Blog

5 reasons why tiled flooring is an excellent option for your home

The flooring of your home often comes under scrutiny when carrying out home renovations in Leicester. Carpets are highly revered because they are soft and warm under under one’s foot and are available in an impressive range of colours, patterns, textures and styles. However carpets are not always the best option. Tiles are a great option because they are hard-wearing and easy to maintain. Tiles are not solely confined to your bathroom refurbishment in Leicester. They can be utilised in an array of contexts while renovating your Leicester home. Why are tiles such an attractive alternative to carpeting your home?

Aesthetically pleasing

Tiles are a highly attractive option when considering which type of flooring will suit your home. They are available in a range of colours and patterns which will enhance your interior choices. Carpets can become dull, tatty and worse-for-wear. However tiles will always look presentable and attractive.

Durability

Tiles are very strong and hard-wearing and they can withstand frequent use. If you place a piece of furniture on top of a carpet, you will soon notice a dent where the feet once stood. This is because the fibres are pressed down. It is hard to revive sections of carpet that have had heavy furniture placed upon them. However, tiles will not cause this problem because they are less malleable. In the rare instance that a tile is cracked, it can be easily replaced with a spare one. This is unlike a carpet which can not be so easily fixed if a hole has worn through it. This results in the need for the whole carpet to be replaced at considerable cost.

Easy to maintain

Tiles are easy to maintain because they are water-resistant. If you spill substances on a carpet, it may result in a stain which is difficult to remove. However, this is not the case with tiles because they are non-porous and the liquid can simply be soaked up. Tiles are also very hygienic because they can be disinfected effortlessly. Dirt and germs can attach to carpets because of their numerous fibres and it is hard to disinfect this intricate surface. Dust can simply be swept away on tiles whereas carpets require the cumbersome task of hoovering the surface area to ensure that no residue is left.

Timeless design

Tiles are quite neutral in appearance and never date. You might have a feature tile which is loyal to a particular era, yet this can be removed easily and another tile can be cut to replace it. This timeless design allows you to change your interior choices frequently without having to replace your floor. This contrasts with carpets which often make a bold statement and may not fit in with new colour schemes that you want to adopt.

Cost-effective

The longevity of tiles mean that they are great value. Their durable nature and subtle appearance afford more versatility without the expense of having to replace them. Tiles will endure frequent use and will last for generations to come. If one becomes broken, it can easily be replaced at little expense ensuring that this option for flooring is highly cost-effective.

Tiles are an attractive feature for any home. Their water-proof and hard-wearing qualities guarantee that they are a convenient option for a busy, family orientated household. Mats can be used to soften the appearance of the tiles and provide warmth in certain spaces such as bedrooms and lounges. Tiles are highly versatile and a great value flooring solution.

Storage solutions that are simple yet effective

A key aspect to home renovation in Leicester is installing excellent storage solutions which are crucial when providing a tidy living space. There are many home accessories in Leicester that you can choose from but investing in the right one is important. They need to be easily accessible and do not require excessive effort which quickly discourages their use. You might think that storage solutions purchased from high-end stores are more likely to last the test of time. However, this is not always the case. There are various budget versions that are equally as resilient to frequent use. It is vital to consider what storage solution is best for your required purpose. Then research prices, quality and reviews from different stores to find the most reliable choice. Below, I have listed some clever storage solutions which will contribute to a tidy home.

home-renovation-project

Recycled crates

Recycled crates are en vogue because they conform to both the shabby chic and vintage trends. They are very cost-effective because you can sometimes obtain one from your local vegetable shop or farmer’s market for a reduced price. You might even find that people are happy to give them away for free. You could also check flea and outdoor markets to see if one is for sale. Crates can be purchased online too but are likely to be more expensive with the additional postage costs. Crates are a great option for storage because they are hard-wearing and can withstand frequent use. They can also be painted and customised easily to match your interior decoration. Crates can be placed in many contexts, and are therefore an exciting storage feature. You can fix crates to your bathroom wall which can hold rolled-up towels and various cleaning products. You can also join crates together to create a shabby-chic coffee table with extra storage facilities. Crates allow you to be involved with cutting-edge trends as well as making the most of your interior space.

Ottomans

Ottomans may be considered old-fashioned. However, they are slowly making a comeback. This is because they are being created with a new contemporary twist. Ottomans may be covered with PVC or leather to provide a sophisticated appearance. They also might be created using wooden slates which provide a homely feel. You can even buy customised ottomans which are in the shape of cartoon characters. These are a fun solution for your child’s bedroom. Ottomans are a great storage solution because they feature a lid which keeps the contents tidy, clean and private. Most ottomans have a flat surface which is the perfect vehicle for displaying a range of attractive and luxurious cushions. Ottomans are often strong enough to withstand weight and therefore can be sat upon which is useful if extra seating is required.

Stowaway bathtub

Stowaway bathtubs have a very clever design. The panels at either side of the bath can be lowered to reveal storage solutions affixed to the inside of them. These may include shelving or pots to store both personal hygiene and cleaning products. This storage solution is very discrete and allows your bathroom to be clutter-free and spacious. You are utilising space that would normally be overlooked. This bath design is also useful because it provides greater accessibility to the bath itself so that it is easier to fix repairs.

Storage under the stairs

The space under the stairs would provide an excellent storage facility but it is often not used to its full potential. You may have a cupboard under the stairs which is cumbersome with hard-to-reach places. The space under the stairs could be adapted to be more convenient and accessible. You can opt for an inbuilt shelving system that is retractable, allowing for easy access to shoes, umbrellas and more. You can also remove the cupboard door and create a cosy space with a custom bed for your beloved pet. An open space could also be adapted to provide additional seating, or with shelves installed, can house books. The space under the stairs can utilised to cater for your family’s personal requirements.

Recycling old ladders

Ladders are no longer exclusively used to facilitate home improvements. More people are using them as a design feature within their own right. Step-ladders can be used to showcase your favourite ornaments and photo frames. They can also be adapted to provide an additional bookcase with a quirky aesthetic. Ladders are also a useful and great value alternative to having a wardrobe. They can be suspended from the ceiling and clothes hangers can be hooked onto the rungs of the ladder which provides a highly stylish and contemporary wardrobe. Wooden ladders can be painted and varnished easily to suit the colour scheme of your chosen room.

Storage solutions do not have to be expensive or traditional. With some imagination and a little bit of effort, you can utilise storage in the most overlooked spaces. You can also up cycle redundant objects and transform them into exciting storage solutions.

Elegant lighting solutions that will enhance your home’s ambience

Lighting solutions are not always at the forefront of our minds. We may have a central light with a single bulb in each room and neutral light shades encasing them. This might be convenient when conducting home refurbishments in Leicester because neutral shades will suit any colour scheme. However, the same source of light might become tiresome year after year. There are many options which can change the mood of your room according to your mindset. Lighting solutions are a perfect way to provide light and shade to your home renovations in Leicester, and enhance your interiors for the better.

Wall lamps

Wall lamps are an attractive option which will provide subtle lighting. You can turn off your main light and allow lamps to fill your room with a romantic light similar to that of a candle. Wall lamps are available in many shapes and styles which will manipulate the strength and quality of the light. You might invest in lamps with a cut out silhouette which cast intricate shadows across your room. You might also choose LED wall lamps which will provide a bright and more contemporary light source. The diverse wall lamps, which are available to purchase, guarantee that you will find a suitable style for your room’s aesthetic.

transitional-living-room

Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are fun and frivolous which are ideal for a child’s bedroom. You can fuel their imagination with novelty fairy lights which represent various cartoon characters or animals. Fairy lights are popular with children but they are not exclusive to them. Over the last few years, fairy lights have become more sophisticated in their design. You can choose fairy lights which look like Chinese lanterns or twine spheres. These add a touch of class as well as providing an alternative light source.

Stand alone lamps

Lamps that stand alone in the corner of rooms are perfect if you want to engage with an activity such as reading a book without needing an obtrusive light source. Stand alone lamps are available in many styles, from antique and traditional to minimalist and contemporary. You can also buy lamps that mimic organic structures, such as trees and flowers, and provide a striking feature to your home. Stand alone lamps are widely available and there is one to suit every price range.

Desk lamps

Desk lamps are often used for work because they provide a better quality of light which is helpful for your eyesight. However, they can also be used as a design feature. Desk lamps come in many different forms and can provide a useful way to light up small spaces such as bookcases and shelving under the stairs because of their compact size. They are portable which makes them highly versatile and useful. You can buy several and distribute them around the room to create subtle pockets of light. Desk lamps are normally inexpensive and can be bought from a variety of online and high-street retailers.

Floor lighting

Floor lighting can be achieved by LED strips which can fix under cabinets. LED strips can also be cut and attached to staircases, where the step meets the wall. This provides a very subtle and modern light source which is highly beneficial. Floor lighting can be used at night when one needs to visit the toilet but does not want to wake the entire household by turning on numerous lights. Floor lighting is still quite rare and therefore will be admired by your guests for its innovative and forward-thinking design.

There are many alternative ways to light your room without switching on your central light. These solutions will provide enough light to achieve your designated task, without causing light pollution. They will also create a tranquil and restful ambience which you will appreciate after a hard day’s work. Read more for more details.

For a more elegant look of your house during a marriage ceremony you need wedding flowers London

Innovative and easy ideas for decorating your child’s bedroom

You might be planning a home refurbishment in Leicester and are now confronted with decorating your child’s bedroom. This is always a difficult task because there are many things to consider. You are aware that the tastes and interests of your child are changing frequently so you must adopt a theme with the chance of longevity. You also want to ensure that your design decision is not too big a commitment and that it is cost-effective. It also must be visually appealing so that your child is delighted with the result. Here are 5 innovative and easy ideas you could adopt for your child’s bedroom.

Original_Project-Nursery-Kid-Room-Art-Galleries-Wide_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725

Installing decals

Murals are often expensive because you would need to commission a good-quality artist, unless you are lucky enough to be artistic yourself. A pain-staking mural also becomes sentimental because of the time, effort and expensive that was incurred to create it. Decals are an excellent option because they can be bought cheaply and installed in minutes. We all know how quickly a child’s tastes change. Your child might currently be obsessed with the latest blockbuster animation or a sport that all their friends are playing too. Decals can be removed swiftly if your child has outgrown them. Once they are removed, you are left with a clean wall with no residue. This contrasts with murals which are a permanent option and require many coats of paint to cover them. The flexibility that a decal provides is also excellent if you are due to move house. Decals can be carefully stored to use again, give away or sell to make some extra money. If you are in rented accommodation, decals are generally accepted by landlords because they do not cause damage to interior walls or paint work, but please check first to be sure.

Replacing cupboard handles and door knobs

Changing the handles of various features within a child’s room is very easy and inexpensive but often overlooked. You can simply unscrew the handles or knobs on most pieces of furniture and replace them. There are many varieties of knobs and handles available both online and in high-street stores. You can purchase beautiful ceramic ones which are highly patterned. You can also buy novelty cartoon ones which are sure to bring a smile to your child’s face. You do not have to install the same design or character on each piece of furniture. You can swap them around and ask your child which they prefer. Replacing cupboard handles or door knobs are a great option because they can easily be removed and transferred back once you child gets older.

Hanging canopies

Canopies can manipulate the feel of a room and provide a striking visual feature. They can also facilitate a warm and comforting space for your child. Canopies are highly customisable and can be embellished easily to represent any theme. Canopies are easy to install and can be draped from the middle of the room extending to the edges. They can also hang over a bed and provide a luxurious and noble spectacle that will make your child feel like a prince or princess. Canopies are available in a wide range of colours so you can choose one that adheres to the colour scheme of the room. They can be easily removed when they need to be cleaned or stored.

Introducing mats

Mats are an excellent vehicle to attract attention. You can buy a wide variety of mats in innovative shapes, exciting textures and wild designs. Some mats have a design on them which encourages interaction and play. You might buy a mat with a race-track printed on it or a doll’s house interior. This allows them to double up as an attractive design feature as well as a toy. Mats are useful for breaking up space as well as temporarily covering up flaws. They are cost-effective and an appealing addition to your children’s bedroom without too much commitment.

Stencilling Designs

Stencilling is a helpful way to create clean-cut and effective designs on walls, ceilings and even furniture. You can buy pre-made stencils or create your own. Stencilling is also much easier than painting directly onto a surface because you have guidelines to follow. Although, you are governed by the design of your stencil, you can add your own design choices by choosing a monotone look or adding additional colours when painting over the stencil. You can also use metallic or glitter paint to guarantee that your designs stand out.

There are many cost-effective ways to add personality to your child’s bedroom. Get your child involved in the decision-making and creative process so that it is a shared accomplishment of which you both can be proud. Click here for more details.

Stylish and modern alternatives to hanging curtains

Curtains are a common consideration when people are working on home refurbishments in Leicester. People may have changed their furniture or shook up the colour scheme in each room and now require curtains and blinds in Leicester to match. However, curtains are not the only option available to you even though they are considered essential home accessories. There are many attractive alternatives which will modernise your home.

Fabric strips or ribbon valance

You might have old curtain fabric that you would like to dye and reuse. You might also own a beautiful tablecloth that you no longer have any use for but are reluctant to throw away. A valance made from fabric strips is an innovative way to reuse fabric. Even strips are cut from various fabrics and draped over your curtain rail. Some people tie the fabric onto the rail by knotting the middle and allowing the fabric to fall either side. You can also stitch the fabric together if you want a more polished result. This gypsy artisan style is homely and provides a unique and free-spirited aesthetic. Ribbons can be tied to your curtain rail which ensure a clean, more ordered appearance. Either way, this technique provides some privacy while still allowing light to enter the room.

4

Beaded curtains

Beaded curtains are not just confined to door frames. They can also be affixed above windows to provide an attractive detail. You might choose to create your own beaded curtains with your favourite and most sentimental beads. This also enables you to closely follow the colour scheme of your room. However beaded curtains are also available to purchase in a wide variety of colours and styles. You can purchase plastic beaded curtains at a low cost, however for a more classic finish, you might want to invest in a glass or ceramic beaded curtain which will be admired by many. Plastic and glass beads will create beautiful displays of colourful light around your room. A beaded curtain will provide privacy but will still allow you to gaze through them and enjoy the view outside.

Roman blinds

Roman blinds consist of fabric which is wrapped on a roller and can be lowered as much as you require. Lowering the Roman blind creates a block of solid fabric within your window frame which is a great solution for blocking out sunlight. It will also ensure privacy without stopping the light from entering the room. Roman blinds are available in an array of fabrics and colours. Linen and hessian fabric provides a rustic twist on this traditional solution which will add to a vintage or shabby-chic interior. You can even stencil your own designs on to Roman blinds which will provide a unique quality to your interior.

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are a very versatile solution for dressing your window. They are available in metal and hung horizontally or you can purchase them in fabric with the slates in a vertical position. There is such a wide range of Venetian blinds available that you are bound to find an option which is loyal to the theme of your room. You can even buy coloured- metal blinds which are an attractive addition to a teenage bedroom which your offspring are sure to approve. Venetian blinds are durable and will with stand frequent use. They are easy to maintain and will provide a clean and attractive solution for years to come.

Adhesive window film

Window film is an innovative alternative to curtains which is often overlooked. It is very minimal and does not obscure the window unlike most solutions, which allows you to make the most of the space on the sill. You can purchase window film which is translucent or tinted. You can also buy window film which incorporates a lace pattern which would be ideal for a bathroom because it provides a large amount of privacy when installed. Mirrored window film is useful as well as providing a more spacious feel. There are many patterns available which can easily be affixed to your window within minutes. They  can be wiped clean and easy to remove if you decide that you require a change.

The diverse range of alternatives available ensure that you do not have to choose curtains when refurbishing your home. There are many modern alternatives which are striking, cost-effective and simple to install. Please visit our website at: https://www.cravenandhargreaves.co.uk/services/curtains/ for more information.

Inexpensive ideas for your garden

Your home’s garden is one of the most important places of your property. If maintained well, it can turn your house into a diamond in disguise.

The most beautiful gardens in the magazines aren’t created with lots of money, but with great ideas from experienced designers.

The first thing you should do is to consider how big your backyard is and what do you want to use it for. Knowing what you want will help you pick everything needed to turn your gardens into a small private paradise.

Home-Improvement-Advice

Pavers and Ground Cover

Using pavers and ground cover is both a cheap and very nice idea. They can be put in different patterns and then used as a fancy pathway.

Get cuttings from friends

If you like a plant from your neighbors, you can ask them polite for a small cutting from their plant. Asking friends for cutting will reduce the costs of going to the nursery and buying plants from there. Note that, not all cuttings will live enough to grow.

Use cheaper plantings

It can be expensive to buy beds or planters from the gardening store, but it’s not needed too! You can use wine crates, barrels, and tires to create your own planters for your lovely flowers to flourish.

Check the stores for perennials

These are types of plants that flourish every season and return year after year, which means that they won’t live only for a season and die. They are colorful, beautiful and budget-friendly so go ahead!

Use grasses for a luxurious garden

Grasses can be combined in many ways. They come in different shapes and colors, providing your home with a lovely and expensive look. Check out the website here.

Important stuff for renovating your home

In this article, we are going to tell you about the things you need before you start a home improvement process.

1.Make a budget

The first thing you should do is to establish a budget and provide your designers with it so that they can work according to that budget. If you don’t do that and surprise them, you will slow down the process a lot.

images32

2. Set up a realistic budget

Setting up a realistic budget is really important, because you can’t ask for a 50 inches TV when the budget is enough for 30. Thus why, you should not make your budget according to the TV shows where the suppliers often decrease the prices of their products in order to be featured in the show.

3.Understand what are you paying for

Note that, when you are buying your furniture you must leave some money for the costs of construction and additional money for permits, consultants and designers. Many companies will give you an estimate without providing you with the soft costs, so keep that in mind.

4. No money to finish the renovation?

This is an awkward but common conversation that happens to all home improvement companies every once in a while. It’s bad to miss the things you’ve wanted. There are opportunities to reduce the costs by changing the project or by taking a loan. Either way, the best choice is to delay the improvement until you have enough resources.

Kitchen Remodeling

A whole kitchen remodeling can cost lots of money. In fact, a survey reveals that it can cost anything between $10,000 and $55,000 depending on what features you want.

Of course, this is not something necessary and we are going to give you few inexpensive ideas for kitchen makeover in this article.

Change handles and pulls

To start your makeover, we suggest you to change your handles and pulls with something that is either colorful or classical, such as the brushed nickel products.

2013-kitchen remodeling

Paint your cabinets

The easiest way to change the whole look of the kitchen is to paint the cabinets in a color you would love seeing every day. New cabinets are price, thus why this is an effective and inexpensive choice for your home.

Change doors

You can either remove the doors of your shelves or replace your current ones with glass-paneled ones. This will increase the light of the place and make it even more cozy.

Paint your walls

By painting your walls, you will change almost everything in the kitchen. The color makes the whole impression in almost everything and from there comes the difference.

Final Thoughts

You can also buy some small appliances that are colorful and won’t cost you much, but will make the difference. Remember that placing a rug will make the place more comfortable and maybe colorful.

We hope that this guide is going to help you make the needed and inexpensive changes for your home.

How to Halve your Renovation Costs

It’s really important to decrease your costs as much as possible given the fact that nobody wants to pay more than it requires. Often people mistake cheaper prices with low-quality but that’s not necessary.

Most of the times unexpected expenses can occur during home renovations, thus, you need to have additional money stashed in case of an emergency like this one.

A-detail-on-house-refurbishment

Cheaper is not Better

Remember that or you are going to have a bad time. Most of the time cheaper is really low quality and it can bring you a lot of headaches. Not in most cases, but you have to be careful. If you wish to spend less on windows, then you might have to change them all in a couple of years.

Be careful or you will end up buying the materials twice.

Renovate or buy second-hand

You can find a professional renovator to modernize and make an old piece of furniture into something completely new, fresh and unique. It can cost you twice less than something new from the store.

Check the auction houses, flea markets, and second-hand shops to find the best deal. Online auction sites are also a good place to look at, given the fact that you can remotely grab a bargain.

Mix expensive with cheap

You can always make a mix between expensive and cheap stuff. For example, you can pay the extra buck for your windows, beds, and other essential stuff, but buy some cheap shelves.

Go to the unpopular stores

Our last advice is to visit warehouses, local shops and companies to get the best prices. When buying from bigger companies, you can often stumble upon a higher price.

The last way to save money is to do the easiest stuff by you. Do as much work as possible by yourself, but never take a job that requires considerable amount of skills.

Bathroom remodeling on a tight budget

Everybody loves the feeling of the beautiful, clean and luxurious bathroom but few can afford it. In this article, we are going to show you how to make a nice remodeling without spending a fortune.

The final result must be a comfortable and lovely bathroom, in which you will love to stay as much as possible to relax.

Syd lille

How to save while remodeling

  1. Tiles

In order to save money from tiles, we suggest you to go to a local supplier and buy all the tiles in one piece so you can get a discount.

The price of the tiles can be increased a lot if you hire a contractor, thus you might want to read a guide or two and do the whole job yourself.

  1. Counter tops

You can save a large amount of money by buying counter tops that aren’t in typical colors. Also, if you find one with imperfections you can decrease the price a lot.

If you can’t find a suitable one in your local stores, then go to a thrift shop and you might find the perfect thing for you. Installing it by yourself can once again save you money.

  1. Paint

This is the easiest way to change the way your bathroom is looking. It will provide it with a new vision and it’s really cheap. Note that, painting it can take you a lot of time given the precise nature of the job.

Investing in high quality painting can keep the mold away!

  1. Change the little things

Changing the things that can’t be spotted easily can change the overall look of your bathroom and it won’t cost you much. Check websites, local suppliers and second-hand shops.

What to Think About When You Think About Renovating

When it comes to home renovation, Leicester is one of the fastest-growing markets out there. But renovation can be a complex process, and so it’s vital that you’re armed with as much knowledge as possible before taking up the challenge!

Home-Remodeling-Design-Prepossessing-Design-On-Renovate-Home-Ideas-Renovations-As-9

Know Your Home

The key to successful renovation lies, like so many things, in the preparation. The devil really is in the details! Before you even consider beginning the practical process, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve done all of your homework to determine every possible outcome of the renovation work and its effect on the property.

Research Financing Options

Renovation can quickly become an expensive project without the right planning and payment structure. That said, there are myriad options available to you, and there truly has never been a better time to begin upgrading your home through renovation. Whether cash, credit card, or a bank loan, be sure to find the optimal payment method for your circumstances and project.

Choose a Renovating Professional

The great thing about Leicester home renovation is that the professional renovation market is rife with experience. Do the research, contact people directly, and select the person who you think is the right fit for the job.

The Art of Window-Dressing

As every interior designer knows, windows imbue a space with an incomparable energy. Natural light and gorgeous views can work wonders in a home, but it’s vital not to miss out on the finishing touches: curtains and blinds!

2013-09_black-sheer_zinc

When it comes to curtains and blinds Leicester has a wide-range of choice on offer for every budding designer to decide from. Here are some points to consider when making your decisions.

Functionality First

Depending on the room you’re dressing, curtains and blinds play a radically different role. If you’re someone who struggles to sleep without the comforting embrace of total darkness, you’ll want to make sure that any window-dressing in your bedroom is sufficiently thick and hard-wearing so as to allow you a good night’s sleep. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an injection of colour in the kitchen or bathroom, you can afford to sacrifice weighty fabrics for something more light and fun.

Decisions, Decisions

There are so many different types of curtains and blinds on offer that half the battle is choosing which style best balances the look you’re going for alongside the functionality we mentioned above. Roman Blinds can be impractical in some circumstances, but perfect for others, and so it’s vital that you decide on the style you’re looking for early and then begin to narrow your choices from there.