Pleated Blinds – A Great Choice

Posted on February 22, 2012 by nordicdesign

Choosing blinds for a conservatory or any other room in the home, for that matter, is an important decision. Most people choose to be consistent throughout the property, although the conservatory may require some special conservatory blinds compared to other rooms. One good option for any room is pleated blinds, which are relatively inexpensive and allow light into a room in varying amounts.

Pleated blinds are made of a type of fabric that is pleated and folds accordion-style as they are raised. The material is typically thin enough, so that even when pulled down, ample light can get into the room.  However, there are also pleated blinds on the market that can block out light and heat. These are a good choice for anyone who wants to save energy by keeping heat in, in the winter, and out in the summer.

Pleated blinds can be made to fit any window, as well as the roof of a conservatory. They can be mounted to the surface of a window, which is most often the case or they can be recessed into the window opening. There is also the option of having pleated blinds that can be opened and closed by remote control.

Not the most versatile of blind styles, pleated blinds are best for windows with a simple shape. They can be made to order, but are more difficult to fit to unusual shaped windows than other types of blinds. Pleated blinds do, however, come in a variety of colours and prices and some are very budget friendly, though they will not block light or heat. To overcome this problem there are also pleated blinds that are a little more expensive, but which will help save on energy costs by trapping in or blocking out heat and light.

When choosing pleated blinds for any room be sure to make very careful measurements. Any gaps between blind and wall are sure to make a drastic difference to their appearance. If the blinds do not fit correctly, new ones will have to be made, so it is perhaps best to leave the measuring and fitting to the professionals.

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Conquering Weeds

Posted on February 20, 2012 by nordicdesign

While the war against garden weeds is not quite the battle it used to be, with many people opting for more informal and densely planted mixed borders, a strict eye still needs to be kept on weeds to keep them from getting out of hand. Invasive weeds are hard to get rid of once they take hold, so the most effective way to combat these invasive plants is to make life as unpleasant as possible for them.

The best way to get rid of weeds, once and for all, is to dig them out, roots and all. Remember, any bit of root that remains will sprout again. If you opt for chemical weed killers, use the spot-on treatment on individual weeds, rather than spraying a whole area. This could cause an ugly, unsightly bare spot in your garden.

To get rid of weeds on the lawn, mow about once a week, as frequent mowing discourages the growth of weeds. Keeping your lawn mowed and neat encourages a lovely green carpet and the odd weed or few will only add to the greenery. This is, after all, the whole point of having a lawn. However, there is a rather fine line between a neat lawn with a native flower here and there and a weed-ridden mess.

As the trend towards more informal gardening has paved the way to a more relaxed view on weeds, it is still important to keep invasive weeds at bay. Incorporating plenty of ornamental plants into your garden leaves less open ground for weeds to take up residence.

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Problems With the Fuse Box

Posted on February 18, 2012 by nordicdesign

Every home has a fuse box containing all the fuses for the home in one place. A fuse is a small device that cuts off the electricity supply from the mains if there is any problem with the circuit or the risk that it may be overloaded. If the lights in one room or a number of appliances have all stopped working at the same time, it will often be because something has tripped the fuse. Usually all you need to do is reset the switch, but occasionally you may need to replace the fuse itself.

Resetting the Fuse

Once you have located the fuse box in your home, you will see it has a series of plastic switches. When everything is functioning normally they will all be in the same position, but if there is a problem with one of your circuits that has forced the fuse to trip, then one of the switches will look different to the others. It is safe to reset this switch to the ‘on’ position and check to see if everything is now working. If not, then you may need to change the fuse itself.

Changing a Fuse

Inside each of these switches in the fuse box is a tiny cylindrical device – the fuse. They may look very small but they are an essential tool in protecting homes from surges of electrical power. Replacements can be bought from various stores, but make sure you have the right type. Fuses are held in position by two sprung metal clips, and old ones can be slid out and new ones slid in easily.

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Need Extra Space?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by nordicdesign

If you are feeling the need for more room in your home, garden rooms can utilise empty space in your garden that you can then use for virtually any purpose. For this reason, garden rooms are fast becoming a highly popular solution in the United Kingdom. If you are struggling for space in your home then a garden room could be the answer to your problems!

These cosy and eco-friendly rooms, come in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes, and have a wide range of different design options for you to choose from. In this way, you can maximise what space you have, and adapt it for your own specific needs. A garden room could be a guest-room fitted with an en suite, or a kitchen-diner, or almost anything else. Extra living space is provided in a comfortable and modern style. Whatever you need the extra space for, garden rooms can offer you the chance of more living room in the peace and quiet of your own garden.

Some people use garden rooms as a garden office. They may have no room in the house to do this, or they may simply not want to take up space in the main house for this purpose. A garden room can let you work in peace, away from the noise of family life. Other people use garden rooms as a gym, or as an artist’s studio where they can exercise or explore their artistic side in warmth, peace and tranquillity.

Garden rooms are fitted with heating and double glazed windows to offer a comfortable and cosy room where you can feel relaxed and at home in your garden.

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Hard and Soft Water

Posted on February 15, 2012 by nordicdesign

Depending on where you live you may have hard or soft water. Hard water is characterised by lime scale deposits on your taps, your bath and in your appliances. Soft water, it seems, is softer to the touch than hard water. When washing in soft water you get a better lather from the soap.

The biggest problem with soft water is that it is more acidic and can corrode lead pipes in the home. New construction does not use lead in the plumbing, but it is found in many older homes that have not been upgraded.

The main concern with hard water is that the resulting mineral deposits can alter the compromise the efficiency of your appliances. This build up can be removed with chemical products or can be prevented by using either a water softener or water conditioner to change the hard water to soft water.

Water softeners normally use a filtration system to remove the minerals from the water. Many water softeners use salt in their filtration systems and it is advisable to not drink water that is salt filtered. Because not all water softeners use the same chemicals it is worth looking into buying a system that does not use salt. It is possible to use a salt filtered system and simply have it installed so that there is a tap, normally in the kitchen, that bypasses the system. This avoids having to use salt filtered water for cooking and drinking. Water softeners require regular maintenance and upkeep, because eventually the filter will have to be replaced and the salt also needs to be topped up at regular intervals.

Another option for dealing with hard water is to use a water conditioner. Rather than using a filter, water conditioners change the chemical component of the calcium so that it passes through the system without causing problems. Once installed, water conditioners require no maintenance.

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DIY Floor Tiling

Posted on February 14, 2012 by nordicdesign

Like any home DIY project, tiling can be intimidating. You should always be prepared and have a plan of action. If you have a clear outline, a plan of action and follow it to the letter, you should be able to put together a designer style floor. It is not necessary to attempt the entire area in one session; you can also plan your tiling project in sections, making it considerably less daunting.  Below is a brief outline of DIY tiling.

Firstly, you will need to clean and level the surface to be tiled. Without a solid, level surface, in time the tiles will begin to crack and in the long run waste your time and money. A PVA sealant is beneficial, but not crucial, as it provides additional adhesive and waterproofing.

This is where planning will see you through. It is crucial that you plan the layout of your tiles. When laying them according to your plan do not start at the edges, instead work outwards from the centre of the room to ensure your tiles line up.

The next step is to fix the tiles to the surface and for this you require a suitable adhesive. Using a spreader, apply the adhesive in sections. Put the tile in place and press firmly down. Ensure that you remove excess adhesive from around the tile while it is still wet, otherwise a hammer and chisel may be required later.

Ensure that the adhesive is completely dry before applying the grouting with a grouting float. Press the grout in between the tiles and use the float to remove any excess. Smooth over the gaps with a grouting finisher or your finger to ensure a smooth and even finish. Lastly, polish the tiles to remove any cloudy residue.

Always remember that the key to successful DIY is planning and preparation.

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What Types of Blinds to Choose?

Posted on February 12, 2012 by nordicdesign

If you’re considering adding window blinds in your home, you’re in luck!  There are thousands of different varieties out there today: different types, shades, materials: you name it!  Not only do homeowners have their choice of colour, but there are plenty of different styles too that can help create an entirely new look for any room.  Traditional Venetian blinds are perhaps the most affordable and can be purchased at most department or hardware stores.  These are available in different colours and can be made from vinyl, wood or aluminium.  However, if homeowners are looking for a more exotic and classy effect, opting for other types of window blinds may be more to their taste.

For sliders and large windows, vertical blinds are the best choice.  These are made from fabric or vinyl and are installed in a track system.  Vertical blinds can be moved from side to side and can rotate to allow light to enter a room.  Easy to clean and easy to install, vertical blinds are one of the most popular styles sold today.

Roman blinds are also very popular and come in an array of fabrics and colours.  Roman blinds, sometimes referred to as Roman shades, are similar to roller blinds in that they can easily be moved up and down and are one of the top choices when trying to add a touch of luxury to one’s home.  Most Roman blinds are made from soft fabrics, which increases their worth and aesthetic value.

Roller blinds are perhaps the most functional type of blinds, and are usually used in offices.  These are often constructed from plastic materials and are highly effective in controlling the level of sunrays entering in the morning.  Elegant and versatile, roller blinds are quite affordable and add a nice finishing touch to any and all rooms!

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DIY Quick and Easy Polytunnel

Posted on February 9, 2012 by nordicdesign

Polytunnels are cheaper to build than greenhouses and can easily be moved to other locations.

You will need:
10 x 6 foot long scaffolding pipe
50mm size flexible mains pipe
Two inch x two-inch timber
Polytunnel cover
Hotspot tape
Nuts, bolts
Rubber tiedowns
Pegs
Saw
Hammer
Tape measure
Spirit level
Drill, bit
Cutter knife

Construction

Mark off where you will build the polytunnel and then calculate the distance between each support as from three to five feet.  Hammer your pieces of scaffolding pipe into the ground so that five feet of the pipe is sticking up and use your level to ensure the pipes are properly vertical.

Measure the mains pipe, cut it to form a loop that will be fitted over the scaffolding pipe and will be eight feet high.  Drill a hole through the pipes, thread a bolt through each hole and tighten it.

Drape the polytunnel cover over the structure and using the rubber tiedowns, pegs and hotspot tape secure the cover to the structure.

Building the Endpieces

You will need to cover both ends so make some simple vents and a door.  Do this by building two rectangular frames out of the two by two inch wood and securing them in the centre of each of the ends.  Use this wood to add additional bracing and bolt the braces securely to the frame.

Cut two pieces of the polytunnel cover to fit both ends and secure them to the tunnel and wooden frame using the hotspot tape.  Cut a slit for a door in one end and your poly tunnel is finished.

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The Many Varieties of Vanity Units

Posted on February 6, 2012 by nordicdesign

There are many different styles of vanity unit that can be used in the bathroom, and anyone remodelling their bathroom should think about what type of style the rest of the room has when they are choosing which one works for them.

The most common type of vanity unit is still the single sink type, although there are dual sink models available.  In general, the more styling a vanity unit has, the higher the price.  This is especially true for antique pieces, so those in the market for a vanity unit must clarify what they want from the piece of ideal Standard bathroom furniture.

One of the main concerns when seeking the right vanity unit is what materials are being used.  If a more contemporary-style vanity unit is being purchased, the buyer must check what type of wood is being used for the bottom part of the unit.  Wood types such as mahogany are quite often used as they have the ability to be both durable and visually striking.  Cherry and walnut have also been used, but less commonly.

Another important question is what type of sink the vanity unit will have.  The raised sink is an increasingly popular style, although many still prefer the conventional sunken sink.  Marble and ivory are common luxury choices for the sink material.  Simple ceramic may be less striking but is also a less costly option.

There are several material options available for the worktop.  Marble is a popular one, as are travertine and granite.  Of these three, granite is generally the most durable, and marble is generally the most visually interesting.
 
If the person purchasing the vanity unit is doing the plumbing installation themselves, they should look for a unit with a hole in the back to make the process easier.

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DIY – Bird Box

Posted on February 4, 2012 by nordicdesign

If you fancy the idea of multiple birds nesting and chirping in your garden, it is a simple job to build yourself a bird box. A custom DIY bird box will enable you to attract certain types of birds into your garden.

The first step is to decide on a size for your bird box and make a note of the measurements. The only real rule is to match the size of the doorway to the type of bird you want visiting your garden.

Make a list of the materials you will need, for example wood, saw, nails, drill, flat wood drill bit, piece of rubber or leather. Cut the pieces of wood and sand the edges until smooth. Drill a suitable size hole in the front panel that is at least 1.25 cm from the base, in order to prevent the baby birds from falling out of the nesting box. Using three wood nails per joint, long enough to go through two pieces of wood nail the sides to the base of the bird box.

Before securing the roof of the bird box, cut a piece of rubber or leather to the width of the box, to form a flat hinge. Secure the rubber or leather to one edge of the underside of the roof and the top edge of one side section. This will allow you to open the lid and clean out your bird box every so often.

Finally, in order to secure your bird box to a fixed object, drill a hole in the back wall of the box.  To provide ideal conditions for the future inhabitants of your box, face it northeast, approximately 2.5 metres above the ground.

Remember not to position your bird box in the vicinity of other animals’ or birds’ feeding area, as this will scare away any potential occupants.

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