Heating your home this Christmas

Saving money and Christmas are two things which don’t come hand in hand. Christmas tends to be a time of extravagance, festivities and fun. However, if you’ve got your heating the whole time, you’re likely to be spending an absolute fortune on keeping your house warm. Whilst I’m not suggesting for one minute that you should be extravagant, and you should have fun this Christmas, I’m all for saving some money to make the following Christmases even more memorable. Not only does a fireplace bring warmth, but it also brings people together, which is especially important over this festive period.

Just think of all of the money you could save by simply turning off your heating, and instead, heating your home with a beautiful fireplace. By making this simple change, you could spend more of your hard earned cash on the people you love, and making their dreams come true with the perfect Christmas present. Not only will your fireplace keep your home warm this Christmas, but it will also keep you warm throughout the rest of this winter, but also for future winters, and future Christmases.

When buying a fireplace, its important to choose one which fits the style of your home. The guys at Burning Inspirations boast a vast range of stylish fireplaces at their showroom, all of which can be supplied and installed in no time at all. Invest in a traditional fireplace, and save some money this Christmas.

Re-thinking your Houses Window and Glass

Improving the windows and glass fittings in your home has many benefits. Replacing your windows with new glass can improve insulation keeping you and your family warm. A replacement of glass can also brighten up your property and give it a clean, new feel.

Bi fold doors are a common, stylish feature of modern households usually leading onto a patio or garden. Bi fold doors are two panels connected by hinges in the centre, a door handle on one of the side panels allows the door to be folded together creating an opening. Sometimes the glass in the doors may get chipped, extremely dirty or cracked, the Bi-fold door system is extremely dimensional but needs clean and clear glass to complete the designer home appearance.

A sash window, has moveable panels or sashes that create a frame in which glass panes are held, often the panes are separated creating the appearance of more than one window and allowing a large source of light in. Although these windows are traditional, they are also high maintenance and need repairing often to keep them in good shape. It is common that sash window frames will become damage from withstanding weather or become jammed over time, however they can be easily repaired and restored.

Common problems with glass and windows are draughts, poor insulation, noise pollution and rattling from the wind. Not only is this extremely distressing for people living in the house, but can also tarnish the appearance of the house, a quick window or new glass fitting will not only give the house a makeover but will also cure these common problems that could be preventing your sleep and your health.

Double glazed windows add value to a property and are considered essential for those looking to buy or those living in a property. replacing the glass in windows and doors often adds to the amount of natural light that will enter the home, it often goes unnoticed the state windows are in and how the damages on them may be preventing light entering your property, it is crucial to fix these issues, which are easily done, so you can have natural lighting in the home. Another factor is that replacing a glass window or door may save you considerable amounts of heat affecting your energy bills, a new window could save 75% of energy, this can be done simply by chasing the glass with no affect to the windowsill or frame.

Office Chairs for Bad Backs

One of the main reasons someone suffers with back pain is from a bad chair or sitting with bad posture. Sitting for many hours tends to add stress to the spine. When a person is deciding to buy an office chair, it is important to choose one that is designed to be beneficial to the back. If a person has a desk job, where they'll be sitting for many hours, they should look for a comfortable chair that's designed to fit the person, adjustable, and fully supportive.

Ergonomic office chairs offer lower back support, encourages good posture, and helps to diminish back pain. These chairs allow a person to sit longer, more comfortably, and work more efficiently. Look for chairs with specifics, such as, seat height, seat width, arm rests, lumbar support, and a back rest. The seat height on the chair will be fully and easily adjustable. This allows the user to adjust the chair to the proper height at desk level. The person will be able to sit comfortably at their desk with their feet flat on the floor, back straight, and arms equal to the desk height. Seat width will be wide enough for the person to sit on it without any discomfort. Arm rests are important because it allows the user to comfortable rest their arms, taking stress of their shoulders and back. The forearms will stay off of the rest to allow the user to type or do paperwork. The lumbar support will give the lower back with plenty of support. The lumbar support will be adjustable to fit to any user. The back rest will be wide enough to accommodate the users back comfortably. It will support the spine in its natural place. These chairs can have the back and seat separate from each other, or they will be connected. In either case, the seat back will be adjustable to accommodate the user to get the proper support. There's usually a locking device on the chair, so once a proper fit has been found, it will not self-adjust.

The chairs come in a variety of colors, styles, and materials. The desired chair would be heavily padded, so the user has a comfortable cushion seat and back. Another desired would be the swivel feature. This allows movement without strain. Some kinds of ergonomic chairs are posture kneeling chairs, massage chairs, computer chairs, and executive chairs.

Best Ways to Make Improvements to Your Home

No matter how much you love your home there are always improvements that can be made. It may be a simple matter or reorganizing your space or extending what is already available. You may find yourself with a need for more storage. Adding additional closet is always helpful or you could turn the basement into a finished room to provide your family with more room. Home improvements are all about taking what you have and enhancing it. There is no need to move every time you have an urge for something different. Consider your options and make the most of what you have. In the end, you could save money and be pleasantly surprised by the potential within your existing home.

The kitchen is an excellent place to begin with many areas that can evolve through innovative designs. Consider adding a breakfast bar for another eating area or an island in the middle of a spacious kitchen. The island can provide additional work space and stools can be placed along one side for casual dining. It is an intimate way to share a meal, have a quick cup of tea, or stop for a chat. Skylights can bring in an additional light source, promoting a cheerful ambiance. Adding an extension can give everyone more room to move and allow one to have that dining area that has always been wanted. The kitchen is often the heart of the home. There is no reason it cannot be made as accommodating and inviting as possible.

Conservatories are another popular addition that has become more commonplace and popular. They range in size and style, suiting the unique requirements of any individuals. They provide an area that can make people feel closer to the outdoors at any time of year. For those who want to take advantage of the sunny days, a conservatory will become a favourite spot. They can maintain a pleasant temperature throughout the year and be a place where growing things flourish.

A loft is another creative way to provide more options in the home. By building such a space or adapting a current attic, there is a great deal of potential. The loft can be a guest bedroom or a den. It might be a lounge where company gathers to watch television or socialise. A person could create a home office in an area that is separated from all of the commotion in the rest of the home. It is up to the owner to take the modified area in a new direction.

Change is good in the home and there are ample opportunities to shape different areas through imaginative methods. Getting rid of clutter and adding new storage items is a simple way to start. Once more space is available and the budget allows, everyone can contemplate the next home improvement that will be on the way. It can be done one room at a time. As each job is completed, decor can be changed and an old home becomes new again.

Eric enjoys any type of DIY challenge, whether that is fastening solar panels to a roof or building a new extension. Eric works as a mechanical engineering at Ejot Uk, were he has learn a lot about steel beams and know advises others on DIY Projects in his spare time.

Different Bathroom Flooring Ideas

Whether you are designing and building an entirely new bathroom or just refreshing an old one you have a whole range of different flooring options to consider. The key with bathroom flooring is to create a pleasing look that matches the rest of the room but also to consider the practical aspect of what you choose.

Carpet

Carpet is the classic choice for most rooms in the house but less so for the bathroom. As much as you can try to keep the floor dry, you will have a hard time. Regular soakings of carpet will undoubtedly lead to problems such as mould and you will find yourself needing to replace it after no time at all. Despite this big problem, many people do still choose to carpet their bathroom. Particularly deep pile carpets do offer an excellent luxury feel on your feet after a bath so long as you’re prepared to replace it fairly often.

Laminate Flooring

Over recent years laminate flooring has seen a big surge in popularity. It provides a good looking, easy to lay flooring option for any room in the house. If you are planning to lay laminate flooring in the bathroom however you should be aware that it can be susceptible to water damage. Warping and rotting can occur with regular exposure to water although this can be minimised by stepping out of the bath or shower onto a bath rug or at the very least a towel. Alternatively there are some waterproof laminate flooring options but they can be more expensive than the standard offerings.

Tiles

Tiles have quickly become the number one choice for flooring in the bathroom. The main reason for this is practicality. Good quality floor tiles aren’t damaged by water and simply wipe clean. Larger floor tiles are best as they reduce the amount of grout used which is the only part that you will notice damage to. Tiles come in such a wide variety of colours and styles that you’re sure to find something to suit your room and tastes. Laying floor tiles isn’t out of the realms of possibility for the average DIYer but a professional will have it done in no time.

Lino

Lino flooring has drastically declined in popularity over the last few years and was more popular for kitchens than bathrooms but it does offer a good cheaper alternative to tiles. It is just as easy if not easier to clean and doesn’t damage easily. The biggest setback and the reason most stay away from lino is simply that it doesn’t offer the same great look as tiles or other alternatives.

If you are thinking of decorating, why not consider tiling as there are many ranges and designs that can be used in a bathroom or kitchen. Browse the different range of tiles available for the home from Online Tile Shop for some creative ideas.

The Most Effective Way to Hang Mirrors

A home is not complete without mirrors as they bring a certain amount of warmth to a home. A mirror can be a decorative item that is hung over a fireplace, or in a hallway close to the door. If a mirror is positioned correctly, it can make a room appear more spacious and brighter as it reflects the natural light. This is especially important in a bedroom or study.

All of the above can only be achieved when the mirror is hung correctly using the right fixtures and fittings. It is tempting to hang a mirror in the same way you would hang a picture frame, but this is not always right.

Small Mirrors
 

Often a small mirror can be fixed to a wall using small adhesive pads. Often in a small bathroom or even a bedroom the mirror is the size of a tile and the weight of the mirror can be supported using the adhesive pads.  Check that the surface you are attaching the mirror to is clean, free from grime and that the pads will stick to the wall securely. Ensure the mirror is straight before you attempt to fix to the wall, as peeling the adhesive pads from the wall will create a mess and the pads will become less secure on the back of the mirror aswell.  Create a small pencil line that is straight using a spirit level and then line up the mirror to the line. 

Framed Mirrors
 

A framed mirror can be hung in the same way as a picture frame if the mirror frame is not too heavy. Check the back of the mirror to see if hooks or wire has been provided. A heavy mirror must only be hung with mirror chains and not picture wire or cord. A heavy mirror requires support and sturdy material will do this, rather than wire which can snap under the weight of the mirror as it rests on a hook.

Mirror Screws
 

Some full length mirrors look great in a hallway or bedroom. The design of a full length lends itself to the mirror being attached directly to the wall and not hung using hooks. These mirrors will have holes in the corners of the mirror. Use mirror screws (often provided with the mirror) and screw these into wallplugs through the fixing holes in the mirror. Make sure that wallplugs are used to ensure the screws can be fixed securely to the wall as they will be supporting the mirror. To hide the screws, you can include a domed cover to hide the screw’s countersunk head.

Perform These Checks Before You Start Drilling

If you need to drill holes into the walls in your home, make sure that you have carried out the relevant checks before you even pick up the drill.

Electrical & Pipes - Check for any hidden electrical cables and pipes with a cable detector. Especially if you are drilling over a fireplace or close to electrical sockets and light switches.

Keep cords out of reach – If you are drilling with small children around make sure to keep cords out of reach to avoid strangulation or children getting tangled in the cords.

If in doubt – Always seek professional advice and do not attempt the task yourself.

Mirrors are hung all over the house, in hallways, kitchens and bedrooms. If you are hanging a mirror in a bedroom, make sure it matches the décor. For bedroom design ideas and inspiration take a look at Doors Direct, who provide a wide range of sliding wardrobe doors for the bedroom.

Make a Statement with an Area Rug

No matter how much you love the furniture in your living or dining room, the space can look bare if you don’t have attractive floor coverings to complement the rest of the room. An area rug can add character to any room, creating a statement that reflects your personality and style. Here are some tips for using an area rug to make the statement that you want to make about your home.

Be Bold!

To make a strong statement using an area rug, choose bright colours and bold patterns. Patterns work particularly well if your walls and soft furnishings are plain. Geometric patterns featuring contrasting colours are modern and look stunning when offset by white walls and understated furniture. Black and white patterns are particularly striking, particularly when used as part of a minimalist setting. Meanwhile, floral and oriental patterns are a tasteful accompaniment to traditional furniture and décor styles.

Choosing Colours

There are two strategies to choosing the colour of an area rug; you can either choose colours that blend in with their surroundings or instead opt for a startling contrast. If your room is filled with dark wooden furniture, a bright orange rug can create a warm, autumnal atmosphere – perfect for relaxing in comfort on cold evenings. Alternatively, pair a bright yellow, blue or green rug with white or light-coloured walls to create a fresh, spring-like environment.

Selecting Shapes

Area rugs come in a wide range of shapes, so they can be used in almost any room. A rectangular rug is the perfect choice for a sophisticated dining room, as it reflects the shape of a long dining table. Living room furniture works best when it is arranged around a square or circular rug. Match the shape of the rug to the shape of your coffee table to add consistency of style to your home.

Cosy Comforts

Although wood floors and tiles offer many practical advantages over fitted carpets, they can feel cold underfoot. An area rug is a perfect solution, creating a cosy atmosphere that is welcoming and homely. Area rugs also protect your floor from being scratched by furniture legs dragging across the floor. The result of adding an area rug is a soft environment where noise is dampened and your feet are kept warm.

Don’t Limit Yourself

If you have a large room, for example a combined living and dining room, there is no need to limit yourself to just one area rug. Use two or more matching rugs to soften your living space and add attractive splashes of colour.

Unleash Your Creativity

Choosing an area rug is your opportunity to customise your living space without needing to spend a lot of money or put up with the inconvenience of building work. Choose an area rug that matches your personality and style.

Guest post contributed by Jonathan Azevedo on behalf of http://www.arearugs.com

Jonathan is a freelance writer with a penchant for interior design. His articles mainly appear on design blogs.