November 16th, 2011 by steph
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Renovating your kitchen is a fantastic way of adding renewed life you your home; it can give you extra space, practical appliances and desirable fixtures. There is a wide range of modern and contemporary kitchen suites available and choosing one that is right for your needs is vital before you commit to buying.
Many people crave the fashionable style and modern amenities that you find in a 21st century kitchen, but feel that the homely charm and character of traditional kitchens express their personality a little better. If this is the kitchen for you then you’re in luck! Here are a few useful thoughts to help you find a nice compromise between hi tech modern and charming traditional kitchens.
Style
A great way to add a classic look to traditional kitchens is by adding vintage cook’s tables and china cupboards; this gives off a strong classical feel, accents the theme of the kitchen well and shows you have a keen eye for style. Combining this with some granite wall and floor tiles can add a modern touch to the design of the room. Choosing vintage features in modern colours is another way to combine these two styles, most vintage units are available in black and other modern tones so consider this when designing the layout and colour of your kitchen. Small modern features in a classic looking kitchen such as venetian blinds and new styles of kitchen tap/washing basin units can add a 21st century feel to traditional kitchens. Keep an eye out for features such as these; it is important not to choose anything that looks too out of place and detracts from the overall impressiveness of your new kitchen.
Practicality
If you are looking to stay with a purely vintage look in your renovated kitchen then there are still many options available to you when shopping for practical amenities. Features such as vintage or ‘retro’ fridge freezer units can really add character to traditional kitchens, as well as being a spacious and practical addition. Smaller features such as the household toasters and kettles can be bought as part of matching sets in a truly fantastic classic design, these look great when bought as a set and can help to bring the entire room together if placed strategically around the kitchen. Ovens and cookers are also available in classic designs; as these are more expensive, use them to base the colour scheme of your kitchen accessories (kettle, toaster etc.).
So there we are; a few simple hints and ideas that can help you to add a fantastic looking traditional kitchen to your home without compromising in practicality or luxury.
Tags: classic kitchen, home decor, kitchen design, vintage
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November 15th, 2011 by steph
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It’s no secret that hiring a plumber to come to your house and make repairs is very expensive indeed; usually a basic call out feel is charged before there is any sign of work being started and then you are charged by the hour after that. It’s fair to say that there are a large amount of problems and tasks that only a qualified plumber would be able to handle, as they have experience and appropriate equipment to suit each job. But there are also certain ‘cowboy’ plumbers who are more than happy to tinker under a sink for 3 hours and charge you hundreds of pounds for what should have been a 45 minute job. Here we will look at some basic advice that could help you learn how to fix a leaking tap.
We’ve all heard the unbearable sound of a constantly dripping tap, anyone who has lived with one should know exactly how annoying it can become. Rather than waiting for days to find an available plumber there are basic checks and repairs you may want to do yourself. Keep in mind; this is basic information on how to fix a leaking tap, if you suspect the problem may be complex or serious then do not attempt to repair it yourself. You could cause further damage to the tap and result in a more costly overall repair.
The most common problem behind a leaking tap is a damaged/eroded rubber washer. If the tap in question is a mixer tap be sure to check and replace both rubber washer. If there is visible damage to the valve seating, do not attempt to repair it unless you are confident in your plumbing abilities and you have researched the repair properly.
Firstly when practicing how to fix a leaking tap, be sure to switch of the water supply (the mains are commonly located under the taps or under the main sink in the kitchen). If you begin to remove the headgear from your tap without shutting off the water supply you are very likely to flood the room. Once you have shut of the supply of water, drain your taps by leaving them all the way on and cover the plug/drain to prevent any small parts being lost.
Unscrew the tap cover and you will find the retaining screw underneath; once this is removed you are then able to take off the head of the tap. Using a suitable spanner to remove the headgear nut, (it is important not to force the headgear nut, applying too much pressure can cause serious damage to the tap) if you need extra leverage here use some oil on the joint and hold the tap in place as you twist.
Here you will find the rubber washer; if there is a small nut securing the washer in place then remove this before tackling the damaged washer. Replace the damaged rubber washer and if possible, lubricate the thread on each section of your tap before re-assembling.
So there you have it, some basic tips about how to fix a leaking tap yourself. Remember, if you do not feel 100% confident about disassembling your tap yourself, seek advice or professional help.
Tags: DIY, DIY guide, home improvement, home repairs, leaking tap
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October 18th, 2011 by steph
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Designer bathrooms can be incredibly luxurious, durable and enjoyable to spend time in. On the other hand, they can also be incredibly expensive and not all homeowners have the budget at their disposal to indulge in such luxury. This doesn’t mean however, that they can’t create a luxurious bathroom that mimics the standards of a designer bathroom. Many products and methods are available to ensure homeowners can have a designer bathroom but at a lower and more affordable cost.
If you’re looking to spruce up your bathroom design and add a touch of luxury to your home without splurging all your cash then here are a few tips on how to have a designer bathroom on a budget.
It’s Curtains for Shower Curtains
Shower curtains are unsightly, old-fashioned and hard to maintain. Switch your shower curtain for a glass shower screen for the ultimate designer bathroom appearance. Shower screens are so much easier to clean than shower curtains too and are less likely to develop mould and mildew problems. They’re also more effective in preventing water from the shower spraying on the floor.
Opt for Classy Flooring
Choosing the correct flooring for your bathroom can be the hardest aspect of bathroom design. Marble tiles can be incredibly expensive but extremely tempting as they’re highly attractive and are the ultimate accessory for a designer bathroom. Vinyl flooring can mimic the appearance of marble tiles and is generally more affordable in price. It’s generally quite durable and waterproof and can look great if it complements the rest of your bathroom.
Vanity is Sanity
One of the most common items in a designer bathroom is a vanity unit. They’re often sleek in design and extremely convenient for using when performing daily personal hygiene and beauty routines. You can head on over to Bathshop321 to view vanity units at affordable prices. Not only do they have a prestigious appearance, they’re also a convenient storage facility for unsightly bathroom products such as bathroom cleaners and sanitary products.
Scour the Sales
Many designer product outlets have end of line sales at the end of each season as new product ranges are released. You can really find a good bargain on designer fixtures and furniture in these sales so it’s worth keeping your eye out for some real steals. Also, look out for online voucher codes that provide discounts on home wares and interiors.
Accessories make all the Difference
Updating your bathroom accessories can really change the dynamic of your bathroom design. A simple change in colour scheme can be done through accessories, meaning you don’t have to do any repainting! Towels are a great way to make a subtle change to the colour scheme in your bathroom, if you’re feeling bold you could even opt for vibrant coloured towels to really give your bathroom a quick uplift. Make sure your towels are always clean, fluffy and smelling pleasant – a designer bathroom wouldn’t contain soggy towels!
Do It Yourself
The easiest way to save money when transforming or even updating your bathroom is to do the work yourself. Invest in some well-trusted DIY guides to help you perform some simple bathroom maintenance and remodelling. If you’re not entirely sure about any project you’re attempting however, seek some professional advice as one small error could result in a costly mistake. Never tamper with plumbing and pipes you’re unsure of as you could end up with a serious case of flooding on your hands, which would be extremely costly to repair and the damage may not be limited to the bathroom.
Tags: designer bathroom
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October 10th, 2011 by steph
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Big Ideas for Bite-size Bathrooms
Not everyone has the luxury of a spacious bathroom which is so large you can fit a Jacuzzi in there. Many homes have cloakrooms which are converted into small bathrooms (they can be a great way to add value to the home) and others have ensuites which may be deprived of space. Here at Tapshop321 we recognise that all homes are different, which is why we’ve conjured up a small bathroom design guide to help you utilise your space without compromising on functionality.
Showers
Some bathrooms simply don’t have the room for a bath which means the shower has to be extremely efficient and durable to compensate for the lack of a bath. Some people don’t consider the shower head as it may not seem like the most important part of the shower – it is! Power showers provide the ultimate shower experience, ensuring the cubicle remains hot and the water spray invigorates the skin. Leaking, powerless showers generally make showering an unpleasant task and leaks can eat up your utility bills!
If you’re struggling to find a shower cubicle that doesn’t overshadow the rest of your bathroom a corner shower could be the perfect product. Sleek in design, they’re spacious internally whilst not giving off a “bulky” exterior appearance – the ultimate shower cubicle for small bathroom design. They’re perfect for saving space in any bathroom but are particularly popular for ensuites. Wet rooms can also be a space saving choice, providing you with a spacious area for showering. They’re incredibly convenient for those in your family who have limited mobility.
Sinks
One of the necessary features of any bathroom, even in cloakroom suites, is a sink. They’re essential for sanity and hygiene reasons and prevent the spreading of germs from toilets to other areas of the home. In small bathroom design, bulky sinks can really overtake the limited space available. This is why slender, functional sinks need to be fitted into bathrooms where space isn’t the room’s forte.
Corner sinks can really save space in bathrooms and are an incredibly popular choice for cloakroom suites. They often don’t have a visible pedestal which really helps to save space. Even bathrooms which are plentiful in space can benefit from these corner units as they’re often dainty and slender in design.
Baths
Some ensuite bathrooms are lucky enough to be able to squeeze a bath into the compromised space. Thanks to modern design and manufacturing there are such baths which space-save whilst still having sufficient room to relax in. P-shaped baths are spectacular space savers – giving you more room at the head of your bath as they curve outwards whilst giving less room at the foot. They’re essential for small bathroom design along with compact baths. Compact baths are perfect for small bathrooms and don’t compromise on functionality – perfect for those who love to relax.
Tags: bathroom design, bathroom remodeling, small bathroom design, small bathrooms
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September 1st, 2011 by steph
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The modern breed of bathroom tap fixtures
It was only a few decades previous that you could expect to be laughed at if you said taps were a glamorous bathroom accessory. Generally, they were all of similar design and frequently hindered the appearance of a bathroom, often borderline horrendous; their sole function was to provide water to the home. Nowadays taps have evolved so much there’s such a breed referred to as “designer bathroom taps”. Sleek in design and ever so functional, designer taps are functional accessories which complete the appearance of a bathroom suite – they certainly aren’t 70’s throwbacks.
Designer bathroom tap filler - stylish and quirky design.
Even now in the 21st century some homeowners overlook the importance of bathroom tap design, and yes it may not be something you discuss at a dinner party, but choosing a stylish, high quality designer bathroom tap fixture can increase functionality of your bathroom and be just the finishing touch you were looking for.
Such an increase in demand for designer bathroom taps has broken style conventions for bathroom taps. The days in which homeowners were restricted to two separate tap fixtures (one for hot, one for cold) are well and truly over. Mixer taps have brought a whole new feel to the daily routine of hand washing. No longer does the user scold their skin in an attempt to wash their hands in warm water, nor do their fingers turn blue under the icy surge of the cold tap. Stylish designer mixer taps have provided the perfect solution to the problem of ugly and impractical tap fixtures.
The death of gold and brass effect taps was by no means subtle and seemed quite sudden. For years gold taps were seen as the must-have fixture for traditional bathrooms, taking a proud seat on the sink top. However, the modern bathroom sink is rarely accompanied by the grand gold water features – hence the birth of chrome taps. Chrome bathroom taps are incredibly popular and are now available in many different styles due to their continually high demand. They’re also great reflectors of light, making them a striking focal point for a minimalist bathroom.
Many manufacturers now boast the design of their taps as equally as quality and durability. Major designer bathroom tap manufacturers such as Hudson Reed pride themselves on sleek design to suit designer bathrooms as well as the incredibly high quality of their products. With minimalism being a major current trend it’s become increasingly important to choose taps which complement the bathroom suite and are an attractive accessory.
A designer bathroom, complete with designer tap
If you feel repulsed at the sheer sight of your sink fillers it’s time you considered taking a leap into the 21st century and source some highly fashionable designer bathroom taps that make every trip to the bathroom an enjoyable and comforting experience.
Tags: bathroom design, designer bathroom taps, designer bathrooms, modern bathrooms
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