August 2010 Home & DIY Magazine

Venetian Plaster

view of old venice Venetian plaster is a finishing technique for walls which creates a smooth surface with an illusion of depth and texture. The technique was first developed to recreate the plastered walls of Venice, Italy where walls develop a soft patina over time. Read More ...

Below Ground Extensions

For many the thought of moving house in this economic climate is simply out of the question. But if you need more space and your garden isn't exactly going to accommodate the size extension you require then you might just have to think laterally – or is it vertically?

Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Despite not being able to see it, smell it or taste it, carbon monoxide is a killer of around 50 people in the UK every year. It can build up in the home over time causing problems such as nausea, tiredness and flu like symptoms which you may not immediately associate with the possibility of gas poisoning. At high levels the gas can cause unconsciousness and even death.

Shabby Chic

Shabby chic is a design style which extends from the home to general fashion and even attitude. It is relaxed and casual and mixes and matches expensive items with cheap market finds.
Creativity is key and the ability to mix colours, textures and era's to create a look which fits the Shabby Chic definition

Saving Energy

Even the most sceptical among us have to admit that it is a good idea to try and save energy. Whether you believe that our use of energy can have an impact on the environment or it is simply the realisation that saving energy saves money, most of us are happy to save energy in our homes where we can.

Water Filters

It doesn't matter how often we are told that tap water is perfectly safe to drink, it just doesn't make it taste any better. For some, the taste of tap water and the possible added chemicals and additives such as fluoride make drinking tap water a bitter pill to swallow. For others the fact that ordinary tap water can fur up the kettle is a good enough reason to consider filtering it before use.

Window Blinds

Whether you like fabric or wooden blinds, shutters or simple curtains, the options can seem endless when it comes to simply guarding your privacy in the evenings. For many people having the same type of window treatment for the whole house is the easy solution.
But different types of windows or doors will often need a different approach when it comes to blinds.

Cat Flaps

cat waiting to go out

If you have a cat or dog then only you will know how annoying it can be to have to let them in and out of the house several times a day. Cats in particular are very early risers – f they come in at all – and are often mewing at the door at first light.

Fireplaces

flames from a fireplace

A fireplace can give your home a traditional feel, with a warm and cosy interior. But if you are looking for something which offers that warmth and style but within a modern setting then a contemporary fireplace is what you need.

SAP Assessments

Many of us will have breathed a quiet sigh of relief when the new government scrapped the Home Information Packs. At least one sensible decision has been made. But it doesn't mean that selling your home is now a simplified process. Unfortunately anyone selling their home still has to have an Energy Performance Certificate which uses the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) to measure the energy efficiency of your home. Read More ...