Latest Designer Bathroom Ideas and How To Guides for your Home

Even those who hate doing any kind of DIY will find themselves having to put together a piece of flat-pack furniture at some point in their life. Unlike some DIY projects, where you have to rely on your own knowledge and experience to get the job done, these do at least come with a full set of diagrams and instructions, as well as all the parts you need. Be warned that it is still possible to do the job badly even with all that help.

Preparation

The key to making a good job of flat-pack furniture assembly is preparation. Before you even begin work, read through the instructions once to make sure you understand everything. Most companies have websites or helplines if you have any questions or problems. The next step is to make sure that you have everything you need, both in terms of pieces and tools. Flat-pack furniture often claims to require no specialist tools, but this assumes that every home has items like screwdrivers and hammers. Give yourself plenty of time and space to get the job done and put everything within easy reach.

Shelves are perhaps one of the most popular DIY projects. Not only do they instantly change the look of a room, they also provide more storage space. The only problem in choosing shelves is identifying what type you need. There are so many different options available, you might be unsure as to which type to select.  As with all wall-mounted shelves, the amount of weight they can bear is largely dependent on the construction of the wall to which they are attached.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are so named because they appear to float on the wall. The mounting bracket is attached to the wall, then the shelf to the bracket, hiding it from view. These shelves are primarily used for light to medium weight objects. 

Fixed Bracket Shelves

Fixed bracket shelves are comprised of two vertical bars and the shelving is laid across the top. This tends to be the most common type of shelving. These shelves can be used for medium to heavier weight objects, depending on the material used for the shelf itself.

Adjustable Shelving Systems

Adjustable shelving systems comprise of two vertical bars, with notches in them, which are attached to the wall. There are brackets that fit into the notches and a shelf is then placed across the brackets. These shelves are able to hold a great deal of weight when properly installed.

Built in Shelving

These shelves are generally among the strongest of all. The shelving supports are typically affixed to all three available spaces on the wall of an alcove or other small, enclosed space.  The shelf is then placed on the supports.

Have you ever wondered how Roman blinds got their name? It’s not easy to see how a particular style of window blind, involving ruched material, is in any way Roman, but the story goes that it really does date back to ancient Rome. The Romans were very civilized and invented many modern conveniences which are still around today, including Roman window blinds.

In the dry and dusty climate of Rome, most people had no glass in their windows but they needed to keep the dust out of their homes and keep them ventilated. In those days there was no tarmac on the roads and pavements, and the air was thick with dust from passing carts, pedestrians and from building work too.

People found that the best method was to hang woven fabric across their windows, so that dust and dirt would be trapped, but cool air could still come in. Nowadays, Roman blinds are still raised and lowered the same way, using cord to gather up the fabric, but they are now made of modern materials and add a pretty, romantic effect to a room.

Through the normal use of energy in the home, it is common for significant amounts of it to be wasted.  By implementing a few home improvement processes, it is possible to ensure that the energy is used for its intended purpose and that the consequent bills are reduced to represent only what is consume.

Draught Proofing

Heat can escape through a range of gaps and crevices and even through solid surfaces that appear sufficient to retain heat.  Draught excluders for windows and doors can be purchased for easy do it yourself installation, which will often require nothing more than a screwdriver and power drill.  These help to prevent the escape of heat as well as preventing draughts from getting in.   

Insulation

Cavity wall and loft insulation helps to limit the amount of heat that escapes through the walls and the roof, which enables the home to be heated more efficiently by retaining warmth and reducing the time the heating system needs to be on for the effects to be felt.  Insulation also makes the process of heating the home more efficient as it becomes easier for the premises to stay warm for a longer period.   

Water Use

There are several components on the market that can be installed in a toilet cistern to reduce the amount of water used for every flush, but placing a brick in it will do the same job.  Similarly, a device can be purchased from plumber’s merchants and hardware stores that can be fitted into the shower head to reduce the flow of water. 

Use the Controls

The controls by which energy supplies can be adjusted are there for a purpose so use them when necessary.  Turn off the heating, lights and electrical appliances in rooms that are not in use.  Lowering the thermostat can also reduce the energy required.

Flex, like many other things, can become frayed and worn with continual use.  Accidental damage can also occur to the sheath, which may dangerously expose the live cores.  If this happens, a temporary repair can be easily made by wrapping a length of insulating tape around the flex, although new flex will need to be fitted as soon as possible.

Firstly, the correct type of flex for the job will have to be selected.  In the case of a standard or table lamp, the commonest type in use is round PVC-sheathed flex, which has three cores where the lamp has metal parts or two cores if it is entirely made of plastic.  Except in the case of unusually powerful fittings, 0.5 mm square size is adequate, and 0.7 mm should be used for lamps containing high-wattage bulbs.  Enough flex should be bought to allow the nearest wall socket to be easily reached without causing any danger.

The first step in fitting new flex is to unplug the fitting or appliance, and the cover should always be screwed firmly back in place when the work has been completed and before plugging back in the fitting or appliance.

Gone are the days when fashionable homeowners ensured the privacy of their homes with net curtains. Blinds have become increasingly fashionable as a very practical alternative to curtains.

There are many types of blinds and even more types of material from which they can be made. The nature of blinds means that they are versatile and can be adapted to accommodate multiple requirements.

Blinds are more adaptable to different needs than curtains as they can be adjusted to let in as little or as much light as is required. Fabric blinds can, depending on the room, can be made from almost transparent material to let in a lot of light or lined with blackout material to let minimal light in.

As well as providing privacy, blinds can control the amount of light and sunshine that enters a room. Blinds can prevent sunlight entering a room, thereby protecting furniture and furnishings from harmful and destructive UV light.

Blinds can help insulate a room from either the heat or the cold. This has made blinds popular in a time when homeowners are highly conscious of insulation, and is also why blinds are installed in many conservatories and rooms that have multiple, large windows or large glass sliding doors.

For the environmentally conscious, many wooden blinds are made from wood that is sustainably harvested.

Blinds are easy to maintain, inexpensive to install and easily repaired. They are simpler to clean than curtains, and do not take up as much room.

If you are decorating and the appearance of your wall or ceiling is marred by holes and cracks, you will need to fix these imperfections. Small indents or gouges identified in the surface of plaster can be filled easily. Larger cracks or defects will require a greater preparation.

Break away any loose material using a chisel to create a sound surface. Run the chisel along the crack, scraping the plaster and widening the crack.  The object is to make the crack into a V shape. Brush away any dust from the crack or hole.

Place the required amount of ready-mixed filler on a board. Use a hawk to scoop up some filler and push it into the crack using a sweeping motion to obtain a smooth finish.

Allow the filler adequate time to dry. You will find that the filler shrinks slightly below the level of the surface. Repeat the process to build the surface up so that it is level with the surrounding plaster.

Sand the surface using a sanding block or if a large area an electric sander. Wear a dust mask while performing this task.

If you wish to add a new look to your bathroom, then you may wish to consider opting for a unique design.  There are many types of bathroom suites, furniture and accessories that will enable you to create a completely different look for your bathroom.  From unique baths and showers to different types of cabinets and accessories, you are sure to find something to help you add something new and interesting to your bathroom.

If you are planning to create a completely new bathroom, then there are many types of unique bathroom suites available.  Freestanding baths are a great choice for those wishing to add something unique to your bathroom.  These types of baths create a great focal point and are available in a wide range of styles.  Whirlpool baths with lighting installed are also ideal for those wishing to add something unique and luxurious to their bathroom.

If you are on a budget, then you can still create a unique look for your bathroom without spending too much.  Simple touches such as your own tile designs, pictures or unusual bathroom accessories will help to create a brand new look for your bathroom.  You can even consider replacing your taps, toilet roll holders or soap holders with more unique designs such as gold or polished brass.  Not only will these create a unique look, they will also add extra elegance to your bathroom.

Whatever you are aiming for, you are sure to find something unique and stylish amongst the many types of bathroom furniture and accessories available.

Mosaic tiles come in large sheets with a mesh backing holding the small tile pieces together in ready-made patterns.  Mosaic tiles are used widely on walls and splashbacks, and are quite easy to fit around obstacles such as switches and electrical outlets.

To lay mosaic tiles, you will first need to apply adhesive to the wall.  Never apply more adhesive than is necessary for two to four sheets of tile at any time.  It is important to use a good quality adhesive and a notched adhesive spreader to achieve the best results.  After the adhesive is applied to the wall, hold the spreader at a 45 degree angle and drag it through the adhesive to get even ridges.  Make sure the design of the first sheet of mosaic tiles is the right way up and press it into the adhesive with your hands, and then use a short, flat piece of wood to tamp the tile flat, paying particular attention to the edges. 

If there is an obstacle such as a socket that needs to be tiled around, prior to applying the adhesive measure from the edge of the last full sheet of tile to the edge of the obstacle.  Then measure the length and width of the obstacle itself.  Use those measurements on the tile sheet and cut away tiles inside the measurements with a trimming knife.  Place the sheet against the wall to see if it fits and then coat around the obstacle with adhesive and apply the tile.  If there are gaps around the obstruction, cut a few tiles from a spare sheet to fill them in.

After 24 hours you can apply grout.  Kitchens and bathrooms will need waterproof grout.  Use a rubber-edged grout spreader, and clean away excess grout from the sheets as you work.  When the grout is set, neaten the lines with a grout shaper or a thin piece of dowel.

If you are having difficulty opening and closing your kitchen cabinet drawers, the first thing you will want to do is inspect the runners.  In a large number of cases, you will need look no further to find the problem.

Runners are designed to make drawers open and close smoothly, and in most cases will do so unless they are in poor condition.  For example, even a little rust or a slight dent could cause a drawer not to operate properly.  If the runners are very old and sticking then it may be time to replace them.

The most common drawer system has a drawer with two metal sides that fit into two runners which are located on the inside walls of the cabinet.  The back and base is chipboard and the drawer has an eighty percent extension when pulled out.

Most hardware shops and DIY centres carry runner kits with self-closing devices that are suitable for use on this type of drawer system.  These kits are available in different colours to blend in with your kitchen cabinet’s colour.

Removing an old or damaged runner is easily done by simply unscrewing it.  A new runner is just as easily installed by screwing it in.  Even if only one runner appears to be damaged, it is recommended that both runners be changed at the same time.