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  • Understanding Bathroom Lighting Zones

    When you are refurbishing or designing a new bathroom, choosing the correct light fixtures can be quite tricky due to the safety regulations that must be followed. These safety regulations lay out an IP rating for light fixtures which identifies to what extent these fixtures stop water from getting inside of them. To understand what IP rating is needed for different forms of lighting, the bathroom is sectioned into ‘zones’ that each have a IP rating specification.

    Bathroom Lighting Zones

    • Zone 0- is any lighting that would be submerged in water, for instance inside of a bath tub. These lights have to be IP67.

    • Zone 1- are any lights that will be directly over a bath or shower and they are also recommended to be an IP67.

    • Zone 2- is usually any area that covers the perimeters of zone 1 including the radius of your sink. This is the most common lighting in a bathroom and requires IP44 rated lighting.

    • Zone 3- is any other area outside of the zones where no jet water will be present, does not need any special lighting but the minimum of IP20 is recommended.

    Understanding these zones and the regulations required for bathroom lighting can help make bathroom lighting choices, just a little bit easier.

  • How To Choose The Right Multi Fuel Stove Logburner

    If you are installing a fuel-burning stove in your home, one that can burn actual logs or pieces of wood, you will want to choose one that will accommodate your interior design. Not only does it need to have the capability of heating your entire home, but it should also have a beautiful appeal to anyone that is stopping by. Choosing the right multi-fuel stove, on the other hand, can be a little bit different. These are able to burn different types of fuel, and can also act as a large burner. This is how you can find the best one that is available for your home that will also be affordable.

    Where Should You Start Searching?

    If you would like to start searching for a large burner, start looking online for companies that produce stoves that use different types of fuel. Some of them are going to use lumber, whereas others will use oil or propane, and you will be able to distinguish between the different ones that are being sold. Once you have found a couple of businesses, get quotes from all of them, and find out how large they are and how much of the house it will be able to heat. You will then want to inquire about the type of fuel it is capable of burning to make your final choice.

    What Type Should You Get?

    The kind that you get should be always based upon the amount of BTUs that it can produce once it is fully operational. This is the amount of heat that it can put out, which will allow you to heat either one room, or several rooms, throughout your home. In regard to multi-fuel stoves, these are stoves that burn much more than what. A multi fuel stove can also burn what is called smokeless fuel or even coal. They are going to be vented a little bit differently, but once you have everything in place, it will make sure that everyone inside of your home is warm and safe.

    Once you have chosen the best multi-fuel stove that can also serve as a log burner, you will want to get one that is very affordable. This is going to be an easy way for you to improve the interior of your home, and also keep people warm during the cold winter months. By being able to burn solid fuel, liquid fuel, and logs, you will have many different options. It’s one of the best ways to invest your money on a heating system for your house because these are so diverse, not only warming your home during autumn and winter but adding a tremendous amount of style and character to your home, which is just as important. The right multi-fuel stove will also add value to your home and impress potential buyers, so it’s a wise investment.

  • Are tumble dryers a must have appliance?

    Tumble dryers have become increasingly popular in recent years in the UK and it is estimated that 60% of homes now have one. Tumble dryers only really have one major advantage being that they are capable of drying clothes in the quickest time possible. They can hold a large capacity of clothes and visually look far tidier than a clothes horse. You can purchase vented or condenser versions. If space is a problem then you can purchase mini tabletop dryers.

    Although they dry clothes far quicker than any traditional method that is the only advantage they have although for some it is a complete must to own a tumble dryer for this convenience. Tumble dryers do come with some disadvantages such as cost to run them, they can give you quite a large electric bill if in use too frequently. They are also not the best option for your clothes if not used correctly. You run the risk of shrinking your clothes if you put them in on a high heat that is not suitable for the fabric type. There are several setting options on most tumble dryers so this can be avoided if used correctly.

  • Top tips for burning wood in your new log burner

    When you have a crackling fire in your living room, the uncomfortable weather can become more tolerable and you can finally create a comfy atmosphere. Wood and briquettes are two of the most popular options for wood burners and fireplaces, but whatever fuel you decide on, with a few simple tips, you will make it easier to fire up and clean the fireplace. If the fireplace burns down, it is better to use only small amounts of wood or briquettes.

    Because the furnace of the furnace is overcrowded, the material does not burn completely, making it a lot more difficult to keep the fireplace going The residues settles in the combustion chamber and pulls the smoke into the chimney, which can cause damage over time.

    Fast fires are easier to come by

    For a fast and warm fire, it is best to place two logs of wood in the oven. Then comes the fireplace lighter. The shavings of the kindling wood are built over like an Indian tent. The small chips are first ignited and ensure fast heat; the large logs burn from above slowly and evenly. Kindling wood chips of softwood are suitable because they provide heat quickly. They have a comparatively low density and therefore burn faster but also hotter. The thicker logs are responsible for keeping the heat. They should, therefore, consist of harder hardwoods, as they burn down more slowly due to their higher density.

    Sufficient air when lighting

    The stove needs a lot of oxygen during lighting. Therefore, the air supply should be set to the lighting position or to the maximum value. And if there are butterfly valves or gate valves, they must be open. The air supply is reduced again when the flames have reached and ignited all logs. The value to be set for each oven is stated in the operating instructions.

    For the first time stove owners have to refill when a base ember has formed and only minor flames are left. Then the logs always come with the splitting edge down on the embers. The wood should be refilled and not thrown into the oven room. Otherwise, this can damage the lining of the firebox. To accelerate the ignition, the air supply can be increased for a short time after refueling. There are also many stove accessories that can help provide more air, so be sure to speak to a retailer is you’re having problems with your log burner or multi-duel stove.

    The best wood for the fireplace

    Anyway, you should use dry firewood as much as possible. The wetter the wood, the more smoke it produces when burning. The wood should have residual moisture of a maximum of 20 percent. Then it heats best and burns low in pollutants. To achieve this, it has to dry for two to three years, depending on the species. For this purpose, the firewood should be protected from rain and still be stored airily – the best is a covered wooden hut suitable.

  • What is a snug room and why do so many homeowners create them?

    A snug is a small and private room that’s designed to offer peace and relaxation. Here in the UK you can also think of it as a cosy room to chill out and relax in, whilst stereotypical features include oak flooring, a log burner, a bookcase and plaint paint or textured wallpaper. We recommend that if you’re designing a snug, you design it to be warm and cosy all year round, whilst it should be a room that doesn’t include technology and is merely designed to allow your mind to wander, whilst you can read books or magazines and listen to the radio. Keeping a snug simple is what separates it from a living room. We love the idea of installing a traditional log burner in your snug, because sometimes nothing quite beats the smell, sound and sight of a roaring fire. You will of course have to see whether this is practical in your home, and be mindful that you’ll need to have a regular supply of hardwood logs, especially in the winter months, but this would certainly be a wonderful addition to a snug room.

    With comfort and simplicity being key to the creation of a snug, it’s also important to have a sofa or set of chairs that are perfect for lounging in. You should be able to snuggle up beside the fire with a book and the radio playing in the background, so choosing a chair that’s friendly to your body will be a great help too. If you love the idea of creating a snug and have a spare room in your house, know that it doesn’t take a great deal of effort, just a few additions are needed, so it doesn’t have to be a big investment.

  • Advantages of built-in wardrobes

    Built in wardrobes are extremely popular and there is plenty of reason why homeowners choose to incorporate them into their bedrooms, but here are just a few of the main advantages:

    Save space

    Built in wardrobes can give you the illusion that you’re saving space in your home, but you actually are. You no longer have to worry about the wardrobe being too large in the room or perhaps worrying about the shape of a wardrobe and the effect it has to the overall appearance of your bedroom, but you banish these worries by designing a built-in wardrobe that fits seamlessly into the room.

    Minimalism

    The room can still look rather minimalistic if you have built in wardrobes, and if you’re keen on maintaining a contemporary, up-to-date style, the choice to add built-in wardrobes is a good option. It’s more work, but it’s worth it and it will actually add value to your home.

  • How much firewood do you need for the winter months?

    The winter season can be so cold here in the UK and we’re experiencing some of the worst weather right now. This is why we recommend you take some time to bundle up in the warm and stay inside. To create a truly snug and cosy atmosphere in your home, you need to learn more about what it takes to warm your house. (more…)

  • Decorating your Bed

    The bed is the most important piece of furniture in a bedroom, without it, it’s not a bedroom at all. So it’s important to make sure that you’ve dressed your bed accordingly and there are many ways you can create a style that matches your personality.

    The colours you choose for your quilt covers and pillowcases will say a lot about you, they may match the walls of the room or add a new splash of colour. The additional cushions or cuddly toys also add a touch of style, and it’s all of these components combined that help pull your bedroom together. Decorating a bed isn’t talked about a lot about interior design sites after all some believe you only need a quilt cover and the job is done. There is so much you can do to add style and colour to your bed, so make sure you consider the many options wisely.

  • Modern and Minimalistic Living Rooms

    There are many trendy apartments in London with modern living spaces, and these often include floor to ceiling windows, black and white furniture, clean painted walls and solid oak flooring. Sometimes a contemporary apartment can feel a little cold, but minimalism is an art form of its own, and when you keep things tidy and simple, you can create a really stunning theme for your home that speaks volumes.

    Some say that minimalism doesn’t show off much personality, but perhaps it does more. With minimalistic living areas, your guests have to look harder to find items or accessories that possess your unique identity, and some people prefer it this way. That said, contemporary living areas don’t have to be cold and unwelcoming, then can be bold in colour, and perhaps a part of your personality is keeping things nice, clean and simple, but also colourful and charismatic. There will always be a demand for minimalism, and we’re sure this trend will grow even more in 2018.

  • The ‘Grandfather Chair’ has returned

    When you think back to your younger days, visiting your grandparents’ house, you may recall your grandad having his own special chair in the living room. Well, your Grandad wasn’t the only one, this classic chair is now a must-have in many homes.

    With the classic look features including upholstered leather, wooden legs and of course the vintage wingback design. Many are seeking out these vintage beauties in their local second-hand furniture stores, auction houses or even as hand me downs from their Grandparents themselves.

    An alternative to a second-hand chair is to find a new chair that has been designed to have the ‘Grandfather chair’ look, containing many of the must-have features.

    The great thing about these chairs is that they fit into any living room style, as they don’t match with any other item of furniture, and that’s what makes them work so well in any home.