Homes & Gardens

Exploring the Evolution of Rug Design Through the Ages

Rugs are not mere floor coverings for your UK home. Woven into them are threads of collective stories of culture, art and the history of mankind. Or, to be more precise, the pathway of rug design from traditional to modern reflects the changing tastes, techniques, and preferences of the world throughout history.

This blog takes you on a stimulating trip over the ages, following the evolution of rug design from its early days to its current form.

Ancient Beginnings

Rugs have a long and storied history, reaching back to the earliest civilizations of Mesopotamia, Persia and...

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Val Watson

Val Watson

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Full planning approval secured for new Exeter site

Exeter City Council has granted approval on a Persimmon Homes South West scheme for 40 high-quality homes, on land adjacent to Blakeslee Drive in Newcourt. This follows the outline planning consent that had previously been granted in March for up to 50 new homes.

The 3.2-hectare site will feature family housing, comprising about a third of the area, with the remaining space dedicated to open areas.

To the south, the open space will extend an existing pond to support the new development, incorporating additional planting to enhance biodiversity. Existing quality trees,...

Choosing the Perfect Furniture for Your Bedroom: A Guide for Landlords and Property Investors

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Mon, 07/15/2024 - 11:52am

When it comes to furnishing a bedroom, especially in rental properties such as HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), serviced accommodations (SA), and buy-to-let (BTL) properties, making the right choices can significantly impact tenant satisfaction and your bottom line. This blog will explore the key considerations and the benefits of opting for furniture packs, with a special emphasis on quality, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.

Quality Matters

Investing in quality furniture is paramount. Robust materials like 18mm MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboard) ensure durability and a long-...

Greening Your Indoor Space: Easy-to-Grow Plants

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Mon, 07/15/2024 - 7:41am

Creating a lush and inviting indoor environment doesn't have to be difficult. With the right plants, you can bring a touch of nature indoors effortlessly. Here's a guide to some of the easiest plants to grow indoors, perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts.

1. Shamrocks: Bringing Luck and Greenery

Shamrocks, particularly the Oxalis species, are charming and easy-to-care-for plants known for their distinctive trifoliate leaves. They thrive in moderate indirect light and prefer moist soil. These plants are relatively small, making them ideal for tabletops...

How to Make Moving Fun for Children

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Sun, 07/14/2024 - 10:17am

Moving to a new home can be a challenging experience for children, as it involves leaving behind familiar surroundings and friends. However, with some creativity and planning, you can make the process enjoyable and exciting for them. Here are some strategies to make moving fun for children.

1. Involve Them in the Process

Packing Party: Turn packing into a fun activity by hosting a packing party. Play upbeat music, provide snacks, and let your children decorate their moving boxes with stickers and drawings. This can transform a mundane task into a creative and engaging...

Transform Your Home with Upscale Design: Expert Tips for a Refined Look

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Mon, 07/08/2024 - 4:18pm

Creating a luxurious and refined home involves more than just selecting beautiful furniture and decorations. It requires a careful balance of colours, textures, and styles to create an elegant and cohesive space. If you’re looking to transform your home with upscale design, follow these expert tips to achieve a sophisticated and polished look.

Choosing a Colour Palette

Selecting the right colour palette is essential in creating a refined home. Neutral tones such as beige, cream, and grey are often used in luxury interior design because they provide a timeless and elegant...

How To Fix A Leaking Tap: A Homeowner’s Guide

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Mon, 07/08/2024 - 10:53am

Addressing a leaking tap is a frequent and irritating problem for many homeowners. It often occurs in either the kitchen or bathroom. By gaining a clear understanding of how your tap functions and taking steps to fix the issue yourself, you can transform what seems like a nuisance into a satisfying and beneficial DIY project. This approach can help resolve the immediate problem and enhance home maintenance skills.

Read on to learn how to fix a leaking tap.

Understanding The Causes Of Tap Leaks

Before attempting to repair a leaking tap, it’s essential to identify the root...

South West homeowners urged to squirrel-proof their homes during nesting season

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:42pm

An insurance expert is calling on South West residents to protect their homes against damage caused by nesting squirrels - a risk not typically covered by standard home insurance policies.

William McCarter of insurance broker Lycetts has issued his warning during the June and July nesting season.

With animal infestation claims at an all-time high, McCarteremphasised the importance of preventative measures, explaining that most home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by small pests and rodents, as these are issues that are deemed preventable.

“...

Colour Combinations We LOVE in the Bathroom

Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Fri, 06/28/2024 - 3:31pm

Anyone who lived through the 1980’s will remember how popular avocado baths were and to say they haven’t aged well would be the understatement of the century. It wasn’t necessarily the baths themselves that were so offensive though, it’s just the fact that they were often paired with bright white “everything else.” Because colour combinations matter, even in the bathroom.

What combinations work best for your sanctuary though? Certain hues can transform your space into a haven of relaxation and self-care while others can make it seem almost as dated as those avocado suites from...

George Teign Barton, 130 acres farmhouse in Devon

Devon farmhouse with 130 acres

The buyer of this private, beautiful and unique family estate in Higher Ashton, Devon, could join the likes of Martin Clunes, JB Gill, Jeremy Clarkson and Kelvin Fletcher in taking to ‘the good life’ on their very own farm.

The opportunities for this property are immense, with a Grade II listed six bedroom thatched farmhouse, a two bedroom thatched cottage, a games barn with galleried office, pool house with heated pool as well as a sauna and shower, attractive gardens and lawns, mature orchards and a vegetable garden, extensive outbuildings, garaging, stables, farm buildings and a...

Custom vs. standard stock cabinets - which kitchen cabinets to choose?

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Fri, 06/28/2024 - 6:57am

Planning a kitchen remodel is hard and full of decisions. One of the most significant things you'll do is choose the cabinets. This includes the choice between one of the cabinet layouts - L-shaped, galley or one-wall and island kitchen settings. The types of units, like custom kitchen cabinets or stock RTA cabinets, can impact your kitchen's functionality, aesthetics, and budget.

There is so much to consider when you come to a final decision that sometimes it even leads to postponing the kitchen upgrade to later. But when it is time to start, you have to start somewhere, and...

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