Interior Design – Amory Brown

Author: Aneesha Dudley

  • Kids Bedroom Ideas

    Kids Bedroom Ideas

    Designing a kid’s bedroom is an exciting job! Careful thought must be put into creating a space that expresses their character, helps them grow, and provides an atmosphere for play and rest. This article gives fun ideas and helpful tips to make your child’s bedroom into an adorable and practical room they will adore.

    When designing a kids’ bedroom, consider their age, hobbies, and likes. For younger children, bright colors such as orange or yellow can inspire their imagination and make a livelier space. Adding wall decals or bedding with their favorite characters adds a personal touch. Older kids may prefer more subtle designs with neutral color schemes and small pops of color with add-ons.

    Don’t forget storage! An orderly bedroom causes less work and teaches children responsibility. Think about furniture pieces like beds with drawers or shelves. Make use of vertical space by placing wall-mounted shelves or bookcases to store toys, books, and other items. Teaching your child the value of organization early will offer lifelong benefits.

    Designate areas within the room for different activities. Set up a study corner with a desk, chair, and proper lighting for homework or crafts. Make a comfortable reading nook with soft cushions or bean bags to encourage reading and give a peaceful escape. Also, have plenty of floor space for playtime.

    Include your child in the decision-making process. Let them pick colors or themes to empower them and develop their individuality. Hang their artwork on walls or give corkboards to show off photographs and other keepsakes. By including your child in designing their own room, you help them be creative, and independent, and feel ownership of their space.

    Organizational Tips For Kid’s Bedrooms

    Transform your kid’s bedroom into a peaceful and productive space with these pro-organizational tips!

    • Store toys and books in bins and shelves.
    • Label the containers for easy locating.
    • Hang backpacks, jackets, and hats on hooks or racks.
    • Set up reading nooks and play zones.

    Maximize efficiency by using drawer dividers or hanging organizers. Put up a bulletin board or chalkboard wall to display reminders and artwork. Get furniture with built-in storage for optimal space use.

    Organize your kid’s bedroom today and see the transformation!

    Creative Storage Ideas For Kid’s Bedrooms

    Kids’ bedrooms can be made more spacious and tidy with creative storage ideas. Here are 5:

    • Rolling bins or drawers beneath the bed – to store toys, books, and bedding.
    • Floating shelves on walls – to show off favorite toys or books and save floor space.
    • Fabric pockets or shoe organizers – behind the door for art supplies and accessories.
    • Repurposed crates or suitcases – to make a themed storage area for toys and games.
    • A pegboard system – to hang hats, clothes, and other accessories in style.

    Plus, add a chalkboard wall! It’ll give a fun and interactive touch to the bedroom.

    Label each bin with words or images to teach kids organization skills from an early age. There you go!

    Fun And Functional Furniture Ideas For Kid’s Bedrooms

    Transform your child’s bedroom into an imaginative paradise! Incorporate bunk beds to save space and for playtime. An ottoman can be used for seating and storage of books, toys, or clothes. Wall-mounted desks are great for small rooms and they keep the area tidy. Bookshelves with reading nooks invite your little ones to explore their favorite stories. Use adjustable-height furniture to grow with your child. Add a hanging chair or hammock for a playful spot.

    Include bright colors and themed decor to make the space special. Display artwork or achievements to make it personal. Prioritize safety with sturdy construction and rounded edges. Opt for furniture with ample storage options to keep it organized. Create a room that is practical and exciting – let their imagination fly!

    Check out: Bedroom Furniture Essentials

    Colorful And Playful Decor Ideas For Kid’s Bedrooms

    Kids’ bedrooms are amazing for expressing creativity! Here are some ideas to add color and fun:

    • Brighten walls with bold colors like happy yellows, blues, or oranges. Use removable wallpapers or low VOC paint for safety.
    • Transform corners into imaginative play areas. Use rugs, canopy tents, or wall decals of their favorite characters.
    • Surprise them with cloud-shaped lamps and starry ceiling projectors. These additions will inspire dreams and wonder.

    Furniture with storage compartments can also add appeal. For example, a bed frame designed as a race car or spaceship with drawers for toys and books.

    Pro Tip: For smaller bedrooms, opt for vertical storage solutions like tall bookshelves or wall-mounted organizers. This will keep clutter away while still providing room for play.

    DIY Projects For Personalizing Kid’s Bedrooms

    Personalize kids’ bedrooms with DIY projects! They let parents express their creativity, and create an inviting, special place. Try these ideas:

    • Accent walls: Paint a bold color or draw a mural to make the room exciting!
    • DIY wall art: Make artwork with canvas, fabric, or recycled items. Let it reflect the child’s interests and personality.
    • Customize furniture: Transform furniture with stickers, stencils, or unique hardware.
    • Create themed spaces: Give the room a princess castle, superhero hideout, or underwater wonderland look.

    Other ways to personalize: Interactive elements like chalkboard walls, and sensory play areas. Also, nameplates or artwork featuring the child’s name. This tradition has been around since ancient times but with modern twists!

    Safety Considerations For Kid’s Bedrooms

    Creating a safe environment in your child’s bedroom is essential. Here are some things to consider:

    • Secure Furniture: Anchor heavy furniture like dressers and bookshelves to the wall.
    • Childproof Outlets: Cover electrical outlets with safety plugs or install tamper-resistant outlets.
    • Safe Bedding Choices: Opt for firm mattresses and fitted sheets that fit snugly. Avoid loose blankets and pillows.
    • Window Safety Measures: Install window guards or secure windows with window stops. Keep blind cords out of reach.

    Also, use non-toxic paints and adhesives. Choose dimmable lights that can adjust the brightness. Regularly inspect toys and remove any broken or hazardous items.

    It’s time to create a secure bedroom for your little one. Take steps today for your peace of mind!

    Conclusion

    Designing a kids’ bedroom? It is essential to make it functional, and comfy, and show their personality. Add vibrant colors, interactive elements, and storage solutions. Also, themed decor and personalized touches will make it special. Involve your child in the process and value their input. Pro tip: use multi-functional furniture for small bedrooms. Maximize space!

  • How to Use Plumbing Tape In Multiple Ways

    How to Use Plumbing Tape In Multiple Ways

    Called by other names such as Teflon tape, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and plumber’s tape – the plumbing tape is considered a plumber’s best friend because of the multitude of uses it serves. Generally, it is used to seal pipe threads. Yet, do you know that there’s more to the plumbing tape than just this purpose? The rest of the article will give you insight into how to use it in multiple ways.

    Providing lubrication to threaded connections absent of built-in rubber seals.

    Assembly and disassembly of pipe joints are facilitated easily with the use of plumbing tape. To do this, wrap the pipe tightly with the tape, ensuring that it is in the proper direction. When the line is whirled into the fitting, the mating thread will provide the friction necessary to tighten the plumbing tape onto the pipe. You’ll need to wrap the tape around the line in the reverse direction of how the pipe will turn into the fitting.

    They are preventing leaks on most kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

    Photo Credit – Adobe Stock

    It is frustrating when leaks happen in the kitchen or the bathroom. They disrupt the ordinary activities conducted in these spaces. The use of standard tapes and sealants would not prove to be successful after a few hours or days. Instead, it will cause you to scout for ways to prevent the water from escaping the pipings and fittings. So it is when plumbing tapes prove to be very useful and efficient. A few wraps of the tape around the leaking part ensure to seal a stop on it. Rest assured that you can have peace of mind that leaks won’t occur for long until you decide to change an entire line.

    Uses in other industries

    If you think that the plumbing tape is for the plumbing industry only, you might be surprised to find that it has become flexible enough to become a valuable tool in other sectors. This section will let you know more about plumbing tape and how to use it in different industries.

    The plumbing tape found uses in other industries because of the tensile strength, low-friction, and hydrophobic properties. For example, in the automotive industry, a similar material is found on windshields and door seals. In the fashion industry, the material gives clothes the water-resistant feature that makes several brands high-end. Would you also believe that the material used in plumbing tape is also the same material used to reduce friction in skis and snowboards?

    The versatility of the material known as Teflon, used in plumbing tape, will undoubtedly continue to evolve to a product manifesting multitudes of uses for years and decades to come.

    Colors of plumbing tape

    The versatility of plumbing tape and how to use it are well-symbolized by the variations in colour. In addition, the colours are reflective of the grades assigned by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

    White tape implies single density. Therefore, it is very applicable to water pipes. However, a variation exists in silver, grey or black which is more suitable for brass and stainless steel thanks to it being thicker and heavy duty. On the other hand, the yellow colour indicates that the tape is of double density, making it suitable for gas and fuel lines.

    Triple density plumbing tap exists as a red variation. These are suitable for pipes that are one-half inch to an inch. Commonly, this variant is used for large-jointed pipes like water distribution pipes. Lines carrying oxygen are best kept away from leaks by green-coloured plumbing tapes.

    Advantages of using plumbing tape

    When looking for plumbing tape and how to use it, you will weigh the benefits it brings to users. The primary advantage it gives is anchored on its name, being able to provide users a tool that is very crucial for safety and that is concealing leaks. Often than not, many household owners would tend to forego the fact that leaks are safety hazards. Instead, they usually resort to do-it-yourself measures, implementing solutions to fix leaks using inferior types of types.

    Photo Credit – Adobe Stock

    Plumbing tapes, because of their water-resistant characteristic, is also beneficial in reducing friction between two pipes. However, fusing them can prove very difficult, especially if there are no rubber seals built on them. Yet, by wrapping the opposing pipes properly with the plumbing tape, they can be held together firmly, not just by binding them together with the tape but by becoming the medium for the opposing pipes to be assembled and disassembled faster.

    Choosing the suitable plumbing tape

    Using the plumbing tape should not be confined solely to the hands of plumbers, because more often than not, it is the household owners who typically embark on fixing the plumbing. But with multiple kinds and brands available in the market, choosing it becomes problematic. So, how are you going to select the suitable plumbing tape for your household plumbing needs?

    Knowing the sizes of the pipes in your kitchen and bathroom can help you purchase the correct variant to stock. In addition, it ensures that you’re not empty-handed when situations already call for their use.

    Photo Credit – Adobe Stock

    It is also imperative to correctly associate the plumbing tape colour with the pipe it is intended for. The colours of the plumbing tapes serve as clues as to which substances are flowing or running onto them. Therefore, please do not use a particular plumbing tape colour for which they are not intended. In addition, it eliminates possible problems related to not being able to withstand the substrate pressure.

    Conclusion

    Plumbing tapes are equally essential tools as with other kinds of plumbing tools. However, knowing the characteristics, types, advantages, and appropriately used contribute a lot to being self-educated on why they are essential and why there is a need to have them available at once when specific pipes in the house need servicing.

    Performing regular checks on the plumbing pipes and fixtures is an essential thing to do. When doing this, always arm yourself with plumbing tape to ensure that you’ll be able to conceal leaks as soon as they are found.

    Now that you have all you need to know on the humble plumbers tape, why not take a look into our blog section where we go into detail regarding the Standard Door Sizes UK and How To Replace Flexible Hose Under A Sink. Just to name a choice few of our ever expanding blog section,

  • Nifty Tips on Vinegar Cleaning

    Nifty Tips on Vinegar Cleaning

    Vinegar is just nifty!

    Unclog the sink

    The nasty things hiding in the drain can be put away with just a little vinegar + baking soda:

    • Pour the baking soda first (half a cup)
    • Add the vinegar.
    • Wait out the foaming from the mild chemical reaction and wash it off with hot water.

    White appliances

    The cleaning solution is consisted of 1:1 water to white vinegar and just little dish soap. It doesn’t matter if it’s your dishwasher or fridge this home made cleaner will work for you.

    Keep in mind that the same can be used on the inside of the fridge for removing food stains and getting rid of gross smells.

    The mixture is also ideal for window cleaning (except without the dish soap), just remember to use newspaper instead of a rag.

    Microwave + Oven

    Cleaning experts Fantastic Cleaners say: Where the food deposits are a bit more persistent you can do the following:

    • get a heat resistant (glass preferably) bowl.
    • fill it with your white vinegar and water solution.
    • Heat up until it boils.

    The evaporation will weaken the food soils, which then can be easily wiped off.

    Glue stains of tape and stickers

    • Pure white vinegar will do the trick here.
    • Spray the spot and wait for about 2 to 3 minutes.
    • You can now scrub it for good.

    Room & trash can odours

    To defeat the unpleasant smells you will have to soak a slice of bread in white vinegar. Leave it in the smelly room as close to the source as possible (ideally leave it in the rubbish bin) and wait until the next day.

    Overnight the vinegar will absorb any horrible smells haunting the place.

    Even a toilet cleaner

    It goes the same as with unclogging the drain, with the slight difference that you need to let the vinegar sit overnight.

    • Pour a whole water glass of it in the bowl and wait until tomorrow.
    • When you come back throw in half a cup of baking soda.
    • Time to scrub what’s left and flush it away!

    This method can be used all over the bathroom. If you want to clean a certain surface and get rid of the mean germs – wipe with white vinegar in two tours with a 15 minutes interval.

    After half an hour, sprinkle with baking soda and use hot water to rinse.

    That one stain on your sofa

    Get yourself a spray bottle and craft the following mixture – 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts rubbing alcohol. Saturate the area, wait 2 minutes and then spray with water or wipe with a damp cloth.

    Get rid of fruit flies

    If you consider getting rid of annoying fruit flies cleaning then this is for you.

    • Fill a small cup with apple cider vinegar
    • Cover the top with tinfoil or cellophane
    • Pierce a few holes.

    You just made a one-way trap for all the fruit fly invaders.

    Sunglasses cleaner

    Sprinkle a very soft cloth with a little white vinegar and wipe them clean. Enjoy your no longer dimmed vision.

    The cooking pan

    Boil 50% white vinegar + 50% water in your old pan for about 5 minutes and behold the food soils being dissolved.

    Leather shoes refresher

    The vinegar to water proportion for cleaning leather shoes or jackets would be 3 parts of water and 1 part vinegar.

    Dirty keyboards

    if you dampen a rag with vinegar and carefully wipe the keyboard and between the keys, you will not only clean it but sterilise it as well.

    Inside the dishwasher

    If the dishwasher has those hard water build ups already, you can fill the soap dispenser with vinegar and run it on “pots and pans” mode. Remember to remove the inner basket beforehand.

    Wood clearance

    To restore the look of your favourite wooden furniture you would need to mix ¼ cup of vinegar with ½ cup of vegetable oil. Give it a gentle wipe.

    Bonus: this same solution works wonders for your stainless steel utensils.

    Blocked shower head

    Pour some white vinegar in a plastic bag and then wrap it around the clogged shower head. Leave it overnight. It would be wise if you secure it with a rubber band as well. The next morning remove the bag and as always – rinse with hot water.

    Bathroom mould

    The recipe for this one is 1 part sodium borate (Borax), 2 parts vinegar and 4 parts water. Actively stir for 30 seconds and then take a paper towel. Dip it in and use it to remove the mould spots.

    Things you shouldn’t clean with vinegar:

    Irons – the iron’s inner parts are sensitive to the vinegar and may become damaged. DO NOT fill your iron with vinegar. If you want to avoid clogging simply empty its container after every use.

    Egg stains – if you had the misfortune to drop an egg – vinegar is NOT your friend. It will make the egg change to a semi-solid state making it more difficult to remove. Sprinkle a good amount of salt on the egg and wait for 15 minutes. After that the egg will be coming off easy because the salt is hygroscopic.

    Stone, Granite and marble surfaces – the acidity of the vinegar is not at all good for those. Instead – dish soap would be a great option here.

  • How to Replace Flexible Hose Under A Sink

    How to Replace Flexible Hose Under A Sink

    Modern Bathroom
    Photo Credit – Pixabay

    After a recent bathroom renovation everything was perfect, the tiles were cleaned, rubbish and debris cleared, leaving me with a pristine modern bathroom. But after a few days, I noticed a small pool of water coming from underneath the new sink (thank goodness it wasn’t a blocked toilet!). After a quick inspection the culprit was exposed, a slow, but steady drip of water was coming from one of the flexi hoses connecting the water supply to the new mixer tap.

    Sooner or later, your flexible hose will need replacement. This may be because of issues, or it’s just worn out. Fortunately, replacing a flexible hose doesn’t have to rob you of your money. If you know the right way of doing things, you can just invest effort and minimal costs. In this post, I’m going to give you the low down on how to replace this little piece of hosing!

    Step 1: Prepare Your Working Area & Materials

    First and foremost, you should prepare your working area for the replacement process. Although replacing a flexible hose is not an extensive job, you should still ensure that the environment, a.k.a. the sink, is ready for the tasks to come.

    To do this, you should make sure that the place under your sink is clean. Dry the pipes with a cloth and ensure that no algae or moss are surrounding them. In this way, the process will be easier and more hygienic.

    In addition to the working are, you should also prepare all the materials beforehand, you can get these pieces from your local DIY shop. These include:

    • Towel or any other cloth for cleaning
    • Wrench
    • Pliers
    • New flexible hose
    • Thread sealing tape/Plumber’s tape

    Make sure that your new flexible hose has the same measurement as the old one’s. If not, the process won’t be possible due to fitting issues.

    Step 2: Turn Off The Water Supply Valve

    Photo Credit – Pixabay

    Once the working area is ready, proceed to turn off the water supply valve. This is necessary as not doing so will lead to the water going all over the place later on.

    If you’re not familiar with the valve’s location, simply trace the pipes that connect the tap to the supply line. Usually, that is where you’ll find it. For households that have both cold and hot water, there will be two valves for that. Turn both off to prevent water-related issues.

    In terms of turning a valve off, you just need to turn them to the right. Follow the clockwise rotation.

    Step 3: Remove Excess Tap Water To Avoid Pressure

    Turning off the water supply doesn’t get rid of those that are stored in your tap. Removing them is also required to avoid high water pressure after the replacement process. In addition, it will prevent leaks when the hose is removed.

    To remove the said excess water, turn on all of the tap on the certain sink. These apply to taps for hot water, cold water, and regular ones. Turn them off once nothing is coming out.

    In some cases wherein the taps’ water supply is still continuous, you have to look into the valve’s issue first before proceeding to hose replacement. You may need a plumber for this concern.

    Step 4: Check The Current Flexible Hose For Leaks & Other Issues

    If the valves and taps are all working properly, you can move on to the fourth step. Here, you have to check the condition of your current flexible hose. This will give you an overview of its existing issues, and thus, you’ll know if you can proceed to replacement.

    For minor issues like leaks and rust, you can go on to the next tasks. However, if there are hazards involved, you should call a professional. These can involve chemical-related damages and likes. For leaks, make sure to lay down a towel, or any absorbent cloth, before moving on.

    Step 5: Remove Current Flexible Hose

    In this step, you need to remove and detach your current flexible hose. If it’s still in a somewhat good condition, you can simply turn the hose around. This is the same thing as removing a bottle’s cap. On the other hand, if it’s difficult to detach the hose, use an adjustable wrench. The tool will loosen the hose and will make it easier for you to remove it.

    Encountering minimal drips despite the shut-off valve is normal.

    Step 6: Check The Valve & Sink Line For Unattended Parts

    For very old hoses, their parts can get loose over time. Thus, when you have removed your flexible hose, check both the valve and sink line to see if it left some parts like the rubber gasket. If so, you need to remove it with the use of pliers. This will ensure that the new hose can fit just right with your pipes, difference in pipes may cause an issue.
    Note that if there is any part left on the sink line, you need to take extra care in removing it. In this way, you won’t damage your threads.

    Step 7: Wrap Threads With Sealing Tape

    After removing the old hose, you will be left with threads. You have to dry it and wrap it with sealing tape. This will make it more durable. In addition, it will ensure that the threads and the new hose can fit in better.

    In certain thread types and hoses, sealing tape is not necessary. Usually, this applies to flexible hoses that come with a rubber gasket. Nevertheless, make sure to ask the store where you bought the hose about this topic.

    Step 8: Install Your New Flexible Hose

    For this next task, you can finally attach the new hose to your threads. Just connect the hose in the same way as the old one. To be specific, you have to connect both the tap end and the hose end.

    You need to tighten the ends, either by hand or through the use of a wrench, to make sure that they will stay put. Again, you need to follow the clockwise rotation.

    Pay attention to how much you tighten the hose. Overdoing it can cause damage to the threads, and thus, a faulty performance.

    Step 9: Check The Performance Of Your New Hose

    After replacement, you can now check your hose’s performance. To do so, you can simply turn the valve and the tap on. Regular water flow can take minutes because of the valve. Also, you should check out if the hose you attached leaks while the water is on. Take note of other related issues as well.

    If there are no issues with the threads, the hose, or the water supply, you’re all done with the replacement process.

    Summary

    The tasks above are the simplest ones to do when it comes to how to replace flexible hose under the sink. As long as you follow the steps, you will end up with a new and fully functional flexible hose in no time. To ensure that the results will be of high quality, you should pay attention to how you will perform the tasks.

    If the problem persists you might want to swallow your pride and seek the assistance from a locally situated and qualified plumber or plumbers, that are qualified as it maybe something else entirely!

    Now that you have sorted your bathroom problem, head on over to our fine blog section. We have articles that cover a range of topics including bedroom renovations and creating your own DIY makeup vanity unit!

  • Standard Door Sizes UK

    Standard Door Sizes UK

    When renovating, refurbishing or giving your home a ‘makeover’, one thing that can really enhance a place is the choice of doors. You’d be forgiven for assuming that this should be a reasonably simple task. But anyone who has tackled this in the past will know that it isn’t as straightforward as you might have thought. There are codes and guidelines as to standard UK door sizes, but the reality can be quite different. In the UK we have a vast range of housing from different ages, all constructed by different people at different times. While most modern builds tend to use standard sizes, this isn’t always the case. Confusion also arises when some manufacturers and suppliers use metric measurements while others opt for imperial ones.

    So it pays to be prepared and to be armed with the knowledge to guide you through the process of measuring and selecting the right one.

    International Residential Code

    Most people won’t even be aware that this exists! However, this code actually stipulates that all primary doors (ie, your main front entrance) should be at least 80 inches in height and 36 inches wide. The opening of the average UK front door happens to be 82.5 inches by 38 inches, and the majority of modern doors in the UK are designed to fit this.

    To make things more interesting, however, not all doors will be standard sizes – particularly when the house is a ‘period property’. where average sizes tended to be much smaller or extremely large (for example, in an Edwardian house). In these cases, it may be necessary to have a new door custom-made.

    Different door types

    Before looking at standard UK door sizes, you also need to think about what kind of door you are talking about:

    • External door
    • Internal door
    • Bifold door
    • Fire door
    • Garage door
    • Patio/French door

    Each of these will have a different range of measurements and other factors to consider.

    Standard UK door sizes – interior

    The following guide shows the most common standard sizes for interior doors in England & Wales. These are different in Scotland (and the rest of Europe).

    • Wardrobe or cupboard doors – 1981 x 457/533 x 35mm (78″ x 18/21″)
    • In areas of restricted wall space (or where a small door is required) – 1981 x 610/686 x 35mm (78″ x 24/27″)
    • The most common standard in England & Wales – 1981 x 762 x 35mm (78″ x 30″ – also referred to as 2′ 6″)
    • Wheelchair access – 1981 x 838 x 35mm (78″ x 33″ – also referred to as 2′ 9″)

    In Scotland, the main difference is an increased height and thickness. Measurements are usually given in metric and the standard dimensions are as follows:

    • 2040 x 526/626/726/826/926 x 40mm

    Standard UK door sizes – exterior

    Most external doors in the UK are 44mm thick, though it will depend on the type of door required. Fire doors will be thicker, between 44mm and 54mm, and French doors, patio doors or bifold doors could be as much as 70mm thick.

    The most commonly used standard sizes for exterior doors are:

    • 1981 x 762 x 44mm (70″ x 38″)
    • 2032 x 813 x 44mm (80″ x 32″)
    • 1981 x 838 x 44mm (78″ x 33″)
    • 2083 x 864 x 44mm (82″ x 34″)
    • 2134 x 915 x 44mm (84″ x 36″)

    Measuring your door correctly

    This is extremely important and could save you a lot of time, money and frustration. Although standard UK door sizes are widely available, there is a good chance that your doors (and, more importantly, their frames) are not standard. In this case, it is advisable to go slightly larger and trim them down – but this will obviously only work with solid wood doors.

    Bear in mind, also, that fire doors cannot be trimmed. Non-standard sized interior fire doors might have to be made to order. Fire doors will also be slightly thicker (usually 45mm) to allow for the extra fire-resistant materials that qualify its ‘fire rating’.

    To measure your door correctly, follow these steps:

    Width

    Run a measuring tape in a straight line across the door from left to right, close to the upper corners. Measure from edge to edge, on the door only – do not include any part of the frame or any other features such as weatherstripping, seals, or insulation. Write down the number (you’re bound to forget it or remember it wrongly!) and repeat the process, ideally at the middle and lower section. This is because doors are sometimes not precisely rectangular (more likely in the case of older doors) and you may find a slight discrepancy in places. If this is the case, when purchasing your door you should go with the larger measurement.

    Height

    Run the measuring tape in a straight line from the top of the door to the bottom, from edge to edge, ignoring all other features such as seals or ‘sweeps’ (as above). Do this in both corners, for the same reasons as given in the instructions for measuring the width.

    Thickness

    Measure the edge of the door and write it down with your other measurements. It wouldn’t hurt to measure the door jamb too (the corresponding edge on the door frame) as the two figures should ideally match.

    For more exact dimensions, measure the inner part of the frame, taking three measurements across the width and one from top to bottom, taken at the centre of the frame from the inside right down to the floor.

    A measuring tape will do the job, but for those who prefer something more high-tech, a range of laser distance measuring devices are available, as well as apps that can be downloaded to your smartphone.

    Investing in good quality doors, both internal and external, not only adds style to your home, but it also increases the appeal – and therefore the potential value. Getting the right size is vital if they are going to look good and function properly.

  • What Are Cedar Shingles?

    What Are Cedar Shingles?

    There are hundreds of different ways of finishing off the roof of a house. From slate or terracotta tiles to thatch, zinc, or even ‘green’ roofs that resemble a meadow, and a host of others, including ‘shingles’ in a wide range of materials. Each one has its appeal, as well as its pros and cons, and some are more popular than others. In the past, the major factors in deciding on a roofing material were cost and availability. And while this is still generally the case, home buyers and owners are increasingly opting for more interesting alternatives in their choice of roofing. In recent times, cedar shingles have enjoyed a surge in popularity. In this article, we’ll look into this trend and find out more about why this traditional roofing method is suddenly appealing to so many people as a viable alternative.

    What are cedar shingles?

    Firstly, some help with terminology: a shingle is defined as ‘a thin, flat tile made of wood, slate, etc. that is fixed in rows to make a roof or wall covering’.

    Some people use the terms ‘shingle’ and ’tile’ interchangeably. but there are differences. Shingles tend to be tapered to allow a tight-fitting, weatherproof pattern.

    You may also come across the word ‘shakes’, which refers to a different type of wooden shingle. Shakes are historically older than shingles and are usually hand-split from a ‘bolt’ (a specially-prepared log without knots and with a straight grain). Shingles are generally sawn into shape and trimmed to remove rough edges.

    Wooden shingles have been used as a roofing material across various parts of the world for hundreds of years, without really ever disappearing completely, and cedar shingles, in particular, have proved their worth. Here are a few facts that illustrate why this is:

    • Resistant to rot – western red cedar is particularly renowned for this quality, but only when the heartwood is used. This anti-decaying property helps the material to last for many years before needing maintenance or replacement.
    • Lightweight – the material is easy to handle and install and doesn’t add as much stress to the structure as other forms of roofing.
    • Durable – being naturally durable, they can withstand all conditions and protect your home for many years.
    • Insulation – cedar shingles are prized for their insulating properties, making them ideal for those who are seeking a more sustainable home with low carbon emissions.
    • Low density – this quality means that your shingles will maintain their shape over time with minimal shrinkage.
    • They are beautiful! – there can be no denying the stunning look of a home covered with this wonderful material, as the rich warmth of a newly-fitted roof gradually settles to a smooth silver-grey.

    Are they all the same?

    Cedar shingles can often be found in two types: certigrade and blue label. The certigrade shingles are regarded as the standard type but are still seen as a high-quality product. They are available in a range of patterns and shapes, as well as having optional treatments (flame-retardant coating or extra wood preservative). Blue label shingles are of the highest quality, guaranteed to be cut from the heartwood, have no knots, and to be ‘edge grain’. This last aspect means that they have been cut radially from the log, providing increased resistance to shrinkage and weathering.

    You will sometimes also see wooden shingles separated into other grades:

    • #1 – as shown in ‘blue label’ above
    • #2 – flatgrain, which can include a limited amount of knots or sapwood (usually above the section visible when used)
    • #3 – may include sapwood or knots, mostly reserved for the under-course on shed and outbuilding, or gazebo walls
    • Undercoursing – not for roofing! These are ‘utility-grade’ used for sidewalls

    or

    • Blue label – again, the same as above
    • Black label – economy grade
    • Red label – similar to #2 above

    For those with concerns about the use of timber, there are various organisations who monitor the logging and production, providing certification for sustainable sources of timber. Cedar, and western red cedar specifically, is managed and monitored well to ensure an environmentally friendly resource.

    As an alternative to cedar, larch is also popular in many places (especially the UK) and shares many of its qualities. However, it is harder and less durable, so more prone to shifting.

    Can I fit a shingle roof myself?

    In theory, yes. Installation is regarded as a specialist job and ideally should be left to the experts, but with the right tools and some patience, you should be able to manage it.

    Guide to fitting cedar shingles

    1. Shingles can be fitted on existing underlay, but make sure it is in good condition. Otherwise, install a non-breathable underlay, ensuring that there is a good overlap with no gaps and that it is secured to the ‘felt support tray’ with adhesive tape.
    2. Attach battens along the width of the roof, setting the first one 125mm from the outer edge and with a gap of 125mm between each one.
    3. Starting at the eaves, lay the first row of shingles, which should be a double-course (ie two layers) overhanging the eaves by at least 38mm. The shingles should be laid in a ‘broken bond’ pattern, with the one above being placed over the join of the two below.
    4. Attach the shingles securely using staples or stainless steel ‘ring shank’ nails. You can speed up the process with a nailgun using ShingleFix staples. If you are using nails, you’ll need to put two in each shingle. These should be set 19mm in from the edge and 38mm from the butt of the course above. As the batten will be obscured, score a chalk line across to show its position. Remember to leave a 5mm gap between each shingle.
    5. At the ridge, cut the shingles to size using a hand saw or by scoring them with a craft knife and use a double row, working from the edges to the middle. Make sure the ridge shingles are uniform in size as you’ll want it to look great. Preformed ridges and hips will make this job easier.
  • Benefits of Renting a Storage Unit When Renovating in London

    Benefits of Renting a Storage Unit When Renovating in London

    Let’s just be clear right from the get-go. Whenever you’re doing a major renovation of your house, and there will be a lot of construction work, it is IMPORTANT that you rent a storage unit and send your items to storage. In this article, we discuss the benefits of renting a storage unit when renovating.

    Are you still looking for renovation ideas? Check out this interior lighting designs here.

    One of the biggest rookie mistakes that you can make when you are renovating ore remodelling a section or your entire house is by keeping all of your items inside. This can result in some dangerous situations not only for your items but also for your workers. Moreover, working around large furniture and boxes would mean extra work.

    storage unit for renovation
    storage unit for renovation

    Storage units are storage spaces that you rent ranging from 10 sq ft lockers to as massive as 200 sq ft rooms. Homeowners use storage units to declutter their houses and get rid of any non-essential items and give their house some much-needed floor space. Newcomers to London rent self storage to provide themselves with some time to get settled in before they have to unpack. Businesses in London rent out storage units and turn them into the company depository for their excess stock, office furniture, and company files.

    4 Uses of A Storage Unit

    The storage unit is very versatile. Searching for storage space in London is easy. We are all aware of the space problem that London is currently facing. Due to overpopulation, space has become a limited resource. Millions of residents are competing for valuable space. Downsizing has become a trend to save money. As such, the self storage industry has come to the rescue.

    Here, we outline the common uses for storage units in London.

    Storage Unit

    When you rent a self storage unit, it can be just that, a storage unit. Instead of living in a cluttered space or giving up their belongings, Londoners just store them inside their units. According to data from Fantastic Removals, usage has skyrocketed in recent years, making it more valuable as slots are taken in advance.

    Pick-Up and Drop-Off Station

    Storage units can also be remodelled to act as a drop-off and pick-up centre for e-commerce stores. With this feature, business owners of small online shops don’t have to keep their items inside their houses.

    Office Depository

    Companies often rent storage facilities to keep their excess stock, office furniture, and company files. Office space is quite expensive in London, so the smart thing to do is to just keep all items unnecessary for daily operations inside a storage unit.

    Home Office

    Residents in London that don’t have a garage also use their storage units as some sort of home office where they can pursue their passion or hobby. Keeping power tools inside the house is too risky, and more often than not, there’s not enough space. It’s not rare to see a storage unit turned into a workshop for carpentry, painting, or even sculpting.

                There is a fifth use: temporary storage. When you’re remodelling or renovating your house, the entire process would be made easy when your contractors are working with a blank slate, meaning that your house is entirely empty. Below, we discuss the benefits of renting a storage unit when you’re remodelling your flat.

    Reduced Worker Costs

    When you remodel, most contractors are paid by the hour. Your bill can instantly rack up when you have large furniture spread about the room. Because they have to skirt around your items, the amount of time ti takes to finish a construction project could double. What was supposed to be a three-day project of incorporating a Kelly Hoppens design into your flat could turn into a five-day hire!

    storage unit in london
    storage unit in london

    You also need to consider the difficulties your contractors will face when they have to walk around eggshells around your furniture. Even a simple paint job is made extremely tricky when there are loads of obstacles present.

    Safety of Your Items

    Also, take into consideration the safety of your items. If you’re still wondering why you should send your items off to storage for the duration of your remodelling process, ask yourself this:

    How many small accidents happen during construction? Workers drop nails, hammers, paintbrushes. Hands slip, and a wooden plank falls, or a tile crashes down.

    All of these are not much of a concern in an empty room. However, when you have your mahogany furniture just lying around while your roof is being repaired, it will be. Don’t leave your furniture and other items in the way of danger. Even if you put a tarp over them, heavy objects fall. You can end up with scratches or worse, irreparable damage when you don’t.

    Safety of Your Workers

    Aside from the safety of your items, you should also consider the safety of your workers. It would be irresponsible of you to provide them with an unsafe working environment. Working in a cluttered space could lead to accidents and other mishaps that could otherwise have been prevented. More than 500, 000 patients are admitted to hospitals each year just because of ladder-related injuries, almost 300 of which result in fatalities.

    Home Security

    You’ll have strangers coming and going all the time when you’re remodelling your house. You can’t exactly monitor everyone with all the stuff that is happening during a renovation. It’s best to keep all of your valuables inside a secure location instead of having to worry every minute of the renovation process.

  • India Mahdavi: top interior designers 2020

    India Mahdavi: top interior designers 2020

    india mahdavi Tabouret

    You may have seen these super cool tabourets floating around in certain fashionable designed places. You can see that india mahdavi has designed a totally fun modern version of this table stool. It can be used as a table or stool, really the options and possibility is up to you. 

    india mahdavi Paris

    Mahdavi currently resides in paris, which is where she grew up for a time in addition to the us and germany.she was born in 1962 which makes her 58 years old currently. 

    india mahdavi Rugs

    She also designs rugs which are hand knotted and honestly they look absolutely amazing. The garden of Eden rug is available in different colors and styles and I think it looks amazing. 

    india mahdavi Table

    A personal favourite of mine is the fish table, this table is made from bent pieces of bamboo to resemble the topt shape of a fish . Which is great because it is pretty sustainable, light and looks great . we hope that you agree. She also has a series of landscapes that are incorporated into the table tops with bright, bold eye catching colours. We love this look personally .

    india mahdavi Sofa

    You may have seen some sofas that India has designed. The amazing charlotte sofa, as well as oedipe they are so stylish,dw which is what makes them great as well as that the bold colour choices never fail to impress. We can say all we want but they are much better to be seen in the flesh. 

    india mahdavi rug
    india mahdavi rug

    india mahdavi jelly pea sofa

    This is a brilliant example of flair and original creativity. We love the jelly pea sofa because it is so fun and comfy looking . it looks like it is the perfect thing to lay back and enjoy watching a movie or reading your favourite book.

    india mahdavi Sketch london

    Now you might have heard that Sketch london is an arts venue as well as a restaurant. Because it doubles as a p[lace to showcase interior design, India was approached by the owners of Sketch in 2014 in order to revamp the interior.

    It is now the most instagrammed restaurant in london, and has earned many awards  with its unique pink design. We love it! The pink just transports us to a dreamland,and must make for excellent dining experience. this makes Madhavi one of the most famous interior designers in the world.

    india mahdavi Chair

    She has such a great range of chairs , including the more rattan and bamboo style cap martin, the best friend, afro chair and more. Of course seating is so important to design, so the fact there is a range here really makes designing easier, as well as super specific designers. 

    She also does armchair design, including botero which pairs well with the jelly pea sofa, as well as the oliver and other variations of cap martin. 

    sketch london
    sketch london

    india mahdavi Charlotte chair

    I love this design, so retro. As well as this this is the chair that is featured heavily in sketch london. Super durable, comfy and a statement, all rolled into one! We love this and all of India mahdavi’s designs. We hope she does a lot more in the future. Unlike designer kelly hoppen, she embraces minimalism and fun, which I personally love.

  • How to incorporate kelly hoppen designs into your home

    How to incorporate kelly hoppen designs into your home

    Kelly hoppen

    Kelly Hoppen is an interior designer. She was born in cape town, south africa but has come to popularity and fame in the uk and beyond. She started interior designing when she was 16 years old and she designed a friends kitchen. Since this time she has designed for celebrities and built a successful franchise, she has also written a lot of books, and appeared on dragons den for a time. she is now one of the most famous interior designers of all time

    Kelly hoppen net worth

    It is estimated that kelly hoppen is worth around £5million pounds.

    Kelly hoppen interiors

    Kelly is known as the Queen of Taupe. This Kelly hoppen Design is because she loves neutrals, her interiors are muted grey and low mood browns. This neutrality leaves us feeling calm, relaxed and the space open. There is so much to be said about these natural colours. They make us feel as if we are in our natural habitat, and therefore calm, relaxed and chilled out. This being said,many people shy away from using these colors, as it can so easily look bad or wrong. Kelly hoppen does this well and one can see from some of her interior design projects that there is something so refined and elegant about the usage of colours in design. 

    link

    Kelly hoppen partner

    She is not currently married and does not have  a partner.

    Who is KH married to ?

    She is not currently married, however she did used to be married to Graham corrett and Edwin miller. 

    Kelly hoppen Furniture

    There are a few items of interior design based furniture products that you are able to buy if you are interested. For example bedding and other design aspects such as tables , side tables and coffee tables. Which is great if you want an idea of what your home would look like if it was designed by this world renowned designer! 

    Kelly hoppen Wallpaper

    In addition to the furniture design, she also has a brill amount of wallpaper available, in taupe patterns and more, you can find this style of geometric paper at b and q or online retailers worldwide, she also a range of disney wallpaper which is super fun and cute for those looking for a pop of fun in their interior design.

    Kelly hoppen Books

    To add to the interior designing and being a celebrity, she also takes time in being a book author in interior design, and teaching people the art of interior design. 

    queen of taupe
    queen of taupe

    Kelly hoppen Home

    Where can I buy Kelly Hoppen paint?

    You can buy Kellys brand ‘perfect naturals’ from places like amazon, and other home retailers. In addition to this you can also find it online if you search for the perfect natural s renge

    How old is kelly hoppen

    Born in 28 july 1959, currently makes her 61 years old in 2020 which makes her a similar age to another famouns UK designer, india Mahdavi.

    How to install kelly hoppen wallpaper

    As with a lot of wallpaper, it will either be the paper, or the wall wallpaper. I believe the majority of the paper is pasted on the wall, and therefore, I regard it to be kind of easier than the former. With the wall, you literally mix together the wallpaper paste which will be super gluey, and then get a wallpaper paste brush. Then simply make sure your walls are prepared, and smooth. Then you can get to work and make a start on pasting the wall. You can be very generous with the amount of paste you use on the wall, then measure your paper and stick it on. This will be a relatively quick process and it really leaves things looking great. 

    Kelly hoppen : how to achieve the home of your dreams

    This is a brilliant book to achieve the home of your dreams. It has great aspects of Kellys distinctive style including the colour palette, and more. This impressive array of design in one book is a testament to Kelly Hoppen the designer as well as what ideas you can get from the book. This book is  a great intro into interiors design

    How to incorporate kelly hoppen designs into your home

    Well think , what needs to be changed? If it is a matter of space. Think about colours first . Is it just an illusion? Perhaps putting some taupe neutrals up on the walls will combat this. If this is not the case then you can continue and think about certain aspects of the furniture as well as the decor. Maybe you can swap out some boring pieces for an amazing looking piece. Who knows really it is up to you but know that KH has some great ideas to learn from. 

  • Famous interior designers in world 2020?

    Famous interior designers in world 2020?

    Yes, as with any profession there are the experts in that field. There are also Famous interior designers. This too is the case for interior designers and it is the case for famous interior designers. They are very much in demand at the moment,and sought after.

    How interior designers get famous?

    Well, naturally there are a lot of ways to become famous. Many designers have come to notoriety from their designs. If you design something amazing in this day and age, it is bound to gain traction.  In reality it is more likely who their connections are, and who they have designed for. We can even see from the past that if you design for fame, or the high up members of society you are more likely to get noticed, and famous from that.

    They also come into popularity by writing books about interior design or even being on TV. 

    Who are Italy’s most famous interior designers?

    Milan is a stylish city as we all know, so naturally it will have a lot of interior designers. In addition, Italy itself is somewhat the birthplace of chic and cool. So let us find out more about Italian designers and what some of their signature styles are. 

    Who are Italy most famous interior designs today?

    You have probably heard of some of Italy’s famous designers. For example I have a few that i have picked out so we can learn more about famous Italian designers. 

    Paola Navone

    Navone was born in Turin, she has worked with many different designers in the past and has a lot of different styles and disciplines. She has many passions and many high flying clients. 

    paola navone
    link

    Paola Navone furniture 

    In addition to interior design, she also has designed furniture . this often happens when it comes to interior design, sometimes the item you know will fit perfectly, will not actually exist, thus you need to design it yourself! She has designed some fantastic low lita armchairs and love seats. Paola Navone Sofa are totally funky and original looking. 

    Paola Navone Dinnerware is also lovely and crisp looking. For example she uses a lot of the colours that bone china, but in a completely modern way .Paola Navone generally works now in Milano, though she originated in Turin. Check out some of her designs that are lovely !

    Dimore Studio

    Welcome to this amazingly lavish interior design that is from the dimore studio Milano. They have carried out residential projects as well as retail, hotels and more this is amazing Dimore Studio Collection.

    Fabio Novembre

    Fabio novembre is another Designer you may have heard about. Fabio novembre furniture is some of the most vibrant and fun you have ever seen, he does a lot of chairs and sofas. Fabio novembre studio is super fun and also has been 

    fabio novembre
    fabio novembre

    Who are the most famous interior designers of all time? 

    So, some of the most famous designers of all time are perhaps the ones that have designed the most iconic buildings of all time. For example, Lady Parish who designed the white house. In addition to this if you are still thinking Who are some famous interior designers ; think about who you may see on tv… for example a dragons den entrepreneur and very successful book author Kelly hoppen. She has made a career in good design, and has designed for royalty and more. 

    If you are looking at more acclaimed designers, look no further than India Mahdavi. She has won the most instagrammed restaurant award in London, as well as being in the interior design hall of fame which is super impressive and a testament to her wonderful designs.