place and great big dogs guarding your residence, there are several improvements and tips for keeping your home secure. Statistics taken from the crime prevention website show there were over 450,000 burglaries last year, and that with almost 70% of these, entry was gained from either the front or back door. Whilst the following tips and suggestions won’t provide the level of security in place at Fort Knox they will help secure your home and prevent a burglary.

1) Install security cameras at both the front and back doors, even dummy camera casings with a flashing LED are proven to reduce crime, so if you can’t afford the real thing, or simply don’t want to go to the length of full surveillance system installation and setup then decoy security cameras are a great option for you.

2) Doors from your garage into your home should be treated like an exterior door. Ensure they are locked using a mortice door lock and deadlocks at all times.

3) If you have external sliding doors on your conservatory, summer room or anywhere else in your home then not only ensure the door lock is locked, but also place a rod behind the door. Avoid using steel rods as these can be lifted out of place with strong magnets, use wooden or aluminium rods which will provide enough resistance that the burglar gives up and moves on.

4) Don’t overdo your front door security, usually a deterrent along with your door lock is enough to keep burglars out, besides it is important that emergency service personnel can gain access if and when necessary.

5) Displaying a ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ sticker in your front and back door windows is a great deterrent. The circular yellow and black stickers that cost less than £1 are proven to reduce break-ins.

6) Speak to your neighbours and find out what security systems and solutions they have in place. Almost all professional thieves will study the homes in your area and choose the least secure, as of course they are the easiest targets.

7) Keep your valuables out of sight and where possible move high-value items out of view from your windows and doors. Keeping your home contents looking less attractive in value than homes nearby will also reduce the likelihood of a break-in.

8) As simple as it sounds, making sure you have outdoor lights such as porch or security lighting is recommended. Burglars like the dark, so the more light the better.

9) Never leave a spare set of keys hidden under a plant pot, doormat or anywhere else for that matter, if you must leave a key for someone to use, then try asking a trusted neighbour instead.

10) No matter how secure your door locks are, there purpose is to be locked. There’s no point in a lock if it isn’t used and it’s surprising just how many people either forget or just too lazy to use them.

A great product that improves front door security are digital door viewers, read our article featuring the top 3 digital door viewers.

How to Fit a Cupboard Shelf

Thu, 23 Oct 2014 12:43:00 +0000

In recent years it’s become increasing popular to have bedroom wardrobes and cupboards fitted to the full height and width of your room. Not only does this mean you end up with enough storage space to hide away your treasured possessions, clothing and the junk that would have previously accumulated on top of the wardrobe, but it also means there’s no top surface for dust to settle and you to clean!

Without a well-planned solution floor to ceiling cupboards do however inevitably provide too much open storage and more often than not there will be need to add further shelving within the cupboards to allow for your possessions to be stored tidily.

Additional shelving can be added to your cupboards in several ways and one of the most simple yet not the most effective or recommended is to use plastic shelving blocks that will stand up upon assembly within the open space. These however can be difficult to align inside the cupboards open space and can so easily become unstable with weight and end up falling out upon opening the doors.

The best solution hwoever is to fit shelving using support battens attached to insides of the cupboard on both the right and left sides along with the back if possible. Although this method isn’t quite as quick and easy as plastic shelving it will provide a solid shelf that will no-doubt outlive the cupboard or at least last for years to come.

First you will need to remove the wardrobe or cupboard doors for ease of access and to avoid damage to the doors and hinges.

Next, using a tape measure take the internal dimensions including the depth (front to back) on both left and right sides and width at the front and back. Note these on a sketched diagram and then double check all measurements.

Once you have accurate measurements noted, take these to your local hardware store and ask them to cut your chosen shelving board and support battens to the sizes required (as per your measurements).

Having arrived back home the next step will be to pre-drill pilot holes in the battens using a 3mm drill bit. Drill the pilot holes at either end and in the middle, for battens that measure over a metre it is recommended that fixing holes are drilled with a maximum spacing of 25cm between each, which will give the shelving added strength.

Next measure and mark the height of where you would like to position the shelf, do this from either the top or bottom of the cupboard on both the right and left sides along with the back if fitting a back batten. Remember to take the thickness of the support battens and shelving board into consideration when deciding on the final height in which you want the shelf to be positioned.

Attach the first batten through the middle pre-drilled pilot hole only, using an appropriate sized woodscrew that will not penetrate the external side of the cupboard. Once the middle screw is in place and holding the batten, use a spirit level to get the batten level before drawing an alignment line using a pencil. Now that you have the batten level, screw the remaining fixing screws through the batten and into the internal side of the cupboard. Repeat this step until all supports are securely fixed to the sides and back.

Next place the shelving board on top of the support battens and check its level, it should also be a good fit if the measurements were taken accurately and that the circular saw operator at the hardware store wasn’t drunk when cutting the board to size!

Once the shelving board is in place, you can choose whether you screw it down to the battens or start loading it up with your most treasured possessions and junk!

The final step is to refit the cupboard doors and check that they open and close as before the additional shelf was fitted.

While you’re at it you may decide to update your cupboard handles, read our 8 tips on choosing cupboard handles.

8 Tips on Choosing Kitchen Cupboard Handles

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 13:01:00 +0000

Kitchen makeovers have become popular in recent year. Avoiding the expense and interruption caused from installing a brand new kitchen, replacing warn cupboard doors, kitchen counter and kitchen cupboard handles transforms your kitchen in to a space that will be the envy of all those who visit.

It’s not to say that remodelling is for everyone, and if the base units and appliances are shot then perhaps a new kitchen is the best way forward, but if repair and improvement is possible then the following tips will help you make the right decisions along the way.

1) Contemporary kitchens look best with flat panel high gloss laminated doors. Available in a selection of vibrant colours, check that the colour will suit the other elements of your kitchen and home décor.

2) Ultra-modern kitchen units aren’t complete without contemporary kitchen cupboard handles, t-bar, bow or designer kitchen cupboard handles in polished or brushed chrome finish will look superb.

3) Traditional and European style kitchen cupboards look best with old world cupboard door handles. Cup handles, brass pulls and glass knobs work well.

4) Consider the surrounding finishes, from light fixings and appliances to wall and floor tiles and their colours. A match isn’t necessary but finishes that complement each other will help create an attractive space.

5) Just about all kitchen handle styles will suit painted and wooden cupboard doors, from stainless steel and polished chrome to brass which has also started to make a comeback.

6) For best results, coordinate the cupboard handles with your appliance finishes. An exact match isn’t always possible but the closer the finishes are the better.

7) If your cupboard hinges are visible from the sides of the cupboard then if possible match the handle finish to keep a cohesive hardware finish.

8) When selecting remodelling hardware for your kitchen, what’s most important is to select items that will suit and work with your home styles, appliances and fixtures.

You may find our article on how to drill ceramic tiles helpful during remodelling your kitchen.

How to Paint Behind a Radiator

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 06:53:00 +0000

It can be tricky painting behind a radiator, and no-doubt that’s the very reason why so many decorators and DIY enthusiasts leave it unpainted when it comes to redecorating. But what they don’t know is that from a simple adjustment to the valves they could lower the radiator onto the floor, giving them easy access to repaint the wall behind without the need to drain the central heating system. This guide on how to paint behind a radiator will not only save countless hours but lead to an improved finish throughout your rooms.

Before you get started, making sure your have the right tools and materials to hand will ensure the job goes smoothly. You will need, old towels and cloths, two adjustable spanners, the radiator bleed key and of course the paint, paint brushes and rollers you shall be using.

To complete the first step you will need someone’s help, so ask a friend or neighbour to assist with lowering the radiator. Lay the old towels on the floor a short distance away from the edge of the radiator with one positioned at both ends while keeping a cloth or old rag at hand to wrap around the pipe.

Making sure the central heating is off and the radiator cold, undo the nut on the bottom pipe valves on both sides of the radiator slightly so that you see a slight weep of the water from each. Holding an old rag over each valve to absorb the water, gently swivel the radiator towards you.

The next step is to lower the radiator to the floor. Keeping the old cloths wrapped around the loosened values lift the radiator up a few centimetres until it comes off the brackets and lower it to the floor gently, being careful not to pull on or disturb the pipe work underneath.

Once lowered on to the towels on the floor, quickly tighten up the valve nuts to stop the water dripping. Now you have access to paint or wallpaper the wall behind in ease.

Once the paint work is dry it’s time to re-hang the radiator. To do this, you will need to repeat the steps from lowering the radiator (as above) although raising it rather than lowering it. Loosen of the valve nuts once again with an old cloth in place to catch the drips, raise it with a friend, standing it upright and lifting it back on to the supporting wall brackets. Once in position quickly tighten the valve nuts to stop any further loss of water.

It is good practice to bleed the radiator after having moved it, this avoids trapped air and keeps your central heating working as efficiently as possible. Use the bleed key to turn the bleed screw at the top right or left of the radiator. Loosen the screw slightly and wait for a small squirt of water before tightening the screw backup.

Now that you have completed the job, or at least the small section of painting behind the radiator, turn your central heating back on and test the radiator.

If you’re still to redecorate the remaining of the room or other rooms in your home then you may find our guides on how to strip paint from doors or 8 tips on painting interior doors helpful.

How to Strip Paint from Doors

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:32:00 +0000

Repainting your old internal door will transform the appearance of your room especially when chrome door handles are fitted to complement the new finish. It can be a messy and time consuming DIY job to undertake even more so when you’re repainting several doors at once but it’s certainly a job that’s worth while. This article on how to strip paint from doors aims to cover everything that you need to know in removing the old paint and preparing your doors to be transformed. But before you get started you will need to make sure you have the tools and personal protective equipment listed below plus no less than 4-5 hours per door that you aim to repaint.

The tools and personal protective equipment needed to complete the job include a paint scraper, shavehook, dustsheets, protective eyewear, old paintbrush, dust mask, rubber gloves, abrasive pads, sandpaper, chemical paint stripper and a bucket of clean water, it also makes for a more enjoyable day if you have a radio nearby and someone to make the tea or coffee.

Caution: If the paint you shall be stripping from the doors contains lead, which can be found in doors that were painted prior to the 80’s, then only chemical paint stripper should be used, never use heat guns duo to toxicity of the vapours created. Lead content testers can be purchased online or from some hardware stores.

The first step is to spread the dustsheets over the floor and underneath the first door you will be working on, remove the door handles and any other items of door furniture that are fitted before unscrewing the door hinges and lying the door down flat. Supporting the door on a work bench either end will not only make it easier to work on but improve results.

Next put on your sexy yellow marigolds, stylish protective eyewear, and dust mask before pouring a small amount of paint stripper into a container or jar. Make sure to replace the lid on the can of stripper as it will evaporate if left unsealed.

Use the old paintbrush to apply the stripper over a small section of the door, no more than 1/8th of the surface area at a time so that you have time to work before the stripper evaporates. Allow for it to absorb into the paint for a few minutes until the paint has softened sufficiently so that it easily scraps off using the scraper. Remove the paint form corners, intricate patterns and mouldings using a shavehook and if needed abrasive pads and sandpaper. Repeat this a section at a time until the door is completely stripped.

After having removed as much of the old paint from the door and door frame as possible, you need to neutralise the remaining of the stripper left on the surfaces using water. Do this using a sponge to apply the water to all sections of the door, and an old towel or rag to wipe up any excess or spilages.

The next step is to rub over the door using an abrasive pad removing any paint residues and leave to dry for at least 24 hours before repainting.

Now that you’ve successfully stripped the old paint it’s time to repaint the door, but before you do read our 8 helpful tips on painting interior doors.

How to Fit a Door Knocker

Tue, 07 Oct 2014 10:12:00 +0000

Fitting a door knocker is a relatively simple DIY job, even if you have little experience in fitting door furniture or completely new to DIY, but before rushing out to your local hardware store or searching online for a new door knocker be sure to know the type of door you will be fitting it to as there are several fixing types available, and it’s important to get the right one for your door.

The types of fixing that are most common are surface fix and bolt through. Bolt through door knockers are only suitable for solid wood doors whereas surface fix can be attached to all door types using small fixing screws.

After having purchased the correct type knocker for your door, the next step is to check you have the tools needed. These will include a battery or powered drill, drill bits to drill the bolt holes if fitting a bolt through door knocker, hacksaw, sharp knife, screwdriver, spanner, tape measure and pencil.

Once you’re all set with your tools to hand it’s time to start fitting the door knocker. Consider where you would like to fix the door knocker and use the tape measure and pencil to mark the centre point of the door.

After having marked the centre point, take the knocker and measure the distance between the fixing holes. Measuring from centre to centre of the holes noting the distance for the next step.

Measure out the distance for the fixing holes from the centre mark you made on the door during the first step and mark each point with your pencil. Check the measurements carefully as the fixing holes will be drilled to allow for either the screws or bolts depending on the type of door knocker being fitted.

Now the fixing holes are marked on your door, it’s time to drill them. If fitting a surface fitting door knocker then drill a 2mm pilot hole part way into the door only. If fitting the bolt through type then usually 6mm holes will need to be drilled all the way through the door to accommodate the bolts. Drill as straight as you can, keeping the drill at a right angle, 90 degrees to the door.

Next position the door knocker over the fixing holes and check that all are in alignment. If fitting a surface fixed knocker take the screws and push them through the fitting holes into the pilot holes drilled in the previous step, screwing each one tight as you go. If your door knocker is the bolt through type then attach the bolts to the back of the knocker and push/guide the bolts through the door.

If the bolts protrude a lot from the back of the door you can cut the excess off with a hacksaw, although remember to leave an amount remaining for the nuts to go on and tighten up. Mark the bolts and remove them to cut the excess off, remembering to double check the depth of the door allowing for the bolts to go all the way through and the nuts tighten after cutting them down. Reposition the door knocker guiding the bolts back through the holes before tightening up all nuts using a small spanner. Now that fitting is complete, stand back, check your work and knock it a few times.

Having successfully fitted the door knocker, you may also like to read our article on how to fit a letterbox.

How to Fit a Letterbox

Thu, 02 Oct 2014 07:42:00 +0000

Fitting a letterbox to a new front door isn’t the easiest item of door furniture to fit although if care and time is taken then experienced DIY enthusiasts with the right tools shouldn’t shy away from the challenge. This article details how to mark out your door, cutting the opening, checking the size and ensuring the letter box is level along with fixing it in place.The biggest issue during fitting a letterbox is the daunting task of cutting the opening in the door, although if you do the measuring twice and mark out the door with accuracy you’ll only need to cut once, achieving the correct size opening.

If you haven’t already purchased the letterbox then make sure you do before cutting the opening. Although many letterbox’s have standard size openings, each design and model will have its own fitting dimensions.

Tools needed for fitting a letterbox include;

Power drill with varies size drill bits (4-10mm)
Jigsaw and a new blade suitable for the material you’ll be cutting.
File and sandpaper for smoothing the edges of the cut
Spirit level
Carpenters pencil
Straight edge
Tape measure
Screwdriver
Spanner or Allan key set

The first step is to mark out the opening hole for your new letterbox. Remember that letterbox flaps swing inwards so you will need to ensure the hole you cut is big enough to accommodate the flap as it opens, making it even more important to mark out and cut the hole accurately. Use a tape measure to determine the centre point of the lock rail and mark this with a pencil, measure the width of the letterbox and mark half of its width on either side of the centre point. Place the letter box on the door using the existing pencil marks as guides and using a spirit level ensure you place it absolutely level, marking the corner points of the letterbox. Repeat this step again checking that all you marks and measurements are correct.

The next step is to join the corner marks using a straight edge and pencil, before drilling each of the corners with a 8-10mm drill bit or one that has a large enough diameter to allow for your jigsaw blade to enter. When drilling it is important to keep within your markings so that the edge of the hole drilled touches the inside edge of the line.

Step three is to cut out the opening with the jigsaw. Using one of the corner holes you drilled in the previous step as a starting point, place the blade within the hole and cut along the inside edge of the straight lines. Cutting a straight line with a jigsaw can be difficult, so ease up on the forwards pressure you apply and allow the jigsaw to do the work for you. Once you have all of the straight lines from each of the corner holes you will find the internal section will fall out. Next using a file and sandpaper if necessary, smoothen the edges of the opening.

The next step is checking that the opening you have cut is the correct size for the letterbox. Place the letter plate over the opening hole and make sure everything aligns before checking that the flap opens without snagging on the edges.

Once happy with the opening the next step is to fix the letterbox in place using the bolt through fixing or studs provided. Keeping the letter plate in position from the previous step, ensure it is centred and level using your spirit level and mark the fixing holes. Remove the plate and drill the fixing holes using an appropriate size drill bit (usually between 4-6mm). Having drilled all fixing holes, reposition the letterbox and attach it using the bolts, tightening up the nuts until secure.

The final step is to try out the letterbox, but before you take a letter or magazine and post it through, double check the position and opening of the flap.

Having successfully fitted the letterbox, you may like to read our article on how to fit a doorbell.

8 Tips for Cleaning Interior Doors

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:13:00 +0000

Interior doors are often forgot about when cleaning your home, yet dirt and grime builds up over time, especially where contact is made with and around the door handles. Frequent cleaning doesn’t only improve the appearance and increase the time in that a door can go without redecorating but if sanitised while cleaning with an antibacterial spray it will also reduce germs and bacteria spreading throughout your home.

1) The first place to start cleaning is at the top of your door. Dust the top door frame using a slightly damp cloth.

2) Clean the entire door frame removing dirty fingerprints and smudges. For this you can use either a multi-purpose spray cleaner and towel or warm soapy water and sponge. Be sure to dry the frame with a clean towel after.

3) If you have varnished or wax sealed wood doors it is best to use an oil soap. Apply the oily soap cleaner to an old towel and wipe down the surface of the door in the direction of the wood grain. After you have applied the oil based cleaning soap use another soft clean towel to remove any excess cleaner and buff the door to improve its shine.

4) Painted and laminated doors can be cleaned using multi-purpose cleaning sprays or warm soapy water. Wipe the door from the top to the bottom using a clean soft towel ensuring you clean any grooves or ledges.

5) Don’t forget to clean the narrow edge of the door, the strip that you can’t see when the door is closed. This part usually attracts a lot of dirt, especially around hand level, or when you have small children that shut the door from the edge instead of reaching up for the handle.

6) Once you have cleaned the entire door and frame, use a fresh clean towel or soft rag to thoroughly dry the door and buff polish the finish.

7) Cleaning methods for the door handles and other items of door furniture depends on the manufacturing materials and finish. If you are unsure of the best cleaning product then warm water with a mild soap is usually suitable. Apply sparingly with a clean soft towel and avoid water from entering the door latch or locking mechanism. Use another towel or rag to dry and buff polish the door furniture.

8) After having cleaned the door, frame and door furniture you can oil the door hinges, and apply an antibacterial coating spray to the handles.

Repeating these tips on all of the doors throughout your home each time you clean will improve their appearance and lead to longer lasting doors.

If cleaning is no longer the answer and the time has come to repaint your doors then read our article 8 tips for painting interior doors.

Fixing Squeaky Floors from Above

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 10:01:00 +0000

A second method for fixing squeaky floors is from above rather than below, as written about in a previous article how to fix squeaky floorboards. Start by removing the carpet from above the area of flooring which is squeaking, if you have a hardwood floor then obviously this step can be skipped and you can move on to finding the joist and boards that are to blame for the intolerable noise. When carpeted however, you’ve got a decision to make on how to remove the carpet, either pulling it up from the edge to the point of the squeak or cutting a small section of your carpet away and relaying it using a carpet adhesives after fixing the squeak. You could also use carpet screws that penetrate the carpet backing and secure the boards to the joist, although this method is as if you’re working blindfolded and almost leaving it up to chance whether you actually secure the boards to the joist.

Walk around the squeaky area until you find the exact spot of the squeak. Mark the spot by placing a small object on top and should you have a carpeted room, consider the options you have for removing the carpet from the area without damaging it. For best results and an unnoticeable fix you will either pull the carpet up from the nearest edge or a natural joining seam rather than cutting it.

Once you have removed the carpet from above the squeak point or if you’ve hardwood floors the next step is to locate the nearest joist. You can do this either by vision through the gaps of the boards or sound using a wooden or rubber mallet and tapping the flooring around the squeaking point listening for the change in sound. The sound when tapping above a joist will be a solid dull knock as oppose to an echoing empty noise created when tapping just the boards. To ensure you have located the joist drill a 2-3mm pilot hole through the board and into the joist, most boards are no thicker than 15mm so you will soon notice if you are drilling into a joist or not.

Once you’re sure you’ve located the nearest joist to the squeak you can move on to securing it. If you haven’t drilled pilot holes from the previous step then now is the time to do so. Drill the guide holes with a maximum diameter of 3mm through the boards, subflooring and into the joist. Use heavy – duty wood screws of an appropriate length to go through the floorboard, subflooring and into the joist by no less than 30mm.

Now that you have screwed the boards down and checked the intolerable squeaking has stopped you can fill the screw head holes with plastic wood filler. This step is more important if working on hardwood floors than carpeted floors, because your repairs will be left uncovered. Making sure to choose a wood filler that is the closest colour match to your wooden floor is also an inportant part of finishing the job with great results, various shades of both light and dark colour fillers are available from most DIY stores and online hardware shops.

If you have repaired squeaking boards under a carpeted floor, you will now need to relay the carpet using adhesive, while reattaching it to the carpet gripper rods at the edge(s) of the room.

Now you’ve fixed the squeaky floor, why not read our post on how to draught proof wooden floors

How to Fit a Doorbell

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 13:09:00 +0000

Replacing your doorbell is the obvious solution if your old one has broken or sounding like a chirping bird with a sore throat, and once installed it provides your visitors with an easy way to notify you of their arrival. More pleasant than a loud knock at the door that makes you jump or the chirpy bird with a sore throat, modern doorbells are relatively cheap while easy and perfectly safe for DIY enthusiasts to fit as long as the correct precautions are taken.

The first thing you should do to ensure your safety whilst installing the doorbell is to disable the electricity. Once you have isolated the power going to the old doorbell and chime box, use a circuit tester to double check.

Next you will need to remove the old doorbell switch. Remove the cover, which on most models will usually clip on and off, then use a screwdriver to remove the fixing screws that hold the switch to the wall. Pull the switch away from the wall so that you can access the wiring connectors with a screwdriver and disconnect them. Use electrical tape to hold the wires down to the edge of the opening in the exterior wall to prevent them sliding back inside.

Next take the new switch and remove the cover, connecting the existing wires to the positive and negative connections with the casing. After you are sure the wires are firming connected to the correct terminals attach the switch to the wall using the fixing screws provided and slide over the new cover.

Now that you have replaced the doorbell switch it’s time to remove the old chime box. Use a screwdriver to remove the casing screws, or un-clip the cover and loosen off the fixing screws that are holding the box to the wall. Label the wiring with masking tape tags or draw a wiring diagram so you are sure to reconnect them to the correct connections on the new chime box.

After you have labelled the wires, you are ready to remove the already loosened fixing screws and take the chime box away from the surface. Disconnect the wires and use electrical tape to secure them to the wall surface, preventing them from been pulled back into the hole.

Open the cover on the new chimes and feed the wires through the hole(s) on the back plate and along to the connection blocks. Wrap the ends of each wire around the connectors or push them into the blocks and screw tight the holding screws ensuring that the wires are running to the correct connections from the labelling or wiring diagram you made earlier.

Once all wires are connected, fit the new chime box to the wall using the screws provided. Once securely mounted on the wall or ceiling slide over the front cover either screwing it or clipping it into place.

Now that you have replaced the old chime box and switch you can turn the electricity back on and test the doorbell. Push the switch and if you hear the chime you have completed the installation successfully. If you do not hear anything then turn off the power and check the wires are attached to the correct connections.

This article is a guide to fitting replacement doorbells only and should not replace the installation instructions provided with your new doorbell.

If you found this article helpful, then read up on how to fix draughty doors here.

How to Drill Ceramic Tiles

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:41:00 +0000

After tiling your bathroom or kitchen there will usually be need to drill holes through the ceramic tiles. Whether to allow for electrical wires or more commonly to hang a mirror, towel rail, toilet roll holder or kitchen roll holder, drilling through ceramic tiles is a DIY job that not only requires the correct tools but patience to avoid cracking or breaking the new tiles.

Things you will need

Power drill (double insulated)

Carbide tipped masonry drill bits

Safety glasses

Water or cutting oil

Tape measure

Masking tape

Pencil

First of all, clean the surface of the tile and examine it carefully to make sure there are no hairline cracks or small chips that would weaken the tile and make it problematic and likely to crack if you were to try drilling it.

After you are happy that the tile or all tiles that you shall be drilling are in in good condition use your tape measure and a pencil to mark where you require the holes. As most ceramic tiles have a hard glazed finish which causes drill bits to skip and slip its best to mark the spot of the centre point using an X of masking tape, this will improve traction until the drill bit penetrates through the glazed surface, whilst reducing the chance of the rim of the hole chipping.

Once you have marked out the hole locations with masking tape you’ll need to drill a small pilot hole using a 2-3mm carbide tipped masonry drill bit within your power drill on a slow speed setting. Making sure to wear safety glasses drill the pilot holes once the drill bit has penetrated the glazed surface you can use a few drops of water or cutting oil to lubricate the drill bit ensuring a smoother hole, and easy reach of the required depth.

Once you have drilled the pilot holes you can increase the size of the drill bit. If the final hole diameter required is larger than 8mm we recommend increasing the size in steps, for example from the 2mm pilot hole go up to 4mm then on to 8mm.

Drill through the tile backing and into the wall slowly applying only gentle pressure, allowing the drill bit to do the work cutting the hole rather than pressure from pushing hard ending up cracking the tile. As you come feel you are coming to the back of the tile slow down and reduce the pressure as at this point you can cause a blowout breaking the tiles backing on exit which weakens the tile and usually results in a hole larger in diameter than required.

Continue drilling slowly until you hit the required depth using the diameter drill bits needed for the rawl plugs and screws, after which bring the drill bit out of hole taking care not to snag it on the rim of the hole.

Remove the remaining masking tape and clean up the holes and drilling dust, before inserting rawl plugs and attaching the towel rail, toilet roll holder or other item of furnishing to the wall.

Having successfully drilled the holes you may like to read, 6 tips on keeping mould off bathroom ceilings.

How to Fix Squeaky Floorboards

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 11:37:00 +0000

Squeaky floors are more than just irritating, they can cause disturbance when sleeping, problems between neighbours, or if left unresolved at the time you decide to sell your property can give the potential buyers a reason to devalue your property. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways of fixing squeaky floors that’ll take no time at all if you have the right tools. Squeaks are usually caused by either the floorboards or underneath floor sheeting rubbing together when downwards force is applied from the weight of our bodies as we move around, the friction between the boards causes a high pressure vibration and in turn a squeaky intolerable noise. By identifying the squeaky boards you can easily secure them and put an end to the noise.

Step one is to identify the area and more importantly the board(s) in which the noise is coming from. The best way (unless it’s on a ground floor) is to stand in the room directly below looking up to the ceiling whilst someone else walks around above. Listen out, and take note of the area(s) its most heard. To mark the area, place a piece of paper or another object on the floor underneath the area of the ceiling which you have identified as the source of the squeak.

Once you have located the source you can then move on to remedy it, weighting the squeak from above is a good idea that will compress the floor boards and ensure the repair is as effective as possible. To weight the boards use heavy furniture, sand bags or other heavy objects, even having your DIY helper stand on the spot will weigh it down somewhat and allow for you to carry out the repair.

If the squeak seems to becoming from the under boards and the beams, then the best way to remedy the noise is to attach a brace between the beam and flooring under boards securing everything and eliminating the intolerable sound.

To install a brace screw the mounting plate to the underside of the under boards directly on the squeaky spot using wood screws (usually provided). Connect the bracket with the brace down pole and attach it to the beam, tightening the bolt on the pole using a spanner until the flooring under boards are pulled down.

Another way of getting rid of terribly squeaky floor boards is by using wood shims between the under boards and the beams. Wood shims are thin pieces of wood to be used for small gap filling and are usually mush easier to install and considerably cheaper than fitting bracing.

Wood shims are for use on floor boards where there isn’t considerable play between the beam and flooring. Coat each shim used with wood glue and slide / tap them gently into the gaps. Take care not to force the shims into gaps that are too tight, as this can result in pushing the boards upwards and making the squeak even worse.

Screwing the under boards to the floor boards is another way of reducing or eliminating squeaks. Although a basic way of resolving the noise, screwing the boards together does work by securing the boards in place. Drill small pilot holes (guide holes) using a power drill and a 2mm drill bit ensuring you don’t go too far up and pop out from the surface of the flooring! It’s quite difficult to judge the exact thickness of under boards, that is unless you can see the edge, take care when selecting the wood screws that they will be no longer than the thickness of the under board and half way into the floor boards.

Fixed the squeak but still draughty, read our article on how to draught proof wooden floors.

Adjusting Bi-fold Doors

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 07:09:00 +0000

Adjusting bi-fold doors is something that has to be done during the fitting process and then again from time to time as part of the regular maintenance of your internal doors. Adjustment to bi-fold doors is usually quite a simple task, on the "hinge" side or "butt" side as it may be referred to, is usually a pin at the bottom corner of the door that sits within a floor bracket and on the top corner a spring-mounted guide that locks into the track.

Open the doors, ensuring the spring-mounted guides at the top are within the track. Check the bottom corner pin and be sure it’s engaged within the floor bracket and adjusted to approximately 1-2mm clearance from the jamb, when the door is closed.

Checking on the top pin and the track in which the sliding bracket sits periodically is another way of ensuring your bi-fold doors operate smoothly. Adjust the bracket so that the "butt" side of the door is plumb straight with 1-2mm clearance from the door jamb when closed and tighten the sliding bracket within the track.

If you find the doors are vertically out of align you can make adjustments to reposition them. The adjustments are usually made on the hinge side of the door by screwing or unscrewing the bottom pin. Threaded like a bolt, depending on the type of bi-fold doors the bottom pin may need to be lifted out of the bracket to allow for turning.

Repairing Bi-fold Doors

If your bi-fold doors become loose and wobbly, the most common cause is due to the bottom pin wearing out its seat within the door. The best way to fix it is to remove the pin and reposition it. Fill the old pin hole using filler or a dowel plug and glue then drill a new hole with the same diameter away from the filled hole to accommodate the pin, if the pin is damaged then replacing it at this point is also recommended.

If fitting a double doors you may find our article detailing how to fit new double doors helpful.

How to Fit Swing Doors

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 07:28:00 +0000

Fitting swing doors or saloon doors as they are referred to cowboys and cowgirls, between your dining room and kitchen will add a touch of Western character to your home. Swinging doors also partially separate your rooms, concealing unsightly washing up whilst entertaining and at the same time allowing for easy access from either side of the door. Of course swing doors can be installed between any rooms you choose, they are easy to fit, and all you will need is a few basic tools, a helper and the swing doors and door hardware of course.

The first step is to make sure you purchase the correct size swing doors for the door way, opening you have. To do this measure the internal width from one side to the other. When shopping for swing doors, note there are types that are hung directly to the wall or within your door frame or others where by wooden pillars would be used attached to wall either side of the doors.

Once you’ve got the doors home, finish tthem with your choice of stain, paint, varnish or wax. Leave the doors to thoroughly dry before they are hung.

Mark the position of the double action spring door hinges on the hinge side of the doors. Fit the door hinges using suitable wood screws, and stand the doors up within the opening or door frame. With a little help from a friend, position the doors at the correct height and using a spirt level ensure the doors are level before marking the hinge positions on the wall or framing.

Pre-drill pilot holes for for the screws that willl be attaching the hinges to the door frame or wall and with your helper holding the first of the swing doors in place attach the door hinges to the frame. Tighten all screws on all of the hinges and move on to fitting the next door.

Once both doors are fitted, check they are securely hung and that they swing open and shut from both directions without crashing into each other.

Most double action spring hinges allow adjusting of the tension and some allow for level adjustment, depending on the spring hinges purchased make any necessary adjustments until the desired tension and level is achieved.

Tips

Double action spring hinges for use on swing doors are high tension spring loaded hinges that will pinch your fingers if given the chance, use caution during installation.

Don’t over tension your swing door hinges, this can lead to dangerously fast swing doors and hinge fittings working loose.

If you’re unsure of the screws you should use, read this article on how to choose woodscrews.

How to Fit New Double Doors

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:46:00 +0000

There are many things you can do to add to the value of your property but a popular remodelling job adding elegance to your room is fitting new double doors. Not only does it add value but brings a modern feel to your home when the right doors are used, what’s more you don’t have to bring in a carpenter to do it for you as fitting interior double doors is something most DIY enthusiasts can accomplish if they have several hours and the right tools.

The first step before you go and buy new double doors is to measure the existing doors and frame to ensure you have space. The space for the new doors should be 2.50 cm wider and 1.20 cm taller than the frame. Also make sure that the new door jamb that you buy to replace the existing one is the correct size. Standard size jambs are available in widths of 10.50 cm to 13.80 cm.

After you have returned home with your new double doors, frame, door handles and any other items of door furniture you required, it’s time to fit the new frame into the wall. Push the frame into place, bottom first, tilting it up and pulling the top inwards into position making sure the jamb is flush with the wall.

Once the door frame is in place, make sure the top of the door frame is level using a spirit or bubble level as some people call them. Once you’re sure its level, secure it using nails that are no less than 3.80 cm (1 ½ inch), evenly spacing them over the full width of the frame. If nailing straight into brick then similar length masonry nails will be needed.

After the top of the frame is securely in place hold the spirit level on one side of the door frame and use wooden wedges or shims as there known between the wall and the frame until you achieve a level or exactly straight (plumb) side. Once aligned use 6.50 cm (2 ½ inch) nails to secure the side of the frame in place. Drive the nails through the door frame and wedges into the wall stud at three locations, top, centre and bottom. Once complete repeat this process of leveling and securing the door frame on the other side.

Fit new door hinges to the doors and hang them onto the frame, operate the doors making sure they swing open and shut without dragging or scuffing, checking that they are level and when shut they stay closed with a small even gap between them and the door frame. Next fit the new interior door handles to the doors and check functionality once again.

After you are satisfied that the new double doors and door furniture have been fitted successfully you will need to fill and redecorate the area around the new door frame.

If fitting a singular door you may find our article detailing 6 tips for fitting new interior doors helpful.

How to Remove Dirt from Wooden Furniture

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 13:15:00 +0000

If dirt is left to build-up on wooden furniture it can soon mask the beauty of your favourite wooden chairs, table or cupboards. Of course cleaning the furniture frequently will help, but when the dirt and grime is no longer removed by normal cleaning it’s time to turn to a more powerful cleaning solution. You may already have an off the shelf abrasive chemical cleaner, but do you really won’t to use such on your favourite piece of furniture? Also if the wood is painted or varnished then abrasive chemicals can damage the finish. This is when you should try homemade natural cleaning solutions that give you enough power to remove even the most stubborn dirt build-ups and restore the full shine and beauty to your furniture.

Things you will need;

Lemon juice
Olive oil
Fine salt
Soft cloths
Old toothbrush
Old dust sheet for covering the working area.
Rubber gloves
Small container or jar
Vacuum with small nozzle

1) Once you have prepared the ingredients and materials required select an area where you can work that has plenty of room to move around the furniture freely. Working in your garden or garage is often the best place.

2) Once you have chosen the area you shall work cover the ground with an old dust sheet or cardboard sheeting.

3) Place the item of furniture on the centre of the ground covering making sure you have amble space surrounding it so you are able to access all sides easily.

4) Wipe the surfaces of the furniture with a clean soft cloth or duster to remove loose dirt. Take the vacuum and a small nozzle attachment to get into any small corners and crevices.

5) Now you have removed the loose dirt and dust it’s time to mix up the natural cleaning solution, mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice and a teaspoon of fine salt.

6) Using another soft clean cloth, apply the cleaning solution sparingly to the wooden furniture, if it is a cupboard you’re cleaning then you may decide to remove the cupboard handles for ease of cleaning. Make sure not to soak the wood with the solution.

7) Gently wipe the solution over all areas of the furniture and where possible wipe the solution in the direction of the wood grain. Continue cleaning until the dirt has gone, taking care not to scrub too hard else you may damage the surface finish.

8) For difficult to reach crevices, corners and patterns you can use the old toothbrush and gently work the solution into these areas. Where possible try to brush within the direction of the wood grain.

9) Once you have removed all dirt, wipe down the furniture with a clean dry cloth removing any of the remaining cleaning solution and allow several hours for the furniture to completely.

10) Once dry, buff using a clean soft cloth to bring back the shine.

Additional Tips

As with any cleaning product, it is best to try a small amount on a hidden or less visible area of the furniture first, and if you are cleaning antique furniture then check that the cleaning solution is suitable for use with a furniture restoration specialist.

If you found this article useful, then watch our how to repair wood scratches video.

How to Repair Burn Marks on Wooden Table

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 11:33:00 +0000

Burn marks are one of the worse damages that wooden tables or any wooden furniture for that matter can accumulate over time. Whether the scorched heat marks were created by a hot cup of tea, or a slight burn caused by a fallen candle, incense stick or cigar, they all look terribly unattractive so it’s important that you know the various methods of repairing burn marks so you can keep the wooden table looking is best.

Depending on the burn and the method of removal you shall try, you will require some if not all of the things listed below.

Towel

Lemon juice

Linseed oil
Warm water
Toothpaste
Old cloth
Baking soda
Fire or cigarette ashes
Steel wool
Small bowl
Wooden polishing compound

First you need to clean the whole of the table, this will help you identify the areas that need treatment, while show you the non damaged sections of the wooden table at their best. At this point don’t use any polish or household cleaning products, simply warm water and a towel.

After having cleaned the table, the first method to try is to use a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda. Mix 1 tablespoon (approximately 20ml) of toothpaste with 2 tablespoons of baking soda (40ml) in a small bowl, creating a sticky white paste. Rub the paste into the heat mark in the direction of the wood grain. Leave it on the mark for a couple of minutes, and repeat the gentle rubbing motion again before wiping off all of the paste using a clean damp towel. By now you should see a huge improvement with the heat mark having virtually disappeared.

Instead of using toothpaste and backing soda you can use lemon juice mixed with ashes from either a cigarette or fire. Sprinkle the ashes into a little lemon juice within a bowl and mix together thoroughly. Use an old cloth to apply the solution over the burnt area, rubbing in the direction of the wood grain for a minute or two or until the heat mark eventually disappears.

For burns created by flames, incense sticks or cigarettes, you can use a fine grade steel wool to rub at the surface of the burnt area. Do this gently making sure that you pay attention to what’s happening to the burn mark and surrounding area of the table with each swipe. Once the burn mark has almost gone stop and switch to either the toothpaste and baking soda or lemon juice and ash solution (from above) for improved results. After you have completed make sure to clean the whole of the table thoroughly.

Another method of removing deeper burn or scorch marks is using linseed oil mixed with a soft wood polishing compound. Mix the compound and oil in a small mixing bowl in two equal parts and once a paste is formed apply to the burn area using an old cloth. When rubbing make sure you do so in the direction of the wood grain, after a couple of minutes of rubbing leave the paste over the affected area for 5-10 minutes. Once the paste has set, wipe it off the table using a damp cloth or towel. Should the burn remain then repeat once again or try the toothpaste and baking soda paste method from above.

For best results, try using a combination of all methods, followed by cleaning the table as usual with household cleaning products and polishing with a suitable wooden furniture polish.

If you found this article helpful, then you’re sure to find our how to repair wood scratches video useful.

8 Ways to Repair a Loose Wood Screw Hole

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:16:00 +0000

Whether it be a wobbly bracket or door hinge that keeps working its way loose, it’s quite a common problem found in many homes, especially when the original holes were drilled slightly too big for the screws to be used. After a little time looking into why the wobble is occurring you’re almost sure to discover that the issue is due to the screw hole wearing and the screw thread no longer gripping or tightening within the hole. Of course ideally you’d be able to replace the wood and drill new holes for the screws however in practice this isn’t always possible, this post details 8 tried and tested ways to repair a loose wood screw hole.

1) One of the best and strongest solutions yet quite a job for novices is to drill out the stripped screw holes and glue in wooden dowels with the exact same diameter as the drill bit used. After you have tapped the dowels into the holes and once the glue has set cut the dowel off so that is flush with the edge of the wood and drill a pilot hole before screwing into it. This method provides a strong fixing point that is almost as if you were screwing into new wood.

2) Not to be used on screw holes that hold any great weight, but a quick and simple fix for smaller screw holes is wedging a shim mixed with wood glue into the hole. For the shim you can use toothpicks or matchsticks. Once the glue has set simply cut off the shim so that is flush with the edge of the wood.

3) Using over-sized screws is an option, longer or thicker gauge screws. Before using the oversized screws check they aren’t too long for the wood as the last thing you won’t is them popping out the other side. Also make sure the screw heads aren’t too big for any existing countersink holes.

4) Coat a rawl plug with wood glue and tap it into the screw hole. Once the glue has dried, drill a small pilot hole into the rawl plug before re-screwing into the wedge.

5) Using a small piece of pine and a sharp knife you can create a pointed shim to fill the oversized screw hole. Sharpen the pine wood into a pointed splint and tap into the hole. For a stronger hold coat the pine splint with wood glue before tapping into the hole. Once the glue has dried, use a chisel or sharp knife to cut off any overhanging pine flush with the edge of the wood before drilling a small pilot hole ready to screw into.

6) For screws supporting light loads only, you can compact steel wool and stuff it into the hole using a narrow screwdriver or similar tool. Ensure that the hole is stuffed as tightly as possible before screwing back into it.

7) Another method of filling oversized screw holes is by using golf tees. Tap the tee into the hole and mark where it needs to be cut to become flush with the edge of the surface. Remove the tee and cut slightly below the mark so that it will be flush or even slightly sunken. Cover the golf tee with wood glue and tap it back into hole. Allow for the glue to dry and return your fixing screws.

8) Mixing up toilet tissue and white multi-purpose glue will achieve a strong and lasting filler. Take two or three sheets of toilet tissue and mix with 20ml (approximately a tablespoon) of multi-purpose glue, the tissue will disintegrate within no time at all and easily mix together with the glue creating a white clay like filler. Push the filler into the screw hole and take a small nail or wood pin to make a pilot hole. After 30 minutes or so once semi-hardened screw the wood screw into the filler and then take it out. Allow for the filler to completely dry and return the screw. This method is also good for filling holes plaster boards.

Now you know how to fill loose wood screw holes, you may also like to read how to choose woodscrews.

8 Tips for Painting Interior Doors

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Overtime and with the continuous use interior doors receive they will undoubtedly begin to show wear and tear, so when the time comes to repaint them choosing a durable paint that is either semi-gloss or gloss will help improve the finish and ensure it lasts for years to come. Allowing amble time along with following the tips below will help you achieve results that are almost as good as those of a professional decorator.

1) Semi-gloss and gloss paints make your doors much easier to clean while live up to the use and abuse most doors go through, along with frequent cleaning.

2) Use at least two top coats of paint to get a uniform finish and appearance, if the current finish is gloss then you will also need to use a deglosser paint or primer to dull the finish prior to painting.

3) Leave the doors hanging while you repaint them, this will mean you can paint both sides at the same time, while removing the need to lean them against the wall.

4) Removing modern door handles, door locks and latches will only take a minute or two and is preferable over masking. Doing this will result in a better finish and make repainting your doors quicker and easier.

5) If painting new solid wood doors then don’t forget you must seal all surfaces to prevent warping caused by moisture entering the door. If you’ve already hung the new door or don’t wish to take the door off the hinges and out of the frame then use a small mirror to see if the bottom has be painted or not. If not then you will need to do this using a mini-painting pad, or remove the door for better access and ease of painting.

6) If painting a flat door with a roller then bear in mind rollers are best suited to walls and ceilings where the texture looks good however on doors, door frames and most wooden trims it doesn’t look as attractive so use a wide brush immediately afterwards to smooth over the texture created by the roller.

7) When painting panel doors you’ll need to use a combination of brush widths to achieve best results. A recommended method is to paint each panel first leaving the stiles, muntins and rails that frame them until last. The problem with this, is if you get paint on these areas whilst painting the panels then it may set before you get to painting the remaining of the areas.

8) Using paint conditioners will help keep your paint wet for longer, allowing time for you to complete the different areas of the door so they all set and dry at once. Paint conditions also help improve the bond of the paint with the surface of the door, increasing resistance and durability.

If you found this article helpful then you may also like to read our post on fitting new interior doors.

How to Repair Wood Scratches

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 07:20:00 +0000

Welcome to another one of our DIY tips and tricks. This how to video is going to show you how to repair wood scratches in wooden furniture or floors with nothing more than a walnut.

Simply split the walnut in half and then rub it onto the scratch. The oil from the walnut goes into the scratch and recolours it, simple.

This method of repairing wood scratches is best suited to light wood scratches.

If you found this video helpful, then you may also like to watch our how to fix sticking door locks video using nothing more than a pencil.

How to Clean Wooden Garden Furniture

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 07:47:00 +0000

As autumn approaches and rain starts to fall it’s time to put your wooden garden furniture in the shed or at least cover it over before the damp and cold weather arrives. To increase the life span of your garden furniture and save on a job next spring, preparing your garden furniture for storage over the autumn and winter months is certainly recommend. Importantly, removing algae that’s built up over time while ensuring the furniture is as dry as possible before storage or covering.

Algae is a group of eukaryotic organisms, or to us a green slimy film that forms and dry’s on the surfaces of garden furniture and garden fences, you will also find it floating on top of ponds and growing on tree trunks. Left to remain on garden furniture during the winter months the algae, which is a type of fungus will soon begin to damage the wood, starting with a noticeable colour change before decaying.

To remove algae without using toxic chemicals, then try vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. White vinegar is a biodegradable, nontoxic cleaning agent that is not only safe to clean wood and other hard surfaces but is usually found in your kitchen cupboard and if not is considerably less expensive than chemical cleaners, whilst better for the environment and those who are applying it to the garden furniture.

Things You Will Need

White vinegar
Bicarbonate of soda
Scrubbing brush
Bucket and sponge
Old towels or cloths
Rubber gloves and safety eyewear

1) First remove any soft cushioning from the garden furniture and wash these as indicated on the label with the addition of 2 cups of vinegar added to the water.

2) Make sure you wear rubber gloves and safety glasses before taking your bucket and mixing up two parts vinegar to one part warm water with three large tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda.

3) Use the scrubbing brush to apply the vinegar solution over all surfaces of the garden furniture, ensuring it makes it to those difficult to reach corners and gaps.

4) After leaving for a couple of minutes, apply more of the solution and vigorously scrub to remove the algae. If cleaning soft woods take care that the scrubbing brush doesn’t scratch the furniture, test a small area first and use a softer scrubbing sponge if the brush is leaving marks.

5) After you have thoroughly scrubbed the surface use either a bucket of fresh water or garden hose to rinse off the algae deposits and solution.

6) Check for any areas you have missed or stubborn spots that need more work. Remember the vinegar solution is made up of natural products which are effective but often require more elbow grease than chemicals.

7) Once all traces of algae have been removed make sure the garden furniture is rinsed down and left to dry before finishing with wood wax or polish.

8) Wrap the furniture using polythene and store within your shed or garage where possible. Should you be leaving the furniture outside then raise it off the ground using bricks or similar so that it does not stand in water for extended periods of time.

If you found this article helpful, then you may also like to read our tips for keeping mould off bathroom ceilings.

How to Choose Woodscrews

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 14:23:00 +0000

Choosing the correct size woodscrews for the job is more important than you may think. The wrong size screws can lead to shocking results in any DIY projects, causing splits in the wood, wobbly constructions or even brackets and fixings that fall out before the job is finished. This short article is to introduce you to several standard gauge woodscrews that are used in many DIY projects around the home, you'll also find a conversion chart showing imperial and metric dimensions for each gauge of screw.

The following is a list of typical DIY jobs for standard-gauge woodscrews.

#4 Gauge woodscrews are suited to very small cabinet door hinges, keyhole cover plates or escutcheons as they are also know.

#6 Gauge woodscrews are ideal for light fixings including curtain rail brackets, door handles and lock sets.

#8 Gauge woodscrews are perfect for internal door hinges, light-duty shelving brackets and general box construction.

#10 Gauge woodscrews are for heavier shelving brackets, wall-cupboard and cabinet mounting also hinges on heavy duty doors including front doors.

#12 Gauge woodscrews can be used for heavy duty shelving systems, small to medium central heating radiators, wall mounted boilers and outdoor trellis supports along with other similar jobs.

#14 Gauge woodscrews are for heavy duty use including double-size central-heating radiator, shelving brackets that will be supporting heavy loads and sturdy frame construction like outdoor benches and tables.

Imperial to metric conversion table

Imperial Screw Guage (g)	Metric Diameter (mm)	Length (inch) from	Length (mm) from	Length (inch) to	Length (mm) to
4	3.00	1/2	13.00	1 5/8	40
6	3.50	5/8	16.00	1 3/4	45
8	4.20	1	25.00	2 1/4	55
10	5.00	1 1/4	32.00	2 1/2	60
12	6.00	1 3/8	35.00	2 3/4	70
14	7.00	1 1/2	38.00	3	75

Now you know more about woodscrews and the typical uses for each size, you may also like to read how to choose the correct size door latch.

Draught Proof Wooden Floors

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 10:48:00 +0000

You wouldn’t leave your windows open on a winter’s day while the heating was on, would you? But if you have hardwood floorboards, engineered or even laminate floors, unless you’ve got them draught proofed you’re doing the very same. Cold air naturally circulates below floorboards allowing draughts to come through the gaps, into the room and chill your toes! Small gaps between the floorboards soon add up to a large area, perhaps the same size as a medium window, which when left open, day and night you’re sure to feel the draught and certainly wasting energy.

The Energy Saving Trust, an organisation in the United Kingdom devoted to promoting energy efficiency, estimates that by filling the gaps between the floor and skirting boards alone would save £20 per year, and if insulation was used underneath the flooring and the gaps between wooden floorboards filled, a further £40 could be saved annually, not to mention the added comfort draught exclusion brings to your home.

There are several draught exclusion products for use on floorboards found in DIY stores and many more found online, all of which claim to provide a quick, neat and reasonably priced solution, as with most things there is also a traditional DIY method that is virtually cost free.

The first product that’s most popular with DIY enthusiasts and floor fitters is like a squishy and stretchy seal, available in various thicknesses and roll lengths, along with a range of colours to suit your floorboards. This gap filler is easy and quick to push between the floorboards, however as gaps between floorboards tend to be inconsistent in size you will need to make sure you purchase various thicknesses and during application switch from one thickness to the other as the gap size changes. Using squishy seals provides amazing results both for reduction in energy loss and look.

Another product that can be used is cork expansion strips, a little harder to insert in the gaps, and slightly more expensive, cork expansion strips are available in different lengths and thicknesses. Similar to the gap filler seal above, cork strips can be used on hardwood, laminate and engineered floors. Providing great results both in terms of exclusion of drafts and appearance, ensure you buy various thicknesses to allow for variance in gap width while make sure to allow several hours to get the job done properly.

The third product we are going to mention is perhaps the easiest to use and most attractive of all, yet also the most expensive at almost £20 per ½ metre roll. An innovative gap filler for wooden floorboards that leaves the gap between the floorboards looking unfilled. Manufactured from flexible V-shaped plastic that springs apart to fill gaps from 1-8mm, easily pushed into the gap using a debit card or similar tool, once in place the draught excluder is invisible. Providing great results wherever it’s used, similar to other gap fillers this type of floorboard draught excluder can be used under the edge of skirting boards.

A traditional DIY method of filling gaps between floorboards is making papier-mâché from shredded newspaper and wallpaper paste. It’s messy and slower than shop brought solutions but costs virtually nothing and great for use on floorboards where the gaps are large and vary considerably. For convenience you may choose to buy ready to use wallpaper paste, but you can also buy powered adhesive, ready to mix.

Once you’ve got an apron on and ready to get messy, tear up newspaper into shreds and mix it with the wallpaper paste leaving it for a few minutes to absorb the glue. If you have plain white newspaper, similar to that’s used in a chip shops then that’s preferable, you can also add dark brown, grey or any other colour stain you like for an improved look. Once the newspaper has absorbed the paste take a few strips at a time twisting them together and pushing them into the gaps between the boards.

Papier-mâché gap filling is best suited to areas under furnishing, rugs or carpets where it won’t be visible, if you do choose to use this method throughout the room then make sure to push the papier-mâché right to the bottom of the gap to remove it from sight.

For ease of application and results the V-shaped plastic gap filler that springs apart to wins hands down, but for those on a tight budget or for those that have funny shaped gaps wider than 8mm then the papier-mâché solution is best.

Now you’ve draught proofed your floorboards, or at least have some ideas on how to go about it, why not read our post on fixing a draughty door.

Fixing a Draughty Door

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 13:45:00 +0000

As autumn nears closer and winter not far behind, making sure you fix draughty doors around your home will help keep you warm and save tens if not hundreds of pounds on your heating bills throughout the year. Similar to how irritating sticking door locks can be, poorly fitting front doors can be very annoying, especially when the winds are howling and the draught comes through the house and into your sitting room where you’re trying to enjoy your favourite TV program, relaxing after a long day.

Some of us choose a sausage dog draught excluder placed behind the door and others prefer a cat, fox or snake but when you forget to reposition the temporary draught excluder or when you’re out the room for a few minutes all of the heat you’ve kept in soon dissipates in to nowhere when the cold draughts whisk it away.

For those of us that don’t want to hang better fitting doors or those that can’t afford the cost this year, then a semi-permanent solution rather than the stuffed Scotty dog, is self-adhesive draught excluder tape. Similar to a roll of tape and only a few pound more, self-adhesive draught excluder is easy to fit and does a great job.

Available from most local DIY stores or online, the upside to draught excluder tape is that it provides an instant solution at a reasonable price. Other plus points are that it can be fitted around letterbox flaps and even windows, it doesn’t show and that it is quick and easy to fit. The downside is that it is only a semi-permanent fix to the problem, and while it will last a year or so it wears over time and will need replacing. Another problem with self-adhesive draught excluder strips is that unless you’re able to remove the door, then fitting it to the bottom is almost impossible.

For gaps underneath the door you could use brush strip or rubber seal draught excluders that attach to the edge and hang over the gap, much like a sausage dog draught excluder these do a good job but provide even better exclusion as they are permanently in place, so when the door is opened and shut the draught excluder stays with it, keeping the draughts out.

A couple of things to keep in mind is that while draught excluders will certainly help, there’s no better solution than correctly fitting doors and while eliminating draughts will certainly lead to improved comfort and reduced energy bills, air should continue to circulate, so never keep rooms air-tight as this can create safety concerns especially when gas appliances or log burners are in use.

6 Tips for Keeping Mould off Bathroom Ceilings

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 10:38:00 +0000

Any good decorator will tell you, the solution to keeping mould off bathroom ceilings or any other area of the home for that matter is to provide an environment in which it finds it difficult to grow. Unfortunately the warm and humid environment that bathroom ceilings and walls provide are the perfect breeding ground for fungus spores and why these are a common place for mould to flourish.

Mould is of course a type of fungus and left untreated it will spread across almost any surface very quickly, it’s not poisonous, although in recent years there has been a relationship found between indoor mould and damp conditions causing an increased risk of eye, nose and throat infections along with coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Regardless of the nasty ailments it can bring with it, ceiling mould is unsightly and nobody likes to see it, let alone live with it.

Ceiling mould flourishes in warm and damp conditions, 21 Degrees Celsius plus and with humidity levels over 60%, which is common in most bathrooms during bath times. To reduce the chance of ceiling and wall mould appearing follow the simple prevention tips below to stop the optimum conditions arising.

1) When you shower, make sure to open the bathroom window or at least use the ceiling extractor fan found in most homes. This will help keep the temperature and humidity levels down.

2) After bathing leave the bathroom window open for an hour or more. This will allow for the extra moisture and heat to escape, preventing mould growth or at least slow it down, stopping it from spreading.

3) Taking damp towels, flannels, wash mitts and cloths out of the bathroom and leaving them to dry on the cloths line, an alternative room or an airing cupboard will help reduce the levels of humidity.

4) Wiping dry the bathtub or shower tray will significantly reduce the water in the bathroom, which would usually evaporate adding to the damp environment and high humidity levels.

5) Use an old toothbrush or nail brush with anti-fungal bathroom cleaner to clean in between the tiles surrounding your bathtub and shower, taking care not to disturb the grout or silicone sealer.

6) Next time you decorate or if the problem persists then try an anti-mould paint. It will cost you more than a standard bathroom paint but that’s better than the unsightly appearance and/or nasty health conditions mould can cause.

If you found this article helpful then you may also find our post on how to fix a draughty door of help.

6 Tips on Fitting New Door Hinges

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 12:02:00 +0000

Fitting door hinges is a common DIY job taken on by many people each weekend. If this is something you’ve got planned for the weekend or one evening then read on for some great tips on how to fit new door hinges. For the purpose of this how to guide we assume you have already prepared the recess for each hinge on the side of the door.

1) Selecting the correct gear and drill settings to drill the holes for the hinge screws is an important part of doing the job properly. Using a cordless drill select a mid-speed gear (2 or 3) and then set the drill action to rotary only.

2) Place the hinges into the pre-cut notches and make sure the leaf of the hinge is aligned with the edge of the door. Mark the centre point of each screw hole using a pencil then remove the hinge and pre-drill each hole, ensuring the holes are drilled to the depth of the screws to be used whilst also drilled straight down.

3) Selecting the correct screw bit or screwdriver for driving the fixing screws through the hinge holes and into the doors will avoid damaging the screw heads and/or experiencing difficulties getting them all the way in. This can be done by placing the screwdriver tip or screw bit you shall be using into the screw head and checking for a good fit. The grip you have on a screwdriver is also important, a soft grip rounded handle is comfortable and allows for gentle pressure to be applied while driving the screws into the door.

4) If using a cordless drill or electric screwdriver then selecting the correct gear for driving the screws is also important, choosing a high speed setting usually results in chewed screw heads, so we suggest a low-speed gear with high torque.

5) Drive each of the fixing screws through the hinge holes and into the pre-drilled holes, leaving a couple of turns remaining on each screw until all screws are in place. Once you are at this point check the hinge is positioned correctly and still aligned with the edge of the door before tightening.

6) Finally check for any movement of the hinge by gently pushing and pulling on the projecting leaf.

Congratulations you have now fitted the new hinges and can move on to hanging the door.

How to Fix Sticking Door Locks

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 09:55:00 +0000

After a few years of continued use you may find your key no longer slots into the cylinder lock as smoothly as it once did. This how to video shows a simple trick that will fix sticking door locks using nothing more than a pencil, sharp knife, a piece of paper and the key itself.

Once ready, simply scrape some of the pencil lead into shavings onto the piece of paper, you will need to do this for a minute or two to create a pile of lead shavings as shown in the video.

Next sprinkle the shavings over the key making sure it settles in the grooves, then push the key in and out of the door lock a few times. You will find the key should now slide into the cylinder easily.

This method of lubricating your door locks is also good practice as part of the routine maintenance of your doors and door furniture.

6 Tips for Fitting New Interior Doors

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 07:01:00 +0000

Fitting interior doors isn’t as easy as it may seem, and needs an experienced DIY enthusiast or professional door fitter. To start with the likelihood is you will need to trim the new door to size, then lining up the door hinges and latch or door lock can be challenging and certainly a job for two people. To ensure your new doors are going to look their best once fitted, consider whether you have the necessary skills or if finding a professional carpenter is a better option.

If you do decide to fit the new doors yourself then here’s a few tips from an experienced door fitter.

1) Before purchasing new doors take the exact measurements of your existing doors more than once. Measure the left and right side as well as top and bottom of each door you shall replace twice, each time noting down the measurements. This will help when purchasing the replacement doors and leading to the best possible fit.

2) The tools you’ll need during hanging new doors include a pencil, tape measure, spirit level, a hammer, plane, saw and set of screwdrivers. You will also need a wood chisel to create the recess within the edge of the door for either the latch or door lock.

3) Once you’ve got your new door home, put it flush up against the frame of the doorway, positioning the door so the edges are flush with the door frame whilst making sure the side that you will fit the hinges is exactly straight (plumb) using the spirit level.

4) Along with the tools mentioned above you will also need some wooden wedges to be used as supports, tap these in around the door while it’s positioned within the doorway so you can mark the door where it needs to be trimmed.

5) Once your door is marked, make the adjustments gradually checking back to the frame each time a small adjustment is made. This way you will avoid over adjustment which can lead to poorly fitting doors.

6) Once you’re happy that the new door fits the doorway frame correctly, use the pencil to mark up the hinge positions on the one side and the door lock or latch on the opposite.

If you haven’t hung yourself before hanging your new doors then you’re doing well, ready to have a cup of tea, and move on to one of the more enjoyable jobs, fitting door furniture or tranforming your old doors into something new.

5 Highly Creative Ways to Reuse Old Door Knobs

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 11:28:00 +0000

Are you attached to your old door furniture, eager to update your vintage door knobs and handles with something a bit more modern, yet at the same time would like to put your old door furniture to good use? Then keep reading for 5 highly creative ways to reuse and showcase your beautiful vintage door knobs throughout your home.

Bouquet of Door Knobs

Create a flowery bouquet of door knobs arranged within a colourful glass vase. Using non-matching door knobs that are still attached to their spindles although removed from the backplate can produce a successful imitation of a floral arrangement that not only looks great while putting your vintage knobs to good use, but unlike normal bouquets of flowers they won't need watering!

Door Knob Photo Holders

Removed from the backplate and spindle, old door knobs can be turned upside down to use as photo holders or photo clips. Using either shaped wire or a crocodile clip projecting from the spindle hole you can create some attractive photo holders that add character to either the mantelpiece, home desk or wherever you choose.

Necklace Organiser

Fixing old door knobs on to a framed board, can create a beautiful necklace organiser. You will need to remove the door knobs from the spindle and backplate before using an epoxy filler to fill the spindle holes within the doorknob. As the filler is setting position a screw within (screw head first) so that the screw can be used for attachment of the door knobs to the board.

Door knob Curtain Ties

Using vintage door knobs as tiebacks for your curtains adds the perfect touch of elegance to a traditionally furnished country home. Either remove the knob and fill the spindle hole with filler and a screw, or leave the knobs on their backplate to attach them to the wall, draping the curtain behind.

Door knob Towel Hooks

Both attractive and functional along with our favourite is to reuse vintage door handles and knobs as towel or coat hooks. In the right setting, perhaps a country home or ornately furnished bathroom, vintage door knobs on backplate look charming, while keeping damp towels or jackets away from the wall.

There are many more uses for vintage door handles along with ideas for transforming old doors that you can think up, be creative with your thoughts, repurposing old door furniture for functional, fun, characteristic and most certainly green items for home improvement.

Door Handles with Integrated Doorstop

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 14:45:00 +0000

When we discovered these innovative modern door handles that integrate a doorstop within the lever we thought they would make an interesting blog post for you and other visitors to read. A modern design of satin stainless steel door handles that contrasts with the partly visible hard wood doorstop becomes functional once removed for use.

Combining style and functionality these door handles are unfortunately still just a concept design but one of several worthy designs of modern handles that were entered into the international Hands on Door Handles competition.

Along with the normal function that all door handles provide, we thought that doubling up as a doorstop was a particularly useful idea, better than that of the innovative clip handles we covered in a previous article.

If ever produced then we’d have thought the doorstop door handles could do very well, although they do have a couple of small drawbacks of which we shall mention.

As most internal doors have two handles (one for either side of the door) unless one of the handles on the door had a fixed wedge fitted within the lever then you’d end up with two doorstops for each door, although perhaps it's a good thing you have a spare.

The other drawback is that as the attractive design is created between the contrast of the satin stainless steel and hard wood when together, this is lost when the doorstop is in use, and if you were to lose the wedge forever and couldn’t replace it then the overall attractive appearance would also be lost as well.

There are a couple of simple solutions to the issues mentioned and no doubt the designers are already considering such as part of the production version. A removable doorstop that is tethered to the handle by a retractable cable/lead so it can’t be lost, and a doorstop fitted within a permanently fitted hard wood wedge within the lever so the attractive contrast isn’t ever lost.

Don't Leave Home Without It!

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 09:07:00 +0000

I’m sure it’s happened to you before, as it’s happened to me on more than one occasion, you get to the supermarket only to find you’ve forgotten your shopping list! Well this could soon be a thing of the past with the innovative clip door handles.

It's always good to see a solution that deals with age-old problems of daily life that doesn’t rely on a smart phone app, and the clip door handle concept is definitely one of them. A simple contemporary design of door handles made from little more than a coil spring attached to a large clip which serves as the lever of the handle.

After writing down your shopping list or any other note for that matter, just clip it to the door handle and grab it on your way out. No more trying to remember the items you listed on the note that is still hanging from the fridge door or left on the side table.

If you’re concerned you or one of the children may get your fingers caught or if the clip handles just aren’t your thing, then from the same designer is the hollow door handles which allow you to stowe away your shopping list within the lever similar to that of a rolled up message in a bottle.

The designer of these innovative handles says they are a simple solution that doesn’t rely on gadgets and apps, engaging our senses and resolving the problem. We say what a great idea and especially like the hollow door handles that bear no immediate difference from modern door handles.

Repair Door Handles

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 06:51:00 +0000

Have you ever experienced problems with stiff or stuck door locks, key’s that don’t work, loose door handles and or latches that don’t latch? Then continue reading for some simple solutions.

There are many common problems that occur with old door handles and locks. However there is usually a solution to these before they become such a serious problem that the lock, latch or handles fail completely. It is usually down to a malfunctioning door latch or locking mechanism causing the problem, although each issue experienced will be different and needs someone with a little DIY experience and patience to fix.

Door Handles

With opening and closing tens of times throughout each day, it comes as no surprise that door handles can come loose overtime. Tightening up the fixing screws that hold the handle to the door periodically will help to avoid wobbly handles. You will also need to check that the bolt through fixings and grub screw are tight from time to time.

Old sprung door handles will require lubricating periodically, you will need to gain access to the flat coil spring which is located either under the rose if door handles on rose are fitted, or on the underside of the backplate if door handles on backplate are used. Once you have access use only a small amount of graphite powder for lubrication before fixing the handles back to the door.

Door Locks

An internal door lock or 3 lever mortice sash lock, as they are sometimes named, may overtime become stiff or even stuck, this is usually because the lock is dirty or dry and needs to be lubricated. When lubricating door locks you should always use a graphite powder rather than oil based products. Oil lubricants including WD40 may seem to solve the problem, although a sticky gunge will fill your lock with time leading to complete failure at a later date.

Whilst internal door handles, door locks and latches are relatively cheap to replace, external door locks can be costly, so if the problem cannot be resolved by lubricating the lock then rather than paying the callout charge of a locksmith you may decide it’s best to remove the hardware and take it into a locksmiths or hardware specialist for them to repair in store. They may recommend a replacement but you’ll still save on the callout charge.

Tubular Door Latch

The various issues encountered with tubular door latches range from a drop or movement in the latch strike plate to a poorly fitted door or even the coil spring within the latch failing to force the latch back out.

Misaligned door latches is a common problem which thankfully is easy to resolve. If the door latch is not operating smoothly, it’s most likely that the latch on the door may not be lined up with the strike plate on the door frame. Depending on the distance of the misalignment repairs range from making minor latch adjustments to repositioning the door. Once you have had time to determine the distance of the misalignment then one of the following methods could be the solution.

For less than a 1/8 inch (2-3mm) misalignment, you can use a metal file on the inside edges of the strike plate to enlarge the opening. You may also want to try loosening off the fixings screws and move the plate slightly. For misalignments greater than 2-3mm then you shall need to remove the strike plate and increase the size of the mortice (hole) in the door frame, either extending the top or bottom of the mortice hole as necessary using a wood chisel. Reposition the strike plate and check the misalignment has been corrected before filling the gap with wood filler and refinishing the surface.

If the latch isn’t reaching the strike plate, then you could try to shim out the plate using a thin piece of metal or wood behind the plate, you can also add another strike plate on top of the current one. If the latch still doesn’t reach then you can try doing the same with the door hinges, only replacing the door for one that is wider as a last resort.

There are other less common problems that can be experienced with old door furniture, and while there can usually be a solution found, the time spent repairing locks, latches and handles can be more costly than replacing them, browse through the door furniture we offer at the lowest prices online.

Top 3 Digital Door Viewers

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:20:00 +0000

Home security is important to us all, and while a couple of years ago most of us were happy with a simple one way spy hole, times have changed and these are now being replaced by a hi-tech solution, the digital door viewer.

It’s easy to see why digital door viewers are set to replace all but Grandma’s standard spy hole over the next few years, with built in door bells, lenses that match existing door furniture, portable wireless viewers, video recording functionality and full colour crystal clear digital imaging displays, the revolutionary door viewers are improving the level of 'at the door' security, guarding against unwanted visitors.

Unlike a few years ago, today there is an extensive range of digital door viewers in the market, which is why we have put together a list of our top 3. Bear in mind we couldn’t review all the many models available, so while this article will without doubt help you in choosing the next generation door viewer for your home, there may well be others you wish to consider.

1) Brinno Digital Door Viewer

Selected as our favourite, like many of the latest designs the Brinno digital door viewer is small and sleek and even those that aren't technology minded can install it. Easily affordable at less than £30 the Brinno digital door viewer features a 1.3 Mega Pixel camera with zoom and low light vision imaging, 2.5” TFT display screen and wide vision 190 degree viewing angle.

2) Cannon Digital Door Viewer

Our second choice would be the Cannon door viewer. Also affordable with prices starting at around £45 this digital door viewer brings you the added peace of mind of which the Cannon brand offers from years of development and manufacturing of digital cameras. Featuring a 1.3 Mega Pixel camera with one touch operation and bright 3.5” LCD colour display although a disappointing 120 degree viewing angle.

3) Entry Guardian 2.4 GHz Wireless Digital Door Viewer

Feature packed, the wireless digital door viewer may offer you more with a built-in door bell and visual intercom entry system but costs in the region of £80 while there is little history or that known about the manufacturer, Entry Guardian. Features include a 1.0 Mega Pixel camera with infrared night vision function, 3” LCD colour display, doorbell with 16 ringtones, two-way intercom, real-time monitoring, remote control locking and 2.4 GHz wireless transmission with 300 metre range.

The digital door viewers we've suggested will suit most homes, although with hundreds of models available and every home having differing security requirements, we recommend further time is spent selecting the viewer that’s best for you.

Which Size Door Latch?

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:36:00 +0000

With numerous sizes available, determining the correct size door latch to buy can be confusing for those who haven’t fitted door furniture before. We sell two sizes of mortice door latches in several finishes, all of which you shall find the dimensions are detailed within the descriptions along with a line drawing (diagram).

An important dimension you shall need to know before you can select the correct size door latch for your doors is the ‘backset’. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the door handle or knob spindle hole, or where the spindle shall pass through the door should you be fitting new doors.

In the UK there are two common backset sizes carpenters use for residential properties, these are 57mm and 45mm. While selecting the mortice latch you will also find that the overall case length is detailed, these are 76mm (3 Inch) and 63mm (2 ½ Inch).

Whilst fitting door handles and knobs the following recommendations may be of help.

If fitting door handles to new doors which haven’t previously had latches fitted then the 3 Inch case (57mm backset) is usually preferred, this will position the handle slightly further away from the door frame than the 2 ½ Inch door latch, within the centre of most surrounding edging of standard size panel doors.

When fitting door knobs then again the 3 Inch case (57mm backset) door latch is recommended as it positions the knob further away from the frame preventing your hand from getting caught or scraping between the frame and knob.

If you are replacing existing door latches it is important you buy the size that is currently in place to prevent filling or plunge routing. Determining the backset and overall length can be done by removing the existing latch and taking the dimensions. If the door handle or knob is still in place and you’d rather not remove it then you can measure from the edge of the door to the centre of the spindle hole (centre of the handle/knob).

Please also see the diagram above, showing measurement lines X indicating backset and Y overall case length.

Transforming Old Doors

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 14:07:00 +0000

When the time has come to replace your old doors, don’t just scrap them, salvage them! Give it some thought to what you could make, perhaps transforming old doors into a table, wall art or our favourite, a garden swing! We’ll elaborate upon these ideas a little later in the post but if you can’t improve your doors by re-finishing them with paints, varnishes and a pair of new door handles then just give it some thought as to what they could be transformed into. If none of our ideas are of interest, and if you’re struggling to think up your own then you could try Google for inspiration.

So first of all how do you decide if your door or doors need replacing? Well, every component of a home needs to be replaced at some point in time and if your doors are starting to show cracks, warping, rotting or have holes in the panels then these are all red flags indicating it may be time to replace them. Then again if it’s just the door furniture you’re having issues with, sticking latches, jammed locks or broken door handles then you can of course replace these items at very little cost and all of which can be purchased from us.

While we’d expect you can probably think up some furnishing ideas that will top ours, this article wouldn’t be complete without a few ideas for inspiration. So here goes, our first suggestion is for old panel doors that can be turned into message boards. Using blackboard card or matt paint within the panel sections and hanging it on a wall horizontally you’ll find it fun and easy to keep track of what’s happening each day of the week.

Another idea would be a coffee table, a little more complicated than the message board although still easy enough for most DIY enthusiasts. Cutting the door horizontally into three pieces, two rectangular sections for the edges and one larger square piece for the table top surface. The type of door you’re salvaging will determine the cut lines, and of course the final height and size of the coffee table. As long as you end up with the three pieces as mentioned above then attaching them together using wood screws and strengthening under frame, should you choose, then you can create a coffee table with character and style at little or no cost what so ever.

Our third and final idea for this post is the garden swing we mentioned earlier, slightly more complicated again yet still within the realms of the DIY enthusiast, this can be made with virtually no cost although you will need a porch or large tree to hang it from before you can enjoy it. Start by cutting a small strip (20-30cm) off the top and bottom of the door, leaving a ¾ length door, don’t discard these sections as they will be used for the edges of the swing. Next you’ll need to make the backrest which is perhaps the most difficult part, this can be done using wooden slates as shown in the photo above, or similar to that of a wooden bench. Once the backrest is prepared this can be attached to the seat area (the old door). Once the back has been fixed in place you will need to attach the sides and skirting edge. Eight hooks and approximately ten metres of chain will be needed for hanging the swing, whilst you may also want to finish the door with colourful paints and cushioning to give it some character and comfort.

We’re hopeful this post has provided some inspiration to those of you wondering what to do with your old doors, while know that if you’ve read this, whether you end up fitting new door handles or transforming your old doors into something new, you’ll never just throw them away.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Door Handles

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 09:44:00 +0000

Stainless steel is known to be corrosion resistant, making it today's most used material for manufacturing door handles. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is because of a chromium-rich oxide film. The chromium-rich oxide film is created by a reaction between the chromium found in stainless steel and the oxygen in the air. If the surface of stainless steel door handles aren't regularly cleaned then small deposits on the surface will prevent the passivation process and reduce corrosion resistance. Therefore, to keep the highest level of resistance and aesthetic appeal it is necessary to keep the surface of stainless steel door handles clean.

Cleaning methods

Stainless steel door handles are easily kept clean, internal and external door handles should be cleaned regularly to improve appearance whilst retain corrosion resistance. Cleaning can be done by wiping the surface of the handles with a warm clean cloth using either a mild detergent or soap, before rinsing with clean water and drying with a towel.

If there are stubborn stains or spots on them a mild non-scratching cream cleaner or polish could be used, these should be suitable for use on stainless steel and must not contain chlorine or other abrasive chemicals. Applying cream cleaners or polish can be done with a soft dry cloth or sponge and similarly to above cleaned off with warm water and dried with a towel.

Steel brushes or wire wool should not be used on stainless steel handles as they can scratch the surface and leave deposits behind resulting in surface rust.

We recommend that your stainless steel handles are cleaned at least once a month. In offices or commercial premises where handles receive more frequent use or when exposed to changeable atmospheric conditions cleaning should be increased to once a week. Should stainless steel door handles discolour, this is usually because cleaning is inadequate.

Both grade 304 and grade 316 stainless steel handles should never be cleaned with products containing chlorine or other abrasive chemicals.

OFF Door Handles Concept Design

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 09:35:00 +0000

When we heard of the innovative concept “OFF” door handles last week we thought they would make an interesting read so decided to introduce them to you and our other visitors. An ultra-modern front door handle, the concept “OFF” door handles designed by Eun Ah Kim, Jinhyuk Rho & Maria Rho take handle technology to the next level, so much so that the hi-tech door handles won the Red Dot design concept award.

Along with a normal handle function, “OFF” door handles are connected to your main utilities enabling you to turn off the lights, electric and gas within your property after leaving the house. Similar in design to that of the indicator stick light control dial in cars, “OFF” door handles have a small power button and dial at the far end of the handle which enables selection of settings that best suits the user. Upon leaving your home all you would need to do is tap the power button and all appliances and mains utilities connected would be turned off, on arriving back a 45 degree turn of the handle and not only are you through the door but everything connected turns back on at once.

The benefits “OFF” handles would bring if ever put into production are quite considerable whilst supposedly environmentally friendly, reducing electricity and gas consumption, saving you money while countering the effects of global warming. User advantages of installing these hi-tech door handles would include a reduction in time spent turning off appliances, providing a central control unit for your utilities, and also helping in the prevention of fires.

Unfortunately however the downsides we see to concept “OFF” handles are plentiful. It doesn’t seem the designers have considered your fridge/freezer and the food within defrosting nor that most gas boilers are still without auto-ignitions and would require re-lighting. Another point someone in the office made was that providing such controls on your front door would leave you wide open to pranksters turning off your utilities or even burglars.

Although we see the advantages these handles could bring to a busy house one day the downsides clearly outweigh them. Our conclusion for the award winning “OFF” handles is that further development is needed before it can go from concept to production.

Unlock Doors with NFC Ring!

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 13:17:00 +0000

Tired of carrying around a big bunch of keys in your pocket or perhaps you’re an uber geek that has to have all the latest gadgets, well the new NFC Ring maybe just the thing for you. It may be a bit James Bond but when we heard of the ring that can unlock and lock doors we thought it would make an interesting article while may also become a popular product one day, once they start shipping later this year.

Q’s new invention isn’t actually for 007, in fact it was developed by a team of computers hackers from the USA whom formed McLear Ltd, and whilst you would have thought this new door opening technology would come at a hefty price it is actually in easy reach for most of us although you will of cause need an NFC enabled door lock, something like the Samsung digital security lock that costs more than an average weeks’ salary!

So what is NFC I hear you ask, well NFC is similar to Bluetooth, standing for Near Field Communication which is a set of standards for smart phones and similar devices that enables them to establish radio communication with each other either by touch or bringing them into close proximity.

Manufactured from nickel-free titanium and available in three different designs, V1NTAGE, CLASSIC and SIGNATURE the NFC Ring has a style and size suitable for all technophiles and others that want this new technology. V1NTAGE design is a transparent band which shows off the tag circuitry within the ring, whereas the CLASSIC and SIGNATURE designs are simple white and black coloured bands with polished titanium edge.

There’s more to the ring than locking and unlocking doors, it is able to unlock smart phones and tablets, control applications and even share data with others. Also water resistant not only can you wash your hands, which would of course be a major design fault if you couldn’t, but meaning you can unlock your smart phone while snorkelling!

On a more serious note similar to that of unlocking doors without keys or data transfer, there are potentially millions of uses from healthcare to military where the NFC Rings could support their users.

How to Choose Interior Doors

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:29:00 +0000

Changing your doors can create a big difference to the appearance of your home and choosing the right doors and door furniture for your interior will create a lasting impression on you and your guests. Doors are touched and seen up close many times throughout the day so choosing the lowest priced replacements isn’t always the best option, try to find doors that will match as closely as possible with your homes interior décor and styles.

Out with the old in with the new

Updating your doors throughout your home or within certain rooms not only changes there appearance but gives you a chance to lighten up dark spaces like a hallway or small office by selecting a glazed or window door. Or you could give your home a little character replacing cheap blank doors with brightly coloured contemporary ones.

Always keep in mind though, that whist changing your door furniture is usually a simple improvement, swapping the doors themselves isn’t always as straightforward. You may find that you need to add further door hinges to take the weight of new doors or adjust the size of the opening by adding wooden strips to the frame. Door stops may also need re-positioning to allow for differing door widths and swing arc. If that wasn’t enough to consider you may find that your existing door frames don’t match todays standard sizes or even worse they may not be entirely straight which is a problem particularly seen in older houses and properties meaning your new frames will need trimming of planing to fit. All of this does need to be given some thought while of course does add to the overall cost of fitting new doors. If you decide to replace the doors then there are four basic types.

Before you jump in and get it wrong you will need to check whether the new doors need to comply with fire regulations. If they do this will narrow your choice somewhat while put up the price, but don’t let that deter you, you can still find a good range of well-priced and attractively stylish doors.

Panel Doors

Highstreet DIY stores usually stock a selection of panel doors with different patterns and variations of 4 panel doors. You should be able to find a door matching with the other doors in your home or if replacing all doors then one’s that suit your budget and interior. Panel doors are generally supplied with either soft or hardwood frames and the panels can be cut down to fit within existing frames.

The advantages of panel doors is the possibility to match them with existing doors and door features while they are easy to cut down to fit awkward frames. Disadvantages of panel doors is that hardwood or unusual patterns can be difficult to find and expensive.

Moulded Doors

Moulded type doors duplicate panel doors but cost considerably less. The surface of moulded doors can be manufactured from numerous materials including wood, plastic and fibreboard all of which are available with either a wood effect or coloured finish. Moulded doors usually have a honeycomb corrugated cardboard centre which keeps the doors light while also provides a strong internal filling.

Along with the cost saving the other benefit of fitting moulded doors is that they come ready finished, meaning you do not have to paint or varnish them. The downside is that they can appear inferior in both look and feel when compared with panel doors.

Flush Doors

Similar to moulded doors, flush doors are made from a honeycomb cardboard centre which is placed between either hardwood or plywood sheets. The edging of the doors and areas where hinges and door handles are added are strengthened with a wooden block structure. Heavier weight and stronger models of flush doors are also available with fibreboard centres.

The biggest advantage of flush doors is the price while they are a popular type of door that is well stocked by DIY stores and door specialists. Another positive point which is worth a mention is that due to their weight they are easy to handle which makes hanging them somewhat easier then solid wood doors. The main disadvantage of these type of doors is that they can’t be cut down while also due to wooden block structures added for strengthening to the hinge and door handle fitting areas, flush doors can only be hung one way.

Fire Doors

It’s quite normal to find that loft and garage entrances are required by building regulations to be fitted with fire resistant doors. In recent times it has also become common to find fire resistant doors fitted throughout new builds in an attempt to reduce the risk of fires spreading. Fire resistant doors are thicker than normal doors. Available in a selection of finishes including flush and moulded, fire resistant doors have a dense centre which means they carry extra weight and usually require strong framing and heavy duty hinges.

The obvious advantage of fitting fire resistant doors is that as the name suggests they are fire resistant and reduce the chance of fires spreading from room to room. Another benefit is that due to their thickness and dense centre they reduce sound transfer. The downside to these doors is that styles and designs are somewhat limited when compared with that of moulded or panel doors while they are also more expensive to buy and fit, usually needing the help of a carpenter.

Conclusion

While replacing your doors can make a wonderful difference to the style and appearance of your home interior it’s not a job to be taken lightly. Before you start thinking of the numerous choices available consider whether a simple transformation of your existing doors using new door handles and if needed a coat of paint or varnish would be an option.

Replacing Toilet Door Locks

Wed, 28 May 2014 09:54:00 +0000

Replacing your toilet door locks is much easier and cheaper than you probably think. If you’re a pub landlord, restaurant owner or perhaps you run a gym or fitness centre then we’re sure you’ve had problems with your cubicle door locks before and no-doubt getting tired of replacing those cheap toilet door locks each and every time they get damaged or someone gets locked in!

Try our quality stainless steel toilet door locks for cubicles and toilet doors which are stronger than cheap aluminium locks and look much more modern with a brushed stainless steel finish, flush fitting and a red and white indicator to show your patrons if the toilet cubicle is in use.

Super easy to fit as a replacement lock or if being fitted to new doors, each of our toilet door locks comes with easy to follow fitting instructions and templates which can also be downloaded here.

No need to look any further our toilet door lock pack is offered at the lowest price in the UK while also as it is supplied complete with fixings and indicator you won’t need to purchase any additional items to fit it, making your replacement or new toilet door lock much more affordable than buying from high street DIY shops.

What are Escutcheons?

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 12:15:00 +0000

Before mentioning the fantastic range and different size of escutcheon we stock, we thought it would be helpful to those of you who have never heard of or used a keyhole escutcheon for us to detail its use first.

Escutcheons are an item of door furniture which surround the keyhole or door lock providing a personalised and neat finish. For locking doors which have door handles with rose a separate escutcheon is usually fitted below the handle to hide the lock cylinder and any rough edges from where the cylinder is inserted into the door.

Escutcheons also provide protection from damage and general wear from the end of the key when missing the keyhole and from the frequent turning action the door lock receives.

All of our escutcheons come in matching pairs, one of which gets fitted to the front of the door and the other to the opposite side. Not only does this look good when matching your door handles but again covers the rough edges providing a neat finish on both sides of the door.

Our fantastic range includes square and circular standard keyhole escutcheons available in satin and polished stainless steel, chrome and even an inspiringly elaborate duo black nickel and chrome finish.

6mm, 8mm and 10mm escutcheon thickness’s with diameters from 50mm to 54mm depending on the area you wish to cover (please check individual product details for full information) all our escutcheons are concealed fixing meaning no screws will be visible.

If you’re unsure of the type of escutcheon you should use on your door then please feel free to contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff who will be more than happy to help.

Which Doorstop is Best?

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 11:36:30 +0000

Over the years, the doorstop or door stops as some people may write have included everything from a pair of slippers to a dog whilst taking a nap! What a doorstop does is quite simple yet an ingenious solution. Doorstop do exactly as the name suggests they stop the door or door handles from hitting the wall behind them.

But wait there’s a more attractive and permanent solution than your new slippers! To eliminate damage to your walls the best solution is a fixed doorstop and depending on your needs and the room in your house that you will be fitting it we offer various designs and fixing types of doorstop.

One of the most popular choices used within living rooms and bedrooms are our skirting board or wall mounted fitting types. Available in a selection of finishes including satin and polished stainless steel both providing a modern appearance.

For bathrooms and kitchens or for use behind heavy doors our floor mounted doorstops make a great choice. Select from the cylindrical shaped or oval floor doorstop which is especially good when the bottom of the door is less than a centimetre from the floor.

When fitting the wall mounted type ensure that the wall that you are attaching too has framing behind the contact point to screw into. This is important else with time and use it’s likely it will be pushed through the wall creating yet another DIY job for the following weekend. With floor mounted doorstops you should always find you have something solid to screw into and as long as it’s a level surface you can position it where ever you choose.

Our last tip on selecting and fitting doorstop is to make sure you temporarily wedge the door partly open or even shut during fitting to avoid trapped fingers or bumped heads when people come through.

If you’re still unsure of the best doorstop to buy, then please feel free to contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff who will be more than happy to help.

Which Door Handles?

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 13:31:00 +0000

Choosing the right handle for your doors may be quite a daunting task for many of us particularly those with little DIY experience. Let's see if we can give you some help to get you started.

Step 1) Are they new doors or are you just updating your handles on existing doors?

This will help narrow down your search:

If you have new doors then you can literally choose any handle we have in stock. We also supply our door handles in new door packs to help you select all the hardware needed for your doors. For example a bathroom door pack will include handles, hinges, lock and thumbturn.

If you are keeping your old doors then you will have to consider the size of the handle, as in most cases it is best to cover the holes left by the old door handle fixings. We have several designs of door handle on a plate which are very good for this. You may also want to use the existing latch or lock, in which case (provided they are a standard size) all you will need is to select a handle you like and switch them for your old ones.

Step 2) Choosing the design

We have many different designs and finishes. If you prefer a traditional look you may prefer our lever handles on a plate. We have some great designs which range from classic to a little more modern. If you have a more modern home then a door handle on rose is probably the best for you. Also a chrome or stainless steel finish will add that extra modern finish to your doors.

Step 3) What accessories?

If you are new to DIY then you may need some help choosing all the right accessories to match your handles. We've made things simple by selling our handles in door packs, new door or bathroom door will suit most people's needs. However if you are still uncertain, then please feel free to contact our knowledgeable staff who will be more than happy to help you with any query.